Chord-PKI: A distributed trust infrastructure based on P2P networks

Many P2P applications require security services such as privacy, anonymity, authentication, and non-repudiation. Such services could be provided through a hierarchical Public Key Infrastructure. However, P2P networks are usually Internet-scale distributed systems comprised of nodes with an undetermined trust level, thus making hierarchical solutions unrealistic. In this paper, we propose Chord-PKI, a distributed PKI architecture which is build upon the Chord overlay network, in order to provide security services for P2P applications. Our solution distributes the functionality of a PKI across the peers by using threshold cryptography and proactive updating. We analyze the security of the proposed infrastructure and through simulations we evaluate its performance for various scenarios of untrusted node distributions.     

基于P89C668单片机的智能定硫仪系统设计

该仪器根据GB214-2007《煤中全硫的测定方法》库仑滴定法原理设计,全部测试过程采用单片机自动控制,系统主要侧重于电路简单、系统抗干扰能力强、测硫精度高和控制温度科学等方面的研制。该方法与目前采用的艾士卡重量分析法和高温燃烧中和法相比具有测定迅速、结果准确的优点。     

Microhardness and corrosion behavior in CrN/electroless Ni/mild steel complex coating

The electroless nickel–phosphorous (Ni–P) coating was chosen as an interlayer to improve the properties of the CrN/mild steel (MS) composite. A hypophosphite-reduced acid solution was used to first deposit electroless Ni–P onto MS substrates, and then the CrN overlayer was deposited by reactive r.f. magnetron sputtering onto the electroless Ni–P modified substrate. The electroless Ni–P layer crystallizes with the precipitation of a Ni₃P phase during r.f. sputtering, and thus a coating–substrate composite of CrN/Ni–Ni₃P/MS is formed. The electroless Ni–P coating increases the surface hardness of the steel substrate to more than three times. The surface hardness of the CrN coating modified by an electroless Ni–P interlayer exhibits a hardness higher than 2000 HK_0.015. The usual substrate effect on the microhardness of the coatings is nearly eliminated with the complex coating feature, and a significant enhancement of surface hardness in the coating assembly is achieved. The corrosion tests indicate that the Ni–Ni₃P/MS configuration exhibits a more positive E_corr value (i.e. less electronegative) than CrN/MS and the corresponding potential curve is shifted toward the low-current side, indicating a better anti-corrosion performance. Through comparison of the E_corr values and the polarization curves, it is demonstrated that the CrN/Ni–Ni₃P/MS composite exhibits significantly higher corrosion resistance than the Ni–Ni₃P/MS and CrN/MS coating configurations.     

沂沭河底泥中污染物空间分布特征及评价

测定沂沭河底泥的有机质(OM)、总氮(TN)、总磷(TP)及有效磷含量,分析了污染物之间的相关性,评价了沂沭河底泥的污染状况。结果表明:沂沭河流域表层沉积物中TN、TP分布特性相似,沂河中OM含量远低于沭河,OM、TN、TP分布的空间差异较大。有效磷含量约占TP含量的17.7%,表明农田及人类活动对流域水环境造成了一定程度的污染。C/N、N/P及OM与氮、磷含量的回归分析表明,碳、氮具有同源性,底质中OM及氮主要源于生物沉降,而磷主要源于外部输入。经评价,沂沭河底质沉积物环境质量整体较好,污染程度属于清洁水平。     

Ovule Development and in Planta Transformation of Paphiopedilum Maudiae by Agrobacterium-Mediated Ovary-Injection

In this paper, the development of the Paphiopedilum Maudiae embryo sac at different developmental stages after pollination was assessed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The mature seeds of P. Maudiae consisted of an exopleura and a spherical embryo, but without an endosperm, while the inner integument cells were absorbed by the developing embryo. The P. Maudiae embryo sac exhibited an Allium type of development. The time taken for the embryo to develop to a mature sac was 45-50 days after pollination (DAP) and most mature embryo sacs had completed fertilization and formed zygotes by about 50–54 DAP. In planta transformation was achieved by injection of the ovaries by Agrobacterium, resulting in 38 protocorms or seedlings after several rounds of hygromycin selection, corresponding to 2, 7, 5, 1, 3, 4, 9, and 7 plantlets from Agrobacterium-mediated ovary-injection at 30, 35, 42, 43, 45, 48, 50, and 53 DAP, respectively. Transformation efficiency was highest at 50 DAP (2.54%), followed by 2.48% at 53 DAP and 2.45% at 48 DAP. Four randomly selected hygromycin-resistant plants were GUS-positive after PCR analysis. Semi-quantitative PCR and quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed the expression of the hpt gene in the leaves of eight hygromycin-resistant seedlings following Agrobacterium-mediated ovary-injection at 30, 35, 42, 43, 45, 48, 50, and 53 DAP, while hpt expression was not detected in the control. The best time to inject P. Maudiae ovaries in planta with Agrobacterium is 48-53 DAP, which corresponds to the period of fertilization. This protocol represents the first genetic transformation protocol for any Paphiopedilum species and will allow for expanded molecular breeding programs to introduce useful and interesting genes that can expand its ornamental and horticulturally important characteristics.     

mRNA and miRNA Expression Analyses of the MYC/E2F/miR-17-92 Network in the Most Common Pediatric Brain Tumors

Numerous molecular factors disrupt the correctness of the cell cycle process leading to the development of cancer due to increased cell proliferation. Among known causative factors of such process is abnormal gene expression. Nowadays in the light of current knowledge such alterations are frequently considered in the context of mRNA–miRNA correlation. One of the molecular factors with potential value in tumorigenesis is the feedback loop between MYC and E2F genes in which miR-17-5p and miR-20a from the miR-17-92 cluster are involved. The current literature shows that overexpression of the members of the OncomiR-1 are involved in the development of many solid tumors. In the present work, we investigated the expression of components of the MYC/E2F/miR-17-92 network and their closely related elements including members of MYC and E2F families and miRNAs from two paralogs of miR-17-92: miR-106b-25 and miR-106a-363, in the most common brain tumors of childhood, pilocytic astrocytoma (PA), WHO grade 1; ependymoma (EP), WHO grade 2; and medulloblastoma (MB), WHO grade 4. We showed that the highest gene expression was observed in the MYC family for MYCN and in the E2F family for E2F2. Positive correlation was observed between the gene expression and tumor grade and type, with the highest expression being noted for medulloblastomas, followed by ependymomas, and the lowest for pilocytic astrocytomas. Most members of miR-17-92, miR-106a-363 and miR-106b-25 clusters were upregulated and the highest expression was noted for miR-18a and miR-18b. The rest of the miRNAs, including miR-19a, miR-92a, miR-106a, miR-93, or miR-25 also showed high values. miR-17-5p, miR-20a obtained a high level of expression in medulloblastomas and ependymomas, while close to the control in the pilocytic astrocytoma samples. miRNA expression also depended on tumor grade and histology.     

P2Y11 Agonism Prevents Hypoxia/Reoxygenation- and Angiotensin II-Induced Vascular Dysfunction and Intimal Hyperplasia Development

Vascular dysfunction in cardiovascular diseases includes vasomotor response impairments, endothelial cells (ECs) activation, and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) proliferation and migration to the intima. This results in intimal hyperplasia and vessel failure. We previously reported that activation of the P2Y11 receptor (P2Y11R) in human dendritic cells, cardiofibroblasts and cardiomyocytes was protective against hypoxia/reoxygenation (HR) lesions. In this study, we investigated the role of P2Y11R signaling in vascular dysfunction. P2Y11R activity was modulated using its pharmacological agonist NF546 and antagonist NF340. Rat aortic rings were exposed to angiotensin II (AngII) and evaluated for their vasomotor response. The P2Y11R agonist NF546 reduced AngII-induced vascular dysfunction by promoting EC-dependent vasorelaxation, through an increased nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and reduced AngII-induced H₂O₂ release; these effects were prevented by the use of the P2Y11R antagonist NF340. Human vascular SMCs and ECs were subjected to AngII or H/R simulation in vitro. P2Y11R agonist modulated vasoactive factors in human ECs, that is, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and endothelin-1, reduced SMC proliferation and prevented the switch towards a synthetic phenotype. H/R and AngII increased ECs secretome-induced SMC proliferation, an effect prevented by P2Y11R activation. Thus, our data suggest that P2Y11R activation may protect blood vessels from HR-/AngII-induced injury and reduce vascular dysfunctions. These results open the way for new vasculoprotective interventions.     

Adenosine Receptor Agonist HE-NECA Enhances Antithrombotic Activities of Cangrelor and Prasugrel in vivo by Decreasing of Fibrinogen Density in Thrombus

Blood platelets’ adenosine receptors (AR) are considered to be a new target for the anti-platelet therapy. This idea is based on in vitro studies which show that signaling mediated by these receptors leads to a decreased platelet response to activating stimuli. In vivo evidence for the antithrombotic activity of AR agonists published to date were limited, however, to the usage of relatively high doses given in bolus. The present study was aimed at verifying if these substances used in lower doses in combination with inhibitors of P2Y₁₂ could serve as components of dual anti-platelet therapy. We have found that a selective A_2A agonist 2-hexynyl-5’-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (HE-NECA) improved the anti-thrombotic properties of either cangrelor or prasugrel in the model of ferric chloride-induced experimental thrombosis in mice. Importantly, HE-NECA was effective not only when applied in bolus as other AR agonists in the up-to-date published studies, but also when given chronically. In vitro thrombus formation under flow conditions revealed that HE-NECA enhanced the ability of P2Y₁₂ inhibitors to decrease fibrinogen content in thrombi, possibly resulting in their lower stability. Adenosine receptor agonists possess a certain hypotensive effect and an ability to increase the blood–brain barrier permeability. Therefore, the effects of anti-thrombotic doses of HE-NECA on blood pressure and the blood–brain barrier permeability in mice were tested. HE-NECA applied in bolus caused a significant hypotension in mice, but the effect was much lower when the substance was given in doses corresponding to that obtained by chronic administration. At the same time, no significant effect of HE-NECA was observed on the blood–brain barrier. We conclude that chronic administration of the A_2A agonist can be considered a potential component of a dual antithrombotic therapy. However, due to the hypotensive effect of the substances, dosage and administration must be elaborated to minimize the side-effects. The total number of animals used in the experiments was 146.     

γ—TiAl增压涡轮熔模铸造过程数值模拟研究

根据熔模型壳离心浇注的铸造工艺特点，建立了γ－TiAl增压涡轮凝固传热过程的数值模型，推导了离心压力下γ－TiAl金属间化合物的凝固收缩和补缩过程数学模型，模拟计算了γ－TiAl增压涡轮铸件的温度场和收缩缺陷，结果表明，模型能可靠计算γ－TiAl增压涡轮铸件凝固过程的温度分布和准确预测铸件的收缩缺陷，数值模拟结果与实验结果吻合良好，数值模拟结果证实了前期工作所提出的进一步减少及消除收缩缺陷的优化工艺措施的合理性。     

P，Zr，B对定向凝固IN738合金组织和偏析的影响SCIEI

用不同凝固速度下定向凝固和定向凝固加快淬的方法研究了Ｐ，Ｚｒ，Ｂ对定向凝固ＩＮ７３８合金组织和偏析的影响发现随磷含量的增加，合金固液两相区宽度及温度区间显著增加；凝固前沿低熔点液相区增大；树枝晶组织发达，二次晶变细、变多；固液界面表面积增加。发现只加Ｐ与同时加Ｐ，Ｚｒ合金的溶质原子偏析规律有差异。Ｐ，Ｚｒ，Ｂ促进合金中（γ＋γ′）共晶形成，在其前沿有（γ＋硼化物）共晶析出。