Effects of Color on the Buildup and Resolution of Proactive Interference in Working Memory

The“color superiority effect”was confirmed by the research of color on forgetting,which showed that proactive interference(PI)has less impact on colored items than gray ones.Color could directly affect the buildup of PI,leading to reduced levels of interference,or controlled processes that resolve PI.However,the effects of red and green on memory were inconsistent.Using Recent-Probes task,the current study explored how the red and green color influenced to the buildup phase(i.e.,200ms after the onset of probe)and resolution phase(i.e.800ms after the onset of probe)of PI.Results revealed that the reaction times of green words were significantly shorter than the red words under 200ms.There were no significant differences between the red and green words under 500ms and 800ms.It indicated that green might shortened the reaction times for the PI buildup,while red prolonged it.However,on the resolution phase of PI,green words were less effective than red words.These findings offered some new information for the underlying mechanisms that modulate the interactions between color and memory.

The computerized LASSI-BC Test versus the Standard LASSI-L Paper-and-Pencil Version in Community-Based-Samples

Proactive Semantic Interference (PSI) and failure to recover from PSI (frPSI), are novel constructs assessed by the LASSI-L. These measures are sensitive to cognitive changes in early Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and preclinical AD determined by Aβ load using PET. The goal of this study was to compare a new computerized version of the LASSI-L (LASSI-Brief Computerized) to the standard paper-and-pencil version of the test. In this study, we examined 110 cognitively unimpaired (CU) older adults and 79 with amnestic MCI (aMCI) who were administered the paper-and-pencil form of the LASSI-L. Their performance was compared with 62 CU older adults and 52 aMCI participants examined using the LASSI-BC. After adjustment for covariates (degree of initial learning, sex, education, and language of evaluation) both the standard and computerized versions distinguished between aMCI and CU participants. The performance of CU and aMCI groups using either form was relatively commensurate. Importantly, an optimal combination of Cued B2 recall and Cued B1 intrusions on the LASSI-BC yielded an area under the ROC curve of .927, a sensitivity of 92.3% and specificity of 88.1%, relative to an area under the ROC curve of .815, a sensitivity of 72.5%, and a specificity of 79.1% obtained for the paper-and-pencil LASSI-L. Overall, the LASSI-BC was comparable, and in some ways, superior to the paper-and-pencil LASSI-L. Advantages of the LASSI-BC include a more standardized administration, suitability for remote assessment, and an automated scoring mechanism that can be verified by a built-in audio recording of responses.

A Novel Computerized Cognitive Test for the Detection of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Its Association with Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease Prone Brain Regions

During the prodromal stage of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), neurodegenerative changes can be identified by measuring volumetric loss in AD-prone brain regions on MRI. Cognitive assessments that are sensitive enough to measure the early brain-behavior manifestations of AD and that correlate with biomarkers of neurodegeneration are needed to identify and monitor individuals at risk for dementia. Weak sensitivity to early cognitive change has been a major limitation of traditional cognitive assessments. In this study, we focused on expanding our previous work by determining whether a digitized cognitive stress test, the Loewenstein-Acevedo Scales for Semantic Interference and Learning, Brief Computerized Version (LASSI-BC) could differentiate between Cognitively Unimpaired (CU) and amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI) groups. A second focus was to correlate LASSI-BC performance to volumetric reductions in AD-prone brain regions. Data was gathered from 111 older adults who were comprehensively evaluated and administered the LASSI-BC. Eighty-seven of these participants (51 CU;36 aMCI) underwent MR imaging. The volumes of 12 AD-prone brain regions were related to LASSI-BC and other memory tests correcting for False Discovery Rate (FDR). Results indicated that, even after adjusting for initial learning ability, the failure to recover from proactive semantic interference (frPSI) on the LASSI-BC differentiated between CU and aMCI groups. An optimal combination of frPSI and initial learning strength on the LASSI-BC yielded an area under the ROC curve of 0.876 (76.1% sensitivity, 82.7% specificity). Further, frPSI on the LASSI-BC was associated with volumetric reductions in the hippocampus, amygdala, inferior temporal lobes, precuneus, and posterior cingulate.

Theoretical understandings, key technologies and practices of tight conglomerate oilfield efficient development: A case study of the Mahu oilfield, Junggar Basin, NW China

A series of theoretical explorations and field tests have been carried out to efficiently develop the Mahu tight conglomerate oilfield in the Junggar Basin.Concepts of steered-by-edge fracturing and proactive fracturing interference were proposed.A series of innovative technologies were developed and implemented including optimization of 3-D staggered well pattern,proactive control and utilization of spatial stress field,and synergetic integration of multiple elements.Different from shale,the unique rock fabric and strong heterogeneities of tight conglomerate formation are favorable factors for forming complex fractures,small space well pattern can proactively control and make use of interwell interference to increase the complexity of fracture network,and the"optimum-size and distribution"hydraulic fracturing can be achieved through synergetic optimization.During pilot phase of this field,both depletion with hydraulically fractured vertical wells and volume fracturing in horizontal wells were tested after water injection through vertical wells,then the multi-stage fracturing with horizontal well was taken as the primary development technology.A series of engineering methods were tested,and key development parameters were evaluated such as well spacing,lateral length,fractures spacing,fracturing size,and fracturing operation process.According to geoengineering approach,the 100 m/150 m tridimensional tight-spacing staggered development method was established with systematic integration of big well clusters,multiple stacked pay zones,small well spacing,long lateral length,fine perforation clustering,zipper fracturing and factory operation.According to half-year production performance,100 m/150 m small spacing wells outperformed 500 m/400 m/300 m spacing wells.Its average estimated ultimate recovery(EUR)of wells was identical with those best wells from large-spacing area.Compared with the overall performance of Mahu oilfield,the drainage efficiency and estimated recovery factor of this pilot were significantly boosted with improved economics.