Exercise produces a decrease in pain sensitivity via an effect called exercise-induced hypoalgesia(EIH).Transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS),acting on similar analgesic mechanisms as EIH,represents a potentia...Exercise produces a decrease in pain sensitivity via an effect called exercise-induced hypoalgesia(EIH).Transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS),acting on similar analgesic mechanisms as EIH,represents a potential complementary intervention that may amplify the effects of exercise on pain.This study aimed to explore if anodal tDCS could enhance the effect of exercise on pain compared to exercise alone.A total of 35 healthy participants aged 19–37 years completed a familiarisation session followed by two separate sessions where active and sham tDCS was applied in a randomised cross-over design.The familiarisation session involved familiarisation to the pain assessment and exercise tasks,while the subsequent tDCS sessions involved pain sensitivity assessment,exercise and either anodal tDCS or sham tDCS.tDCS doses were applied at 2 mA over the primary motor cortex for 10 min,with the reference electrode placed over the contralateral supraorbital area.The exercise task involved a sustained isometric grip strength contraction at 35%of maximal voluntary contraction(MVC)until volitional exhaustion.Pain sensitivity was evaluated as pressure pain threshold before tDCS,after tDCS,and after exercise.Across both tDCS conditions,pain threshold was higher after exercise when compared to pre-and post-tDCS measurement.This increase in pain threshold did not differ between active and sham tDCS conditions.Our findings suggest that the hypoalgesic effects of active anodal tDCS over the motor cortex prior to exercise are no greater than the effects of sham tDCS prior to exercise.展开更多
Herein,the effect of direct current(DC)attached the mold on refining the microstructure and alleviating the central segregation of a tin–bismuth(Sn–10 wt.%Bi)alloy ingot during the solidification process has been in...Herein,the effect of direct current(DC)attached the mold on refining the microstructure and alleviating the central segregation of a tin–bismuth(Sn–10 wt.%Bi)alloy ingot during the solidification process has been investigated.The experiment used a self-made device,which can achieve the effect of refining the solidified structure and alleviate the segregation of the metal casting.Numerical simulations were performed to calculate the Lorentz force,Joule heating and induced melt vortex flow for the magneto-hydrodynamic case.Our results show that the maximum velocity of the global electro-vortex reached 0.017 m s^(–1).The DC-induced electro-vortex was found to be the primary reason of refining the equiaxed grain and alleviating the segregation of theβ-Sn crystal boundary.The grain refining effect observed in these experiments can be solely attributed to the forced melt flow driven by the Lorentz force.DC field attached the mold can lead to grain refinement and alleviate the segregation of the ingot via a global vortex.The technology can be applied not only to opened molds,but also toward improving the quality in closed molds.展开更多
BACKGROUND Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric condition with complex symptomatology,including debilitating auditory hallucinations.Transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS)has been explored as an adjunctive tr...BACKGROUND Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric condition with complex symptomatology,including debilitating auditory hallucinations.Transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS)has been explored as an adjunctive treatment to alleviate such symptoms.AIM To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of tDCS in schizophrenia.METHODS Adhering to PRISMA guidelines,we systematically searched PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,and the Cochrane Library on September 19,2023,for randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of tDCS in schizophrenia,with no language or time restrictions.We included studies that compared tDCS with a control condition and reported clinically relevant outcomes.Data extraction and quality assessments were performed by independent evaluators using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool.Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated,and a random-effects model was applied due to moderate heterogeneity(I2=41.3%).RESULTS Nine studies comprising 425 participants(tDCS group:219,control group:206)were included.The meta-analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in auditory hallucination scores following tDCS treatment(weighted mean difference:-2.18,95%confidence interval:-4.0 to-0.29,P<0.01).Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the results,with no significant influence from individual studies.Additionally,publication bias was not detected,supporting the reliability and generalizability of the findings.These results underscore the efficacy of tDCS as a therapeutic intervention for auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia.CONCLUSION tDCS significantly reduces auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia,suggesting its potential as an effective adjunctive treatment for managing this disabling symptom.The findings highlight the practical significance of tDCS in clinical settings,particularly for patients with treatment-resistant auditory hallucinations.展开更多
An unauthorised version of the Chinese MMSE was used in this article by the authors without permission from the copyright owner,PAR.Necessary permission has now been retrospectively obtained from PAR.The MMSE is a cop...An unauthorised version of the Chinese MMSE was used in this article by the authors without permission from the copyright owner,PAR.Necessary permission has now been retrospectively obtained from PAR.The MMSE is a copyrighted instrument and may not be used or reproduced in whole or in part,in any form or language,or by any means without the written permission of PAR(www.parinc.com).展开更多
Objective:Emerging evidence shows the effectiveness of speech and language therapy(SLT);however,precise therapeutic parameters remain unclear.Evidence for the use of adjunctive transcranial direct current stimulation(...Objective:Emerging evidence shows the effectiveness of speech and language therapy(SLT);however,precise therapeutic parameters remain unclear.Evidence for the use of adjunctive transcranial direct current stimulation(t DCS)to treat post-stroke aphasia(PSA)is promising;however,the utility of combining t DCS and electroacupuncture(EA)has not yet been analyzed.This study assessed the therapeutic consequences of EA and t DCS coupled with SLT in subacute PSA patients who were also undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy(HBOT).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on subacute(<6 months)PSA patients who were divided into three groups:patients who received EA plus t DCS(acupuncture group),patients who underwent t DCS(t DCS group),and patients who experienced conventional therapy(HBOT+SLT).All subjects underwent 21 days of treatment and also received conventional treatment.The aphasia battery of Chinese(ABC)was used to score pre-and post-intervention status.Results:The analysis comprised 238 patients.Cerebral infarction was the most frequent stroke type(137[57.6%]),while motor(66[27.7%])and global aphasia(60[25.2%])were the most common types of aphasia.After 21 days of intervention,the ABC scores of all patients were improved.The acupuncture group had the highest ABC scores,but only repetition,naming,and spontaneous speech were statistically improved(P<0.01).Post-hoc tests revealed significant improvement in word retrieval in the acupuncture and t DCS groups(P<0.01,P=0.037),while the acupuncture group had additional significant improvement in spontaneous conversation(P<0.01).Conclusion:Combining acupuncture and t DCS as an adjuvant therapy for subacute PSA led to significant spontaneous speech and word retrieval improvements.Future prospective,multi-ethnic,multi-center trials are warranted.展开更多
Transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS)is a promising method for altering cortical excitability with clinical implications.It has been increasingly used in neurodevelopmental disorders,especially attention-defic...Transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS)is a promising method for altering cortical excitability with clinical implications.It has been increasingly used in neurodevelopmental disorders,especially attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD),but its efficacy(based on effect size calculations),safety,and stimulation parameters have not been systematically examined.In this systematic review,we aimed to(1)explore the effectiveness of tDCS on the clinical symptoms and neuropsychological deficits of ADHD patients,(2)evaluate the safety of tDCS application,especially in children with ADHD,(3)model the electrical field intensity in the target regions based on the commonly-applied and effective versus less-effective protocols,and(4)discuss and propose advanced tDCS parameters.Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses approach,a literature search identified 14 empirical experiments investigating tDCS effects in ADHD.Partial improving effects of tDCS on cognitive deficits(response inhibition,working memory,attention,and cognitive flexibility)or clinical symptoms(e.g.,impulsivity and inattention)are reported in10 studies.No serious adverse effects are reported in 747 sessions of tDCS.The left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex are the regions most often targeted,and anodal tDCS the protocol most often applied.An intensity of 2 mA induced stronger electrical fields than 1 mA in adults with ADHD and was associated with significant behavioral changes.In ADHD children,however,the electrical field induced by 1 mA,which is likely larger than the electrical field induced by 1 mA in adults due to the smaller head size of children,was sufficient to result in significant behavioral change.Overall,tDCS seems to be a promising method for improving ADHD deficits.However,the clinical utility of tDCS in ADHD cannot yet be concluded and requires further systematic investigation in larger sample sizes.Cortical regions involved in ADHD pathophysiology,stimulation parameters(e.g.intensity,duration,polarity,and electrode size),and types of symptom/deficit are potential determinants of tDCS efficacy in ADHD.Developmental aspects of tDCS in childhood ADHD should be considered as well.展开更多
In the field of Second Language Acquisition （SLA）, motivation has played a crucial role for language learning and teaching. Just as motivation is important in SLA, demotivation constitutes an important factor for bo...In the field of Second Language Acquisition （SLA）, motivation has played a crucial role for language learning and teaching. Just as motivation is important in SLA, demotivation constitutes an important factor for both students and teachers. In our previous study, investigating 97 teachers for demotivational factors, the teachers felt demotivated to see students＇ lack of interest and bad attitudes, as well as dissatisfaction with curriculum, teaching material and poor facilities. We concluded further investigation was necessary as to how teachers regain motivation and hopefully toward directed motivational current （DMC）, which not only provides a direction for action, but it also energizes action （D6myei et al, 2016）. In our present study, compared to our previous study which was analyzed quantitatively, we have collected qualitative data from some 34 college teachers investigating when they felt demotivated, what they did to cope with it, and how they regained their motivation. Data was collected, analyzed qualitatively, and factors which may lead to DMC was extracted. It is hoped that this study will be beneficial for facilitating better SLA learning and teaching, and also for teacher training.展开更多
The integration of large-scale new energy and high-capacity DC transmission leads to a reduction in system inertia.Grid-forming renewable energy sources(GF-RES)has a significant improvement effect on system inertia.Co...The integration of large-scale new energy and high-capacity DC transmission leads to a reduction in system inertia.Grid-forming renewable energy sources(GF-RES)has a significant improvement effect on system inertia.Commutation failure faults may cause a short-term reactive power surplus at the sending end and trigger transient overvoltage,threatening the safe and stable operation of the power grid.However,there is a lack of research on the calculation method of transient overvoltage caused by commutation failure in high-voltage DC transmission systems with grid-forming renewable energy sources integration.Based on the existing equivalent model of highvoltage DC transmission systems at the sending end,this paper proposes to construct a model of the high-voltage DC transmission system at the sending end with grid-forming renewable energy sources.The paper first clarifies the mechanism of overvoltage generation,then considers the reactive power droop control characteristics of GF-RES,and derives the transient voltage calculation model of theDC transmission system with GF-RES integration.It also proposes a calculation method for transient overvoltage at the sending-end converter bus with GF-RES integration.Based on the PSCAD/EMTDC simulation platform,this paper builds an experimental simulation model.By constructing three different experimental scenarios,the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed transient overvoltage calculation method are verified,with a calculation error within 5%.At the same time,this paper quantitatively analyzes the impact of grid strength,new energy proportion,and rated transmission power on transient overvoltage from three different perspectives.展开更多
Background Pain sensitivity is critical for preventing non-suicidal self-injury(NSSI)behaviours;however,individuals engaging in such behaviours often exhibit decreased pain sensitivity,which may undermine this natural...Background Pain sensitivity is critical for preventing non-suicidal self-injury(NSSI)behaviours;however,individuals engaging in such behaviours often exhibit decreased pain sensitivity,which may undermine this natural safeguard.The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex(DLPFC)is a key region involved in pain regulation,and recent approaches using transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS)to target the DLPFC have shown potential for modulating pain processing and restoring normal pain perception for individuals engaging in NSSI behaviours.Aims This study aimed to explore the immediate and short-term effects of a single session of tDCS on pain sensitivity in individuals with NSSI,as well as its secondary effects on mood and NSSI-related factors.Methods In this randomised,double-blind,parallel,sham-controlled clinical trial,participants with a history of NSSI were randomly assigned to receive either active or sham tDCS.The intervention consisted of a single 20 min tDCS session targeting the left DLPFC.The primary outcome was pain sensitivity,measured by the pressure pain threshold(PPT)and heat pain score(HPS).Secondary and additional outcomes included NSSI urges,NSSI resistance,self-efficacy in resisting NSSI,mood-related variables and exploratory cognitive-affective processes such as rumination,self-criticism and self-perceived pain sensitivity,assessed at baseline,immediately post-intervention,and at 24 hours,1 week and 2 weeks follow-ups.Results For the primary outcomes,no significant differences between groups were observed for pain sensitivity(PPT,padj=0.812;HPS,padj=0.608).However,an exploratory sensitivity analysis treating each trial as an individual observation revealed a significant effect on HPS(padj=0.036).For the secondary and additional outcomes,although there were initial improvements in joyful feelings and reductions in negative affect at 2 weeks post-intervention,these effects did not remain significant after multiple comparison corrections.Notably,reductions in rumination were statistically significant at both 1-week and 2-week follow-ups(1 week,p_(adj)=0.040;2 weeks,p_(adj)=0.042).There were no significant effects on NSSI urges,NSSI resistance,self-efficacy in resisting NSSI or self-criticism.Conclusions A single session of tDCS over the left DLPFC did not produce significant changes in pain sensitivity in individuals with NSSI.A sensitivity analysis indicated an effect on heat pain sensitivity,possibly reflecting changes in brain activity,warranting confirmation through neuroimaging.These findings suggest that tDCS warrants further investigation for its potential to influence pain-related cognitive-affective processes in individuals with NSSI.展开更多
Interconnection planning involving bi-directional converters(BdCs)is crucial for enhancing the reliability and robustness of hybrid alternating current(AC)/direct current(DC)microgrid clusters with high penetrations o...Interconnection planning involving bi-directional converters(BdCs)is crucial for enhancing the reliability and robustness of hybrid alternating current(AC)/direct current(DC)microgrid clusters with high penetrations of renewable energy resources(RESs).However,challenges such as the non-convex nature of BdC efficiency and renewable energy uncertainty complicate the planning process.To address these issues,this paper proposes a tri-level BdC-based planning framework that incorporates dynamic BdC efficiency and a data-correlated uncertainty set(DcUS)derived from historical data patterns.The proposed framework employs a least-squares approximation to linearize BdC efficiency and constructs the DcUS to balance computational efficiency and solution robustness.Additionally,a fully parallel column and constraint generation algorithm is developed to solve the model efficiently.Numerical simulations on a practical hybrid AC/DC microgrid system demonstrate that the proposed method reduces interconnection costs by up to 21.8%compared to conventional uncertainty sets while ensuring robust operation under all considered scenarios.These results highlight the computational efficiency,robustness,and practicality of the proposed approach,making it a promising solution for modern power systems.展开更多
In order to gain a deeper understanding of the effect of pulsed current on the mechanical properties and size effect of nanocrystalline Ni foils,nanocrystalline Ni foils with different grain thickness-to-grain size ra...In order to gain a deeper understanding of the effect of pulsed current on the mechanical properties and size effect of nanocrystalline Ni foils,nanocrystalline Ni foils with different grain thickness-to-grain size ratios(λ)were prepared using pulsed electrodeposition in this paper and unidirectional tensile experiments were carried out at room temperature with different currents and their applied directions.The experimental results show that the nanocrystalline Ni foil produces an obvious electroplasticity effect after applying the current field,and when 300<λ<1100,the current weakens the size effect of nanocrystalline Ni foils to a certain extent,and the angle between the current direction and the deformation direction also affects the mechanical response of nanocrystalline Ni foils,and when the angle between the current direction and the deformation direction is 0°,electroplasticity effect is the best,and the current has the most significant effect of abating the size effect of the material.The mechanism of unidirectional tensile deformation of nanocrystalline Ni foils under the effect of pulsed current was analyzed using TEM and TKD.It was found that the applied pulse current increased the activity of the nanocrystalline boundaries,promoted the movement of dislocations,and reduced the tendency of dislocation entanglement.The higher the peak current density and the smaller the angle between the direction of the current and the direction of deformation,the smaller the grain boundary orientation difference,the more dispersed the grain orientation,and the lower the density of geometrically necessary dislocations(GND)in the deformed nanocrystalline foil,the more significant the effect on material plasticity improvement.展开更多
BACKGROUND Postoperative delirium(POD),an acute neuropsychiatric complication in elderly surgical patients,manifests as attention and cognitive disturbances that may last 24-72 hours after surgery,potentially progress...BACKGROUND Postoperative delirium(POD),an acute neuropsychiatric complication in elderly surgical patients,manifests as attention and cognitive disturbances that may last 24-72 hours after surgery,potentially progressing to dementia.Transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS),a non-invasive neuromodulation technique,enhances cortical excitability and cognitive function by modulating brain networks and synaptic plasticity.Elderly patients undergoing major laparoscopic surgery face elevated POD risks due to prolonged anesthesia and pneumoperitoneum-induced cerebral hypoperfusion.This study investigates whether pre-anesthesia tDCS can reduce POD incidence in this population.AIM To investigate the effect of preoperative tDCS on reducing the incidence of POD in elderly patients undergoing major laparoscopic surgery.METHODS In this study,we enrolled 220 elderly patients who underwent major laparoscopic surgery between April 2024 and December 2024.Patients were randomly assigned to the active-tDCS(group A)and sham-tDCS(group S)groups.A single session of tDCS or sham stimulation was administered 30 minutes before anesthesia induction.The primary outcome was the incidence of POD during within 3 days postoperatively.RESULTS A total of 201 patients were included in the final analysis,with 100 patients in group A and 101 in group S.The incidence of POD within 3 days postoperatively was 7.0%in group A,which was significantly lower than 22.8%in group S.On postoperative day 1,the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and Self-Rating Depression Scale scores significantly differed between the two groups,but the pain scores showed no significant difference.CONCLUSION A single session of preoperative tDCS can reduce the incidence of POD in elderly patients undergoing major laparoscopic surgery and can also reduce postoperative anxiety and depression in these patients.展开更多
The characteristics of nitrided layers prepared on commercially pure titanium substrates by direct current nitrogen arc are presented by scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and transmission electron microscopy （TEM...The characteristics of nitrided layers prepared on commercially pure titanium substrates by direct current nitrogen arc are presented by scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and transmission electron microscopy （TEM） micrographs as well as X-ray diffraction （ XRD ）. The titanium nitride （ TiN ） dendrites were fully developed with interconnected cellular morphologies at the top surface but grew almost perpendicular to the integrace with coarser arms in the middle area. Also less TiN was found near the interface. The energy inputs had an obvious effect on the microstructures and the hardness of the nitrided layers. The maximum micro-hardness was 2 500 HV at the top surface which was over 9 times higher than that of the substrate.展开更多
The sub-forum on standardization of new energy and direct-current diversified applications was held on July 9,which gathered leaders and experts to discuss how to thoroughly implement the national green power direct c...The sub-forum on standardization of new energy and direct-current diversified applications was held on July 9,which gathered leaders and experts to discuss how to thoroughly implement the national green power direct connection policy proposed in the transformation of the energy landscape,pool wisdom to tackle bottlenecks in the industrialization of DC technology,and leverage the role of standardization in coordinating and regulating the diversified applications of DC technology.It was designed to promote the establishment of a collaborative,open,and advanced global standards system for DC technology.展开更多
Trigeminal neuralgia is a severe,disabling pain and its deafferentation remains a challenge for health providers.Transcranial direct current stimulation is a non-invasive stimulation technique which finds new utility ...Trigeminal neuralgia is a severe,disabling pain and its deafferentation remains a challenge for health providers.Transcranial direct current stimulation is a non-invasive stimulation technique which finds new utility in managing pain.There-fore,the introduction of alternative,non-invasive,safe,and effective methods should be considered in treating patients with trigeminal neuralgia unresponsive to conventional treatment.展开更多
Low valence vanadium oxide(VO2-x) thin films were prepared on SiO2/Si substrates at room temperature by direct current facing targets reactive magnetron sputtering, and then proc- essed through rapid thermal annealing...Low valence vanadium oxide(VO2-x) thin films were prepared on SiO2/Si substrates at room temperature by direct current facing targets reactive magnetron sputtering, and then proc- essed through rapid thermal annealing. The effects of the annealing on the structure and phase transition property of VO2 were discussed. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction tech- nique and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were employed to study the phase composition and structure of the thin films. The resistance-temperature property was measured. The results show that VO2 thin film is obtained after annealed at 320 ℃ for 3 h, its phase transition tempera- ture is 56 ℃, and the resistance changes by more than 2 orders. The vanadium oxide thin films are applicable in thermochromic smart windows, and the deposition and annealing process is compatible with micro electromechanical system process.展开更多
Background: Flow FL-100 is a transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) device self-administered by a patient at home in combination with a software application delivered wellbeing behaviour therapy training. tDCS...Background: Flow FL-100 is a transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) device self-administered by a patient at home in combination with a software application delivered wellbeing behaviour therapy training. tDCS has evidence of effectiveness in treating symptoms of depression. Purpose/Aim: This post marketing study evaluated the effect of Flow on depression for primary care general practice patients with depression symptoms. Methods: Open-label patient cohort design with no control group. Inclusion criteria were aged 18 years or over and reporting depression symptoms. Participants self-administered five 30 minute tDCS sessions per week for the first three weeks, and then 3 sessions per week following this. Three, six and ten week assessment with participant self-report measure: Montgomery- Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS-S). Results: MADRS-S remission rates were between 29% - 30% at three weeks, 33% - 34% at six-weeks and 50% at 10-weeks treatment. There was a significant improvement in MADRS-S with large effect sizes at all time points. Conclusions: Flow tDCS can be delivered through a primary healthcare general practice service and patients will choose to use. Flow tDCS provides an effective depression treatment in addition and as an alternative to antidepressants and psychotherapy. tDCS has evidence as an effective depression treatment, and the widespread availability of tDCS in primary care general practice should be considered.展开更多
Chronic pain, a multidimensional experience affecting individuals’ sensory, cognitive, and emotional aspects, significantly impacts their quality of life. Post-laminectomy syndrome, a condition characterized by persi...Chronic pain, a multidimensional experience affecting individuals’ sensory, cognitive, and emotional aspects, significantly impacts their quality of life. Post-laminectomy syndrome, a condition characterized by persistent back pain following spinal surgery, often leads to disability and increased healthcare utilization. Methods: This randomized, controlled, blind clinical trial aimed to investigate the efficacy of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in managing pain from post-laminectomy syndrome in patients. Twenty-four participants were assigned to three groups: sham stimulation, active stimulation over primary motor cortex (M1), or stimulation over dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Stimulation was administered for five consecutive days, 20 minutes per session, using a current of 1.5 mA through 25 cm<sup>2</sup> electrodes. Pain intensity was assessed using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before, during, and after intervention. Results: An ANOVA model demonstrates significant reduction in pain intensity compared to baseline in VAS, (F(7, 285) = 12.292;p 0.001;Power = 1.000;η2p = 0.534), in tDCS applied to M1, after five days of intervention. After stimulation, a significant improvement was observed in WHOQoL-Bref Quality of life item 1 (p = 0.04), considering statistical significant difference p 0.05. Correlation between the variables: quality of life, depression, anxiety and pain also demonstrates reduction in depression and anxiety according to Beck’s Depression and Anxiety Inventories (BDI and BAI), p 0.05. This effect was not observed in DLPFC stimulation group. Patients who believed they received active stimulation, in sham group, demonstrated potential for effective blinding. Conclusion: The tDCS applied to primary motor cortex effectively improved pain management and psychiatry symptoms in post-laminectomy syndrome patients. The technique’s low cost, ease of use, and high tolerability make it a promising adjuvant therapy for chronic pain conditions like post-laminectomy syndrome.展开更多
Background: Working memory is an executive function that plays an important role in many aspects of daily life, and its impairment in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects quality of li...Background: Working memory is an executive function that plays an important role in many aspects of daily life, and its impairment in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects quality of life. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has been a good target site for transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) due to its intense involvement in working memory. In our 2018 study, tDCS improved visual-verbal working memory in healthy subjects. Objective: This study examines the effects of tDCS on ADHD patients, particularly on verbal working memory. Methods: We conducted an experiment involving verbal working memory of two modalities, visual and auditory, and a sustained attention task that could affect working memory in 9 ADHD patients. Active or sham tDCS was applied to the left DLPFC in a single-blind crossover design. Results: tDCS significantly improved the accuracy of visual-verbal working memory. In contrast, tDCS did not affect auditory-verbal working memory and sustained attention. Conclusion: tDCS to the left DLPFC improved visual-verbal working memory in ADHD patients, with important implications for potential ADHD treatments.展开更多
文摘Exercise produces a decrease in pain sensitivity via an effect called exercise-induced hypoalgesia(EIH).Transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS),acting on similar analgesic mechanisms as EIH,represents a potential complementary intervention that may amplify the effects of exercise on pain.This study aimed to explore if anodal tDCS could enhance the effect of exercise on pain compared to exercise alone.A total of 35 healthy participants aged 19–37 years completed a familiarisation session followed by two separate sessions where active and sham tDCS was applied in a randomised cross-over design.The familiarisation session involved familiarisation to the pain assessment and exercise tasks,while the subsequent tDCS sessions involved pain sensitivity assessment,exercise and either anodal tDCS or sham tDCS.tDCS doses were applied at 2 mA over the primary motor cortex for 10 min,with the reference electrode placed over the contralateral supraorbital area.The exercise task involved a sustained isometric grip strength contraction at 35%of maximal voluntary contraction(MVC)until volitional exhaustion.Pain sensitivity was evaluated as pressure pain threshold before tDCS,after tDCS,and after exercise.Across both tDCS conditions,pain threshold was higher after exercise when compared to pre-and post-tDCS measurement.This increase in pain threshold did not differ between active and sham tDCS conditions.Our findings suggest that the hypoalgesic effects of active anodal tDCS over the motor cortex prior to exercise are no greater than the effects of sham tDCS prior to exercise.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(51974155)the Outstanding Young Scientific and Technological Talents Project of University of Science and Technology Liaoning(2023YQ07)+4 种基金the University of Science and Technology Liaoning Young Foundation(2018QN06)National Natural Science Foundation of China(51774178)the National Key Research and Development Program(2021YFB3702005)the Central Government Guides Local Science and Technology Development Fund Projects(2023JH6/100100046)the Liaoning Provincial Department of Education Basic Research Projects for Universities(JYTQN2023242).
文摘Herein,the effect of direct current(DC)attached the mold on refining the microstructure and alleviating the central segregation of a tin–bismuth(Sn–10 wt.%Bi)alloy ingot during the solidification process has been investigated.The experiment used a self-made device,which can achieve the effect of refining the solidified structure and alleviate the segregation of the metal casting.Numerical simulations were performed to calculate the Lorentz force,Joule heating and induced melt vortex flow for the magneto-hydrodynamic case.Our results show that the maximum velocity of the global electro-vortex reached 0.017 m s^(–1).The DC-induced electro-vortex was found to be the primary reason of refining the equiaxed grain and alleviating the segregation of theβ-Sn crystal boundary.The grain refining effect observed in these experiments can be solely attributed to the forced melt flow driven by the Lorentz force.DC field attached the mold can lead to grain refinement and alleviate the segregation of the ingot via a global vortex.The technology can be applied not only to opened molds,but also toward improving the quality in closed molds.
文摘BACKGROUND Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric condition with complex symptomatology,including debilitating auditory hallucinations.Transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS)has been explored as an adjunctive treatment to alleviate such symptoms.AIM To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of tDCS in schizophrenia.METHODS Adhering to PRISMA guidelines,we systematically searched PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,and the Cochrane Library on September 19,2023,for randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of tDCS in schizophrenia,with no language or time restrictions.We included studies that compared tDCS with a control condition and reported clinically relevant outcomes.Data extraction and quality assessments were performed by independent evaluators using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool.Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated,and a random-effects model was applied due to moderate heterogeneity(I2=41.3%).RESULTS Nine studies comprising 425 participants(tDCS group:219,control group:206)were included.The meta-analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in auditory hallucination scores following tDCS treatment(weighted mean difference:-2.18,95%confidence interval:-4.0 to-0.29,P<0.01).Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the results,with no significant influence from individual studies.Additionally,publication bias was not detected,supporting the reliability and generalizability of the findings.These results underscore the efficacy of tDCS as a therapeutic intervention for auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia.CONCLUSION tDCS significantly reduces auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia,suggesting its potential as an effective adjunctive treatment for managing this disabling symptom.The findings highlight the practical significance of tDCS in clinical settings,particularly for patients with treatment-resistant auditory hallucinations.
文摘An unauthorised version of the Chinese MMSE was used in this article by the authors without permission from the copyright owner,PAR.Necessary permission has now been retrospectively obtained from PAR.The MMSE is a copyrighted instrument and may not be used or reproduced in whole or in part,in any form or language,or by any means without the written permission of PAR(www.parinc.com).
文摘Objective:Emerging evidence shows the effectiveness of speech and language therapy(SLT);however,precise therapeutic parameters remain unclear.Evidence for the use of adjunctive transcranial direct current stimulation(t DCS)to treat post-stroke aphasia(PSA)is promising;however,the utility of combining t DCS and electroacupuncture(EA)has not yet been analyzed.This study assessed the therapeutic consequences of EA and t DCS coupled with SLT in subacute PSA patients who were also undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy(HBOT).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on subacute(<6 months)PSA patients who were divided into three groups:patients who received EA plus t DCS(acupuncture group),patients who underwent t DCS(t DCS group),and patients who experienced conventional therapy(HBOT+SLT).All subjects underwent 21 days of treatment and also received conventional treatment.The aphasia battery of Chinese(ABC)was used to score pre-and post-intervention status.Results:The analysis comprised 238 patients.Cerebral infarction was the most frequent stroke type(137[57.6%]),while motor(66[27.7%])and global aphasia(60[25.2%])were the most common types of aphasia.After 21 days of intervention,the ABC scores of all patients were improved.The acupuncture group had the highest ABC scores,but only repetition,naming,and spontaneous speech were statistically improved(P<0.01).Post-hoc tests revealed significant improvement in word retrieval in the acupuncture and t DCS groups(P<0.01,P=0.037),while the acupuncture group had additional significant improvement in spontaneous conversation(P<0.01).Conclusion:Combining acupuncture and t DCS as an adjuvant therapy for subacute PSA led to significant spontaneous speech and word retrieval improvements.Future prospective,multi-ethnic,multi-center trials are warranted.
基金This review was supported by the Department of Psychology and Neurosciences,Leibniz-Institut fiir Arbeitsforschung Ministry of Science,Research and Technology,Deputy of Scholarship and Students Affairs,Iran(95000171)the German Ministry of Research and Education(German Center for Brain Stimulation grant number 01EE1403C).
文摘Transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS)is a promising method for altering cortical excitability with clinical implications.It has been increasingly used in neurodevelopmental disorders,especially attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD),but its efficacy(based on effect size calculations),safety,and stimulation parameters have not been systematically examined.In this systematic review,we aimed to(1)explore the effectiveness of tDCS on the clinical symptoms and neuropsychological deficits of ADHD patients,(2)evaluate the safety of tDCS application,especially in children with ADHD,(3)model the electrical field intensity in the target regions based on the commonly-applied and effective versus less-effective protocols,and(4)discuss and propose advanced tDCS parameters.Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses approach,a literature search identified 14 empirical experiments investigating tDCS effects in ADHD.Partial improving effects of tDCS on cognitive deficits(response inhibition,working memory,attention,and cognitive flexibility)or clinical symptoms(e.g.,impulsivity and inattention)are reported in10 studies.No serious adverse effects are reported in 747 sessions of tDCS.The left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex are the regions most often targeted,and anodal tDCS the protocol most often applied.An intensity of 2 mA induced stronger electrical fields than 1 mA in adults with ADHD and was associated with significant behavioral changes.In ADHD children,however,the electrical field induced by 1 mA,which is likely larger than the electrical field induced by 1 mA in adults due to the smaller head size of children,was sufficient to result in significant behavioral change.Overall,tDCS seems to be a promising method for improving ADHD deficits.However,the clinical utility of tDCS in ADHD cannot yet be concluded and requires further systematic investigation in larger sample sizes.Cortical regions involved in ADHD pathophysiology,stimulation parameters(e.g.intensity,duration,polarity,and electrode size),and types of symptom/deficit are potential determinants of tDCS efficacy in ADHD.Developmental aspects of tDCS in childhood ADHD should be considered as well.
文摘In the field of Second Language Acquisition （SLA）, motivation has played a crucial role for language learning and teaching. Just as motivation is important in SLA, demotivation constitutes an important factor for both students and teachers. In our previous study, investigating 97 teachers for demotivational factors, the teachers felt demotivated to see students＇ lack of interest and bad attitudes, as well as dissatisfaction with curriculum, teaching material and poor facilities. We concluded further investigation was necessary as to how teachers regain motivation and hopefully toward directed motivational current （DMC）, which not only provides a direction for action, but it also energizes action （D6myei et al, 2016）. In our present study, compared to our previous study which was analyzed quantitatively, we have collected qualitative data from some 34 college teachers investigating when they felt demotivated, what they did to cope with it, and how they regained their motivation. Data was collected, analyzed qualitatively, and factors which may lead to DMC was extracted. It is hoped that this study will be beneficial for facilitating better SLA learning and teaching, and also for teacher training.
基金supported by Key Natural Science Research Projects of Colleges and Universities in Anhui Province(2022AH051831).
文摘The integration of large-scale new energy and high-capacity DC transmission leads to a reduction in system inertia.Grid-forming renewable energy sources(GF-RES)has a significant improvement effect on system inertia.Commutation failure faults may cause a short-term reactive power surplus at the sending end and trigger transient overvoltage,threatening the safe and stable operation of the power grid.However,there is a lack of research on the calculation method of transient overvoltage caused by commutation failure in high-voltage DC transmission systems with grid-forming renewable energy sources integration.Based on the existing equivalent model of highvoltage DC transmission systems at the sending end,this paper proposes to construct a model of the high-voltage DC transmission system at the sending end with grid-forming renewable energy sources.The paper first clarifies the mechanism of overvoltage generation,then considers the reactive power droop control characteristics of GF-RES,and derives the transient voltage calculation model of theDC transmission system with GF-RES integration.It also proposes a calculation method for transient overvoltage at the sending-end converter bus with GF-RES integration.Based on the PSCAD/EMTDC simulation platform,this paper builds an experimental simulation model.By constructing three different experimental scenarios,the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed transient overvoltage calculation method are verified,with a calculation error within 5%.At the same time,this paper quantitatively analyzes the impact of grid strength,new energy proportion,and rated transmission power on transient overvoltage from three different perspectives.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(82471564)YT is supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(32322035,32171078).
文摘Background Pain sensitivity is critical for preventing non-suicidal self-injury(NSSI)behaviours;however,individuals engaging in such behaviours often exhibit decreased pain sensitivity,which may undermine this natural safeguard.The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex(DLPFC)is a key region involved in pain regulation,and recent approaches using transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS)to target the DLPFC have shown potential for modulating pain processing and restoring normal pain perception for individuals engaging in NSSI behaviours.Aims This study aimed to explore the immediate and short-term effects of a single session of tDCS on pain sensitivity in individuals with NSSI,as well as its secondary effects on mood and NSSI-related factors.Methods In this randomised,double-blind,parallel,sham-controlled clinical trial,participants with a history of NSSI were randomly assigned to receive either active or sham tDCS.The intervention consisted of a single 20 min tDCS session targeting the left DLPFC.The primary outcome was pain sensitivity,measured by the pressure pain threshold(PPT)and heat pain score(HPS).Secondary and additional outcomes included NSSI urges,NSSI resistance,self-efficacy in resisting NSSI,mood-related variables and exploratory cognitive-affective processes such as rumination,self-criticism and self-perceived pain sensitivity,assessed at baseline,immediately post-intervention,and at 24 hours,1 week and 2 weeks follow-ups.Results For the primary outcomes,no significant differences between groups were observed for pain sensitivity(PPT,padj=0.812;HPS,padj=0.608).However,an exploratory sensitivity analysis treating each trial as an individual observation revealed a significant effect on HPS(padj=0.036).For the secondary and additional outcomes,although there were initial improvements in joyful feelings and reductions in negative affect at 2 weeks post-intervention,these effects did not remain significant after multiple comparison corrections.Notably,reductions in rumination were statistically significant at both 1-week and 2-week follow-ups(1 week,p_(adj)=0.040;2 weeks,p_(adj)=0.042).There were no significant effects on NSSI urges,NSSI resistance,self-efficacy in resisting NSSI or self-criticism.Conclusions A single session of tDCS over the left DLPFC did not produce significant changes in pain sensitivity in individuals with NSSI.A sensitivity analysis indicated an effect on heat pain sensitivity,possibly reflecting changes in brain activity,warranting confirmation through neuroimaging.These findings suggest that tDCS warrants further investigation for its potential to influence pain-related cognitive-affective processes in individuals with NSSI.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(72271213)the Shenzhen Science and Technology Program(JCYJ20220530143800001 and RCYX20221008092927070)+1 种基金the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(2024A1515240024)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFB2403500).
文摘Interconnection planning involving bi-directional converters(BdCs)is crucial for enhancing the reliability and robustness of hybrid alternating current(AC)/direct current(DC)microgrid clusters with high penetrations of renewable energy resources(RESs).However,challenges such as the non-convex nature of BdC efficiency and renewable energy uncertainty complicate the planning process.To address these issues,this paper proposes a tri-level BdC-based planning framework that incorporates dynamic BdC efficiency and a data-correlated uncertainty set(DcUS)derived from historical data patterns.The proposed framework employs a least-squares approximation to linearize BdC efficiency and constructs the DcUS to balance computational efficiency and solution robustness.Additionally,a fully parallel column and constraint generation algorithm is developed to solve the model efficiently.Numerical simulations on a practical hybrid AC/DC microgrid system demonstrate that the proposed method reduces interconnection costs by up to 21.8%compared to conventional uncertainty sets while ensuring robust operation under all considered scenarios.These results highlight the computational efficiency,robustness,and practicality of the proposed approach,making it a promising solution for modern power systems.
基金Project(51975167)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China。
文摘In order to gain a deeper understanding of the effect of pulsed current on the mechanical properties and size effect of nanocrystalline Ni foils,nanocrystalline Ni foils with different grain thickness-to-grain size ratios(λ)were prepared using pulsed electrodeposition in this paper and unidirectional tensile experiments were carried out at room temperature with different currents and their applied directions.The experimental results show that the nanocrystalline Ni foil produces an obvious electroplasticity effect after applying the current field,and when 300<λ<1100,the current weakens the size effect of nanocrystalline Ni foils to a certain extent,and the angle between the current direction and the deformation direction also affects the mechanical response of nanocrystalline Ni foils,and when the angle between the current direction and the deformation direction is 0°,electroplasticity effect is the best,and the current has the most significant effect of abating the size effect of the material.The mechanism of unidirectional tensile deformation of nanocrystalline Ni foils under the effect of pulsed current was analyzed using TEM and TKD.It was found that the applied pulse current increased the activity of the nanocrystalline boundaries,promoted the movement of dislocations,and reduced the tendency of dislocation entanglement.The higher the peak current density and the smaller the angle between the direction of the current and the direction of deformation,the smaller the grain boundary orientation difference,the more dispersed the grain orientation,and the lower the density of geometrically necessary dislocations(GND)in the deformed nanocrystalline foil,the more significant the effect on material plasticity improvement.
文摘BACKGROUND Postoperative delirium(POD),an acute neuropsychiatric complication in elderly surgical patients,manifests as attention and cognitive disturbances that may last 24-72 hours after surgery,potentially progressing to dementia.Transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS),a non-invasive neuromodulation technique,enhances cortical excitability and cognitive function by modulating brain networks and synaptic plasticity.Elderly patients undergoing major laparoscopic surgery face elevated POD risks due to prolonged anesthesia and pneumoperitoneum-induced cerebral hypoperfusion.This study investigates whether pre-anesthesia tDCS can reduce POD incidence in this population.AIM To investigate the effect of preoperative tDCS on reducing the incidence of POD in elderly patients undergoing major laparoscopic surgery.METHODS In this study,we enrolled 220 elderly patients who underwent major laparoscopic surgery between April 2024 and December 2024.Patients were randomly assigned to the active-tDCS(group A)and sham-tDCS(group S)groups.A single session of tDCS or sham stimulation was administered 30 minutes before anesthesia induction.The primary outcome was the incidence of POD during within 3 days postoperatively.RESULTS A total of 201 patients were included in the final analysis,with 100 patients in group A and 101 in group S.The incidence of POD within 3 days postoperatively was 7.0%in group A,which was significantly lower than 22.8%in group S.On postoperative day 1,the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and Self-Rating Depression Scale scores significantly differed between the two groups,but the pain scores showed no significant difference.CONCLUSION A single session of preoperative tDCS can reduce the incidence of POD in elderly patients undergoing major laparoscopic surgery and can also reduce postoperative anxiety and depression in these patients.
文摘The characteristics of nitrided layers prepared on commercially pure titanium substrates by direct current nitrogen arc are presented by scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and transmission electron microscopy （TEM） micrographs as well as X-ray diffraction （ XRD ）. The titanium nitride （ TiN ） dendrites were fully developed with interconnected cellular morphologies at the top surface but grew almost perpendicular to the integrace with coarser arms in the middle area. Also less TiN was found near the interface. The energy inputs had an obvious effect on the microstructures and the hardness of the nitrided layers. The maximum micro-hardness was 2 500 HV at the top surface which was over 9 times higher than that of the substrate.
文摘The sub-forum on standardization of new energy and direct-current diversified applications was held on July 9,which gathered leaders and experts to discuss how to thoroughly implement the national green power direct connection policy proposed in the transformation of the energy landscape,pool wisdom to tackle bottlenecks in the industrialization of DC technology,and leverage the role of standardization in coordinating and regulating the diversified applications of DC technology.It was designed to promote the establishment of a collaborative,open,and advanced global standards system for DC technology.
文摘Trigeminal neuralgia is a severe,disabling pain and its deafferentation remains a challenge for health providers.Transcranial direct current stimulation is a non-invasive stimulation technique which finds new utility in managing pain.There-fore,the introduction of alternative,non-invasive,safe,and effective methods should be considered in treating patients with trigeminal neuralgia unresponsive to conventional treatment.
基金Natural Science Foundation of Tianjin(No.043100811)the Key Program of Natural Science Foundation of Tianjin(No.08JCZDJC17500)
文摘Low valence vanadium oxide(VO2-x) thin films were prepared on SiO2/Si substrates at room temperature by direct current facing targets reactive magnetron sputtering, and then proc- essed through rapid thermal annealing. The effects of the annealing on the structure and phase transition property of VO2 were discussed. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction tech- nique and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were employed to study the phase composition and structure of the thin films. The resistance-temperature property was measured. The results show that VO2 thin film is obtained after annealed at 320 ℃ for 3 h, its phase transition tempera- ture is 56 ℃, and the resistance changes by more than 2 orders. The vanadium oxide thin films are applicable in thermochromic smart windows, and the deposition and annealing process is compatible with micro electromechanical system process.
文摘Background: Flow FL-100 is a transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) device self-administered by a patient at home in combination with a software application delivered wellbeing behaviour therapy training. tDCS has evidence of effectiveness in treating symptoms of depression. Purpose/Aim: This post marketing study evaluated the effect of Flow on depression for primary care general practice patients with depression symptoms. Methods: Open-label patient cohort design with no control group. Inclusion criteria were aged 18 years or over and reporting depression symptoms. Participants self-administered five 30 minute tDCS sessions per week for the first three weeks, and then 3 sessions per week following this. Three, six and ten week assessment with participant self-report measure: Montgomery- Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS-S). Results: MADRS-S remission rates were between 29% - 30% at three weeks, 33% - 34% at six-weeks and 50% at 10-weeks treatment. There was a significant improvement in MADRS-S with large effect sizes at all time points. Conclusions: Flow tDCS can be delivered through a primary healthcare general practice service and patients will choose to use. Flow tDCS provides an effective depression treatment in addition and as an alternative to antidepressants and psychotherapy. tDCS has evidence as an effective depression treatment, and the widespread availability of tDCS in primary care general practice should be considered.
文摘Chronic pain, a multidimensional experience affecting individuals’ sensory, cognitive, and emotional aspects, significantly impacts their quality of life. Post-laminectomy syndrome, a condition characterized by persistent back pain following spinal surgery, often leads to disability and increased healthcare utilization. Methods: This randomized, controlled, blind clinical trial aimed to investigate the efficacy of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in managing pain from post-laminectomy syndrome in patients. Twenty-four participants were assigned to three groups: sham stimulation, active stimulation over primary motor cortex (M1), or stimulation over dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Stimulation was administered for five consecutive days, 20 minutes per session, using a current of 1.5 mA through 25 cm<sup>2</sup> electrodes. Pain intensity was assessed using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before, during, and after intervention. Results: An ANOVA model demonstrates significant reduction in pain intensity compared to baseline in VAS, (F(7, 285) = 12.292;p 0.001;Power = 1.000;η2p = 0.534), in tDCS applied to M1, after five days of intervention. After stimulation, a significant improvement was observed in WHOQoL-Bref Quality of life item 1 (p = 0.04), considering statistical significant difference p 0.05. Correlation between the variables: quality of life, depression, anxiety and pain also demonstrates reduction in depression and anxiety according to Beck’s Depression and Anxiety Inventories (BDI and BAI), p 0.05. This effect was not observed in DLPFC stimulation group. Patients who believed they received active stimulation, in sham group, demonstrated potential for effective blinding. Conclusion: The tDCS applied to primary motor cortex effectively improved pain management and psychiatry symptoms in post-laminectomy syndrome patients. The technique’s low cost, ease of use, and high tolerability make it a promising adjuvant therapy for chronic pain conditions like post-laminectomy syndrome.
文摘Background: Working memory is an executive function that plays an important role in many aspects of daily life, and its impairment in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects quality of life. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has been a good target site for transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) due to its intense involvement in working memory. In our 2018 study, tDCS improved visual-verbal working memory in healthy subjects. Objective: This study examines the effects of tDCS on ADHD patients, particularly on verbal working memory. Methods: We conducted an experiment involving verbal working memory of two modalities, visual and auditory, and a sustained attention task that could affect working memory in 9 ADHD patients. Active or sham tDCS was applied to the left DLPFC in a single-blind crossover design. Results: tDCS significantly improved the accuracy of visual-verbal working memory. In contrast, tDCS did not affect auditory-verbal working memory and sustained attention. Conclusion: tDCS to the left DLPFC improved visual-verbal working memory in ADHD patients, with important implications for potential ADHD treatments.
