From mice to humans:a need for comparable results in mammalian neuroplasticity

Brain plasticity-A universal tool with many variations:The study of brain plasticity has been gaining interest since almost a century and has now reached a huge amount of information(>80,000 results in PubMed).Overall,different types of plasticity,including stem cell-driven genesis of new neurons(adult neurogenesis),cells in arrested maturation(dormant neurons),neuro-glial and synaptic plasticity,can coexist and contribute to grant plastic changes in the brain,from a cellular to system level(Benedetti and Couillard-Despres,2022;Bonfanti et al.,2023).

Contribution of mechanical forces to structural synaptic plasticity:insights from 3D cellular motility mechanisms

Cells,tissues,and organs are constantly subjected to the action of mechanical forces from the extracellular environment-and the nervous system is no exception.Cell-intrinsic properties such as membrane lipid composition,abundance of mechanosensors,and cytoskeletal dynamics make cells more or less likely to sense these forces.Intrinsic and extrinsic cues are integrated by cells and this combined information determines the rate and dynamics of membrane protrusion growth or retraction(Yamada and Sixt,2019).Cell protrusions are extensions of the plasma membrane that play crucial roles in diverse contexts such as cell migration and neuronal synapse formation.In the nervous system,neurons are highly dynamic cells that can change the size and number of their pre-and postsynaptic elements(called synaptic boutons and dendritic spines,respectively),in response to changes in the levels of synaptic activity through a process called plasticity.Synaptic plasticity is a hallmark of the nervous system and is present throughout our lives,being required for functions like memory formation or the learning of new motor skills(Minegishi et al.,2023;Pillai and Franze,2024).

Neurogenesis dynamics in the olfactory bulb:deciphering circuitry organization, function, and adaptive plasticity

Adult neurogenesis persists after birth in the subventricular zone, with new neurons migrating to the granule cell layer and glomerular layers of the olfactory bulb, where they integrate into existing circuitry as inhibitory interneurons. The generation of these new neurons in the olfactory bulb supports both structural and functional plasticity, aiding in circuit remodeling triggered by memory and learning processes. However, the presence of these neurons, coupled with the cellular diversity within the olfactory bulb, presents an ongoing challenge in understanding its network organization and function. Moreover,the continuous integration of new neurons in the olfactory bulb plays a pivotal role in regulating olfactory information processing. This adaptive process responds to changes in epithelial composition and contributes to the formation of olfactory memories by modulating cellular connectivity within the olfactory bulb and interacting intricately with higher-order brain regions. The role of adult neurogenesis in olfactory bulb functions remains a topic of debate. Nevertheless, the functionality of the olfactory bulb is intricately linked to the organization of granule cells around mitral and tufted cells. This organizational pattern significantly impacts output, network behavior, and synaptic plasticity, which are crucial for olfactory perception and memory. Additionally, this organization is further shaped by axon terminals originating from cortical and subcortical regions. Despite the crucial role of olfactory bulb in brain functions and behaviors related to olfaction, these complex and highly interconnected processes have not been comprehensively studied as a whole. Therefore, this manuscript aims to discuss our current understanding and explore how neural plasticity and olfactory neurogenesis contribute to enhancing the adaptability of the olfactory system. These mechanisms are thought to support olfactory learning and memory, potentially through increased complexity and restructuring of neural network structures, as well as the addition of new granule granule cells that aid in olfactory adaptation. Additionally, the manuscript underscores the importance of employing precise methodologies to elucidate the specific roles of adult neurogenesis amidst conflicting data and varying experimental paradigms. Understanding these processes is essential for gaining insights into the complexities of olfactory function and behavior.

The interaction between KIF21A and KANK1 regulates dendritic morphology and synapse plasticity in neurons

Morphological alterations in dendritic spines have been linked to changes in functional communication between neurons that affect learning and memory.Kinesin-4 KIF21A helps organize the microtubule-actin network at the cell cortex by interacting with KANK1;however,whether KIF21A modulates dendritic structure and function in neurons remains unknown.In this study,we found that KIF21A was distributed in a subset of dendritic spines,and that these KIF21A-positive spines were larger and more structurally plastic than KIF21A-negative spines.Furthermore,the interaction between KIF21A and KANK1 was found to be critical for dendritic spine morphogenesis and synaptic plasticity.Knockdown of either KIF21A or KANK1 inhibited dendritic spine morphogenesis and dendritic branching,and these deficits were fully rescued by coexpressing full-length KIF21A or KANK1,but not by proteins with mutations disrupting direct binding between KIF21A and KANK1 or binding between KANK1 and talin1.Knocking down KIF21A in the hippocampus of rats inhibited the amplitudes of long-term potentiation induced by high-frequency stimulation and negatively impacted the animals’cognitive abilities.Taken together,our findings demonstrate the function of KIF21A in modulating spine morphology and provide insight into its role in synaptic function.

Practice patterns among ophthalmic surgeons in treating concomitant oculoplastic conditions in preoperative period:A questionnaire-based study

BACKGROUND Addressing oculoplastic conditions in the preoperative period ensures both the safety and functional success of any ophthalmic procedure.Some oculoplastic conditions,like nasolacrimal duct obstruction,have been extensively studied,whereas others,like eyelid malposition and thyroid eye disease,have received minimal or no research.AIM To investigate the current practice patterns among ophthalmologists while treating concomitant oculoplastic conditions before any subspecialty ophthalmic intervention.METHODS A cross-sectional survey was disseminated among ophthalmologists all over India.The survey included questions related to pre-operative evaluation,anaesthetic and surgical techniques preferred,post-operative care,the use of adjunctive therapies,and patient follow-up patterns.RESULTS A total of 180 ophthalmologists responded to the survey.Most practitioners(89%)felt that the ROPLAS test was sufficient during pre-operative evaluation before any subspecialty surgery was advised.The most common surgical techniques employed were lacrimal drainage procedures(Dacryocystorhinostomy)(63.3%),eyelid malposition repair(36.9%),and ptosis repair(58.7%).Post-operatively,47.7%of respondents emphasized that at least a 4-week gap should be maintained after lacrimal drainage procedures and eyelid surgeries.Sixty-seven percent of ophthalmologists felt that topical anaesthetic procedures should be preferred while performing ocular surgeries in thyroid eye disease patients.CONCLUSION Approximately 50%of ophthalmologists handle prevalent oculoplastic issues themselves,seeking the expertise of an oculoplastic surgeon under particular conditions.Many ophthalmologists still favor using ROPLAS as a preliminary screening method before proceeding with cataract surgery.Eyelid conditions and thyroid eye disease are not as commonly addressed before subspecialty procedures compared to issues like nasolacrimal duct obstruction and periocular infections.

Microplastic and nanoplastic exposure and risk of diabetes mellitus

The issue of plastic pollutants has become a growing concern.Both microplastics(MPs)(particle size<5 mm)and nanoplastics(NPs)(particle size<1μm)can cause DNA damage,cytotoxicity,and oxidative stress in various organisms.The primary known impacts of microplastic/nanoplastic are observed in the liver and respiratory system,leading to hepatotoxicity and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Although research on the effects of MPs and NPs on diabetes is still in its early stages,there are potential concerns.This editorial highlights the risk to diabetics from co-exposure to contaminants and MPs/NPs,supported by evidence from animal studies and the various chemical compositions of MPs/NPs.

Dynamic Buckling of Elasto-Plastic Cylindrical Shells Under Axial Fluid-Solid Impact Load

The dynamic buckling of elasto-plastic cylindrical shells under axial fluid-solid impact is investigated theoretically. A simplified liquid- gas- structure model is given to approximately imitate the problem. The basic equation of the structure is derived from a minimum principle in dynamics of elasto-plastic continua at finite deformation, and the flow theory of plasticity is employed. The liquid is incompressible and the gas is compressed adiabatically. A number of numerical results are presented and the characteristics of the buckling behavior under fluid-solid impact are illustrated.

DESIGN OPTIMIZATION FOR TRUSS STRUCTURES UNDER ELASTO-PLASTIC LOADING CONDITION

In this paper, a method for the design optimization of elasto-plastic truss structures is proposed based on parametric variational principles （PVPs）. The optimization aims to find the minimum weight/volume solution under the constraints of allowable node displacements. The design optimization is a formulation of mathematical programming with equilibrium constraints （MPECs）. To overcome the numerical difficulties of the complementary constraints in optimization, an iteration process, comprising a quadratic programming （QP） and an updating process, is employed as the optimization method. Furthermore, the elasto-plastic buckling of truss mem- bers is considered as a constraint in design optimization. A combinational optimization strategy is proposed for the displacement constraints and the buckling constraint, which comprises the method mentioned above and an optimal criterion. Three numerical examples are presented to show the validity of the methods proposed.

Finite element analysis of elasto-plastic plate bending problems using transition rectangular plate elements

In this work, the finite element analysis of the elasto-plastic plate bending problems is carried out using transition rectangular plate elements. The shape functions of the transition plate elements are derived based on a practical rule. The transition plate elements are all quadrilateral and can be used to obtain efficient finite element models using minimum number of elements. The mesh convergence rates of the models including the transition elements are compared with the regular element models. To verify the developed elements, simple tests are demonstrated and various elasto-plastic problems are solved. Their results are compared with ANSYS results.

Elasto-plastic analysis of the surrounding rock mass in circular tunnel based on the generalized nonlinear unified strength theory

The present paper aims to establish a versatile strength theory suitable for elasto-plastic analysis of underground tunnel surrounding rock. In order to analyze the effects of intermediate principal stress and the rock properties on its deformation and failure of rock mass, the generalized nonlinear unified strength theory and elasto-plastic mechanics are used to deduce analytic solution of the radius and stress of tunnel plastic zone and the periphery displacement of tunnel under uniform ground stress field. The results show that: intermediate principal stress coefficient b has significant effect on the plastic range,the magnitude of stress and surrounding rock pressure. Then, the results are compared with the unified strength criterion solution and Mohr–Coulomb criterion solution, and concluded that the generalized nonlinear unified strength criterion is more applicable to elasto-plastic analysis of underground tunnel surrounding rock.

TIME DISCONTINUOUS GALERKIN FINITE ELEMENT METHOD FOR DYNAMIC ANALYSES IN SATURATED PORO-ELASTO-PLASTIC MEDIUM

A time-discontinuous Galerkin finite element method for dynamic analyses in saturated poro-elasto-plastic medium is proposed.As compared with the existing discontinuous Galerkin finite element methods,the distinct feature of the proposed method is that the continuity of the displacement vector at each discrete time instant is automatically ensured,whereas the discontinuity of the velocity vector at the discrete time levels still remains.The computational cost is then obviously reduced, particularly,for material non-linear problems.Both the implicit and explicit algorithms to solve the derived formulations for material non-linear problems are developed.Numerical results show a good performance of the present method in eliminating spurious numerical oscillations and providing with much more accurate solutions over the traditional Galerkin finite element method using the Newmark algorithm in the time domain.

Elasto-plastic finite element analysis of squaring circular tube

The flow rule of Prandtl-Reuss was adopted and incremental elasto-plastic finite-element analysis formulation of Coulomb’s friction law combining the finite deformation theory was established, and Lagrangian formulation for simulating the squaring process of circular tube was updated. Incremental Coulomb’s friction law was used in the global stiffness matrix to solve the sliding-sticking state of friction at the boundary contact interface. During the squaring process, the linear factor rmin was adopted to solve the non-linear boundary problems of changing node contact and separation, elasto-plastic transient situation in an element and the non-linear constitutive behavior of material so as to make each reasonable increment of the punch meet the demand of calculation for linear increment. The squaring process of circular tube, load distribution and final shape of work piece after unloading were simulated by this mode and compared with research data. It is known that the circular tube with higher geometrical ratio (R/t) could be pressed into symmetric square tube without collapse. This result can provide reference for the analysis of this process and evaluation and improvement of product defects.

NONLINEAR AND ELASTO-PLASTICITY CONSOLIDATION MODELS OF UNSATURATED SOIL AND APPLICATIONS

The non-linear constitutive model suggested by the authors and the Alonso's elasto-plasticity model of unsaturated soil modified by the authors are introduced into the consolidation theory of unsaturated soil proposed by CHEN Zheng-han, and the non-linear and the elasto-plasticity consolidation models of unsaturated soil are obtained. Programs related to the two consolidation models are designed, and a 2-D consolidation problem of unsaturated sail is solved using the programs, the consolidation process and the development of plastic;one under multi-grade bad are studied. The above research develops the consolidation theory of unsaturated soil to a new level.

Measurement of length-scale and solution of cantilever beam in couple stress elasto-plasticity

Owing to the absence of proper analytical solution of cantilever beams for couple stress/strain gradient elasto-plastic theory, experimental studies of the cantilever beam in the micro-scale are not suitable for the determination of material length-scale. Based on the couple stress elasto-plasticity, an analytical solution of thin cantilever beams is firstly presented, and the solution can be regarded as an extension of the elastic and rigid-plastic solutions of pure bending beam. A comparison with numerical results shows that the current analytical solution is reliable for the case of σ0 〈〈 H 〈〈 E, where σ0 is the initial yield strength, H is the hardening modulus and E is the elastic modulus. Fortunately, the above mentioned condition can be satisfied for many metal materials, and thus the solution can be used to determine the material length-scale of micro-structures in conjunction with the experiment of cantilever beams in the micro-scale.

EFFECTIVE NUMERICAL METHODS FOR ELASTO-PLASTIC CONTACT PROBLEMS WITH FRICTION

Several effective numerical methods for solving the elasto-plastic contact problems with friction are pres- ented.First,a direct substitution method is employed to impose the contact constraint conditions on condensed finite ele- ment equations,thus resulting in a reduction by half in the dimension of final governing equations.Second,an algorithm composed of contact condition probes and elasto-plastic iterations is utilized to solve the governing equation,which distinguishes two kinds of nonlinearities,and makes the solution unique.In addition,Positive-Negative Sequence Modifica- tion Method is used to condense the finite element equations of each substructure and an analytical integration is intro- duced to determine the elasto-plastic status after each time step or each iteration,hence the computational efficiency is en- hanced to a great extent.Finally,several test and practical examples are pressented showing the validity and versatility of these methods and algorithms.

ELASTO-PLASTICITY ANALYSIS BASED ON COLLOCATION WITH THE MOVING LEAST SQUARE METHOD

A meshless approach based on the moving least square method is developed for elasto-plasticity analysis,in which the incremental formulation is used.In this approach,the dis- placement shape functions are constructed by using the moving least square approximation,and the discrete governing equations for elasto-plastic material are constructed with the direct collo- cation method.The boundary conditions are also imposed by collocation.The method established is a truly meshless one,as it does not need any mesh,either for the purpose of interpolation of the solution variables,or for the purpose of construction of the discrete equations.It is simply formu- lated and very efficient,and no post-processing procedure is required to compute the derivatives of the unknown variables,since the solution from this method based on the moving least square approximation is already smooth enough.Numerical examples are given to verify the accuracy of the meshless method proposed for elasto-plasticity analysis.

Settlement Analysis for An Embankment Considering Visco-Elasto-Plastic Characteristics

In the paper. a visco-elasto plastic constitutive model and a method for determining model parameters for soft clay are presented. In this model total strain of soft clay is assumed to be divided into three parts: instantaneous elastic, visco-elastic and visco-plastic. The characteristics of instantaneous and visco-elastic deformation of soft clay are simulated by Merchant's model, the plastic is by a model with two yield surfaces. And related constitutive equation is conducted. A number of stress-controlled triaxial tests are performed to calculated the model parameters. The visco-elasto-plastic model is used for analysis of the displacement of an embankment on soft ground by use of three-dimensional finite element method. The predicted settlements agree well with the measured data. It is indicated that the viscous characteristics should be taken into account in deformation analysis for soft clay.

A STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF RADIAL INERTIA ON THE ELASTO-PLASTIC COMBINED STRESS WAVE PROPAGATION IN THIN-WALLED TUBES

An in-depth analysis of propagation characteristics ofelasto-plastic combined stress waves in circular thin-walled tubeshas been made. In obtaining the simple-wave solution, however, mostresearches have ignored the influence of the circumferential stressrelated to the radial inertial ef- fect in the tubes. In this paperthe incremental elasto-plastic constitutive relations which areconve- nient for dynamic numerical analysis are adopted, and thefinite-difference method is used to study the evolution adpropagation of elasto-plastic combined stress waves in a thin-walledtube with the radial inertial effect of the tube considered. Thecalculation results are compared with those obtained when the radialinertial effect is not considered. The calculation results show thatthe radial inertial effect of a tube has a fairly great influence onthe propagation of elasto-plastic combined stress waves.

Analytic Solution of Elasto-Plastic Stress in Infinite Slope under Uniform Load

According to the Mohr-Coulomb yield criterion, the stress field of the infinite slope is derived under a vertical uniform load q on the top of the slope. It is indicated that elastic and elasto-plastic states would occur in the slope. When q is smaller than the critical load, q(p), the slope is in the elastic state. If q equals q(p), the slope is in the critical state, and the plastic deformation would occur along the critical angle. With the increase of q, the plastic zone would extend, and the slope is in the elasto-plastic State. If q equals limit load, the slope is in the limit equilibrium state. The slope may be divided into three zones. Some charts of the critical angle, the critical and limit load coefficients are presented in this paper.

Elasto-plastic analysis of masonry with anisotropic plastic material model

This paper establishes an anisotropic plastic material model to analyze the elasto-plastic behavior of masonry in plane stress state.Being an anisotropic material,masonry has different constitutive relation and fracture energies along each orthotropic axes.Considering the unique material properties of masonry,a new yield criterion for masonry is proposed combining the Hill's yield criterion and the Rankine's yield criterion.The new yield criterion not only introduces compression friction coefficient of shear but also considers yield functions for independent stress state along two material axes of tension.To solve the involved nonlinear equations in numerical analysis,several nonlinear methods are implemented,including Newton-Raphson method for nonlinear equations and Implicit Euler backward mapping algorithm to update stresses.To verify the proposed material model of masonry,a series of tests are operated.The simulation results show that the new developed material model implements successfully.Compared with isotropic material model,the proposed model performs better in elasto-plastic analysis of masonry in plane stress state.The proposed anisotropic model is capable of simulating elasto-plastic behavior of masonry and can be used in related applications.