The plasma membrane

Acetylcholine (ACh) plays an important role in memory function and has been implicated in aging-related dementia, in which the impairment of hippocampus-dependent learning strongly manifests. Cholinergic neurons densely innervate the hippocampus, mediating the formation of episodic as well as semantic memory. Here, we will review recent findings on acetylcholine's modulation of memory function, with a particular focus on hippocampus-dependent learning, and the circuits involved. In addition, we will discuss the complexity of ACh actions in memory function to better understand the physiological role of ACh in memory.

This is an article for the special issue XVth International Symposium on Cholinergic Mechanisms.

https://www.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jnc.14052

Cholinergic modulation of the hippocampal region and memory function.

Experimental and numerical studies on the mechanical behaviour of Australian Strathbogie granite at high temperatures: An application to geothermal energy

The purpose of this study is to identify the crack initiation and damage stress thresholds of granite from the Korea atomic energy research institute’s Underground Research Tunnel (KURT). From this, a quantitative damage evolution was inferred using various methods, including the crack volumetric strain, b value, the damage parameter from the moment tensor, and the acoustic emission (AE) energy. Uniaxial compression tests were conducted, during which both the stress–strain and AE activity were recorded simultaneously. The crack initiation threshold was found at a stress level of 0.42–0.53 σc, and the crack damage threshold was identified at 0.62–0.84 σc. The normalized integrity of KURT granite was inferred at each stress level from the damage parameter by assuming that the damage is accumulated beyond the crack initiation stress threshold. The maximum deviation between the crack volumetric strain and the AE method was 16.0 %, which was noted at a stress level of 0.84 σc. The damage parameters of KURT granite derived from a mechanically measured stress–strain relationship (crack volumetric strain) were successfully related and compared to those derived from physically detected acoustic emission waves. From a comprehensive comparison of damage identification and quantification methods, it was finally suggested that damage estimations using the AE energy method are preferred from the perspectives of practical field applicability and the reliability of the obtained damage values.

A Comparative Evaluation of Stress–Strain and Acoustic Emission Methods for Quantitative Damage Assessments of Brittle Rock

Summary Background Nutrition is an important modifiable risk factor in Alzheimer's disease. Previous trials of the multinutrient Fortasyn Connect showed benefits in mild Alzheimer's disease dementia. LipiDiDiet investigated the effects of Fortasyn Connect on cognition and related measures in prodromal Alzheimer's disease. Here, we report the 24-month results of the trial. Methods LipiDiDiet was a 24-month randomised, controlled, double-blind, parallel-group, multicentre trial (11 sites in Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden), with optional 12-month double-blind extensions. The trial enrolled individuals with prodromal Alzheimer's disease, defined according to the International Working Group (IWG)-1 criteria. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to active product (125 mL once-a-day drink containing Fortasyn Connect) or control product. Randomisation was computer-generated centrally in blocks of four, stratified by site. All study personnel and participants were masked to treatment assignment. The primary endpoint was change in a neuropsychological test battery (NTB) score. Analysis was by modified intention to treat. Safety analyses included all participants who consumed at least one study product dose. This trial is registered with the Dutch Trial Register, number NTR1705. Findings Between April 20, 2009, and July 3, 2013, 311 of 382 participants screened were randomly assigned to the active group (n=153) or control group (n=158). Mean change in NTB primary endpoint was −0·028 (SD 0·453) in the active group and −0·108 (0·528) in the control group; estimated mean treatment difference was 0·098 (95% CI −0·041 to 0·237; p=0·166). The decline in the control group was less than the prestudy estimate of −0·4 during 24 months. 66 (21%) participants dropped out of the study. Serious adverse events occurred in 34 (22%) participants in the active group and 30 (19%) in control group (p=0·487), none of which were regarded as related to the study intervention. Interpretation The intervention had no significant effect on the NTB primary endpoint over 2 years in prodromal Alzheimer's disease. However, cognitive decline in this population was much lower than expected, rendering the primary endpoint inadequately powered. Group differences on secondary endpoints of disease progression measuring cognition and function and hippocampal atrophy were observed. Further study of nutritional approaches with larger sample sizes, longer duration, or a primary endpoint more sensitive in this pre-dementia population, is needed. Funding European Commission 7th Framework Programme.

24-month intervention with a specific multinutrient in people with prodromal Alzheimer's disease (LipiDiDiet): a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial

Vladimír Rudajev

Papers

Laboratory studies of acoustic emission prior to uniaxial compressive rock failure

Functional cholinergic damage develops with amyloid accumulation in young adult APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mice.

Determination of the anisotropy of elastic waves monitored by a sparse sensor network

Application of autocorrelation analysis for interpreting acoustic emission in rock

Uncoupling of M1 muscarinic receptor/G-protein interaction by amyloid β(1-42).