Aircraft turnaround time dynamic prediction based on Time Transition Petri Net.

Accurate aircraft turnaround time prediction is an important way to coordinate the operation time of airport ground service and improve the efficiency of airport operation. In this paper, by analyzing the aircraft turnaround operation process, a description model based on Time Transition Petri Net is proposed. The model describes the flight turnaround operation process and the logical relationship of the operation. According to the model, a dynamic prediction method of turnaround time based on Bayesian theorem is designed. According to the actual landing time of the flight, the aircraft turnaround time is predicted. The specific method is to obtain the prior probability distribution and joint distribution law of each operation link according to the flight history data, and use Shapiro-Wilke to test the prior probability distribution of each link. Based on the analysis and comparison between the actual turnaround data of a large airport in China and the forecast data proposed in this paper, the root-mean-square error 3.75 minutes and the mean absolute error 3.40 minutes can be calculated. This paper contributes to the improvement of flight punctuality rate and airport clearance level.

LINC00982-encoded protein PRDM16-DT regulates CHEK2 splicing to suppress colorectal cancer metastasis and chemoresistance.

Metastasis is one of the key factors of treatment failure in late-stage colorectal cancer (CRC). Metastatic CRC frequently develops resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. This study aimed to identify the novel regulators from "hidden" proteins encoded by long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) involved in tumor metastasis and chemoresistance. Methods: CRISPR/Cas9 library functional screening was employed to identify the critical suppressor of cancer metastasis in highly invasive CRC models. Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, invasion, migration, wound healing, WST-1, colony formation, gain- and loss-of-function experiments, in vivo experimental metastasis models, multiplex immunohistochemical staining, immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, and RT-PCR were used to assess the functional and clinical significance of FOXP3, PRDM16-DT, HNRNPA2B1, and L-CHEK2. RNA-sequencing, co-immunoprecipitation, qRT-PCR, RT-PCR, RNA affinity purification, RNA immunoprecipitation, MeRIP-quantitative PCR, fluorescence in situ hybridization, chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assay were performed to gain mechanistic insights into the role of PRDM16-DT in cancer metastasis and chemoresistance. An oxaliplatin-resistant CRC cell line was established by in vivo selection. WST-1, colony formation, invasion, migration, Biacore technology, gain- and loss-of-function experiments and an in vivo experimental metastasis model were used to determine the function and mechanism of cimicifugoside H-1 in CRC. Results: The novel protein PRDM16-DT, encoded by LINC00982, was identified as a cancer metastasis and chemoresistance suppressor. The down-regulated level of PRDM16-DT was positively associated with malignant phenotypes and poor prognosis of CRC patients. Transcriptionally regulated by FOXP3, PRDM16-DT directly interacted with HNRNPA2B1 and competitively decreased HNRNPA2B1 binding to exon 9 of CHEK2, resulting in the formation of long CHEK2 (L-CHEK2), subsequently promoting E-cadherin secretion. PRDM16-DT-induced E-cadherin secretion inhibited fibroblast activation, which in turn suppressed CRC metastasis by decreasing MMP9 secretion. Cimicifugoside H-1, a natural compound, can bind to LEU89, HIS91, and LEU92 of FOXP3 and significantly upregulated PRDM16-DT expression to repress CRC metastasis and reverse oxaliplatin resistance. Conclusions: lncRNA LINC00982 can express a new protein PRDM16-DT to function as a novel regulator in cancer metastasis and drug resistance of CRC. Cimicifugoside H-1 can act on the upstream of the PRDM16-DT signaling pathway to alleviate cancer chemoresistance.

Immunogenicity-masking delivery of uricase against hyperuricemia and gout.

Improving the activity of uricase and lowering its immunogenicity remain significant challenges in the enzyme replacement management of hyperuricemia and related inflammatory diseases. Herein, an immunogenicity-masking strategy based on engineered red blood cells (RBCs) was developed for effective uricase delivery against both hyperuricemia and gout. The dynamic membrane of RBCs enabled high resistance to protease inactivation and hydrogen peroxide accumulation. Benefiting from these advantages, a single infusion of RBC-loaded uricase (Uri@RBC) performed prolonged blood circulation and sustained hyperuricemia management. Importantly, RBCs masked the immunogenicity of uricase, leading to the maintenance of UA-lowering performance after repeated infusion through reduced antibody-mediated macrophage clearance. In an acute gout model, Uri@RBC profoundly alleviated joint edema and inflammation with minimal systemic toxicity. This study supports the employment of immunogenicity-masking tools for efficient and safe enzyme delivery, and this strategy may be leveraged to improve the usefulness of enzyme replacement therapies for managing a wide range of inflammatory diseases.

An overview of magnesium-based implants in orthopaedics and a prospect of its application in spine fusion.

Due to matching biomechanical properties and significant biological activity, Mg-based implants present great potential in orthopedic applications. In recent years, the biocompatibility and therapeutic effect of magnesium-based implants have been widely investigated in trauma repair. In contrast, the R&D work of Mg-based implants in spinal fusion is still limited. This review firstly introduced the general background for Mg-based implants. Secondly, the mechanical properties and degradation behaviors of Mg and its traditional and novel alloys were reviewed. Then, different surface modification techniques of Mg-based implants were described. Thirdly, this review comprehensively summarized the biological pathways of Mg degradation to promote bone formation in neuro-musculoskeletal circuit, angiogenesis with H-type vessel formation, osteogenesis with osteoblasts activation and chondrocyte ossification as an integrated system. Fourthly, this review followed the translation process of Mg-based implants via updating the preclinical studies in fracture fixation, sports trauma repair and reconstruction, and bone distraction for large bone defect. Furthermore, the pilot clinical studies were involved to demonstrate the reliable clinical safety and satisfactory bioactive effects of Mg-based implants in bone formation. Finally, this review introduced the background of spine fusion surgeryand the challenges of biological matching cage development. At last, this review prospected the translation potential of a hybrid Mg-PEEK spine fusion cage design.

Recent advances in tunable solid-state emission based on α-cyanodiarylethenes: from molecular packing regulation to functional development.

The design and development of organic solid-state luminescent materials stand as crucial pillars within the realm of contemporary photofunctional materials. Overcoming challenges such as concentration quenching and achieving tailored luminescent properties necessitates a judicious approach to molecular structure design and the strategic utilization of diverse stimuli to modulate molecular packing patterns. Among the myriad candidates, α-cyanodiarylethenes (CAEs) emerge with distinctive solid-state luminescent attributes, capable of forming self-assembled packing structures with varying degrees of π-π stacking. This characteristic endows them with potential in the field of intelligent molecular responsive materials and optoelectronic devices. This tutorial review embarks on an exploration of design strategies geared towards attaining tunable solid-state emission through customized packing of CAEs. It explores the utilization of stimuli responses, including such as mechanical forces, light irradiation, solvent interactions, thermal influences, as well as the utilization of co-assembly methodologies. The overarching aim of this review is to provide a widely applicable platform fostering the flourishing development of modern organic photofunctional materials through integrating principles of molecular engineering, organic optoelectronics, and materials science.

Chlorogenic acid improves the development of porcine parthenogenetic embryos by regulating oxidative stress and ameliorating mitochondrial function.

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is an effective phenolic antioxidant that can scavenge hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anions. Herein, the protective effects and mechanisms leading to CGA-induced porcine parthenogenetic activation (PA) in early-stage embryos were investigated. Our results showed that 50 µM CGA treatment during the in vitro culture (IVC) period significantly increased the cleavage and blastocyst formation rates and improved the blastocyst quality of porcine early-stage embryos derived from PAs. Then, genes related to zygotic genome activation (ZGA) were identified and investigated, revealing that CGA can promote ZGA in porcine PA early-stage embryos. Further analysis revealed that CGA treatment during the IVC period decreased the abundance of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased the abundance of glutathione and enhanced the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase in porcine PA early-stage embryos. Mitochondrial function analysis revealed that CGA increased mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels and upregulated the mitochondrial homeostasis-related gene NRF-1 in porcine PA early-stage embryos. In summary, our results suggest that CGA treatment during the IVC period helps porcine PA early-stage embryos by regulating oxidative stress and improving mitochondrial function.

Numerical simulation of the influence of nasal cycle on nasal airflow.

To study the characteristics of nasal airflow in the presence of nasal cycle by computational fluid dynamics. CT scan data of a healthy Chinese individual was used to construct a three-dimensional model of the nasal cavity to be used as simulation domain. A sinusoidal airflow velocity is set at the nasal cavity entrance to reproduce the breathing pattern of a healthy human. There was a significant difference in the cross-sectional area between the two sides of the nasal cavity. Particularly, the decongested side is characterized by a larger cross-section area, and consequently, by a larger volume with respect to the congested side. The airflow velocity, pressure, and nasal resistance were higher on the congested narrow side. The temperature regulation ability on the congested narrow side was stronger than that on the decongested wider side. During the nasal cycle, there are differences in the nasal cavity function between the congested and decongested sides. Therefore, when evaluating the impact of various factors on nasal cavity function, the nasal cycle should be considered.

Convenient Size Analysis of Nanoplastics on a Microelectrode.

Chemical recycling is a promising approach to reduce plastic pollution. Timely and accurate size analysis of produced nanoplastics is necessary to monitor the process and assess the quality of chemical recycling. In this work, a sandwich-type microelectrode sensor was developed for the size assessment of nanoplastics. ß-Mercaptoethylamine was modified on the microelectrode to enhance its surface positive charge density. Polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics were captured on the sensor through electrostatic interactions. Ferrocene was used as an electrochemical beacon and attached to PS via hydrophobic interactions. The results show a nonlinear dependence of the sensor's current response on the PS particle size. The size resolving ability of the microelectrode is mainly attributed to the small size of the electrode and the resulting attenuation of the electric field strength. For mixed samples with different particle sizes, this method can provide accurate average particle sizes. Through an effective pretreatment process, the method can be applied to PS nanoplastics with different surface properties, ensuring its application in evaluating different chemical recycling methods.

Risk factors for and outcomes of heatstroke-related intracerebral hemorrhage.

Some patients with heatstroke also experience intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, clinical case reports of heatstroke-induced ICH are rare. The risk factors for cerebral hemorrhage after heatstroke remain unknown. The present study evaluated the clinical characteristics and risk factors of patients with heatstroke-related ICH. In this retrospective observational study, we collected data on all ICHs after heatstroke occurred between 2012 and 2022. The characteristics of patients with heatstroke-induced ICH were described. The risk factors for cerebral hemorrhage after heatstroke were examined using logistic regression analysis. In total, 177 patients were included in this study, and 11 patients with ICH secondary to heatstroke were identified. Variables with P values of <.05 in univariate models, comparing the cerebral hemorrhage and control groups, included heatstroke cause, temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, vasopressor use, mechanical ventilation use, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II, total bilirubin, creatinine, platelet count, prothrombin time, procalcitonin, creatine kinase, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) occurrence, and DIC score. Multivariate logistic regression showed that heatstroke patients with higher DIC scores (odds ratio, 18.402, 95% confidence interval, 1.384-244.763, P = .027) and higher creatine kinase levels (odds ratio, 1.021, 95% confidence interval, 1.002-1.041, P = .033) were at a higher risk of developing ICH. The death rate was higher in the cerebral hemorrhage group than in the control group (P = .042). Heatstroke-related cerebral hemorrhage may be associated with elevated creatinine levels and DIC severity (International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis score) after heatstroke, and heatstroke with cerebral hemorrhage may accelerate death.

Nucleus-targeting DNase I self-assembly delivery system guided by pirarubicin for programmed multi-drugs release and combined anticancer therapy.

The cell nucleus serves as the pivotal command center of living cells, and delivering therapeutic agents directly into the nucleus can result in highly efficient anti-tumor eradication of cancer cells. However, nucleus-targeting drug delivery is very difficult due to the presence of numerous biological barriers. Here, three antitumor drugs (DNase I, ICG: indocyanine green, and THP: pirarubicin) were sequentially triggered protein self-assembly to produce a nucleus-targeting and programmed responsive multi-drugs delivery system (DIT). DIT consisted of uniform spherical particles with a size of 282 ± 7.7 nm. The acidic microenvironment of tumors and near-infrared light could successively trigger DIT for the programmed release of three drugs, enabling targeted delivery to the tumor. THP served as a nucleus-guiding molecule and a chemotherapy drug. Through THP-guided DIT, DNase I was successfully delivered to the nucleus of tumor cells and killed them by degrading their DNA. Tumor acidic microenvironment had the ability to induce DIT, leading to the aggregation of sufficient ICG in the tumor tissues. This provided an opportunity for the photothermal therapy of ICG. Hence, three drugs were cleverly combined using a simple method to achieve multi-drugs targeted delivery and highly effective combined anticancer therapy.

Excess glucocorticoids inhibit murine bone turnover via modulating the immunometabolism of the skeletal microenvironment.

Elevated bone resorption and diminished bone formation have been recognized as the primary features of glucocorticoid-associated skeletal disorders. However, the direct effects of excess glucocorticoids on bone turnover remain unclear. Here, we explored the outcomes of exogenous glucocorticoid treatment on bone loss and delayed fracture healing in mice and found that reduced bone turnover was a dominant feature, resulting in a net loss of bone mass. The primary effect of glucocorticoids on osteogenic differentiation was not inhibitory; instead, they cooperated with macrophages to facilitate osteogenesis. Impaired local nutrient status - notably, obstructed fatty acid transportation - was a key factor contributing to glucocorticoid-induced impairment of bone turnover in vivo. Furthermore, fatty acid oxidation in macrophages fueled the ability of glucocorticoid-liganded receptors to enter the nucleus and then promoted the expression of BMP2, a key cytokine that facilitates osteogenesis. Metabolic reprogramming by localized fatty acid delivery partly rescued glucocorticoid-induced pathology by restoring a healthier immune-metabolic milieu. These data provide insights into the multifactorial metabolic mechanisms by which glucocorticoids generate skeletal disorders, thus suggesting possible therapeutic avenues.

Effect of two different modalities of hysterectomy on wound infection and wound dehiscence in obese patients.

This research intended to investigate the influence of the operation of both kinds of hysterectomies in the risk of wound infection and the degree of wound dehiscence. Both of them were open field and laparoscope. In this research, we looked into four databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library. Research was conducted on various operative methods for hysterectomy in obese patients between 2000 and October 2023. Two independent investigators performed an independent review of the data, established the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and managed the results with Endnote software. It also evaluated the quality of the included literature. Finally, the data were analysed with RevMan 5.3. This study involved 874 cases, 387 cases received laparoscopy and 487 cases received open access operation. Our findings indicate that there is a significant reduction in the rate of post-operative wound infection among those who have received laparoscopy compared with who have received open surgical procedures (odds ratio [OR], 0.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.01-0.15; p < 0.001); There was no statistical difference between the rate of post-operative wound dehiscence and those who received laparotomy compared with those who received open surgical procedures (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.10-1.11; p = 0.07); The estimated amount of blood lost during the operation was less in the laparoscopy group compared with the open procedure (mean difference, -123.72; 95% CI, -215.16 to -32.28; p = 0.008). Generally speaking, the application of laparoscopy to overweight women who have had a hysterectomy results in a reduction in the expected amount of bleeding during surgery and a reduction in the risk of post-operative wound infections.

Targeting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway with natural plants and phytochemical ingredients: A novel therapeutic method for combatting cardiovascular diseases.

The aim of this article is to introduce the roles and mechanisms of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway in various cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial fibrosis, cardiac hypertrophy, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and myocardial ischemiareperfusion. In addition, the effects of phytochemical ingredients and different natural plants, mainly traditional Chinese medicines, on the regulation of different cardiovascular diseases via the JAK2/STAT3 pathway are discussed. Surprisingly, the JAK2 pathway has dual roles in different cardiovascular diseases. Future research should focus on the dual regulatory effects of different phytochemical ingredients and natural plants on JAK2 to pave the way for their use in clinical trials.

How surface-to-volume ratio affects degradation of magnesium: in vitro and in vivo studies.

Despite the many studies carried out over the past decade to determine the biodegradation performance of magnesium and its alloys, few studies focused on the effect of altered surface area to volume ratio on in vitro and in vivo degradation rate and osteogenesis. Here, high purity magnesium cylindrical rods with gradient of surface area to volume ratio were processed by excavating different numbers of grooves on the side surface. The immersion test in SBF solution and the rat femoral condylar bone defect model were used to evaluate the degradation of magnesium rods in vitro and in vivo, respectively. We demonstrated that, the increased number of grooves on the HP magnesium surface represented a decrease in the percentage of residual volume over time, not necessarily an increase in absolute degradation volume or a regular change in corrosion rate. Furthermore, there were strong linear correlations between the relative degradation volume and the initial surface-to-volume ratio of HP magnesium rods both in vitro and in vivo. The difference in the slope of this relationship in vitro and in vivo might help to determine the possible range of in vivo degradation rates via in vitro data. In addition, the corrosion rate is more suitable for evaluating bone formation surrounding the different HP magnesium rods. Our findings in this work may facilitate adjusting the in vivo degradation and osteogenesis of different kinds of orthopedic implants made of the same magnesium-based material, and thus, accelerate the clinical popularization and application.

Highly sensitive fluorescent explosives detection via SERS: based on fluorescence quenching of graphene oxide@Ag composite aerogels.

High fluorescence background poses a substantial challenge to surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), thereby limiting its broader applicability across diverse domains. In this work, silver nanoparticle (Ag NP)-loaded graphene oxide aerogel nanomaterials (GO-Ag ANM) were prepared for sensitive SERS detection of fluorescent explosive 2,4,8,10-tetranitrobenzo-1,3a,6,6a-tetraazapentaenopyridine (BPTAP) by a fluorescence quenching strategy. By harnessing the fluorescence quenching properties of graphene and the localized surface plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles, the synthesized aerogels exhibited effective fluorescence quenching and Raman enhancement capabilities when employed for BPTAP analysis with 532 nm laser excitation. Significantly, precise control over the loading quantity of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) resulted in the remarkable sensitivity of the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect. This method allowed for the detection of fluorescent explosive BPTAP at an extraordinarily low concentration of 1 × 10-7 M. Furthermore, the approach also demonstrated excellent detection capabilities for the dyes R6G, CV, and RhB. This study offers valuable insights for the sensitive detection of fluorescent molecules.

Association of remnant cholesterol with decreased kidney function or albuminuria: a population-based study in the U.S.

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia is frequently exhibited in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Remnant cholesterol (RC), an emerging novel lipid marker, plays an elusive role in CKD progression. This study sought to investigate the association of RC with decreased kidney function or albuminuria in the general population of U.S. METHOD: Data were retrieved from the continuous 2001 to 2018 cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Individuals aged between 18 and 70 years were included. RC was divided into quartiles. Albuminuria was defined by albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) ≥30 mg/g, while reduced kidney function was described as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Using a multivariable regression model, the association of RC with decreased eGFR or albuminuria was examined. The dose‒response relationship between RC and eGFR or ACR was also investigated using a restricted cubic spline (RCS) model. RESULTS: A total of 1551 (10.98%) participants with impaired renal function or albuminuria were identified. After multivariate adjustment, RC was not significantly associated with kidney function decline or albuminuria (odds ratio (OR) 1.24, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.95, 1.61). However, a significantly inverse correlation was observed between RC and eGFR in a dose‒response manner (ß -2.12, 95% CI: -3.04, -1.21). This association remained consistent when stratifying data by gender, age, race, hypertension, diabetes and body mass index (BMI). CONCLUSION: A higher RC was significantly correlated with a lower eGFR in the general population. The role of RC in predicting kidney outcomes needed further investigation in prospective studies.

Engineering a biomimetic system for hepatocyte-specific RNAi treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

RNA interference (RNAi) presents great potential against intractable liver diseases. However, the establishment of specific, efficient, and safe delivery systems targeting hepatocytes remains a great challenge. Herein, we described a promising hepatocytes-targeting system through integrating triantennary N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)-engineered cell membrane with biodegradable mesoporous silica nanoparticles, which efficiently and safely delivered siRNA to hepatocytes and silenced the target PCSK9 gene expression for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Having optimized the GalNAc-engineering strategy, insertion orders, and cell membrane source, we obtained the best-performing GalNAc-formulations allowing strong hepatocyte-specific internalization with reduced Kupffer cell capture, resulting in robust gene silencing and less hepatotoxicity when compared with cationic lipid-based GalNAc-formulations. Consequently, a durable reduction of lipid accumulation and damage was achieved by systemic administering siRNAs targeting PCSK9 in high-fat diet-fed mice, accompanied by displaying desirable safety profiles. Taken together, this GalNAc-engineering biomimetics represented versatile, efficient, and safe carriers for the development of hepatocyte-specific gene therapeutics, and prevention of metabolic diseases. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Compared to MSN@LP-GN3 (MC3-LNP), MSN@CM-GN3 exhibited strong hepatocyte targeting and Kupffer cell escaping, as well as good biocompatibility for safe and efficient siRNA delivery. Furthermore, siPCSK9 delivered by MSN@CM-GN3 reduced both serum and liver LDL-C, TG, TC levels and lipid droplets in HFD-induced mice, resulting in better performance than MSN/siPCSK9@LP-GN3 in terms of lipid-lowering effect and safety profiles. These findings indicated promising advantages of our biomimetic GN3-based systems for hepatocyte-specific gene delivery in chronic liver diseases. Our work addressed the challenges associated with the lower targeting efficiency of cell membrane-mimetic drug delivery systems and the immunogenicity of traditional GalNAc delivery systems. In conclusion, this study provided an effective and versatile approach for efficient and safe gene editing using ligand-integrated biomimetic nanoplatforms.

Vagus nerve stimulation in cerebral stroke: biological mechanisms, therapeutic modalities, clinical applications, and future directions.

Stroke is a major disorder of the central nervous system that poses a serious threat to human life and quality of life. Many stroke victims are left with long-term neurological dysfunction, which adversely affects the well-being of the individual and the broader socioeconomic impact. Currently, post-stroke brain dysfunction is a major and difficult area of treatment. Vagus nerve stimulation is a Food and Drug Administration-approved exploratory treatment option for autism, refractory depression, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease. It is expected to be a novel therapeutic technique for the treatment of stroke owing to its association with multiple mechanisms such as altering neurotransmitters and the plasticity of central neurons. In animal models of acute ischemic stroke, vagus nerve stimulation has been shown to reduce infarct size, reduce post-stroke neurological damage, and improve learning and memory capacity in rats with stroke by reducing the inflammatory response, regulating blood-brain barrier permeability, and promoting angiogenesis and neurogenesis. At present, vagus nerve stimulation includes both invasive and non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation. Clinical studies have found that invasive vagus nerve stimulation combined with rehabilitation therapy is effective in improving upper limb motor and cognitive abilities in stroke patients. Further clinical studies have shown that non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation, including ear/cervical vagus nerve stimulation, can stimulate vagal projections to the central nervous system similarly to invasive vagus nerve stimulation and can have the same effect. In this paper, we first describe the multiple effects of vagus nerve stimulation in stroke, and then discuss in depth its neuroprotective mechanisms in ischemic stroke. We go on to outline the results of the current major clinical applications of invasive and non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation. Finally, we provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of different types of vagus nerve stimulation in the treatment of cerebral ischemia and provide an outlook on the developmental trends. We believe that vagus nerve stimulation, as an effective treatment for stroke, will be widely used in clinical practice to promote the recovery of stroke patients and reduce the incidence of disability.

Click-Pixel Cognition Fusion Network With Balanced Cut for Interactive Image Segmentation.

Interactive image segmentation (IIS) has been widely used in various fields, such as medicine, industry, etc. However, some core issues, such as pixel imbalance, remain unresolved so far. Different from existing methods based on pre-processing or post-processing, we analyze the cause of pixel imbalance in depth from the two perspectives of pixel number and pixel difficulty. Based on this, a novel and unified Click-pixel Cognition Fusion network with Balanced Cut (CCF-BC) is proposed in this paper. On the one hand, the Click-pixel Cognition Fusion (CCF) module, inspired by the human cognition mechanism, is designed to increase the number of click-related pixels (namely, positive pixels) being correctly segmented, where the click and visual information are fully fused by using a progressive three-tier interaction strategy. On the other hand, a general loss, Balanced Normalized Focal Loss (BNFL), is proposed. Its core is to use a group of control coefficients related to sample gradients and forces the network to pay more attention to positive and hard-to-segment pixels during training. As a result, BNFL always tends to obtain a balanced cut of positive and negative samples in the decision space. Theoretical analysis shows that the commonly used Focal and BCE losses can be regarded as special cases of BNFL. Experiment results of five well-recognized datasets have shown the superiority of the proposed CCF-BC method compared to other state-of-the-art methods. The source code is publicly available at https://github.com/lab206/CCF-BC.