Regional Connectivity Research Articles

Altered development and network connectivity in a human neuronal model of 15q11.2 deletion-related neurodevelopmental disorders.

The chromosome 15q11.2 locus is deleted in 1.5% of patients with genetic epilepsy and confers a risk for intellectual disability and schizophrenia. Individuals with this deletion demonstrate increased cortical thickness, decreased cortical surface area and white matter abnormalities. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neural progenitor cells (NPC) from 15q11.2 deletion individuals exhibit early adhesion junction and migration abnormalities, but later neuronal development and function have not been fully assessed. Imaging studies indicating altered structure and network connectivity in the anterior brain regions and the cingulum suggest that in addition to alterations in progenitor dynamics, there may also be structural and functional changes within discrete networks of mature neurons. To explore this, we generated human forebrain cortical neurons from iPSCs derived from individuals with or without 15q11.2 deletion and used longitudinal imaging and multielectrode array analysis to evaluate neuronal development over time. 15q11.2 deleted neurons exhibited fewer connections and an increase in inhibitory neurons. Individual neurons had decreased neurite complexity and overall decreased neurite length. These structural changes were associated with a reduction in multiunit action potential generation, bursting and synchronization. The 15q11.2 deleted neurons also demonstrated specific functional deficits in glutamate and GABA mediated network activity and synchronization with a delay in the maturation of the inhibitory response to GABA. These data indicate that deletion of the 15q11.2 region is sufficient to impair the structural and functional maturation of cortical neuron networks which likely underlies the pathologic changes in humans with the 15q11.2 deletion.

Cortical activation and functional connectivity during a verbal fluency task in patients with chronic insomnia: A multi-channel NIRS study

BackgroundPatients with chronic insomnia exhibit varying degrees of cognitive dysfunction. Functional connectivity of different brain regions contributes to the understanding of underlying cognitive processes in the cerebral cortex. However, this has not yet been studied in patients with chronic insomnia. This study aimed to elucidate the differences between brain activity patterns in patients with chronic insomnia and healthy controls (HCs) using a verbal fluency task (VFT). MethodsWe recruited 84 patients with chronic insomnia and 81 HCs. Oxy-haemoglobin (Oxy-Hb) concentrations in the brains of the participants were monitored using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) while performing the VFT. ResultsDuring the task period, no significant difference was observed between the VFT results of the two groups; patients with chronic insomnia showed significantly less cortical activation in haemodynamic responses of oxy-Hb at channels and brain regions mainly located in the prefrontal cortex compared to HCs (FDR-corrected p < 0.05). Moreover, the average channel-to-channel connectivity strength of patients in the chronic insomnia group was lower than that of those in the HC group (t = −6.717, p < 0.001). ConclusionOur study provides neurological evidence for the dynamic detection of executive function in patients with chronic insomnia. Compared to HCs, patients with chronic insomnia exhibit weaker levels of brain activity and reduced task-related functional connectivity.

Prediction of individual performance and verbal intelligence scores from resting-state fMRI in children and adolescents.

The neuroimaging basis of intelligence remains elusive; however, there is a growing body of research employing connectome-based predictive modeling to estimate individual intelligence scores, aiming to identify the optimal set of neuroimaging features for accurately predicting an individual's cognitive abilities. Compared to adults, the disparities in cognitive performance among children and adolescents are more likely to captivate individuals' interest and attention. Limited research has been dedicated to exploring neuroimaging markers of intelligence specifically in the pediatric population. In this study, we utilized resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and intelligence quotient (IQ) scores of 170 healthy children and adolescents obtained from a public database to identify brain functional connectivity markers associated with individual intellectual behavior. Initially, we extracted and summarized relevant resting-state features from whole-brain or functional network connectivity that were most pertinent to IQ scores. Subsequently, these features were employed to establish prediction models for both performance and verbal IQ scores. Within a 10-fold cross-validation framework, our findings revealed that prediction models based on whole-brain functional connectivity effectively predicted performance IQ scores( ) but not verbal IQ scores( ). Results of prediction models based on brain functional network connectivity further demonstrated the exceptional predictive ability of the default mode network (DMN) and fronto-parietal task control network (FTPN) for performance IQ scores ( ). The above findings have also been validated using an independent dataset. Our findings suggest that the performance IQ of children and adolescents primarily relies on the connectivity of brain regions associated with DMN and FTPN. Moreover, variations in intellectual performance during childhood and adolescences are closely linked to alterations in brain functional network connectivity.

Cross‐administrative solutions for sustainable development: The case of the Watertown Hub

AbstractWater‐abundant regions face challenges due to urbanization and development, which pose threats to local water networks and the environment. Fragmented water network management and administrative boundaries hinder cross‐administrative collaboration and ecological conservation. This study presents a framework centered around the “Watertown Hub” concept, which focuses on integrated ecological and green development, fostering multifunctional, shared spaces for coordinated management in the Watertown region of the Yangtze River Delta, China. By leveraging landscape infrastructure and ecological sensitivity assessment, shared spaces are established beyond administrative boundaries, promoting cross‐administrative coordination, management, and resource integration. The approach effectively balances the protection of basin ecology and economic development, mitigates water system fragmentation, and addresses environmental concerns. It enhances regional communication, connectivity, and sustainability. Although the focus is on China's Jiangnan region, this research provides insights applicable to other water‐rich areas in South Asia and beyond, fostering cross‐administrative ecological coordination and sustainable development amidst urbanization pressures.

CEO Cross-Sector Work Experience and Public–Private Partnership Formation of Private Firms in China

Abstract As the need for collaboration across multiple organizations to deal with complex social issues such as poverty, crime, and public health grows, Public–Private Partnership (PPP) is of increasing importance. However, little is known about when and why private firms engage in such partnerships. Drawing on upper-echelon theory and the information-processing perspective, we highlight the importance of institutional knowledge and information embedded in CEO cross-sector work experience. We argue that such tacit knowledge and information enables CEOs to better identify the potential risks associated with PPPs. Consequently, CEOs with cross-sector work experience tend to be more cautious in participating in such partnerships, especially in developing economies like China, where private actors face greater information incompleteness concerning post-collaboration hazards due to the government's selective disclosure. Moreover, we develop a multi-moderator framework in which regional marketization and political connection alter the main effect by serving as supplementary information channels for private actors. A panel dataset of Chinese private listed firms from 2013 to 2021 provides strong support for our hypotheses. This study contributes to our understanding of the micro-foundation of PPP formation and draws attention to CEOs’ prior career experiences in different organizational forms.

89 Streamlining the acquisition and analysis of digital images for the assessment of horn fly abundance

Abstract Horn flies are one of the most prevalent ectoparasites on pasture raised cattle. Studies have shown reasonable evidence of a genetic basis for horn fly attraction in beef cattle. Current methods for assessing fly abundance-related phenotypes (e.g., subjective assessment and image-based counts) suffer from limited accuracy and logistic difficulties. Previous attempts to assess horn fly abundance using image-based methods were hindered by several factors including weather conditions, distance and angle between the image taker and the animal, and lighting during image acquisition. The aim of this study was to address these limitations through the development of practical guidance to optimize image acquisition and to develop an adaptive image analysis algorithm to enhance the accuracy of image-based assessment of fly abundance. Images of beef cattle on pasture over multiple horn fly seasons (late spring to early fall) were collected. For each animal, the best image (where the entire side of the animal was in view) was selected and cropped from the withers to the hooks and from the chest floor to the udder. For every image (n = 314), all the flies were manually counted using the ImageJ software. Several image enhancement and analysis techniques including adaptive thresholding, pixel region connection, and pixel classification were used. The images were then clustered into three quality classes based on quality metrics computed using several algorithms from the image processing toolbox in MATLAB (BRISQUE, NIQE, and PIQE). BRISQUE and NIQE use distortions of natural scene statistics to compute quality scores. PIQE uses image features and models of human perception to compute quality scores. Pearson correlation, mean squared error (MSE), and the coefficient of determination (R2) were used to evaluate the concordance between the manual (ground truth) and the image predicted counts. Across the different scenarios, the Pearson correlation and R2 ranged between 0.21 to 0.67 and 0.04 and 0.45, respectively (Table 1). When the images were first clustered in quality classes, all the assessment metrics showed a substantial increase (Table 2). In fact, the Pearson correlation ranged between 0.47 to 0.80 using the NIQE. When the images were classified as low or medium quality by BRISQUE, the correlation was greater (0.74 to 0.79) compared with NIQE (0.47 to 0.70) and PIQE (0.69 to 0.74). Similar patterns were observed for the other assessment criteria (MSE and R2). These results seem to indicate that NIQE, BRISQUE, or a combination of the two algorithms could be used to assess image quality and determine the appropriate combination of image parameters to maximize the predictive ability. The NIQE method could be used as a filter to detect low quality images that are unsuitable for counting and then BRISQUE could be used on the remaining images.

Enhanced Cognition and Modulation of Brain Connectivity in Mild Neurocognitive Disorder: The Promise of Transcranial Pulse Stimulation.

Existing pharmacological treatments for mild neurocognitive disorder (NCD) offer limited effectiveness and adverse side effects. Transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS) utilizing ultrashort ultrasound pulses reaches deep brain regions and may circumvent conductivity issues associated with brain stimulation. This study addresses the gap in TPS research for mild NCD during a critical intervention period before irreversible cognitive degradation. Our objective was to explore the effectiveness and tolerability of TPS in older adults with mild NCD. In an open-label study, 17 older adults (including 10 females and 7 males) with mild NCD underwent TPS for two weeks with three sessions per week. Cognitive evaluations and fMRI scans were conducted pre- and post-intervention. The results indicated changes in functional connectivity in key brain regions, correlating with cognitive improvement at B = 0.087 (CI, 0.007-0.167; p = 0.038). However, cortical thickness measurements showed no significant differences. Here we show that TPS can enhance cognitive function within mild NCD. This proof-of-concept study suggests that TPS has potential as a non-invasive therapy used to attenuate cognitive decline, encouraging further investigation in larger randomized trials. The findings could influence clinical practice by introducing TPS as an adjunctive treatment option and potentially impact policy by promoting its inclusion in new treatment strategies for mild NCD.

Effect of Dialysis on Structural Brain Connectivity in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease

Introduction: Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are known to have reduced structural and functional brain connectivity in the brain regions associated with cognitive function. However, the effect of dialysis on brain connectivity remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dialysis on structural brain connectivity in patients with ESRD. Methods: This prospective study included 20 patients with ESRD in the pre-dialysis stage and 35 healthy controls. The patients underwent T2-weighted and three-dimensional T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging before and 3 months after dialysis initiation. Moreover, the cortical thickness was calculated. We applied graph theoretical analysis to calculate the structural covariance network based on cortical thickness. We compared the cortical thickness and structural covariance network of patients with ESRD in the pre-dialysis stage with those of healthy controls and with those of patients with ESRD in the post-dialysis stage. Results: The mean cortical thickness in both hemispheres was lower in patients with ESRD in the pre-dialysis stage than in healthy controls (2.296 vs. 2.354, p = 0.030; 2.282 vs. 2.362, p = 0.004, respectively) and was higher in patients with ESRD in the post-dialysis stage than in those in the pre-dialysis stage (2.333 vs. 2.296, p = 0.001; 2.322 vs. 2.282, p = 0.002, respectively). Analysis of the structural covariance network revealed that the assortative coefficient was lower in patients with ESRD in the pre-dialysis stage than in healthy controls (−0.062 vs. −0.031, p = 0.029) and was higher in patients with ESRD in the post-dialysis stage than in those in the pre-dialysis stage (−0.002 vs. −0.062, p = 0.042). Conclusion: We observed differences in the cortical thickness and structural covariance networks before and after dialysis in patients with ESRD. This indicates that dialysis affects structural brain connectivity, contributing to the understanding of the pathophysiological mechanism of cognitive function alterations resulting from dialysis in patients with ESRD.

GIS-based assessment of spatial and temporal disparities of urban health index in Shenzhen, China.

To explore the inter-regional health index at the city level to contribute to the reduction of health inequalities. Employed the health determinant model to select indicators for the urban health index of Shenzhen City. Utilized principal component analysis, the weights of these indicators are determined to construct the said health index. Subsequently, the global Moran's index and local Moran's index are utilized to investigate the geographical spatial distribution of the urban health index across various administrative districts within Shenzhen. The level of urban health index in Shenzhen exhibits spatial clustering and demonstrates a positive spatial correlation (2017, Moran's I = 0.237; 2019, Moran's I = 0.226; 2021, Moran's I = 0.217). However, it is noted that this clustering displays a relatively low probability (90% confidence interval). Over the period from 2017 to 2019, this spatial clustering gradually diminishes, suggesting a narrowing of health inequality within economically developed urban areas. Our study reveals the urban health index in a relatively high-income (Shenzhen) in a developing country. Certain spatially correlated areas in Shenzhen present opportunities for the government to address health disparities through regional connectivity.

Age differences in functional connectivity track dedifferentiation of category representations.

With advancing age, the distinctiveness of neural representations of information declines. While the finding of this so-called 'age-related neural dedifferentiation' in category-selective neural regions is well-described, the contribution of age-related changes in network organization to dedifferentiation is unknown. Here, we asked whether age differences in a) whole-brain network segregation (i.e., network dedifferentiation) and b) functional connectivity to category-selective neural regions are related to regional dedifferentiation of categorical representations. Younger and older adults viewed blocks of face and house stimuli in the fMRI scanner. We found an age-related decline in neural distinctiveness for faces in the fusiform gyrus (FG) and for houses in the parahippocampal gyrus (PHG). Functional connectivity analyses revealed age-related dedifferentiation of global network structure as well as age differences in connectivity between the FG and early visual cortices. Interindividual correlations demonstrated that regional distinctiveness was related to network segregation. Together, our findings suggest that dedifferentiation of categorical representations may be linked to age-related reorganization of functional networks.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Modulates Brain Connectivity in Children with Self-limited Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes.

Interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) alter brain connectivity in children with epilepsy; this connectivity change may be a mechanism by which epilepsy induces cognitive deficits. Here, we test whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive neuromodulation technique, modulates connectivity and reduces IEDs in children with epilepsy. Nineteen children with self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (SeLECTS) participated in a cross-over study comparing the impact of active vs. sham rTMS on IEDs and brain connectivity. SeLECTS is an epilepsy syndrome affecting the motor cortex, and prior studies show that motor cortices become pathologically hyper-connected to frontal and temporal language cortices. Using a crossover design, we compared the effect of single doses of active versus sham motor cortex rTMS. Connectivity, which was quantified by the weighted phase lag index (wPLI), was measured before and after rTMS using single pulses of TMS combined with EEG (spTMS-EEG). Analyses focused on six regions: bilateral motor cortices and bilateral inferior frontal and superior temporal regions. IEDs were counted in the five minutes before and after rTMS. Active, but not sham, rTMS significantly and globally decreased wPLI connectivity between multiple regions, with the greatest reductions seen in the superior temporal region connections in the stimulated hemisphere. Additionally, there was a trend suggesting that rTMS decreases IED frequency. These findings underscore the potential of low-frequency rTMS to target pathologic hyperconnectivity and reduce IEDs in children with SeLECTS and potentially other pediatric epilepsy syndromes, offering a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention.

Exploring the Utility of a Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Cannabis Cue-Reactivity Paradigm in Treatment-Seeking Adults With Cannabis Use Disorder

BackgroundFunctional magnetic resonance imaging studies examining cue reactivity in cannabis use disorder (CUD) either have had small sample sizes or have involved non–treatment-seeking participants. As a secondary analysis, we administered a functional magnetic resonance imaging cue-reactivity task to participants with CUD enrolled in 2 separate clinical trials (varenicline or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) to determine the task activation patterns for treatment-seeking participants with CUD. We aimed to determine the activation patterns for the total sample and behavioral correlates. We additionally compared studies to determine if patterns were consistent. MethodsTreatment-seeking participants with moderate or severe CUD had behavioral craving measured at baseline using the Marijuana Craving Questionnaire–Short Form and completed a visual cannabis cue-reactivity task during functional magnetic resonance imaging (measuring the blood oxygen level–dependent response) following 24 hours of cannabis abstinence. ResultsThe sample included 65 participants (n = 37: varenicline trial; n = 28: repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation trial; 32% female; mean age = 30.4 ± 9.9 years). When comparing cannabis images versus matched neutral images, participants showed greater blood oxygen level–dependent response in bilateral ventromedial-prefrontal, dorsolateral-prefrontal, anterior cingulate, and visual cortices as well as the striatum. There was stronger task-based functional connectivity between the medial prefrontal cortex and both the amygdala and the visual cortex. Craving negatively correlated with blood oxygen level–dependent response in the left ventral striatum (R2 = −0.32; p = .01) in the full sample. There were no significant differences in either activation or task-based functional connectivity between studies. ConclusionsIn 2 separate treatment-seeking groups with CUD, there was increased cannabis cue reactivity and task-based functional connectivity in regions related to executive function and reward processing. Cannabis craving was negatively associated with cue reactivity in the left ventral striatum.

Pathways towards net-zero emissions in Indonesia's energy sector

This research provides a comprehensive analysis of the transition pathways towards net-zero emissions in Indonesia's energy sector by 2050, focussing on overcoming the country's fossil fuel dependency. Utilising EnergyPLAN and MultiNode simulations across three scenarios: Nationally Determined Contribution, High Electrification and Moderate Electrification, the paper presents thorough scenario development and cross-sectoral analysis to capture future energy systems from both supply and demand sides. It contributes notably by detailing scenario-specific energy demands, such as industry sector energy efficiency and electric vehicle penetration and introducing a novel modelling approach that segments the Indonesian energy system into five regional systems. Modelling results indicate the necessity of transitioning towards 100 % renewable energy, emphasising the central role of electricity in future energy systems and the importance of regional connectivity in achieving net-zero emissions. Results also reveal that the Moderate Electrification scenario offers a cost-effective route to net-zero emissions by reducing energy demand and fully exploiting renewable energy sources. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to boost energy efficiency, accelerate electrification, initiate interconnected regional energy systems, and leverage carbon capture and storage as a supplementary measure.

Reconstructing the South American Miocene puzzle: An integrated analysis of the Paraná Formation (Argentina)

In recent decades, Miocene marine transgressions in South America have sparked ongoing debates concerning their boundaries, number of events, regional connectivity, and the existence of an epicontinental sea formed during the Andean orogeny. The bed-by-bed analysis of the Late Miocene Paraná Formation deposits in Entre Ríos Province (Argentina) allow defining six facies associations: (i) beach ridge, (ii) tidal inlet channel and washover fan, (iii) outer estuarine bioherms, (iv) central estuary, (v) tidal bar and sandflat, and (vi) tidal mudflat and creek deposits. Architectural and stacking pattern analyses reveal transgressive-regressive sequences typical of the coastal strip, encompassing shallow marine to estuarine sub-environments. The analysis identified diverse ecological guilds, including bivalve and gastropod assemblages in bioherms, and crustacean traces in tidal flats. Regressive units are characterized by wave-dominated shoreface deposits, while transgressive units comprise fine-grained estuarine deposits interbedded with bioclastic sandstones and storm deposits. The paleoenvironmental and paleoecological data indicate normal salinity marine environments with macroinvertebrates and estuarine components and suggesting tropical brackish conditions. Plant remains point to a range of vegetative communities, including mangroves, palm forests, grasslands, humid riparian forests, and dry upland forests, reflecting tropical to subtropical and humid to semiarid environments. This study concludes that the Paraná Formation correspond to a third-order transgressive system tract influenced by the Miocene Paranaense Sea. The basin-scale implications suggest that the distal Chaco-Paraná basin was affected by eustatic changes due to its low accommodation and topographic relief. The Chaco-Paraná foreland basin's evolution was driven by interactions between tectonic, climatic, and eustatic processes. The comprehensive analysis of sedimentary and fossil records provides a detailed paleogeographic reconstruction of the Miocene marine transgression in southern South America.

Mapping Functional Connectivity Signatures of Pharmacoresistant Focal Cortical Dysplasia-Related Epilepsy.

To determine common network alterations in focal cortical dysplasia pharmacoresistant epilepsy (FCD-PRE) using functional connectivity analysis of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI). This is a retrospective imaging cohort from Children's National Hospital (Washington, DC, USA) from January, 2011 to January, 2022. Patients with 3-T MRI-confirmed FCD-PRE underwent rsfMRI as part of routine clinical care. Patients were included if they were age 5-22 years at the time of the scan, and had a minimum of 18 months of follow-up. Healthy, typically-developing controls were included from Children's National Hospital (n = 16) and matched from Human Connectome Project-Development public dataset (n = 100). A total of 42 FCD-PRE patients (20 M:22 F, aged 14.2 ± 4.1 years) and 116 healthy controls (56 M:60 F, aged 13.7 ± 3.3 years) with rsfMRI were included. Seed-based functional connectivity maps were generated for each FCD, and each seed was used to generate a patient-specific z-scored connectivity map on 116 controls. FCD-PRE patients had mutual altered connectivity in regions of dorsal attention, default mode, and control networks. Functional connectivity was diminished within the FCD dominant functional network, as well as in homotopic regions. Cluster specific connectivity patterns varied by pathological subtype. Higher FCD connectivity to the limbic network was associated with increased odds of Engel I outcome. This study demonstrates diminished functional connectivity patterns in FCD-PRE, which may represent a neuromarker for the disease, independent of FCD location, involving the dorsal attention, default mode, and control functional networks. Higher connectivity to the limbic network is associated with a seizure-free outcome. Future multicenter, prospective studies are needed to allow for much earlier detection of signatures of treatment-resistant epilepsy. ANN NEUROL 2024.

How to choose mobile energy storage or fixed energy storage in high proportion renewable energy scenarios: Evidence in China

With the large-scale integration of renewable energy and changes in load characteristics, the power system is facing challenges of volatility and instability. Therefore, enhancing the safe and stable operation capability of the power system is an urgent problem that needs to be solved. Mobile energy storage can improve system flexibility, stability, and regional connectivity, and has the potential to serve as a supplement or even substitute for fixed energy storage in the future. However, there are few studies that comprehensively evaluate the operational performance and economy of fixed and mobile energy storage systems. To comprehensively evaluate the economic benefits of large-scale mobile energy storage systems, this paper constructs an overall horizontal cost model for energy storage systems that considers the power system and train transportation system. This model not only introduces the traditional concept of lifecycle cost of energy storage systems, but also considers the costs of traditional transmission lines and battery transportation. Secondly, to achieve simulation of large-scale mobile energy storage system planning and operation, this paper establishes a multi-region power planning and operation simulation (MPO) model and a battery transportation and logistics (BTL) model to accurately reflect the operation mode of fixed energy storage and mobile energy storage in the power system. Finally, taking the actual power grids and railway networks in Northeast and North China as case studies, this article provides an in-depth analysis of the technical, economic, and environmental performance of large fixed and mobile energy storage systems, and conducts a detailed comparison. The research results indicate that under high grid connection ratios (using 75% and 66% as examples), the overall cost of mobile energy storage systems continues to decrease to 1.42 CNY/kWh and 0.98 CNY/kWh. Compared to fixed energy storage at 5.45 CNY/kWh and 4.79 CNY/kWh, it has an absolute economic advantage and shows significant carbon reduction capabilities, reaching 241,800 to 1,394,600 tons. This discovery fully confirms the enormous potential and application value of mobile energy storage in high proportion renewable energy scenarios, providing strong technical support and economic analysis basis for the sustainable development of the power system.

Analyzing India's National Civil Aviation Policy and Global Trends in Contemporary Civil Aviation Policies

The expansion of the Indian economy is expected to extend to remote regions, and while market-driven processes are ideal for regional air connectivity, there is recognition of the valuable role of public policy in this endeavor. The UDAN Scheme follows a market-oriented approach where operators assess demand, propose routes, and navigate variables like traffic rights, slot allocation, regulatory restrictions, and infrastructure limitations. Global airline industry deregulation has introduced healthy competition, enhancing efficiency and service quality, leading to increased passenger traffic. Studies have highlighted the constructive impact of improved air connectivity on the economic development of regions. Efficient airports are vital economic catalysts, but research suggests that some regional airports operate inefficiently, missing opportunities for profitability. Government subsidies and policies for enhancing regional and remote air connectivity are common practices worldwide, with schemes like EAS in the United State and PSO in Europe bridging the accessibility gap. Research is crucial to understand policy effects on air connectivity and identify factors that improve outcomes. Route dispersal guidelines, such as those in India, can create financial redistribution between route categories, affecting airlines' profitability and serving state capitals over remote regions. Policymakers must find effective ways to enhance air transport to underserved areas where market dynamics might not naturally establish viable transportation links. In summary, this study emphasizes the importance of government-supported policies like UDAN and the role of market-oriented approaches in promoting regional air connectivity. It underlines the need for research to assess policy impacts and identifies the challenges and opportunities in enhancing air connectivity to remote and underserved regions.

Electro-Clinical Features and Functional Connectivity Analysis in SYN1-Related Epilepsy.

There is currently scarce data on the electroclinical characteristics of epilepsy associated with synapsin 1 (SYN1) pathogenic variations. We examined clinical and electro-encephalographic (EEG) features in patients with epilepsy and SYN1 variants, with the aim of identifying a distinctive electroclinical pattern. In this retrospective multicenter study, we collected and reviewed demographic, genetic, and epilepsy data of 19 male patients with SYN1 variants. Specifically, we analyzed interictal EEG data for all patients, and electro-clinical data from 10 epileptic seizures in 5 patients, using prolonged video-EEG monitoring recordings. Inter-ictal EEG functional connectivity parameters and frequency spectrum of the 10 patients over 12 years of age, were computed and compared with those of 56 age- and sex-matched controls. The main electroclinical features of epilepsy in patients with SYN1 were (1) EEG background and organization mainly normal; (2) interictal abnormalities are often rare or not visible on EEG; (3) more than 60% of patients had reflex seizures (cutaneous contact with water and defecation being the main triggers) isolated or associated with spontaneous seizures; (4) electro-clinical semiology of seizures was mainly temporal or temporo-insulo/perisylvian with a notable autonomic component; and (5) ictal EEG showed a characteristic rhythmic theta/delta activity predominating in temporo-perisylvian regions at the beginning of most seizures. Comparing patients with SYN1 to healthy subjects, we observed a shift to lower frequency bands in power spectrum of interictal EEG and an increased connectivity in both temporal regions. A distinct epilepsy syndrome emerges in patients with SYN1, with a rather characteristic clinical and EEG pattern suggesting predominant temporo-insular involvement. ANN NEUROL 2024.

Spatial dynamics of transport accessibility and regional efficiency in the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration

Transport accessibility is crucial for defining urban clusters and evaluating a region's centrality and connectivity. To foster equitable growth in urban conglomerates, it is crucial to understand the relationship between transport accessibility and regional development. This study introduces the concept of 'regional efficiency'—the effectiveness of converting regional inputs into outputs—determined via the super-efficiency Data Envelopment Analysis methodology, to assess the progression of regional development. Employing a combination of bivariate spatial autocorrelation and spatial regression analysis, this research elucidates the spatial dynamics between transport accessibility and regional efficiency, both at macro and micro levels. A binary Logit model identifies the factors affecting the Moran's I correlation between regional efficiency and transport accessibility. Based on the diverse urban characteristics within a single conglomerate, tailored development strategies are suggested. Focusing on the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration in China as a case study, four distinct spatial clusters—High–High (HH), Low–Low (LL), High–Low (HL), and Low–High (LH)—are identified, based on the local correlation between regional efficiency and transport accessibility. The findings reveal that regions with a High–High Moran's I correlation between road accessibility and regional efficiency predominantly located in the eastern sectors of the Yangtze River Delta, exhibiting effective regional efficiency. These regions are characterized by superior road accessibility, aligning well with their regional efficiency metrics. For air accessibility, cities classified under the HH category, including Shanghai and its neighboring cities, demonstrate a significant spatial correlation with regional efficiency. Population density and urban tier are key predictors of the significance of the Moran's I correlation between road accessibility and regional efficiency. In contrast, for air accessibility, these factors assume an inverse role. The identified cluster types (HH, LL, LH, and HL) are proposed as predictive indicators for the significance of the Moran's I relationship between air accessibility and regional efficiency.

Medial prefrontal cortex connectivity with the nucleus accumbens is related to HIV serostatus, perceptions of psychological stress, and monocyte expression of TNF-a

Post-menopausal persons living with HIV (PWH) report elevated levels of psychological stress and monocyte activation compared to persons living without HIV (PWOH). Resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) of mesolimbic brain regions underpinning stress and emotion regulation are susceptible to inflammatory insult. Although psychological stress is elevated, rsFC reduced, and CD16+ monocytes overexpressed in the brains of PWH, it is unclear whether the relationships amongst these variables differ compared to PWOH.An ethnically diverse sample of postmenopausal women, 24 PWH and 30 PWOH provided self-report mood surveys and provided peripheral blood specimens to quantify LPS-stimulated CD16+/− expression of TNF-α via flow cytometric analysis. An anatomical and resting state functional MRI scan were used to derive time-series metrics of connectivity between the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) as well as the amygdala.A positive association was observed between levels of perceived stress and CD16+/− TNF-α in both LPS-stimulated and unstimulated cells. PLWH showed lower connectivity between mPFC and NAcc. In turn, lower rsFC between these regions predicted greater psychological stress and proportion of CD16−, but not CD16+, cells expression of TNF-α.Neuroimmune effects of monocyte inflammation on the functional connectivity of mesolimbic regions critical for discrimination of uncertainty-safety and reward signals were observed in an ethnically diverse sample of postmenopausal women living with and without HIV. PWH showed lower mPFC-NAcc functional connectivity, which in turn was associated with greater perceived stress.