Preparation of MXene-based hybrids and their application in neuromorphic devices

The traditional von Neumann computing architecture has relatively-low information processing speed and high power consumption,making it difficult to meet the computing needs of artificial intelligence(AI).Neuromorphic computing systems,with massively parallel computing capability and low power consumption,have been considered as an ideal option for data storage and AI computing in the future.Memristor,as the fourth basic electronic component besides resistance,capacitance and inductance,is one of the most competitive candidates for neuromorphic computing systems benefiting from the simple structure,continuously adjustable conductivity state,ultra-low power consumption,high switching speed and compatibility with existing CMOS technology.The memristors with applying MXene-based hybrids have attracted significant attention in recent years.Here,we introduce the latest progress in the synthesis of MXene-based hybrids and summarize their potential applications in memristor devices and neuromorphological intelligence.We explore the development trend of memristors constructed by combining MXenes with other functional materials and emphatically discuss the potential mechanism of MXenes-based memristor devices.Finally,the future prospects and directions of MXene-based memristors are briefly described.

Distal-scanning common path probe for optical coherence tomography

In this paper,we present a distal-scanning common path probe for optical coherence tomography(OCT)equipped with a hollow ultrasonic motor and a simple and specially designed beam-splitter.This novel probe proves to be able to effectively circumvent polarization and dispersion mismatch caused by fiber motion and is more robust to a variety of interfering factors during the imaging process,experimentally compared to a conventional noncommon path probe.Furthermore,our design counteracts the attenuation of backscattering with depth and the fall-off of the signal,resulting in a more balanced signal range and greater imaging depth.Spectral-domain OCT imaging of phantom and biological tissue is also demonstrated with a sensitivity of∼100dB and a lateral resolution of∼3μm.This low-cost probe offers simplified system configuration and excellent robustness,and is therefore particularly suitable for clinical diagnosis as one-off medical apparatus.

Clinical therapeutic effect of self-prescribed Sanhanchushi Tongbi on lumbar disc herniation

BACKGROUND Lumbar disc herniation(LDH)commonly occurs during spinal surgery;LDH is on the increase in younger patients and is classified as"paralysis"and"back pain."Sanhanchushi Tongbi(SPST)is a customized prescription.It disperses cold,relieves pain,removes cold from the meridians and viscera,and treats neuropathic pain.However,few studies have investigated its mechanism of pain relief.AIM To observe the clinical therapeutic effects on LDH treated with self-prescribed SPST.METHODS A total of 211 patients with LDH syndrome were divided into two groups:107 patients in the control group were treated with conventional massage combined with traction,and 104 patients in the observation group were treated with a combination of the control regimen and self-prescribed oral SPST.The patients were treated for 4 wk.Indices of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome score and serum inflammatory factor levels were measured.RESULTS After therapy,the TCM syndrome score in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).The main symptoms,clinical signs,daily activities,and Japanese Orthopedic Association scores in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group after therapy(P<0.05).The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-6,and C-reactive protein were lower in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).In the observation group,superoxide dismutase levels were significantly higher,whereas malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower,compared with the control group(P<0.05).The overall efficacy rate in the observation group was 96.15%,which was substantially higher than that in the control group(88.79%;P<0.05).CONCLUSION Self-prescribed SPST can reduce the levels of inflammatory and pain-causing factors as well as lumbar pain in patients with LDH.

Scientific exploration and hypotheses concerning the meridian system in traditional Chinese medicine

The meridian theory is an important component of traditional Chinese medicine,playing a crucial role in disease diagnosis,treatment,and health preservation.Serving as the media for the effects of acupuncture,moxibustion,herbal medicine,and acupressure massage,meridians exert undeniable impact on the human body.However,the essence of meridians remains a topic of debate.Recent research has primarily focused on their anatomical structures,leading to numerous hypotheses.Simultaneously,other researchers have approached this subject from an energetic perspective,discovering information interactions within the meridian system.These findings suggest that meridians possess both physical and information dimensions,indicating that a singular approach to their study is insufficient.To bridge this gap,a shift from purely structural research toward an exploration of the information aspects of meridians is necessary.By integrating this information approach with traditional meridian theory,it may be possible to develop a new,modernized meridian theory that is aligned with contemporary concepts,making it more accessible and applicable in clinical settings.

Nurse anesthetists’perceptions and experiences of managing emergence delirium:A qualitative study

BACKGROUND This study employs a descriptive phenomenological approach to investigate the challenges anesthesia nurses face in managing emergence delirium(ED),a common and complex postoperative complication in the post-anesthesia care unit.The role of nurses in managing ED is critical,yet research on their understanding and management strategies for ED is lacking.AIM To investigate anesthetic nurses’cognition and management experiences of ED in hopes of developing a standardized management protocol.METHODS This study employed a descriptive phenomenological approach from qualitative research methodologies.Purposeful sampling was utilized to select 12 anesthetic nurses from a tertiary hospital in Shanghai as research subjects.Semi-structured interviews were conducted,and the data were organized and analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step analysis method,from which the final themes were extracted.RESULTS After analyzing the interview content,four main themes and eight subthemes were distilled:Inefficient cognition hinders the identification of ED(conceptual ambiguity,empirical identification),managing diversity and challenges(patientcentered safe care,low level of medical-nursing collaboration),work responsibilities and pressure coexist(heavy work responsibilities,occupational risks and stress),demand for high-quality management(expecting the construction of predictive assessment tools and prevention strategies,and pursuing standardized management processes to enhance management effectiveness).CONCLUSION Nursing managers should prioritize the needs and suggestions of nurses in order to enhance their nursing capabilities and provide guidance for standardized management processes.

An upgraded polymeric composite with interparticle chemical bonding microstructure toward lithium-ion battery separators with enhanced safety and electrochemical performances

A composite separator of SiC/PVDF-HFP was synthesized for lithium-ion batteries with high thermal and mechanical stabilities.Benefiting from the nanoscale,high hardness,and melting point of SiC,SiC/PVDFHFP with highly uniform microstructure was obtained.This polarization caused by barrier penetration was significantly restrained.Due to the Si-F bond between SiC and PVDF-HFP,the structural stability has been obviously enhanced,which could suppress the growth of lithium(Li) dendrite.Furthermore,some 3D reticulated Si nanowires are found on the surface of Li anode,which also greatly inhibit Li dendrites and result in irregular flakes of Li metal.Especially,the shrinkage of 6% SiC/PVDF-HFP at 150℃ is only 5%,which is notably lower than those of PVDF-HFP and Celgard2500.The commercial LiFePO_(4) cell assembled with 6% SiC/PVDF-HFP possesses a specific capacity of 157.8 mA h g^(-1) and coulomb efficiency of 98% at 80℃.In addition,the tensile strength and modulus of 6% SiC/PVDF-HFP could reach 14.6 and 562 MPa,respectively.And a small deformation(1000 nm) and strong deformation recovery are obtained under a high additional load(2.3 mN).Compared with PVDF-HFP and Celgard2500,the symmetric Li cell assembled with 6% SiC/PVDF-HFP has not polarized after 900 cycles due to its excellent mechanical stabilities.This strategy provides a feasible solution for the composite separator of high-safety batteries with a high temperature and impact resistance.

Separation of chitin from shrimp shells enabled by transition metal salt aqueous solution and ionic liquid

Chitin is a widely used important industrial polymer mainly from shrimp shells, but its commercial preparation is under the great challenge of serious pollution due to the requirement of HCl and Na OH.Herein, we demonstrated that high purity chitin can be obtained from waste shrimp shells(WSSs) by cascade separation with transition metal salt aqueous solution and ionic liquid(IL). Firstly, calcium carbonate of WSSs was effectively removed in the metal salt aqueous solution driven by the ion exchange interaction. Subsequently, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride([Bmim]Cl) had bifunctional abilities to remove residual protein and introduced metal salts simultaneously by hydrogen bonding and coordination interactions. The key experimental factors affecting the separation process were systematically studied, including the type of metal salts, temperature, and [Bmim]Cl loading. After sequential treatment with a 20%(mass) Ni SO4aqueous solution at 130 ℃ and [Bmim]Cl at 150 ℃, the purity of a-chitin can be up to 96.5%(mass) that meets commercial requirements. The use of metal salts with higher coordination ability makes the preparation of chitin no longer depend on the commonly acid-base reaction, which is conducive to the preservation of chitin structure.

Role of Cyclin D1b in Inducing Macrophages Toward a Tumor-associated Macrophage-like Phenotype in Murine Breast Cancer

Objective:Tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs)of the M2 phenotype are frequently associated with cancer progression.Invasive cancer cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)have a selective advantage as TAM activators.Cyclin D1b is a highly oncogenic splice variant of cyclin D1.We previously reported that cyclin D1b enhances the invasiveness of breast cancer cells by inducing EMT.However,the role of cyclin D1b in inducing macrophage differentiation toward tumor-associated macrophage-like cells remains unknown.This study aimed to explore the relationship between breast cancer cells overexpressing cyclin Dlb and TAMs.Methods:Mouse breast cancer 4T1 cells were transfected with cyclin D1b variant and co-cultured with macrophage cells in a Transwell coculture system.The expression of characteristic cytokines in differentiated macrophages was detected using qRT-PCR,ELISA and zymography assay.Tumor-associated macrophage distribution in a transplanted tumor was detected by immunofluorescence staining.The proliferation and migration ability of breast cancer cells was detected using the cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assay,wound healing assay,Transwell invasion assay,and lung metastasis assay.Expression levels of mRNAs were detected by qRT-PCR.Protein expression levels were detected by Western blotting.The integrated analyses of The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)datasets and bioinformatics methods were adopted to discover gene expression,gene coexpression,and overall survival in patients with breast cancer.Results:After co-culture with breast cancer cells overexpressing cyclin D1b,RAW264.7 macrophages were differentiated into an M2 phenotype.Moreover,differentiated M2-like macrophages promoted the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells in turn.Notably,these macrophages facilitated the migration of breast cancer cells in vivo.Further investigations indicated that differentiated M2-like macrophages induced EMT of breast cancer cells accompanied with upregulation of TGF-β1 and integrinβ3 expression.Conclusion:Breast cancer cells transfected with cyclin D1b can induce the differentiation of macrophages into a tumor-associated macrophage-like phenotype,which promotes tumor metastasis in vitro and in vivo.

Quality Standard of Barberry Branches

[Objectives] To establish the quality standard of barberry branches. [Methods] Microscopic identification and thin layer identification were used to qualitatively identify barberry branches. Berberine content was determined by HPLC method, and the content of water, total ash, acid insoluble ash and extract was detected according to the method of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition). [Results] The microscopic identification showed that the features were obvious, and stone cells, cork cells, epidermal cells, stomata, fibers and catheter with reticulated pores could be found. Berberine was detected in barberry branches by thin layer chromatography, and the characteristic spots were separated clearly. Moisture, total ash, and acid insoluble ash content shall not exceed 13%, 6%, and 3%, respectively, and extract content shall not be less than 10%. Berberine hydrochloride (C_(20)H_(18)ClNO_(4)) should be calculated in the branches of Berberis wilsonae Hemsley and Berberis aggregata C. K. Schneid., and berberine (C_(20)H_(17)NO_(4)) content should not be less than 0.05%. The linear relationship was good in the range of 0.002-0.240 mg/mL ( R^(2)=0.999 5). The average recovery was 89.63%, and RSD was 5.28%. [Conclusions] The method was simple, accurate and reproducible, and can be used for the quality control of barberry branches.

Study on Chemical Characteristics of Rainfall in Tobacco-Growing Regions of Chenzhou, Hunan Province

In order to clarify the chemical properties of rainfall in typical tobacco areas in Chenzhou City, Hunan Province, and analyze its potential for soil and flue-cured tobacco planting, rainfall samples in 2020 were collected by rainfall instruments in Fangyuan Town and Aoquan Town of Guiyang County, and the chemical properties that are closely related to the quality of flue-cured tobacco were determined, such as pH, EC, total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen (), ammonium nitrogen () and ion concentrations (K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, , Al3+, , Cl−,). The results show that the pH values of rainfall samples at Fangyuan and Aoquan monitoring sites are in the range of 4.92 - 6.17 and 4.93 - 5.69 respectively, with an average of 5.27 and 5.27 respectively. The acid rain characteristic is very obvious, which is mainly dominated by . The variation of rainfall EC has seasonal characteristics. EC is low from January to September, in the range of 6.09 - 56.72 and 11.83 - 30.93 μS/cm respectively, besides, it is high from October to December, in the range of 102.63 - 174.60 and 25.05 - 86.37 μS/cm respectively. The annual deposition of TN was 22.19 and 20.76 kg/hm2/yr respectively, which were higher than that in the western regions with less human disturbance, but lower than or equal to that in the developed agricultural regions in eastern China. The proportion of in the annual deposition of TN was higher than that of at two monitoring sites, with an average of 56.51% and 38.86% respectively. Ammonia volatilization from agricultural activities contributed more to rainfall nitrogen content. The ratios of ammonium nitrogen to nitrate nitrogen deposition at two monitoring points were 1.84, 1.81, 1.86 and 1.34, 1.46, and 1.29 during the whole year, summer and autumn, winter and spring respectively. The ratio is higher in summer and autumn than in winter and spring. The weighted average equivalent concentrations of the main ions at two monitoring sites were 238.88 μeq/L and 211.21 μeq/L respectively, and the orders of the ion concentrations were slightly different. Both the concentrations of and are higher, while Mg2+, and Al3+ are lower. , and are mainly from human activities with a contribution rate between 91.90% and 99.35%. Ca2+ mainly comes from soil and ground dust, besides, Cl− and Mg2+ mainly come from marine sources and K+ mainly comes from terrestrial sources. In general, the acidic rainfall and higher concentration are beneficial to reducing the high pH value of soil in Aoquan tobacco area and improving the quality of flue-cured tobacco. Higher concentrations of and in rainfall are not conducive to the improvement of flue-cured tobacco quality, because of the high content of soil available sulfur in Chenzhou tobacco area and the characteristics of flue-cured tobacco’s preference for ammonium.

Label-free in-vivo classi-cation and tracking of red blood cells and platelets using Dynamic-YOLOv4 network

In-vivo flow cytometry is a noninvasive real-time diagnostic technique that facilitates continuous monitoring of cells without perturbing their natural biological environment,which renders it a valuable tool for both scienti¯c research and clinical applications.However,the conventional approach for improving classi¯cation accuracy often involves labeling cells with fluorescence,which can lead to potential phototoxicity.This study proposes a label-free in-vivo flow cytometry technique,called dynamic YOLOv4(D-YOLOv4),which improves classi¯cation accuracy by integrating absorption intensity°uctuation modulation(AIFM)into YOLOv4 to demodulate the temporal features of moving red blood cells(RBCs)and platelets.Using zebra¯sh as an experimental model,the D-YOLOv4 method achieved average precisions(APs)of 0.90 for RBCs and 0.64 for thrombocytes(similar to platelets in mammals),resulting in an overall AP of 0.77.These scores notably surpass those attained by alternative network models,thereby demonstrating that the combination of physical models with neural networks provides an innovative approach toward developing label-free in-vivoflow cytometry,which holds promise for diverse in-vivo cell classi¯cation applications.

Influence of exchange bias on spin torque ferromagnetic resonance for quantification of spin–orbit torque efficiency

Antiferromagnet(AFM)/ferromagnet(FM)heterostructure is a popular system for studying the spin–orbit torque(SOT)of AFMs.However,the interfacial exchange bias field induces that the magnetization in FM layer is noncollinear to the external magnetic field,namely the magnetic moment drag effect,which further influences the characteristic of SOT efficiency.In this work,we study the SOT efficiencies of IrMn/NiFe bilayers with strong interfacial exchange bias by using spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance(ST-FMR)method.A full analysis on the AFM/FM systems with exchange bias is performed,and the angular dependence of magnetization on external magnetic field is determined through the minimum rule of free energy.The ST-FMR results can be well fitted by this model.We obtained the relative accurate SOT efficiencyξ_(DL)=0.058 for the IrMn film.This work provides a useful method to analyze the angular dependence of ST-FMR results and facilitates the accurate measurement of SOT efficiency for the AFM/FM heterostructures with strong exchange bias.

Bowel preparation experiences and needs before follow-up colonoscopy in older adult postoperative colorectal cancer patients: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND The bowel preparation process prior to colonoscopy determines the quality of the bowel preparation,which in turn affects the quality of the colonoscopy.Colono-scopy is an essential procedure for postoperative follow-up monitoring of colorec-tal cancer(CRC)patients.Previous studies have shown that advanced age and a history of colorectal resection are both risk factors for inadequate bowel prepara-tion.However,little attention has been paid to the bowel preparation experiences and needs of predominantly older adult postoperative CRC patients.AIM To explore the experiences and needs of older adult postoperative CRC patients during bowel preparation for follow-up colonoscopy.METHODS Fifteen older adult postoperative CRC patients who underwent follow-up colonoscopy at a tertiary hospital in Shanghai were selected using purposive sampling from August 2023 to November 2023.The phenomenological method in qualitative research was employed to construct an interview outline and conduct semi-structured interviews with the patients.Colaizzi's seven-step analysis was utilized to organize,code,categorize,summarize,and verify the interview data.RESULTS The results of this study were summarized into four themes and eight sub-themes:(1)Inadequate knowledge about bowel preparation;(2)Decreased physiological comfort during bowel preparation(gastrointestinal discomfort and sleep deprivation caused by bowel cleansing agents,and hunger caused by dietary restrictions);(3)Psychological changes during different stages of bowel preparation(pre-preparation:Fear and resistance due to previous experiences;during preparation:Irritation and helplessness caused by taking bowel cleansing agents,and post-preparation:Anxiety and worry while waiting for the colonoscopy);and(4)Needs related to bowel preparation(detailed instructions from healthcare professionals;more ideal bowel cleansing agents;and shortened waiting times for colonoscopy).CONCLUSION Older adult postoperative CRC patients'knowledge of bowel preparation is not adequate,and they may encounter numerous difficulties and challenges during the process.Healthcare professionals should place great emphasis on providing instruction for their bowel preparation.

Relationship between β-amyloid protein 1-42, thyroid hormone levels and the risk of cognitive impairment after ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND Post-stroke cognitive impairment(PSCI)is not only a common consequence of stroke but also an important factor for adverse prognosis of patients.Biochemical indicators such as blood lipids and blood pressure are affected by many factors,and the ability of evaluating the progress of patients with PSCI is insufficient.Therefore,it is necessary to find sensitive markers for predicting the progress of patients and avoiding PSCI.Recent studies have shown thatβ-amyloid protein 1-42(Aβ1-42)and thyroid hormone levels are closely related to PSCI,which may be the influencing factors of PSCI,but there are few related studies.AIM To investigate the relationship between serum levels of Aβand thyroid hormones in acute stage and PSCI and its predicted value.METHODS A total of 195 patients with acute cerebral infarction confirmed from June 2016 to January 2018 were enrolled in this study.Baseline data and serological indicators were recorded to assess cognitive function of patients.All patients were followed up for 1 year.Their cognitive functions were evaluated within 1 wk,3 mo,6 mo and 1 yr after stroke.At the end of follow-up,the patients were divided into PSCI and non-PSCI according to Montreal cognitive assessment score,and the relationship between biochemical indexes and the progression of PSCI was explored.RESULTS Compared with patients with non-PSCI,the levels of Aβ1-42,triiodothyronine(T3)and free thyroxin were lower in the patients with PSCI.Repeated measures analysis of variance showed that the overall content of Aβ1-42 and T3 in PSCI was also lower than that of the non-PSCI patients.Further analysis revealed that Aβ1-42(r=0.348),T3(r=0.273)and free thyroxin(r=0.214)were positively correlated with disease progression(P<0.05),suggesting that these indicators have the potential to predict disease progression and outcome.Cox regression analysis showed that Aβ1-42 and T3 were important factors of PSCI.Then stratified analysis showed that the lower the Aβ1-42 and T3,the higher risk of PSCI in patients who were aged over 70,female and illiterate.CONCLUSION Aβ1-42 and T3 have the ability to predict the progression of PSCI,which is expected to be applied clinically to reduce the incidence of PSCI and improve the quality of life of patients.

Multidimensional(0D-3D)functional nanocarbon:Promising material to strengthen the photocatalytic activity of graphitic carbon nitride

As a prospective visible-light-responsive photochemical material,graphitic carbon nitride(g-C_(3)N_(4))has become a burgeoning research hot topics and aroused a wide interest as a metal-free semiconductor in the area of energy utilization and conversion,environmental protection due to its unique properties,such as facile synthesis,high physicochemical stability,excellent electronic band structure,and sustainability.However,the shortcomings of high recombination rate of charge carriers,relatively low electrical conductivity and visible light absorption impede its practical application.Various strategies,such as surface photosensitization,heteroatom deposition,semiconductor hybridization,etc.,have been applied to overcome the barriers.Among all the strategies,functional nanocarbon materials with various dimensions(0D~3D)attract much attention as modifiers of g-C_(3)N_(4)due to their unique electronic properties,optical properties,and easy functionalization.More importantly,the properties of these functional nanocarbon materials can be tuned by various dimensions and thus there will be a way to overcome the defects of g-C_(3)N_(4)by choosing different dimensional carbon materials.Distinguishing from some present reviews,this review starts with the fundamental physicochemical characteristics of g-C_(3)N_(4)materials,followed by analyzing the advantages of functional nanocarbon materials modifying gC_(3)N_(4).Then,we present a systematic introduction to various dimensional carbon materials.The design philosophy of carbon/g-C_(3)N_(4)composites and the advanced studies are exemplified in detail.Finally,a nichetargeting summary and outlook on the major challenges,opportunities for future research in high-powered carbon/g-C_(3)N_(4)composites was proposed.

Targeted inhibition of Notch1 gene enhances the killing effects of Paclitaxel on triple-negative breast cancer cells

Objective:To study the influence of targeted inhibition of Notch1 gene on the killing effects of Paclitaxel on triple-negative breast cancer cells.Methods:The triple-negative [estrogen receptor(ER)/progesterone receptor(PR)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(Her2)] breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 and ER/PR/HER-2-positive breast cancer cell line MCF-7 were cultured,transfected with Notch1-si RNA-overexpression plasmid and blank plasmid,and treated with different concentrations of paclitaxel,and then the cell proliferation activity and apoptosis rate as well as the m RNA expression of Caspase-3,Caspase-9 and Bcl-2 were determined.Results:Paclitaxel could decrease the MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell proliferation activity as well as Bcl-2 mRNA expression,and increase MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell apoptosis rate as well as Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 mRNA expression in dosedependent manners;with the same dose of paclitaxel treatment,the inhibitory effects on MDAMB-231 cell proliferation activity and Bcl-2 m RNA expression as well as the promoting effects on MDA-MB-231 cell apoptosis and mR NA expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 were weaker than those on MCF-7 cell;after 0.5 μM paclitaxel combined with Notch1-siRNA treatment,MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation activity and Bcl-2 mRNA expression were significantly lower than those after 0.5 μM paclitaxel combined with control plasmid treatment while cell apoptosis rate and mR NA expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 were higher than those after 0.5 μM paclitaxel combined with control plasmid treatment.Conclusions:Targeted inhibition of Notch1 gene may enhance the killing effects of paclitaxel on triple-negative breast cancer cells by up-regulating the expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 and inhibiting the expression of Bcl-2.

Systems Neuroengineering: Understanding and Interacting with the Brain

In this paper, we review the current state- of-the-art techniques used for understanding the inner workings of the brain at a systems level. The neural activity that governs our everyday lives involves an intricate coordination of many processes that can be attributed to a variety of brain regions. On the surface, many of these functions can appear to be controlled by specific anatomical structures; however, in reality, numerous dynamic networks within the brain contribute to its function through an interconnected web of neuronal and synaptic pathways. The brain, in its healthy or pathological state, can therefore be best understood by taking a systems-level approach. While numerous neuroengineering technologies exist, we focus here on three major thrusts in the field of systems neuroengineering： neuroimaging, neural interfacing, and neuromodulation. Neuroimaging enables us to delineate the structural and functional organization of the brain, which is key in understanding how the neural system functions in both normal and disease states. Based on such knowledge, devices can be used either to communicate with the neural system, as in neural interface systems, or to modulate brain activity, as in neuromodulation systems. The consideration of these three fields is key to the development and application of neuro-devices. Feedback-based neuro-devices require the ability to sense neural activity （via a neuroimaging modality） through a neural interface （invasive or noninvasive） and ultimately to select a set of stimulation parameters in order to alter neural function via a neuromodulation modality. Systems neuroengineering refers to the use of engineering tools and technologies to image, decode, and modulate the brain in order to comprehend its functions and to repair its dysfunction. Interactions between these fields will help to shape the future of systems neuroengineering--to develop neurotechniques for enhancing the understanding of whole- brain function and dysfunction, and the management of neurological and mental disorders.

Variation in seed and seedling traits and their relations to geo-climatic factors among populations in Yunnan Pine(Pinus yunnanensis)

Differences in seed germination and seedling growth among populations of Pinus yunnanensis Franch. were quantified to provide information for use in the regeneration, reforestation, and improvement of this species. Seed germination and seedling growth traits at the nursery stage were investigated at the population level. We evaluated relationships between pairs of measured traits as well as the association between measured traits and geo- climatic variables including longitude, latitude, elevation, temperature and precipitation. Seedling growth showed significant differences although a low magnitude of variation was found in the seed germination traits among the populations. Some populations with strong and stable growth （e.g., the Baoshan population） may be selected as superior seed sources for regeneration and reforestation. Germination percentage was negatively correlated with elevation, and positively with precipitation. In addition, germination index, vigor index and seedling height were positively correlated with precipitation. Seed germination index, cotyledon number and length, and seedling diameter were significantly and positively correlated with seed weight. Strong correlations between pairs of traits will be helpful in early evaluations for the selection of certain prominent traits.

Heat exposure impairs porcine oocyte quality with suppressed actin expression in cumulus cells and disrupted F-actin formation in transzonal projections

Background:Transzonal projections(TZPs)constitute a structural basis for the communication between the oocyte and its surrounding cumulus cells(CCs),which play critical roles in promoting the oocyte maturation.Previously we found that heat stress(HS)causes loss of TZPs in porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes(COCs)with decreased density of filamentous actin(F-actin).However,the time-course responses of F-actin and its monomeric actins(β-actin andγ-actin)during the in vitro maturation of oocytes remain unclear.Results:In this study,excised porcine ovaries were exposed to HS at 41.5°C for 1 h before COCs were isolated and matured in vitro for 44 h.HS significantly reduced oocyte quality,characterized by impaired cumulus expansion,delayed meiotic resumption and lower survival rate and polar body extrusion rate,as well as decreased expression of mitochondrial DNA-encoded genes and elevated mitochondrial reactive oxygen species concentration.Expression ofβ-actin andγ-actin in CCs increased gradually with oocytes maturation,which was significantly reduced in HS group,especially at 24 h and/or 44 h of in vitro maturation.By contrast,the number of TZPs and the fluorescence intensity of F-actin in zona pellucida decreased gradually during oocytes maturation,which were significantly reduced by HS at 24 h of in vitro maturation.Moreover,colocalization analyses revealed bothβ-actin andγ-actin contribute to the F-actin formation in porcine TZPs,and the colocalization of F-actin with GJ protein connexin 45 was significantly reduced in heat-exposed COCs.Conclusions:The results indicate that the suppression of actin expressions in CCs,which may lead to the F-actin unstabilization in TZPs,will subsequently contribute to the compromised quality of oocytes under HS.

Erratum to“Immobilized laccase on magnetic nanoparticles for enhanced lignin model compounds degradation”[Chin.J.Chem.Eng.28(8)(2020)2152-2159]

The authors regret that Fig.7b in our original article was incorrectly published,which is the same as Fig.6b due to an unintentional and random error.The correct Fig.7b is shown as follows(Reusability of the immobilized laccase).The change does not affect the results and conclusions.