Combining stochastic density functional theory with deep potential molecular dynamics to study warm dense matter

In traditional finite-temperature Kohn–Sham density functional theory(KSDFT),the partial occupation of a large number of high-energy KS eigenstates restricts the use of first-principles molecular dynamics methods at extremely high temperatures.However,stochastic density functional theory(SDFT)can overcome this limitation.Recently,SDFT and the related mixed stochastic–deterministic density functional theory,based on a plane-wave basis set,have been implemented in the first-principles electronic structure software ABACUS[Q.Liu and M.Chen,Phys.Rev.B 106,125132(2022)].In this study,we combine SDFT with the Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics method to investigate systems with temperatures ranging from a few tens of eV to 1000 eV.Importantly,we train machine-learning-based interatomic models using the SDFT data and employ these deep potential models to simulate large-scale systems with long trajectories.Subsequently,we compute and analyze the structural properties,dynamic properties,and transport coefficients of warm dense matter.

Identification of transient receptor potential channel genes and functional characterization of TRPA1 in Spodoptera frugiperda

Spodoptera frugiperda is a highly destructive pest that has become a global problem due to its robust reproductive and migratory capabilities.Transient receptor potential(TRP)channels,which constitute a vast ion channel family,play pivotal roles in sensing the external environment and maintaining internal homeostasis in insects.TRP channels have been widely investigated for their critical roles in regulating various insect behaviors in recent years.In this study,we identified 15 TRP gene loci encoding 26 transcripts in the genome of S.frugiperda and analyzed their expression profiles at different developmental stages.The results revealed that S.frugiperda possesses four TRPC genes,six TRPA genes,one TRPM gene,two TRPV genes,one TRPN gene,and one TRPML gene,while a canonical TRPP is absent.Moreover,the SfruTRPA1 was functionally characterized using the Xenopus oocyte expression system.The results showed that SfruTRPA1 is activated by temperature increases from 20 to 45℃,and there is no significant desensitization after repeated stimuli within the same temperature range.Additionally,SfruTRPA1 is activated by certain natural chemicals,including allyl isothiocyanate(AITC)and cinnamaldehyde(CA).These findings provide valuable insights to the TRP genes in S.frugiperda.

Regulatory potential of soil available carbon,nitrogen,and functional genes on N_(2)O emissions in two upland plantation systems

Dynamic nitrification and denitrification processes are affected by changes in soil redox conditions,and they play a vital role in regulating soil N_(2)O emissions in rice-based cultivation.It is imperative to understand the influences of different upland crop planting systems on soil N_(2)O emissions.In this study,we focused on two representative rotation systems in Central China:rapeseed–rice(RR)and wheat–rice(WR).We examined the biotic and abiotic processes underlying the impacts of these upland plantings on soil N_(2)O emissions.The results revealed that during the rapeseed-cultivated seasons in the RR rotation system,the average N_(2)O emissions were 1.24±0.20 and 0.81±0.11 kg N ha^(–1)for the first and second seasons,respectively.These values were comparable to the N_(2)O emissions observed during the first and second wheat-cultivated seasons in the WR rotation system(0.98±0.25 and 0.70±0.04 kg N ha^(–1),respectively).This suggests that upland cultivation has minimal impacts on soil N_(2)O emissions in the two rotation systems.Strong positive correlations were found between N_(2)O fluxes and soil ammonium(NH_(4)^(+)),nitrate(NO_(3)^(–)),microbial biomass nitrogen(MBN),and the ratio of soil dissolved organic carbon(DOC)to NO_(3)^(–)in both RR and WR rotation systems.Moreover,the presence of the AOA-amoA and nirK genes were positively associated with soil N_(2)O fluxes in the RR and WR systems,respectively.This implies that these genes may have different potential roles in facilitating microbial N_(2)O production in various upland plantation models.By using a structural equation model,we found that soil moisture,mineral N,MBN,and the AOA-amoA gene accounted for over 50%of the effects on N_(2)O emissions in the RR rotation system.In the WR rotation system,soil moisture,mineral N,MBN,and the AOA-amoA and nirK genes had a combined impact of over 70%on N_(2)O emissions.These findings demonstrate the interactive effects of functional genes and soil factors,including soil physical characteristics,available carbon and nitrogen,and their ratio,on soil N_(2)O emissions during upland cultivation seasons under rice-upland rotations.

Evaluation of the Pharmacological Potential of Strychnos camptoneura Trunk Bark Hydroethanol Extract on Reproductive Functions in Male Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus) Exposed to Cypermethrin

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the pharmacological potential of the hydroethanol extract of Strychnos camptoneura trunk bark on reproductive functions in male guinea pigs exposed to cypermethrin. The results showed that administration of the hydroethanolic extract (100 and 250 mg/kg) of Strychnos camptoneura trunk bark after exposure of the animals to cypermethrin induced a highly significant (p Strychnos camptoneura trunk bark produced a highly significant (p Strychnos camptoneura trunk bark may have protective effects against cypermethrin-induced male infertility due to its androgenic, spermatogenic and antiradical properties.

Hypidone hydrochloride(YL-0919)ameliorates functional deficits after traumatic brain injury in mice by activating the sigma-1 receptor for antioxidation

Traumatic brain injury involves complex pathophysiological mechanisms,among which oxidative stress significantly contributes to the occurrence of secondary injury.In this study,we evaluated hypidone hydrochloride(YL-0919),a self-developed antidepressant with selective sigma-1 receptor agonist properties,and its associated mechanisms and targets in traumatic brain injury.Behavioral experiments to assess functional deficits were followed by assessment of neuronal damage through histological analyses and examination of blood-brain barrier permeability and brain edema.Next,we investigated the antioxidative effects of YL-0919 by assessing the levels of traditional markers of oxidative stress in vivo in mice and in vitro in HT22 cells.Finally,the targeted action of YL-0919 was verified by employing a sigma-1 receptor antagonist(BD-1047).Our findings demonstrated that YL-0919 markedly improved deficits in motor function and spatial cognition on day 3 post traumatic brain injury,while also decreasing neuronal mortality and reversing blood-brain barrier disruption and brain edema.Furthermore,YL-0919 effectively combated oxidative stress both in vivo and in vitro.The protective effects of YL-0919 were partially inhibited by BD-1047.These results indicated that YL-0919 relieved impairments in motor and spatial cognition by restraining oxidative stress,a neuroprotective effect that was partially reversed by the sigma-1 receptor antagonist BD-1047.YL-0919 may have potential as a new treatment for traumatic brain injury.

Geometries and electronic structures of Zr_(n)Cu(n=2–12) clusters: A joint machine-learning potential density functional theory investigation

Zr-based amorphous alloys have attracted extensive attention because of their large glassy formation ability, wide supercooled liquid region, high elasticity, and unique mechanical strength induced by their icosahedral local structures.To determine the microstructures of Zr–Cu clusters, the stable and metastable geometry of Zr_(n)Cu(n=2–12) clusters are screened out via the CALYPSO method using machine-learning potentials, and then the electronic structures are investigated using density functional theory. The results show that the Zr_(n)Cu(n ≥ 3) clusters possess three-dimensional geometries, Zr_(n)Cu(n≥9) possess cage-like geometries, and the Zr_(12)Cu cluster has icosahedral geometry. The binding energy per atom gradually gets enlarged with the increase in the size of the clusters, and Zr_(n)Cu(n=5,7,9,12) have relatively better stability than their neighbors. The magnetic moment of most Zr_(n)Cu clusters is just 1μB, and the main components of the highest occupied molecular orbitals(HOMOs) in the Zr_(12)Cu cluster come from the Zr-d state. There are hardly any localized two-center bonds, and there are about 20 σ-type delocalized three-center bonds.

Emerging insights into the function of very long chain fatty acids at cerebellar synapses

Very long chain-saturated and-polyunsaturated fatty acids(VLC-SFA and VLC-PUFA, respectively) are a functionally important class of fatty acids containing 28 carbons or more in their acyl chain. They are synthesized by the elongation of very long fatty acids-4(ELOVL4) enzyme, expressed mainly in the brain, retina, skin, testes, and meibomian gland, where these fatty acids are found(Agbaga et al., 2008). Further, these organs exhibit tissuespecific VLC-PUFA and VLC-SFA biosynthesis and incorporation into complex lipids for specific functions. In the brain, skin, and Meibomian glands, the ELOVL4 mainly makes VLC-SFA, which are incorporated into complex sphingolipids. In the retina, the ELOVL4 makes VLC-PUFA that are incorporated into phosphatidylcholine, that are critical for visual function, while in testes and sperm, the VLC-PUFA are incorporated into sphingolipids that are critical for fertility(Yeboah et al., 2021).

Mitochondria–cGAS–STING axis is a potential therapeutic target for senescence-dependent inflammaging-associated neurodegeneration

The word “senescence” comes from the Latin senescens, meaning “to begin to age”, and is characterized by a long-lasting but reversible block in proliferation, resulting from stress-induced cell cycle arrest of previously replication-competent cells.

The complex role of protocadherin-19 in brain function:a focus on the oxytocin system

Mutations in the protocadherin-19(PCDH19)gene(Xq22.1)cause the X-linked syndrome known as developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 9(DEE9,OMIM#300088)(Dibbens et al.,2008).DEE9 is characterized by early-onset clustering epilepsy associated with intellectual disability ranging from mild to profound,autism spectrum disorder,and other neuropsychiatric features including schizophrenia,anxiety,attentiondeficit/hyperactivity,and obsessive or aggressive behaviors.While seizures may become less frequent in adolescence,psychiatric comorbidities persist and often worsen with age(Dibbens et al.,2008;Kolc et al.,2020).

Neuropeptide cholecystokinin:a key neuromodulator for hippocampal functions

Spatial memory is crucial for survival within external surroundings and wild environments.The hippocampus,a critical hub for spatial learning and memory formation,has received extensive investigations on how neuromodulators shape its functions(Teixeira et al.,2018;Zhang et al.,2024).However,the landscape of neuromodulations in the hippocampal system remains poorly understood because most studies focus on classical monoamine neuromodulators,such as acetylcholine,serotonin,dopamine,and noradrenaline.The neuropeptides,comprising the most abundant neuromodulators in the central nervous system,play a pivotal role in neural information processing in the hippocampal system.Cholecystokinin(CCK),one of the most abundant neuropeptides,has been implicated in regulating various physiological and neurobiological statuses(Chen et al.,2019).CCK-A receptor(CCK-AR)and CCK-B receptors(CCK-BR)are two key receptors mediating the biological functions of CCK,both of which belong to class-A sevenfold transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors(Nishimura et al.,2015).CCK-AR preferentially reacts to sulfated CCK,whereas CCK-BR binds both CCK and gastrin with similar affinities(Ding et al.,2022).The expression patterns of CCK-AR and CCK-BR are distinct,implying that CCK has various functions in target regions.For instance,CCK-AR is widely expressed in the GI and brain subregions and is hence implicated in the control of digestive function and satiety regulation.Conversely,CCK-BR is abundantly and widely distributed in the central nervous system,which majorly regulates anxiety,learning,and memory(Ding et al.,2022).However,the roles of endogenous CCK and CCK receptors in regulating hippocampal function at electrophysiological and behavioral levels have received less attention.

Corrigendum: MicroRNA-502-3p regulates GABAergic synapse function in hippocampal neurons

There is an error in the name of the cell line in the abstract of the published paper“MicroRNA-502-3p regulates GABAergic synapse function in hippocampal neurons”published on pages 2698-2707,Issue 12,Volume 19 of Neural Regeneration Research(Sharma et al.,2024),because of oversight during final proof checking.The correct description should be“human-GABA receptor A-α1/β2/γ2L human embryonic kidney(HEK)recombinant cell line.”The authors apologize for any inconvenience this correction may cause for readers and editors of Neural Regeneration Research.

Chondroitinase ABC combined with Schwann cell transplantation enhances restoration of neural connection and functional recovery following acute and chronic spinal cord injury

Schwann cell transplantation is considered one of the most promising cell-based therapy to repair injured spinal cord due to its unique growth-promoting and myelin-forming properties.A the Food and Drug Administration-approved Phase I clinical trial has been conducted to evaluate the safety of transplanted human autologous Schwann cells to treat patients with spinal cord injury.A major challenge for Schwann cell transplantation is that grafted Schwann cells are confined within the lesion cavity,and they do not migrate into the host environment due to the inhibitory barrier formed by injury-induced glial scar,thus limiting axonal reentry into the host spinal cord.Here we introduce a combinatorial strategy by suppressing the inhibitory extracellular environment with injection of lentivirus-mediated transfection of chondroitinase ABC gene at the rostral and caudal borders of the lesion site and simultaneously leveraging the repair capacity of transplanted Schwann cells in adult rats following a mid-thoracic contusive spinal cord injury.We report that when the glial scar was degraded by chondroitinase ABC at the rostral and caudal lesion borders,Schwann cells migrated for considerable distances in both rostral and caudal directions.Such Schwann cell migration led to enhanced axonal regrowth,including the serotonergic and dopaminergic axons originating from supraspinal regions,and promoted recovery of locomotor and urinary bladder functions.Importantly,the Schwann cell survival and axonal regrowth persisted up to 6 months after the injury,even when treatment was delayed for 3 months to mimic chronic spinal cord injury.These findings collectively show promising evidence for a combinatorial strategy with chondroitinase ABC and Schwann cells in promoting remodeling and recovery of function following spinal cord injury.

Emerging role of A-kinase anchoring protein 5 signaling in reward circuit function

There is a strong evidence supporting the hypothesis of synaptic dysfunction as a major contributor to neural circuit and network disruption underlying emotional and mood dysregulation in psychiatric disorders(Simmons et al.,2024).Diverse sets of distinct molecular signaling pathways converge on the synapse to regulate synaptogenesis,synaptic function,and synaptic plasticity in brain regions and circuits through complex interactions organized by numerous multivalent protein scaffolds,including the family of proteins known as A-kinase anchoring proteins(AKAPs).

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

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

Preparation and applications of calcium ferrite as a functional material:A review

Calcium ferrite(CF)is recognized as a potential green and efficient functional material because of its advantages of magnetism,electrochemistry,catalysis,and biocompatibility in the fields of materials chemistry,environmental engineering,and biomedicine.There-fore,the obtained research results need to be systematically summarized,and new perspectives on CF and its composite materials need to be analyzed.Based on the presented studies of CF and its composite materials,the types and structures of the crystal are summarized.In addition,the current application technologies and theoretical mechanisms with various properties in different fields are elucidated.Moreover,the various preparation methods of CF and its composite materials are elaborated in detail.Most importantly,the advantages and disadvantages of the synthesis methods of CF and its composite materials are discussed,and the existing problems and emerging challenges in practical production are identified.Furthermore,the key future research directions of CF and its composite materials have been prospected from the potential application technologies to provide references for its synthesis and efficient utilization.

Understanding the local structure and thermophysical behavior of Mg-La liquid alloys via machine learning potential

The local structure and thermophysical behavior of Mg-La liquid alloys were in-depth understood using deep potential molecular dynamic(DPMD) simulation driven via machine learning to promote the development of Mg-La alloys. The robustness of the trained deep potential(DP) model was thoroughly evaluated through several aspects, including root-mean-square errors(RMSEs), energy and force data, and structural information comparison results;the results indicate the carefully trained DP model is reliable. The component and temperature dependence of the local structure in the Mg-La liquid alloy was analyzed. The effect of Mg content in the system on the first coordination shell of the atomic pairs is the same as that of temperature. The pre-peak demonstrated in the structure factor indicates the presence of a medium-range ordered structure in the Mg-La liquid alloy, which is particularly pronounced in the 80at% Mg system and disappears at elevated temperatures. The density, self-diffusion coefficient, and shear viscosity for the Mg-La liquid alloy were predicted via DPMD simulation, the evolution patterns with Mg content and temperature were subsequently discussed, and a database was established accordingly. Finally, the mixing enthalpy and elemental activity of the Mg-La liquid alloy at 1200 K were reliably evaluated,which provides new guidance for related studies.

Glucocorticoid receptor signaling in the brain and its involvement in cognitive function

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulates the secretion of glucoco rticoids in response to environmental challenges.In the brain,a nuclear receptor transcription fa ctor,the glucocorticoid recepto r,is an important component of the hypothalamicpituitary-a d renal axis's negative feedback loop and plays a key role in regulating cognitive equilibrium and neuroplasticity.The glucoco rticoid receptor influences cognitive processes,including glutamate neurotransmission,calcium signaling,and the activation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor-mediated pathways,through a combination of genomic and non-genomic mechanisms.Protein interactions within the central nervous system can alter the expression and activity of the glucocorticoid receptor,there by affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-a d renal axis and stress-related cognitive functions.An appropriate level of glucocorticoid receptor expression can improve cognitive function,while excessive glucocorticoid receptors or long-term exposure to glucoco rticoids may lead to cognitive impairment.Patients with cognitive impairment-associated diseases,such as Alzheimer's disease,aging,depression,Parkinson's disease,Huntington's disease,stroke,and addiction,often present with dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and glucocorticoid receptor expression.This review provides a comprehensive overview of the functions of the glucoco rticoid receptor in the hypothalamic-pituitary-a d renal axis and cognitive activities.It emphasizes that appropriate glucocorticoid receptor signaling fa cilitates learning and memory,while its dysregulation can lead to cognitive impairment.This provides clues about how glucocorticoid receptor signaling can be targeted to ove rcome cognitive disability-related disorders.

Social function scores and influencing factors in patients with residual depressive symptoms

BACKGROUND At present,the influencing factors of social function in patients with residual depressive symptoms are still unclear.Residual depressive symptoms are highly harmful,leading to low mood in patients,affecting work and interpersonal communication,increasing the risk of recurrence,and adding to the burden on families.Studying the influencing factors of their social function is of great significance.AIM To explore the social function score and its influencing factors in patients with residual depressive symptoms.METHODS This observational study surveyed patients with residual depressive symptoms(case group)and healthy patients undergoing physical examinations(control group).Participants were admitted between January 2022 and December 2023.Social functioning was assessed using the Sheehan Disability Scale(SDS),and scores were compared between groups.Factors influencing SDS scores in patients with residual depressive symptoms were analyzed by applying multiple linear regression while using the receiver operating characteristic curve,and these RESULTS The SDS scores of the 158 patients with depressive symptoms were 11.48±3.26.Compared with the control group,the SDS scores and all items in the case group were higher.SDS scores were higher in patients with relapse,discon-tinuous medication,drug therapy alone,severe somatic symptoms,obvious residual symptoms,and anxiety scores≥8.Disease history,medication compliance,therapy method,and residual symptoms correlated positively with SDS scores(r=0.354,0.414,0.602,and 0.456,respectively).Independent influencing factors included disease history,medication compliance,therapy method,somatic symptoms,residual symptoms,and anxiety scores(P<0.05).The areas under the curve for predicting social functional impairment using these factors were 0.713,0.559,0.684,0.729,0.668,and 0.628,respectively,with sensitivities of 79.2%,61.8%,76.8%,81.7%,63.6%,and 65.5%and specificities of 83.3%,87.5%,82.6%,83.3%,86.7%,and 92.1%,respectively.CONCLUSION The social function scores of patients with residual symptoms of depression are high.They are affected by disease history,medication compliance,therapy method,degree of somatic symptoms,residual symptoms,and anxiety.

3D Printing of Tough Hydrogel Scaffolds with Functional Surface Structures for Tissue Regeneration

Hydrogel scaffolds have numerous potential applications in the tissue engineering field.However,tough hydrogel scaffolds implanted in vivo are seldom reported because it is difficult to balance biocompatibility and high mechanical properties.Inspired by Chinese ramen,we propose a universal fabricating method(printing-P,training-T,cross-linking-C,PTC&PCT)for tough hydrogel scaffolds to fill this gap.First,3D printing fabricates a hydrogel scaffold with desired structures(P).Then,the scaffold could have extraordinarily high mechanical properties and functional surface structure by cycle mechanical training with salting-out assistance(T).Finally,the training results are fixed by photo-cross-linking processing(C).The tough gelatin hydrogel scaffolds exhibit excellent tensile strength of 6.66 MPa(622-fold untreated)and have excellent biocompatibility.Furthermore,this scaffold possesses functional surface structures from nanometer to micron to millimeter,which can efficiently induce directional cell growth.Interestingly,this strategy can produce bionic human tissue with mechanical properties of 10 kPa-10 MPa by changing the type of salt,and many hydrogels,such as gelatin and silk,could be improved with PTC or PCT strategies.Animal experiments show that this scaffold can effectively promote the new generation of muscle fibers,blood vessels,and nerves within 4 weeks,prompting the rapid regeneration of large-volume muscle loss injuries.

Near-infrared brain functional characteristics of mild cognitive impairment with sleep disorders

BACKGROUND Mild cognitive impairment(MCI)has a high risk of progression to Alzheimer’s disease.The disease is often accompanied by sleep disorders,and whether sleep disorders have an effect on brain function in patients with MCI is unclear.AIM To explore the near-infrared brain function characteristics of MCI with sleep disorders.METHODS A total of 120 patients with MCI(MCI group)and 50 healthy subjects(control group)were selected.All subjects underwent the functional near-infrared spec-troscopy test.Collect baseline data,Mini-Mental State Examination,Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale,fatigue severity scale(FSS)score,sleep parameter,and oxyhemoglobin(Oxy-Hb)concentration and peak time of functional near-infrared spectroscopy test during the task period.The relationship between Oxy-RESULTS Compared with the control group,the FSS score of the MCI group was higher(t=11.310),and the scores of Pittsburgh sleep quality index,sleep time,sleep efficiency,nocturnal sleep disturbance,and daytime dysfunction were higher(Z=-10.518,-10.368,-9.035,-10.661,-10.088).Subjective sleep quality and total sleep time scores were lower(Z=-11.592,-9.924).The sleep efficiency of the MCI group was lower,and the awakening frequency,rem sleep latency period,total sleep time,and oxygen desaturation index were higher(t=5.969,5.829,2.887,3.003,5.937).The Oxy-Hb concentration at T0,T1,and T2 in the MCI group was lower(t=14.940,11.280,5.721),and the peak time was higher(t=18.800,13.350,9.827).In MCI patients,the concentration of Oxy-Hb during T0 was negatively correlated with the scores of Pittsburgh sleep quality index,sleep time,total sleep time,and sleep efficiency(r=-0.611,-0.388,-0.563,-0.356).It was positively correlated with sleep efficiency and total sleep time(r=0.754,0.650),and negatively correlated with oxygen desaturation index(r=-0.561)and FSS score(r=-0.526).All comparisons were P<0.05.CONCLUSION Patients with MCI and sleep disorders have lower near-infrared brain function than normal people,which is related to sleep quality.Clinically,a comprehensive assessment of the near-infrared brain function of patients should be carried out to guide targeted treatment and improve curative effect.