A new classification for surgical NEC during exploratory laparotomy: introduction and reproducibility assessment.

PURPOSE: Variability in necrosis patterns and operative techniques in surgical necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) necessitates a standardized classification system for consistent assessment and comparison. This study introduces a novel intraoperative reporting system for surgical NEC, focusing on reliability and reproducibility. METHODS: Analyzing surgical NEC cases from January 2018 to June 2023 at two tertiary neonatal and pediatric surgery units, a new classification system incorporating anatomical details and intestinal involvement extent was developed. Its reproducibility was quantified using kappa coefficients (κ) for interobserver and intraobserver reliability, assessed by four specialists. Furthermore, following surgery, the occurrence of mortality and enteric autonomy were evaluated on the basis of surgical decision-making of the novel intraoperative classification system for surgical NEC. RESULTS: In total, 95 patients with surgical NEC were included in this analysis. The mean κ value of the intra-observer reliability was 0.889 (range, 0.790-0.941) for the new classification, indicating excellent agreement and the inter-observer reliability was 0.806 (range, 0.718-0.883), indicating substantial agreement. CONCLUSION: The introduced classification system for surgical NEC shows high reliability, deepening the understanding of NEC's intraoperative exploration aspects. It promises to indicate operative strategies, enhance prognosis prediction, and substantially facilitate scholarly communication in pediatric surgery. Importantly, it explores the potential for a standardized report and may represent a step forward in classifying surgical NEC, if pediatric surgeons are open to change.

Efficacy of Targeted Scapular Stabilization Exercise vs Conventional Exercise for Patients with Shoulder Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of targeted scapular stabilization exercise in shoulder pain. DESIGN: This is an evaluator-blinded, multicenter, randomized controlled trial. The scapular stabilization exercise group (n = 45) received scapular stabilization exercise based on the type of scapular dyskinesis (SD) for 6 weeks; the conventional exercise group (n = 45) received pendulum, wall climbing and stick exercises for 6 weeks. Constant-Murley score (CMS), were numerical rating scale (NRS), range of motion (ROM), type of SD, lateral scapular sliding test (LSST), pectoralis minor index (PMI), scapular index (SI) and satisfaction were assessed at baseline, two, four, six-week treatment and a 6-week follow-up. RESULTS: After a 6-week intervention, the improvement of CMS was greater in the scapular stabilization exercise group than in the conventional exercise group, and improvement continued at the 6-week follow-up (F = 15.39, P < 0.001, Partial η2 = 0.17). The Results were also significant for NRS during activity, LSST, PMI, type of SD and satisfaction in favor of the scapular stabilization exercise group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Targeted scapular stabilization exercise is an effective intervention program that might be applied to the rehabilitation of shoulder pain.

Neurodevelopmental impairment following surgical necrotizing enterocolitis with gestational age ≥ 28 weeks: who is at risk?

PURPOSE: Surgical necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe medical condition that, even after surgery, a portion of the survival infants may still have neurological sequelae. The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with the development of permanent neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) in neonates with surgical NEC. METHODS: Between January 2016 and June 2022, a retrospective data collection was conducted on 98 individuals who experienced surgical NEC with gestational age ≥ 28 weeks. Among these patients, 27 patients were diagnosed with NDI, while the remaining 71 patients did not have NDI. Based on this division, the patients were categorized into the NDI group and the Non-NDI group. Demographics, comorbidities, and admission lab results were analyzed using univariate and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Of the 98 neonates following surgical NEC, 27(27.6%) developed permanent neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI). Predictors of NDI were identified through the final multivariable logistic regression analysis, which revealed that gestational age ≤ 32 weeks (p = 0.032; odds ratio [OR], 5.673), assisted mechanical ventilation after NEC onset (p = 0.047; OR, 5.299), postoperative acute kidney injury (p = 0.040; OR, 5.106), CRP day 3 after NEC onset (p = 0.049; OR, 1.037), time from presentation to surgery (p = 0.003; OR, 1.047) were significant risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified gestational age ≤ 32 weeks, assisted mechanical ventilation after NEC onset, postoperative acute kidney injury, CRP day 3 after NEC onset, and time from presentation to surgery as significant risk factors for NDI in neonates with surgical NEC. These factors would be helpful to refine treatment modalities for better disease outcomes. We also determined the cut-off values of CRP day 3 after NEC onset and time from presentation to surgery, allowing for the individualized evaluation of NDI risk and the implementation of earlier targeted laparotomy.

Insights into the multi-functional lithium difluoro(oxalate)borate additive in boosting the Li-ion reaction kinetics for Li3VO4 anodes.

The rational design of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) with high ionic conductivity and high electrochemical stability is significantly important in improving the electrochemical performance of anode materials. Herein, lithium difluoro(oxalate)borate (LiDFOB) is used as an electrolyte additive to generate protective SEI films on Li3VO4 (LVO) anodes. The addition of LiDFOB is beneficial to form a dense, uniform, stable and LiF-richer SEI, which is helpful to boost the Li-ion storage kinetics. In addition, the generated SEI can inhibit the further decomposition of electrolytes and maintain the morphology of LVO anodes during charge/discharge processes. As a result, LVO-based anodes exhibit a much higher capacity (769.5 mA h g-1 at 0.5 A g-1), enhanced rate performance (243.3 mA h g-1 at 5.0 A g-1) and excellent long-term cycling stability (209.9 mA h g-1 after 5000 cycles) when cycled in 1 wt% LiDFOB addition electrolyte. This work confirms that LiDFOB is a promising multi-functional additive for LiPF6 electrolytes and provides new insights into SEI construction towards high-performance LVO anodes.

Optimizing water and nitrogen management strategies to improve their use efficiency, eggplant yield and fruit quality.

With improvement in living standards, consumer preferences for vegetables are changing from quantity- to quality-oriented. Water and nitrogen supply, as two major determinants of vegetable crop yield and quality, can be optimally managed to improve the yield and quality. To evaluate the response in yield, fruit quality, and water and nitrogen utilization of eggplant to different water and nitrogen management strategies, a 2-year (2021 and 2022) field trial under mulched drip irrigation was conducted. The growth period was divided into seedling, flowering and fruit set, fruit development, and fruit ripening stages. Three irrigation levels were applied during the flowering and fruit set stage: W0, adequate water supply (70%-80% of field water capacity, FC); W1, mild water deficit (60%-70% FC); and W2, moderate water deficit (50%-60% FC). In addition, three nitrogen application rates were applied: N1, low nitrogen level (215 kg ha-1); N2, medium nitrogen level (270 kg ha-1); and N3, high nitrogen level (325 kg ha-1). The irrigation and nitrogen rates were applied in all combinations (i.e., nine treatments in total). Adequate water supply throughout the reproductive period in combination with no nitrogen application served as the control (CK). The yield of the W1N2 treatment was significantly increased by 32.62% and 35.06% in 2021 and 2022, respectively, compared with that of the CK. Fruit soluble protein, soluble solids, and vitamin C contents were significantly higher under W1 than W2. Fruit quality was significantly higher under the N2 rate compared with the other nitrogen rates. The W1N2 treatment showed the highest water productivity, with a significant increase of 11.27%-37.84% (2021) and 14.71%-42.48% (2022) compared with that under the other treatments. Based on the average water-deficit degree and nitrogen application rate, W0 and N1 had the highest partial factor productivity of nitrogen. Assessment of the results using the TOPSIS (technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution) method indicated that mild water deficit in combination with the medium nitrogen application rate (W1N2) was the optimal water and nitrogen management strategy for cultivated eggplant. The present findings contribute novel insights into the sustainable cultivation of eggplant in an oasis arid environment.

Spatiotemporal heterogeneity correction in land ecosystem services and its value assessment: a case study of the Loess Plateau of China.

The considerable variation in structures and functions of different ecosystems leads to highly variable ecosystem service values (ESVs). Consequently, the accurate quantification of ESVs can better assess and reflect impacts of land use and cover changes (LUCC) on ecosystem services. In the land use simulations of this study, a CA-Markov model was chosen and nine factors affecting land use change were evaluated, followed by the construction of a multi-criteria evaluation method to simulate land use scenarios between 2025 and 2030 on the Loess Plateau. Six key ecological indicators (economy, water production, net primary plant productivity, habitat quality, accessibility, and soil conservation) were used to correct for spatiotemporal heterogeneity within the terrestrial ESV equivalent weight table for China to obtain an ESV equivalent weight factor table that is applicable to the Loess Plateau. Using the newly corrected table, ESVs for the Loess Plateau region were estimated between 1995 and 2030, and the impacts of LUCC on ESVs were analyzed. The Kappa values for the 2015 land use simulation results were 0.80 and 0.83, which were greater than 0.75, indicating that the CA-Markov model simulations were accurate. Throughout the study period, the largest increases in land use type area were for built-up areas and forest lands, with built-up areas primarily derived from conversions of cultivated lands and grasslands, and forest land increases primarily coming from conversion of grasslands. ESVs increased overall by 933.97 × 108 yuan and 312.86 × 108 yuan from 1995 to 2018 and 2018 to 2030, respectively. The three largest contributors to ecosystem services among land use types were moderate grasses, shrublands, and dense grasslands. In conclusion, ESVs for the Loess Plateau steadily increased year by year from 1995 to 2030, indicating that ecological restoration projects played major roles in improving the stability and sustainability of the region's ecosystems.

Surgical Treatment of Adams Type IV Anterolateral Fracture of the Ulna Coronoid Process.

OBJECTIVE: Anterolateral coronal fractures are so rare that the mechanism of injury, the type of combined fracture and ligament injury, and the optimal treatment are unknown. To study the outcome of surgical treatments for anterolateral (AL) fracture of the ulna coronoid process (Adams Type IV) and summarize the characteristics of this type of fracture and to guide clinical applications. METHODS: From February 2015 to April 2021, 32 patients were included in the study. All patients had standard radiography with anteroposterior and lateral views, computed tomography, and intraoperative fluoroscopy. All patients were treated surgically. Surgery-related information, including surgical approach, operation duration, blood loss, and repairing the lateral collateral ligament and the medial collateral ligament integrity, were recorded. The patient's clinical details, such as the final range of motion (ROM), the Broberg-Morrey scores and the visual analogue scale (VAS) at the last follow-up, were described. The chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: We divided patients into two groups according to the anterolateral coronoid fracture morphology. In the intact group, 20 patients with an intact anterolateral coronoid fracture fragment. In the comminuted group, 12 patients with comminuted anterolateral coronoid fracture fragments extended the less sigmoid notch of the ulna. There was no difference in age, sex, total incision length, follow-up duration, and recovery with rehabilitation among the two groups (all Ps >0.05). The other follow-up outcomes, such as elbow ROM (Flexion, Extension, Posterior rotation, Anterior rotation), VAS score, or Broberg-Morrey scores, were not different between the two groups (all Ps >0.05). Both groups achieved relatively satisfactory clinical outcomes, and the Broberg-Morrey score and index excellence rate reached 84.38%. There is a statistical difference in the history of elbow dislocation (P = 0.017), radial head fracture type (P = 0.041), operation duration (P = 0.014) and blood loss at operation (P = 0.029) between the two groups. Cannulated screws, anchors, and sutures were used as point fixation in the coronoid process of the ulna. There was a statistical difference between the two groups in the choice of internal fixation (P = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: For anterolateral ulnar coronoid fractures with different degrees of comminution, effective and reliable surgical treatment can achieve better results and fewer complications.

Analysis of Land Use Change Drivers and Simulation of Different Future Scenarios: Taking Shanxi Province of China as an Example.

This study analyzed change and spatial patterns of land use in Shanxi from 2000 to 2020. The drivers of land use and cover change (LUCC) in cultivated lands, forest lands, grasslands, and rural construction areas were explored from four dimensions, including population, natural environment, location traffic, and economic development. The CA-Markov model was used to simulate the scenarios of natural growth (NG), ecological protection (EP), economic development (ED), food security (FS), ecological protection-economic development (EP-ED), and ecological protection-food security (EP-FS) in 2030. The results indicated that: (1) The conversion to built-up areas primarily dominated the LUCC processes, and their expansion was mainly to the detriment of the cultivated lands and grasslands during 2000-2020. (2) From 2000 to 2020, population, economy, and land productivity were the main factors of LUCC; the interaction of drivers for the increase of cultivated lands, forest lands, grasslands, and rural construction areas showed enhancement. (3) Under the NG, ED, and EP-ED scenarios, the rural construction areas would have increased significantly, while under the FS and EP-FS scenarios, the cultivated lands would only just have increased. These future land use scenarios can inform decision-makers to make sound decisions that balance socio-economic, ecological, and food security benefits.

Astaxanthin Induces Apoptosis in Human Osteosarcoma MG-63 Cells.

We explored the mechanism of human osteosarcoma MG-63 cell apoptosis induced by asta-xanthin. The MTT assay was used to detect the effect of astaxanthin on cell viability. Morphological changes associated with apoptosis were observed after DAPI staining. Early and late stages of apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry with annexin V-FITC/PI staining. Activation of caspases-8, -9 and -3 was detected by enzyme activity in vitro. Changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential were detected by MitoCapture staining. Western blot was used to detect the cleavage of PARP, which is a caspase-3 substrate, the release of cytochrome c and Smac into the cytosol, the translocation of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Bak, and the expression of mitochondrial pathway-related proteins. The translocation of Bax was also detected by immunofluorescence assay. Astaxanthin significantly inhibited the viability of human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells with an IC50 value of 12.36 µg/ml. The DAPI-stained cells showed characteristic apoptotic morphological changes - cell shrinkage, cell membrane blebbing, nuclear condensation, and apoptotic body formation. Cytochrome c and Smac were released from mitochondria to the cytosol. Pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Bak were rapidly translocated to mitochondria after six hours of astaxanthin action. Caspases-9 and -3 were activated and PARP was cleaved. The expression of anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and XIAP was significantly decreased. Astaxanthin induced human osteosarcoma MG-63 cell apoptosis through the mitochondria-mediated endogenous apoptosis pathway.

Unusual Spreading of Strain Neutral Layer in AZ31 Magnesium Alloy Sheet during Bending.

In this work, we reported an unusual phenomenon of strain neutral layer (SNL) spreading in an as-rolled AZ31B magnesium alloy sheet during V-bending. The SNL on the middle symmetrical surface perpendicular to the transverse direction (TD) of the sheet extended to the compression region and was accompanied by a mound-like feature. However, the SNL on the side surface perpendicular to the TD was distributed with a parallel band feature. The underlying mechanism was revealed by the finite element (FE) analysis. The results indicate that the three-dimensional compressive stresses in the compression region of the bending samples were responsible for the above phenomenon. Moreover, the area of the SNL in the middle position gradually decreased as the bending test progressed. The findings in this study provide some new insights into the bending deformation behavior of magnesium alloy.

Study on the CHZ-II Gravimeter and Its Calibrations along Forward and Reverse Overlapping Survey Lines.

The moving-base gravimeter is one of the key instruments used for Earth gravity survey. The accuracy of the survey data is closely related to the calibration precision of several key parameters, such as the damping delay time, the drift coefficient, the gravity scale factor, and the measurement accuracy. This paper will introduce the development of the CHZ-II gravimeter system in which a cylindrical sampling mass suspended vertically by a zero-length spring acts as a sensitive probe to measure specific force. Meanwhile, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) positioning system is employed to monitor the carrier motion and to remove the inertia acceleration. In order to achieve high-precision calibrations for the key parameters, a new calibration method performed along forward and reverse overlapping lines is proposed, which is used to calibrate the above parameters and to estimate the measurement accuracy of the instrument used for a normal gravity survey. The calibration principle and the shipboard calibration data processing method are introduced. The calibration was performed for three moving-base gravimeters and the corresponding results are determined, indicating that the method can significantly improve the accuracy of the parameters. For the CHZ-II gravimeter, the measurement accuracy of the survey is 0.471 mGal (1 mGal = 10-5 m/s2), which improved by 19.5% after applying the calibrated parameters. This method is also practical for use with aviation, marine and even vehicle-carried moving-base gravimeters.

Nattokinase enhances the preventive effects of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice.

Nattokinase with excellent anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-hypertension properties has been used in the development of several healthcare products in many countries. The probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) with anti-inflammatory effect is commonly used to treat inflammatory bowel disease. To determine whether nattokinase could enhance the therapeutic efficacy of EcN in colitis, a recombinant E. coli Nissle 1917 strain (EcNnatto) with nattokinase-expressing ability was successfully constructed, and the protective effect of the engineered strain on mice with experimental chronic colitis was investigated. Although both EcN and EcNnatto strains substantially alleviated the clinical symptoms and pathological abnormalities in colitis mice by regulating gut flora and maintaining intestinal barrier function, the EcNnatto strain was found to perform better than the control strain, based on a further increase in colon length and a downregulation in pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α). Nattokinase expressed in EcN attenuated DSS-induced epithelial damage and restored the mucosal integrity by upregulating the levels of tight junction proteins, including ZO-1 and occludin. The expression level of Lgr5, a marker of intestinal stem cells, was also increased. Moreover, constitutively expressed nattokinase in EcN reversed the gut microbial richness and diversity in colitis mice. Based on our findings, nattokinase could strengthen the capacity of EcN to treat intestinal inflammation.

Massive gastrointestinal haemorrhage caused by pancreatic pseudocyst complicated with Dieulafoy's disease in a child: A case report and review of the literature.

Background: Pancreatic pseudocyst (PPC) with massive gastrointestinal bleeding is rare, especially in children. Inadvertent intraoperative examination and damage to the gastric mucosa and malformed blood vessels by the fluid content of PPC can lead to massive bleeding, which may endanger the patient's life. Case presentation: Here, we present a case of an 8-year-old boy who was diagnosed with a massive gastrointestinal haemorrhage caused by PPC complicated with Dieulafoy's disease. At his first admission, his complaint was being hit to the stomach by the handlebar while riding bicycle 24 h before admission. After being hospitalized, he was diagnosed with pancreatic injury by abdominal CT. Conservative treatment lasted for 1 month in the Department of Pediatric Surgery. Then, a pancreatic pseudocyst was formed. Under the guidance of ultrasonic endoscopy, cyst puncture and drainage of pseudocysts through the gastric wall were performed. Unexplained hematemesis occurred 8 days after surgery. Emergency gastroscopy was performed, and abnormal submucosal vascular haemorrhage was found at the gastric fundus. Gastric Dieulafoy's disease was diagnosed. The boy underwent gastroscopic titanium clipping of abnormal arteries. He had no complications during the 3-month follow-up. Then, the patient returned to the hospital, and the stent was removed under endoscopy. No bleeding was found, and the patient was discharged. The patient recovered smoothly and was followed up for half a year without any complications, and hematological indicators were normal. Conclusion: Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided gastric puncture and internal drainage of cysts is a safe and effective surgical method for the treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts. However, at the same time, it is necessary to thoroughly and carefully explore the stomach cavity to prevent adverse consequences caused by a missed diagnosis of gastric Dieulafoy's disease or other abnormal abnormalities.

Oridonin attenuates dextran sulfate sodium­induced ulcerative colitis in mice via the Sirt1/NF­κB/p53 pathway.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a serious chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Oridonin (Ori) has anti­inflammatory, antibacterial and antitumor activities. The current study aimed to investigate the regulatory role of Ori in UC. BALB/C mice were induced to form a model of UC using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), after which UC mice received high­(Ori­H) and low­doses of Ori (Ori­L). Subsequently, the length of the colon was measured and hematoxylin and, eosin staining was performed to detect colonic injury. Western blot analysis was performed to detect expression level in tight junction­associated proteins in murine colon tissue. Additionally, myeloperoxidase activity and inflammatory factor concentration were detected in colon tissue using ELISA. TUNEL and western blot assays were also performed to detect cell apoptosis, and the expression level of Sirt1/NF­κB/p53 pathway­related proteins was also determined using western blot analysis. The results revealed that Ori ameliorated clinical symptoms and pathological lesions in mice with DSS­induced UC. Furthermore, Ori protected the integrity of the colonic mucosal barrier, reduced the inflammatory response and decreased oxidative stress levels in mice with DSS­induced UC. Ori treatment also inhibited intestinal mucosal cell apoptosis. These effects may have occurred via the Sirtuin­1/NF­κB/p53 pathway. In conclusion, Ori treatment inhibited DSS­induced inflammatory response, oxidative stress and intestinal mucosal apoptosis in UC mice.

CTTGAN: Traffic Data Synthesizing Scheme Based on Conditional GAN.

Most machine learning algorithms only have a good recognition rate on balanced datasets. However, in the field of malicious traffic identification, benign traffic on the network is far greater than malicious traffic, and the network traffic dataset is imbalanced, which makes the algorithm have a low identification rate for small categories of malicious traffic samples. This paper presents a traffic sample synthesizing model named Conditional Tabular Traffic Generative Adversarial Network (CTTGAN), which uses a Conditional Tabular Generative Adversarial Network (CTGAN) algorithm to expand the small category traffic samples and balance the dataset in order to improve the malicious traffic identification rate. The CTTGAN model expands and recognizes feature data, which meets the requirements of a machine learning algorithm for training and prediction data. The contributions of this paper are as follows: first, the small category samples are expanded and the traffic dataset is balanced; second, the storage cost and computational complexity are reduced compared to models using image data; third, discrete variables and continuous variables in traffic feature data are processed at the same time, and the data distribution is described well. The experimental results show that the recognition rate of the expanded samples is more than 0.99 in MLP, KNN and SVM algorithms. In addition, the recognition rate of the proposed CTTGAN model is better than the oversampling and undersampling schemes.

Development and immunogenicity evaluation of porcine deltacoronavirus inactivated vaccine with different adjuvants in mice.

Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is a novel coronavirus that causes diarrhea in pigs of various ages, especially in suckling piglets, and there are no effective measures to prevent and control PDCoV currently. In this study, two adjuvants Al(OH)3 and ODN2395 working through different mechanisms were used to prepare inactivated PDCoV vaccines, and the immune effects of PDCoV inactivated vaccines were assessed in mice. From the results, we found that both PDCoV/Al(OH)3 vaccine and PDCoV/2395 vaccine could induce IgG and neutralizing antibodies with high levels in mice. At the same time, cytokines of IFN-γ, IL-4 and chemokine ligand of CXCL13 in serum were significantly increased after immunization, and reached the highest levels in PDCoV/2395 vaccine group, which suggested that PDCoV/2395 could promote the production of both Th1 and Th2 polarized cytokines. In addition, histopathological observations showed that vaccination helped mice resist PDCoV infection. These results indicated that both the two inactivated vaccines have good immune effects. Moreover, the PDCoV/2395 vaccine worked better than the PDCoV/Al(OH)3 vaccine for PDCoV/2395 having the good ability to induce both humoral and cellular immunogenicity. The PDCoV/2395 inactivated vaccine developed in this study might be an effective tool for the prevention of PDCoV infection.

Multi-Hierarchical Fusion to Capture the Latent Invariance for Calibration-Free Brain-Computer Interfaces.

Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) based motor imagery (MI) has become a research hotspot for establishing a flexible communication channel for patients with apoplexy or degenerative pathologies. Accurate decoding of motor imagery electroencephalography (MI-EEG) signals, while essential for effective BCI systems, is still challenging due to the significant noise inherent in the EEG signals and the lack of informative correlation between the signals and brain activities. The application of deep learning for EEG feature representation has been rarely investigated, nevertheless bringing improvements to the performance of motor imagery classification. This paper proposes a deep learning decoding method based on multi-hierarchical representation fusion (MHRF) on MI-EEG. It consists of a concurrent framework constructed of bidirectional LSTM (Bi-LSTM) and convolutional neural network (CNN) to fully capture the contextual correlations of MI-EEG and the spectral feature. Also, the stacked sparse autoencoder (SSAE) is employed to concentrate these two domain features into a high-level representation for cross-session and subject training guidance. The experimental analysis demonstrated the efficacy and practicality of the proposed approach using a public dataset from BCI competition IV and a private one collected by our MI task. The proposed approach can serve as a robust and competitive method to improve inter-session and inter-subject transferability, adding anticipation and prospective thoughts to the practical implementation of a calibration-free BCI system.

Meaningful Secret Image Sharing with Saliency Detection.

Secret image sharing (SIS), as one of the applications of information theory in information security protection, has been widely used in many areas, such as blockchain, identity authentication and distributed cloud storage. In traditional secret image sharing schemes, noise-like shadows introduce difficulties into shadow management and increase the risk of attacks. Meaningful secret image sharing is thus proposed to solve these problems. Previous meaningful SIS schemes have employed steganography to hide shares into cover images, and their covers are always binary images. These schemes usually include pixel expansion and low visual quality shadows. To improve the shadow quality, we design a meaningful secret image sharing scheme with saliency detection. Saliency detection is used to determine the salient regions of cover images. In our proposed scheme, we improve the quality of salient regions that are sensitive to the human vision system. In this way, we obtain meaningful shadows with better visual quality. Experiment results and comparisons demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed scheme.