Potential Slope Research Articles

Impairment in social interaction and hippocampal long-term potentiation at perforant pathway-dentate gyrus synapses in a prenatal valproic acid-induced rat model of autism.

It is well established that prenatal valproic acid exposure in rats leads to autism-like behaviours and social deficits. Long-term potentiation changes in the brain have been proposed as a potential mechanism in the development of autistic behaviour. However, there are controversies regarding the effect of in utero valproic acid exposure on long-term potentiation. This study examined the social interaction and long-term potentiation induction in perforant pathway-dentate gyrus synapses in male offspring of a rat model of autism induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid. On Embryonic Day 12.5, the pregnant dams received an injection of 500 mg/kg valproic acid (intraperitoneal) to produce the autism model. The sociability test was performed between Postnatal Days 37 and 40. The offsprings were urethane-anaesthetized and placed into a stereotaxic apparatus for surgery, electrode implantation and field potential recording on Postnatal Days 45–55. In the dentate gyrus region, excitatory postsynaptic potential slope and population spike amplitude were measured. Valproic acid-exposed offspring showed significantly impaired social interaction. The birth weight in valproic acid-exposed rats was significantly lower than in control rats. The ability of dentate gyrus synapses to induce long-term potentiation was hampered by valproic acid exposure. The decreasing excitatory postsynaptic potential slope and population spike amplitude of long-term potentiation provide evidence in favour of this notion. It is widely supposed that the hippocampus plays a central role in the process of learning and memory as well as social interaction and social memory. Therefore, deficiencies in hippocampal synaptic plasticity may be responsible, at least in part, for the social interaction deficits in valproic acid-exposed rats.

Determination of mean activity coefficients and prediction of phase equilibria of the NaCl‐SrCl2‐H2O solution at 318.15 K

AbstractIn this work, the cell potential method is used to measure activity coefficients of NaCl‐SrCl2‐H2O mixed solution at 318.15 K. The potential values of NaCl in NaCl‐H2O single salt solution were measured, and the standard cell potential E0 and electrode response slope k were fitted with linear regression. Subsequently, the results show that the ion‐selective electrode has a good Nernst response. The mean activity coefficients NaCl in NaCl‐SrCl2‐H2O solution are also determined with Nernst equation, and the total ionic strength in the mixed solution range is from 0.1000 ~ 0.8000 mol·kg−1, the ionic strength fraction of SrCl2 with yb = (0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8). Using the mean activity coefficients data and Pitzer model, the Pitzer ion interaction parameters and of Pitzer equations at 318.15 K are fitted. Furthermore, the mean activity coefficients of SrCl2, permeability coefficient Φ, water activity aw, and excess Gibbs free energy GE were also calculated by Pitzer's equations. The phase equilibria of the NaCl‐SrCl2‐H2O solution at 318.15 K are predicted, and corresponding phase diagram of the ternary solution is plotted according to the calculated solubilities in this work, and comparison of phase equilibria at different temperatures is also presented. The results show that the ion interaction parameters of Pitzer equations obtained in this work can be used for calculation of thermodynamic parameters and prediction of phase equilibria of salt‐water solutions containing strontium.

Analysis of slope fracturing under transient earthquake loading by random discrete element method

Earthquake can cause significant rock fracturing in either the short or long terms. A comprehensive analysis of the fracturing mechanism is critical for assessing the risks of potential slope failures, landslides and rock avalanches in seismic prone areas. This study employed 2D discrete element method (DEM) to investigate the fracturing of an intact rock slope of 600 m in base length and 300 m in height, with explicit considerations of material heterogeneity by random field theory. A total of 5400 DEM simulations were performed, and the characteristics of slope fracturing were statistically analysed. The dynamic loading by earthquake has triggered significant amplifications of ground motion and slope damage at the slope crest, resulting in densely spaced and interconnect fractures. These fractures split the slope into a collection of rock fragments with varied shapes, and the fragment size followed the Weibull's cumulative distribution. More than 70% of generated fragments were finer than 0.1 times the initial slope size, while only few large fragments existed at the slope base. The fragment size distribution pattern could quantitatively agree with field observations. The distributions of final slope damage index and cumulated fragmentation energy all followed the normal distribution pattern. The overall bulk seismic energy input into the slope was dissipated mainly at discontinuities and decreased with the increase of slope inclination. • Differential ground displacements exist widely within the slope, which is critical for earthquake induced fractures. • The sizes of the generated rock fragments follow well the Weibull's cumulative distribution. • Statistically, the slope damage index and fragmentation energy all follow the normal distribution pattern. • The slope damage intensity decreases with the increase of slope inclination angle.

Measurements of mean activity coefficients and solubility prediction in ternary system KBr-K2SO4-H2O at 308.15 K and 288.15 K

In this work, the mean activity coefficients of KBr in KBr-H2O binary system and KBr-K2SO4-H2O ternary system were determined at 308.15 K and 288.15 K by the cell potential method. The potassium ion selective electrode and bromide ion selective electrode are used to measure the cell potential value of single salt electrolyte solution,and the standard potential value E0 and electrode response slope k of the binary system are obtained. The experimental results showed that ion selective electrodes of used in this work had a good Nernst response. The mean activity coefficients KBr in KBr-K2SO4-H2O system are also determined, the total ionic strength in the mixed solution ranging from (0.0100 to 1.0000) mol·kg−1, and ionic strength fractions yb of K2SO4 with yb=(0.8, 0.6, 0.4, 0.2 and 0.0). Using mean activity coefficients obtained in this work and Pitzer model, the Pitzer mixed ion interaction parameters θBr,SO4 and ψK,Br,SO4are fitted respectively. Furthermore, those osmotic coefficient Φ, water activity aw, excess Gibbs free energy GE were also calculated by Pitzer’s equations. The solubilities of salts in the KBr-K2SO4-H2O system at 308.15 K and 288.15 K are predicted by using Pitzer equations and ion interaction parameters fitted in this work, and phase diagrams of the ternary system are also plotted according to the calculated solubilities. The results show that the ion interaction parameters of Pitzer equations by fitting the activity coefficients can be used for calculation thermodynamic parameters and prediction of phase equilibria.

The Role of Acetylcholine on the Effects of Different Doses of Sulfite in Learning and Memory.

In this study, the effects of different doses of sulfite on learning, memory, and long term potentiation as well as the relationship of these effects with acetylcholine pathways, Arc and synapsin 1 levels were investigated. Sixty male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups as control, S100, and S260. Sodiummetabisulfite (S100;100mg/kg/day, S260;260mg/kg/day) was given by oral administration. Behavioral changes were evaluated. After long term potentiation recordings from the perforant pathway-dentate gyrus synapses, animals were sacrificed. Acetylcholinesterase activity, choline acetyltransferase activity, acetylcholine level as well as Arc and Synapsin 1 expressions were analyzed on the hippocampi. The total distance and average velocity values in the open field and Morris water maze tests increased in the sulfite groups, while the discrimination index in the novel object recognition test decreased compared to controls. Acetylcholine levels and choline acetyltransferase activity were also increased in the sulfite groups, while acetylcholinesterase activity was decreased compared to controls. Sulfite intake attenuated long term potentiation in the hippocampus. It has been observed that the excitatory postsynaptic potential slope and population spike amplitude of the field potentials obtained in sulfite groups decreased. This impairment was accompanied by a decrease in Arc and synapsin 1 expressions. In conclusion, it has been shown that sulfite intake in adults impairs learning and memory, possibly mediated by the cholinergic pathway. It is considered that the decrement in Arc and synapsin expressions may play a role in the mechanism underlying the impairment in long term potentiation caused by toxicity.

Numerical evaluation of a 70-m deep hydropower station foundation pit dewatering

The foundation pit of Yamansu hydropower station has an average depth of 70 m and has been excavated with five-level slopes. Lowering of groundwater level is important in excavation. In this study, drainage and pumping were conducted in dewatering. Pumping tests were performed to reverse hydraulic parameters and calibrate numerical models. Numerical simulations were performed to evaluate the dewatering scheme. In the first stage, powerhouse tailrace canal was excavated and used as a drainage channel to lower the groundwater level. Drawdown and hydraulic gradient were evaluated to prevent potential water inrush, erosion, piping, and slope failure. In the second stage, cutoff wall and pumping wells were evaluated to reduce the groundwater level. The influences of depth, permeability, and thickness of the cutoff wall were evaluated. Dewatering scheme was revised accordingly based on the evaluation. The optimized dewatering scheme, which can be used as a reference in similar engineering projects, was performed and verified successfully.

P-Coumaric acid mitigates passive avoidance memory and hippocampal synaptic plasticity impairments in aluminum chloride-induced Alzheimer's disease rat model

The present study was designed to determine the effects of p-coumaric acid (p-CA), a phenolic compound, on passive avoidance memory function and hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) in an Alzheimer's disease (AD) rat model induced by aluminum chloride (AlCl3). p-CA (100 mg/kg; P.O.) was administered concomitantly with AlCl3 (100 mg/kg; P.O.) for 42 consecutive days. Results of this study revealed an attenuation of memory capacity, which was accompanied by a reduction in both components of LTP (field excitatory postsynaptic potentials slope and population spike amplitude) and an increase in amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques production in the AlCl3-exposed rats. Intriguingly, treatment with p-CA improved passive avoidance memory dysfunction, ameliorated hippocampal LTP impairment, and hindered Aβ plaque accumulation in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of AlCl3-treated rats. This data provides evidence that p-CA improves AlCl3-induced passive avoidance memory decline, which may be partly related to amelioration of synaptic dysfunction and suppression of Aβ plaque formation.

High-Performance A-Site Deficient Perovskite Electrocatalyst for Rechargeable Zn–Air Battery

Zinc–air batteries are one of the most excellent of the next generation energy devices. However, their application is greatly hampered by the slow kinetics of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) of air electrode. It is of great importance to develop good oxygen electrocatalysts with long durability as well as low cost. Here, A-site deficient (SmSr)0.95Co0.9Pt0.1O3 perovskites have been studied as potential OER electrocatalysts prepared by EDTA–citrate acid complexing method. OER electrocatalytic performance of (SmSr)0.95Co0.9Pt0.1O3 was also evaluated. (SmSr)0.95Co0.9Pt0.1O3 electrocatalysts exhibited good OER activities in 0.1 M KOH with onset potential and Tafel slope of 1.50 V and 87 mV dec−1, similar to that of Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3 (BSCF-5582). Assembled rechargeable Zn–air batteries exhibited good discharge potential and charge potential with high stability, respectively. Overall, all results illustrated that (SmSr)0.95Co0.9Pt0.1O3 is an excellent OER electrocatalyst for zinc–air batteries. Additionally, this work opens a good way to synthesize highly efficient electrocatalysts from A-site deficient perovskites.

Formulation of a Slope Protection Scheme for Senggarang Coastal Embankment Subjected to Tidal Assault

The seaward slope of embankment that experience erosion due to washing of soil particles from the wave action might resulting the slope become steeper by time and posing a threat to the closest residents. The objective of this research is to examine the existing slope protection methods for Senggarang Coastal Embankment (SCE) in terms of functionality and performance. This paper explores the possible success and failure factors of the slope protection methods by performing the stability analysis of the slope. Desk research were conducted to identify the potential slope protection scheme for SCE then simulated with PLAXIS 2D to refine the proposed solution. Embankment was simulated using silty clay with different water level at 1 m, 2 m and 3 m to see the total displacement, effective stress, excess pore pressure and discharge of seepage. As a result, the deformation for embankment with innovative method is 10% lower than embankment without any slope protection. Meanwhile, the discharge of seepage for embankment with innovative slope protection has reduced by 40% compared to the embankment in the absence of slope protection. In summary, this study has found the water level effect on the displacement and stability of the embankment. The higher the water level, the higher the displacement of the embankment.

Prenatal exposure to morphine enhances excitability in locus coeruleus neurons.

Opioid abuse during pregnancy may have noteworthy effects on the child's behavioral, emotional and cognitive progression. In this study, we assessed the effect of prenatal exposure to morphine on electrophysiological features of locus coeruleus (LC) noradrenergic neurons which is involved in modulating cognitive performance. Pregnant dams were randomly divided into two groups, that is a prenatal saline treated and prenatal morphine-treated group. To this end, ongestational days 11-18, either morphine or saline (twice daily, s.c.) was administered to pregnant dams. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were conducted on LC neurons of male offspring. The evoked firing rate, instantaneous frequency and action potentials half-width, and also input resistance of LC neurons significantly increased in the prenatal morphine group compared to the saline group. Moreover, action potentials decay slope, after hyperpolarization amplitude, rheobase current, and first spike latency were diminished in LC neurons following prenatal exposure to morphine. In addition, resting membrane potential, rise slope, and amplitude of action potentials were not changed by prenatal morphine exposure. Together, the current findings show a significant enhancement in excitability of the LC neurons following prenatal morphine exposure, which may affect the release of norepinephrine to other brain regions and/or cognitive performances of the offspring.

Contribution of Spatial Maps in Groundwater Potential Zones using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System

Now a days, surface water resources are becoming insufficient to fulfil the water demand because utility enhanced as compare to availability. Therefore a systematic planning of groundwater improvement using modern technique is essential for the proper management and utilization of this valuable resource. Total annual supply will basically completed by major source that is groundwater. The manifesto of this paper is to identify the contribution of spatial map and their methodologies applied for acquiring groundwater potential zones of study area using remote sensing and GIS. The parameters that are used here for identifying their importance in controlling groundwater potential zones slope, drainage density, lineament density, geology, geomorphology, soil texture, land use land cover and rainfall. Vital importance of groundwater potential was to identification of appropriate locations for extraction of water. The remote sensing and GIS tool have a significant tool for land and water resource studies. The result demonstrated that integration of remote sensing and GIS tool with the detail information about the themes and their effect on the groundwater will assess the groundwater potential of study area.

CuCo2S4@B,N-Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide Hybrid as a Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction and Evolution Reactions.

In this report, a facile synthetic route is adopted for typically designing a hybrid electrocatalyst containing boron, nitrogen dual-doped reduced graphene oxide (B,N-rGO) and thiospinel CuCo2S4 (CuCo2S4@B,N-rGO). The electrocatalytic activity of the hybrid catalyst is tested with respect to oxygen evolution (OER) and oxygen reduction (ORR) reactions in alkali. Physicochemical characterizations confirm the unique formation of a reduced graphene oxide–non-noble-metal sulfide hybrid. Electrochemical evaluation by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and linear-sweep voltammetry (LSV) reveals that the CuCo2S4@B,N-rGO hybrid possesses enhanced ORR and OER activity compared to the B,N-rGO-free CuCo2S4 catalyst. The synthesized CuCo2S4@B,N-rGO hybrid demonstrates remarkable enhancement in catalytic performance with an improved onset potential (1.50 and 0.88 V) and low Tafel slope (112 and 73 mV dec–1) for both OER and ORR processes, respectively. In addition, the catalyst exhibits a diminutive potential difference (0.81 V) between the potential corresponding to the 10 mA cm–2 current density for OER and the half-wave potential for ORR. The superior catalytic activity and high durability of the hybrid material may be attributed to the synergistic effect arising from the metal sulfide and dual-doped reduced graphene oxide. The present study illuminates the possibility of using the dual-doped graphene oxide and metal sulfide hybrid as a competent bifunctional cathode catalyst for renewable energy application.

Sulfur coordination engineering of molybdenum single-atom for dual-functional oxygen reduction/evolution catalysis

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysis are required in metal-air batteries and an efficient dual-functional single-atom catalyst (SAC) is still lacking. This is partly because of the limited synthesis strategies to modify the coordination environment of metal centers in SACs. Herein, we report a genetic strategy, transformation from thiometallate anions in the precursor to metal-sulfur bonding in carbon, producing hollow-sphere-structured Mo SAC with O/N/S co-coordination as an efficient ORR/OER dual-functional catalyst. The MoS 4 2− -doped polydopamine have O/S co-coordination for Mo, which converts into S/O/N co-coordination in carbon during pyrolysis. We established that coordination engineering, specifically S coordination, could boost the ORR catalysis of Mo SAC. The low ORR half-wave potential (E 1/2 ) and small Tafel slope are among the best of Mo-based non-noble metal catalysts. The OER overpotential of 303 mV at 10 mA cm −2 is significantly lower than that of commercial IrO 2 , and Pt/C. Assembled Zn-air batteries can work steadily for 90 h without significant voltage decay. Our strategy can be extended to the synthesis of other group-V and group-VI metal hollow SACs with an S coordination, such as W.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pharmacist-led allergy assessments and penicillin skin testing.

Allergy assessments and penicillin skin testing are associated with reductions in high‐Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI)‐risk antibiotic use and lower hospital‐acquired CDI rates; however, these activities require substantial personnel and resource allocation. Recently, many antimicrobial stewardship programs’ (ASPs) focus shifted towards supporting the COVID‐19 pandemic response. We evaluated the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on a pharmacist‐led allergy assessment and penicillin skin testing program. Patients undergoing allergy assessment and/or penicillin skin testing (PST) from 1 January 2017 through 30 April 2021 were included for review. Monthly PST and allergy assessment rates were calculated and defined as the number of PSTs or allergy assessments per 1000 unique patient encounters for each month, respectively. The study used interrupted time series regression to assess potential level and slope changes in allergy assessments and PSTs during the pandemic. 200 058 total inpatient encounters by 188 867 unique patients occurred during the study period. ASP performed 918 allergy assessments and 204 PSTs. The local onset of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic during March 2020 was associated with significant level reductions in allergy assessments and PSTs. Additional responsibilities added to the ASP team during the COVID‐19 pandemic limited the ability to perform core antimicrobial stewardship activities with proven patient care benefits.

Phase-Tuned MoS2 and Its Hybridization with Perovskite Oxide as Bifunctional Catalyst: A Rationale for Highly Stable and Efficient Water Splitting.

The efficient realization of bifunctional catalysts has immense opportunities in energy conversion technologies such as water splitting. Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are considered excellent hydrogen evolution catalysts owing to their hierarchical atomic-scale layered structure and feasible phase transition. On the other hand, for efficient oxygen evolution, perovskite oxides offer the best performance based on their rational design and flexible compositional structure. A unique way to achieve an efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in a single-cell configuration is through the hybridization of TMDs with perovskite oxides to form a bifunctional electrocatalyst. Here, we report a simple yet effective strategy to inherently tune the intrinsic properties of a TMD based on MoS2 and its hybridization with LaCoO3 perovskite oxide to deliver enhanced electrocatalytic activity for both the HER and OER. Detailed Raman and XPS measurements highlighted a clear phase transformation of MoS2 from a semiconducting to metallic phase by effectively tailoring the precursor compositions. Based on this, the morphological features yielded an interesting spherical flower-shaped nanostructure with vertically aligned petals of MoS2 with increased surface-active edge sites suitable for the HER. Subsequent hybridization of nanostructured MoS2 with LaCoO3 provides a bifunctional catalytic system with an increased BET surface area of 33.4 m2/g for an overall improvement in water splitting with a low onset potential (HER: 242 mV and OER: 1.6 V @10 mA cm-2) and Tafel slope (HER: 78 mV dec-1; OER: 62.5 mV dec-1). Additionally, the bifunctional catalyst system exhibits long-term stability of up to ∼400 h under continuous operation at a high current density of 50 mA cm-2. These findings will pave the way for developing cost-effective and less complex bifunctional catalysts by simply and inherently tuning the influential material properties for full-cell electrochemical water splitting.

CORROSION INHIBITION PERFORMANCE OF COMMIPHORAMYRRHA AND CYMBOPOGON OIL EXTRACT ON A36 CARBON STEEL CORROSION IN SULPHATE AND CHLORIDE ELECTROLYTE

Corrosion resistance of A36 carbon steel was assessed in 0.5[Formula: see text]M H2SO4 and HCl media in the presence of specific concentrations of Commiphoramyrrha (CM), Cymbopogon (CP) essential oil extracts and their combined admixture (CMCP). Values from potentiodynamic polarization showed CM extract reacted poorly in both acids at low concentration, but effectively at higher concentrations with optimal performance of 89.76% and 92.83%. CP extract generally performed effectively with inhibition values above 90%. CMCP performed very poorly in H2SO4 compared to its performance in HCl which was generally above 80% inhibition efficiency. The oil extracts exhibited mixed-type inhibition effect coupled with dominant anodic shift in corrosion potential and similar anodic slope configuration at all extract concentrations. ATR-FTIR spectra plots showed that most of the identified functional groups within the extract molecules generally adsorbed unto the A36 steel surface. Curves from open circuit potential analysis showed CM extract in H2SO4, and CP extract in H2SO4 and HCl solution significantly decreased the thermodynamic tendency of A36 steel to degrade. The curves of other extracts displayed significant time and extract concentration dependent active–passive transition behavior. Optical images of the unprotected steel exhibited severe general and localized surface deterioration compared to the inhibited steel with significantly protected morphology. Weight-loss analysis showed the effective protection effect of CP extract in both acids and CMCP in H2SO4 is independent of time and concentration from the onset of exposure compared to their remaining counterparts whose performance significantly varies over time and is concentration dependent. X-ray phase identification diagrams and identified patterns list revealed the presence of FeO(OH) on the steel surface without oil extracts while the phase compounds identified in the presence of the extracts are FeNi and Fe3C.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-Based for Slope Mapping and the Determination of Potential Slope Hazard

This paper discusses the applications of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for slope mapping and the determination of potential slope hazard of three selected areas. With the development of modern technology, the utilization of UAV to gather data for slope mapping can be considered as finest method as it is quick, reliable, precise, cost-effective and also easily to operate. High imagery quality is essential for the effectiveness and nature of normal mapping output such as Digital Surface Model (DSM) and also Ortho Images. The utilization of UAV to capture aerial photo helps to gather information from a normal area to an area which almost impossible to reach. With the data obtained by the UAV, it will later process in established software and the analysis of slope profile of certain selected study areas will be done. Mapping using UAV was within the area of Pahang Matriculation College. Three slope area namely as Area 1, Area 2 and Area 3 are marked. Further analyses are conducted in these three areas to obtain the information of potential slope hazard based on slope angles. For Area 1, the slope is marked at the coordinate of (286136.265, 412066.821) to (286265.423, 411783.038). The slope angle between the two vertexes was 46.18° and considered as very steep slope. For Area 2, the slope is marked at the coordinate of (286054.203, 412021.343) to (285963.651, 411913.543). The slope angle between the two vertexes was 77.66° and considered as very steep slope. The slope at Area 3 is marked at the coordinate of (285847.833, 411775.762) to (285887.450, 411251.046). The slope angle between the two vertexes was 47.43° and considered as very steep slope. In conclusion, the use of UAV in geotechnical engineering proven to be very useful for slope mapping and determination of slope hazard based on slope angle.

The Protective Effects of Crocin on Input-Output Functions and Long-term Potentiation of Hippocampal CA1 Area in Rats Exposed to Chronic Social Isolated Stress.

The lack of social communication is associated with the primary risk of proper brain functions. It is reported that crocin helps relieve this problem. The present study examined the protective effect of two doses of crocin on Long-term potentiation (LTP) of hippocampal cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) area as a cellular mechanism in rats exposed to chronic social isolated stress. Rats were assigned to the control, sham, isolation stress, and two stress groups (receiving 30 and 60 mg/kg crocin). Chronic isolation stress (CIS) was induced 6 h/d, and crocin was administrated for 21 days. The field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) slope and amplitude were measured by input/output functions and LTP induction in the CA1 area of the hippocampus. Also, the corticosterone and glucose levels were assayed in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. The slope and amplitude of fEPSP severity were impaired in both input/output and LTP responses in the CIS group. Crocin at a dose of 30 and particularly 60 mg/kg improved input/output and LTP responses in the CIS group. Also, the corticosterone levels significantly increased in the frontal cortex and especially the hippocampus. In contrast, only a high dose of crocin decreased hippocampal corticosterone levels in the CIS condition. Finally, the glucose levels did not change in the hippocampus and frontal cortex in all experimental groups. The chronic isolation stress impaired neural excitability and Long-term plasticity in the CA1 area due to elevated corticosterone in the hippocampus and probably the frontal cortex. The low and high doses of crocin improved excitability and Long-term plasticity in the chronic isolation stress group by only decreasing corticosterone levels in the hippocampus, but not the frontal cortex. Neuronal excitability and long-term plasticity of CA1 were impaired by chronic isolation stress.The memory was protected by low and particularly high doses of crocin in the chronic isolation stress condition.Crocin decreased the corticosterone levels in hippocampus, but not frontal cortex. The lack of social communication (isolation stress) is associated with the primary risk of brain functions. On the other hand, crocin as one of effective components of saffron is helpful for improvement of memory. Therefore, the protective effect of two doses of crocin on cellular mechanism of memory in rats exposed to chronic social isolated stress was investigated in present study. Chronic isolation stress (CIS) was induced 6h/day, and crocin was administrated for a period of 21 days at two doses of 30 and 60 mg/kg. The electrophysiological and cellular mechanism of memory in the CA1 area of the hippocampus were investigated. Also, the corticosterone and glucose levels were assayed in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. It was concluded that the chronic isolation stress impaired neural excitability and long-term plasticity in the CA1 area due to elevated corticosterone in the hippocampus and probably the frontal cortex. The low and high doses of crocin improved excitability and long-term plasticity in the chronic isolation stress group by only decreasing corticosterone levels in the hippocampus, but not the frontal cortex. Also, the corticosterone levels significantly increased in the frontal cortex and especially the hippocampus. Also, the glucose levels did not change in the hippocampus and frontal cortex in all experimental groups.

Molybdenum Carbide-Reduced Graphene Oxide Composites as Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution

The development of cost-effective, highly efficient, and stable electrocatalysts to replace expensive platinum-like metal catalysts remains a great challenge for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this study, we report a facile, microwave-assisted solvothermal (MWSV) synthesis of molybdenum carbide (Mo2C) nanoparticles and molybdenum carbide-reduced graphene oxide (Mo2C-RGO) nanocomposites at elevated temperatures. The optimized Mo2C-RGO nanocomposite catalysts show excellent HER performance in acidic media. When GO is added, the onset potential and Tafel slope of the nanocomposite catalyst are 120 mV and 85 mV/dec, respectively. The catalysts also exhibit good stability in an acidic environment. This improvement of the carbide catalyst is attributed to highly accessible active reaction sites, efficient mass/charge transportation, and enhanced conductivity of the hybrid structure.

The effect of different exercise training modes on dentate gyrus neurodegeneration and synaptic plasticity in morphine-dependent rats

Various impacts of exercise on brain performance following the induction of morphine dependence have been documented; however, the underlying neuronal mechanisms are still unclear. The present research was done to investigate the impact of different exercise training modes on apoptosis, neuronal maturation, and synaptic plasticity in the perforant pathway (PP)-dentate gyrus (DG) synapses in the morphine-dependent rats. Five groups, including a control group (Con, ten healthy rats) and forty morphine-dependent rats were considered as follows (n = 10/group): 1) sedentary-dependent (Sed-D); 2) endurance exercise-dependent (En-D); 3) strength exercise-dependent (St-D); and 4) concurrent exercise-dependent (Co-D). The exercise training groups were subjected to endurance, strength, and concurrent training five days a week for ten weeks. After training sessions, the field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) slope and population spike (PS) amplitude in the DG were determined in response to high-frequency stimulation (HFS) of the PP. For assessing neurogenesis and apoptosis, NeuroD and Caspase-3 expression levels were evaluated after all experiments. Concurrent training increased PS amplitude and EPSP compared to the control group. NeuroD in the morphine-dependent rats significantly decreased, but concurrent training returned the NeuroD to its levels in healthy rats. Furthermore, Caspase-3 expression levels in morphine-dependent rats remarkably increased and concurrent training significantly reduced Caspase-3 expression levels compared to the Sed-D group. Concurrent training can ameliorate synaptic plasticity impairment in morphine-dependent rats through neurogenesis promotion and apoptosis reduction. According to the results, concurrent training can be an appropriate novel candidate for treating opioid addiction.