Device-independent quantum randomness-enhanced zero-knowledge proof.

Zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) is a fundamental cryptographic primitive that allows a prover to convince a verifier of the validity of a statement without leaking any further information. As an efficient variant of ZKP, noninteractive zero-knowledge proof (NIZKP) adopting the Fiat-Shamir heuristic is essential to a wide spectrum of applications, such as federated learning, blockchain, and social networks. However, the heuristic is typically built upon the random oracle model that makes ideal assumptions about hash functions, which does not hold in reality and thus undermines the security of the protocol. Here, we present a quantum solution to the problem. Instead of resorting to a random oracle model, we implement a quantum randomness service. This service generates random numbers certified by the loophole-free Bell test and delivers them with postquantum cryptography (PQC) authentication. By employing this service, we conceive and implement NIZKP of the three-coloring problem. By bridging together three prominent research themes, quantum nonlocality, PQC, and ZKP, we anticipate this work to inspire more innovative applications that combine quantum information science and the cryptography field.

Device-independent quantum random-number generation.

Randomness is important for many information processing applications, including numerical modelling and cryptography1,2. Device-independent quantum random-number generation (DIQRNG)3,4 based on the loophole-free violation of a Bell inequality produces genuine, unpredictable randomness without requiring any assumptions about the inner workings of the devices, and is therefore an ultimate goal in the field of quantum information science5-7. Previously reported experimental demonstrations of DIQRNG8,9 were not provably secure against the most general adversaries or did not close the 'locality' loophole of the Bell test. Here we present DIQRNG that is secure against quantum and classical adversaries10-12. We use state-of-the-art quantum optical technology to create, modulate and detect entangled photon pairs, achieving an efficiency of more than 78 per cent from creation to detection at a distance of about 200 metres that greatly exceeds the threshold for closing the 'detection' loophole of the Bell test. By independently and randomly choosing the base settings for measuring the entangled photon pairs and by ensuring space-like separation between the measurement events, we also satisfy the no-signalling condition and close the 'locality' loophole of the Bell test, thus enabling the realization of the loophole-free violation of a Bell inequality. This, along with a high-voltage, high-repetition-rate Pockels cell modulation set-up, allows us to accumulate sufficient data in the experimental time to extract genuine quantum randomness that is secure against the most general adversaries. By applying a large (137.90 gigabits × 62.469 megabits) Toeplitz-matrix hashing technique, we obtain 6.2469 × 107 quantum-certified random bits in 96 hours with a total failure probability (of producing a random number that is not guaranteed to be perfectly secure) of less than 10-5. Our demonstration is a crucial step towards transforming DIQRNG from a concept to a key aspect of practical applications that require high levels of security and thus genuine randomness7. Our work may also help to improve our understanding of the origin of randomness from a fundamental perspective.

Toward a Photonic Demonstration of Device-Independent Quantum Key Distribution.

The security of quantum key distribution (QKD) usually relies on that the users' devices are well characterized according to the security models made in the security proofs. In contrast, device-independent QKD-an entanglement-based protocol-permits the security even without any knowledge of the underlying quantum devices. Despite its beauty in theory, device-independent QKD is elusive to realize with current technologies. Especially in photonic implementations, the requirements for detection efficiency are far beyond the performance of any reported device-independent experiments. In this Letter, we report a proof-of-principle experiment of device-independent QKD based on a photonic setup in the asymptotic limit. On the theoretical side, we enhance the loss tolerance for real device imperfections by combining different approaches, namely, random postselection, noisy preprocessing, and developed numerical methods to estimate the key rate via the von Neumann entropy. On the experimental side, we develop a high-quality polarization-entangled photon source achieving a state-of-the-art (heralded) detection efficiency about 87.5%. Although our experiment does not include random basis switching, the achieved efficiency outperforms previous photonic experiments involving loophole-free Bell tests. Together, we show that the measured quantum correlations are strong enough to ensure a positive key rate under the fiber length up to 220 m. Our photonic platform can generate entangled photons at a high rate and in the telecom wavelength, which is desirable for high-speed generation over long distances. The results present an important step toward a full demonstration of photonic device-independent QKD.

Proanthocyanidins inhibit the apoptosis and aging of nucleus pulposus cells through the PI3K/Akt pathway delaying intervertebral disc degeneration.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain is a common symptom of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. The abnormal apoptosis and senescence of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells play important roles in the pathogenesis of IDD. Proanthocyanidins (PACs) are polyphenolic compounds with anti-apoptosis and anti-aging effects. However, their functions in NP cells are not yet clear. Therefore, this study was performed to explore the effects of PACs on NP cell apoptosis and aging and the underlying mechanisms of action. METHODS: Cell viability was evaluated by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The apoptosis rate was determined TUNEL assays. Levels of apoptosis-associated molecules (Bcl-2, Bax, C-caspase-3 and Caspase-9) were evaluated via western blot. The senescence was observed through SA-ß-gal staining and western blotting analysis was performed to observe the expression of senescence-related molecules (p-P53, P53, P21 and P16). RESULTS: Pretreatment with PACs exhibited protective effects against IL-1ß-induced NP cell apoptosis including apoptosis rate, expressions of proapoptosis and antiapoptosis related genes and protein. PACs could also alleviate the increase of p-p53, P21, and P16 in IL-1ß-treated NP cells. SA-ß-gal staining showed that IL-1ß-induced senescence of NP cells was prevented by PACs pertreatment. In addition, PACs activated PI3K/Akt pathway in IL-1ß-stimulated NP cells. However, these protected effects were inhibited after LY294002 treatment. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed that PACs inhibit IL-1ß-induced apoptosis and aging of NP cells by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway, and suggested that PACs have therapeutic potential for IDD.

Current status and outlook of advances in exosome isolation.

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles with a diameter ranging from 30 to 150 nm, which are an important medium for intercellular communication and are closely related to the progression of certain diseases. Therefore, exosomes are considered promising biomarkers for the diagnosis of specific diseases, and thereby, treatments based on exosomes are being widely examined. For exosome-related research, a rapid, simple, high-purity, and recovery isolation method is the primary prerequisite for exosomal large-scale application in medical practice. Although there are no standardized methods for exosome separation and analysis, various techniques have been established to explore their biochemical and physicochemical properties. In this review, we analyzed the progress in exosomal isolation strategies and proposed our views on the development prospects of various exosomal isolation techniques.

Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins Exert a Neuroprotective Effect by Regulating Microglial M1/M2 Polarisation in Rats with Spinal Cord Injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a highly disabling disorder for which few effective treatments are available. Grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPs) are polyphenolic compounds with various biological activities. In our preliminary experiment, GSP promoted functional recovery in rats with SCI, but the mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, we explored the protective effects of GSP on SCI and its possible underlying mechanisms. We found that GSP promoted locomotor recovery, reduced neuronal apoptosis, increased neuronal preservation, and regulated microglial polarisation in vivo. We also performed in vitro studies to verify the effects of GSP on neuronal protection and microglial polarisation and their potential mechanisms. We found that GSP regulated microglial polarisation and inhibited apoptosis in PC12 cells induced by M1-BV2 cells through the Toll-like receptor 4- (TLR4-) mediated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/serine threonine kinase (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathways. This suggests that GSP regulates microglial polarisation and prevents neuronal apoptosis, possibly by the TLR4-mediated NF-κB and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.

Experimental Realization of Device-Independent Quantum Randomness Expansion.

Randomness expansion where one generates a longer sequence of random numbers from a short one is viable in quantum mechanics but not allowed classically. Device-independent quantum randomness expansion provides a randomness resource of the highest security level. Here, we report the first experimental realization of device-independent quantum randomness expansion secure against quantum side information established through quantum probability estimation. We generate 5.47×10^{8} quantum-proof random bits while consuming 4.39×10^{8} bits of entropy, expanding our store of randomness by 1.08×10^{8} bits at a latency of about 13.1 h, with a total soundness error 4.6×10^{-10}. Device-independent quantum randomness expansion not only enriches our understanding of randomness but also sets a solid base to bring quantum-certifiable random bits into realistic applications.

Test of Local Realism into the Past without Detection and Locality Loopholes.

Inspired by the recent remarkable progress in the experimental test of local realism, we report here such a test that achieves an efficiency greater than (78%)^{2} for entangled photon pairs separated by 183 m. Further utilizing the randomness in cosmic photons from pairs of stars on the opposite sides of the sky for the measurement setting choices, we not only close the locality and detection loopholes simultaneously, but also test the null hypothesis against local hidden variable mechanisms for events that took place 11 years ago (13 orders of magnitude longer than previous experiments). After considering the bias in measurement setting choices, we obtain an upper bound on the p value of 7.87×10^{-4}, which clearly indicates the rejection with high confidence of potential local hidden variable models. One may further push the time constraint on local hidden variable mechanisms deep into the cosmic history by taking advantage of the randomness in photon emissions from quasars with large aperture telescopes.

Prevalence and Years Lived with Disability for Dental Caries among Children Aged 0-14 Years in China, 1990-2016.

The estimate of dental caries among Chinese children at the microscale level using standard methodology remains unclear. In this study, we assessed and analyzed the disease burden of childhood dental caries in China by extracting data from the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2016 (GBD 2016). In 2016, the number of cases, prevalence, years lived with disability (YLD), and age-standardized YLD rate of dental caries was 93.0 million, 43.0%, 32,200 person years, and 14.8 per 100,000, respectively. Across 33 provincial units, the disease burden was highest in Hubei (YLD rate 28.6 per 100,000), lowest in Macao (9.1 per 100,000), while geographical clustering was not observed. Compared with 1990, the prevalence in 2016 decreased from 46.8% to 43.0%, and the YLD rate decreased from 16.5 per 100,000 to 14.8 per 100,000. Given the slight decrease in dental caries burden, the prevalence and disease burden remained high among Chinese children. Strategies for addressing the spatial inequity of childhood dental caries require geographical targeting.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Rhinogobius szechuanensis (Gobiiformes: Ggobiidae: Gobionellinae).

Here, we sequenced the complete mitogenome of Rhinogobius szechuanensis using the Illumina HiSeq platform and submitted the genome to Genbank with accession number OM617727. Assembly circular mitogenome (16,492 bp) consisted of 54.4% AT content, 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, an origin of light-strand replication, and a control region. Phylogenetic analysis supported that R. szechuanensis was grouped with R. rubromaculatus and clustered with other Rhinogobius species. The basal molecular data will be essential for further genetics studies such as evolution, taxonomy, DNA barcoding, and population genetics of Rhinogobius.

Assembly and phylogenetic analysis of the complete mitogenome of Devario interruptus (Teleostei, Cypriniformes, Danionidae).

The complete mitochondrial DNA genome of Devario interruptus was sequenced on the Illumina HiSeq platform and found to be 16,735 bp and included 37 genes encoding 13 proteins, 22 tRNAs, two rRNAs, and two non-coding regions. The proportion of nucleotides in mitochondrial genome was T (27.9%), C (23.7%), A (33%), G (15.4%), and the deviation of AT was 60.9%. A Maximum-Likelihood phylogenetic tree was reconstructed using the concatenated mitochondrial protein-coding genes of D. interruptus and other 18 species of fishes. Phylogenetic analysis results supported that D. interruptus was closely related to Devario shanensis. Fundamental genetic data of D. interruptus will be essential for further genetic studies.

Seven fish complete mitochondrial genomes of the Gastromyzontidae in Southern China (Teleostei: Cypriniformes).

Family of Gastromyzontidae originates from China and Southeast Asia, which is widely distributed in the southern part of the Yangtze River. In this study, we sequenced seven fish complete mitogenomes from three of all 18 genera in the Gastromyzontidae on the Illumina HiSeq platform. Lengths of seven complete mitochondrial genome sequences varied from 16,554 to 16,574 bp, with an AT bias of 53.6-54.9%. Maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree was reconstructed using the connected protein sequences of 13 protein-coding genes of 34 species of fish. The phylogeny revealed that the genera Gastromyzon, Sewellia, and Erromyzon were monophyletic, and other genera Beaufortia, Vanmanenia, Formosania, and Pseudogastromyzon were paraphyletic or polyphyletic. Phylogeny corrected the taxonomic status of Metahomaloptera omeiensis, which should be categorized under the family of Gastromyzontidae rather than Balitoridae, denoting the significance of this study to the overall fisheries research.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the freshwater fish Traccatichthys pulcher (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from China.

This study aimed to sequence and annotate the complete mitochondrial DNA genome sequence of Traccatichthys pulcher. The mitochondrial genome comprised 16,583 bp, harboring 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and a control region. The whole genome contained T (25.8%), C (26.9%), A (31.4%), and G (15.9%), showing an obvious AT bias (57.2%). Based on the concatenated protein sequences of 13 PCGs, a phylogenetic tree was reconstructed by the maximum likelihood method, and the topology revealed the monophyly of Traccatichthys, and the gathering of T. pulcher and M. pulcher. The mitochondrial DNA of T. pulcher (MZ853162.1) and M. pulcher (NC_031581.1) were aligned by the BLAST 2 sequences tool, which showed 97% similarity.

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analysis of Opsarius pulchellus (Cypriniformes, Danionidae, Chedrinae).

This study aimed to sequence and annotate the complete mitochondrial DNA genome sequence of Opsarius pulchellus. Complete mitochondrial genome is a circular molecule of 16,552 bp in length, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and a displacement loop region. Proportion of nucleotides in mitochondrial genome is 26.8% T, 26.9% C, 27.6% A, and 18.8% G, with an AT bias of 54.4%. Maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree was reconstructed using the connected protein sequences of 13 PCGs of O. pulchellus and other 18 fishes. Result of phylogenetic analysis supports a close relationship between O. pulchellus and Barilius bendelisis (Hamilton, 1807). Fundamental genetic data of O. pulchellus would be beneficial for further studies on genetic diversity and phylogeny.

Characteristic and phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial genome for Rhinogobius filamentosus (Teleostei: Gobiidae: Gobionellinae), an endemic species in China.

This study sequenced and annotated the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Rhinogobius filamentosus, an endemic species in China. The complete mitochondrial genome was 16,510 base pairs long and contained 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs, 11,414 bp), 22 tRNA genes (1,555 bp), two rRNA genes (2,615 bp), two non-coding regions (D-loop: control region displacement loop, 478 bp; OL: origin of L-strand replication, 30 bp). The overall base composition of the genome was estimated to be T (25.4%), C (30.2%), A (27.6%) and G (16.7%), showing an AT bias (53%). Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the genus Rhinogobius included two clades. For one clade, R. filamentosus clustered with R. duospilus, and they formed a sister-group relationship with other ten Rhinogobius species. This work would be essential in revealing the evolutionary relationships in Gobionellinae.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes: therapeutic opportunities and challenges for spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to serious motor and sensory dysfunction of the limbs below the injured segment. SCI not only results in physical and psychological harm to patients but can also cause a huge economic burden on their families and society. As there is no effective treatment method, the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with SCI have become urgent problems to be solved. In recent years, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have attracted more attention in the treatment of SCI. Although MSC therapy can reduce injured volume and promote axonal regeneration, its application is limited by tumorigenicity, a low survival rate, and immune rejection. Accumulating literature shows that exosomes have great potential in the treatment of SCI. In this review, we summarize the existing MSC-derived exosome studies on SCI and discuss the advantages and challenges of treating SCI based on exosomes derived from MSCs.

Natural Products of Pharmacology and Mechanisms in Nucleus Pulposus Cells and Intervertebral Disc Degeneration.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is one of the main causes of low back pain (LBP), which severely reduces the quality of life and imposes a heavy financial burden on the families of affected individuals. Current research suggests that IDD is a complex cell-mediated process. Inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, abnormal mechanical load, telomere shortening, DNA damage, and nutrient deprivation contribute to intervertebral disc cell senescence and changes in matrix metabolism, ultimately causing IDD. Natural products are widespread, structurally diverse, afford unique advantages, and exhibit great potential in terms of IDD treatment. In recent years, increasing numbers of natural ingredients have been shown to inhibit the degeneration of nucleus pulposus cells through various modes of action. Here, we review the pharmacological effects of natural products on nucleus pulposus cells and the mechanisms involved. An improved understanding of how natural products target signalling pathways will aid the development of anti-IDD drugs. This review focuses on potential IDD drugs.

[Contribution of soil water at various depths to water consumption of rainfed winter wheat in the Loess tableland, China]. / 黄土塬区不同土层土壤水分对旱作冬小麦耗水的贡献.

Soil water and stem water were collected in jointing and heading stages of the rainfed winter wheat in the Changwu Loess tableland, and the stable isotopic compositions of hydrogen and oxygen in water samples were measured to analyze the contribution of soil water at various depths to water consumption of winter wheat. The results showed that the isotopes were enriched in soil and wheat stem water in comparison with that in precipitation. Under the condition of no dry layer in soil profile, the contributions to wheat water consumption in jointing and heading stages were 5.4% and 2.6% from soil water at 0-30 cm depth, 73.4% and 67.3% at 60-90 cm depth (the main water source for winter wheat), and 7.9% and 13.5% below 120 cm depth, respectively. With the wheat growth, the contribution of soil water below the depth of 90 cm increased. It was concluded that soil evaporation mainly consumed soil water in 0-30 cm depth and wheat transpiration mainly consumed soil water below 60 cm depth in the experimental period. In the production practice, it is necessary to increase rainwater storage ratio during the summer fallow period, and apply reasonable combination of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers in order to increase soil moisture before wheat sowing, promote the wheat root developing deep downwards and raise the deep soil water utilization ratio.

[Vertical distribution characteristics and temporal stability of soil water in deep profile on the Loess Tableland, Northwest China.] / é»„åœŸå¡¬åŒºæ·±å‰–é¢åœŸå£¤æ°´åˆ†åž‚ç›´åˆ†å¸ƒç‰¹å¾åŠå ¶æ—¶é—´ç¨³å®šæ€§.

Study of impacts of land uses on spatiotemporal dynamics of soil water content (SWC) is of great significance for understanding the performance characteristics of regional water cycling under changing environment. Based on long-term located field observations, this paper explored the temporal dynamics of soil water in 0-15 m soil profile under four land use types on the Loess Tableland from September 2012 to December 2015. Results showed that the annually averaged SWCs over the 0-15 m soil profile for alfalfa field, fallow field, fertilized cropland and unfertilized cropland were 15.1%, 22.0%, 19.6% and 21.1%, respectively. Soil water contents along the shallow soil profile exhibited seasonal and annual wetting and drying cycle from March to June and July to October, and the profile depths were 0-2, 0-4.6, 0-3 and 0-4.2 m, respectively. Soil water contents along the deep soil profiles had better temporal stability and were influenced by land-use types. Du-ring the observation years, the yield and water consumption in alfalfa field increased, which caused the increase of deep soil desiccation, the 2-10 m soil profile had become stable dry layer, blocking the way of precipitation recharge.As for the soil water balance in other three land use types, it was negative in cropland and fallow field during winter wheat growing season, however, during spring maize growing season, it was negative in fertilized cropland but positive in unfertilized cropland and fallow field. During the fallow period, it was positive in the three land use types. The crop water use efficiency in the fertilized cropland was increased by more than 3 times than the unfertilized cropland.

[Short-term response of soil CH4 flux to simulated precipitation in a winter wheat field on the Loess Plateau, Northwest China].

To understand the short-term response of soil CH4 flux to different precipitation events in a winter wheat field on the Loess Plateau, we conducted precipitation simulation experiments during winter wheat jointing stage and summer fallow period to measure the soil CH4 flux in 0 to 72 h after precipitation simulation of 1 to 32 mm. Results showed that CH4 flux during 0 to 72 h fluctuated at 1 to 8 mm of precipitation application and peaked at 16 and 32 mm. Cumulative CH4 flux after 72 h of precipitation (CH4-C) increased linearly with the precipitation amount (P) (wheat jointing stage: CH-C=2.45P-6.09, R2=0.92, P<0.01; summer fallow: CH-C=2.43P-4.73, R2 = 0.91, P<0.01). Statistical analysis showed that CH4 flux was also correlated with soil water content and microbial biomass carbon but not with soil temperature. In the long run, small precipitation events (1-8 mm) could enhance the intensity of soil CH4 sink and such promoting effect would be weakened with further increase in precipitation amount. However, large precipitation events (≥16 mm) could change the soil function from CH4 sink to source by stimulating the activity of soil methanogens during short-term periods.