Enhancing quantum entropy in vacuum-based quantum random number generator

Information-theoretically provable unique true random numbers, which cannot be correlated or controlled by an attacker, can be generated based on quantum measurement of vacuum state and universal-hashing randomness extraction. Quantum entropy in the measurements decides the quality and security of the random number generator. At the same time, it directly determine the extraction ratio of true randomness from the raw data, in other words, it affects quantum random numbers generating rate obviously. In this work, considering the effects of classical noise, the best way to enhance quantum entropy in the vacuum-based quantum random number generator is explored in the optimum dynamical analog-digital converter (ADC) range scenario. The influence of classical noise excursion, which may be intrinsic to a system or deliberately induced by an eavesdropper, on the quantum entropy is derived. We propose enhancing local oscillator intensity rather than electrical gain for noise-independent amplification of quadrature fluctuation of vacuum state. Abundant quantum entropy is extractable from the raw data even when classical noise excursion is large. Experimentally, an extraction ratio of true randomness of 85.3% is achieved by finite enhancement of the local oscillator power when classical noise excursions of the raw data is obvious.Comment: 12 pages,8 figure

Thermochemical liquefaction of agricultural and forestry wastes into biofuels and chemicals from circular economy perspectives

Waste produced in various fields and activities in society has been increasing, thereby causing immediate environmental harm and a serious-global problem. Recently, the attitude towards waste has changed along with innovations making waste as a new resource. Agricultural and forestry wastes (AFWs) are globally produced in huge amounts and thought to be an important resource to be used for decreasing the dependence on fossil fuels. The central issue is to take use of AFW for different types of products making it a source of energy and at the same time refining it for the production of valuable chemicals. In this review, we present an overview of the composition and pretreatment of AFINs, thermochemical liquefaction including direct liquefaction and indirect liquefaction (liquid products from syngas by gasification) for producing biofuels and/or chemicals. The following two key points were discussed in-depth: the solvent or medium of thermochemical conversion and circular economy of liquid products. The concept of bio-economy entails economic use of waste streams, leading to the widened assessment of biomass use for energy where sustainability is a key issue coined in the circular economy. The smart use of AFWs requires a combination of available waste streams and local technical solutions to meet sustainability criteria. (C) 2020 Published by Elsevier B.V.Peer reviewe

The role of macrophages in gastric cancer

As one of the deadliest cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, there has been limited improvement in long-term survival rates for gastric cancer (GC) in recent decades. The poor prognosis is attributed to difficulties in early detection, minimal opportunity for radical resection and resistance to chemotherapy and radiation. Macrophages are among the most abundant infiltrating immune cells in the GC stroma. These cells engage in crosstalk with cancer cells, adipocytes and other stromal cells to regulate metabolic, inflammatory and immune status, generating an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME) and ultimately promoting tumour initiation and progression. In this review, we summarise recent advances in our understanding of the origin of macrophages and their types and polarisation in cancer and provide an overview of the role of macrophages in GC carcinogenesis and development and their interaction with the GC immune microenvironment and flora. In addition, we explore the role of macrophages in preclinical and clinical trials on drug resistance and in treatment of GC to assess their potential therapeutic value in this disease

Using Pan RNA-Seq Analysis to Reveal the Ubiquitous Existence of 5′ and 3′ End Small RNAs

In this study, we used pan RNA-seq analysis to reveal the ubiquitous existence of both 5′ and 3′ end small RNAs (5′ and 3′ sRNAs). 5′ and 3′ sRNAs alone can be used to annotate nuclear non-coding and mitochondrial genes at 1-bp resolution and identify new steady RNAs, which are usually transcribed from functional genes. Then, we provided a simple and cost effective way for the annotation of nuclear non-coding and mitochondrial genes and the identification of new steady RNAs, particularly long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Using 5′ and 3′ sRNAs, the annotation of human mitochondrial was corrected and a novel ncRNA named non-coding mitochondrial RNA 1 (ncMT1) was reported for the first time in this study. We also found that most of human tRNA genes have downstream lncRNA genes as lncTRS-TGA1-1 and corrected the misunderstanding of them in previous studies. Using 5′, 3′, and intronic sRNAs, we reported for the first time that enzymatic double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) cleavage and RNA interference (RNAi) might be involved in the RNA degradation and gene expression regulation of U1 snRNA in human. We provided a different perspective on the regulation of gene expression in U1 snRNA. We also provided a novel view on cancer and virus-induced diseases, leading to find diagnostics or therapy targets from the ribonuclease III (RNase III) family and its related pathways. Our findings pave the way toward a rediscovery of dsRNA cleavage and RNAi, challenging classical theories

Kinematics Analysis of the Roller Screw Based on the Accuracy of Meshing Point Calculation

This paper investigates the meshing behavior of the roller screw, a mechanical transmission device characterized by threaded rollers that transfer a load between the nut and the screw, by analyzing the meshing characteristics between screw and rollers. This study seeks to establish a more accurate mathematical model for the thread surface by creating a modeling process in which the max radiuses of the threads are calculated more precisely. The contact line distribution and the contact location were also calculated in order to confirm the cross section of the meshing points. In the research presented in this paper, the actual transmission ratio is analyzed and the study results in a new method to calculate the actual transmission ratio. In this study, the helical angle and the vertex angle are proven to be of great significance after a careful analysis of their influence is conducted

Controllable preparation of phosphonium-based polymeric ionic liquids as highly selective nanocatalysts for the chemical conversion of CO2 with epoxides

Phosphonium-based polymeric ionic liquids (PILs) have been prepared in a controlled way by using a microfluidic technique within an improved membrane microdevice. Using this method, the average diameter sizes of the particles could be tuned from 6.4 to 375 nm through varying the dispersed phase flow rates from 1.0 to 7.0 mL min(-1). The nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR, SEM, HRTEM, EDS, TGA and ICP, and their catalytic properties were estimated in the cycloaddition of CO2 with epoxides. It was found they could deliver good to excellent yields with selectivities of more than 99%. 1-Bromoacrylic acid-decorated nanoparticles (NPILs-BPA) were especially effective. Additionally, the activity displayed obvious size-dependence, increasing for the smaller particles, and the particles were stable when recycled seven times, retaining their catalytic activity and selectivity. Meanwhile, the ability of NPILs-BPA to provide carboxylic acid groups and act as a hydrogen bonding donor to activate the ring-opening of epoxides was tested by in situ FTIR. This work provides a continuous, simple method for the preparation of PILs with controlled nanosizes, and offers the potential for scale-up and throughput in industrial applications.</p

Solid chamber for satellite electronic modules and evaluation of its heat conduction behavior

A novel solid chamber configuration for cooling satellite electronic modules enduring high heat is proposed. Solid chamber modules with different inner structures and solid materials with high thermal conductivity are designed, and their thermal performances were experimentally studied. The equivalent heat conduction coefficient and contact thermal resistance of a solid chamber module are defined and the estimation methods for the thermal behavior are proposed. It is found that the thermal performances of the two solid chamber modules with the inner structures respectively composed of Graphite/Al 630/30 composites and graphite plate are obviously better than those of the other modules. Based on the assessment of the thermal resistance and cracks generated in the modules after thermal tests, it is found that the powder metallurgy technology makes the interlayers bonded more tightly than diffusion welding in the manufacture of solid chamber, and the tightness of the interlayer interface plays a key role in the contact thermal resistance

Changes in growth, physiology, and photosynthetic capacity of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) under different nitrate levels.

Nitrate content is an essential indicator of the quality of vegetables but can cause stress at high levels. This study aimed to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of nitrate stress tolerance in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.). We studied the effects of exogenous application of 15 (control), 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mM NO3- on spinach growth, physiology, and photosynthesis. The results showed that all the nitrate treatments inhibited the growth of the aerial parts of spinach compared to the control. In contrast, low nitrate levels (50 and 100 mM) promoted spinach root formation, but this effect was inhibited at high levels (150, 200, and 250 mM). Treatment with 150 mM NO3- significantly decreased the root growth vigor. Low nitrate levels increased the chlorophyll content in spinach leaves, whereas high levels had the opposite effect. High nitrate levels also weakened the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), the actual photochemical efficiency of PSII Y(II), and increased non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), reducing photosynthetic performance. Nitrate stress increased the activity of nitrate reductase (NR) and promoted the accumulation of nitrate in spinach leaves, exceeding the health-tolerance limit for nitrate in vegetables, highlighting the necessity of mitigating nitrate stress to ensure food safety. Starting with the 150 mM NO3- treatment, the proline and malondialdehyde content in spinach leaves and roots increased significantly as the nitrate levels increased. Treatment with 150 mM NO3- significantly increased soluble protein and flavonoid contents, while the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were significantly reduced in leaves. However, spinach could resist nitrate stress by regulating the synthesis of osmoregulatory substances such as proline, thus showing some nitrate tolerance. These results provide insights into the physiological regulatory mechanisms of nitrate stress tolerance and its mitigation in spinach, an essential vegetable crop