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Label propagation is an essential semi-supervised learning method based on graphs, which has a broad spectrum of applications in pattern recognition and data mining. This paper proposes a quantum semi-supervised classifier based on label propagation. Considering the difficulty of graph construction, we develop a variational quantum label propagation (VQLP) method. In this method, a locally parameterized quantum circuit is created to reduce the parameters required in the optimization. Furthermore, we design a quantum semi-supervised binary classifier based on hybrid Bell and $Z$ bases measurement, which has shallower circuit depth and is more suitable for implementation on near-term quantum devices. We demonstrate the performance of the quantum semi-supervised classifier on the Iris data set, and the simulation results show that the quantum semi-supervised classifier has higher classification accuracy than the swap test classifier. This work opens a new path to quantum machine learning based on graphs.

Black phosphorus (BP) is an emerging two-dimensional semiconductor material, which has interesting structural features and broad application prospects in the fields of optoelectronic devices, energy storage, and biomedicine. However, a large amount of evidence is still needed to clarify the potential mechanism for the synthesis of high-quality BP crystals in chemical vapor transport (CVT) reactions. In this work, High-purity BP crystal was synthesized by CVT method in amorphous Red Phosphorus (aRP), Sn and I2 system. We found that the synthesis of BP experienced three stages of structural transformation of aRP-P4-Hittorf’s Phosphorus (HP)-BP. First, the phase transition of aRP and P4 molecules was reversible in the sublimation stage; then, the P4 molecules were gradually transformed into the HP structure in the transportation and deposition stage; however, the nucleation of BP quickly inhibited the growth of HP and completed the phase transition quickly; Finally, the remaining P4 molecules were transformed into BP structure, which promoted the growth of BP crystals. This crystallization kinetics explained the nucleation mechanism during the formation of BP, and the competitive nucleation between HP and BP provided the possibility for the bottom-up preparation of BP nanobelts.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common human digestive malignancy with a poor prognosis; the pathophysiology of colon cancer involves multiple linkages of regulatory networks. Recently, thrombospondin 2 (THBS2) has been extensively studied for its role in cancer progression. In this study, we evaluated the expression of THBS2 in CRC tissues and studied the possible mechanism by which THBS2 regulates CRC progression. Our results showed that the upregulation of THBS2 in CRC tissues and CRC cell lines and high expression of THBS2 was correlated with poor overall survival. The in vitro experimental data showed that THBS2 overexpression promoted CRC cell growth, invasion, and migration, while THBS2 inhibition exerted tumor-suppressive actions on CRC cells. THBS2 knockdown suppressed the activity of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Collectively, the results implied that THBS2 exerted promotional effects on CRC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, partly by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Semi-quantum private comparison protocol permits two classical participants to compare the equality of their private information with the help of a semi-honest third party without disclosing privacy. An innovative semi-quantum private comparison protocol based on maximally entangled Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger-type states has been discussed. The proposed protocol is efficient and without the pre-shared keys. Next, the security analysis guarantees the presented protocol is asymptotically secure against the outsider and the insider attacks. Moreover, the qubit efficiency of the presented protocol is 3.125%. The efficiency comparison shows that it improves the efficiency by 125% for the literature without pre-shared keys.

Partial least squares regression (PLSR) is an essential multivariate correlation analysis method in machine learning field. In this paper, we propose a variational quantum algorithm for partial least regression (VQPLSR). By exploring the relationship between standard basis states and optimization, we design a cost function that can train regression parameters and weight vectors simultaneously. The VQPLS requires only one copy of variables as input, which reduces the complexity of quantum circuit implementation. Compared with PLSR, the VQPLSR achieves an exponential speed-up in the independent variable dimension n and dependent variable dimension w. Simulation results show that regression parameters and weight vectors can be constructed with the error ∼10−5 for 4 × 2 dimensional variable matrix. This algorithm inspires us to explore more quantum applications in machine learning.

Considering the security and efficiency of quantum communication system, one step quantum key distribution protocol based on hyperentangled Bell state is proposed. Every 6 classical bits are divided into a group, which are encoded by single particle and hyperentangled Bell state, the sender Alice sends them to receiver Bob, Bob randomly selects the position of hyperentangled Bell state to measure and detects the existence of eavesdropper Eve by comparing measurement results in his hand and transmitted by Alice. Quantum key distribution protocol based on grouping is proposed to solve the storage problem of quantum information and improve the maneuverability, a security analysis is calculated under the intercept-measure-resend attack which introduce at least an error rate of 46.875%, if Eve wants to get all the information, the probability of detection eavesdropping under the entanglement-measure attack is 93.75%, so it proves that proposed protocol does not need to store the quantum state and asymptotically secure under intercept-measure-resend attack and entanglement-measure attack.

Blockchain technology has gained significant prominence in recent years due to its public, distributed, and decentration characteristics, which was widely applied in all walks of life requiring distributed trustless consensus. However, the most cryptographic protocols used in the current blockchain networks are susceptible to the quantum attack with rapid development of a sufficiently large quantum computer. In this paper, we first give an overview of the vulnerabilities of the modern blockchain networks to a quantum adversary and some potential post-quantum mitigation methods. Then, a new lattice-based signature scheme has been proposed, which can be used to secure the blockchain network over existing classical channels. Meanwhile, the public and private keys are generated by the Bonsai Trees technology with RandBasis algorithm from the root keys, which not only ensure the randomness, but also construct the lightweight nondeterministic wallets. Then, the proposed scheme can be proved secure in random oracle model, and it is also more efficient than similar literatures. In addition, we also give the detailed description of the post-quantum blockchain transaction. Furthermore, this work can help to enrich the research on the future post-quantum blockchain (PQB).

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been ascertained as vital modulators in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) development. In this research, the function and molecular mechanisms of the lncRNA X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) in the evolution of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were assessed. Results showed that XIST expression was increased but miR-1264 expression level was reduced in the serum of AAA patients. XIST depletion impeded human aorta VSMCs (HA-VSMCs’) ability to proliferate and stimulate apoptosis, while repressing miR-1264 expression through an unmediated interaction. Additionally, the influence of XIST knockdown on apoptosis and proliferation could be rescued by an miR-1264 inhibitor. Subsequent molecular investigations indicated that WNT5A was miR-1264’s target, and XIST functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-1264 to raise WNT5A expression. Further, an miR-1264 inhibitor stimulated the proliferation and suppressed the apoptosis of HA-VSMCs through the activation of WNT/β-catenin signaling. Taken together, XIST impeded the apoptosis and stimulated the proliferation of HA-VSMCs via the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway through miR-1264, demonstrating XIST’s underlying role in AAA.

What is already known about this topic? Both alveolar echinococcosis (AE) and cystic echinococcosis are endemic in China, among which alveolar echinococcosis has a very high mortality rate. What is added by this report? The survey results showed the prevalence and scope of AE in China and identified high-risk groups including children, monks, herdsmen and illiterate people. At the same time, all the cases found in the survey (more than 90% of the patients did not go to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment before survey) were promptly diagnosed and treated. What are the implications for public health practice? This study provides information for the development of a plan for AE prevention and control and for the implementation of interventions targeted to high-risk populations.

The study aimed to compare the efficacy of intra-arterial methotrexate (MTX) infusion combined with uterine artery embolisation (UAE) and uterine curettage with that of UAE and curettage without MTX infusion for the treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP). In this retrospective study, data of CSP patients admitted from January 2011 to July 2015 were obtained from electronic patient records. Clinical information at baseline and after treatment were extracted and analyzed. A total of 93 CSP patients were included, with 57 patients receiving UAE followed by curettage (UC) and 36 patients receiving intra-arterial MTX infusion followed by UAE and curettage (MUC). The baseline characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups. Without additional intervention, 32 (88.9%) patients were successfully treated by MUC, and 49 (86.0%) patients were successfully treated by UC, defined by discontinued ectopic conceptus growth, normalized serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) level, ceased vaginal bleeding and preservation of uterus, with no significant difference between the two groups. Additionally, intra-operative blood loss volume and post-operative bleeding events were not significantly different between the two groups. However, serum β-hCG decline on the first day after surgery was significantly promoted, and the hospitalization length and the time needed for serum β-hCG normalization were significantly shortened by addition of intra-arterial MTX infusion. Adding intra-arterial MTX to UAE and curettage significantly promoted post-operative recovery, though success rate and bleeding events were not significantly affected, suggesting that addition of intra-arterial MTX might not be necessary.

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is three or more times of consecutive spontaneous loss of pregnancy. The underlying cause is complicated and the etiology of over 50% of RPL patients is unclear. In the present study, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from CBA/J female mice and exosomes were isolated from cell culture medium by ultracentrifugation. CBA/J female mice were paired with male DBA/2 to generate abortion prone mouse model, and CBA/J females paired with male BALB/c mice were used as control. Exosomes were injected through uterine horns into pregnant CBA/J mice on day 4.5 of gestation in abortion‐prone matting. On day 13.5 of pregnancy, abortion rates were calculated and the level of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), interleukin 10 (IL‐10), interferon g (IFN‐γ), and tumor necrosis factor a (TNF‐α) in CD4+ T cells and macrophages in deciduas were evaluated by flow cytometry. Exosomes injection improved the pregnancy outcomes in abortion prone mice. The IL‐4 and IL‐10 levels on CD4+ T cells were upregulated in the maternal–fetal interface; meanwhile, the TNF‐α and IFN‐γ levels on CD4+ T cells were reduced. The IL‐10 level was increased and IL‐12 was reduced on the monocytes that separated from deciduas. miR‐101 level was increased in the CD4+ T cells in the deciduas. In conclusion, the treatment of ESCs‐derived exosomes modulates T cells' function and macrophages activities in the maternal–fetal interface that resulted in a decreased embryo resorption rate, and provides a therapeutic potential to treat RPL.

Background Leishmania parasites cause visceral leishmaniasis (VL), an important infectious disease that is endemic to large parts of the world and often leads to epidemics. Sand flies are the primary transmission vector for the parasite in endemic regions. We hypothesized that sheep might serve as an overlooked reservoir for Leishmania transmission to humans due to the asymptomatic nature of infection in many species. As a preliminary test of this hypothesis, the aim of the present study was to investigate sheep in an area of China that is endemic for the desert sub-type of zoonotic VL and establish if they are potential carriers of Leishmania. Results Sheep tissue samples were collected from abattoirs in VL endemic areas of Jiashi County, China during the non-transmission season. rK39 immunochromatographic tests were performed to detect the presence of the parasite in blood samples. In addition, DNA was extracted from the blood, and used for detection of the Leishmania-specific internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS-1) genomic region using a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approach. PCR products were further analyzed to identify restriction fragment-length polymorphism patterns and representative sequences of each pattern were selected for phylogenetic analysis. The rK-39 and nested PCR data indicated positive detection rates for Leishmania in sheep of 26.32 and 54.39%, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that all of the samples belonged to the species L. infantum and were closely related to strains isolated from human infections in the same area. Conclusions Sheep could be a potential host for Leishmania in VL endemic areas in China and may be an overlooked reservoir of human VL transmission in this region. To further confirm livestock as a potential host, further verification is required using a sand fly biting experiment.

An epidemiological survey was made on human intestinal protozoa in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang) to evaluate recent control achievements and provide basis for making specific control strategies.Regions in Xinjiang were categorized by types of ecological system and geographical characteristics into five ecological areas（types I-V） according to the National Ecological Function Stratification issued by the Ministry of Environment Protection and Chinese Academy of Science and Technology. Stratification sampling was made in each ecological area. Feces from human of all ages were collected for morphological identification of protozoan species using the Iodine Liquid Direct Smear Method.In the five ecological areas, 26 886 people from 132 survey sites in 39 counties (cities) were examined, with an examination rate of 81.47% （26 886/33 000）. The infection rate was 0.32%（85/26 886）. Four species of intestinal protozoa were detected, i.e., Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Blastocystis hominis, and Entamoeba coli, with an infection rate of 0.22% （60/26 886）, 0.03% （9/26 886）, 0.01% （2/26 886） and 0.61% （17/26 886）, respectively. Of the five areas, the type IV area had the highest infection rate of 0.75%（28/3 758）（P0.05）. Besides, the infection rate was higher in males （0.24%, 33/13 623） than that in females （0.39%, 52/13 263） （P0.05）, higher in age ranges of 21-30（1.40%, 16/3 959） and 31-40 years（0.46%, 22/4 799） than other age groups （P0.05）, higher in housewives （0.48%, 2/418） than those with other occupations, higher in the Hui group （0.61%, 15/2 445） than that in other ethnic groups, as well as highest in populations with a primary education level （0.37%, 35/9 375） and lowest in those with a college level or above（0.20%, 8/3 945）.The human intestinal protozoa infection was at a low level in Xinjiang in 2015.

To understand the hydatidosis prevalence in 6- to 12-year-old children in southern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and provide scientific basis for formulation of control measures.One primary school was selected from each of the pastoral area, pastoral-agricultural area, agricultural area, and township area in 42 counties （cities） of southern Xinjiang, using the stratified sampling method. With the consent of their parents, B ultrasonic abdominal scan and venous blood collection were performed on all the children （6-12 years） in the selected schools. Serum level of echinococcus antibody IgG was determined by ELISA. Hydatidosis prevalence and the serum level of IgG in these children were analyzed.A total of 80 429 children were examined from 168 primary schools. B ultrasonic scan revealed hydatidosis in 9 children （0.01%）, comprising 3 cases in Kezhou, 2 in Aksu, 2 in Bazhou, and 2 in Kashi. ELISA results showed that 4 189 children were positive for serum IgG, with a positive rate of 5.21%. The positive rate was highest in Kashi （8.41%, 2 143/25 495）, followed by Aksu （5.69%, 913/16 051）, with significant difference between different areas （χ2=977.303， P0.01）. The positive rate was lowest in 6-year children （2.13%, 44/2 065） and highest in 11-year children （5.68%, 822/14 462） （χ2=48.221, P0.01）. In addition, the positive rate was highest in Uighur children（5.19%, 3 899/75 115）, followed by Mongolian children （4.27%, 68/1 592）, with no significant difference between ethnic groups （χ2=4.072, P0.05）. Among the children of residents, children with a nomadic lifestyle, and children settled in winter and living in a nomadic lifestyle in summer, hydatidosis occurred in 7 residents and 2 children who settled in winter and living in a nomadic lifestyle in summer; and the positive rate of serum antibody was 5.45% （184/77 512）, 2.97% （3/101）, 0.07% （2/2 816）, respectively（χ2=148.609, P0.01）.There is a low hydatidosis prevalence in 6- to 12-year-old children in southern Xinjiang, but the positive rate of serum echinococcus IgG in kashgar region, Uighur ethnicity, and children of the resident group are relatively high.

To understand the endemic status of echinococcosis in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, to provide scientific basis for planning and promoting control measures in this region. Methods Eight hundred people of all age ranges were examined in each of the selected agricultural area, pastoral area, pastoral-agricultural area, and township area of 92 counties in 14 prefectures in Xinjiang during March and October of 2012, resulting in a total of 3 200 people surveyed in each county. B ultrasonic abdominal scan was performed, accompanied by serum antibody detection for suspected cases.Eight hundred people of all age ranges were examined in each of the selected agricultural area, pastoral area, pastoral-agricultural area, and township area of 92 counties in 14 prefectures in Xinjiang during March and October of 2012, resulting in a total of 3 200 people surveyed in each county. B ultrasonic abdominal scan was performed, accompanied by serum antibody detection for suspected cases.A total of 293 140 people were examined. The overall morbidity was 0.14%（407/293 140）. The morbidity in the north region was 0.18%（290/158 985, 71.25%of all the cases）, and that in the south region was 0.09%（117/134 155, 28.75% of all the cases）（P0.05 between the regions）. The cases were mainly distributed in Urumqi City（19.90%, 81/407）, Tarbagatai Prefecture（13.27%, 54/407）, Yili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture（13.02%, 53/407） and Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture（9.83%, 40/407）. The prevalence was higher in Mongolian［0.42%（21/5 045）］ and Kirgiz ［0.35%（32/9 045）］ than in other ethnic groups（0.07%-0.22%）（P0.05）. There was no significant difference in prevalence between males［0.13%（195/144 715）］ and females［0.14%（212/148 425）］ （P0.05）. The prevalence was lowest in the 0-9 year group［0.07%（7/10 754）］, and higher in the the age groups of 70-79［0.27%（33/12 310）］ and 80-99 years［0.28%（7/2 461）］, showing a trend of elevation with ageing. Further, the cases were mainly in the population of 30-49 years（43%, 175/407）. The prevalence was higher in the uneducated［0.25%, 39/15 470］ than in the educated populations（0.06%-0.14%）（P＜0.05）, and higher in pastoralists［0.29%, 63/22 074］ than in populations with other occupations（0.00%-0.13%）（P0.05）. The prevalence in pastoral area, agricultural area, pastoral-agricultural area, and township area was 0.16%（70/44 247）, 0.16%（181/113 016）, 0.12%（88/70 610） and 0.10%（68/65 267）, respectively. The township area had the lowest prevalence, which was significantly different from both the pastoral area and the agricultural area (P0.05).Echincoccosis is widely distributed in Xinjiang, with more cases in the north.

To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of imported malaria in Xinjiang.The information of reported malaria cases and epidemiological records from various sources in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from 2004 to 2015 was collected. The epidemiological characteristics of malaria cases were analyzed.Seventy-seven malaria cases were reported in Xinjiang from 2004 to 2015, and all were imported cases. In detail, 42 cases （54.5%） were reported during the time period of 2004-2009, with 24 laboratory diagnosed and 18 clinically diagnosed; 35 cases （45.5%） were reported from 2010 to 2015, with 27 laboratory diagnosed and 8 clinically diagnosed. Among the 51 cases with laboratory diagnosis, 18 were falciparum malaria, 31 were vivax malaria, and 2 unidentified. The male-to-female ratio was 6.7 ∶ 1（P0.05）. The age range of the patients was 14-75 years （39.7 ± 13.3 years）, comprising 26.0% （20/77） for the range of 31-40 years and 24.7% （19/77） for the range of 41-50（P0.05 among the age groups）. From the perspective of case sources, 28 cases （36.4%） were imported from Africa and 49 cases（63.6%） from Asia (including other provinces of China). The interval from onset to final diagnosis ranged 1-320 days. Only 3 patients（3.9%） were diagnosed within 24 h, and 59 patients（76.6%） were not diagnosed until or over one week. In addition, 28 cases（36.4%） were reported by medical institutions at the provincial level, 15 cases（19.5%） were reported by medical institutions at the prefecture level, 5 cases（6.5%） were reported by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the rest 29 cases（37.7%） were reported at the county level or below. No secondary transmission was found.Most of the imported malaria cases during 2004-2015 were diagnosed with laboratory tests, reported by medical institutions, and were from Africa and Asia.

Background Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomics have been deployed to detect novel differential metabolites in cases with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Material/Methods Fifty patients who had recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSAs) and 51 control patients (age, gestational age, and body mass index (BMI) match) were enrolled in this study. Untargeted GC-MS and targeted LC-MS were combined to discover and validate the different metabolomic profiles between groups. Score plots of orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) clearly separated the RSA group from the control group. The variable importance in projection (VIP) generated in OPLS-DA processing represented the contribution to the discrimination of each metabolite ion between groups. Variables with a VIP >1 and P1 and P

Content-based video hashing was proposed for the purpose of video copy detection. Conventional video copy detection algorithms apply image hashing algorithm to either every frame or key frame which is sensitive to video variation. In our proposed algorithm, key frames including temporal and spatial information are used to video copy detection, Discrete cosine transform (DCT) is done for video key frame and feature vector is extracted by principal component analysis ( PCA ). An average true positive rate of 99.31% and false positive rate of 0.37% demonstrate the robustness and uniqueness of the proposed algorithm. Experiments indicate that it is easy to implement and more efficient than other video copy detection algorithms.

Oncogenic Ras induces cell transformation and promotes an invasive phenotype. The tumor suppressor p53 has a suppressive role in Rasdriven invasion. However, its mechanism remains poorly understood. Here we show that p53 induces activation of the mitochondrial protease high-temperature requirement A2 (HtrA2; also known as Omi) and prevents Ras-driven invasion by modulating the actin cytoskeleton. Oncogenic Ras increases accumulation of p53 in the cytoplasm, which promotes the translocation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) into mitochondria and induces phosphorylation of HtrA2/Omi. Concurrently, oncogenic Ras also induces mitochondrial fragmentation, irrespective of p53 expression, causing the release of HtrA2/Omi from mitochondria into the cytosol. Phosphorylated HtrA2/Omi therefore cleaves β-actin and decreases the amount of filamentous actin (F-actin) in the cytosol. This ultimately down-regulates p130 Crk-associated substrate (p130Cas)-mediated lamellipodia formation, countering the invasive phenotype initiated by oncogenic Ras. Our novel findings provide insights into the mechanism by which p53 prevents the malignant progression of transformed cells. © 2014 Yamauchi et al., published_or_final_version

Tumor suppressor p53 prevents tumorigenesis and tumor growth by suppressing the activation of several transcription factors, including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and STAT3. On the other hand, p53 stimulates actin cytoskeleton remodeling and integrin-related signaling cascades. Here, we examined the p53-mediated link between regulation of the actin cytoskeleton and activation of NF-κB and STAT3 in MCF-7 cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). In the absence of p53, STAT3 was constitutively activated. This activation was attenuated by depleting the expression of p65, a component of NF-κB. Integrin β3 expression and lamellipodia formation were also downregulated by NF-κB depletion. Inhibition of integrin αvβ3, Rac1 or Arp2/3, which diminished lamellipodia formation, suppressed STAT3 activation induced by p53 depletion. These results suggest that loss of p53 leads to STAT3 activation via NF-κB-dependent lamellipodia formation. Our study proposes a novel role for p53 in modulating the actin cytoskeleton through suppression of NF-κB, which restricts STAT3 activation.

An 8,9-seco-lindenane disesquiterpenoid, chloramultiol G, four eudesmane sesquiterpenoids, ent-(3R)-3-hydroxyatractylenolide III and multistalactones A-C, and four guaiane sesquiterpenoids, (1R,4S,5R,85,10S)-zedoalactone A and multistalactones D-F, along with 14 known compounds, were isolated from whole plant tissues of Chloranthus muttistachys. Their structures were established by extensive NMR experiments in conjunction with mass spectrometry. Except for chloramultiol G, the absolute stereochemistries of the other eight were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray crystallography and CD spectra. Nine compounds were tested for cytotoxicity against five human tumor cell lines and for antifungal activity against four microorganisms in vitro, but all were inactive. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

To understand the epidemiological characteristics of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) outbreak in Jiashi County of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in 2014, and provide basis for VL prevention and control strategies.Data on VL epidemic situation in Xinjiang from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2015 were collected from Chinese CDC Infectious Disease Reporting Information Management System (reporting system). On-site epidemiological investigation was conducted in October, 2014, among children under 3 years in 23 villages in Gholtoghrak Township and Koxawat Township in Jiashi County, regions that had dramatically increased reports of VL cases from July 1. For suspected cases who showed symptoms such as fever and hepato-splenomegaly, blood (20 μl) was collected through fingerstick (with parental guardian consent) for rk39 immunochromatographic strip testing. Chil- dren with positive results were given sodium stibogluconate treatment (6x200 mg/kg, intravenously).A total of 637 VL cases were reported in Xinjiang from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2015. Among the 192 cases reported from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015 in Xinjiang, cases from Jiashi County occupied 86.46% (166/192) of the cases. The number of VL cases in Jiashi County showed a trend of increase since the first report in August, with a total number of 114 in October, November and December. The 166 cases in Jiashi County had an age range of 23 days-8 years, with those under one year accounting for 95.18%(158/166). The 113 cases in Gholtoghrak Township of the County had an age range of 23 days-3 years, with those under one year accounting for 96.46% (109/113). The age--distribution of VL casess in the County accorded with the characteristic of the desert type. On-site investigation of 833 children in the 23 villiages revealed 11 children with positive results of rk39 immunochromatographic strip testing out of 14 suspected cases, all recovered after one course of sodium stibogluconate treatment.In 2014, VL outbreak occurs in Jiashi County with 95% of the cases being children under one year old. This outbreak was identified to be the desert type.

This paper focuses on the thermo-mechanical behaviors of a shape memory alloy (SMA) plate with a crack of mode I. A phase transformation equation is supposed to express the phase transformation behaviors of SMA under complex stress state. The stress field near the crack tip is described based on linear elastic mechanics. The martensitic phase transformation zones near the crack tip at various temperatures are numerically determined.

Studies revealed that Nijmegen Breakage Syndrome protein 1 (NBS1) plays an important role in maintaining genome stability, but the underlying mechanism is controversial and elusive. Our results using clinical samples showed that NBS1 was involved in ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM)-dependent pathway. NBS1 deficiency severely affected the phosphorylation of ATM as well as its downstream targets. BrdU proliferation assay revealed a delay of NBS cells in inhibiting DNA synthesis after Doxorubicin (Dox) treatment. In addition, under higher concentrations of Dox, NBS cells exhibited a much lower level of apoptosis compared to their normal counterparts, indicating a resistance to Dox treatment. Accelerated telomere shortening was also observed in NBS fibroblasts, consistent with an early onset of cellular replicative senescence in vitro. This abnormality may be due to the shelterin protein telomeric binding factor 2 (TRF2) which was found to be upregulated in NBS fibroblasts. The dysregulation of telomere shortening rate and of TRF2 expression level leads to telomere fusions and cellular aneuploidy in NBS cells. Collectively, our results suggest a possible mechanism that NBS1 deficiency simultaneously affects ATM-dependent DNA damage signaling and TRF2-regulated telomere maintenance, which synergistically lead to genomic abnormalities. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A novel missile-like ZnO structure has been synthesized solvo-thermally in absolute alcohol using Zn(NO3)2·6H2O and NaOH as starting materials, and characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction and room temperature photoluminescence. The missile-like ZnO crystal, with a wurtzite structure and a blue-green emission at 459 nm, is made up of two symmetrical rocket-like crystals possessing a prismatic base and a hexagonal pyramid linking with each other along plane (0001(_)).

Lots of dynamic information, which can directly or indirectly reflect the quality of welded spot, is included within the electrode displacement signal of resistance spot welding process. In this research, the displacement signal is monitored and mapped into a 15×25 element bipolarized matrix by means of some method of fuzzy theory. Some welded spots are classified into five classes according to the prototype pattern matrixes. An effective RSW quality estimation system is developed based on Hopfield network when taking the tensile shear strength of the welded spot joint as the estimation index of welded spot quality. The results of cross-validation test shows that the Hopfield network can satisfactorily accomplish the task of classification of the welded spot and has board application prospects.

Let Xi be transient βi-stable processes on ℝdi, i=1,2. Assume further that X1 and X2 are independent. We shall find the exact Hausdorff measure function for the product sets R1(1)×R2(1), where $R_1(1)\break \times R_2(1)=\{(X_1(t_1), X_2(t_2))\mid 0\leq t_1, t_2\leq 1\}$. The result of Hu generalizes [Some fractal sets determined by stable processes, Probab. Theory Related Fields100 (1994), 205–225].

The next generation network (NGN) should be a new type established on the basis of the next generation of telecommunication network that is highly performable, expandable, operational, administrable and securer, in order to realize the features and functions such as high-quality streaming media, wireless and mobile capacity, diversification of terminal equipments, quality control of on-demand transmission, higher safety and security. IPv6 is commonly agreed to be one of the key technological supports to NGN. IPv6 network has the greatest chance to become the primary type of NGN after it fulfills all the necessary characteristics of NGN. At present it is just thought to be the next generation of IP network. IPv6 and NGN are proposed and developed for the response to the difficulties faced by the current network. Since the early 1990s, IPv6 and NGN have already made considerable progresses. Although there are many issues relating to the development of IPv6 and NGN need to be deeply explored and disputes exist sometimes, the inherent technical advantages and the growing size of the Matthew Effect is now further accelerating the developments. Up to now, the technology system of IPv6 and NGN is basically mature. Therefore, the actualization of more realistic and characteristic applications has gradually become a significant task nowadays (Market Intelligence Center of CCIDnet, 2007). It is just in this environment that CNGI (China Next Generation Internet) sponsored the initial experiment of IPv6 network construction and application in the field of Earthquake Preparedness and Disaster Mitigation (EPDM), which is known as seismic sensors network experiment based on IPv6. The network of EPDM has gone through a booming growth in recent years. The quality of network applications is growing to be the most critical issue when the network has been colossal. And the congenital deficiency of the current IPv4 network has been turning into a major obstruction in the future development. However, the adoption of IPv6 and NGN can be connected to further various projects, business and information islands, to comply with a unified standard specification, to integrate the resources, to expand the share, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of information network technology, to broaden the scope of application and to further open up new business, which all lead to forming a more powerful network, establishing a scientific and technological supporting platform and providing service capabilities for the purposes of EPDM.

In order to meet the real-time requirement of video copy detection, a robust video copy detection algorithm is proposed. Harris feature points is extracted based on local feature descriptor, video frames are divided into blocks and video fingerprints are generated by calculating video feature point amplitude and angle differences. The matching result graph is formed based on video matching frames, copy video is detection by searching the longest path of the graph. Compared with other video detection algorithm, proposed algorithm is with good robustness and discrimination accuracy, experiment proved that detection speed is improved further.

[Abstract]To analyze the situation of echinococcosis surgerical cases in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from 2005 to 2013.The surgery cases of echinococcosis in Xinjiang from 2005 to 2013 were collected, and analyzed with SPSS 17.0 and Epi Info 3.5.3 software.A total of 8 639 hydatid disease cases were reported during 2005-2013 from 94 counties (cities and districts) of 14 prefectures (municipalities) in the Region. The average number of annual operation cases were 960 cases (8,639/9 years), and the annual incidence was 4.40/100,000 (960/21.81 million). 82.8% (7,152/8,639) of report cases came from northern Xinjiang area with an incidence of 7.59/100,000, and 17.2% (1,487/8,639) distributed in southern Xinjiang area with an incidence of 1.58/100,000. There were 373 cases (4.4%, 373/8,639) reported in 2005, and increased to 1434 cases (16.5% 1,434/8,639) in 2013 (P0.05). The cases mainly distributed in Yili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture (2,028 cases), Tarbagatai Prefecture (1,218 cases), Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture (1,179 cases), and Urumqi City (1,128 cases) of the northern Xinjiang area. There were 4,557 male (52.8%, 4,557/8,639) and 4 082 famale patients (47.3%, 4,082/8,639)(P0.05). The age distribution showed a single-peak curve, and more patients concentrated in the age group of 31-40 years, accounting for 26.2% (2,265/8,639). Among 8,639 cases, farmers accounted for 47.9% (4 134/8 639).The nunber of surgical cases of echinococcosis increases every year in Xinjiang since 2005, and the distribution of the disease shows a trend from the agricultural and pastoral areas to the towns.

Tm 3+ /Yb 3+ -doped alkali-barium-bismuth-tellurite (LKBBT) glasses have been fabricated and characterized. Density, refractive index, optical absorption, absorption and emission cross-sections of Yb 3+ , Judd–Ofelt parameters and spontaneous transition probabilities of Tm 3+ have been measured and calculated, respectively. Intense blue three-photon upconversion fluorescence and near-infrared two-photon upconversion fluorescence were investigated under the excitation of a 980 nm diode laser at room temperature. Wide infrared transmission window, high refractive index and strong blue three-photon upconversion emission of Tm 3+ indicate that Tm 3+ /Yb 3+ co-doped LKBBT glasses are promising upconversion optical and laser materials.

To apply moving percentile method on surveillance and early-warning on visceral leishmaniasis in Kashgar Region and evaluate its effect.Incidence data of visceral leishmaniasis in Kashgar Region were collected from the National Web-based Infectious Diseases Report System. Monthly detection was carried out by using moving percentile method. The 50th percentile (P50), 70th percentile (P70) and 90th percentile (P90) of historical baseline data were calculated for drawing a control chart, and P70 was adopted as the warning threshold to determine whether an epidemic would appear. If the number of cases in one month is higher than the corresponding P70 of historical baseline data, the warning signal will be generated. The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value were calculated for the evaluation of early-warning effect.During the study period, 61.0% cases were reported in the year of 2008 and 2009, the incidence peak was from September to December, accounting for 51.9%, and infants under 3 years old were the population most threatened by visceral leishmaniasis, accounting for 62.7%. A total of 58 detections were performed, and 17 warning signals were generated by the threshold on P70. Among them, the numbers of cases in 9 detections were higher than the corresponding P90 of historical-baseline data. Based on the actually epidemic status of visceral leishmaniasis in study period, according to the threshold on P70, a total of 10 warning signals of 11 epidemics were detected, and the sensitivity of the warning model was 90.9% (10/11). 7 wrongly signals of 47 non-epidemics were detected, and the specificity was 85.1% (40/47). 10 of 17 signals were proved to be correct, and the positive predictive value was 58.8% (10/17).The moving percentile method can effectively perform surveillance and early-warning on visceral leishmaniasis in Kashgar Region.

Tumor suppressor p53 prevents tumorigenesis and tumor growth by suppressing the activation of several transcription factors, including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and STAT3. On the other hand, p53 stimulates actin cytoskeleton remodeling and integrin-related signaling cascades. Here, we examined the p53-mediated link between regulation of the actin cytoskeleton and activation of NF-κB and STAT3 in MCF-7 cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). In the absence of p53, STAT3 was constitutively activated. This activation was attenuated by depleting the expression of p65, a component of NF-κB. Integrin β3 expression and lamellipodia formation were also downregulated by NF-κB depletion. Inhibition of integrin αvβ3, Rac1 or Arp2/3, which diminished lamellipodia formation, suppressed STAT3 activation induced by p53 depletion. These results suggest that loss of p53 leads to STAT3 activation via NF-κB-dependent lamellipodia formation. Our study proposes a novel role for p53 in modulating the actin cytoskeleton through suppression of NF-κB, which restricts STAT3 activation.

Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) was once a severe parasitic disease in China. Thanks to the great efforts of integrated control, VL was eliminated in most epidemic areas, except for certain western provinces (autonomous region) at the end of 1950s. From then on, VL gained less attention and has seemed to spread, especially in the last 15 years. Infants are the most important population threatened by VL. However, there have been few studies on the endemic characteristics of infantile VL in China. Methods Infantile VL cases were collected from the online National Infectious Diseases Reporting System (NIDRS). Statistical description and inference was used to reveal the endemic characteristics in gender, age group, time and regionalism. Spatial analysis was carried out to explore the high risk area for infantile VL in China. Results A total of 1093 infantile VL cases were reported from 2006 to 2012. There was no statistically significant difference in gender over time. The minimum, maximum and mean age of these cases was 1.1, 35.9 and 13.8 months, respectively. Among them 86.92% were under 2 years of age, and there was a statistically significant difference among age groups over time. An incidence peak appeared in 2008-2009, most cases were distributed in the months September to December, and there was a tail-raising effect in the coming two months of the next year. More than 98% of cases were reported in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Gansu Province and Sichuan Province, accounting for 61.02%, 32.75% and 4.57%, respectively. A total of 56 counties reported infantile VL cases, with the cumulative incidence ranging from 0.02 to 24.57%. There were two main zones of high endemicity for infantile VL in China. The monthly incidence clearly coincides with the number of towns where infantile VL cases were reported. Three fatalities were reported during the study period, the case fatality rate was 2.75‰. Conclusions The endemic situation of infantile VL is serious, and there are several active foci of infantile VL prevalence in China. VL has emerged as a severe threat to infants of endemic regions in China.

The compressed video stream transmission is a challenging task due to loss-prone, time-varying and limitation bandwidth characteristics. In this paper, improved temporal error concealment based on boundary matching algorithm is presented, we use an optimized mode selection for the lost macroblock based on candidate motion vector set, and adopt an improved BMA to estimate lost macroblock motion vectors for H.264 coded video. Experimental results show that improved temporal error concealment algorithm gets better video quality over a large set of operating conditions.

Field trip and on-site detection is widely regarded as an important part of the Earth and environmental sciences. However, the real field trips, due to the complexity of the real environment can not be implemented. This article aims to establish a teaching using virtual trips laboratory characteristics of the modelbased on virtual field trips to design appropriate teaching modules, and use java 3d technical to realize a virtual field trips prototype system. The research focuses on three aspects, first is to analyze the processes of the real field trips, and then design the main modules of the system, and finally, the initial realization of a virtual inspection of the laboratory prototype system.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate the translation of target mRNA transcripts. In this study, we demonstrated that miR-519d was downregulated in human HCC and could suppress growth of the human HCC cell line QGY-7703. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that MKi67 was a putative target of miR-519d. In an EGFP reporter system, we confirmed that MKi67 was a direct target gene of miR-519d. Furthermore, knockdown of MKi67 inhibited QGY-7703 cell growth. These findings indicate that miR-519d targets the MKi67 transcript and suppresses HCC cell growth, suggesting that miR-519d has a tumor suppressive role in human HCC pathogenesis.

microRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous non-coding RNAs of ~21 nucleotides in length discovered in recent years. They are involved in diverse pathways and play an important role in gene regulation in plants and animals. There are two main groups of approaches to miRNA discovery, which are cDNA cloning and computational identification. Since some miRNAs are expressed at a low level and the expression of many miRNAs has spatio-temporal specificity, it is difficult to find them through cDNA cloning. However, computational approaches can predict the miRNAs specifically expressed or with low abundance, which is complement to cDNA cloning. Computational approaches have hence gained wide attention. In this review, the computational approaches to miRNA discovery were summarized. According to their intrinsic characteristics, computational approaches were categorized into five classes: (1) homology search; (2) prediction based on comparative genomics; (3) scoring candidates using the sequence and structure characteristics; (4) prediction combined with targets; and (5) prediction with machine learning. The principles of each class of the approaches and their advantages and limitations in miRNA discovery were discussed. Finally, the future direction in miRNA discovery was pointed out.