Human Mirror Neuron System (hMNS) Specific Differences in Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Self-Reported Democrats and Republicans: A Pilot Study

In light of ever-present partisan division in the US political system, it is critical that researchers gain a better under-standing of potential biological differences that exist between self-professed Democrats and Republicans. In the current pilot experiment, we examined differences within the human mirror neuron system (hMNS), a network linked to a host of social and emotional abilities, in a small group of self-identified Republicans and Democrats. We found clear differences between these two groups with respect to resting-state brain connectivity within the hMNS. These neural differences were not systematically related to differences in empathy. Our findings are consistent with the idea that other factors, such as one’s preferential type of social connectivity (broad vs. tight), may have driven the reported findings. These data provide novel insights regarding our knowledge of the biological basis of party identification, and suggest specific directions for future research.

Flocking of multi-robot systems with connectivity maintenance on directed graphs

Analysis and design techniques for cooperative flocking of nonholonomic multi-robot systems with connectivity maintenance on directed graphs are presented. First, a set of bounded and smoothly distributed control protocols are devised via carefully designing a class of bounded artificial potential fields （APF） which could guarantee the connectivity maintenance, col ision avoidance and distance stabilization simultaneously during the system evolution. The connectivity of the underlying network can be preserved, and the desired stable flocking behavior can be achieved provided that the initial communication topology is strongly connected rather than undirected or balanced, which relaxes the constraints for group topology and extends the previous work to more generalized directed graphs. Furthermore, the proposed control algorithm is extended to solve the flocking problem with a virtual leader. In this case, it is shown that al robots can asymptotically move with the desired velocity and orientation even if there is only one informed robot in the team. Finally, nontrivial simulations and experiments are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.

Functional connectivity of the default mode network subsystems in patients with major depressive episodes with mixed features

Background The neuroimaging mechanism of major depressive episodes with mixed features(MMF)is not clear.Aims This study aimed to investigate the functional connectivity of the default mode network(DMN)subsystems among patients with MMF and patients with major depressive disorder without mixed features(MDD_(noMF)).Methods This study recruited 47 patients with MDD_(noMF)and 27 patients with MMF from Beijing Anding Hospital,Capital Medical University,between April 2021 and June 2022.Forty-five healthy controls(HCs)were recruited.All subjects underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning and clinical assessments.Intranetwork and internetwork functional connectity were computed in the DMN core subsystem,dorsal medial prefrontal cortex(dMPFC)subsystem and medial temporal lobe(MTL)subsystem.Analysis of covariance method was performed to compare the intranetwork and internetwork functional connectivity in the DMN subsystems among the MDD_(noMP)MMF and HC groups.Results The functional connectivity within the DMN core(F=6.32,P_(FDR)=0.008)and MTL subsystems(F=4.45,P_(FDR)=0.021)showed significant differences among the MDD_(noMP) MMF and HC groups.Compared with the HC group,the patients with MDD_(noMF) and MMF had increased functional connectivity within the DMN MTL subsystem,and the patients with MMF also showed increased functional connectivity within the DMN core subsystem.Meanwhile,compared with the MDD_(noMP) the patients with MMF had increased functional connectivity within the DMN core subsystem(mean difference(MDD_(noMF)-MMF)=-0.08,SE=0.04,p=0.048).However,no significant differences were found within the DMN dMPFC subsystem and all the internetwork functional connectivity.Conclusions Our results indicated abnormal functional connectivity patterns of DMN subsystems in patients with MMF,findings potentially beneficial to deepen our understanding of MMF's neural basis.

Structural and functional connectivity of the whole brain and subnetworks in individuals with mild traumatic brain injury:predictors of patient prognosis

Patients with mild traumatic brain injury have a diverse clinical presentation,and the underlying pathophysiology remains poorly understood.Magnetic resonance imaging is a non-invasive technique that has been widely utilized to investigate neuro biological markers after mild traumatic brain injury.This approach has emerged as a promising tool for investigating the pathogenesis of mild traumatic brain injury.G raph theory is a quantitative method of analyzing complex networks that has been widely used to study changes in brain structure and function.However,most previous mild traumatic brain injury studies using graph theory have focused on specific populations,with limited exploration of simultaneous abnormalities in structural and functional connectivity.Given that mild traumatic brain injury is the most common type of traumatic brain injury encounte red in clinical practice,further investigation of the patient characteristics and evolution of structural and functional connectivity is critical.In the present study,we explored whether abnormal structural and functional connectivity in the acute phase could serve as indicators of longitudinal changes in imaging data and cognitive function in patients with mild traumatic brain injury.In this longitudinal study,we enrolled 46 patients with mild traumatic brain injury who were assessed within 2 wee ks of injury,as well as 36 healthy controls.Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging data were acquired for graph theoretical network analysis.In the acute phase,patients with mild traumatic brain injury demonstrated reduced structural connectivity in the dorsal attention network.More than 3 months of followup data revealed signs of recovery in structural and functional connectivity,as well as cognitive function,in 22 out of the 46 patients.Furthermore,better cognitive function was associated with more efficient networks.Finally,our data indicated that small-worldness in the acute stage could serve as a predictor of longitudinal changes in connectivity in patients with mild traumatic brain injury.These findings highlight the importance of integrating structural and functional connectivity in unde rstanding the occurrence and evolution of mild traumatic brain injury.Additionally,exploratory analysis based on subnetworks could serve a predictive function in the prognosis of patients with mild traumatic brain injury.

Dynamic interwell connectivity analysis of multi-layer waterflooding reservoirs based on an improved graph neural network

The analysis of interwell connectivity plays an important role in the formulation of oilfield development plans and the description of residual oil distribution. In fact, sandstone reservoirs in China's onshore oilfields generally have the characteristics of thin and many layers, so multi-layer joint production is usually adopted. It remains a challenge to ensure the accuracy of splitting and dynamic connectivity in each layer of the injection-production wells with limited field data. The three-dimensional well pattern of multi-layer reservoir and the relationship between injection-production wells can be equivalent to a directional heterogeneous graph. In this paper, an improved graph neural network is proposed to construct an interacting process mimics the real interwell flow regularity. In detail, this method is used to split injection and production rates by combining permeability, porosity and effective thickness, and to invert the dynamic connectivity in each layer of the injection-production wells by attention mechanism.Based on the material balance and physical information, the overall connectivity from the injection wells,through the water injection layers to the production layers and the output of final production wells is established. Meanwhile, the change of well pattern caused by perforation, plugging and switching of wells at different times is achieved by updated graph structure in spatial and temporal ways. The effectiveness of the method is verified by a combination of reservoir numerical simulation examples and field example. The method corresponds to the actual situation of the reservoir, has wide adaptability and low cost, has good practical value, and provides a reference for adjusting the injection-production relationship of the reservoir and the development of the remaining oil.

Assessment of sediment connectivity using modelling and field-based approaches in the Slavíč River catchment(MoravskoslezskéBeskydy Mts,Czech Republic)

Mountain streams act as conveyors of sediments within the river continuum,where the physical transport of sediments between river reaches through the catchment or between individual parts(e.g.,between hillslopes and channels)of the catchment is assumed.This study focused on sediment connectivity analysis in the SlavíčRiver catchment in the MoravskoslezskéBeskydy Mts in the eastern part of the Czech Republic.The connectivity index and connectivity index target modelling were combined with an analysis of anthropogenic interventions.Additionally,field mapping,grain size of bed sediments and stream power analysis were used to obtain information about connectivity in the catchment.Based on the analysis and obtained results,terrain topography is the current main driving factor affecting the connectivity of sediment movement in the SlavíčRiver catchment.However,the modelling provided valuable information about high sediment connectivity despite different recent land use conditions(highly forested area of the catchment)than those in historical times from the 16th to 19th centuries when the SlavíčRiver catchment was highly deforested and sediment connectivity was probably higher.The analysis of anthropogenic interventions,field mapping,grain size of bed sediments and stream power analysis revealed more deceleration of sediment movement through the catchment,decreased sediment connectivity with bed erosion,and gradual river channel process transformation in some reaches.Field mapping has identified various natural formations and human-induced changes impacting the longitudinal and lateral connectivity in the SlavíčRiver.For instance,embankments along 48%of the river's length,both on the right and left banks,significantly hinder lateral sediment supply to the channel.Stream power index analysis indicates increased energy levels in the flowing water in the river's upper reaches(up to 404.8 W m^(-2)).This high energy is also observed in certain downstream sections(up to 337.6 W m^(-2)),where it is influenced by human activities.These conditions lead to intensified erosion processes,playing a crucial role in sediment connectivity.Similar observations were described in recent studies that pointed out the long-term human interventions on many streams draining European mountains,where a decrease in sediment connectivity in these streams is linked with sediment deficits and the transformation of processes forming channels.

Ultra Reliable Load-Aware Connection Management(LACM)Algorithm in WIA-FA Systems

The increasing demand for industrial automation and intelligence has put forward higher requirements for the reliability of industrial wireless communication technology.As an international standard based on 802.11,Wireless networks for Industrial Automation-Factory Automation(WIA-FA)greatly improves the reliability in factory automation scenarios by Time Division Multiple Access(TDMA).However,in ultra-dense WIA-FA networks with mobile users,the basic connection management mechanism is inefficient.Most of the handover and resource management algorithms are all based on frequency division multiplexing,not suitable for the TDMA in the WIA-FA network.Therefore,we propose Load-aware Connection Management(LACM)algorithm to adjust the linkage and balance the load of access devices to avoid blocking and improve the reliability of the system.And then we simulate the algorithm to find the optimal settings of the parameters.After comparing with other existing algorithms,the result of the simulation proves that LACM is more efficient in reliability and maintains high reliability of more than 99.8%even in the ultra-dense moving scenario with 1500 field devices.Besides,this algorithm ensures that only a few signaling exchanges are required to ensure load bal-ancing,which is no more than 5 times,and less than half of the best state-of-the-art algorithm.

A divergent pattern in functional connectivity: a transdiagnostic perspective

Functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI)is a popular tool used to investigate not only how the brain responds to specific stimuli during sensorimotor or cognitive tasks,but also brain activity at rest.The physics beyond this approach is based on the analysis of the blood oxygenation level-dependent signal.

Joint Allocation of Computing and Connectivity Resources in Survivable Inter-Datacenter Elastic Optical Networks

Inter-datacenter elastic optical networks(EON)need to provide the service for the requests of cloud computing that require not only connectivity and computing resources but also network survivability.In this paper,to realize joint allocation of computing and connectivity resources in survivable inter-datacenter EONs,a survivable routing,modulation level,spectrum,and computing resource allocation algorithm(SRMLSCRA)algorithm and three datacenter selection strategies,i.e.Computing Resource First(CRF),Shortest Path First(SPF)and Random Destination(RD),are proposed for different scenarios.Unicast and manycast are applied to the communication of computing requests,and the routing strategies are calculated respectively.Simulation results show that SRMLCRA-CRF can serve the largest amount of protected computing tasks,and the requested calculation blocking probability is reduced by 29.2%,28.3%and 30.5%compared with SRMLSCRA-SPF,SRMLSCRA-RD and the benchmark EPS-RMSA algorithms respectively.Therefore,it is more applicable to the networks with huge calculations.Besides,SRMLSCRA-SPF consumes the least spectrum,thereby exhibiting its suitability for scenarios where the amount of calculation is small and communication resources are scarce.The results demonstrate that the proposed methods realize the joint allocation of computing and connectivity resources,and could provide efficient protection for services under single-link failure and occupy less spectrum.

A Hybrid Level Set Optimization Design Method of Functionally Graded Cellular Structures Considering Connectivity

With the continuous advancement in topology optimization and additive manufacturing(AM)technology,the capability to fabricate functionally graded materials and intricate cellular structures with spatially varying microstructures has grown significantly.However,a critical challenge is encountered in the design of these structures–the absence of robust interface connections between adjacent microstructures,potentially resulting in diminished efficiency or macroscopic failure.A Hybrid Level Set Method(HLSM)is proposed,specifically designed to enhance connectivity among non-uniform microstructures,contributing to the design of functionally graded cellular structures.The HLSM introduces a pioneering algorithm for effectively blending heterogeneous microstructure interfaces.Initially,an interpolation algorithm is presented to construct transition microstructures seamlessly connected on both sides.Subsequently,the algorithm enables the morphing of non-uniform unit cells to seamlessly adapt to interconnected adjacent microstructures.The method,seamlessly integrated into a multi-scale topology optimization framework using the level set method,exhibits its efficacy through numerical examples,showcasing its prowess in optimizing 2D and 3D functionally graded materials(FGM)and multi-scale topology optimization.In essence,the pressing issue of interface connections in complex structure design is not only addressed but also a robust methodology is introduced,substantiated by numerical evidence,advancing optimization capabilities in the realm of functionally graded materials and cellular structures.

Approximately Bi-Similar Symbolic Model for Discretetime Interconnected Switched System

Dear Editor,This letter concerns the development of approximately bi-similar symbolic models for a discrete-time interconnected switched system(DT-ISS).The DT-ISS under consideration is formed by connecting multiple switched systems known as component switched systems(CSSs).Although the problem of constructing approximately bi-similar symbolic models for DT-ISS has been addressed in some literature,the previous works have relied on the assumption that all the subsystems of CSSs are incrementally input-state stable.

A novel mitigation measure for normal fault-induced deformations on pile-raft systems

Evidence from recent earthquakes has shown destructive consequences of fault-induced permanent ground movement on structures.Such observations have increased the demand for improvements in the design of structures that are dramatically vulnerable to surface fault ruptures.In this study a novel connection between the raft and the piles is proposed to mitigate the hazards associated with a normal fault on pile-raft systems by means of 3D finite element(FE)modeling.Before embarking on the parametric study,the strain-softening constitutive law used for numerical modeling of the sand has been validated against centrifuge test results.The exact location of the fix-head and unconnected pile-raft systems relative to the outcropping fault rupture in the free-field is parametrically investigated,revealing different failure mechanisms.The performance of the proposed connection for protecting the pile-raft system against normal fault-induced deformations is assessed by comparing the geotechnical and structural responses of both types of foundation.The results indicate that the pocket connection can relatively reduce the cap rotation and horizontal and vertical displacements of the raft in most scenarios.The proposed connection decreases the bending moment response of the piles to their bending moment capacity,verging on a fault offset of 0.6 m at bedrock.

Functional connectivity of paired default mode network subregions in patients with eye trauma

AIM:To study functional brain abnormalities in patients with eye trauma(ET)and to discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms of ET.METHODS:Totally 31 ET patients and 31 healthy controls(HCs)were recruited.The age,gender,and educational background characteristics of the two groups were similar.After functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI)scanning,the subjects’spontaneous brain activity was evaluated with the functional connectivity(FC)method.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was used to classify the data.Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between FC values in specific brain regions and clinical behaviors in patients with ET.RESULTS:Significantly increased FC between several regions was identified including the medial prefrontal cortex(MPFC)and left hippocampus formations(HF),the MPFC and left inferior parietal lobule(IPL),the left IPL and left medial temporal lobe(MTL),the left IPL and right MTL,and the right IPL and left MTL.No decreased region-to-region connectivity was detected in default mode network(DMN)sub-regions in patients with ET.Compared with HCs,ET patients exhibited significantly increased FC between several paired DMN regions,as follows:posterior cingulate cortex(PCC)and right HF(HF.R,t=2.196,P=0.032),right inferior parietal cortices(IPC.R)and left MTL(MTL.L,t=2.243,P=0.029),and right MTL(MTL.R)and HF.R(t=2.236,P=0.029).CONCLUSION:FC values in multiple brain regions of ET patients are abnormal,suggesting that these brain regions in ET patients may be dysfunctional,which may help to reveal the pathophysiological mechanisms of ET.

Research on Quantitative Identification of Three-Dimensional Connectivity of Fractured-Vuggy Reservoirs

The fractured-vuggy carbonate oil resources in the western basin of China are extremely rich.The connectivity of carbonate reservoirs is complex,and there is still a lack of clear understanding of the development and topological structure of the pore space in fractured-vuggy reservoirs.Thus,effective prediction of fractured-vuggy reservoirs is difficult.In view of this,this work employs adaptive point cloud technology to reproduce the shape and capture the characteristics of a fractured-vuggy reservoir.To identify the complex connectivity among pores,fractures,and vugs,a simplified one-dimensional connectivity model is established by using the meshless connection element method(CEM).Considering that different types of connection units have different flow characteristics,a sequential coupling calculation method that can efficiently calculate reservoir pressure and saturation is developed.By automatic history matching,the dynamic production data is fitted in real-time,and the characteristic parameters of the connection unit are inverted.Simulation results show that the three-dimensional connectivity model of the fractured-vuggy reservoir built in this work is as close as 90%of the fine grid model,while the dynamic simulation efficiency is much higher with good accuracy.

Brain mechanism of acupuncture for children with anisometropic amblyopia: a resting functional magnetic resonance imaging study based on voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity

AIM:To explore the brain mechanism of acupuncture for children with anisometropic amblyopia using the voxelmirror homotopic connectivity(VMHC)analysis method of resting functional magnetic resonance imaging(rs-fMRI)technology based on clinical effectiveness.METHODS:Eighty children with anisometropic monocular amblyopia were randomly divided into two groups:control(40 cases,1 case of shedding)and acupuncture(40 cases,1 case of shedding)groups.The control group was treated with glasses,red flash,grating,and visual stimulations,with each procedure conducted for 5min per time.Based on routine treatment,the acupuncture group underwent acupuncture of“regulating qi and unblocking meridians to bright eyes”,Jingming(BL1),Cuanzhu(BL2),Guangming(GB37),Fengchi(GB20)acupoints were taken on both sides,with the needle kept for 30min each time.Both groups were treated once every other day,three times per week,for a total of 4wk.After the treatment,the overall curative effect of the two groups and the latency and amplitude changes of P100 wave of pattern visual-evoked potential were counted.At the same time,nine children with left eye amblyopia were randomly selected from the two groups and were scanned with rsfMRI before and after treatment.The differences in the brain regions between the two groups were compared and analyzed with VMHC.RESULTS:Chi-square test showed a notable difference in the total efficiency rate between the acupuncture(94.87%)and control groups(79.49%).Regarding the P100 wave latency and amplitude,the acupuncture group had significantly shorter latency and higher amplitude of P100 wave than the control group.Moreover,the VMHC values of the bilateral temporal lobe,superior temporal gyrus,and middle temporal gyrus were notably increased in the acupuncture group after treatment.CONCLUSION:Acupuncture combined with conventional treatment can significantly improve the corrected visual acuity and optic nerve conduction in children with anisometropic amblyopia.Compared with the conventional treatment,the regulation of acupuncture on the functional activities of the relevant brain areas in the anterior cerebellum may be an effective acupuncture mechanism for anisometropic amblyopia.

"Silk Road People-to-People Connectivity"Care for the Future Donation Ceremony Held in Nay Pyi Taw,Myanmar

On April 1Oth,“Silk Road People-to-People Connectivity”Care for the Future Activity and a donation ceremony of school sports goods were held at China-Myanmar Friendship School,Basic Education High School(BEHS)No.14,in Nay Pyi Taw,Myanmar.

The First Overseas Cooperation Station of Silk Road People-to-People Connectivity Unveiled in Budapest,Hungary

On May 2nd,the Thematic Forum on China-Hungary Belt and Road Pragmatic Cooperation was held in Budapest,the capital of Hungary,during which,the China-Hungary Cooperation Station of Silk Road People-to-People Connectivity was officially launched.This is the first overseas station under the Action on Silk Road People-to-People Connectivity.It will surely provide important support to the achievement of more fruitful results in people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.

"Silk Road People-to-People Connectivity"China-Cambodia Donation Activity Held in Phnom Penh

On March 26th,the"Silk Road People-to-People Connectivity"China-Cambodia Donation Activity was held at Indradevi High School in Phnom Penh,Cambodia.Lv Xuejun,President and Chief Editor of the Contemporary World,Pay Sambo,Secretary General of Cambodia Civil Society Association Forum,Wu Chuanbing,Councilor of Chinese Embassy in Cambodia,Hu Jianguang,Deputy Director of the Education Committee of Haidian District of Beijing,Liu Zhanguo,Director of China Foundation for Peace and Development(CFPD)Cambodia Office,Soung Houth,President of National Union Alliance Chamber of Cambodia(NACC),Neak Sothea,President of Indradevi High School and other participants attended the event.

The Launching Ceremony of the Silk Road People-to-People Connectivity Donation Activity"Care for the Future"Held in Yangon

The launching ceremony of the Silk Road Peopleto-People"Connectivity donation activity"Care for the Future was jointly held by China Foundation for Peace and Development and the Myanmar-Chinese Cooperation&Communication Centre in Yangon on January 16.The Yangjin Middle School in Yangon Province of Myanmar received football,volleyball,badminton,notebooks,LED lights and other school utensils and sporting goods.

"Silk Road People-to-People Connectivity"China-Myanmar Friendly Cultural and Educational Exchanges Held inYangon

On January 1Oth,at the invitation of the Yangon University of Foreign Languages for its Cultural Exchanges Week,the China Foundation for Peace and Development and the Myanmar Chinese Cooperation&Communication Centre,jointly organised the"Silk Road People-to-People Connectivity"China-Myanmar Friendly Cultural and Educational Exchange activity.U Soe Thein,Chief Minister of Yangon Province,Zaw Myint,Deputy Minister of Education of Myanmar,and Kyi Shwin,President of Yangon University of Foreign Languages,attended the activity and delivered speeches.