Assessing target optical camouflage effects using brain functional networks:A feasibility study

Brain functional networks model the brain's ability to exchange information across different regions,aiding in the understanding of the cognitive process of human visual attention during target searching,thereby contributing to the advancement of camouflage evaluation.In this study,images with various camouflage effects were presented to observers to generate electroencephalography(EEG)signals,which were then used to construct a brain functional network.The topological parameters of the network were subsequently extracted and input into a machine learning model for training.The results indicate that most of the classifiers achieved accuracy rates exceeding 70%.Specifically,the Logistic algorithm achieved an accuracy of 81.67%.Therefore,it is possible to predict target camouflage effectiveness with high accuracy without the need to calculate discovery probability.The proposed method fully considers the aspects of human visual and cognitive processes,overcomes the subjectivity of human interpretation,and achieves stable and reliable accuracy.

Brain Functional Networks with Dynamic Hypergraph Manifold Regularization for Classification of End-Stage Renal Disease Associated with Mild Cognitive Impairment

The structure and function of brain networks have been altered in patients with end-stage renal disease(ESRD).Manifold regularization(MR)only considers the pairing relationship between two brain regions and cannot represent functional interactions or higher-order relationships between multiple brain regions.To solve this issue,we developed a method to construct a dynamic brain functional network(DBFN)based on dynamic hypergraph MR(DHMR)and applied it to the classification of ESRD associated with mild cognitive impairment(ESRDaMCI).The construction of DBFN with Pearson’s correlation(PC)was transformed into an optimization model.Node convolution and hyperedge convolution superposition were adopted to dynamically modify the hypergraph structure,and then got the dynamic hypergraph to form the manifold regular terms of the dynamic hypergraph.The DHMR and L_(1) norm regularization were introduced into the PC-based optimization model to obtain the final DHMR-based DBFN(DDBFN).Experiment results demonstrated the validity of the DDBFN method by comparing the classification results with several related brain functional network construction methods.Our work not only improves better classification performance but also reveals the discriminative regions of ESRDaMCI,providing a reference for clinical research and auxiliary diagnosis of concomitant cognitive impairments.

Prediction of the residual strength of clay using functional networks

Landslides are common natural hazards occurring in most parts of the world and have considerable adverse economic effects. Residual shear strength of clay is one of the most important factors in the determination of stability of slopes or landslides. This effect is more pronounced in sensitive clays which show large changes in shear strength from peak to residual states. This study analyses the prediction of the residual strength of clay based on a new prediction model, functional networks（FN） using data available in the literature. The performance of FN was compared with support vector machine（SVM） and artificial neural network（ANN） based on statistical parameters like correlation coefficient（R）, Nash–Sutcliff coefficient of efficiency（E）, absolute average error（AAE）, maximum average error（MAE） and root mean square error（RMSE）. Based on R and E parameters, FN is found to be a better prediction tool than ANN for the given data. However, the R and E values for FN are less than SVM. A prediction equation is presented that can be used by practicing geotechnical engineers. A sensitivity analysis is carried out to ascertain the importance of various inputs in the prediction of the output.

Studies in Brain Functional Networks Based on Complex Networks

The purpose of the paper is to provide a way to model the brain functional network based on the complex networks with brain anatomical architecture. We introduce the brain structural and functional researches, and delineate the brain anatomical and functional networks based on complex networks, then we discuss the brain functional complex network models; at last we put forward the brain functional networks modeling process and the data processing with fMRI （functional magnetic resonance imaging） in detailed.

MART(Splitting-Merging Assisted Reliable)Independent Component Analysis for Extracting Accurate Brain Functional Networks

Functional networks(FNs)hold significant promise in understanding brain function.Independent component analysis(ICA)has been applied in estimating FNs from functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI).However,determining an optimal model order for ICA remains challenging,leading to criticism about the reliability of FN estimation.Here,we propose a SMART(splitting-merging assisted reliable)ICA method that automatically extracts reliable FNs by clustering independent components(ICs)obtained from multi-model-order ICA using a simplified graph while providing linkages among FNs deduced from different-model orders.We extend SMART ICA to multi-subject fMRI analysis,validating its effectiveness using simulated and real fMRI data.Based on simulated data,the method accurately estimates both group-common and group-unique components and demonstrates robustness to parameters.Using two age-matched cohorts of resting fMRI data comprising 1,950 healthy subjects,the resulting reliable group-level FNs are greatly similar between the two cohorts,and interestingly the subject-specific FNs show progressive changes while age increases.Furthermore,both small-scale and large-scale brain FN templates are provided as benchmarks for future studies.Taken together,SMART ICA can automatically obtain reliable FNs in analyzing multi-subject fMRI data,while also providing linkages between different FNs.

Resting-state brain network remodeling after different nerve reconstruction surgeries:a functional magnetic resonance imaging study in brachial plexus injury rats

Distinct brain remodeling has been found after different nerve reconstruction strategies,including motor representation of the affected limb.However,differences among reconstruction strategies at the brain network level have not been elucidated.This study aimed to explore intranetwork changes related to altered peripheral neural pathways after different nerve reconstruction surgeries,including nerve repair,endto-end nerve transfer,and end-to-side nerve transfer.Sprague–Dawley rats underwent complete left brachial plexus transection and were divided into four equal groups of eight:no nerve repair,grafted nerve repair,phrenic nerve end-to-end transfer,and end-to-side transfer with a graft sutured to the anterior upper trunk.Resting-state brain functional magnetic resonance imaging was obtained 7 months after surgery.The independent component analysis algorithm was utilized to identify group-level network components of interest and extract resting-state functional connectivity values of each voxel within the component.Alterations in intra-network resting-state functional connectivity were compared among the groups.Target muscle reinnervation was assessed by behavioral observation(elbow flexion)and electromyography.The results showed that alterations in the sensorimotor and interoception networks were mostly related to changes in the peripheral neural pathway.Nerve repair was related to enhanced connectivity within the sensorimotor network,while end-to-side nerve transfer might be more beneficial for restoring control over the affected limb by the original motor representation.The thalamic-cortical pathway was enhanced within the interoception network after nerve repair and end-to-end nerve transfer.Brain areas related to cognition and emotion were enhanced after end-to-side nerve transfer.Our study revealed important brain networks related to different nerve reconstructions.These networks may be potential targets for enhancing motor recovery.

Consistent and Specific Multi-View Functional Brain Networks Fusion for Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis

Functional brain networks (FBN) based on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) have become an important tool for exploring underlying organization patterns in the brain, which can provide an objective basis for brain disorders such as autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Due to its importance, researchers have proposed a number of FBN estimation methods. However, most existing methods only model a type of functional connection relationship between brain regions-of-interest (ROIs), such as partial correlation or full correlation, which is difficult to fully capture the subtle connections among ROIs since these connections are extremely complex. Motivated by the multi-view learning, in this study we propose a novel Consistent and Specific Multi-view FBNs Fusion (CSMF) approach. Concretely, we first construct multi-view FBNs (i.e., multiple types of FBNs modelling various relationships among ROIs), and then these FBNs are decomposed into a consistent representation matrix and their own specific matrices which capture their common and unique information, respectively. Lastly, to obtain a better brain representation, it is fusing the consistent and specific representation matrices in the latent representation spaces of FBNs, but not directly fusing the original FBNs. This potentially makes it more easily to find the comprehensively brain connections. The experimental results of ASD identification on the ABIDE datasets validate the effectiveness of our proposed method compared to several state-of-the-art methods. Our proposed CSMF method achieved 72.8% and 76.67% classification performance on the ABIDE dataset.

Service Function Chain Migration in LEO Satellite Networks

With the advancements of software defined network(SDN)and network function virtualization(NFV),service function chain(SFC)placement becomes a crucial enabler for flexible resource scheduling in low earth orbit(LEO)satellite networks.While due to the scarcity of bandwidth resources and dynamic topology of LEO satellites,the static SFC placement schemes may cause performance degradation,resource waste and even service failure.In this paper,we consider migration and establish an online migration model,especially considering the dynamic topology.Given the scarcity of bandwidth resources,the model aims to maximize the total number of accepted SFCs while incurring as little bandwidth cost of SFC transmission and migration as possible.Due to its NP-hardness,we propose a heuristic minimized dynamic SFC migration(MDSM)algorithm that only triggers the migration procedure when new SFCs are rejected.Simulation results demonstrate that MDSM achieves a performance close to the upper bound with lower complexity.

Brain Functional Network Changes in Patients with Poststroke Cognitive Impairment Following Acupuncture Therapy

Background: The mechanisms by which acupuncture affects poststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) remain unclear. Objective: To investigate brain functional network (BFN) changes in patients with PSCI after acupuncture therapy. Methods: Twenty-two PSCI patients who underwent acupuncture therapy in our hospital were enrolled as research subjects. Another 14 people matched for age, sex, and education level were included in the normal control (HC) group. All the subjects underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scans;the PSCI patients underwent one scan before acupuncture therapy and another after. The network metric difference between PSCI patients and HCs was analyzed via the independent-sample t test, whereas the paired-sample t test was employed to analyze the network metric changes in PSCI patients before vs. after treatment. Results: Small-world network attributes were observed in both groups for sparsities between 0.1 and 0.28. Compared with the HC group, the PSCI group presented significantly lower values for the global topological properties (γ, Cp, and Eloc) of the brain;significantly greater values for the nodal attributes of betweenness centrality in the CUN. L and the HES. R, degree centrality in the SFGdor. L, PCG. L, IPL. L, and HES. R, and nodal local efficiency in the ORBsup. R, ORBsupmed. R, DCG. L, SMG. R, and TPOsup. L;and decreased degree centrality in the MFG. R, IFGoperc. R, and SOG. R. After treatment, PSCI patients presented increased degree centrality in the LING.L, LING.R, and IOG. L and nodal local efficiency in PHG. L, IOG. R, FFG. L, and the HES. L, and decreased betweenness centrality in the PCG. L and CUN. L, degree centrality in the ORBsupmed. R, and nodal local efficiency in ANG. R. Conclusion: Cognitive decline in PSCI patients may be related to BFN disorders;acupuncture therapy may modulate the topological properties of the BFNs of PSCI patients.

Extracting Sub-Networks from Brain Functional Network Using Graph Regularized Nonnegative Matrix Factorization

Currently,functional connectomes constructed from neuroimaging data have emerged as a powerful tool in identifying brain disorders.If one brain disease just manifests as some cognitive dysfunction,it means that the disease may affect some local connectivity in the brain functional network.That is,there are functional abnormalities in the sub-network.Therefore,it is crucial to accurately identify them in pathological diagnosis.To solve these problems,we proposed a sub-network extraction method based on graph regularization nonnegative matrix factorization(GNMF).The dynamic functional networks of normal subjects and early mild cognitive impairment(eMCI)subjects were vectorized and the functional connection vectors(FCV)were assembled to aggregation matrices.Then GNMF was applied to factorize the aggregation matrix to get the base matrix,in which the column vectors were restored to a common sub-network and a distinctive sub-network,and visualization and statistical analysis were conducted on the two sub-networks,respectively.Experimental results demonstrated that,compared with other matrix factorization methods,the proposed method can more obviously reflect the similarity between the common subnetwork of eMCI subjects and normal subjects,as well as the difference between the distinctive sub-network of eMCI subjects and normal subjects,Therefore,the high-dimensional features in brain functional networks can be best represented locally in the lowdimensional space,which provides a new idea for studying brain functional connectomes.

Brain Functional Network Based on Small-Worldness and Minimum Spanning Tree for Depression Analysis

Since the outbreak and spread of corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19),the prevalence of mental disorders,such as depression,has continued to increase.To explore the abnormal changes of brain functional connections in patients with depression,this paper proposes a depression analysis method based on brain function network(BFN).To avoid the volume conductor effect,BFN was constructed based on phase lag index(PLI).Then the indicators closely related to depression were selected from weighted BFN based on small-worldness(SW)characteristics and binarization BFN based on the minimum spanning tree(MST).Differences analysis between groups and correlation analysis between these indicators and diagnostic indicators were performed in turn.The resting state electroencephalogram(EEG)data of 24 patients with depression and 29 healthy controls(HC)was used to verify our proposed method.The results showed that compared with HC,the information processing of BFN in patients with depression decreased,and BFN showed a trend of randomization.

SFC Design and VNF Placement Based on Traffic Volume Scaling and VNF Dependency in 5G Networks

The development of Fifth-Generation(5G)mobile communication technology has remarkably promoted the spread of the Internet of Things(IoT)applications.As a promising paradigm for IoT,edge computing can process the amount of data generated by mobile intelligent devices in less time response.Network Function Virtualization(NFV)that decouples network functions from dedicated hardware is an important architecture to implement edge computing,deploying heterogeneous Virtual Network Functions(VNF)(such as computer vision,natural language processing,intelligent control,etc.)on the edge service nodes.With the NFV MANO(Management and Orchestration)framework,a Service Function Chain(SFC)that contains a set of ordered VNFs can be constructed and placed in the network to offer a customized network service.However,the procedure of NFV orchestration faces a technical challenge in minimizing the network cost of VNF placement due to the complexity of the changing effect of traffic volume and the dependency on theVNFrelationship.To this end,we jointly optimize SFC design and VNF placement to minimize resource cost while taking account of VNF dependency and traffic volume scaling.First,the problem is formulated as an Integer Linear Programming(ILP)model and proved NPhard by reduction from Hamiltonian Cycle problem.Then we proposed an efficient heuristic algorithm called Traffic Aware and Interdependent VNF Placement(TAIVP)to solve the problem.Compared with the benchmark algorithms,emulation results show that our algorithm can reduce network cost by 10.2%and increase service request acceptance rate by 7.6%on average.

基于混合双层自组织径向基函数神经网络的优化学习算法

针对传统方法采用先训练后测试两阶段学习机制极易导致的过拟合或欠拟合问题,提出一种基于混合双层自组织径向基函数神经网络的优化学习(hybrid bilevel self-organizing radial basis function neural network optimization learning,Hb-SRBFNN-OL)算法。首先,将训练过程和测试过程集成到一个统一的框架中,规避过拟合或欠拟合问题。其次,基于进化学习机制,提出上下2层的交互式优化学习算法,上层基于网络复杂度和测试误差自组织调整网络结构,下层采用列文伯格-马夸尔特(Levenberg Marquardt,LM)算法作为优化器对自组织径向基函数神经网络(self-organizing radial basis function neural network,SO-RBFNN)的连接权值进行优化。最后,利用来自多个子网络的综合信息生成模型的最终输出,加速网络全局收敛。为验证所提方法的可行性,分别在多个分类和预测任务中进行了测试实验。结果表明,在与传统神经网络结构相似甚至更好的测试和分类精度下,该方法不仅能实现更快的训练收敛,而且能进化成更精简紧凑的径向基函数神经网络(radial basis function neural network,RBFNN)模型。尤其在污水处理过程中总磷的质量浓度预测实验中,测试集中均方根误差(root mean squared error,RMSE)最高可降低48.90%,实际场景实验结果验证了所提算法的精确性更佳且泛化能力更强。

MOTOR CORTEX NETWORKS IN STROKE PATIENTS DURING RECOVERY WITH fMRI

To investigate changes of functional activation areas of the cerebral cortex and the connectivity of motor cortex networks （MCNs） in stroke patients during the recovery, five patients with the infarct in their left hemispheres are recruited. Functional magnetic resonance imaging （fMRI） is performed in the second, fourth, eighth, and sixteenth weeks after the stroke. Images are analyzed using the professional software SPM5 to obtain the bilateral activation of the motor cortex in left and right handgrip tests. MCN data are extracted from the active areas, and the structural and functional characteristic parameters are computed to indicate the connectivity of the network. Results show that the ipsilesional hemisphere recruits more areas with less active extent during the handgrip test, compared with the contralesional hemisphere. MCN shows a higher overall degree of statistical independence and more statistical dependence among motor areas with the gradual recovery. It can help physicians understand the recovery mechanism.

ADAPTIVE PREDICTIVE CONTROL OF NEAR-SPACE VEHICLE USING FUNCTIONAL LINK NETWORK

A novel nonlinear adaptive control method is presented for a near-space hypersonic vehicle （NHV） in the presence of strong uncertainties and disturbances. The control law consists of the optimal generalized predictive controller （OGPC） and the functional link network （FLN） direct adaptive law. OGPC is a continuous-time nonlinear predictive control law. The FLN adaptive law is used to offset the unknown uncertainties and disturbances in a flight through the online learning. The learning process does not need any offline training phase. The stability analyses of the NHV close-loop system are provided and it is proved that the system error and the weight learning error are uniformly ultimately hounded. Simulation results show the satisfactory performance of the con- troller for the attitude tracking.

Effect of cognitive training on brain dynamics

The human brain is highly plastic.Cognitive training is usually used to modify functional connectivity of brain networks.Moreover,the structures of brain networks may determine its dynamic behavior which is related to human cognitive abilities.To study the effect of functional connectivity on the brain dynamics,the dynamic model based on functional connections of the brain and the Hindmarsh–Rose model is utilized in this work.The resting-state fMRI data from the experimental group undergoing abacus-based mental calculation(AMC)training and from the control group are used to construct the functional brain networks.The dynamic behavior of brain at the resting and task states for the AMC group and the control group are simulated with the above-mentioned dynamic model.In the resting state,there are the differences of brain activation between the AMC group and the control group,and more brain regions are inspired in the AMC group.A stimulus with sinusoidal signals to brain networks is introduced to simulate the brain dynamics in the task states.The dynamic characteristics are extracted by the excitation rates,the response intensities and the state distributions.The change in the functional connectivity of brain networks with the AMC training would in turn improve the brain response to external stimulus,and make the brain more efficient in processing tasks.

Epileptic brain network mechanisms and neuroimaging techniques for the brain network

Epilepsy can be defined as a dysfunction of the brain network,and each type of epilepsy involves different brain-network changes that are implicated diffe rently in the control and propagation of interictal or ictal discharges.Gaining more detailed information on brain network alterations can help us to further understand the mechanisms of epilepsy and pave the way for brain network-based precise therapeutic approaches in clinical practice.An increasing number of advanced neuroimaging techniques and electrophysiological techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging-based fiber tra ctography,diffusion kurtosis imaging-based fiber tractography,fiber ball imagingbased tra ctography,electroencephalography,functional magnetic resonance imaging,magnetoencephalography,positron emission tomography,molecular imaging,and functional ultrasound imaging have been extensively used to delineate epileptic networks.In this review,we summarize the relevant neuroimaging and neuroelectrophysiological techniques for assessing structural and functional brain networks in patients with epilepsy,and extensively analyze the imaging mechanisms,advantages,limitations,and clinical application ranges of each technique.A greater focus on emerging advanced technologies,new data analysis software,a combination of multiple techniques,and the construction of personalized virtual epilepsy models can provide a theoretical basis to better understand the brain network mechanisms of epilepsy and make surgical decisions.

Advancing 5G Network Applications Lifecycle Security:An ML-Driven Approach

As 5th Generation(5G)and Beyond 5G(B5G)networks become increasingly prevalent,ensuring not only networksecurity but also the security and reliability of the applications,the so-called network applications,becomesof paramount importance.This paper introduces a novel integrated model architecture,combining a networkapplication validation framework with an AI-driven reactive system to enhance security in real-time.The proposedmodel leverages machine learning(ML)and artificial intelligence(AI)to dynamically monitor and respond tosecurity threats,effectively mitigating potential risks before they impact the network infrastructure.This dualapproach not only validates the functionality and performance of network applications before their real deploymentbut also enhances the network’s ability to adapt and respond to threats as they arise.The implementation ofthis model,in the shape of an architecture deployed in two distinct sites,demonstrates its practical viability andeffectiveness.Integrating application validation with proactive threat detection and response,the proposed modeladdresses critical security challenges unique to 5G infrastructures.This paper details the model,architecture’sdesign,implementation,and evaluation of this solution,illustrating its potential to improve network securitymanagement in 5G environments significantly.Our findings highlight the architecture’s capability to ensure boththe operational integrity of network applications and the security of the underlying infrastructure,presenting asignificant advancement in network security.

Security Monitoring and Management for the Network Services in the Orchestration of SDN-NFV Environment Using Machine Learning Techniques

Software Defined Network(SDN)and Network Function Virtualization(NFV)technology promote several benefits to network operators,including reduced maintenance costs,increased network operational performance,simplified network lifecycle,and policies management.Network vulnerabilities try to modify services provided by Network Function Virtualization MANagement and Orchestration(NFV MANO),and malicious attacks in different scenarios disrupt the NFV Orchestrator(NFVO)and Virtualized Infrastructure Manager(VIM)lifecycle management related to network services or individual Virtualized Network Function(VNF).This paper proposes an anomaly detection mechanism that monitors threats in NFV MANO and manages promptly and adaptively to implement and handle security functions in order to enhance the quality of experience for end users.An anomaly detector investigates these identified risks and provides secure network services.It enables virtual network security functions and identifies anomalies in Kubernetes(a cloud-based platform).For training and testing purpose of the proposed approach,an intrusion-containing dataset is used that hold multiple malicious activities like a Smurf,Neptune,Teardrop,Pod,Land,IPsweep,etc.,categorized as Probing(Prob),Denial of Service(DoS),User to Root(U2R),and Remote to User(R2L)attacks.An anomaly detector is anticipated with the capabilities of a Machine Learning(ML)technique,making use of supervised learning techniques like Logistic Regression(LR),Support Vector Machine(SVM),Random Forest(RF),Naïve Bayes(NB),and Extreme Gradient Boosting(XGBoost).The proposed framework has been evaluated by deploying the identified ML algorithm on a Jupyter notebook in Kubeflow to simulate Kubernetes for validation purposes.RF classifier has shown better outcomes(99.90%accuracy)than other classifiers in detecting anomalies/intrusions in the containerized environment.

Position-aware packet loss optimization on service function chain placement

The advent of Network Function Virtualization(NFV)and Service Function Chains(SFCs)unleashes the power of dynamic creation of network services using Virtual Network Functions(VNFs).This is of great interest to network operators since poor service quality and resource wastage can potentially hurt their revenue in the long term.However,the study shows with a set of test-bed experiments that packet loss at certain positions(i.e.,different VNFs)in an SFC can cause various degrees of resource wastage and performance degradation because of repeated upstream processing and transmission of retransmitted packets.To overcome this challenge,this study focuses on resource scheduling and deployment of SFCs while considering packet loss positions.This study developed a novel SFC packet dropping cost model and formulated an SFC scheduling problem that aims to minimize overall packet dropping cost as a Mixed-Integer Linear Programming(MILP)and proved that it is NP-hard.In this study,Palos is proposed as an efficient scheme in exploiting the functional characteristics of VNFs and their positions in SFCs for scheduling resources and deployment to optimize packet dropping cost.Extensive experiment results show that Palos can achieve up to 42.73%improvement on packet dropping cost and up to 33.03%reduction on average SFC latency when compared with two other state-of-the-art schemes.