Cancelable biometrics are a group of techniques to transform the input biometric to an irreversible feature intentionally using a transformation function and usually a key in order to provide security and privacy in b...Cancelable biometrics are a group of techniques to transform the input biometric to an irreversible feature intentionally using a transformation function and usually a key in order to provide security and privacy in biometric recognition systems.This transformation is repeatable enabling subsequent biometric comparisons.This paper introduces a new idea to be exploited as a transformation function for cancelable biometrics aimed at protecting templates against iterative optimization attacks.Our proposed scheme is based on time-varying keys(random biometrics in our case)and morphing transformations.An experimental implementation of the proposed scheme is given for face biometrics.The results confirm that the proposed approach is able to withstand leakage attacks while improving the recognition performance.展开更多
Stem volume estimation is crucial in forest ecology and management,particularly for timber harvesting strategies and carbon stock assessments.This study aimed to develop a variable-exponent taper equation specifically...Stem volume estimation is crucial in forest ecology and management,particularly for timber harvesting strategies and carbon stock assessments.This study aimed to develop a variable-exponent taper equation specifically tailored to savanna tree species using close-range photogrammetry(CRP)data and to evaluate its performance against conventional volume equations for stem volume estimation.A dataset of 30 trees across five dominant savanna species was used to fit the taper model,which was validated using a separate dataset of 322 trees from 14 species.The results demonstrated significant improvements in volume estimation accuracy when using the taper equation.At the tree level,the root mean square error(RMSE)decreased by 47%,from 598 to 319 dm^(3),and the mean absolute bias(MAB)by 48%,from 328 to 172 dm3,compared to volume equations.Similarly,at the plot level,RMSE was reduced by 42% and MAB by 40%.The model performed well for species with regular forms.However,species with irregular tapers exhibited higher errors,reflecting the challenges of modeling stem forms of mixed species.The use of CRP proved valuable,providing high-resolution diameter measurements that improved model parameterization.This study underscores the importance of advanced data collection methods for enhancing taper model accuracy and suggests that further species-specific adjustments are needed to improve performance for species with irregular forms.The findings support the broader application of taper equations for improving stem volume estimates in savanna ecosystems,contributing to better forest management and resource monitoring practices.展开更多
In this work,we re-investigate a classical mathematical model of untreated HIV infection suggested by Kirschner and introduce a novel non-standard finite-difference method for its numerical solution.As our first contr...In this work,we re-investigate a classical mathematical model of untreated HIV infection suggested by Kirschner and introduce a novel non-standard finite-difference method for its numerical solution.As our first contribution,we establish non-negativity,boundedness of some solution components,existence globally in time,and uniqueness on a time interval[0,T]for an arbitrary T>0 for the time-continuous problem which extends known results of Kirschner’s model in the literature.As our second analytical result,we establish different equilibrium states and examine their stability properties in the time-continuous setting or discuss some numerical tools to evaluate this question.Our third contribution is the formulation of a non-standard finite-difference method which preserves non-negativity,boundedness of some time-discrete solution components,equilibria,and their stabilities.As our final theoretical result,we prove linear convergence of our non-standard finite-difference-formulation towards the time-continuous solution.Conclusively,we present numerical examples to illustrate our theoretical findings.展开更多
Extreme disturbance activity is a signature of anthropogenic environmental change. Empirical information describing the historical normative limits of disturbance regimes provides baseline data that facilitates the de...Extreme disturbance activity is a signature of anthropogenic environmental change. Empirical information describing the historical normative limits of disturbance regimes provides baseline data that facilitates the detection of contemporary trends in both disturbances and community-level responses. Quantifying the attributes of historical disturbances is challenging due to their transient episodic nature, with decades-to centurieslong intervals between recurrences. Unmanaged primary forests that support centuries-old trees therefore serve as unique reference systems for quantifying past disturbance regimes. We surveyed relict stands of primary beech-dominated forests over wide environmental gradients in the Carpathian Mountains of Europe. We collected core samples from 3,026 trees in 208 field survey plots distributed across 13 forest stands in two countries. We used dendrochronological methods to analyze time-series of annually-resolved ring-width variation and to identify anomalous growth patterns diagnostic of past forest canopy removal. A 180-year record(1810–1990) of spatially and temporally explicit disturbance events(n =333) was compiled and used to derive s tatistical attributes of the disturbance regime. We quantified disturbance severity(canopy area lost), patch size, and return intervals. Our analyses describe a complex regime where a background of relatively frequent, smallscale, low-to intermediate-severity disturbance was punctuated by episodic large-scale high-severity events. Even the most severe events were non-catastrophic at a stand level, leaving significant residual tree cover that supported a continuity of ecological function. We did not detect evidence for an expected climate-induced intensification of disturbance with time, but methodological limitations precluded an assessment of disturbance activity in the decades since 1990.展开更多
Primary forests are spatially diverse terrestrial ecosystems with unique characteristics,being naturally regenerative and heterogeneous,which supports the stability of their carbon storage through the accumulation of ...Primary forests are spatially diverse terrestrial ecosystems with unique characteristics,being naturally regenerative and heterogeneous,which supports the stability of their carbon storage through the accumulation of live and dead biomass.Yet,little is known about the interactions between biomass stocks,tree genus diversity and structure across a temperate montane primary forest.Here,we investigated the relationship between tree structure(variability in basal area and tree size),genus-level diversity(abundance,tree diversity)and biomass stocks in temperate primary mountain forests across Central and Eastern Europe.We used inventory data from726 permanent sample plots from mixed beech and spruce across the Carpathian Mountains.We used nonlinear regression to analyse the spatial variability in forest biomass,structure,and genus-level diversity and how they interact with plot-level tree age,disturbances,temperature and altitude.We found that the combined effects of genus and structural indices were important for addressing the variability in biomass across different spatial scales.Local processes in disturbance regimes and uneven tree age support forest hete rogeneity and the accumulation of live and dead biomass through the natural regeneration,growth and decay of the forest ecosystem.Structural complexities in basal area index,supporte d by genus-level abundance,positively influence total biomass stocks,which was modulated by tree age and disturbances.Spruce forests showed higher tree density and basal area than mixed beech forests,though mixed beech still contributes significantly to biomass across landscapes.Forest heterogeneity was strongly influenced by complexities in forest composition(tree genus diversity,structure).We addressed the importance of primary forests as stable carbon stores,achieved through structure and diversity.Safeguarding such ecosystems is critical for ensuring the stability of the primary forest,carbon store and biodiversity into the future.展开更多
Hybridization between wild animals and feral individuals from closely related domestic species can occur when they share the same habitat.Such events are generally regarded as a threat to the genetic integrity and sur...Hybridization between wild animals and feral individuals from closely related domestic species can occur when they share the same habitat.Such events are generally regarded as a threat to the genetic integrity and survival of established wild populations.The aim of this study is to confrm a hybridization between European moufon and feral sheep on the Adriatic island Dugi Otok,where a group of individuals phenotypically indicative of a possible introgression was photographed.Using an ovine medium-density SNP array genotypes,we provided genetic evidence of recent gene admixture between the two species.The ADMIXTURE analysis suggests that two hybrid individuals had 82.2%and 94.1%of their ancestry attributable to feral sheep,respectively,with the rest of the moufon in origin.NEWHYBRIDS analysis estimated the combined probabilities for the putative hybrid individuals belonging to one of the hybrid classes at 87.0%and 90.1%,respectively.The main phenotypic differences in the hybrids were observed in the shape of the horns,a stronger horn circumference than in the moufon and weaker than for the sheep,pronounced horn rings,a shorter tail,and intermediate color.We therefore recommend constant monitoring of the purity of the moufon population to maintain its genetic integrity.In addition,all feral sheep should be removed from the wild,and released sheep raised in semi-wild conditions should be better controlled.展开更多
We studied the cycles of reproduction and fat bodies of a blue-tailed skink population of an undescribed species of the Plestiodon brevirostris group.Sexual maturity is attained by females and males as they both reach...We studied the cycles of reproduction and fat bodies of a blue-tailed skink population of an undescribed species of the Plestiodon brevirostris group.Sexual maturity is attained by females and males as they both reach about 59 mm of SVL.Vitellogenesis started in June-July,with ovulation occurring during late-October to mid-November,and parturition in mid-spring.Litter size varied from two to six,with a mean of 3.86±0.15 embryos in uterus,and showed a positive correlation with female body mass and SVL.During gestation,a significant increase in the average wet mass of embryos in uterus was evident.In comparison,there were no notable changes in the average dry mass.Juvenile growth data suggest that sexual maturity,both males and females,is reached at 16-17 months of age.Testicles and epididymides exhibited maximal weight during August-September.Testicular regression occurred in September.Mating apparently takes place from mid-summer to early fall.Lipids stored in female fat bodies are used for vitellogenesis and for nutrition during the winter months.In males,the stored lipids appear to be used in reproductive activities during the mating season.展开更多
AIM： To evaluate and compare the expression profiles of CXCL12 （SDF-1）, CCL19 （MIP-3β）, CCL20 （MIP-3a） and CCL21 （6Ckine, Exodus2） and their receptors on RNA and protein levels in hepatocellular carcinoma （...AIM： To evaluate and compare the expression profiles of CXCL12 （SDF-1）, CCL19 （MIP-3β）, CCL20 （MIP-3a） and CCL21 （6Ckine, Exodus2） and their receptors on RNA and protein levels in hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） versus colorectal liver metastases （CRLM） and to elucidate their impact on the carcinogenesis and progression of malignant liver diseases. METHODS： Chemokine expression was analyzed by RT-PCR and ELISA in 11 cases of HCC specimens and in 23 cases of CRLM and corresponding adjacent nontumorous liver tissues, respectively. Expressions of their receptors CXCR4, CCR6 and CCR7 were analyzed by RT- PCR and Western blot analysis in the same cases of HCC and CRLM. RESULTS： Significant up-regulation for CCL20/CCR6 was detected in both cancer types. Moreover, CCL20 demonstrated significant overexpression in CRLM in relation to the HCC tissues. Being significantly up-regulated only in CRLM, CXCR4 displayed an aberrant expression pattern with respect to the HCC tissues. CONCLUSION： Correlation of CXCR4 expression with CRLM suggests CXCR4 as a potential predictive factor for CRLM. High level expression of CCL20 and its receptor CCR6 in HCC and CRLM with marked up-regulation of CCL20 in CRLM in relation to HCC tissues indicates involvement of the CCL20/CCR6 ligand-receptor pair in the carcinogenesis and progression of hepatic malignancies.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate whether individuals with gastric cancer(GC) are diagnosed earlier if they have firstdegree relatives with GC.METHODS: A total of 4282 patients diagnosed with GC at National Cancer Center Hospital from...AIM: To evaluate whether individuals with gastric cancer(GC) are diagnosed earlier if they have firstdegree relatives with GC.METHODS: A total of 4282 patients diagnosed with GC at National Cancer Center Hospital from 2002 to 2012 were enrolled in this retrospective study. We classified the patients according to presence or absence of first-degree family history of GC and compared age at diagnosis and clinicopathologic characteristics. In addition, we further classified patients according to specific family member with GC(father, mother, sibling, or offspring) and compared age at GC diagnosis among these patient groups. Baseline characteristics were obtained from a prospectively collected database. Information about the family member's age at GC diagnosis was obtained by questionnaire.RESULTS: A total of 924 patients(21.6%) had a firstdegree family history of GC. The mean age at GC diagnosis in patients having paternal history of GC was 54.4 ± 10.4 years and was significantly younger than in those without a first-degree family history(58.1 ± 12.0 years, P < 0.001). However, this finding was not observed in patients who had an affected mother(57.2 ± 10.0 years) or sibling(62.2 ± 9.8 years). Among patients with family member having early-onset GC(< 50 years old), mean age at diagnosis was 47.7 ± 10.3 years for those with an affected father, 48.6 ± 10.4 years for those with an affected mother, and 57.4 ± 11.5 years for those with an affected sibling. Thus, patients with a parent diagnosed before 50 years of age developed GC 10.4 or 9.5 years earlier than individuals without a family history of GC(both P <0.001).CONCLUSION: Early-onset GC before age of 50 was associated with parental history of early-onset of GC. Individual having such family history need to start screening earlier.展开更多
AIM： To investigate the expression profile of IL-8 in inflammatory and malignant colorectal diseases to evaluate its potential role in the regulation of colorectal cancer （CRC） and the development of colorectal liv...AIM： To investigate the expression profile of IL-8 in inflammatory and malignant colorectal diseases to evaluate its potential role in the regulation of colorectal cancer （CRC） and the development of colorectal liver metastases （CRLM）.METHODS： IL-8 expression was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR （Q-RT-PCR） and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） in resected specimens from patients with ulcerative colitis （UC, n = 6） colorectal adenomas （CRA, n = 8）, different stages of colorectal cancer （n = 48） as well as synchronous and metachronous CRLM along with their corresponding primary colorectal tumors （n = 16）.RESULTS： IL-8 mRNA and protein expression was significantly up-regulated in all pathological colorectal entities investigated compared with the corresponding neighboring tissues. However, in the CRC specimens IL-8 revealed a significantly more pronounced overexpression in relation to the CRA and UC tissues with an average 30-fold IL-8 protein up-regulation in the CRC specimens in comparison to the CRA tissues. Moreover, [L-8 expression revealed a close correlation with tumor grading. Most interestingly, IL-8 up-regulation was most enhanced in synchronous and metachronous CRLM, if compared with the corresponding primary CRC tissues. Herein, an up to 80-fold IL-8 overexpression in individual metachronous metastases compared to normal tumor neighbor tissues was found.CONCLUSION： Our results strongly suggest an association between IL-8 expression, induction and progression of colorectal carcinoma and the development of colorectal liver metastases.展开更多
Genetic improvement for drought stress tolerance in rice involves the quantitative nature of the trait, which reflects the additive effects of several genetic loci throughout the genome. Yield components and related t...Genetic improvement for drought stress tolerance in rice involves the quantitative nature of the trait, which reflects the additive effects of several genetic loci throughout the genome. Yield components and related traits under stressed and well-water conditions were assayed in mapping populations derived from crosses of Azucena×IR64 and Azucena×Bala. To find the candidate rice genes underlying Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) in these populations, we conducted in silico analysis of a candidate region flanked by the genetic markers RM212 and RM319 on chromosome 1, proximal to the semi-dwarf (sd1) locus. A total of 175 annotated genes were identified from this region. These included 48 genes annotated by functional homology to known genes, 23 pseudogenes, 24 ab initio predicted genes supported by an alignment match to an EST (Expressed sequence tag) of unknown function, and 80 hypothetical genes predicted solely by ab initio means. Among these, 16 candidate genes could potentially be involved in drought stress response.展开更多
Over recent years,[18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography acquired together with low dose computed tomography(FDG-PET/CT)has proven its role as a staging modality in patients with non-small cell lung can...Over recent years,[18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography acquired together with low dose computed tomography(FDG-PET/CT)has proven its role as a staging modality in patients with non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).The purpose of this review was to present the evidence to use FDG-PET/CT for response evaluation in patients with NSCLC,treated with epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKI).All published articles from 1November 2003 to 1 November 2013 reporting on 18FFDG-PET response evaluation during EGFR-TKI treatment in patients with NSCLC were collected.In total 7studies,including data of 210 patients were eligible for analyses.Our report shows that FDG-PET/CT responseduring EGFR-TKI therapy has potential in targeted treatment for NSCLC.FDG-PET/CT response is associated with clinical and radiologic response and with survival.Furthermore FDG-PET/CT response monitoring can be performed as early as 1-2 wk after initiation of EGFR-TKI treatment.Patients with substantial decrease of metabolic activity during EGFR-TKI treatment will probably benefit from continued treatment.If metabolic response does not occur within the first weeks of EGFR-TKI treatment,patients may be spared(further)unnecessary toxicity of ineffective treatment.Refining FDG-PET response criteria may help the clinician to decide on continuation or discontinuation of targeted treatment.展开更多
Symptomatic chondral or osteochondral defects of the talus reduce the quality of life of many patients.Although their pathomechanism is well understood,it is well known that different aetiologic factors play a role in...Symptomatic chondral or osteochondral defects of the talus reduce the quality of life of many patients.Although their pathomechanism is well understood,it is well known that different aetiologic factors play a role in their origin.Additionally,it is well recognised that the talar articular cartilage strongly differs from that in the knee.Despite this fact,many recommendations for the management of talar cartilage defects are based on approaches that were developed for the knee.Conservative treatment seems to work best in paediatric and adolescent patients with osteochondritis dissecans.However,depending on the size of the lesions,surgical approaches are necessary to treat many of these defects.Bone marrow stimulation techniques may achieve good results in small lesions.Large lesions may be treated by open procedures such as osteochondral autograft transfer or allograft transplantation.Autologous chondrocyte transplantation,as a restorative procedure,is well investigated in the knee and has been applied in the talus with increasing popularity and promising results but the evidence to date is poor.The goals of the current article are to summarise the different options for treating chondral and osteochondral defects of the talus and review the available literature.展开更多
AIM: To estimate the validity of the point shear-wave elastography method by evaluating its reproducibility and accuracy for assessing liver stiffness.
AIM： To evaluate the influence of preoperative FOLFOX chemotherapy on CCL20/CCR6 expression in liver metastases of stage IV colorectal cancer （CRC） patients.（/7 = 53） and in patients who did not receive FOLFOX ch...AIM： To evaluate the influence of preoperative FOLFOX chemotherapy on CCL20/CCR6 expression in liver metastases of stage IV colorectal cancer （CRC） patients.（/7 = 53） and in patients who did not receive FOLFOX chemotherapy prior to liver surgery （n = 29）. RESULTS： Of the 53 patients who received FOLFOX, time to liver surgery was n〈 1 mo in 14 patients, 〈 1 year in 22 patients and 〉 1 year in 17 patients, respectively. In addition, we investigated the proliferation rate of CRC cells in liver metastases in the different patient groups. Both CCL20 and CCR6 mRNA and protein ex- pression levels were significantly increased in patients who received preoperative FOLFOX chemotherapy ~〈 12 mo before liver surgery （P 〈 0.001） in comparison to patients who did not undergo FOLFOX treatment. Further, proliferation of CRLM cells as measured by Ki-67 was increased in patients who underwent FOLFOX treat- ment. CCL20 and CCR6 expression levels were significantly increased in CRLM patients who had undergone preoperative FOLFOX chemotherapy. CONCLUSION： This chemokine/receptor up-regulation could lead to increased proliferation/migration through an autocrine mechanism which might be used by surviving metastatic cells to escape cell death caused by FOLFOX.展开更多
AIM:To compare results of liver stiffness measurements by transient elastography(TE) obtained in our patients population with that used in a recently published meta-analysis.METHODS:This was a single center cross-sect...AIM:To compare results of liver stiffness measurements by transient elastography(TE) obtained in our patients population with that used in a recently published meta-analysis.METHODS:This was a single center cross-sectional study.Consecutive patients with chronic viral hepatitis scheduled for liver biopsy at the outpatient ward of our Infectious Diseases Department were enrolled.TE was carried out by using FibroScan(Echosens,Paris,France).Liver biopsy was performed on the same day as TE,as day case procedure.Fibrosis was staged according to the Metavir scoring system.The diagnostic performance of TE was assessed by using receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curves and the area under the ROC curve analysis.RESULTS:Two hundred and fifty-two patients met the inclusion criteria.Six(2%) patients were excluded due to unreliable TE measurements.Thus,246(171 men and 75 women) patients were analyzed.One hundred and ninety-five(79.3%) patients had chronic hepatitis C,41(16.7%) had chronic hepatitis B,and 10(4.0%) were coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus.ROC curve analysis identified optimal cut-off value of TE as high as 6.9 kPa forF ≥ 2;7.9 kPa forF ≥ 3;9.6 kPa for F = 4 in all patients(n = 246),and as high as 6.9 kPa for F ≥ 2;7.3 kPa for F ≥ 3;9.3 kPa for F = 4 in patients with hepatitis C(n = 195).Cut-off values of TE obtained by maximizing only the specificity were as high as 6.9 kPa for F ≥ 2;9.6 kPa for F ≥ 3;12.2 kPa for F = 4 in all patients(n = 246),and as high as 7.0 kPa forF ≥ 2;9.3 kPa forF ≥ 3;12.3 kPa forF = 4 in patients with hepatitis C(n = 195).CONCLUSION:The cut-off values of TE obtained in this single center study are comparable to that obtained in a recently published meta-analysis that included up to 40 studies.展开更多
Background Proton pump inhibitors(PPIs) are recommended by the latest guidelines to reduce the risk of bleeding in acute myocardial infarction(AMI) patients treated with dual antiplatelet therapy(DAPT). However, previ...Background Proton pump inhibitors(PPIs) are recommended by the latest guidelines to reduce the risk of bleeding in acute myocardial infarction(AMI) patients treated with dual antiplatelet therapy(DAPT). However, previous pharmacodynamic and clinical studies have reported controversial results on the interaction between PPI and the P2 Y12 inhibitor clopidogrel. We investigated the impact of PPIs use on in-hospital outcomes in AMI patients, aiming to provide a new insight on the value of PPIs. Methods A total of 23,380 consecutive AMI patients who received clopidogrel with or without PPIs in the China Acute Myocardial Infarction(CAMI) registry were analyzed. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events(MACCE) defined as a composite of in-hospital cardiac death, re-infarction and stroke. Propensity score matching(PSM) was used to control potential baseline confounders. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of PPIs use on MACCE and gastrointestinal bleeding(GIB). Results Among the whole AMI population, a large majority received DAPT and 67.5% were co-medicated with PPIs. PPIs use was associated with a decreased risk of MACCE(Before PSM OR: 0.857, 95% CI: 0.742-0.990, P = 0.0359;after PSM OR: 0.862, 95% CI: 0.768-0.949, P = 0.0245) after multivariate adjustment. Patients receiving PPIs also had a lower risk of cardiac death but a higher risk of complicating with stroke. When GIB occurred, an alleviating trend of GIB severity was observed in PPIs group. Conclusions Our study is the first nation-wide large-scale study to show evidence on PPIs use in AMI patients treated with DAPT. We found that PPIs in combination with clopidogrel was associated with decreased risk for MACCE in AMI patients, and it might have a trend to mitigate GIB severity. Therefore, PPIs could become an available choice for AMI patients during hospitalization.展开更多
In recent decades,silicon photonics has attracted much attention in telecom and data-com areas.Constituted of high refractive-index contrast waveguides on silicon-on-insulator(SOI),a variety of integrated photonic pas...In recent decades,silicon photonics has attracted much attention in telecom and data-com areas.Constituted of high refractive-index contrast waveguides on silicon-on-insulator(SOI),a variety of integrated photonic passive and active devices have been implemented supported by excellent optical properties of silicon in the mid-infrared spectrum.The main advantage of the silicon photonics is the ability to use complementary metal oxide semiconductor(CMOS)process-compatible fabrication technologies,resulting in high-volume production at low cost.On the other hand,explosively growing traffic in the telecom,data center and high-performance computer demands the data flow to have high speed,wide bandwidth,low cost,and high energy-efficiency,as well as the photonics and electronics to be integrated for ultra-fast data transfer in networks.In practical applications,silicon photonics started with optical interconnect transceivers in the data-com first,and has been now extended to innovative applications such as multi-port optical switches in the telecom network node and integrated optical phased arrays(OPAs)in light detection and ranging(LiDAR).This paper overviews the progresses of silicon photonics from four points reflecting the recent advances mentioned above.CMOS-based silicon photonic platform technologies,applications to optical transceiver in the data-com network,applications to multi-port optical switches in the telecom network and applications to OPA in LiDAR system.展开更多
基金This work was supported by PRIMA(No.H2020-MSCA-ITN-2019-860315)TRESPASS-ETN(No.H2020-MSCA-ITN-2019-860813)+1 种基金BBforTAI(No.PID2021-127641OB-I00 MICINN/FEDER)INTER-ACTION(No.PID2021-126521OB-I00 MICINN/FEDER).M.Ghafourian was supported by PRIMA and I.Serna was supported by an FPI fellowship from University Autonoma de Madrid,Spain.
文摘Cancelable biometrics are a group of techniques to transform the input biometric to an irreversible feature intentionally using a transformation function and usually a key in order to provide security and privacy in biometric recognition systems.This transformation is repeatable enabling subsequent biometric comparisons.This paper introduces a new idea to be exploited as a transformation function for cancelable biometrics aimed at protecting templates against iterative optimization attacks.Our proposed scheme is based on time-varying keys(random biometrics in our case)and morphing transformations.An experimental implementation of the proposed scheme is given for face biometrics.The results confirm that the proposed approach is able to withstand leakage attacks while improving the recognition performance.
基金partially funded by the International Foundation for Science(Grant No:I-1-D-6066-1).
文摘Stem volume estimation is crucial in forest ecology and management,particularly for timber harvesting strategies and carbon stock assessments.This study aimed to develop a variable-exponent taper equation specifically tailored to savanna tree species using close-range photogrammetry(CRP)data and to evaluate its performance against conventional volume equations for stem volume estimation.A dataset of 30 trees across five dominant savanna species was used to fit the taper model,which was validated using a separate dataset of 322 trees from 14 species.The results demonstrated significant improvements in volume estimation accuracy when using the taper equation.At the tree level,the root mean square error(RMSE)decreased by 47%,from 598 to 319 dm^(3),and the mean absolute bias(MAB)by 48%,from 328 to 172 dm3,compared to volume equations.Similarly,at the plot level,RMSE was reduced by 42% and MAB by 40%.The model performed well for species with regular forms.However,species with irregular tapers exhibited higher errors,reflecting the challenges of modeling stem forms of mixed species.The use of CRP proved valuable,providing high-resolution diameter measurements that improved model parameterization.This study underscores the importance of advanced data collection methods for enhancing taper model accuracy and suggests that further species-specific adjustments are needed to improve performance for species with irregular forms.The findings support the broader application of taper equations for improving stem volume estimates in savanna ecosystems,contributing to better forest management and resource monitoring practices.
文摘In this work,we re-investigate a classical mathematical model of untreated HIV infection suggested by Kirschner and introduce a novel non-standard finite-difference method for its numerical solution.As our first contribution,we establish non-negativity,boundedness of some solution components,existence globally in time,and uniqueness on a time interval[0,T]for an arbitrary T>0 for the time-continuous problem which extends known results of Kirschner’s model in the literature.As our second analytical result,we establish different equilibrium states and examine their stability properties in the time-continuous setting or discuss some numerical tools to evaluate this question.Our third contribution is the formulation of a non-standard finite-difference method which preserves non-negativity,boundedness of some time-discrete solution components,equilibria,and their stabilities.As our final theoretical result,we prove linear convergence of our non-standard finite-difference-formulation towards the time-continuous solution.Conclusively,we present numerical examples to illustrate our theoretical findings.
基金supported by the Czech Science Foundation project GACR21-27454STechnology Agency of the Czech Republic(project Center for Landscape and Biodiversity,SS02030018).
文摘Extreme disturbance activity is a signature of anthropogenic environmental change. Empirical information describing the historical normative limits of disturbance regimes provides baseline data that facilitates the detection of contemporary trends in both disturbances and community-level responses. Quantifying the attributes of historical disturbances is challenging due to their transient episodic nature, with decades-to centurieslong intervals between recurrences. Unmanaged primary forests that support centuries-old trees therefore serve as unique reference systems for quantifying past disturbance regimes. We surveyed relict stands of primary beech-dominated forests over wide environmental gradients in the Carpathian Mountains of Europe. We collected core samples from 3,026 trees in 208 field survey plots distributed across 13 forest stands in two countries. We used dendrochronological methods to analyze time-series of annually-resolved ring-width variation and to identify anomalous growth patterns diagnostic of past forest canopy removal. A 180-year record(1810–1990) of spatially and temporally explicit disturbance events(n =333) was compiled and used to derive s tatistical attributes of the disturbance regime. We quantified disturbance severity(canopy area lost), patch size, and return intervals. Our analyses describe a complex regime where a background of relatively frequent, smallscale, low-to intermediate-severity disturbance was punctuated by episodic large-scale high-severity events. Even the most severe events were non-catastrophic at a stand level, leaving significant residual tree cover that supported a continuity of ecological function. We did not detect evidence for an expected climate-induced intensification of disturbance with time, but methodological limitations precluded an assessment of disturbance activity in the decades since 1990.
基金funded by the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague(Internal Grant Agency:A_03_22-43110/1312/3101)the Czech Science(GACR 21-27454S)。
文摘Primary forests are spatially diverse terrestrial ecosystems with unique characteristics,being naturally regenerative and heterogeneous,which supports the stability of their carbon storage through the accumulation of live and dead biomass.Yet,little is known about the interactions between biomass stocks,tree genus diversity and structure across a temperate montane primary forest.Here,we investigated the relationship between tree structure(variability in basal area and tree size),genus-level diversity(abundance,tree diversity)and biomass stocks in temperate primary mountain forests across Central and Eastern Europe.We used inventory data from726 permanent sample plots from mixed beech and spruce across the Carpathian Mountains.We used nonlinear regression to analyse the spatial variability in forest biomass,structure,and genus-level diversity and how they interact with plot-level tree age,disturbances,temperature and altitude.We found that the combined effects of genus and structural indices were important for addressing the variability in biomass across different spatial scales.Local processes in disturbance regimes and uneven tree age support forest hete rogeneity and the accumulation of live and dead biomass through the natural regeneration,growth and decay of the forest ecosystem.Structural complexities in basal area index,supporte d by genus-level abundance,positively influence total biomass stocks,which was modulated by tree age and disturbances.Spruce forests showed higher tree density and basal area than mixed beech forests,though mixed beech still contributes significantly to biomass across landscapes.Forest heterogeneity was strongly influenced by complexities in forest composition(tree genus diversity,structure).We addressed the importance of primary forests as stable carbon stores,achieved through structure and diversity.Safeguarding such ecosystems is critical for ensuring the stability of the primary forest,carbon store and biodiversity into the future.
基金This study was supported by the Slovenian Research Agency(programme group P1-0386)RESBIOS European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program(No.872146)the Croatian Science Foundation,project IP-2019-04-4096,“The role of hunting related activities in the range expansion of recently established wild ungulate populations in the Mediterranean."。
文摘Hybridization between wild animals and feral individuals from closely related domestic species can occur when they share the same habitat.Such events are generally regarded as a threat to the genetic integrity and survival of established wild populations.The aim of this study is to confrm a hybridization between European moufon and feral sheep on the Adriatic island Dugi Otok,where a group of individuals phenotypically indicative of a possible introgression was photographed.Using an ovine medium-density SNP array genotypes,we provided genetic evidence of recent gene admixture between the two species.The ADMIXTURE analysis suggests that two hybrid individuals had 82.2%and 94.1%of their ancestry attributable to feral sheep,respectively,with the rest of the moufon in origin.NEWHYBRIDS analysis estimated the combined probabilities for the putative hybrid individuals belonging to one of the hybrid classes at 87.0%and 90.1%,respectively.The main phenotypic differences in the hybrids were observed in the shape of the horns,a stronger horn circumference than in the moufon and weaker than for the sheep,pronounced horn rings,a shorter tail,and intermediate color.We therefore recommend constant monitoring of the purity of the moufon population to maintain its genetic integrity.In addition,all feral sheep should be removed from the wild,and released sheep raised in semi-wild conditions should be better controlled.
基金funded by the Biology Major of the Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza,Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México(UNAM)Scientific collecting permit issued by Semarnat(SGPA/DGVS 12013/12)。
文摘We studied the cycles of reproduction and fat bodies of a blue-tailed skink population of an undescribed species of the Plestiodon brevirostris group.Sexual maturity is attained by females and males as they both reach about 59 mm of SVL.Vitellogenesis started in June-July,with ovulation occurring during late-October to mid-November,and parturition in mid-spring.Litter size varied from two to six,with a mean of 3.86±0.15 embryos in uterus,and showed a positive correlation with female body mass and SVL.During gestation,a significant increase in the average wet mass of embryos in uterus was evident.In comparison,there were no notable changes in the average dry mass.Juvenile growth data suggest that sexual maturity,both males and females,is reached at 16-17 months of age.Testicles and epididymides exhibited maximal weight during August-September.Testicular regression occurred in September.Mating apparently takes place from mid-summer to early fall.Lipids stored in female fat bodies are used for vitellogenesis and for nutrition during the winter months.In males,the stored lipids appear to be used in reproductive activities during the mating season.
文摘AIM： To evaluate and compare the expression profiles of CXCL12 （SDF-1）, CCL19 （MIP-3β）, CCL20 （MIP-3a） and CCL21 （6Ckine, Exodus2） and their receptors on RNA and protein levels in hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） versus colorectal liver metastases （CRLM） and to elucidate their impact on the carcinogenesis and progression of malignant liver diseases. METHODS： Chemokine expression was analyzed by RT-PCR and ELISA in 11 cases of HCC specimens and in 23 cases of CRLM and corresponding adjacent nontumorous liver tissues, respectively. Expressions of their receptors CXCR4, CCR6 and CCR7 were analyzed by RT- PCR and Western blot analysis in the same cases of HCC and CRLM. RESULTS： Significant up-regulation for CCL20/CCR6 was detected in both cancer types. Moreover, CCL20 demonstrated significant overexpression in CRLM in relation to the HCC tissues. Being significantly up-regulated only in CRLM, CXCR4 displayed an aberrant expression pattern with respect to the HCC tissues. CONCLUSION： Correlation of CXCR4 expression with CRLM suggests CXCR4 as a potential predictive factor for CRLM. High level expression of CCL20 and its receptor CCR6 in HCC and CRLM with marked up-regulation of CCL20 in CRLM in relation to HCC tissues indicates involvement of the CCL20/CCR6 ligand-receptor pair in the carcinogenesis and progression of hepatic malignancies.
文摘AIM: To evaluate whether individuals with gastric cancer(GC) are diagnosed earlier if they have firstdegree relatives with GC.METHODS: A total of 4282 patients diagnosed with GC at National Cancer Center Hospital from 2002 to 2012 were enrolled in this retrospective study. We classified the patients according to presence or absence of first-degree family history of GC and compared age at diagnosis and clinicopathologic characteristics. In addition, we further classified patients according to specific family member with GC(father, mother, sibling, or offspring) and compared age at GC diagnosis among these patient groups. Baseline characteristics were obtained from a prospectively collected database. Information about the family member's age at GC diagnosis was obtained by questionnaire.RESULTS: A total of 924 patients(21.6%) had a firstdegree family history of GC. The mean age at GC diagnosis in patients having paternal history of GC was 54.4 ± 10.4 years and was significantly younger than in those without a first-degree family history(58.1 ± 12.0 years, P < 0.001). However, this finding was not observed in patients who had an affected mother(57.2 ± 10.0 years) or sibling(62.2 ± 9.8 years). Among patients with family member having early-onset GC(< 50 years old), mean age at diagnosis was 47.7 ± 10.3 years for those with an affected father, 48.6 ± 10.4 years for those with an affected mother, and 57.4 ± 11.5 years for those with an affected sibling. Thus, patients with a parent diagnosed before 50 years of age developed GC 10.4 or 9.5 years earlier than individuals without a family history of GC(both P <0.001).CONCLUSION: Early-onset GC before age of 50 was associated with parental history of early-onset of GC. Individual having such family history need to start screening earlier.
文摘AIM： To investigate the expression profile of IL-8 in inflammatory and malignant colorectal diseases to evaluate its potential role in the regulation of colorectal cancer （CRC） and the development of colorectal liver metastases （CRLM）.METHODS： IL-8 expression was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR （Q-RT-PCR） and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） in resected specimens from patients with ulcerative colitis （UC, n = 6） colorectal adenomas （CRA, n = 8）, different stages of colorectal cancer （n = 48） as well as synchronous and metachronous CRLM along with their corresponding primary colorectal tumors （n = 16）.RESULTS： IL-8 mRNA and protein expression was significantly up-regulated in all pathological colorectal entities investigated compared with the corresponding neighboring tissues. However, in the CRC specimens IL-8 revealed a significantly more pronounced overexpression in relation to the CRA and UC tissues with an average 30-fold IL-8 protein up-regulation in the CRC specimens in comparison to the CRA tissues. Moreover, [L-8 expression revealed a close correlation with tumor grading. Most interestingly, IL-8 up-regulation was most enhanced in synchronous and metachronous CRLM, if compared with the corresponding primary CRC tissues. Herein, an up to 80-fold IL-8 overexpression in individual metachronous metastases compared to normal tumor neighbor tissues was found.CONCLUSION： Our results strongly suggest an association between IL-8 expression, induction and progression of colorectal carcinoma and the development of colorectal liver metastases.
基金Project supported partly by the Rockefeller Foundation thesis dis-sertation training grant and the National Hi-Tech Research and De-velopment Program (863) of China
文摘Genetic improvement for drought stress tolerance in rice involves the quantitative nature of the trait, which reflects the additive effects of several genetic loci throughout the genome. Yield components and related traits under stressed and well-water conditions were assayed in mapping populations derived from crosses of Azucena×IR64 and Azucena×Bala. To find the candidate rice genes underlying Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) in these populations, we conducted in silico analysis of a candidate region flanked by the genetic markers RM212 and RM319 on chromosome 1, proximal to the semi-dwarf (sd1) locus. A total of 175 annotated genes were identified from this region. These included 48 genes annotated by functional homology to known genes, 23 pseudogenes, 24 ab initio predicted genes supported by an alignment match to an EST (Expressed sequence tag) of unknown function, and 80 hypothetical genes predicted solely by ab initio means. Among these, 16 candidate genes could potentially be involved in drought stress response.
文摘Over recent years,[18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography acquired together with low dose computed tomography(FDG-PET/CT)has proven its role as a staging modality in patients with non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).The purpose of this review was to present the evidence to use FDG-PET/CT for response evaluation in patients with NSCLC,treated with epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKI).All published articles from 1November 2003 to 1 November 2013 reporting on 18FFDG-PET response evaluation during EGFR-TKI treatment in patients with NSCLC were collected.In total 7studies,including data of 210 patients were eligible for analyses.Our report shows that FDG-PET/CT responseduring EGFR-TKI therapy has potential in targeted treatment for NSCLC.FDG-PET/CT response is associated with clinical and radiologic response and with survival.Furthermore FDG-PET/CT response monitoring can be performed as early as 1-2 wk after initiation of EGFR-TKI treatment.Patients with substantial decrease of metabolic activity during EGFR-TKI treatment will probably benefit from continued treatment.If metabolic response does not occur within the first weeks of EGFR-TKI treatment,patients may be spared(further)unnecessary toxicity of ineffective treatment.Refining FDG-PET response criteria may help the clinician to decide on continuation or discontinuation of targeted treatment.
文摘Symptomatic chondral or osteochondral defects of the talus reduce the quality of life of many patients.Although their pathomechanism is well understood,it is well known that different aetiologic factors play a role in their origin.Additionally,it is well recognised that the talar articular cartilage strongly differs from that in the knee.Despite this fact,many recommendations for the management of talar cartilage defects are based on approaches that were developed for the knee.Conservative treatment seems to work best in paediatric and adolescent patients with osteochondritis dissecans.However,depending on the size of the lesions,surgical approaches are necessary to treat many of these defects.Bone marrow stimulation techniques may achieve good results in small lesions.Large lesions may be treated by open procedures such as osteochondral autograft transfer or allograft transplantation.Autologous chondrocyte transplantation,as a restorative procedure,is well investigated in the knee and has been applied in the talus with increasing popularity and promising results but the evidence to date is poor.The goals of the current article are to summarise the different options for treating chondral and osteochondral defects of the talus and review the available literature.
基金Supported by The FibroScan device was made available for this study by Echosens(Paris,France)the iU22 ultrasound equipment was provided by Philips Medical Systems(Bothell,WA,United States)
文摘AIM: To estimate the validity of the point shear-wave elastography method by evaluating its reproducibility and accuracy for assessing liver stiffness.
文摘AIM： To evaluate the influence of preoperative FOLFOX chemotherapy on CCL20/CCR6 expression in liver metastases of stage IV colorectal cancer （CRC） patients.（/7 = 53） and in patients who did not receive FOLFOX chemotherapy prior to liver surgery （n = 29）. RESULTS： Of the 53 patients who received FOLFOX, time to liver surgery was n〈 1 mo in 14 patients, 〈 1 year in 22 patients and 〉 1 year in 17 patients, respectively. In addition, we investigated the proliferation rate of CRC cells in liver metastases in the different patient groups. Both CCL20 and CCR6 mRNA and protein ex- pression levels were significantly increased in patients who received preoperative FOLFOX chemotherapy ~〈 12 mo before liver surgery （P 〈 0.001） in comparison to patients who did not undergo FOLFOX treatment. Further, proliferation of CRLM cells as measured by Ki-67 was increased in patients who underwent FOLFOX treat- ment. CCL20 and CCR6 expression levels were significantly increased in CRLM patients who had undergone preoperative FOLFOX chemotherapy. CONCLUSION： This chemokine/receptor up-regulation could lead to increased proliferation/migration through an autocrine mechanism which might be used by surviving metastatic cells to escape cell death caused by FOLFOX.
文摘AIM:To compare results of liver stiffness measurements by transient elastography(TE) obtained in our patients population with that used in a recently published meta-analysis.METHODS:This was a single center cross-sectional study.Consecutive patients with chronic viral hepatitis scheduled for liver biopsy at the outpatient ward of our Infectious Diseases Department were enrolled.TE was carried out by using FibroScan(Echosens,Paris,France).Liver biopsy was performed on the same day as TE,as day case procedure.Fibrosis was staged according to the Metavir scoring system.The diagnostic performance of TE was assessed by using receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curves and the area under the ROC curve analysis.RESULTS:Two hundred and fifty-two patients met the inclusion criteria.Six(2%) patients were excluded due to unreliable TE measurements.Thus,246(171 men and 75 women) patients were analyzed.One hundred and ninety-five(79.3%) patients had chronic hepatitis C,41(16.7%) had chronic hepatitis B,and 10(4.0%) were coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus.ROC curve analysis identified optimal cut-off value of TE as high as 6.9 kPa forF ≥ 2;7.9 kPa forF ≥ 3;9.6 kPa for F = 4 in all patients(n = 246),and as high as 6.9 kPa for F ≥ 2;7.3 kPa for F ≥ 3;9.3 kPa for F = 4 in patients with hepatitis C(n = 195).Cut-off values of TE obtained by maximizing only the specificity were as high as 6.9 kPa for F ≥ 2;9.6 kPa for F ≥ 3;12.2 kPa for F = 4 in all patients(n = 246),and as high as 7.0 kPa forF ≥ 2;9.3 kPa forF ≥ 3;12.3 kPa forF = 4 in patients with hepatitis C(n = 195).CONCLUSION:The cut-off values of TE obtained in this single center study are comparable to that obtained in a recently published meta-analysis that included up to 40 studies.
基金supported by the CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (CIFMS, 2016-I2M-1-009)Twelfth Five-Year Planning Project of the Scientific and Technological Department of China (2011BAI11B02)National Natural Science Foundation of China (No 81670415)。
文摘Background Proton pump inhibitors(PPIs) are recommended by the latest guidelines to reduce the risk of bleeding in acute myocardial infarction(AMI) patients treated with dual antiplatelet therapy(DAPT). However, previous pharmacodynamic and clinical studies have reported controversial results on the interaction between PPI and the P2 Y12 inhibitor clopidogrel. We investigated the impact of PPIs use on in-hospital outcomes in AMI patients, aiming to provide a new insight on the value of PPIs. Methods A total of 23,380 consecutive AMI patients who received clopidogrel with or without PPIs in the China Acute Myocardial Infarction(CAMI) registry were analyzed. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events(MACCE) defined as a composite of in-hospital cardiac death, re-infarction and stroke. Propensity score matching(PSM) was used to control potential baseline confounders. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of PPIs use on MACCE and gastrointestinal bleeding(GIB). Results Among the whole AMI population, a large majority received DAPT and 67.5% were co-medicated with PPIs. PPIs use was associated with a decreased risk of MACCE(Before PSM OR: 0.857, 95% CI: 0.742-0.990, P = 0.0359;after PSM OR: 0.862, 95% CI: 0.768-0.949, P = 0.0245) after multivariate adjustment. Patients receiving PPIs also had a lower risk of cardiac death but a higher risk of complicating with stroke. When GIB occurred, an alleviating trend of GIB severity was observed in PPIs group. Conclusions Our study is the first nation-wide large-scale study to show evidence on PPIs use in AMI patients treated with DAPT. We found that PPIs in combination with clopidogrel was associated with decreased risk for MACCE in AMI patients, and it might have a trend to mitigate GIB severity. Therefore, PPIs could become an available choice for AMI patients during hospitalization.
文摘In recent decades,silicon photonics has attracted much attention in telecom and data-com areas.Constituted of high refractive-index contrast waveguides on silicon-on-insulator(SOI),a variety of integrated photonic passive and active devices have been implemented supported by excellent optical properties of silicon in the mid-infrared spectrum.The main advantage of the silicon photonics is the ability to use complementary metal oxide semiconductor(CMOS)process-compatible fabrication technologies,resulting in high-volume production at low cost.On the other hand,explosively growing traffic in the telecom,data center and high-performance computer demands the data flow to have high speed,wide bandwidth,low cost,and high energy-efficiency,as well as the photonics and electronics to be integrated for ultra-fast data transfer in networks.In practical applications,silicon photonics started with optical interconnect transceivers in the data-com first,and has been now extended to innovative applications such as multi-port optical switches in the telecom network node and integrated optical phased arrays(OPAs)in light detection and ranging(LiDAR).This paper overviews the progresses of silicon photonics from four points reflecting the recent advances mentioned above.CMOS-based silicon photonic platform technologies,applications to optical transceiver in the data-com network,applications to multi-port optical switches in the telecom network and applications to OPA in LiDAR system.
