Brain informed transfer learning for categorizing construction hazards

A transfer learning paradigm is proposed for "knowledge" transfer between the human brain and convolutional neural network (CNN) for a construction hazard categorization task. Participants' brain activities are recorded using electroencephalogram (EEG) measurements when viewing the same images (target dataset) as the CNN. The CNN is pretrained on the EEG data and then fine-tuned on the construction scene images. The results reveal that the EEG-pretrained CNN achieves a 9 % higher accuracy compared with a network with same architecture but randomly initialized parameters on a three-class classification task. Brain activity from the left frontal cortex exhibits the highest performance gains, thus indicating high-level cognitive processing during hazard recognition. This work is a step toward improving machine learning algorithms by learning from human-brain signals recorded via a commercially available brain-computer interface. More generalized visual recognition systems can be effectively developed based on this approach of "keep human in the loop"

A privacy-preserving data storage and service framework based on deep learning and blockchain for construction workers' wearable IoT sensors

Classifying brain signals collected by wearable Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, especially brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), is one of the fastest-growing areas of research. However, research has mostly ignored the secure storage and privacy protection issues of collected personal neurophysiological data. Therefore, in this article, we try to bridge this gap and propose a secure privacy-preserving protocol for implementing BCI applications. We first transformed brain signals into images and used generative adversarial network to generate synthetic signals to protect data privacy. Subsequently, we applied the paradigm of transfer learning for signal classification. The proposed method was evaluated by a case study and results indicate that real electroencephalogram data augmented with artificially generated samples provide superior classification performance. In addition, we proposed a blockchain-based scheme and developed a prototype on Ethereum, which aims to make storing, querying and sharing personal neurophysiological data and analysis reports secure and privacy-aware. The rights of three main transaction bodies - construction workers, BCI service providers and project managers - are described and the advantages of the proposed system are discussed. We believe this paper provides a well-rounded solution to safeguard private data against cyber-attacks, level the playing field for BCI application developers, and to the end improve professional well-being in the industry

The Effect of Safflower Yellow on Spinal Cord Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in Rabbits

Safflower yellow (SY) is the safflower extract and is the one of traditional Chinese medicine. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of SY on spinal cord ischemia reperfusion injury (SCIRI) in rabbits. The models of spinal cord ischemia reperfusion (SI/R) were constructed, and the degree of the post-ischemic injury was assessed by means of the neurological deficit scores and plasma levels of lipid peroxidation reactioin and neuronal morphologic changes. SCIRI remarkably affected the functional activities of the hind limbs and activated lipid peroxidation reaction. SY could attenuate apoptosis and SCIRI by enhancing Bcl-2 expression and inhibiting Bax and caspase-3 activation

Tuning the Magnetic Ordering Temperature of Hexagonal Ferrites by Structural Distortion Control

To tune the magnetic properties of hexagonal ferrites, a family of magnetoelectric multiferroic materials, by atomic-scale structural engineering, we studied the effect of structural distortion on the magnetic ordering temperature (TN). Using the symmetry analysis, we show that unlike most antiferromagnetic rare-earth transition-metal perovskites, a larger structural distortion leads to a higher TN in hexagonal ferrites and manganites, because the K3 structural distortion induces the three-dimensional magnetic ordering, which is forbidden in the undistorted structure by symmetry. We also revealed a near-linear relation between TN and the tolerance factor and a power-law relation between TN and the K3 distortion amplitude. Following the analysis, a record-high TN (185 K) among hexagonal ferrites was predicted in hexagonal ScFeO3 and experimentally verified in epitaxially stabilized films. These results add to the paradigm of spin-lattice coupling in antiferromagnetic oxides and suggests further tunability of hexagonal ferrites if more lattice distortion can be achieved

Pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, excretion, and metabolism of a novel antitumor agent, gambogenic acid, in rats

The plasma pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, excretion, and metabolism of gambogenic acid (GNA), potential antitumor candidate, were investigated in rats. GNA showed linear pharmacokinetic characteristics in rats within the test dose (1, 2, and 4 mg/kg). The t1/2β was 40.38-41.16 min. GNA showed an extensive distribution into multiple tissues, and the bile excretion is the major pathway of excretion, accounting for 52.12 %. About 40 % of GNA might undergo metabolism in vivo and the main phase I metabolites of GNA may be 10-hydroxygambogenic acid and 9,10-epoxygambogenic acid.Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire

Pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, excretion, and metabolism of a novel antitumor agent, gambogenic acid, in rats

The plasma pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, excretion, and metabolism of gambogenic acid (GNA), potential antitumor candidate, were investigated in rats. GNA showed linear pharmacokinetic characteristics in rats within the test dose (1, 2, and 4 mg/kg). The t1/2β was 40.38-41.16 min. GNA showed an extensive distribution into multiple tissues, and the bile excretion is the major pathway of excretion, accounting for 52.12 %. About 40 % of GNA might undergo metabolism in vivo and the main phase I metabolites of GNA may be 10-hydroxygambogenic acid and 9,10-epoxygambogenic acid.Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire

Thymidine Kinase 2 Deficiency-Induced mtDNA Depletion in Mouse Liver Leads to Defect beta-Oxidation

Thymidine kinase 2 (TK2) deficiency in humans causes mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion syndrome. To study the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease and search for treatment options, we previously generated and described a TK2 deficient mouse strain (TK2(-/-)) that progressively loses its mtDNA. The TK2(-/-) mouse model displays symptoms similar to humans harboring TK2 deficient infantile fatal encephalomyopathy. Here, we have studied the TK2(-/-) mouse model to clarify the pathological role of progressive mtDNA depletion in liver for the severe outcome of TK2 deficiency. We observed that a gradual depletion of mtDNA in the liver of the TK2(-/-) mice was accompanied by increasingly hypertrophic mitochondria and accumulation of fat vesicles in the liver cells. The levels of cholesterol and nonesterified fatty acids were elevated and there was accumulation of long chain acylcarnitines in plasma of the TK2(-/-) mice. In mice with hepatic mtDNA levels below 20%, the blood sugar and the ketone levels dropped. These mice also exhibited reduced mitochondrial beta-oxidation due to decreased transport of long chain acylcarnitines into the mitochondria. The gradual loss of mtDNA in the liver of the TK2(-/-) mice causes impaired mitochondrial function that leads to defect beta-oxidation and, as a result, insufficient production of ketone bodies and glucose. This study provides insight into the mechanism of encephalomyopathy caused by TK2 deficiency-induced mtDNA depletion that may be used to explore novel therapeutic strategies

Exploration of Academic Postgraduate Medical Training System in the Context of "Internet plus"

Higher education in China has entered a new era of global quality improvement and innovation. The cultivation of innovative talents is crucial for the development of our higher education. Within the framework of "Internet plus", the culture of university medical graduates must deeply integrate information technology. In the present study, an "Internet plus" academic medical postgraduate training system was discussed. This system includes the establishment of the curriculum system, innovation capability training system and quality evaluation system. By making full use of modern informatics technology, the “Internet plus” system improved the the innovation capability and quality of postgraduates significantly

Pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, excretion, and metabolism of a novel antitumor agent, gambogenic acid, in rats

The plasma pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, excretion, and metabolism of gambogenic acid (GNA), potential antitumor candidate, were investigated in rats. GNA showed linear pharmacokinetic characteristics in rats within the test dose (1, 2, and 4 mg/kg). The t1/2β was 40.38-41.16 min. GNA showed an extensive distribution into multiple tissues, and the bile excretion is the major pathway of excretion, accounting for 52.12 %. About 40 % of GNA might undergo metabolism in vivo and the main phase I metabolites of GNA may be 10-hydroxygambogenic acid and 9,10-epoxygambogenic acid.Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire