Systemic Activation of Defensive Enzymes and Protection in Tobacco Plantlets against <i>Phytophthora nicotianae</i>Induced by Oligosaccharins

Oligosaccharins are potent biomolecules which activate defense responses and resistance in tobacco plants. However, it is not known the systemic behavior of defensive enzymes activated by these elicitors. In this work, the dynamic behavior of key defensive enzymes was evaluated in tobacco plant leaves previously treated through the roots with chitosan polymer (CH), chitosan (COS) and pectic (OGAS) oligosaccharides and Spermine (Sp). All macromolecules tested activated protein levels and defense enzymatic activity in tobacco leaves but with different response dynamics among them and depending on the biochemical variable evaluated. Defense response above control levels were detected since 12 hours after treatments and it consisted in a biphasic behavior with two peaks for PAL (EC 4.3.1.5) and β 1 - 3 glucanase (EC 3.2.1.6) enzymatic activities. The highest enzymatic levels for these enzymes were achieved at 48 hours in plantlets elicited with COS and at 72 hours for those plants treated with chitosan polymer, while the highest POD (EC 1.11.1.6) activity was detected with CH between 48 and 72 hours. These results demonstrated systemic defense activation by oligosaccharins in tobacco whose dynamic of defense response is affected by the kind of oligosaccharins tested. When applying OGAS by foliar spray on tobacco, systemic resistance against Phytoththora nicotianae was induced and plantlets were protected with the low concentration tested by 46% under the bioassays conditions performed. Moreover, enzymatic determinations on roots and leaves previous to plant-pathogen interaction showed increments above 30% of control levels for PAL and POD activities. It means that oligosaccharins activate local and systemic defense responses in plants in the absent of pathogen infection.

ATSSC:An Attack Tolerant System in Serverless Computing

Serverless computing is a promising paradigm in cloud computing that greatly simplifies cloud programming.With serverless computing,developers only provide function code to serverless platform,and these functions are invoked by its driven events.Nonetheless,security threats in serverless computing such as vulnerability-based security threats have become the pain point hindering its wide adoption.The ideas in proactive defense such as redundancy,diversity and dynamic provide promising approaches to protect against cyberattacks.However,these security technologies are mostly applied to serverless platform based on“stacked”mode,as they are designed independent with serverless computing.The lack of security consideration in the initial design makes it especially challenging to achieve the all life cycle protection for serverless application with limited cost.In this paper,we present ATSSC,a proactive defense enabled attack tolerant serverless platform.ATSSC integrates the characteristic of redundancy,diversity and dynamic into serverless seamless to achieve high-level security and efficiency.Specifically,ATSSC constructs multiple diverse function replicas to process the driven events and performs cross-validation to verify the results.In order to create diverse function replicas,both software diversity and environment diversity are adopted.Furthermore,a dynamic function refresh strategy is proposed to keep the clean state of serverless functions.We implement ATSSC based on Kubernetes and Knative.Analysis and experimental results demonstrate that ATSSC can effectively protect serverless computing against cyberattacks with acceptable costs.

Intelligent Dynamic Heterogeneous Redundancy Architecture for IoT Systems

The conventional dynamic heterogeneous redundancy(DHR)architecture suffers from the security threats caused by the stability differences and similar vulnerabilities among the executors.To overcome these challenges,we propose an intelligent DHR architecture,which is more feasible by intelligently combining the random distribution based dynamic scheduling algorithm(RD-DS)and information weight and heterogeneity based arbitrament(IWHA)algorithm.In the proposed architecture,the random distribution function and information weight are employed to achieve the optimal selection of executors in the process of RD-DS,which avoids the case that some executors fail to be selected due to their stability difference in the conventional DHR architecture.Then,through introducing the heterogeneity to restrict the information weights in the procedure of the IWHA,the proposed architecture solves the common mode escape issue caused by the existence of multiple identical error output results of similar vulnerabilities.The experimental results characterize that the proposed architecture outperforms in heterogeneity,scheduling times,security,and stability over the conventional DHR architecture under the same conditions.

Analysis of Meteorological Conditions of Freeze Damage to Citrus in Southern Shaanxi in the Winter of 2010 and Defensive Countermeasures

In order to take advantage of the climate resources more effectively ac- cording to the local circumstances and to plan and develop the citrus industry in Southern Shaanxi more reasonably. On the basis of the investigation of freeze dam- age to citrus occurring in Southern Shaanxi in the winter of 2010, the climatic back- ground for the formation of this freeze damage was analyzed. In combination with the freeze damage indicators during the overwintering period and the harmful accu- mulated cold during the cold wave, indexes for grading the freeze damage in southern Shaanxi were analyzed and verified, and the perspective of grading the freeze damage using the harmful accumulated cold during the cold wave was also presented. Through analyzing the extremely lowest temperature and the harmful ac- cumulated cold in the winter of 2010 and in history at 12 citrus growing counties （districts） in Ankang area and Hanzhong area, the reasons why the freeze damage to citrus during the overwintering period was severer in the west than in the east of Southern Shaanxi were discussed, and the results obtained were basically consistent with the actual situation observed from investigation. Finally, defensive countermea- sures against the freeze damage to citrus during the overwintering period were put forward from several aspects.

OPTIMIZATION FOR COMBAT CONFIGURATION OF AIR DEFENSE WEAPON SYSTEMS

At evaluating the combat effectiveness of the defense system, target′s probability to penetrate the defended area is a primary care taking index. In this paper, stochastic model to compete the probability that target penetrates the defended area along any flight path is established by the state analysis and statistical equilibrium analysis of stochastic service system theory. The simulated annealing algorithm is an enlightening random search method based on Monte Carlo recursion, and it can find global optimal solution by simulating annealing process. Combining stochastic model to compete the probability and simulated annealing algorithm, this paper establishes the method to solve problem quantitatively about combat configuration optimization of weapon systems. The calculated result shows that the perfect configuration for fire cells of the weapon is fast found by using this method, and this quantificational method for combat configuration is faster and more scientific than previous one based on principle via map fire field.

Effects of Spores and Crude Toxins of Helminthosporium gramineum Rabenh f.sp.echinochloae on the Activity of Defensive Enzymes in Barnyardgrass

[Objective] This study aimed to explore the effects of spores and crude toxins of Helminthosporium gramineum Rabenh f. sp. echinochloae（HGE） on the ac- tivity of defensive enzymes of barnyardgrass [Echinochloa crus-galli （L.） Beauv.]. [Method] The effects of spores and crude toxins of HGE, as well as the mixture of spores and crude toxins on the activity of defensive enzymes in barnyardgrass were determined under laboratory conditions. [Result] Spores and crude toxins of HGE had varying degrees of effects on PAL and POD activity, and no obvious effect on SOD activity in barnyardgrass. In addition, spores and toxins had some similar im- pacts on the defensive enzymes in barnyardgrass. [Conclusion] Since toxins have similar effects on the hosts as spores of fungal pathogen do, they can be a substi- tute for the fungal pathogen in studying the partial pathogenic mechanism of this pathogen due to its complexity in pathogenic process.

Bidirectional regulation of the brain-gut-microbiota axis following traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury is a prevalent disorder of the central nervous system.In addition to primary brain parenchymal damage,the enduring biological consequences of traumatic brain injury pose long-term risks for patients with traumatic brain injury;however,the underlying pathogenesis remains unclear,and effective intervention methods are lacking.Intestinal dysfunction is a significant consequence of traumatic brain injury.Being the most densely innervated peripheral tissue in the body,the gut possesses multiple pathways for the establishment of a bidirectional“brain-gut axis”with the central nervous system.The gut harbors a vast microbial community,and alterations of the gut niche contribute to the progression of traumatic brain injury and its unfavorable prognosis through neuronal,hormonal,and immune pathways.A comprehensive understanding of microbiota-mediated peripheral neuroimmunomodulation mechanisms is needed to enhance treatment strategies for traumatic brain injury and its associated complications.We comprehensively reviewed alterations in the gut microecological environment following traumatic brain injury,with a specific focus on the complex biological processes of peripheral nerves,immunity,and microbes triggered by traumatic brain injury,encompassing autonomic dysfunction,neuroendocrine disturbances,peripheral immunosuppression,increased intestinal barrier permeability,compromised responses of sensory nerves to microorganisms,and potential effector nuclei in the central nervous system influenced by gut microbiota.Additionally,we reviewed the mechanisms underlying secondary biological injury and the dynamic pathological responses that occur following injury to enhance our current understanding of how peripheral pathways impact the outcome of patients with traumatic brain injury.This review aimed to propose a conceptual model for future risk assessment of central nervous system-related diseases while elucidating novel insights into the bidirectional effects of the“brain-gut-microbiota axis.”

Defensive medicine practices among gastroenterologists in Japan

AIM： To clarify the prevalence of defensive medicine and the specific defensive medicine practices among gastroenterologists in Japan. METHODS： A survey of gastroenterologists in Hiroshima, Japan, was conducted by mail in March 2006. The number of gastroenterologists reporting defensive medicine behaviors or changes in their scope of practice and the reported defensive medicine practices, i.e., assurance and avoidance behaviors, were examined. RESULTS： A total of 131 （77%） out of 171 gastroenterologists completed the survey. Three （2%） respondents were sued, and most respondents （96%） had liability insurance. Nearly all respondents （98%） reported practicing defensive medicine. Avoidance behaviors, such as avoiding certain procedures or interventions and avoiding caring for high-risk patients, were very common （96%）. Seventy-five percent of respondents reported often avoiding certain procedures or interventions. However, seasoned gastroenterologists （those in practice for more than 20 years） adopted avoidance behaviors significantly less often than those in practice for less than 10 years. Assurance behaviors, i.e., supplying additional services of marginal or no medical value, were also widespread （91%）. Sixty-eight percent of respondents reported that they sometimes or often referred patients to other specialists unnecessarily. CONCLUSION： Defensive medicine may be highly prevalent among gastroenterologists throughout 3apan, with potentially serious implications regarding costs, access, and both technical and interpersonal quality of care.

A framework for equipment systems-of-systems effectiveness evaluation using parallel experiments approach

Equipment systems-of-systems （SOS） effectiveness evaluation can provide important reference for construction and optimization of the equipment SoS. After discussing the basic theory and methods of parallel experiments, we depict an SoS effectiveness analysis and evaluation method using parallel expe- riments theory in detail. A case study is carried out which takes the missile defense system as an example. An artificial system of the missile defense system is constructed with the multi-agent modeling method. Then, single factor, multiple factors and defense position deployment computational experiments are carried out and evaluated with the statistical analysis method. Experiment re- sults show that the altitude of the secondary interception missile is not the key factor which affects SoS effectiveness and putting the defense position ahead will increase defense effectiveness. The case study demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed method.

Responses of the antioxidant system to fluroxypyr in foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) at the seedling stage

Foxtail millet （Setaria italica L.） is an important food and fodder crop in semi-arid areas. However, there are few herbicides suitable for use on weed control in field-grown foxtail millet during the post-emergence herbicides stage. The present study was conducted using four concentrations （0.5, 1, 2, and 4 L ai ha-1） of foliar-applied fluroxypyr, and the effect of fluroxypyr on selected metabolic and stress-related parameters in foxtail millet were assessed after 15 days. In this study, increasing concentrations decreased plant height and accumulation of chlorophylls. Our results also showed that malondialdehyde （MDA） accumulated in response to fluroxypyr application, demonstrating increased lipid peroxidation due to excessive reactive oxygen species production. In response to this oxidative stress, the activities of antioxidant enzymes were generally enhanced. Non-enzymatic antioxidant defense systems, which function in concert with antioxidant enzymes, can also protect plant cells from oxidative damage by scavenging reactive oxygen species （ROS）. In conclusion, the hybrid variety （Zhangzagu） exhibited a greater tolerance to fluroxypyr than did the conventional variety Jingu 21, which might be associated with the antioxidant mechanisms of Zhangzagu hybrid millet.

Ripple-effect analysis for operational architecture of air defense systems with supernetwork modeling

In order to solve the problem that the ripple-effect analy- sis for the operational architecture of air defense systems （OAADS） is hardly described in quantity with previous modeling approaches, a supernetwork modeling approach for the OAADS is put for- ward by extending granular computing. Based on that operational units and links are equal to different information granularities, the supernetwork framework of the OAADS is constructed as a “four- network within two-layer” structure by forming dynamic operating coalitions, and measuring indexes of the ripple-effect analysis for the OAADS are given combining with Laplace spectral radius. In this framework, via analyzing multidimensional attributes which inherit relations between operational units in different granular scales, an extended granular computing is put forward integrating with a topological structure. Then the operation process within the supernetwork framework, including transformation relations be- tween two layers in the vertical view and mapping relations among functional networks in the horizontal view, is studied in quantity. As the application case shows, comparing with previous modeling approaches, the supernetwork model can validate and analyze the operation mechanism in the air defense architecture, and the ripple-effect analysis can be used to confirm the key operational unit with micro and macro viewpoints.

Toxic effects of crude-oil-contaminated soil in aquatic environment on Carassius auratus and their hepatic antioxidant defense system

Under the indoor simulant conditions, toxic effects of crude-oil-contaminated soil which was put into aquatic environment on the young fishes Carassius auratus and their hepatic antioxidant system after a 20-d exposure were investigated. Results showed that the relationship between the mortality of C. auratus and the exposed doses could be divided into 3 phases： fishes exposed to the low dose groups （0.5-5.0 g/L） were dead due to the ingestion of crude-oil-contaminated soils in aquatic environment; at the medium dose groups （5.0-25.0 g/L） fishes were dead due to the penetration of toxic substances; at the high dose groups （25.0-50.0 g/L） fishes were dead due to environmental stress. The highest mortality and death speed were found in the 1.0 g/L dose group, and the death speed was sharply increased in the 50.0 g/L dose group in the late phase of exposure. The activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, catalase （CAT） and glutathione S-transferase （GST） and the content of malaondialdehyde （MDA） in the hepatic tissues of C. auratus were induced significantly. The activity of SOD was increased and then decreased. It was significantly inhibited in the 50.0 g/L dose group. The activity of CAT was highly induced, and restored to a level which is little more than the control when the exposed doses exceeded 10.0 g/L. The activity of GST was the most sensitive, it was significantly induced in all dose groups, and the highest elevation was up to 6 times in the 0.5 g/L dose group comparing with the control. The MDA content was significantly elevated in the 50.0 g/L dose group, and the changes of the MDA content were opposite with the changes of GST activity.

Multi-agent decision support system for missile defense based on improved PSO algorithm

Ballistic missile defense system (BMDS) is important for its special role in ensuring national security and maintaining strategic balance. Research on modeling and simulation of the BMDS beforehand is essential as developing a real one requires lots of manpower and resources. BMDS is a typical complex system for its nonlinear, adaptive and uncertainty characteristics. The agent-based modeling method is well suited for the complex system whose overall behaviors are determined by interactions among individual elements. A multi-agent decision support system (DSS), which includes missile agent, radar agent and command center agent, is established based on the studies of structure and function of BMDS. Considering the constraints brought by radar, intercept missile, offensive missile and commander, the objective function of DSS is established. In order to dynamically generate the optimal interception plan, the variable neighborhood negative selection particle swarm optimization (VNNSPSO) algorithm is proposed to support the decision making of DSS. The proposed algorithm is compared with the standard PSO, constriction factor PSO (CFPSO), inertia weight linear decrease PSO (LDPSO), variable neighborhood PSO (VNPSO) algorithm from the aspects of convergence rate, iteration number, average fitness value and standard deviation. The simulation results verify the efficiency of the proposed algorithm. The multi-agent DSS is developed through the Repast simulation platform and the constructed DSS can generate intercept plans automatically and support three-dimensional dynamic display of missile defense process.

Resistance genes mediate differential resistance to pine defensive substances α-Pinene and H_(2)O_(2) in Bursaphelenchus xylophilus with different levels of virulence

The pine wood nematode(PWN),Bursaphelenchus xylophilus(Steiner & Buhrer) Nickle,is the pathogen of pine wilt disease(PWD) which can devastate forests.PWN can be of hi gh or low severity and the mechanisms underlying the differences in virulence are unclear.Therefore,it is necessary to study the relationship between differentiation of PWN severity and its resistance to the main defensive substances of pine species(i.e.,α-pinene and H_(2)O_(2)).The feeding rate and fecundity of PWN was examined at different levels of virulence under conditions of a-pinene and H_(2)O_(2) stress.Moreover,the expression patterns of the main resistance genes of PWN with different virulence were determined under conditions of α-pinene and H_(2)O_(2) stress.The feeding rate and fecundity of the high virulence strain AMA3 were higher than those of the low virulence strain YW4.The expression levels of the autophagy gene BxATG5,cytochrome P450 gene BxCYP33 D3,and glutathione S-transferase genes BxGST1 and BxGST3 in AMA3 increased significantly upon exposure to α-pinene for 2 h,while these genes showed smaller degrees of upregulation in YW4.Under conditions of H_(2)O_(2) stress,the expression levels of BxATG5,catalase genes Bxy-ctl-1 and Bxy-ctl-2,and the 2-cysteine peroxiredoxin gene BxPrx in AMA3 were higher than those in YW4.These findings suggest that high virulence PWN has greater resistance to pine defensive substances α-pinene and H_(2)O_(2) than low virulence PWN,and resistance genes mediate the differential resistance of PWN strains.This study will contribute to the clarification of the mechanism underlying virulence differentiation of PWN and will advance understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of PWD.

Attacks Against Cross-Chain Systems and Defense Approaches:A Contemporary Survey

The blockchain cross-chain is a significant technology for inter-chain interconnection and value transfer among different blockchain networks.Cross-chain overcomes the“information island”problem of the closed blockchain network and is increasingly applied to multiple critical areas such as finance and the internet of things(IoT).Blockchain can be divided into three main categories of blockchain networks:public blockchains,private blockchains,and consortium blockchains.However,there are differences in block structures,consensus mechanisms,and complex working mechanisms among heterogeneous blockchains.The fragility of the cross-chain system itself makes the cross-chain system face some potential security and privacy threats.This paper discusses security defects on the cross-chain implementation mechanism,and discusses the impact of the structural features of blockchain networks on cross-chain security.In terms of cross-chain intercommunication,a cross-chain attack can be divided into a multi-chain combination attack,native chain attack,and inter-chain attack diffusion.Then various security threats and attack paths faced by the cross-chain system are analyzed.At last,the corresponding security defense methods of cross-chain security threats and future research directions for cross-chain applications are put forward.

Intelligent Immunity Based Security Defense System for Multi-Access Edge Computing Network

In this paper,the security problem for the multi-access edge computing(MEC)network is researched,and an intelligent immunity-based security defense system is proposed to identify the unauthorized mobile users and to protect the security of whole system.In the proposed security defense system,the security is protected by the intelligent immunity through three functions,identification function,learning function,and regulation function,respectively.Meanwhile,a three process-based intelligent algorithm is proposed for the intelligent immunity system.Numerical simulations are given to prove the effeteness of the proposed approach.

Response of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense systems of Polygonum hydropiper to Mn stress

The response of enzyme and non-enzymatic antioxidants of Mn hyperaccumuator, Polygonum hydropiper （P. hydropiper）, to Mn stress was studied using hydroponics culture experiments to explore the mechanism of Mn tolerance in this species. Results showed that both chlorophyll and carotenoid contents significantly （p〈0.05） decreased with increasing Mn treatment levels （0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 mg/L） in hydroponics. The concentrations of malondialdehyde （MDA） and hydrogen peroxide （H202） in the root and shoot of P hydropiper were accumulated under Mn stress. Meanwhile, the anti-oxidative functions of several important enzymes, including superoxide dismutase （SOD）, catalase （CAT）, ascorbate peroxidase （APX） and peroxidase （POD） in plants were stimulated by Mn spike in leaves and roots, especially at low Mn stress; while sulfhydryl group （--SH） and glutathion （GSH） were likely involved in Mn detoxification ofP. hydropiper under high Mn stress.

Host Active Defense Responses Occur within 24 Hours after Pathogen Inoculation in the Rice Blast System

Phenotypical, cytological and molecular responses of rice to the fungus Magnaporthe grisea were studied using rice cultivars and lesion mimic plants. The cultivar Katy was susceptible to several virulent M. grisea isolates, and a Sekiguchi like-lesion mimic mutant of Katy （LmmKaty） showed enhanced resistance to these isolates. Lesion mimic phenotype of LmmKaty was rapidly induced by virulent M. grisea isolates or by avirulent ones only at high levels of inoculum. Autofluorescence （a sign of an active defense response） was visible under ultraviolet light 24 h after localized inoculation in the incompatible interaction, whereas, not evident in the compatible interaction. Autofluorescence was also observed in LmmKaty 20 h after pathogen inoculation, indicating that rapid cell death is a mechanism of LmmKaty to restrict pathogen invasion. Rapid accumulations of defense related （DR） gene transcripts, phenylalanine ammonia lyase and β-glucanase, were observed beginning at 6 h and were obvious at 16 h and 24 h after inoculation in an incompatible interaction. Rapid transcript accumulations of PR-1 and chitinase had occurred by 24 h after inoculation in an incompatible interaction. Accumulations of these transcripts were delayed in the compatible interaction. These results indicate that host active defense responses occur 24 h after pathogen inoculation and that LmmKaty exhibits enhanced resistance to M. grisea. It is suggested that the autofluorescence and expression of the DR genes after heavy inoculation are important cytological and molecular markers respectively for early determination of the host response to M. grisea in the rice blast system.

Defensive Responses of Rice Genotypes for Resistance Against Rice Leaffolder Cnaphalocrocis medinalis

The experiment was carried out to assess the reaction of different categories of rice genotypes viz., resistant, susceptible, hybrid, scented, popular and wild in response to the infestation by rice leaffolder （RLF）, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis （Guenee） and to explore the possible use of these genotypes in developing RLF-resistant rice varieties. The changes of various biochemical constituents such as leaf soluble protein, phenol, ortho-dihydroxy phenol, tannin and enzymes viz., peroxidase, phenyl alanine ammonia lyase （PAL） were assessed spectrophotometrically in all the rice genotypes before and after RLF infestation. The protein profile was analyzed using sodium dodecyl sulphate-poly acrylamide gel electrophoresis （SDS-PAGE） method. A significant constituent of biochemical content such as tannin, phenol and ortho-dihydroxy phenol has been increased along with enzyme activities of peroxidase and PAL in the infested resistant （Ptb 33, TKM6 and LFR831311） and wild rice genotypes （Oryza minuta and O. rhizomatis）. A decrease in leaf protein content was evident invariably in all the infested rice genotypes. It is also evident that the contents of biochemicals such as phenol, ortho- dihydroxy phenol and tannin were negatively correlated with leaffolder damage. However, leaf protein content was positively correlated with the damage by rice leaffolder. SDS-PAGE analysis for total protein profiling of healthy and C. medinalis-infested genotypes revealed the enhanced expression of a high molecular weight （〉 97 kDa） protein in all the genotypes. Besides, there was also an increased induction of a 38 kDa protein in C. medinalis infested resistant genotypes, which was absent in uninfested plants. The present investigation proved that the elevated levels of biochemicals and enzymes may play a vital role in rice plants resistance to RLF.

Defensive medicine:It is time to finally slow down an epidemic

Defensive medicine is widespread and practiced the world over, with serious consequences for patients, doctors, and healthcare costs. Even students and resi-dents are exposed to defensive medicine practices and taught to take malpractice liability into consideration when making clinical decisions. Defensive medicine is generally thought to stem from physicians' perception that they can easily be sued by patients or their relatives who seek compensation for presumed medical errors. However, in our view the growth of defensive medicine should be seen in the context of larger changes in the conception of medicine that have taken place in the last few decades, undermining the patient–physician trust, which has traditionally been the main source of professional satisfaction for physicians. These changes include the following: time directly spent with patients has been overtaken by time devoted to electronic health records and desk work; family doctors have played a progressively less central role; clinical reasoning is being replaced by guidelines and algorithms; the public at large and a number of young physicians tend to believe that medicine is a perfect science rather than an imperfect art, as it continues to be; and modern societies do not tolerate the inevitable morbidity and mortality. To finally reduce the increasing defensive behavior of doctors around the world, the decriminalization of medical errors and the assurance that they can be dealt with in civil courts or by medical organizations in all countries could help but it would not suffice. Physicians and surgeons should be allowed to spend the time they need with their patients and should give clinical reasoning the importance it deserves. The institutions should support the doctors who have experienced adverse patient events, and the media should stop reporting with excessive evidence presumed medical errors and subject physicians to "public trials" before they are eventually judged in court.