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.

Generation and regulation of electromagnetic pulses generated by femtosecond lasers interacting with multitargets

Ultrashort and powerful laser interactions with a target generate intense wideband electromagnetic pulses(EMPs).In this study,we report EMPs generated by the interactions between petawatt(30 fs,1.4×10^(20) W/cm^(2))femtosecond(fs)lasers with metal flat,plastic flat,and plastic nanowire-array(NWA)targets.Detailed analyses are conducted on the EMPs in terms of their spatial distribution,time and frequency domains,radiation energy,and protection.The results indicate that EMPs from metal targets exhibit larger amplitudes at varying angles than those generated by other types of targets and are enhanced significantly for NWA targets.Using a plastic target holder and increasing the laser focal spot can significantly decrease the radiation energy of the EMPs.Moreover,the composite shielding materials indicate an effective shielding effect against EMPs.The simulation results show that the NWA targets exert a collimating effect on thermal electrons,which directly affects the distribution of EMPs.This study provides guidance for regulating EMPs by controlling the laser focal spot,target parameters,and target rod material and is beneficial for electromagnetic-shielding design.

Quasi-static magnetic compression of field-reversed configuration plasma:amended scalings and limits from two-dimensional MHD equilibrium

In this work,several key scaling laws of the quasi-static magnetic compression of field reversed configuration(FRC)plasma(Spencer et al 1983 Phys.Fluids 261564)are amended from a series of two-dimensional FRC MHD equilibriums numerically obtained using the Grad–Shafranov equation solver NIMEQ.Based on the new scaling for the elongation and the magnetic fields at the separatrix and the wall,the empirically stable limits for the compression ratio,the fusion gain,and the neutron yield are evaluated,which may serve as a more accurate estimate for the upper ceiling of performance from the magnetic compression of FRC plasma as a potential fusion energy as well as neutron source devices.

Hot deformation behavior and microstructure evolution of Be/2024Al composites

The high temperature compression test of Be/2024Al composites with 62wt%Be was conducted at 500–575℃ and strain rate of0.003–0.1 s^(-1).The strain-compensated Arrhenius model and modified Johnson–Cook model were introduced to predict the hot deformation behavior of Be/2024Al composites.The result shows that the activation energy of Be/2024Al composites was 363.364 k J·mol^(-1).Compared with composites reinforced with traditional ceramics,Be/2024Al composites can be deformed with ultra-high content of reinforcement,attributing to the deformable property of Be particles.The average relative error of the two models shows that modified Johnson–Cook model was more suitable for low temperature condition while strain-compensated Arrhenius model was more suitable for high temperature condition.The processing map was generated and a hot extrusion experiment was conducted according to the map.A comparation of the microstructure of Be/2024Al composites before and after extrusion shows that the Be particle deformed coordinately with the matrix and elongated at the extrusion direction.

Combination immunotherapy of glioblastoma with dendritic cell cancer vaccines,anti-PD-1 and poly I:C

Glioblastoma(GBM)is a lethal cancer with limited therapeutic options.Dendritic cell(DC)-based cancer vaccines provide a promising approach for GBM treatment.Clinical studies suggest that other immunotherapeutic agents may be combined with DC vaccines to further enhance antitumor activity.Here,we report a GBM case with combination immunotherapy consisting of DC vaccines,anti-programmed death-1(anti-PD-1)and poly I:C as well as the chemotherapeutic agent cyclophosphamide that was integrated with standard chemoradiation therapy,and the patient remained disease-free for 69 months.The patient received DC vaccines loaded with multiple forms of tumor antigens,including mRNA-tumor associated antigens(TAA),mRNA-neoantigens,and hypochlorous acid(HOCl)-oxidized tumor lysates.Furthermore,mRNA-TAAs were modified with a novel TriVac technology that fuses TAAs with a destabilization domain and inserts TAAs into full-length lysosomal associated membrane protein-1 to enhance major histocompatibility complex(MHC)class I and II antigen presentation.The treatment consisted of 42 DC cancer vaccine infusions,26 anti-PD-1 antibody nivolumab administrations and 126 poly I:C injections for DC infusions.The patient also received 28 doses of cyclophosphamide for depletion of regulatory T cells.No immunotherapy-related adverse events were observed during the treatment.Robust antitumor CD4t and CD8t T-cell responses were detected.The patient remains free of disease progression.This is the first case report on the combination of the above three agents to treat glioblastoma patients.Our results suggest that integrated combination immunotherapy is safe and feasible for long-term treatment in this patient.A large-scale trial to validate these findings is warranted.

A New Device Concept of Magnetic Confinement Deuterium-Deuterium Fusion

A two-stage cascade magnetic compression scheme based on field reversed configuration plasma is proposed.The temperature and density of plasma before and after magnetic compression are analyzed.In addition,the suppression of the two-fluid effect and the finite Larmor radius effect on the tilting mode and the rotating mode of major magnetic hydrodynamic instability is studied,and finally,the key physical and engineering parameters of the deuterium-deuterium fusion pulse device are introduced.Further analysis shows that the fusion neutrons can be produced at an energy flux of more than 2 MW/m^(2)per year,which meets the material testing requirements for the fusion demonstration reactor(DEMO).If the recovery of magnetic field energy is taken into account,net energy outputs may be achieved,indicating that the scheme has a potential application prospect as a deuterium-deuterium pulse fusion energy.

Analysis of the Development Environment and Trend of Cross-Border E-commerce in China

With the conclusion of the novel coronavirus pandemic and the increasingly complex market environment,China’s cross-border e-commerce has entered a new phase of development.The external landscape is evolving rapidly,and there is a gradual improvement in laws and regulations governing cross-border e-commerce,coupled with increased government support.Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the market economy,overall development has been steadily improving.The Internet population is expanding,the online retail market is experiencing rapid growth,the consumption structure is undergoing transformation and upgrading,and the e-commerce market is demonstrating significant potential.The advancement of technologies such as big data,artificial intelligence,blockchain,and supply chain has provided more efficient operational support for the cross-border e-commerce industry.Against the backdrop of the emergence of new forms of cross-border e-commerce in China post-pandemic,this paper utilizes the PEST model to analyze the macro environment of cross-border e-commerce in China and project its future development trends.

Ethanol induced mitochondria injury and permeability transition pore opening: Role of mitochondria in alcoholic liver disease

AIM: To observe changes of mitochondria and investigate the effect of ethanol on mitochondrial perme- ability transition pore (PTP), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP, ΔΨm) and intracellular calcium concentration in hepatocytes by establishing an animal model of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). METHODS: Fourty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups, the model group (20) was administered alcohol intragastrically plus an Oliver oil diet to establish an ALD model, and the control group (20) was given an equal amount of normal saline. The ultramicrostructural changes of mitochondria were observed under electron microscopy. Mitochondria of liver was extracted, and patency of PTP, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), mitochondrial mass and intracellular calcium concentration of isolated hepacytes were detected by flow cytometry using rhodamine123 (Rh123), Nonyl-Acridine Orange and calcium fluorescent probe Fluo-3/AM, respectively. RESULTS: Membrane and cristae were broken or disappeared in mitochondria in different shapes under electron microscopy. Some mitochondria showed U shape or megamitochondrion. In the model group, liver mitochondria PTP was broken, and mitochondria swelled, the absorbance at 450 nm, A540 decreased (0.0136 ± 0.0025 vs 0.0321 ± 0.0013, model vs control, P < 0.01); mitochondria transmembrane potential (239.4638 ± 12.7263 vs 377.5850 ± 16.8119, P < 0.01) was lowered; mitochondrial mass (17.4350 ± 1.9880 vs 31.6738 ± 3.4930, P < 0.01); and [Ca2+]i was increased in liver cells (7.0020 ± 0.5008 vs 10.2050 ± 0.4701, P < 0.01).CONCLUSION: Chronic alcohol intake might lead to broken mitochondria PTP, decreased mitochondria membrane potential and injury, and elevated intracellular Ca2+ production. Ethanol-induced chondriosome injury may be an important mechanism of alcoholic diseases.

Hepatitis B virus induces expression of cholesterol metabolism-related genes via TLR2 in HepG2 cells

AIM:To investigate whether hepatitis B virus(HBV) exacerbates hepatic cholesterol accumulation,and explore the underlying mechanisms.METHODS:HepG2 cells were infected with adenovirus(Ad) containing 1.3-fold overlength HBV genome.Realtime polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to measure mRNA and protein expression of target genes.Cholesterol accumulation was measured by fluorescence microscopy.Cell toxicity due to Ad-HBV treatment was determined by the mitochondrial tetrazolium assay.The protein levels of toll-like receptors(TLRs) were determined by Western blotting.RESULTS:Ad-HBV increased hepatic cholesterol accumulation and enhanced the mRNA and protein levels oflow-density lipoprotein receptor(LDLR) and 3-hydroxy3-methylglutharyl-coenzyme A reductase(HMGCoAr) mRNA and protein expression in HepG2 cells.In addition,these inductive effects were partly offset by suppressing TLR2 expression levels by small interfering RNA in HepG2 cells.CONCLUSION:Ad-HBV increases LDLR and HMGCoAr expression,resulting in exacerbated cholesterol accumulation in HepG2 cells,which was mediated via the TLR2 pathway.

Circular RNA circ-LDLRAD3 as a biomarker in diagnosis of pancreatic cancer

AIM To analyze the diagnostic value of a circular RNA(circR NA), circ-LDLRAD3, in pancreatic cancer.METHODS Expression levels of circ-LDLRAD3 were tested in both cells and clinical samples; the latter included 30 paired pancreatic cancer tissues and adjacent non-tumorous tissues, 31 plasma samples from patients with pancreatic cancer, and 31 plasma samples from healthy volunteers. Real-time quantitative reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction(q RT-PCR) was performed to measure expression levels of circ-LDLRAD3 in cells and clinical samples; then, the relationship between clinicopathological factors of patient samples and expression of circ-LDLRAD3 in pancreatic cancer was analyzed. The diagnostic value of circ-LDLRAD3 was verified by receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve analysis.RESULTS Circ-LDLRAD3 was up-regulated in pancreatic cancer cell lines(P < 0.01), pancreatic cancer tissues(P < 0.01), and plasma samples from patients with pancreatic cancer(P < 0.01). High expression of circLDLRAD3 was significantly associated with venous invasion, lymphatic invasion, and metastasis. The area under the ROC curve of circ-LDLRAD3 alone or combination with CA19-9 was 0.67 and 0.87, respectively, with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.5738(alone) and 0.7049(alone), and 0.8033(combination) and 0.9355(combination), respectively.CONCLUSION These data suggest that circ-LDLRAD3 may be a biomarker in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Organic amendments increase corn yield by enhancing soil resilience to climate change

A 22-year field experiment was conducted in Gongzhuling, Jilin province, China to investigate corn yield response to fertilization practice. Compared to an unfertilized control(CK), all fertilization treatments, including inorganic nitrogen fertilizer only(N), balanced inorganic fertilizers(NPK), NPK plus corn straw(SNPK), and NPK plus farmyard manure(MNPK), resulted in significant increases in corn yield. However, only organic matter amendments sustained increasing yield trends, with annual rates of 0.137 and 0.194 t ha-1for the SPNK and MNPK treatments, respectively(P < 0.05). During the 22 years, the daily mean, maximum and minimum temperatures increased by 0.50, 0.53, and 0.46 °C per decade, whereas precipitation displayed no significant change but showed large seasonal variation. According to a regression analysis, increased air temperature exerted positive effects on corn yields under the SNPK and the MNPK treatments. Under both treatments,soil organic carbon contents and soil nutrient availabilities increased significantly compared to their initial levels in 1990, whereas soil bulk density and total porosity changed slightly under the two treatments, which showed higher soil water storage than other treatments. In contrast, significant increases in soil bulk density and decreases in soil total porosity and soil nutrient availability were observed under the CK, N and NPK treatments. The contributions of soil fertility to corn yield were 28.4%, 37.9%, 38.4%, 39.0%,and 42.9% under CK, N, NPK, SNPK, and MNPK treatments, respectively, whereas climate changes accounted for 27.0%, 14.6%, 12.4%, 11.8%, and 10.8%. These results indicate that, in Northeast China, organic matter amendments can mitigate negative and exploit positive effects of climate change on crop production by enhancing soil quality.

Total flavone of Abelmoschus manihot suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition via interfering transforming growth factor-β1 signaling in Crohn's disease intestinal fibrosis

AIM To explore the role and mechanism of total flavone of Abelmoschus manihot(TFA) on epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) progress of Crohn's disease(CD) intestinal fibrosis.METHODS First,CCK-8 assay was performed to assess TFA on the viability of intestinal epithelial(IEC-6) cells and select the optimal concentrations of TFA for our further studies.Then cell morphology,wound healing and transwell assays were performed to examine the effect of TFA on morphology,migration and invasion of IEC-6 cells treated with TGF-β1.In addition,immunofluorescence,real-time PCR analysis(q RT-PCR) and western blotting assays were carried out to detect the impact of TFA on EMT progress.Moreover,western blotting assay was performed to evaluate the function of TFA on the Smad and MAPK signaling pathways.Further,the role of co-treatment of TFA and si-Smad or MAPK inhibitors has been examined by q RTPCR,western blotting,morphology,wound healing andtranswell assays.RESULTS In this study,TFA promoted transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)-induced(IEC-6) morphological change,migration and invasion,and increased the expression of epithelial markers and reduced the levels of mesenchymal markers,along with the inactivation of Smad and MAPK signaling pathways.Moreover,we revealed that si-Smad and MAPK inhibitors effectively attenuated TGF-β1-induced EMT in IEC-6 cells.Importantly,co-treatment of TFA and si-Smad or MAPK inhibitors had better inhibitory effects on TGF-β1-induced EMT in IEC-6 cells than either one of them.CONCLUSION These findings could provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms of TFA on TGF-β1-induced EMT in IEC-6 cells and TFA is expected to advance as a new therapy to treat CD intestinal fibrosis.

Non-SMC condensin Ⅰ complex subunit D2 and non-SMC condensin Ⅱ complex subunit D3 induces inflammation via the IKK/NF-κB pathway in ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a chronic,nonspecific intestinal inflammatory disease with undefined pathogenesis.Non-SMC condensin I complex subunit D2(NCAPD2)and non-SMC condensin II complex subunit D3(NCAPD3)play pivotal roles in chromosome assembly and segregation during both mitosis and meiosis.To date,there has been no relevant report about the functional role of NCAPD2 and NCAPD3 in UC.AIM To determine the level of NCAPD2/3 in intestinal mucosa and explore the mechanisms of NCAPD2/3 in UC.METHODS Levels of NCAPD2/3 in intestinal tissue were detected in 30 UC patients and 30 healthy individuals with in situ hybridization(ISH).In vitro,NCM60 cells were divided into the NC group,model group,si-NCAPD2 group,si-NCAPD3 group and si-NCAPD2+si-NCAPD3 group.Inflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA,IKK and NF-κB were evaluated by western blot,and IKK nucleation and NF-κB volume were analyzed by immunofluorescence assay.RESULTS Compared with expression in healthy individuals,NCAPD2 and NCAPD3 expression in intestinal tissue was significantly upregulated(P<0.001)in UC patients.Compared with levels in the model group,IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-αin the si-NCAPD2,si-NCAPD3 and si-NCAPD2+si-NCAPD3 groups were significantly downregulated(P<0.01).IKK and NF-κB protein expression in the si-NCAPD2,si-NCAPD3 and si-NCAPD2+si-NCAPD3 groups was significantly decreased(P<0.01).Moreover,IKK nucleation and NF-κB volume were suppressed upon si-NCAPD2,si-NCAPD3 and si-NCAPD2+si-NCAPD3 transfection.CONCLUSION NCAPD2/3 is highly expressed in the intestinal mucosa of patients with active UC.Overexpression of NCAPD2/3 promotes the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines by modulating the IKK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Long-term outcome of infliximab combined with surgery for perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and long-term outcome of infliximab combined with surgery to treat perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease(CD).METHODS:The work was performed as a prospective study.All patients received infliximab combined withsurgery to treat perianal fistulizing CD,which was followed by an immunosuppressive agent as maintenance therapy.RESULTS:A total of 28 patients with perianal fistulizing CD were included.At week 30,89.3%(25/28)of the patients were clinically cured with an average healing time of 31.4 d.The CD activity index decreased to70.07±77.54 from 205.47±111.13(P<0.01)after infliximab treatment.The perianal CD activity index was decreased to 0.93±2.08 from 8.54±4.89(P<0.01).C-reactive protein,erythrocyte sedimentation rate,platelets,and neutrophils all decreased significantly compared with the pretreatment levels(P<0.01).Magnetic resonance imaging results for 16 patients after therapy showed that one patient had a persistent presacral-rectal fistula and another still had a cavity without clinical symptoms at follow-up.After a median follow-up of 26.4 mo(range:14-41 mo),96.4%(27/28)of the patients had a clinical cure.CONCLUSION:Infliximab combined with surgery is effective and safe in the treatment of perianal fistulizing CD,and this treatment was associated with better longterm outcomes.

Research progress in interface modification and thermal conduction behavior of diamond/metal composites

Diamond/metal composites are widely used in aerospace and electronic packaging fields due to their outstanding high thermal conductivity and low expansion.However,the difference in chemical properties leads to interface incompatibility between diamond and metal,which has a considerable impact on the performance of the composites.To improve the interface compatibility between diamond and metal,it is necessary to modify the interface of composites.This paper reviews the experimental research on interface modification and the application of computational simulation in diamond/metal composites.Combining computational simulation with experimental methods is a promising way to promote diamond/metal composite interface modification research.

Comparative study on chalcopyrite bioleaching with assistance of different carbon materials by mixed moderate thermophiles

The catalysis of four carbon materials including artificial graphite(AG), carbon black(CB), activated carbon(AC) and carbon nanotube(CN) on chalcopyrite bioleaching by mixed moderate thermophiles was comparatively investigated. In AC and AG added bioleaching groups, low solution pH and suitable redox potential values, high total iron and ferric iron concentrations, and large number of adsorbed bacteria were obtained, resulting in high copper extractions. CB and CN inhibited the growth of bioleaching bacteria and led to the low bioleaching efficiency.X-ray diffraction analysis showed that jarosite and sulfur film were the main components of passivation layer with the addition of AG and AC,but did not hinder the dissolution of chalcopyrite. Microbial community structures of free and attached cells in AC and AG added groups changed dramatically compared with mixed moderate thermophiles. The sulfur-oxidizing bacteria of A. caldus S1 strain dominated the microbial community(93%-98%) at the end of bioleaching.The iron-oxidizing bacteria of L.ferriphilum YSK only accounted for low percentage(1%-2%).

Kinetics of leaching refractory gold ores by ultrasonic-assisted electro-chlorination

The resources of refractory gold ores are abundant, and their effective treatment can bring good economic benefits. This paper investigated the kinetics of leaching gold from refractory gold ores by ultrasonic-assisted electro-chlorination. The effects of ultrasound time ratio, initial hydrochloric acid concentration and leaching temperature on the kinetic parameters were discussed. It is found that the leaching ratio goes up with all the factors increasing. The reaction kinetics is controlled by diffusion. When ultrasound improves the diffusion by reducing the diffusion resistance, the activation energy increases to 37.1 kJ/mol.

High-resolution computed tomography findings independently predict epidermal growth factor receptor mutation status in groundglass nodular lung adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND For lung adenocarcinoma with epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)gene mutation,small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors are more effective.Some patients could not obtain enough histological specimens for EGFR gene mutation detection.Specific imaging features can predict EGFR mutation status to a certain extent.AIM To assess the associations of EGFR mutations with high-resolution computerized tomography(HRCT)features in ground-glass nodular lung adenocarcinoma.METHODS This study retrospectively assessed patients with ground-glass nodular lung adenocarcinoma diagnosed between January 2011 and March 2017.EGFR gene mutations in exons 18-21 were detected.The patients were classified into mutant EGFR and wild-type groups,and general data and HRCT image characteristics were assessed.RESULTS Among 98 patients,31(31.6%)and 67(68.4%)had mutated and wild-type EGFR in exons 18-21,respectively.Gender,age,smoking history,location of lesions,morphology,edges,borders,pleural indentations,and associations of nodules with bronchus and blood vessels were comparable in both groups(all P>0.05).Patients with mutant EGFR had larger nodules than those with the wild-type(17.19±6.79 and 14.37±6.30 mm,respectively;P=0.047).Meanwhile,the vacuole/honeycomb sign was more frequent in the mutant EGFR group(P=0.011).The logistic regression prediction model included the combination of nodule size and vacuole/honeycomb sign(OR=1.120,95%CI:1.023-1.227,P=0.014)revealed a sensitivity of 83.9%,a specificity of 52.2%and an AUC of 0.698(95%CI:0.589-0.806;P=0.002).CONCLUSION Nodule size and vacuole/honeycomb features could independently predict EGFR mutation status in ground-glass nodular lung adenocarcinoma.

Responses of bacterial community to potential heap construction methods of fine-grained copper tailings in column bioleaching system

The column bioleaching of copper flotation tailings was comparatively investigated using layered heap construction method(LM),agglomerate heap construction method(AM),and pellets-sintering heap construction method(PM).The bacterial communities of free,attached,weakly-attached,and strongly-attached microbes in the later bioleaching stage were investigated.In AM group,the addition of lump sulphide ore resulted in the low leachate pH,high ferric iron concentration,and rapid microbial adsorption,which obtained the maximum copper extraction(60.1%)compared with LM(54.6%)and PM(43.9%)groups.The relative abundance of dominant genera and microbial communities of different microbiota underwent changes in three heap construction methods.The alpha-diversity indexes of attached,weakly-attached,and strongly-attached microbes were different,while no significant change was observed in free bacteria.The variation of whole bacterial community was significantly associated with solution pH,total iron,and ferric iron concentrations.Pearson correlation analysis and partial least square path model both indicated that attached bacteria made larger contribution to the copper extraction of tailings.