The Gut Brain Connection

The gut-brain connection is a bidirectional communication system that links the gut microbiome to the central nervous system (CNS). The gut-brain axis communicates through a variety of mechanisms, including the release of hormones, neurotransmitters, and cytokines. These signaling molecules can travel from the gut to the brain and vice versa, influencing various physiological and cognitive functions. Emerging therapeutic strategies targeting the gut-brain connection include probiotics, prebiotics, and faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Probiotics are live microorganisms that are similar to the beneficial bacteria that are naturally found in the gut. Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut. FMT is a procedure in which faecal matter from a healthy donor is transplanted into the gut of a person with a diseased microbiome. Probiotics, prebiotics, and FMT have been shown to be effective in treating a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, and there is growing evidence that they may also be effective in treating neurological and psychiatric disorders. This review explores the emerging field of the gut-brain connection, focusing on the communication pathways between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system. We summarize the potential roles of gut dysbiosis in various neurological and psychiatric disorders. Additionally, we discuss potential therapeutic strategies, research limitations, and future directions in this exciting area of research. More research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying the gut-brain connection and to develop safe and effective therapies that target this pathway. However, the findings to date are promising, and there is the potential to revolutionize the way we diagnose and treat a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Electromechanical Transient Modeling Analysis of Large-Scale New Energy Grid Connection

The synchronous virtual machine uses inverter power to imitate the performance of the conventional synchronous machine.It also has the same inertia,damping,frequency,voltage regulation,and other external performance as the generator.It is the key technology to realize new energy grid connections’stable and reliable operation.This project studies a dynamic simulation model of an extensive new energy power system based on the virtual synchronous motor.A new energy storage method is proposed.The mathematical energy storage model is established by combining the fixed rotor model of a synchronous virtual machine with the charge-discharge power,state of charge,operation efficiency,dead zone,and inverter constraint.The rapid conversion of energy storage devices absorbs the excess instantaneous kinetic energy caused by interference.The branch transient of the critical cut set in the system can be confined to a limited area.Thus,the virtual synchronizer’s kinetic and potential energy can be efficiently converted into an instantaneous state.The simulation of power system analysis software package(PSASP)verifies the correctness of the theory and algorithm in this paper.This paper provides a theoretical basis for improving the transient stability of new energy-connected power grids.

Multiscale Characteristics and Connection Mechanisms of Attraction Networks:A Trajectory Data Mining Approach Leveraging Geotagged Data

Urban tourism is considered a complex system,and multiscale exploration of the organizational patterns of attraction networks has become a topical issue in urban tourism,so exploring the multiscale characteristics and connection mechanisms of attraction networks is important for understanding the linkages between attractions and even the future destination planning.This paper uses geotagging data to compare the links between attractions in Beijing,China during four different periods:the pre-Olympic period(2004–2007),the Olympic Games and subsequent‘heat period’(2008–2013),the post-Olympic period(2014–2019),and the COVID-19(Corona Virus Disease 2019)pandemic period(2020–2021).The aim is to better understand the evolution and patterns of attraction networks at different scales in Beijing and to provide insights for tourism planning in the destination.The results show that the macro,meso-,and microscales network characteristics of attraction networks have inherent logical relationships that can explain the commonalities and differences in the development process of tourism networks.The macroscale attraction network degree Matthew effect is significant in the four different periods and exhibits a morphological monocentric structure,suggesting that new entrants are more likely to be associated with attractions that already have high value.The mesoscale links attractions according to the common purpose of tourists,and the results of the community segmentation of the attraction networks in the four different periods suggest that the functional polycentric structure describes their clustering effect,and the weak links between clusters result from attractions bound by incomplete information and distance,and the functional polycentric structure with a generally more efficient network of clusters.The pattern structure at the microscale reveals the topological transformation relationship of the regional collaboration pattern,and the attraction network structure in the four different periods has a very similar importance profile structure suggesting that the attraction network has the same construction rules and evolution mechanism,which aids in understanding the attraction network pattern at both macro and micro scales.Important approaches and practical implications for planners and managers are presented.

Cost Optimization of Steel Beam-to-Column Connections using AVOA

The joint-bolt-African Vulture optimization algorithm(AVOA)model is proposed for the design of building connections to improve the stability of steel beam-to-column connections.For this algorithm,the type of steel is first determined,and the number of bolts needed by the corresponding steel type is referenced in Eurocode 3.Then,the bearing capacity of the joint can be calculated.The joint-bolt-AVOA model is established by substituting the bolt number required by the steel into the algorithm to obtain the optimal bolt number required while ensuring joint stability.The results show that the number of bolts required by the joint-bolt-AVOA model based on the stability of steel is lower than that calculated by Eurocode 3.Therefore,AVOA can effectively optimize the number of bolts needed in building connections and save resources.

Topological Aspects of Dendrimers via Connection-Based Descriptors

Topological indices(TIs)have been practiced for distinct wide-ranging physicochemical applications,especially used to characterize and model the chemical structures of various molecular compounds such as dendrimers,nanotubes and neural networks with respect to their certain properties such as solubility,chemical stability and low cytotoxicity.Dendrimers are prolonged artificially synthesized or amalgamated natural macromolecules with a sequential layer of branches enclosing a central core.A present-day trend in mathematical and computational chemistry is the characterization of molecular structure by applying topological approaches,including numerical graph invariants.Among topological descriptors,Zagreb connection indices(ZCIs)have much importance.This manuscript involves the establishment of general results to calculate ZCIs,namely first ZCI(FZCI),second ZCI(SZCI),third ZCI(TZCI),modified FZCI,modified SZCI and modified TZCI of two special types of dendrimers nanostars,namely,poly propylene imine octamin(PPIO)dendrimer and poly(propyl)ether imine(PPEtIm)dendrimer.Furthermore,we provide the numerical and graphical comparative analysis of our calculated results for both types of dendrimers with each other.

改进RRT-Connect与DWA算法的巡检机器人路径规划研究

针对传统RRT-Connect算法在密集复杂环境中路径规划效率低、动态避障效果差等问题,提出一种改进RRT-Connect与DWA融合算法。该算法通过改进采样策略、动态步长优化和碰撞检测引导随机树生长;在随机树中采用贪心策略和角度约束优化路径。基于巡检机器人建立运动学模型,通过速度采样空间生成轨迹簇;建立模糊逻辑系统自适应调整DWA算法评价函数的权重系数,将全局最优路径点融入DWA算法中实现全局最优路径和实时避障。仿真结果表明,在油气站场密集复杂环境中,改进RRT-Connect算法较传统算法路径缩短约27.09%,平滑度提高约84.6%,碰撞距离提高约18.75%;改进融合算法路径减少约2.97%,平滑度提高约78.8%,碰撞距离提高约30.6%,验证了提出算法的有效性。

Age-related hearing loss accelerates the decline in fast speech comprehension and the decompensation of cortical network connections

Patients with age-related hearing loss face hearing difficulties in daily life.The causes of age-related hearing loss are complex and include changes in peripheral hearing,central processing,and cognitive-related abilities.Furthermore,the factors by which aging relates to hearing loss via changes in audito ry processing ability are still unclear.In this cross-sectional study,we evaluated 27 older adults(over 60 years old) with age-related hearing loss,21 older adults(over 60years old) with normal hearing,and 30 younger subjects(18-30 years old) with normal hearing.We used the outcome of the uppe r-threshold test,including the time-compressed thres h old and the speech recognition threshold in noisy conditions,as a behavioral indicator of auditory processing ability.We also used electroencephalogra p hy to identify presbycusis-related abnormalities in the brain while the participants were in a spontaneous resting state.The timecompressed threshold and speech recognition threshold data indicated significant diffe rences among the groups.In patients with age-related hearing loss,information masking(babble noise) had a greater effect than energy masking(speech-shaped noise) on processing difficulties.In terms of resting-state electroencephalography signals,we observed enhanced fro ntal lobe(Brodmann’s area,BA11) activation in the older adults with normal hearing compared with the younger participants with normal hearing,and greater activation in the parietal(BA7) and occipital(BA19) lobes in the individuals with age-related hearing loss compared with the younger adults.Our functional connection analysis suggested that compared with younger people,the older adults with normal hearing exhibited enhanced connections among networks,including the default mode network,sensorimotor network,cingulo-opercular network,occipital network,and frontoparietal network.These results suggest that both normal aging and the development of age-related hearing loss have a negative effect on advanced audito ry processing capabilities and that hearing loss accele rates the decline in speech comprehension,especially in speech competition situations.Older adults with normal hearing may have increased compensatory attentional resource recruitment represented by the to p-down active listening mechanism,while those with age-related hearing loss exhibit decompensation of network connections involving multisensory integration.

砂型铸造Mg-9Gd-3Y-0.5Zr合金的线收缩

研究铸件几何特征对砂型铸造Mg-9Gd-3Y-0.5Zr(VW93)合金线收缩的影响。利用3D扫描仪精确提取自由收缩和受阻收缩砂铸件的尺寸,并用于计算收缩系数。引入砂芯体积与铸件包络体积之比(γ)量化砂芯对铸件收缩的约束程度。通过分析自由收缩系数的统计分布和受阻收缩系数随γ的变化规律发现,VW93合金的自由收缩系数为1.96%,受阻收缩系数随γ的增大而线性减小,此关系为根据铸件几何结构预测VW93合金收缩率提供支持。

基于改进RRT-Connect算法的全局路径规划

针对RRT-Connect算法在复杂环境内的路径规划中存在探索性弱、收敛速度慢、冗余节点多、搜索路径较长等问题,提出一种改进的RRT-Connect算法。通过引入高质量随机点和动态步长的方法,提高了生成随机树的质量并减少了冗余节点数量;采用正向寻优和逆向贪婪的方式,改善了搜索路径较长的问题。实验结果表明,改进RRT-Connect算法平均路径规划时间缩短26.41%,平均路径规划长度缩短19.05%,平均路径规划节点个数减少41.91%,证明了改进RRT-Connect算法相比于原算法规划效率更高,规划时间更少,规划路径质量更优。

热处理对Mg-12Y-1Al合金组织及性能的影响

采用光学显微镜、X射线衍射仪及扫描电镜等研究固溶处理、时效处理后Mg-12Y-1Al合金的显微组织,利用拉伸实验分析热处理前后合金在室温及高温200℃下的力学性能,使用电化学方法测试热处理前后合金的耐腐蚀性能。结果表明:Mg-12Y-1Al合金的铸态组织由α-Mg基体、Mg_(24)Y_(5)相和Al_(2)Y相组成。Mg-12Y-1Al具有优异的高温热稳定性,在520℃×16 h(T4)固溶处理后,晶粒没有长大,产生新的长周期有序堆垛相(LPSO);225℃×30 h(T6)时效处理对组织的影响不大。与室温下的性能相比,T4态合金在200℃下的极限抗拉强度没有降低,而伸长率由室温的1.3%提高至12.5%。此外,Mg-12Y-1Al合金经固溶及时效处理后耐腐蚀性能得到提升,腐蚀电流密度由铸态的2.799×10^(-5)A/cm^(2)降低至1.551×10^(-5)A/cm^(2)。

Mg-9Gd-4Y-2Zn-0.5Zr合金连续降温压缩扭转组织演变

采用Gleeble-3500热力拟试验机对Mg-9Gd-4Y-2Zn-0.5Zr合金棒材进行了热压缩扭转实验,变形过程中采用连续降温,温度范围为420~480℃,降温速率为10℃·s^(-1)。分析了变形后试样微观组织的演化规律。结果表明,形成了梯度组织;随棒状试样半径的增加,晶粒尺寸、LPSO相尺寸及ED//<0001>织构强度均减小。晶内LPSO相发生了机械破碎和扭折;块状LPSO相发生溶解,形成条纹状结构,部分条纹状结构在外力条件下发生扭折。变形过程中主要发生了连续动态再结晶及LPSO相激发的再结晶。连续降温有利于再结晶形核,产生大量细小的动态再结晶晶粒,抑制了再结晶晶粒长大和ED//<0001>织构强度增加。

第二相体积分数对Mg-13Gd-4Y-2Zn-0.5Zr合金力学性能的影响

采用万能拉伸试验机、SEM、EDS及XRD对固溶处理后的Mg-13Gd-4Y-2Zn-0.5Zr合金力学性能、第二相形态、化学成分进行了分析,并利用Image-Pro-Plus软件对第二相体积分数进行了统计。结果表明:固溶处理后,合金中仍有大量不同形态、成分的第二相,主要是灰色块状LPSO相、灰色棒状LPSO相和白色点状富稀土相。随着固溶时间的增加,Mg-13Gd-4Y-2Zn-0.5Zr合金的抗拉强度与伸长率表现出先降低后升高的变化规律。在510℃固溶16 h,合金的抗拉强度与伸长率达到最小值,分别为196.77 MPa、3.8%。510℃固溶10~16 h,LPSO相体积分数不变,富稀土相体积分数增加,富稀土相质地较脆,受力时容易破碎,成为裂纹萌发和扩展的源头,使合金抗拉强度、伸长率均降低。510℃固溶16~19 h,富稀土相体积分数减少,合金的力学性能增加。

Analytical Investigation into the Rotational Performance of Glulam Bolted Beam-Column Connections under Coupled Bending Moment and Shear Force

Considering the glulam beam-column connection form and the number of bolts,monotonic loading test and finite element analysis was carried out on 9 connection specimens in 3 groups to study the rotational performance and failure mode of the connection.The test results revealed that compared with U-shaped connectors,T-shaped connectors can effectively improve the ductility of connections,and the increase in the number of bolts can reduce the initial stiffness and ductility of connections.By theoretical analysis,formulas for calculating the initial stiffness and ultimate moment of connections were deduced.Subsequently,the moment-rotation theoretical model of connections was established based on the formulas,which were validated according to the test data and simulation results.The proposed model can not only improve the current theoretical system of heavy-duty glulam beam-column structure but also provide a theoretical basis for calculating the mechanical properties of the glulam beam-column connection.

Effects of connection types and elevated temperature on the impact behaviour of restrained beam in portal steel frame

Based on the background of structural protection and Disaster Reduction Engineering, the dynamic behaviour and failure mechanism of restrained beams in portal steel frames in localised fire are investigated via experimental measurement and numerical simulation techniques. Comprehensive parametric studies are carried out to discuss the influence of end connection types, temperature, impact velocity,impact mass and span-to-depth ratio(SDR) on the dynamic response of the beams. The characteristics of deformation, internal force and energy distribution about the restrained beams and its joints are investigated. A temperature dependent criterion for evaluating the frame joint performance is proposed to measure the degree of performance degradation and impact resistance of the joint. The dynamic displacement amplification factor in different temperature environments are proposed for the different beam end constraint types and SDRs. Results of the experimental and numerical analysis show that the welded connection(WC) of three typical joint types is the strongest, and the extended endplate connection(EEC) is the weakest in terms of the impact resistance performance. With regard to the failure mode of the joint, the failure positions of the WC and the welded-bolted connection are located in the inner web of the column. Meanwhile, the EEC is located in the connection position between the beam and the endplate. Three different internal force stages and two obvious critical temperature boundaries of the restrained beams emerge with the increase in temperature, and they have significant characteristics in terms of deformation trend, internal force transfer and energy distribution. During the impact, a phenomenon known as “compression arch action” develops into “catenary action” with the increase in deflection in the frame beam mechanism.

时效温度对Mg-2.0Zn-1.0Y-0.5Zr合金组织与性能的影响

采用扫描电镜(SEM)、X射线衍射(XRD)、拉伸试验、浸泡试验和电化学试验等研究了固溶态Mg-2.0Zn-1.0Y-0.5Zr合金在180~220℃时效12 h后的微观组织、耐蚀性能和力学性能。结果表明:随着时效温度从180℃升高到220℃,合金中析出的颗粒状第二相数量增多,第二相体积分数由0.03%(固溶态)升至0.36%(220℃时效12 h),力学性能明显提高,但耐蚀性能下降。当时效温度为200℃时,合金的综合性能较优,其抗拉强度、屈服强度、伸长率和腐蚀速率分别为(268.1±11.3) MPa、(170.4±8.5) MPa、(15.8±0.6)%和(0.575±0.039) mm/y。

Shear Behaviors of Steel-Plate Connections for Timber-Concrete Composite Beams with Prefabricated Concrete Slabs

To promote the development of timber-concrete composite(TCC)structures,it is necessary to propose the assembly-type connections with high assembly efficiency and shear performances.This article presented the experimental results of the innovative steel-plate connections for TCC beams using prefabricated concrete slabs.The steel-plate connections consisted of the screws and the steel-plates.The steel-plates were partly embedded in the concrete slabs.The concrete slabs and the timber beams were connected by screws through the steel-plates.The parameters researched in this article included screw number,angle steel as the reinforcement for anchoring,and shallow notches on the timber surface to restrict the slip of the steel-plates.Experimental results were discussed in terms of failure modes,ultimate bearing capacities,and slip moduli.It was found that increasing the number of screws could lead to the obvious improvement on the ultimate bearing capacities and the slip moduli at the ultimate state;and the angle steel as the reinforcement showed the slight influence on the ultimate bearing capacities and the slip moduli.The application of the shallow notch can greatly improve the ultimate bearing capacities and the slip moduli.The calculation models for the ultimate bearing capacities and the slip moduli of the steel-plate connections with and without shallow notches were proposed,which showed good accuracy compared with the experimental results.

The impact of political connections on firm pollution: New evidence based on heterogeneous environmental regulation

Increasing attention has been focused on the extent to which corporate political connections influence the growing pollution due to the rapid growth in the popularity of firm pollution in developing countries.We adopt a static threshold regression model to investigate the effects of heterogeneous environmental regulation on political connections and firm pollution based on the panel data from China’s A-share listed companies from 2012 to 2019.The empirical results show a non-linear relationship between the degree of political connection of listed company executives and the level of firm pollution.And the relationship between the two roughly presents a U-shaped relationship under the action of the marketincentive environmental regulation threshold.However,it roughly presents an inverted N-shaped relationship under the action of the command-control environmental regulation threshold.Additionally,the group test results show that the existence of regional and ownership heterogeneity causes certain differences in the environmental behaviour of politically connected enterprises.These findings indicate that diverse environmental regulations are needed to promote sustainable green development and to further expand the theoretical and practical exploration of political connections on firm pollution.

The Effect of Self-Investment on Hoarding Tendency of Chinese College Students:Role of Psychological Connections

Because of factors such as energy and time one invests in an object,the stronger the connection,value,and reluc-tance to lose said object individual will have.Hoarding behavior arises when individuals incorporate a strong attachment with themselves to an object.The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of self-investment on hoarding tendency and the roles of possession-self link and liking level in this connection.A hypothetical model of the relationship between self-investment,possession-self link,liking level,and hoarding tendency was tested.A convenience sampling method was used to survey 450 college students in Yunnan Province on either a paper-based or online self-report scale.The data were collected using self-investment,possession-self link,and liking level questionnaires,as well as the Saving Inventory Revised.Results showed positive relationship between the study variables,ranging from 0.37 to 0.87.College students’self-investment had a direct positive pre-dictive effect on hoarding tendency;self-investment,in turn,indirectly predicted hoarding tendency through the mediating effect of possession-self link;and individual liking level of items had a moderating effect for self-invest-ment on the possession-self link.This study shows how self-investment affects the hoarding tendency of college students,and the results of this study also help demonstrate the value of self-investment and possession-self link in optimizing students’hoarding tendency and thus promoting good psychological status.

Create A New Era of Global Interconnection

On October 18,the High-level Forum on Connectivity,as one of the three high-level forums of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation,opened.This forum aims at rallying the consensus of all parties,forming a joint development force,and promoting the high-quality development of the Belt and Road cooperation.Guests from at home and abroad spoke and exchanged views on topics such as“the‘physical connectivity’of deepening infrastructure and the‘institutional connectivity’of technology,standards。

Mg-9Gd-3.5Y-2Zn-0.5Zr合金材料喷丸强化工艺及摩擦磨损性能研究

目的提高Mg-9Gd-3.5Y-2Zn-0.5Zr合金的耐磨性能。方法通过喷丸强化工艺对Mg-9Gd-3.5Y-2Zn-0.5Zr合金表面进行处理,在合金表面制备出纳米强化层,随后进行干滑动摩擦磨损试验,探究其喷丸强化后耐磨性能的改变。利用OM、SEM研究合金表层至内部晶粒尺寸及组织特征的变化。利用电子天平秤测量摩擦磨损试验前后质量的损失量。利用维氏显微硬度计测量合金强化层深度方向的硬度分布。利用SEM研究了合金摩擦磨损后的形貌特征,探究其磨损机制。结果对Mg-9Gd-3.5Y-2Zn-0.5Zr合金进行表面喷丸处理后,表面分别出现了200~370μm厚的晶粒细化层,其中喷丸气压为0.4 MPa、时间为40 s的试样的细晶强化层厚约为250μm,硬度约为155HV,较原始试样提高了50%左右。结论经喷丸强化后,镁合金表面发生塑性变形,获得纳米晶。晶粒尺寸从表层到内部逐渐变大,呈现梯度变化,喷丸处理后试样磨损质量普遍降低,耐磨性能得到提高,其中气压为0.4MPa、喷丸时间为40s的试样的耐磨性最好。铸态试样的摩擦磨损中,磨粒磨损和黏着磨损发挥主要作用,喷丸强化工艺后,磨损机制发生改变,喷丸时间为60 s时,氧化磨损起主导作用。另外,随着喷丸气压的增大,疲劳磨损由辅助作用逐渐变为主导作用。