Chemical Reaction Networks' Programming for Solving Equations.

The computational ability of the chemical reaction networks (CRNs) using DNA as the substrate has been verified previously. To solve more complex computational problems and perform the computational steps as expected, the practical design of the basic modules of calculation and the steps in the reactions have become the basic requirements for biomolecular computing. This paper presents a method for solving nonlinear equations in the CRNs with DNA as the substrate.

Bi-directional Control of Synaptic Input Summation and Spike Generation by GABAergic Inputs at the Axon Initial Segment.

Differing from other subtypes of inhibitory interneuron, chandelier or axo-axonic cells form depolarizing GABAergic synapses exclusively onto the axon initial segment (AIS) of targeted pyramidal cells (PCs). However, the debate whether these AIS-GABAergic inputs produce excitation or inhibition in neuronal processing is not resolved. Using realistic NEURON modeling and electrophysiological recording of cortical layer-5 PCs, we quantitatively demonstrate that the onset-timing of AIS-GABAergic input, relative to dendritic excitatory glutamatergic inputs, determines its bi-directional regulation of the efficacy of synaptic integration and spike generation in a PC.

Schizophrenia risk-gene Crmp2 deficiency causes precocious critical period plasticity and deteriorated binocular vision.

Brain-specific loss of a microtubule-binding protein collapsin response mediator protein-2 (CRMP2) in the mouse recapitulates many schizophrenia-like behaviors of human patients, possibly resulting from associated developmental deficits in neuronal differentiation, path-finding, and synapse formation. However, it is still unclear how the Crmp2 loss affects neuronal circuit function and plasticity. By conducting in vivo and ex vivo electrophysiological recording in the mouse primary visual cortex (V1), we reveal that CRMP2 exerts a key regulation on the timing of postnatal critical period (CP) for experience-dependent circuit plasticity of sensory cortex.

Zika Virus Infection Leads to Variable Defects in Multiple Neurological Functions and Behaviors in Mice and Children.

Zika virus (ZIKV) has evolved into a global health threat because of its causal link to congenital Zika syndrome. ZIKV infection of pregnant women may cause a spectrum of abnormalities in children. In the studies in Brazil, a large cohort of children with perinatal exposure to ZIKV is followed, and a spectrum of neurodevelopmental abnormalities is identified.

Characteristics of air pollution in different zones of Sichuan Basin, China.

Sichuan Basin, located in southwest China, has been ranked as the fourth of heavily air polluted regions in China partly due to its deep mountain-basin topography. However, spatial-temporal distribution of air pollution over the basin is still unclear due to the lack of monitoring data and poor knowledge. Since January 2015, six criteria air pollutants began to be monitored in 20 cities across the basin.