Information Processing Functions Research Articles

W-doped In2O3 nanofiber optoelectronic neuromorphic transistors with synergistic synaptic plasticity

Neuromorphic devices that mimic the information processing function of biological synapses and neurons have attracted considerable attention due to their potential applications in brain-like perception and computing. In this paper, neuromorphic transistors with W-doped In2O3 nanofibers as the channel layers are fabricated and optoelectronic synergistic synaptic plasticity is also investigated. Such nanofiber transistors can be used to emulate some biological synaptic functions, including excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC), long-term potentiation (LTP), and depression (LTD). Moreover, the synaptic plasticity of the nanofiber transistor can be synergistically modulated by light pulse and electrical pulse. At last, pulsed light learning and pulsed electrical forgetting behaviors were emulated in 5 × 5 nanofiber device array. Our results provide new insights into the development of nanofiber optoelectronic neuromorphic devices with synergistic synaptic plasticity.

High-speed thin-film lithium niobate quantum processor driven by a solid-state quantum emitter.

Scalable photonic quantum computing architectures pose stringent requirements on photonic processing devices. The needs for low-loss high-speed reconfigurable circuits and near-deterministic resource state generators are some of the most challenging requirements. Here, we develop an integrated photonic platform based on thin-film lithium niobate and interface it with deterministic solid-state single-photon sources based on quantum dots in nanophotonic waveguides. The generated photons are processed with low-loss circuits programmable at speeds of several gigahertz. We realize a variety of key photonic quantum information processing functionalities with the high-speed circuits, including on-chip quantum interference, photon demultiplexing, and reprogrammability of a four-mode universal photonic circuit. These results show a promising path forward for scalable photonic quantum technologies by merging integrated photonics with solid-state deterministic photon sources in a heterogeneous approach to scaling up.

Olfactory bulb volume in cochlear implant candidates as compared to age-matched control subjects: A potential marker of cognitive function for auditory information processing.

To evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based olfactory bulb (OB) volumes in cochlear implant (CI) candidates with sensorineural hearing loss as compared to age-matched control subjects with normal hearing. A total of 31 pediatric CI candidates (mean±SD age: 7.0±2.5 years, 51.6% were boys) with sensorineural hearing loss and 35 age-matched control subjects (mean±SD age: 7.1±2.5 years, 54.3% were boys) with normal hearing were included in this study. Data on demographic characteristics (age, gender) and right and left OB volume (mm3) on MRI using planimetric contouring method were recorded in patients and control groups. Median (min-max) values for right OB volume (80(50-120) vs. 90(50-160) mm3, p=0.006) and left OB volume (70(50-120) vs. 90(50-170) mm3, p=0.007) were significantly lower in CI candidates vs. controls, regardless of the gender and age. No significant difference was noted between right and left OB volume in CI candidate and control groups. Hearing loss subgroups of CI candidates including hereditary familial (n=8), hereditary non-familial (n=14) and mixed syndromic (9) subgroups were also similar in terms of patient demographics and OB volumes. There was a tendency for having lower left OB volume (60(50-120) vs. 80(60-110) mm3) in girls vs. boys in the CI candidate group, along with a tendency for lower left and right OB volume in candidates vs. controls, particularly at age 11 (median 120 vs. 80mm3 and 120 vs. 60mm3, respectively). No significant correlation of age was noted with right and left OB volume overall and in the study groups. In conclusion, our findings revealed lower left and right OB volumes in CI candidates compared to control subjects, regardless of age and gender, indicating the presence of baseline olfactory dysfunction in patients with hearing loss planned to undergo CI. Accordingly, MRI-based measurement of OB volume in the pre-surgical workup of CI candidates may serve as a marker of cognitive function enabling auditory information processing that may also correlate with post-operative CI outcomes.

Required Functions of Information Gathering and Processing for Health, Medical, and Welfare Coordination Headquarters for Disasters in Japan

Introduction:The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare of Japan have suggested local governments establish Health, Medical, and Welfare Coordination Headquarters at the time of disaster. Gathering and processing information is one of the key functions of the headquarters. The study aims to clarify the required functions of information for the headquarters.Method:A series of interview surveys and observations were conducted, including for local governments and experts in disaster response. The contents were analyzed and required standard functions and procedures had been extracted.Results:The most important aspect of information gathering is its use in decision-making in matching needs and demands with resources. Needs and demands are based on damage and situation of the casualties. Resources can be categorized into human, material, financial, and informational. Because the headquarters have to process much information, it is important to clarify the objective and strategy of disaster response. The headquarters gather various quantitative and qualitative information using information and communication technology, telephone, meeting and other methods. Qualitative information can be categorized as: expected, surprising (unexpected), and unusual (rare) contents. For expected contents, quantification or estimation of needs from information in normal time or limited information immediately after the disaster and displaying or further analyzing by geographic information systems is useful. By surprising contents or case reports, additional responses or strategies will need to be reviewed.Conclusion:The procedure, including information gathering and decision-making, follows the OODA (observe, orient, decide, act) loop. According to our mail survey of all 47 prefectural local governments in 2019, 89% were planning to establish the headquarters. However, only 36% had prepared a manual. Using the results of this study, a standard strategic manual for the operations of the headquarters is being developed and brushed up.

Utilizing Augmented Reality to Quantify Information Processing and Motor Performance in Military Personnel to Detect Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (P8-1.002)

<h3>Objective:</h3> Utilize augmented reality (AR) to create military specific scenarios that can be objectively quantified and used to facilitate the detection of and return-to-duty (RTD) following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). <h3>Background:</h3> Methods of detecting military mTBI are rooted in neuropsychological tests that measure a construct of executive or motor function. This approach does not lend itself to accurate detection or appropriate RTD. We have demonstrated the HoloLens 2 AR device provides accurate biomechanical data. Placing digital assets in a user’s real-world via AR technology creates an ecological environment to evaluate function. An AR Rifle qualification test (RQT) to evaluate dynamic movement, information processing, shooting performance and decision-making was developed. To evaluate performance in the context of a group or military unit, a room clearing assessment was created. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> Data were gathered from 157 active-duty service members. The RQT was performed under single- and dual-task conditions. Five room clearing scenarios in which information processing and motor demands were manipulated were completed. Kinematic data from the HoloLens 2 provided biomechanical outcomes characterizing cognitive and motor performance. <h3>Results:</h3> Reaction time (RT) to firing and accuracy of target acquisition in the RQT did not differ between single- and dual-task conditions (<i>p&lt;0.05)</i>. Transition time from kneel to stand did not differ between conditions; however, dual-task sway path (41.2±17.5 cm) post-transition was increased compared to single-task (35.1±14.2 cm). There was a significant increase in processing time as the complexity of the room clearing scenarios increased. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> The objective quantification of information processing (RT) and motor (postural sway and movement time) function while performing ecological AR military tasks can enhance the detection of mTBI using objective functional metrics. The use of AR to deliver realistic digital experiences will facilitate appropriate RTD to ensure the safety of the service member and their unit. <b>Disclosure:</b> Mr. Kaya has nothing to disclose. Anson Rosenfeldt has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Cleveland Clinic. Anson Rosenfeldt has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Consultant for Enspire DBS. The institution of Anson Rosenfeldt has received research support from Michael J. Fox Foundation. The institution of Anson Rosenfeldt has received research support from National Institute of Health. The institution of Anson Rosenfeldt has received research support from Department of Defense. Anson Rosenfeldt has received intellectual property interests from a discovery or technology relating to health care. Mr. Waltz has nothing to disclose. Mrs. Jansen has nothing to disclose. Ms. Owen has nothing to disclose. Mrs. Dunlap has nothing to disclose. Karissa Hastilow has nothing to disclose. Mrs. Scelina has nothing to disclose. Mr. Zimmerman has nothing to disclose. Morgan McGrath has nothing to disclose. Amanda Penko has nothing to disclose. The institution of Dr. Alberts has received research support from NIH. Dr. Alberts has received intellectual property interests from a discovery or technology relating to health care. Dr. Alberts has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Member, Health and Wellness Council with Peloton Interactive.

Multi-band oscillations emerge from a simple spiking network.

In the brain, coherent neuronal activities often appear simultaneously in multiple frequency bands, e.g., as combinations of alpha (8-12 Hz), beta (12.5-30 Hz), and gamma (30-120 Hz) oscillations, among others. These rhythms are believed to underlie information processing and cognitive functions and have been subjected to intense experimental and theoretical scrutiny. Computational modeling has provided a framework for the emergence of network-level oscillatory behavior from the interaction of spiking neurons. However, due to the strong nonlinear interactions between highly recurrent spiking populations, the interplay between cortical rhythms in multiple frequency bands has rarely been theoretically investigated. Many studies invoke multiple physiological timescales (e.g., various ion channels or multiple types of inhibitory neurons) or oscillatory inputs to produce rhythms in multi-bands. Here, we demonstrate the emergence of multi-band oscillations in a simple network consisting of one excitatory and one inhibitory neuronal population driven by constant input. First, we construct a data-driven, Poincaré section theory for robust numerical observations of single-frequency oscillations bifurcating into multiple bands. Then, we develop model reductions of the stochastic, nonlinear, high-dimensional neuronal network to capture the appearance of multi-band dynamics and the underlying bifurcations theoretically. Furthermore, when viewed within the reduced state space, our analysis reveals conserved geometrical features of the bifurcations on low-dimensional dynamical manifolds. These results suggest a simple geometric mechanism behind the emergence of multi-band oscillations without appealing to oscillatory inputs or multiple synaptic or neuronal timescales. Thus, our work points to unexplored regimes of stochastic competition between excitation and inhibition behind the generation of dynamic, patterned neuronal activities.

Threshold-type memristor-based crossbar array design and its application in handwritten digit recognition

Neuromorphic computing simulates the operation of biological brain function for information processing and can potentially solve the bottleneck of the Von Neumann architecture. Inspired by the real characteristics of physical memristive devices, we propose a threshold-type nonlinear voltage-controlled memristor mathematical model which is used to design a novel memristor-based crossbar array. The presented crossbar array can simulate the synaptic weight in real number field rather than only positive number field. Theoretical analysis and simulation results of a 2×2 image inversion operation validate the feasibility of the proposed crossbar array and the necessary training and inference functions. Finally, the presented crossbar array is used to construct the neural network and then applied in the handwritten digit recognition. The Mixed National Institute of Standards and Technology (MNIST) database is adopted to train this neural network and it achieves a satisfactory accuracy.

Microbial diversity and community composition of fecal microbiota in dual-purpose and egg type ducks.

Ducks are important agricultural animals, which can be divided into egg and dual-purpose type ducks according to economic use. The gut microbiota of ducks plays an important role in their metabolism, immune regulation, and health maintenance. Here, we use 16S rDNA V4 hypervariable amplicon sequencing to investigate the compositions and community structures of fecal microbiota between egg (five breeds, 96 individuals) and dual-purpose type ducks (four breeds, 73 individuals) that were reared under the same conditions. The alpha diversity of fecal microflora in egg type ducks was significantly higher than that in dual-type ducks. In contrast, there is no significant difference in the fecal microbial community richness between the two groups. MetaStat analysis showed that the abundance of Peptostreptococcaceae, Streptococcaceae, Lactobacillus, Romboutsia, and Campylobacter were significantly different between the two groups. The biomarkers associated with the egg and dual-purpose type ducks were identified using LEfSe analysis and IndVal index. Function prediction of the gut microbiota indicated significant differences between the two groups. The functions of environmental information processing, carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, xenobiotic biodegradation and metabolism, and metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides were more abundant in egg type ducks. Conversely, the genetic information processing, nucleotide metabolism, biosynthesis of amino acids and secondary metabolites, glycan biosynthesis and metabolism, fatty acid elongation, and insulin resistance were significantly enriched in dual-purpose type ducks. This study explored the structure and diversity of the gut microbiota of ducks from different economic-use groups, and provides a reference for improving duck performance by using related probiotics in production.

Effects of Resource Availability and Antibiotic Residues on Intestinal Antibiotic Resistance in Bellamya aeruginosa.

Widespread and inappropriate use of antibiotics has been shown to increase the spread of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in aquatic environments and organisms. Antibiotic use for the treatment of human and animal diseases is increasing continuously globally. However, the effects of legal antibiotic concentrations on benthic consumers in freshwater environments remain unclear. In the present study, we tested the growth response of Bellamya aeruginosa to florfenicol (FF) for 84 days under high and low concentrations of sediment organic matter (carbon [C] and nitrogen [N]). We characterized FF and sediment organic matter impact on the bacterial community, ARGs, and metabolic pathways in the intestine using metagenomic sequencing and analysis. The high concentrations of organic matter in the sediment impacted the growth, intestinal bacterial community, intestinal ARGs, and microbiome metabolic pathways of B. aeruginosa. B. aeruginosa growth increased significantly following exposure to high organic matter content sediment. Proteobacteria, at the phylum level, and Aeromonas at the genus level, were enriched in the intestines. In particular, fragments of four opportunistic pathogens enriched in the intestine of high organic matter content sediment groups, Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas caviae, Aeromonas veronii, and Aeromonas salmonicida, carried 14 ARGs. The metabolic pathways of the B. aeruginosa intestine microbiome were activated and showed a significant positive correlation with sediment organic matter concentrations. In addition, genetic information processing and metabolic functions may be inhibited by the combined exposure to sediment C, N, and FF. The findings of the present study suggest that antibiotic resistance dissemination from benthic animals to the upper trophic levels in freshwater lakes should be studied further.

Research on brain functions related to visual information processing and body coordination function of pilots based on the low-frequency amplitude method.

Research on the differences in physiological and psychological mechanisms of practitioners in different occupations is a current hot spot, such as pilots. This study explores the frequency-dependent changes of pilots' low-frequency amplitudes in the classical frequency band and sub-frequency band between pilots and general occupations. The goal of the current work is to provide objective brain images for the selection and evaluation of outstanding pilots. Twenty-six pilots and 23 age-, sex-, and education-matched healthy controls were included in this study. Then the mean low-frequency amplitude (mALFF) of the classical frequency band and sub-frequency band was calculated. The two-sample t-test was performed on SPM12 to analyze the differences between the flight group and control group in the classic frequency band. To explore the main effects and the inter-band effects of the mean low-frequency amplitude (mALFF), the mixed design analysis of variance was applied in the sub-frequency bands. Compared with the control group, left cuneiform lobe and the right cerebellum six area of pilots show significant difference in the classic frequency band. And the main effect results in the sub-frequency bands show that the area with higher mALFF in the flight group is located on the left middle occipital gyrus, the left cuneiform lobe, the right superior occipital gyrus, the right superior gyrus, and the left lateral central lobule. However, the area where the value of mALFF decreased is mainly located on the left rectangular cleft with surrounding cortex and the right dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus. Besides, compared with the slow-4 frequency band, the mALFF of the left middle orbital middle frontal gyrus of the slow-5 frequency band was increased, while the mALFF value of the left putamen, left fusiform gyrus, and right thalamus was decreased. The sensitivity of the slow-5 frequency band and the slow-4 frequency band to the pilots' different brain areas was also different. Also, the different brain areas in the classic frequency band and the sub-frequency band were significantly correlated with pilots' flight hours. Our findings showed that the left cuneiform brain area and the right cerebellum of pilots changed significantly during resting state. And there was a positive correlation between the mALFF value of those brain area and flight hours. The comparative analysis of sub-frequency bands found that the slow-5 band could elucidate a wider range of different brain regions, providing new ideas for exploring the brain mechanisms of pilots.

A novel CVD graphene-based synaptic transistors with ionic liquid gate

The synaptic devices based on various electronic materials have been widely investigated to realize functions of artificial information processing with low power consumption. In this work, a novel CVD graphene field-effect transistor is fabricated with ionic liquid gate to study the synaptic behaviors based on the electrical-double-layer mechanism. It is found that the excitative current is enhanced with the pulse width, voltage amplitude and frequency. With different situations of the applied pulse voltage, the inhibitory and excitatory behaviors are successfully simulated, at the same time the short-term memory is also realized. The corresponding ions migration and charge density variation are analyzed in the different time segments. This work provides the guidance for the design of artificial synaptic electronics with ionic liquid gate for low-power computing application.

Non-invasive neurostimulation in OCD – implications for widescale application.

AbstractBrain-imaging findings implicate aberrant cortico-striatal neurocircuitry in the underlying pathology of OCD, so representing a potential treatment target. Ablative neurosurgery or deep brain (invasive) stimulation (DBS) of tracts or nodes within this circuitry is sometimes found to improve OCD, possibly by enhancing information-processing functions. Non-invasive neurostimulation, targeting superficial cortical nodes within cortico-striatal circuitry, is a safer and more acceptable alternative, with potential for scaling up and applying to a larger patient population, earlier in the course of illness.Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is the form of neuromodulation studied most in OCD. The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and supplementary motor area (SMA) have been identified as promising targets. The effect is larger for those not resistant to SSRI or failing to respond to only one SSRI trial. Thus, r-TMS may be best implemented earlier in the care pathway. rTMS is also relatively costly, involves specialist technical equipment and staff, and cannot be delivered in patients’ homes.Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) involves applying a low-amplitude (1-3mA) electric current to the brain via electrodes placed on the scalp. Compared with rTMS, tDCS tends to electrically modulate a more diffuse and superficial brain area, but it could represent a preferable option for patients with common mental disorders such as OCD, as it is cheaper, portable, simple and safe to use. In a recent randomised controlled feasibility study, the L-OFC represented the optimal target based on clinical changes. Further investigation of tDCS in OCD is warranted, to determine the optimal stimulation protocol, longer-term effectiveness and brain-based mechanisms of effect. If efficacy is substantiated, home-based approaches represent a rational next step.Disclosure of InterestN. Fineberg Grant / Research support from: In the past three years I have received research funding from the NIHR, COST and Orchard; . I have additionally received financial support to attend meetings from the British Association for Psychopharmacology, European College for Neuropsychopharmacology, Royal College of Psychiatrists, International College for Neuropsychopharmacology, World Psychiatric Association, International Forum for Mood and Anxiety Disorders, American College for Neuropsychopharmacology. In the past I have received funding from various pharmaceutical companies for research into the role of SSRIs and other forms of medication as treatments for OCD., Consultant of: payment for expert advisory work on psychopharmacology for the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, royalties from Oxford University Press and an honorarium from Elsevier for editorial work., Paid Instructor of: payment for lectures for the Global Mental Health Academy.

Exploration of static functional connectivity and dynamic functional connectivity alterations in the primary visual cortex among patients with high myopia via seed-based functional connectivity analysis.

This study was conducted to explore differences in static functional connectivity (sFC) and dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) alteration patterns in the primary visual area (V1) among high myopia (HM) patients and healthy controls (HCs) via seed-based functional connectivity (FC) analysis. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans were performed on 82 HM patients and 59 HCs who were closely matched for age, sex, and weight. Seed-based FC analysis was performed to identify alterations in the sFC and dFC patterns of the V1 in HM patients and HCs. Associations between mean sFC and dFC signal values and clinical symptoms in distinct brain areas among HM patients were identified via correlation analysis. Static and dynamic changes in brain activity in HM patients were investigated by assessments of sFC and dFC via calculation of the total time series mean and sliding-window analysis. In the left anterior cingulate gyrus (L-ACG)/left superior parietal gyrus (L-SPG) and left V1, sFC values were significantly greater in HM patients than in HCs. In the L-ACG and right V1, sFC values were also significantly greater in HM patients than in HCs [two-tailed, voxel-level P < 0.01, Gaussian random field (GRF) correction, cluster-level P < 0.05]. In the left calcarine cortex (L-CAL) and left V1, dFC values were significantly lower in HM patients than in HCs. In the right lingual gyrus (R-LING) and right V1, dFC values were also significantly lower in HM patients than in HCs (two-tailed, voxel-level P < 0.01, GRF correction, cluster-level P < 0.05). Patients with HM exhibited significantly disturbed FC between the V1 and various brain regions, including L-ACG, L-SPG, L-CAL, and R-LING. This disturbance suggests that patients with HM could exhibit impaired cognitive and emotional processing functions, top-down control of visual attention, and visual information processing functions. HM patients and HCs could be distinguished from each other with high accuracy using sFC and dFC variabilities. These findings may help to identify the neural mechanism of decreased visual performance in HM patients.

The mediating role of neurocognitive functions in the relation between physical competencies and academic achievement of primary school children

Previous studies into associations between physical, neurocognitive and academic skills have reported inconsistent results. This study aimed to get more insight into these relations by examining all three domains simultaneously, testing a complete mediational model including measures of physical competencies (cardiovascular fitness and motor skills), neurocognitive skills (attention, information processing, and core executive functions), and academic achievement (reading, mathematics, and spelling). Dutch primary school students (n = 891, 440 boys, mean age 9.17 years) were assessed on the Shuttle Run Test (cardiovascular fitness), items of the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder and Bruininks-Oseretsky Test-II (fundamental motor skills), computerized neurocognitive tests, and standardized academic achievement tests. A multilevel structural equation model showed that physical competencies were only indirectly related to academic achievement, via specific neurocognitive functions depending on the academic domain involved. Results provide important implications, highlighting the importance of well-developed physical competencies in children.

Assessment of the safety and clinical efficacy of the Brainmax in therapy of non-demented patients with a mild cognitive impairment

The assessment of the clinical efficiency and safety of the drug Brainmax and its influence on the degree of functional recovery in the treatment of patients with non-dementia cognitive disorders with this drug. An open multicenter randomized study included 60 patients of 18-55 years with light and moderate CI, having complaints of the cognitive spectrum. They used a clinical and neurological study using generally accepted scales and tests (MoCA, MMSE, MFI-20 tests, Schulta, DSST tests and an assessment of the quality of life of SF-36). Patients were randomized in two groups comparable by age and gender. Group 1 was treated with Brainmax per os twice every day for 14 days. After 10-days rest they received same medication for another 14 days. Group 2 was treated with Brainmax per os twice every day for 14 days, without the continuation. The total duration of the study was 40 days, the assessment of their condition was carried out on the 1st day (visit 1), after 15 days (visit 2) and after 40 days (visit 3) using the indicators of the above scales and tests in comparison with the background data. Safety assessment was carried out by the presence and structure of undesirable phenomena. The use of Brainmax led to a significant improvement in cognitive performance according to all generally accepted scales and tests (concentration and maintaining of attention, working memory, visual-constructive skills, volume and speed of attention speed, information processing and executive functions), as well as to the decrease severity of asthenia and improvement of the quality of life. Brainmax has shown a good safety profile, tolerability and clinical efficacy in the treatment of young and middle-aged patients with non-demented cognitive impairment. Significant improvement was observed both with single and double course administration of the drug, but a significantly better effect was noted after its repeated course, which reflects, among other things, the cumulative effect of the active substances of this drug and makes longer use of the drug Brainmax justified and appropriate in these categories of patients. The data obtained allow us to recommend the wider use of the drug Brainmax in clinical practice for the treatment of CI in patients of different ages, which will optimize therapy and improve the course and outcome of the disease.

Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (cIMT) and Cognitive Performance: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study From North India.

Atherosclerosis has been shown to impact cognitive impairment, with most of the evidence originating from European, African, or East Asian populations that have employed carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) as a biomarker for atherosclerosis. Vascular disease is related to dementia/cognitive decline. There is no community-based study from India that has looked at the association of cIMT with cognitive performance. In this cross-sectional study between December 2014 and 2019, we recruited 7505 persons [(mean age 64.6 (9.2)y) and 50.9% women] from a community-dwelling population in New Delhi. These persons underwent carotid ultrasound to quantify cIMT and a cognitive test battery that tapped into memory, processing speed, and executive function. We also computed the general cognitive factor (g-factor), which was identified as the first unrotated component of the principal component analysis and explained 37.4% of all variances in the cognitive tests. We constructed multivariate linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, education, and cardiovascular risk factors. Additional adjustment was made for depression, anxiety, and psychosocial support in the final model. We found a significant association of higher cIMT with worse performance in general cognition (β=-0. 01(95% CI: -0.01; -0.01); P<0.001), processing speed (β=-0.20; 95% CI: -0.34; -0.07); P=0.003), memory (β=-0.29; 95% CI: -0.53; -0.05); P=0.016), and executive function (β=-0.54; 95% CI: -0.75; -0.33); P=<0.001). There was no statistically significant association of cIMT with Mini-Mental Status Examination score (β=0.02; 95% CI: -0.34; 0.40; 0.89). The cross-sectional study found significant associations of increased cIMT with worse performance in global cognition, information processing, memory, and executive function.

Neuromorphic Gustatory System with Salt-Taste Perception, Information Processing, and Excessive-Intake Warning Capabilities.

Emulation of the process of a biological gustatory system could benefit the reconstruction of sense of taste. Here we demonstrate the first neuromorphic gustatory system that emulates the ability of taste perception, information processing, and excessive-intake warning functions. The system integrates a chitosan-derived ion-gel sensor, SnO2 nanowire artificial synapses, and an effect-executive unit. The system accomplish perception and encoding behaviors for taste stimulation without using complex circuits and multivariate analysis, showing short response delay (<1 s), long taste memory duration (>2 h), and a wide perceptive concentration range (0.02-6 wt % salt solution). Especially, SnO2 NW artificial synapses have extremely small response voltage (1 mV), exceeding the biological level by orders of magnitude, representing so-far the highest sensitivity record. This work provides a promising strategy to develop bioinspired and biointegrated electronics with the intention of mimicking and restoring the functions of biological sensory systems.

Coal mine electrical safety management and accident prevention based on neural network and signal processing

Based on the upgrading of electronic components, communication and computer technology have made rapid progress. Neural network technology which mainly relies on the simulation of animal nerves, realize large-scale node information processing functions. Signal processing can complete the processing of various types of signals to obtain key data. With the further shortage of global energy, countries have begun to pay attention to the development of energy. As one of the traditional energy supply methods, coal mines have received a lot of financial support from the government. However, coal mine safety accidents have always been the focus of many enterprises and governments. In the process of coal mine development, there are many electrical equipment, and there are many changes in the underground environment. The problems of flooding, subsidence, and rodents biting off the line cause the paralysis of the electrical system and eventually lead to safety accidents in coal mine development. The neural network technology, can add all the electrical equipment in the mine operation, and to the network for analysis, and the signal processing technology can centrally process the signals of a variety of electrical equipment, and analyze the abnormal signals sent by the electrical equipment, and finally realize the prediction of electrical accidents. This paper firstly introduces the neural network and signal processing technology used in the text. Using the examples of hidden safety hazards in mining areas discovered during the team’s inspection as a basis, and combining with the actual situation in our country, these cases are classified. Next, using literature analysis and comparative research methods to analyze the problems existing in the current coal mine electrical safety management and accident prevention. A programme of safety management and accident prevention. The O-Net monitoring system constructed by the institute has its own unique advantage that it has more inputs than other networks, and its network structure is more complex and diverse, which of course also shows that it has more functions than other networks. The results of the scheme test show that the scheme can effectively reduce the probability of electrical safety accidents in coal mines, and at the same time effectively improve the efficiency of electrical safety management in coal mines. After multiple cycles of verification, the algorithm designed in this study has a very good effect in improving the safety of electrical equipment in coal mines, and the risk factors of each work have been effectively controlled, which is worthy of promotion in coal mines with similar environments.

Short-term transcutaneous trigeminal nerve stimulation does not affect visual oddball task and paired-click paradigm ERP responses in healthy volunteers

Recent research suggests that transcutaneous trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) may positively affect cognitive function. However, no clear-cut evidence is available yet, since the majority of it derives from clinical studies, and the few data on healthy subjects show inconsistent results. In this study, we report the effects of short-term TNS on event-related potentials (ERP) recorded during the administration of a simple visual oddball task and a paired-click paradigm, both considered useful for studying brain information processing functions. Thirty-two healthy subjects underwent EEG recording before and after 20min of sham- or real-TNS, delivered bilaterally to the infraorbital nerve. The amplitude and latency of P200 and P300 waves in the simple visual oddball task and P50, N100 and P200 waves in the paired-click paradigm were measured before and after treatment. Our results show that short-term TNS did not alter any of the ERP parameters measured, suggesting that in healthy subjects, short-term TNS may not affect brain processes involved in cognitive functions such as pre-attentional processes, early allocation of attention and immediate memory. The perspective of having an effective, non-pharmacological, non-invasive, and safe treatment option for cognitive decline is particularly appealing; therefore, more research on the positive effects on cognition of TNS is definitely needed.

Retina-Inspired Organic Photonic Synapses for Selective Detection of SWIR Light.

Photonic synapses with the dual function of optical signal detection and information processing can simulate human visual system. However, photonic synapses with selective detection of short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) light have never been reported, which can not only broaden the human vision region but also integrate neuromorphic computation and infrared optical communication. Here, organic photonic synapses based on a new donor-acceptor copolymer P1 are fabricated, which exhibit excellent synaptic characteristics with selective detection for SWIR and extremely low energy consumption (2.85 fJ). The working mechanism is rooted in energy level barriers and unbalanced charge transportation. Moreover, these photonic synapses demonstrate excellent performance in multi-signal logic editing, letter imaging and memory with noise reduction function. This contribution provides ideas of constructing selective-response synapses for artificial visual system and neuromorphic computing.