Age-related differences in long-term potentiation-like plasticity and shortlatency afferent inhibition and their association with cognitive function

Background The neurophysiological differences in cortical plasticity and cholinergic system function due to ageing and their correlation with cognitive function remain poorly understood.Aims To reveal the differences in long-term potentiation(LTP)-like plasticity and short-latency afferent inhibition(SAl)between older and younger individuals,alongside their correlation with cognitive function using transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS).Methods The cross-sectional study involved 31 younger adults aged 18-30 and 46 older adults aged 60-80.All participants underwent comprehensive cognitive assessments and a neurophysiological evaluation based on TMS.Cognitive function assessments included evaluations of global cognitive function,language,memory and executive function.The neurophysiological assessment included LTP-like plasticity and SAl.Results The findings of this study revealed a decline in LTP among the older adults compared with the younger adults(wald χ^(2)=3.98,p=0.046).Subgroup analysis further demonstrated a significant reduction in SAl level among individuals aged 70-80 years in comparison to both the younger adults(SAI(N20)):(t=-3.37,p=0.018);SAl(N20+4):(t=-3.13,p=0.038)and those aged 60-70(SAl(N20)):(t=3.26,p=0.025);SAl(N20+4):(t=-3.69,p=0.006).Conversely,there was no notable difference in SAl level between those aged 60-70 years and the younger group.Furthermore,after employing the Bonferroni correction,the correlation analysis revealed that only the positive correlation between LTP-like plasticity and language function(r=0.61,p<0.001)in the younger group remained statistically significant.Conclusions During the normal ageing process,a decline in synaptic plasticity may precede cholinergic system dysfunction.In individuals over 60 years of age,there is a reduction in LTP-like plasticity,while a decline in cholinergic system function is observed in those over 70.Thus,the cholinergic system may play a vital role in preventing cognitive decline during normal ageing.In younger individuals,LTP-like plasticity might represent a potential neurophysiological marker for language function.

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.

3D printing of poly(ethyleneimine)-functionalized Mg-Al mixed metal oxide monoliths for direct air capture of CO_(2)

Direct air capture(DAC)of CO_(2)plays an indispensable role in achieving carbon-neutral goals as one of the key negative emission technologies.Since large air flows are required to capture the ultradilute CO_(2)from the air,lab-synthesized adsorbents in powder form may cause unacceptable gas pressure drops and poor heat and mass transfer efficiencies.A structured adsorbent is essential for the implementation of gas-solid contactors for cost-and energy-efficient DAC systems.In this study,efficient adsorbent poly(ethyleneimine)(PEI)-functionalized Mg-Al-CO_(3)layered double hydroxide(LDH)-derived mixed metal oxides(MMOs)are three-dimensional(3D)printed into monoliths for the first time with more than 90%adsorbent loadings.The printing process has been optimized by initially printing the LDH powder into monoliths followed by calcination into MMO monoliths.This structure exhibits a 32.7%higher specific surface area and a 46.1%higher pore volume,as compared to the direct printing of the MMO powder into a monolith.After impregnation of PEI,the monolith demonstrates a large adsorption capacity(1.82 mmol/g)and fast kinetics(0.7 mmol/g/h)using a CO_(2)feed gas at 400 ppm at 25℃,one of the highest values among the shaped DAC adsorbents.Smearing of the amino-polymers during the post-printing process affects the diffusion of CO_(2),resulting in slower adsorption kinetics of pre-impregnation monoliths compared to post-impregnation monoliths.The optimal PEI/MeOH ratio for the post-impregnation solution prevents pores clogging that would affect both adsorption capacity and kinetics.

Vulnerable brain regions in adolescent major depressive disorder:A resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Adolescent major depressive disorder(MDD)is a significant mental health concern that often leads to recurrent depression in adulthood.Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging(rs-fMRI)offers unique insights into the neural mechanisms underlying this condition.However,despite previous research,the specific vulnerable brain regions affected in adolescent MDD patients have not been fully elucidated.AIM To identify consistent vulnerable brain regions in adolescent MDD patients using rs-fMRI and activation likelihood estimation(ALE)meta-analysis.METHODS We performed a comprehensive literature search through July 12,2023,for studies investigating brain functional changes in adolescent MDD patients.We utilized regional homogeneity(ReHo),amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations(ALFF)and fractional ALFF(fALFF)analyses.We compared the regions of aberrant spontaneous neural activity in adolescents with MDD vs healthy controls(HCs)using ALE.RESULTS Ten studies(369 adolescent MDD patients and 313 HCs)were included.Combining the ReHo and ALFF/fALFF data,the results revealed that the activity in the right cuneus and left precuneus was lower in the adolescent MDD patients than in the HCs(voxel size:648 mm3,P<0.05),and no brain region exhibited increased activity.Based on the ALFF data,we found decreased activity in the right cuneus and left precuneus in adolescent MDD patients(voxel size:736 mm3,P<0.05),with no regions exhibiting increased activity.CONCLUSION Through ALE meta-analysis,we consistently identified the right cuneus and left precuneus as vulnerable brain regions in adolescent MDD patients,increasing our understanding of the neuropathology of affected adolescents.

奶牛小肠上皮细胞系细胞染色体核型与G-带分析

为了鉴定奶牛小肠上皮细胞系(BIECs-21)的生物学遗传稳定性,体外贴壁培养BIECs-21细胞,制备染色体标本和G-带标本,分析BIECs-21细胞的染色体核型和G-带。结果表明:BIECs-21细胞染色体数为2n=60,包括常染色体29对和性染色体(X和Y染色体)1对。其中,29对常染色体均为端部着丝点染色体;性染色体中,X染色体是较大的中着丝粒染色体,Y染色体是较小的中着丝粒染色体。除X、Y性染色体外,BIECs-21细胞常染色体的G-带带纹的数量和位置无显著差异。BIECs-21细胞与荷斯坦牛的正常染色体核型相比,染色体数目及形态结构均没有明显变化,证明该细胞系遗传特性稳定,可以用于牛肠道相关疾病分子机制的研究。

G-四链体及其配体在植物病毒中的功能研究

G-四链体是一种特殊的非标准核酸二级结构,在多种生命活动过程中发挥重要的调控作用。近年来研究发现,G-四链体结构在农业植物病毒基因组中广泛存在,并参与病毒的复制等过程,是潜在的抗病毒药物靶标。本文重点综述G-四链体结构在植物RNA和DNA病毒基因组中的存在、保守性和潜在的生物学功能,并对G-四链体配体抗植物病毒的相关研究进行论述,以期为农业植物病毒病的有效防治提供思路和理论依据。

Improvement of inflammatory response and gastrointestinal function in perioperative of cholelithiasis by Modified Xiao-Cheng-Qi decoction

BACKGROUND In the perioperative period of biliary surgery,various factors can induce the release of a large number of inflammatory factors,leading to an imbalance in proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses and resulting in gastrointestinal(GI)dysfunction.Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols in biliary surgery have been shown to reduce the stress response and accelerate postoperative recovery.It is crucial to reduce the inflammatory response and promote the recovery of GI function after biliary surgery,both of which are the basis and key for perioperative care and postoperative recovery.AIM To better understand the effects of Modified Xiao-Cheng-Qi decoction(MXD)on inflammatory response and GI function in the perioperative management of cholelithiasis and their correlation.METHODS This was a prospective randomized placebo-controlled trial,in which 162 patients who received biliary tract surgery were randomly assigned to three groups:MXD group,XD group,and placebo-control group.The observed parameters included frequency of bowel sounds,time of first flatus and defecation,time of diet,and amount of activity after surgery.The serum levels of C-reactive protein(CRP),interleukin(IL)-6,IL-10,serum amyloid A protein(SAA),and substance P were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Then,the spearman correlation coefficient was used to analyze the relationship between the indicators of GI function and inflammation.RESULTS Compared to the placebo-control,improvements in GI function were observed in the MXD groups including reduced incidence of nausea,vomiting,and bloating;and earlier first exhaust time,first defecation time,and feeding time after surgery(P<0.05).On the 1st and 2nd d after surgery,IL-6,CRP and SAA levels in MXD group were lower than that in placebo control,but substance P level was higher,compared to the control(P<0.05).Functional diarrhea occurred in both MXD and XD groups without any other adverse effects,toxic reactions,and allergic reactions.Diarrhea was relieved after the discontinuation of the investigational remedies.Bowel sounds at 12 h after surgery,the occurring time of the first flatus,first defecation,postoperative liquid diet and semiliquid diet were significantly correlated with levels of IL-6,CRP,SAA and substance P on second day after surgery(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Treatment with MXD can relieve inflammatory response and improve GI function after surgery.Moreover,there are significant correlations between them.Furthermore,it does not cause serious adverse reactions.

Practical bipartite consensus for multi-agent systems:A barrier function-based adaptive sliding-mode control approach

This paper is concerned with bipartite consensus tracking for multi-agent systems with unknown disturbances.A barrier function-based adaptive sliding-mode control(SMC)approach is proposed such that the bipartite steady-state error is converged to a predefined region of zero in finite time.Specifically,based on an error auxiliary taking neighboring antagonistic interactions into account,an SMC law is designed with an adaptive gain.The gain can switch to a positive semi-definite barrier function to ensure that the error auxiliary is constrained to a predefined neighborhood of zero,which in turn guarantees practical bipartite consensus tracking.A distinguished feature of the proposed controller is its independence on the bound of disturbances,while the input chattering phenomenon is alleviated.Finally,a numerical example is provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed controller.

基于G-四链体/硫黄素T无标记荧光适配体传感器快速检测氟苯尼考

硫黄素T(ThT)通过非共价相互作用与G-四链体结合,形成G-四链体/ThT复合物,呈现出较强荧光强度,而游离ThT荧光十分微弱。当存在氟苯尼考(FF)时,具有G-四链体结构的适配体(Apt)对靶标的高亲和力,使得Apt/FF复合物形成并释放ThT,荧光强度降低。基于这一特点,本研究设计一种灵敏快速的现场检测体系,用于检测氟苯尼考,即基于G-四链体/硫黄素T的无标记荧光适配体传感器。该适配体传感器的检测范围为0.0128~200 ng/mL,实际检出限0.0128 ng/mL,检测总时长10 min。同时,对实际加标样品(牛奶和鸡蛋)进行回收率计算,加标回收率在91.2%~117.1%之间。所建立的无标记荧光适配体传感器具有高特异性、成本低、耗时短等优点,可用于实际样品的现场检测。

求解非线性方程组的非单调自适应加速Levenberg-Marquardt算法

提出一种新的求解非线性方程组的非单调自适应加速Levenberg-Marquardt算法,该算法使用一种新的自适应函数更新Levenberg-Marquardt参数,这种Levenberg-Marquardt参数的更新方式可提高过于成功的迭代中模型与目标函数的一致性,从而加快算法的收敛速度.数值实验结果表明,该算法具有良好的数值计算性能.

群作用下逆极限空间的G-平均跟踪性和G-链传递

为了研究群作用下逆极限空间的G-平均跟踪性和G-链传递的动力学性质,利用原空间和逆极限空间之间的关系,得到以下结果:自映射f具有G-平均跟踪性与移位映射σ具有G-平均跟踪性是等价条件;自映射f是G-链传递与移位映射σ是G-链传递是等价条件。

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.

G-ρ不变凸多目标规划的最优性条件

凸函数的推广在最优化理论中占有重要地位。利用局部Lipschitz函数,基于G-ρ不变凸函数、G-ρ不变拟凸函数和G-ρ不变伪凸函数,建立了含有不等式约束的多目标规划问题,证明了此函数凸性限制下的最优性充分条件,在更弱的凸性条件下推广了已有结论。

不同G-四链体之间的再组装

主要通过液体核磁共振等技术发现,凝血酶适配体的突变序列TBA-M、人源端粒序列htel3在Na^(+)溶液中可各自折叠成G-四链体结构,而这两个预先已折叠完好的G-四链体之间还能够自发地通过DNA链置换作用再进一步重新组装成异分子间G-四链体复合物TBA-M/htel3。该复合物中,TBA-M与htel3之间相互结合的DNA链当量比为1∶1,并且TBA-M仅以其3′末端3个连续鸟嘌呤残基(G_(14)G_(15)G_(16))参与TBA-M/htel3复合物中G-四链体核心区的Hoogsteen氢键配对。首次通过实验证明已经预先形成结构的两个G-四链体之间还能够进一步发生基于Hoogsteen氢键配对的DNA链置换现象,并且对其相互作用的过程与分子机制进行探讨。拓展对不同核酸结构之间相互作用方式与识别机制的更深层认知。

GN-g-MAH/PPy多功能PET非织造布的制备及应用

为提高聚酯(PET)非织造布的性能,将导电材料通过表面改性引入PET非织造布,采用单宁酸(TA)作为桥联剂,功能化石墨烯(GN-g-MAH)和聚吡咯(PPy)作为导电功能层,制备得到多功能PET非织造布,并使用SEM、XRD、TG等测试了PET/GN-g-MAH/PPy的微观结构和热稳定性。结果表明:通过循环自组装法及低温化学聚合法成功制备了PET/GN-g-MAH/PPy非织造布,表现出良好的导电性,表面电阻率低至3.11×10^(-2)Ω·m,表面由疏水转变为亲水。基于此,非织造布也表现出优异的电热性能,对其施加3 V驱动电压时,可在20s内产生约40℃的饱和温度。此外,还具有良好的光热转换性能,当光照强度为300 mW/cm^(2)时,照射20 s后,表面温度可稳定到105.8℃,非织造布还表现出优异的光热抗菌性,当大肠杆菌的菌液浓度为1.6×10^(8)CFU/mL时,使用氙灯模拟太阳光源照射后,抗菌率达到99.6%。

The Probability Density Function Related to Shallow Cumulus Entrainment Rate and Its Influencing Factors in a Large-Eddy Simulation

The process of entrainment-mixing between cumulus clouds and the ambient air is important for the development of cumulus clouds.Accurately obtaining the entrainment rate(λ)is particularly important for its parameterization within the overall cumulus parameterization scheme.In this study,an improved bulk-plume method is proposed by solving the equations of two conserved variables simultaneously to calculateλof cumulus clouds in a large-eddy simulation.The results demonstrate that the improved bulk-plume method is more reliable than the traditional bulk-plume method,becauseλ,as calculated from the improved method,falls within the range ofλvalues obtained from the traditional method using different conserved variables.The probability density functions ofλfor all data,different times,and different heights can be well-fitted by a log-normal distribution,which supports the assumed stochastic entrainment process in previous studies.Further analysis demonstrate that the relationship betweenλand the vertical velocity is better than other thermodynamic/dynamical properties;thus,the vertical velocity is recommended as the primary influencing factor for the parameterization ofλin the future.The results of this study enhance the theoretical understanding ofλand its influencing factors and shed new light on the development ofλparameterization.

能谱CT联合血清G-17、CEA在术前预测胃癌病理分级中的价值研究

目的探究能谱CT联合血清G-17、CEA在术前预测胃癌病理分级中的应用价值。方法选择2021年7月—2023年3月本院收治的75例胃癌患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析。根据肿瘤细胞分化程度将患者分为低分化组(38例)和中高分化组(37例)两组。分析所有患者术前能谱CT检查结果和血清G-17、CEA表达水平。结果低分化组胃癌患者静脉期的碘基值、能谱曲线斜率、有效原子序列明显高于中高分化组(P<0.05)。低分化组胃癌患者血清G-17、CEA水平明显高于中高分化组胃癌患者(P<0.05)。胃癌患者静脉期的碘基值、能谱曲线斜率、有效原子序列及血清G-17、CEA各项指标指标间均具有相关性,(P<0.05)。胃癌患者静脉期的碘基值、能谱曲线斜率、有效原子序列及血清G-17、CEA在预测胃癌患者病理分级的ROC曲线下面积分别为0.815、0.778、0.702、0.749、0.747,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。联合检测ROC曲线下面积为0.962(P<0.05)。联合检测的AUC明显高于静脉期的碘基值、能谱曲线斜率、有效原子序列及血清G-17、CEA各指标单独检测(P<0.05)。结论术前通过评估胃癌患者能谱CT碘浓度变化,并结合血清G-17、CEA表达,对预测胃癌病理分级有参考价值。

基于G-四链体电化学发光生物传感器灵敏检测端粒酶活性

端粒酶活性的分析检测对于癌症诊断、预后治疗等具有重要意义。该研究利用G-四链体(G4) DNA的金属配合物靶向发光探针[Ir(ppy)_(2)(pip)]PF_(6),构建了灵敏检测癌细胞端粒酶活性的电化学发光(ECL)生物传感器。首先将引物DNA组装在电极表面,然后与癌细胞提取的端粒酶共同孵育,具有活性的端粒酶在引物末端生成端粒重复序列从而形成G4结构,随后[Ir(ppy)_(2)(pip)]PF_(6)通过与G4靶向作用结合到延长的序列中。结果表明[Ir(ppy)_(2)(pip)]PF_(6)的ECL信号与端粒酶活性呈现正相关,传感器的电化学发光强度与癌细胞浓度在10-5×10^(5)cell/mL呈现良好的线性关系,检出限(LOD)为3 cell/mL。实验还表明了传感器具有良好的稳定性、适用性、抗干扰性和重现性,最后将该传感器用于测定真实人类血清和尿液样本中的端粒酶活性,得到了满意的结果。

Greatly enhanced corrosion/wear resistances of epoxy coating for Mg alloy through a synergistic effect between functionalized graphene and insulated blocking layer

The poor corrosion and wear resistances of Mg alloys seriously limit their potential applications in various industries.The conventional epoxy coating easily forms many intrinsic defects during the solidification process,which cannot provide sufficient protection.In the current study,we design a double-layer epoxy composite coating on Mg alloy with enhanced anti-corrosion/wear properties,via the spin-assisted assembly technique.The outer layer is functionalized graphene(FG)in waterborne epoxy resin(WEP)and the inner layer is Ce-based conversion(Ce)film.The FG sheets can be homogeneously dispersed within the epoxy matrix to fill the intrinsic defects and improve the barrier capability.The Ce film connects the outer layer with the substrate,showing the transition effect.The corrosion rate of Ce/WEP/FG composite coating is 2131 times lower than that of bare Mg alloy,and the wear rate is decreased by~90%.The improved corrosion resistance is attributed to the labyrinth effect(hindering the penetration of corrosive medium)and the obstruction of galvanic coupling behavior.The synergistic effect derived from the FG sheet and blocking layer exhibits great potential in realizing the improvement of multi-functional integration,which will open up a new avenue for the development of novel composite protection coatings of Mg alloys.

A generalized alpha function of Peng-Robison equation of state for non-polar,weakly polar and polar compounds

A novel alpha function for Peng-Robinson equation of state was proposed and generalized with acentric factor and dipole moment for predicting thermodynamic properties of non-polar,weakly polar,and polar compounds.The parameters of new alpha function were fitted with vapor pressures of 70 compounds.Six different methods were investigated for the correlation of parameters of new alpha function and Heyen alpha function.The generalized new alpha function passed the consistency test.The results indicated that the predictive accuracy of generalized new alpha function and generalized Heyen alpha function was improved for the estimation of vapor pressure of 11 kinds of compounds,with the average relative deviations(ARDs)being 2.60%and 2.76%.The ARDs of the two generalized alpha functions were 2.04%and 2.09%for the enthalpy of vaporization.However,the generalized new alpha function and the other alpha functions had great deviations for the prediction of liquid volumes and isobaric heat capacities.The alpha function that was generalized with acentric factor and reduced dipole moment was more accurate than that was generalized with acentric factor,especially for the prediction of vapor pressure and enthalpy of vaporization of polar compounds.