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Abstract With the increasing computing capacity of intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs), there will be a considerable amount of spare resources available in the vehicle cluster. It is necessary to make full use of these spare resources. In this paper, we investigate a platoon intelligence-based edge learning (PIEL) framework for the deep integration of terminal and network edge. Specifically, this paper discusses the characteristics and applications of platooning in edge learning and introduces the general architecture of PIEL. Subsequently, we conduct a discussion on the learning scheduling based on PIEL, including co-scheduling in the Intra-Platoon, Inter-Platoon, and Platoon-edge cases. An intelligent decision-making methodology framework for PIEL is also presented. Finally, we discuss future research opportunities on PIEL to achieve platoon intelligence. We believe that this investigation will elicit escalating attentions, stimulate fruitful discussions, and inspire further research ideas on edge intelligence.

Abstract Effects of the initial peritoneal dialysis (PD) prescription on clinical outcomes are unknown in Japan. We conducted a cohort study using data from Peritoneal Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study. The patients were divided into two groups by the volume of the initial PD prescription (≤ 4 L/day or > 4 L/day). Cause-specific Cox proportional hazards survival models were used to model the association between different PD prescriptions and the clinical outcomes. The outcomes included transfer to HD, mortality, the composite of mortality and transfer to HD, peritonitis, hospitalization, and the patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Of the 342 patients, 98 were prescribed ≤ 4 L/day, and 244 were prescribed > 4 L/day. Patients prescribed ≤ 4 L/day were older with a lower percentage being male, had more cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease but lower diabetes prevalence, were more likely to be receiving CAPD, used more assisted PD, and had lower BMI and mean serum creatinine levels. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of transfer to HD, mortality, transfer to HD or mortality, hospitalization, incidence of peritonitis, and PROs. Patients with initial PD prescriptions of ≤ 4 L/day compared to > 4 L/day had similar clinical outcomes. This practice may provide health economic benefits in Japan.

The dual frequency Heterogeneous Network (HetNet), including sub-6 GHz networks together with Millimeter Wave (mmWave), achieves the high data rates of user in the networks with hotspots. The cache-enabled HetNets with hotspots are investigated using an analytical framework in which Macro Base Stations (MBSs) and hotspot centers are treated as two independent homogeneous Poisson Point Processes (PPPs), and locations of Small Base Stations (SBSs) and users are modeled as two Poisson Cluster Processes (PCPs). Under the PCP-based modeling method and the Most Popular Caching (MPC) scheme, we propose a cache-enabled association strategy for HetNets with limited storage capacity. The performance of association probability and coverage probability is explicitly derived, and Monte Carlo simulation is utilized to verify that the results are correct. The outcomes of the simulation present the influence of antenna configuration and cache capacities of MBSs and SBSs on network performance. Numerical optimization of the standard deviation ratio of SBSs and users of association probability is enabled by our analysis.

Background People with kidney failure have a high risk of cardiovascular morbidity/death, including thromboembolic events. Factor XIa inhibitors are a new class of anticoagulants in development that may offer antithrombotic benefits with a lower risk of incremental bleeding events than traditional therapies. We investigated major adverse vascular events (MAVEs), a relevant composite outcome for testing novel antithrombotic agents, in a large cohort of patients on hemodialysis, to better understand the key requirements to adequately design a phase 3 trial. Methods and Results We included 25 211 patients on hemodialysis for >90 days in phases 4 to 7 (2009–2021) of the DOPPS (Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study). Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) was defined as history/presence of coronary, peripheral, or cerebrovascular disease. We estimated MAVE rates and cumulative incidence, overall and by ASCVD. Over half (52%) of the cohort met the ASCVD criteria. The MAVE hospitalization/death composite rate (per 100 patient‐years) was 6.0 in the overall cohort and 8.7 in the ASCVD subset. Three‐year cumulative incidence of MAVE was 13% in the overall cohort and 18% in the ASCVD subset. The estimated sample size to be randomized in a hypothetical trial in the ASCVD population was ≈7000 patients. Conclusions Even in the enriched ASCVD group, the observed MAVE incidence combined with a high competing risk, regulatory requirements (α=0.01), and limited recruitment pool makes feasibility of a potential randomized trial targeting MAVE reduction challenging. These results highlight key considerations and challenges for developers of novel therapies targeting systemic thromboembolic events in patients on hemodialysis.

Green buildings are designed and constructed according to the principles of sustainable development and are an inevitable trend in future architectural development. Nowadays, many works have studied the application of intelligence or intelligent technology in green intelligent buildings, but there is still insufficient discussion on how to integrate intelligent technology into all aspects of buildings. In view of this, this paper summarizes the design concepts of modern green buildings and takes this as the starting point to explore the classification and construction of the core needs for achieving sustainable development throughout the life cycle of buildings from five aspects: building design, building materials, building construction, building renewal and management, and building damage, and analyze the integration of relevant intelligent technologies in buildings under different needs.

The hot deformation behavior and microstructure evolution of AlCrFe2Ni2(MoNb)0.2 eutectic high entropy alloy at deformation temperatures of 900 °C–1100 °C and strain rates of 0.001 s−1∼1 s−1 were systematically investigated by hot compression tests. The principal structure equations of AlCrFe2Ni2(MoNb)0.2 high entropy alloy were constructed using the Arrhenius equation modified by Zener-Hollomon parameters. The decrease of strain rate and the increase of deformation temperature can enhance the continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) and discontinuous dynamic recrystallization (DDRX) processes simultaneously. The power dissipation and instability diagrams were constructed according to the power dissipation theory and instability criterion, and the hot processing diagrams with strains of 0.3–0.6 were obtained by combining with the Dynamic Material Model (DMM) theory. According to the analysis of power dissipation rate and processing safety zone, the optimal hot processing parameters were found to be ε = 0.6 for the true strain, T = 1050–1100 °C, ε˙ = 0.0037–0.031 s−1.

What is known, sports performance is impacted by a variety of factors. While most people understand the importance of training, proper nutrition, and adequate rest, not as many recognize the impact of environmental factors on athletic performance. This paper investigates the race strategies of Chinese triathletes in different competition environments, with a focus on the performance of professional triathletes during the Olympic Distance Triathlon held in China between 2015 and 2021. Data from 984 athletes who competed in 26 races were analyzed to evaluate the sensitivity of the three splits of swimming, cycling, and running to overall triathlon performance under different temperature (low, normal, and high), altitude (low, normal, and high), and waters (sea, river, and still waters) conditions. Results show that the effects of the three split times on overall time vary across different environments. Cycling has the greatest impact on overall performance when the temperature is suitable (at low temperature, at normal temperature) and the altitude is suitable (at low altitude, at normal altitude). While running has the greatest impact in high-temperature and high-altitude environments. For female athletes, in river waters, swimming has a greater effect on overall performance than cycling, but less than running. These findings provide practical suggestions for athletes, coaches, and competition organizers to optimize training and race strategies based on specific environmental conditions.

Inspired by mobile edge computing (MEC), edge learning has gained a momentum by directly performing model training at network edge without sending massive data to a centralized data center. However, the quality of model training will be affected by the limited communication and computing resources of network edge. In this paper, how to improve the training performance of a federated learning system aided by intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) over vehicle platooning networks is studied, where multiple platoons train a shared federated learning model. Multi-platoon cooperation can alleviate the pressure of data processing caused by the limited computing resources of single platoon. Meanwhile, IRS can enhance the inter-platoon communication in a cost-effective and energy-efficient manner. Firstly, the federated learning optimization problem of maximizing the learning accuracy is formulated by jointing platoon scheduling, bandwidth allocation and phase shifts at the IRS to maximize the number of scheduled platoon. Specifically, in the proposed learning architecture each platoon updates the learning model with its own data and uploads it to the global model through IRS-based wireless networks. Then, a method based on sequential optimization algorithm (SOA) and a group-based optimization method are analyzed for single IRS aided and large-scale IRS aided communication, respectively. Finally, a platoon scheduling scheme is designed based on the communication reliability and computing reliability of platoons. Simulation results demonstrate that large-scale IRS assisted communication can effectively improve the reliability of multi-user communication networks. The scheduling scheme based on learning reliability balances the communication performance and computing performance of platoons.

Long-distance transfer of genetic material and metabolites between rootstock and scions is well documented in homo-grafted hybrids but has rarely been reported in genetically-distant grafts where the rootstock and scion belong to different families. In this study, we grafted Vitis vinifera scions onto Schisandra chinensis stocks and obtained 20 vegetative hybrids, Vitis vinifera/Schisandra chinensis (Vs). After 25 years of growth, we found that the phenotypes of the leaves, internodes, and fruits of the Vs hybrids above the graft union resembled an intermediate phenotype between V. vinifera and S. chinensis, and the new traits were stable when propagated vegetatively. We further analyzed genetic differences between Vv plants and Vs hybrids using high-throughput sequencing, while metabolomes were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). We found a total of 2113 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). GO annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that these DEGs enriched mainly in oxidation-reduction and metabolic processes. Seventy-nine differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) containing 27 known miRNAs and 52 novel miRNAs were identified. A degradation analysis detected 840 target genes corresponding to 252 miRNAs, of which 12 DEMs and their corresponding target gene expression levels were mostly negatively correlated. Furthermore, 1188 differential metabolic compounds were identified. In particular, in Vs hybrids, the abundance of the metabolites schizandrin and gomisin as the main medicinal ingredients in S. chinensis were down-regulated and up-regulated, respectively. Our data demonstrated the effects of interfamily grafts on the phenotype, transcript profile and metabolites of the scion, and also provided new insight into the genetic, phenotypic, and metabolic plasticity associated with genetically distant grafted hybrids.

PurposeThis study aims to quantitatively analyze the impact of split times on overall performance in standard distance triathlon events. It also examines how environmental factors such as water type, temperature, and altitude affect overall race outcomes.MethodsQuantile regression was employed to analyze the race records of 1,580 triathletes participating in 46 standard distance events in China.ResultsSwim time significantly influences race performance among the top 50% of elite athletes (p < 0.05). For slower elite athletes, bike time is more critical. Temperature has a positive effect on race times, while altitude also shows a significant positive impact, with race times decreasing as altitude increases (up to 1,600 meters in this study's dataset). River water enhances race times compared to still water, whereas sea water generally slows athletes down.ConclusionThe influence of split times and environmental factors on overall race rime varies according to the athletes' performance levels. To optimize results, training plans and race strategies should be tailored to each athlete's capabilities. Additionally, understanding and adapting to environmental conditions in advance is crucial.

The Chang 8 Member of the Yanchang Formation in southwest Ordos Basin is a typical faulted sandstone oil reservoir. The development characteristics of fractures have obvious controlling effect on the formation of sweet spots of tight reservoir. In this paper, taking the Chang 8 Member of the southwestern Ordos Basin as an example, the development characteristics and controlling factors of fractures in faulted sandstone oil reservoir are systematically studied. The results show that the faulted sandstone oil reservoirs in the study area are distributed along the main strike-slip faults. The fracture system includes vertical fractures and horizontal bedding fractures. The fracture surface of vertical fractures generally has good oil display, and mostly presented as oil spot and oil immersion level; however, the oil level of horizontal bedding fractures is usually presented as oil spot level. The development frequency of horizontal bedding fractures is 62.5 %, while that of vertical fractures is 37.5 %. The fractures are mainly developed in fine sandstone and a small amount of medium-grained sandstone and siltstone. The factors that affect the fracture development degree in faulted oil reservoir include the distance from main fault, sand thickness, lithology and structural location. For the Jinghe and Honghe Oilfields, the degree of fracture development decreases sharply when the distance from the main fault is greater than 1.25 km and 1.5 km, respectively. Single sand body thickness also controls the degree of fracture development. Single sand bodies with thickness within 6 m have more developed fractures, and the fracture development decreases sharply when the thickness exceeds 6 m. The sand body in the wing part of river channel is relatively thin with fine grain size and small compacted space, which is easy to break under tectonic activity. The fractures of the Chang 8 Member in the study area are mainly developed near the faults, the top of anticline and its wing part.

ABSTRACTEmerging mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes pose a significant threat to public health for colistin was used as the last resort to treat multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogenic bacterial infections. Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) is a clinically significant pathogen resulting in highly invasive infections, often complicated by devastating dissemination. Worryingly, the untreatable and severe infections caused by mcr-harbouring hvKP leave the selection of antibiotics for clinical anti-infective treatment in a dilemma. Herein, we screened 3,461 isolates from a tertiary teaching hospital from November 2018 to March 2021, and an mcr-8.2-harbouring hvKP FAHZZU2591 with a conjugative plasmid was identified from paediatric sepsis. This is the first report of MCR-8-producing hvKP from paediatric sepsis to our best knowledge. The susceptibility, genetic features, and plasmid profiles of the isolate were investigated. Further, we assessed the virulence potential of FAHZZU2591 and verified its pathogenicity and invasive capacity using a mouse model. The phylogenetic analysis of mcr-8-bearing K. pneumoniae revealed that China is the predominant reservoir of the mcr-8 gene, and the clinic is the primary source. Our work highlights the risk for the spread of mcr-positive hvKP in clinical, especially in paediatric sepsis, and the persistent surveillance of colistin-resistance hvKP is urgent.

Abstract Background Despite the global prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase (KPC)-type class A β-lactamases, occurrences of KPC-3-producing isolates in China remain infrequent. This study aims to explore the emergence, antibiotic resistance profiles, and plasmid characteristics of bla KPC-3-carrying Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods Species identification was performed by MALDI-TOF-MS, and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The characteristics of the target strain were detected by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). Plasmids were analyzed by S1-nuclease pulsed-field gel electrophoresis(S1-PFGE), Southern blotting and transconjugation experiment. Results Five P. aeruginosa strains carrying bla KPC-3 were isolated from two Chinese patients without a history of travelling to endemic areas. All strains belonged to the novel sequence type ST1076. The bla KPC-3 was carried on a 395-kb IncP-2 megaplasmid with a conserved structure (IS6100-ISKpn27-bla KPC-3-ISKpn6-korC-klcA), and this genetic sequence was identical to many plasmid-encoded KPC of Pseudomonas species. By further analyzing the genetic context, it was supposed that the original of bla KPC-3 in our work was a series of mutation of bla KPC-2. Conclusions The emergence of a multidrug resistance IncP-2 megaplasmid and clonal transmission of bla KPC-3-producing P. aeruginosa in China underlined the crucial need for continuous monitoring of bla KPC-3 for prevention and control of its further dissemination in China.

Abstract Background The liver is responsible for a range of functions in vertebrates, such as metabolism and immunity. In malaria, the liver plays a crucial role in the interaction between the parasite and host. Although malarial hepatitis is a common clinical complication of severe malaria, other malaria-related liver changes have been overlooked during the blood stage of the parasite life-cycle, in contrast to the many studies that have focused on parasite invasion of and replication in the liver during the hepatic stage of the parasite. Methods A rodent model of malaria was established using Plasmodium yoelii strain 17XL, a lethal strain of rodent malaria, for liver transcriptomic profiling. Results Differentially expressed messenger RNAs were associated with innate and adaptive immune responses, while differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs were enriched in the regulation of metabolism-related pathways, such as lipid metabolism. The coexpression network showed that host genes were related to cellular transport and tissue remodeling. Hub gene analysis of P. yoelii indicated that ubiquitination genes that were coexpressed with the host were evolutionarily conserved. Conclusions Our analysis yielded evidence of activated immune responses, aberrant metabolic processes and tissue remodeling changes in the livers of mice with malaria during the blood stage of the parasite, which provided a systematic outline of liver responses during Plasmodium infection. Graphical Abstract