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• Snf7-3 KO mice reveal its role in synaptic function and cognitive processing. • Snf7-3 KO mice show age-dependent social recognition deficits and higher mEPSCs. • Conditional Snf7-3 KO causes early cognitive deficits and synaptic hyperactivity. • Snf7-3 deficiency increases pre- and postsynaptic puncta in hippocampal neurons. • Snf7-3 is crucial for synaptic maintenance and may contribute to neurodegeneration. Snf7-3 is a crucial component of the endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) pathway, playing a vital role in endolysosomal functions. To elucidate the role of Snf7-3 in vivo, we developed conventional-like and conditional Snf7-3 knockout (KO) mouse models using a "Knockout-first" strategy. Conventional-like Snf7-3 KO mice showed significantly reduced Snf7-3 mRNA expression, and older mice (25–40 weeks) exhibited impaired social recognition and increased miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs). Similarly, conditional KO mice aged 8–24 weeks, with Snf7-3 specifically deleted in forebrain excitatory neurons, displayed impaired object location memory and elevated mEPSC frequency. Consistently, Snf7-3 knockdown in cultured mouse hippocampal neurons led to increased densities of pre- and postsynaptic puncta, supporting the observed increase in mEPSC frequency. In addition, enhanced dendritic complexity was observed in the medial prefrontal cortex of these mice, indicating early synaptic disturbances. Our findings underscore the critical role of Snf7-3 in maintaining normal cognitive functions and social behaviors. The observed synaptic and behavioral deficits in both conventional-like and conditional KO mice highlight the importance of Snf7-3 in specific neuronal populations, suggesting that early synaptic changes could precede more pronounced cognitive impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The functional building blocks of single neurons can be conceptualized as network motifs that span the molecular and cellular scales of neuronal physiology. Single-neuron functions and neuronal plasticity emerge from interactions across several network motifs that span different neuronal compartments. Network motifs in cellular neurophysiology display various forms of degeneracy: disparate molecular components can yield the same network motif, representing component degeneracy; similar neural function can be achieved by network motifs with the same architecture but variable edge strengths, representing edge degeneracy; and the same neuronal function can be achieved through different network motifs, representing motif degeneracy. The functional modularity of network motifs allows targeted manipulation of specific motifs towards achieving physiological goals or devising cures for pathology. Concepts from network science and graph theory, including the framework of network motifs, have been frequently applied in studying neuronal networks and other biological complex systems. Network-based approaches can also be used to study the functions of individual neurons, where cellular elements such as ion channels and membrane voltage are conceptualized as nodes within a network, and their interactions are denoted by edges. Network motifs in this context provide functional building blocks that help to illuminate the principles of cellular neurophysiology. In this review we build a case that network motifs operating within neurons provide tools for defining the functional architecture of single-neuron physiology and neuronal adaptations. We highlight the presence of such computational motifs in the cellular mechanisms underlying action potential generation, neuronal oscillations, dendritic integration, and neuronal plasticity. Future work applying the network motifs perspective may help to decipher the functional complexities of neurons and their adaptation during health and disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are attracting worldwide attention due to their multiple merits such as extreme safety, low cost, feasible assembly, and environmentally friendly enabled by water-based electrolytes. At present, AZIBs have experienced systematic advances in battery components including cathode, anode, and electrolyte, whereas research involving separators is insufficient. The separator is the crucial component of AZIBs through providing ion transport, forming contact with electrodes, serving as a container for electrolyte, and ensuring the efficient battery operation. Considering this great yet ignored significance, it is timely to present the latest advances in design strategies, the systematic classification and summary of separators. We summarize the separator optimization strategies mainly along two approaches including the modification of the frequently used glass fiber and the exploitation of new separators. The advantages and disadvantages of the two strategies are analyzed from the material types and the characteristics of different strategies. The effects and mechanisms of various materials on regulating the uniform migration and deposition of Zn2+, balancing the excessively concentrated nucleation points, inhibiting the growth of dendrites, and the occurrence of side reactions were discussed using confinement, electric field regulation, ion interaction force, desolvation, etc. Finally, potential directions for further improvement and development of AZIBs separators are proposed, aiming at providing helpful guidance for this booming field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We summarized in this review paper the underlying degradation mechanisms of Mg anodes. [Display omitted] Rechargeable magnesium batteries (rMBs) have been regarded as one of the most promising battery systems among the post-lithium-ion batteries (post-LIBs) due to their high energy density, abundant reserves, low cost and environmental friendliness. Unfortunately, a major obstacle to commercial applications of rMBs is the undesired degradation phenomena of Mg anode induced by uneven Mg deposition and the passivation, which leads to inferior reversibility of Mg deposition/stripping. The recent progress in development of anode materials and their compatibility with electrolytes has provided valuable experience. In this review, the underlying degradation mechanisms of Mg anode are first systematically summarized and elucidated. In addition, several main strategies for building stable anodes and anode/electrolyte interfaces are intensively discussed. Finally, the remaining opportunities and challenges for future research are briefly elaborated in this field. This review is expected to provide a great impetus to enlighten novel material and structural design engineering, and thereby promote the electrochemical performance of magnesium-based and other related emerging battery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The weak solvent γ-valerolactone serves as a "diluent" and a strong hydrogen bonding ligand to realize stable operation of aqueous zinc metal batteries over a wide temperature range by efficiently modulating hydrogen bonding and regulating zinc nucleation and growth behavior at the electrode interface. [Display omitted] The development of electrolytes with a wide temperature range, no dendrite growth and corrosion resistance is essential for the practical application of aqueous zinc metal batteries. Herein, γ-valerolactone is developed as the co-solvent to extend the operating temperature range of the aqueous electrolyte and stabilize the zinc metal anode interface. This weak solvent acts as a strong hydrogen bonding ligand and "diluent" to break the hydrogen bonds between free water molecules, thus enhancing the temperature tolerance and chemical stability of the electrolyte. The γ-valerolactone can also be adsorbed on the anode surface to achieve a dendrite-free zinc deposition behavior by promoting zinc nucleation and regulating zinc growth texture. The optimized electrolyte enables the symmetric cell to deliver a cycle/rest life of 2160 h and operate stably over a wide temperature range of −50 to 80 °C. The corresponding Zn||AC and Zn||PANI cells exhibit capacity retention of 92.5% and 85% after 8100 and 1600 cycles, respectively. This mechanism of weak solvent-regulated hydrogen bonding and solvent sheath provides new insights into the design of advanced aqueous electrolytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solidification is the foundation upon which freeze casting is built, and this work seeks to understand the solidification process in freeze casting, especially with respect to the growth of dendrites. To this end, two solidification parameters, freezing front velocity and temperature gradient, were independently controlled using a gradient-controlled freeze casting setup to investigate the effects of each parameter. Changes in dendritic pore size and morphology with solidification parameters were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The results agree with dendrite growth theory. The theory of constitutional supercooling is used to describe the morphological changes of dendritic pores to cellular pores by the control of freezing front velocity, temperature gradient, and preceramic polymer concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unique morphology of neurons consists of a long axon and a highly variable arbour of dendritic processes, which assort neuronal cells into the main classes. The dendritic tree serves as the main domain for receiving synaptic input. Therefore, to maintain the structure and to be able to plastically change according to the incoming stimuli, molecules and organelles need to be readily available. This is achieved mainly via bi-directional transport of cargo along the microtubule lattices. Analysis of dendritic transport is lagging behind the investigation of axonal transport. Moreover, addressing transport mechanisms in tissue environment is very challenging and, therefore, rare. We employed high-speed volumetric lattice light-sheet microscopy and single particle tracking of truncated KIF1A motor protein lacking the cargo-binding domain. We focused our analysis on dendritic processes of CA1 pyramidal neurons in cultured hippocampal tissue. Analysis of individual trajectories revealed detailed information about stalling and high variability in movement and speed, and biased directionality of KIF1A. Furthermore, we could also observe KIF1A shortly entering into dendritic spines. We provide a workflow to analyse variations in the speed and direction of motor protein movement in dendrites that are either intrinsic properties of the motor domain or depend on the structure and modification of the microtubule trails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrite-like three-dimensional (3D) MgCo 2 O 4 /C nanofibers were fabricated by using a simple single-needle electrospinning method and adjusting the carbonization temperatures. The dendrite-like 3D MgCo 2 O 4 /C nanofibers are composed of 1D MgCo 2 O 4 /C nanofibers as trunks and secondary carbon nanowires/nanotubes as branches. The diameters of the 1D MgCo 2 O 4 /C nanofiber trunks and carbon nanotube/nanowire branches are approximately 500 nm and 20–40 nm, respectively; the lengths of these branches are approximately 200–500 nm. The dendrite-like 3D MgCo 2 O 4 /C nanofibers possess a large specific surface area of 314.027 g/m2 and excellent electrochemical performance for supercapacitor owing to their unique structural features. The growth mechanism of the dendrite-like 3D nanofibers was also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A zincophilic and rich active sites zinc electrodes for dual-membrane Zn-Ce redox flow battery was synthesized. • The modified electrode exhibits remarkable electrochemical performance for dual-membrane Zn-Ce redox flow battery. • The life of Zn-Ce redox flow battery has been significantly improved. The development of large-scale grid storage systems has increased interest in redox flow batteries due to their flexible design characteristics, which can help overcome the intermittency of renewable energy. Zn-Ce redox flow battery is considered as one of the most promising redox flow batteries due to its high voltage and low cost. However, using Zn metal anodes in this context remains problematic due to issues with corrosion and dendrite growth, as well as electrolyte incompatibility, which limits their cycling performance and practical application. Herein, an indium-based protective layer is constructed on the Zn anode cooperating with a dual-membrane cell configuration to solve these problems. Due to its unique physical and chemical properties, the zincophilic indium protective layer can effectively prevent electrolyte corrosion as well as regulate the behavior of Zn plating and stripping. Moreover, a dual-membrane cell configuration is used to mitigate electrolyte incompatibility since it uses specified ions as charge carriers and blocks the infamous H+ poisoning on the zinc side. The cell exhibits a high discharge voltage plateau of 2.2 V at 20 mA cm−2 and maintains a high average energy efficiency of 84.39 % over 80 cycles. This work presents a practical method to enhance the cycling performance of the Zn-Ce battery by incorporating an In-based protective layer with a dual-membrane cell configuration, resulting in unparalleled efficiency and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-scale analysis of single-cell gene expression has revealed transcriptomically defined cell subclasses present throughout the primate neocortex with gene expression profiles that differ depending upon neocortical region. Here, we test whether the interareal differences in gene expression translate to regional specializations in the physiology and morphology of infragranular glutamatergic neurons by performing Patch-seq experiments in brain slices from the temporal cortex (TCx) and motor cortex (MCx) of the macaque. We confirm that transcriptomically defined extratelencephalically projecting neurons of layer 5 (L5 ET neurons) include retrogradely labeled corticospinal neurons in the MCx and find multiple physiological properties and ion channel genes that distinguish L5 ET from non-ET neurons in both areas. Additionally, while infragranular ET and non-ET neurons retain distinct neuronal properties across multiple regions, there are regional morpho-electric and gene expression specializations in the L5 ET subclass, providing mechanistic insights into the specialized functional architecture of the primate neocortex. [Display omitted] • Transcriptomically defined L5 ET neurons project subcerebrally in macaques • Ion channel gene expression differentiates neuronal subclasses and neocortical areas • L5 ET versus non-ET neuron physiological differences are conserved across regions • Many cross-areal differences in L5 ET morpho-electric properties exist in macaques Using Patch-seq recordings of macaque infragranular pyramidal neurons, including retrogradely labeled corticospinal neurons, Dembrow et al. identify cell-type and areal differences in gene expression, morphology, and physiology. These data demonstrate that regional specializations in function and cytoarchitecture are accompanied by differences in the intrinsic properties of discrete cell types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In practical applications, rechargeable aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) face challenges such as battery leakage and pronounced dendrite growth on the zinc anode, primarily due to the absence of superior electrolyte materials. These issues significantly impact the longevity and reliability of AZIBs. To address these problems, we have designed a novel Zn(CF 3 SO 3) 2 -polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)-Cu(CF 3 SO 3) 2 gel electrolyte(CPVF) consisting of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) synergized with Cu2+. This innovative electrolyte not only effectively prevents leakage, a common issue with conventional electrolytes, but also promotes the uniform deposition of zinc ions. The ordered porous structure within the PVA matrix restricts the uncontrolled growth of zinc dendrites, while the Cu2+ in the gel offer a multitude of uniform zinc-philic sites in the form of Cu0 on the zinc anode. As a result, the Zn//CPVF//Zn symmetrical battery demonstrates remarkable cycling stability, with a lifespan exceeding 1200 h at 1 mA/cm2 and 0.5 mAh/cm2. Furthermore, the Zn//CPVF//V 2 O 5 full cell retains 82.6 % of its capacity after 500 cycles at 1 A/g. The research results provide guidance for the design and optimization of high-performance and low-cost AZIBs electrolyte materials. • The Cu2+ in CPVF gel electrolyte can induce the uniform deposition of zinc ions. • The zinc ion transfer numbers of Zn//CPVF//Zn battery is as high as 0.86. • The Zn//CPVF//Zn battery can be stably cycled for more than 1200 h at 1 mA/cm2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The problems of Mg metal anode, such as Mg dendrites, passive film, poor corrosion resistance, and poor compatibility with electrolytes, were described in detail. • The optimization strategies for the anode side of Mg batteries are summarized from the perspectives of the structural design of Mg anodes, interface adjustment, and the development of new electrolyte systems to improve the electrochemical performance of the batteries. • A systematic analysis and prospect of the influence of Mg anode and its interface on the performance of Mg batteries will provide more valuable references for future research. Magnesium (Mg) batteries (MBs), as post-lithium-ion batteries, have received great attention in recent years due to their advantages of high energy density, low cost, and safety insurance. However, the formation of passivation layers on the surface of Mg metal anode and the poor compatibility between Mg metal and conventional electrolytes during charge-discharge cycles seriously affect the performance of MBs. The great possibility of generating Mg dendrites has also caused controversy among researchers. Moreover, the regulation of Mg deposition and the enhancement of battery cycle stability is largely limited by interfacial stability between Mg metal anode and electrolyte. In this review, recent advances in interfacial science and engineering of MBs are summarized and discussed. Special attention is given to interfacial chemistry including passivation layer formation, incompatibilities, ion transport, and dendrite growth. Strategies for building stable electrode/interfaces, such as anode designing and electrolyte modification, construction of artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers, and development of solid-state electrolytes to improve interfacial contacts and inhibit Mg dendrite and passivation layer formation, are reviewed. Innovative approaches, representative examples, and challenges in developing high-performance anodes are described in detail. Based on the review of these strategies, reference is provided for future research to improve the performance of MBs, especially in terms of interface and anode design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decreased blood flow to the brain causes stroke and damage to neuronal networks. Neuronal damage occurs not only in the infarct core but also in areas away from the infarcts. This study was aimed to assess alterations of the cortical projection neurons that were distantly connected with the infarcts. Unilateral cortical ischemia was generated by middle cerebral artery occlusion in the right somatosensory cortex. Pre-labeled thalamocortical neurons disappeared, whereas contralateral callosal projection neurons survived 48 h post-ischemia. The unilateral ischemia increased the total length, segment length and the spine volume of dendrites from layer V callosal neurons in the homotopic cortex of the contralateral hemisphere. The morphological remolding of the contralateral cortical neurons cannot be reproduced by the spinal cord hemisection that cuts axons of corticospinal projection neurons of layer V. The data suggest that the retrograde degeneration of axons may not account for the early morphological changes in the contralateral cortex. We hypothesize that the loss of innervations from the ischemic cortex may bring in adaptive changes to the connected neurons, and adult cortical neurons can adjust their morphology to meet the reduction of synaptic inputs. This study may improve our understanding of the re-organization of cortical circuits following focal cerebral ischemia and help the development of new treatments designed to minimize the disability associated with stroke. [Display omitted] • Unilateral cerebral ischemia leads to the loss of thalamocortical neurons. • Callosal neurons still survive after unilateral cerebral ischemia. • Dendrite growth is induced by cerebral ischemia but not spinal cord hemisection. • Dendritic spines of the layer V callosal neurons remodel after cerebral ischemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The propagation of slowly-varying firing rates has been proved significant for the development of the central nervous system. Recent reports have shown that the membrane passive properties of dendrites play a key role in the computation of the single neuron, which is of great importance to the function of neural networks. However, it is still unclear how dendritic passive properties affect the ability of cortical networks to propagate slowly-varying spiking activity. Here, we use two-compartment biophysical models to construct multilayered feedforward neural networks (FFNs) to investigate how dendritic passive properties affect the propagation of the slow-varying inputs. In the two-compartment biophysical models, one compartment represents apical dendrites, and the other compartment describes the soma plus the axon initial segment. Area proportion occupied by somatic compartment and coupling conductance between dendritic and somatic compartments are abstracted to capture the dendritic passive properties. A time-varying signal is injected into the first layer of the FFNs and the fidelity of the signal during propagation is used to qualify the ability of the FFN to transmit wave-like signals. Numerical results reveal an optimal value of coupling conductance between dendritic and somatic compartments to maximize the fidelity of the initial spiking activity. An increase of the dendritic area enhances the initial firing rate of neurons in the first layer by increasing the response of neurons to slow-varying wave-like input, resulting in a delay of attenuation of the firing rate, thus promoting the transmission of signals in FFN. Using a mean-field approach, we examine that changes in area proportion occupied by somatic compartment and coupling conductance between dendritic and somatic compartment affect the signal propagation ability of the FFN by adjusting the input–output transform of a single neuron. With the participation of external noise, a wide range of initial firing rates maintains a unique representation during propagation, which ensures the reliable transmission of slow-varying signals in FFNs. These findings are helpful to understand how passive properties of dendrites participate in the propagation of slowly varying signals in the cerebellum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work demonstrates the fabrication of an N-doped PAN carbon fiber (PCF) network using the electrospinning of a polyacrylonitrile solution followed by thermal treatment. Zn plating and stripping behavior can be controlled by using a three-dimensional PCF with a polar functional group as an interlayer covering on the zinc anode. This allows for partially deposited zinc to be accommodated, which ultimately results in zinc dendrite-free deposition on the zinc anode. [Display omitted] • A novel multifunctional N doped polyacrylonitrile carbon fiber interlayer was prepared by electrospinning with heat treatment method. • Zinc deposition can be regulated by functionalized PCF interlayers. • The Zn anodes with PCF interlayers exhibit excellent plating/stripping reversibility. • The PCF based Zn/Zn symmetric cells and Zn/MnO 2 cells display excellent electrochemical performance. The aqueous zinc-ion battery's (AZBs) inherent safety and inexpensive cost make it an attractive prospect for next-generation energy storage. Nevertheless, AZBs are presently troubled by the formation of Zn dendrites and unwanted side-reactions, which can lead to cycling instability and premature collapse. This study demonstrates the fabrication of an N-doped polyacrylonitrile (PAN) carbon fiber (PCF) network with ionic conductivity using the electrospinning of a PAN solution followed by thermal treatment. Zn plating and stripping behavior can be controlled by using a three-dimensional PCF with a polar functional group as an interlayer covering on the zinc anode. This allows for partially deposited zinc to be accommodated, which ultimately results in zinc dendrite-free deposition on the zinc anode. This phenomenon is initially proven in Zn@PCF symmetric cells, and then it is demonstrated further in Zn@PCF/MnO 2 whole cells, where the dendritic Zn anode surfaces become completely smooth and devoid of any features. This results in a charging and discharging cycle that is far longer than one would normally experience. The findings of this study offer a viable path toward the development of dendrite-free AZBs with great performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uncontrolled dendritic lithium production issues and the highly reactive behavior of lithium with electrolytes has limited use of lithium metal batteries. Herein, we utilized a straightforward method of the Complexion-Induced Phase Separation (CIPS) to fabricate a Cu2+ coordinated polybenzimidazole (PBI) membrane for a lithium metal battery. CIPS offer improved control over the structure and composition of the membrane, potentially leading to improved selectivity in ion transport, enhancing the safety and longevity of the battery. The formation mechanism and influencing elements of PBI-Cu are analyzed through experimental analysis and density functional theory calculations (DFT). The PBI-Cu membrane is effective in facilitating reversible lithium stripping and plating processes, suppressing dendrite formation, and promoting stable long-term cycling. Notably, the PBI-Cu cell demonstrated stable cycling conditions for over 200 h at a very high current density of 4 mA cm−2. The impressive rate performance was also confirmed during Li//LiFePO 4 full cell operation, where it maintained a stable capacity of 120 mAh g−1 for more than 300 cycles. This research provides an in-depth insight into membrane design and paves the way for its application in various other energy-related technologies. [Display omitted] • Experimental and calculation confirmed the successful coordination of PBI with Cu. • PBI-Cu has superior ionic conductivity, interfacial compatibility, and stability. • The PBI-Cu cells suppress lithium dendrite and ensure safe LMB operation. • The PBI-Cu cells exhibit outstanding rate capability and cyclic stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium metal anode of the highest theoretical specific capacity promises a high-energy-density of the built lithium metal batteries (LMBs). However, the attainable high-energy throughout its calendar life necessitates a suppressed irreversible lithium consumption by realizing a uniform nucleation and a dense growth of lithium on current collector. Herein, an improved lithium reversibility is demonstrated on a lithiophilic 3D copper foil. 3D Cu of abundant gullies created by a microwave-induced oxidative etching enables an instantaneous conformal sulfurization of the substrate in 5 s without exfoliation. The sulfurized surface (Cu@Cu 2 S) of improved affinity towards lithium and the 3D pattern of densified nucleation sites jointly promote a uniform lithium deposition. The synergistically regulated lithium nucleation/growth behavior significantly improves the cycling stability (up to 580 cycles) of the high-loading (up to 3.4 mAh cm−2) full cells and pouch cells. In form of anode-free pouch cell, the substantial deceases in both the thickness and areal density of the processed Cu foil further increase the energy density of such prototype by 19.3 % in gravimetry and 6.7 % in volumetry, reaching 446 Wh kg−1 and 1224 Wh L−1, respectively. This work proposes a scalable, straightforward and efficient strategy to realize the high-energy while enduring LMBs. [Display omitted] • Scalable and efficient approach to fabricate the sulfurized Cu foil in seconds. • Lithiophilic surface on 3D scaffold favors even Li+ flux and avoids Li aggregation. • Thin and light Cu foil improves both the gravimetric and volumetric energy density. • Balance cycling stability and high energy density characteristics in device level. • Stable meanwhile high-energy anode free battery under practical areal capacities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Gel electrolytes increase the interfacial contact between the electrolyte and the separator. • Electrospinning membranes were innovatively used to enhance the ionic conductivity and mechanical properties of electrolytes. • Zinc oxide nanorods provide continuous and uniform transport channels for Zn2+. • ZnO@PMIA-PVA (ZPP) effectively improves ion transport rate and tensile properties while inhibiting dendrite growth. As an important component of ZIBs, flexible gel electrolytes offer the advantages of solid/liquid electrolytes and good interfacial bonding. However, limited by poor ionic conductivity and mechanical properties, traditional gel electrolytes are still unable to meet realistic applications. To solve the above problems, in this paper, poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) (PMIA) nanofiber membranes were prepared by electrospinning, and then ordered zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods were grown on their surfaces by hydrothermal method, and ZnO@PMIA nanofiber membranes were combined with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) gel to obtain ZnO@PMIA-PVA (ZPP) composite electrolytes. On the one hand, thanks to the advantages of large specific surface area and good electrical conductivity of PMIA nanofibers and ZnO nanorods, they can provide continuous and uniform transmission channels for Zn2+.On the other hand, ZPP combines the nanofiber layer with the gel layer, which possesses excellent mechanical properties and produces a well-bonded interface with the electrode, which can effectively reduce the internal resistance and resist the penetration of the dendrimer into the electrolyte during long cycling. The results show that the ZPP composite electrolyte has a high ionic conductivity (18.3 mS·cm-1) and exhibits obvious advantages in inhibiting hydrogen precipitation and oxidative decomposition of Zn anode, and the Zn/ZPP/Zn symmetric battery can be recycled for >1000 h at 3 mA·cm-2, and the full battery Zn/ZPP/MnO 2 can still maintain 159.3 mAh·g-1 residual capacity after 1000 cycles with stable long-cycle performance and high coulombic efficiency (CE) (99 %). This flexible composite electrolyte has high safety, mechanical and electrochemical properties, which can realize high-performance ZIBs, and is expected to provide a new strategy for next-generation wearable energy storage devices. Composite gel electrolytes with electrospinning nanofibers doped with zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO@PMIA-PVA) can improve the ions conduction rate and mechanical properties of zinc-ion batteries while inhibiting the anode dendrite reaction. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurately predicting dendrite growth during alloy solidification is crucial for enhancing the quality of metallic products. Recently, data assimilation has emerged as a promising tool for integrating two cutting-edge methods for studying dendritic growth, viz. in situ X-ray observation experiments and phase-field (PF) simulations, to elucidate important parameter(s) of the simulation and produce a "digital twin" of a growing dendrite. This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of a data assimilation system, employing an ensemble Kalman filter, through systematic twin experiments focused on columnar dendrite growth in a thin film of a binary alloy. The results show that the data assimilation system effectively estimates multiple parameters and dendrite morphology simultaneously. Furthermore, two approaches—domain decomposition method and parameter estimation method from a part of the domain—to reduce computational costs are investigated. Both methods can effectively reduce the computational cost of data assimilation. Additionally, data assimilation using voxel observation data of varying resolutions, mimicking actual X-ray images, is performed. The study findings discourage the direct use of voxel data owing to incompatible PF simulations. PF relaxation computation is explored as a solution for generating observation data with smooth PF profiles. The results show that while relaxation computation enhances the estimation accuracy for high-resolution voxel data, its efficacy diminishes for low-resolution data. These detailed investigations of data assimilation provide valuable insights for utilizing actual in situ X-ray observation data in dendrite growth studies. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vertebrate retina, individual neurons of the same type are distributed regularly across the tissue in a pattern known as a mosaic. Establishment of mosaics during development requires cell-cell repulsion among homotypic neurons, but the mechanisms underlying this repulsion remain unknown. Here, we show that two mouse retinal cell types, OFF and ON starburst amacrine cells, establish mosaic spacing by using their dendritic arbors to repel neighboring homotypic somata. Using transgenic tools and single-cell labeling, we identify a developmental period when starburst somata are contacted by neighboring starburst dendrites; these serve to exclude somata from settling within the neighbor's dendritic territory. Dendrite-soma exclusion is mediated by MEGF10, a cell-surface molecule required for starburst mosaic patterning. Our results implicate dendrite-soma exclusion as a key mechanism underlying starburst mosaic spacing and raise the possibility that this could be a general mechanism for mosaic patterning across many cell types and species. [Display omitted] • Regular spacing of the starburst amacrine cell mosaic is not established by dendrite tiling • Starburst dendrites exclude neighboring somata to establish mosaic spacing • Repulsion between starburst dendrites and somata is mediated by transcellular MEGF10 signals • Loss of dendrite-soma exclusion in Megf10 mutants abolishes starburst mosaic spacing Evenly spaced "mosaics" of retinal neurons were discovered a century ago, but how mosaics form remains unknown. Here, Kozlowski et al. show that developing mouse starburst amacrine cells use MEGF10, a repulsive cell-surface molecule, to exclude neighboring somata from their dendritic territories. This repulsion establishes uniform spacing within the mosaic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) employing solid electrolytes (SE) are currently gaining attention as next-generation energy storage devices. Solid electrolytes exhibit higher energy densities and operation across a wide temperature range than liquid electrolytes. The solid electrolyte acts as a separator, providing higher mechanical strength than polymer separators. This helps prevent cell deterioration and short circuit issues caused by lithium dendrite growth during charge – discharge cycles. Consequently, lithium metal, previously challenging to apply in conventional lithium-ion batteries, can be utilized as an anode electrode material. Sulfide-based solid electrolytes offer advantageous mechanical properties and high ionic conductivity. However, their narrow chemical/electrochemical stability window poses challenges. During the charging-discharging process of a battery with a lithium metal anode, a reduction decomposition reaction of the solid electrolyte occurs. On the other hand, Lithium Fluoride (LiF) exhibits low electronic conductivity due to a wide band gap but has a broad electrochemical stability window. In this study, we prepared a mixture of Li 5.3 PS 4.3 Cl 1.7 with InF 3 to generate an artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) containing LiF. We confirmed the structural properties using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD pattern showed the maintenance of the argyrodite structure, with only an increase in the peak intensity corresponding to InF 3. The optimized solid electrolyte-based ASSB demonstrated a higher initial discharge capacity of 172.8 mAh/g, a coulombic efficiency of 78.54 %, and a capacity retention rate of 93.6 %, outperforming ASSBs based on the bare solid electrolyte (Li 5.3 PS 4.3 Cl 1.7). • Li 5.3 PS 4.3 Cl 1.7 is synthesized through high energy dry ball-milling. • Li 5.3 PS 4.3 Cl 1.7 and InF 3 are mixed through simple hand grinding. • The optimized solid electrolyte has an ionic conductivity of 5.46mS/cm at RT. • The all-solid-state battery show a higher specific capacity of 172.8 mAh/g. • The all-solid-state battery shows a higher capacity retention of 93.58 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] An effective thioaluminate/aluminate polymer with abundant aluminium-sulfur (Al-S) and aluminium-oxygen (Al-O) polar bonds is synthesized and prepared as a conformal artificial solid electrolyte interface (ASEI) to stabilize Li metal. Such ASEI exhibits remarkable lithium ions transference number, superior electrolyte wettability and exceptional volume adaptability, which can effectively enhance the interfacial stability, improve the columbic efficiency and extend the lifespan. • A novel PT polymer is prepared as a conformal protective layer on Li surface. • The PT protective layer is enriched with Al-S and Al-O polar bonds. • The stability of Li anode is remarkably enhanced with the PT protective layer. • The PT protective layer can effectively improve the coulombic efficiency and extend the lifespan. Dendrite growth associated with highly reactive surface are the primary challenges for Li metal anode. Herein, an effective thioaluminate/aluminate polymer is developed as an artificial protective layer for stabilizing Li metal anode. This protective layer, enriched with aluminium-sulfur (Al-S) and aluminium-oxygen (Al-O) polar bonds, exhibits remarkable lithium ions transference number (t Li+ = 0.7), high exchange current density, superior electrolyte wettability and high-volume adaptability. This allows for the uniform flow of lithium ions and effectively inhibits the formation of lithium dendrites. This approach affords a hermetic Li metal anode with high columbic efficiency of 99.86 % and extended plating/striping reversibility for 3000 h at 2 mA cm−2@1 mAh cm−2 or 1200 h at 5 mA cm−2@5 mAh cm−2. The protected Li metal anode delivers a prolonged lifespan and rate capability in the LiFePO 4 full batteries, showcasing its potential for practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• It is a facile and inexpensive strategy employing g-C 3 N 4 layer to modified the Li metal. • The Li-GCN/sulfide solid electrolyte interfacial side reactions are revealed to be significantly inhibited. • The abundant nitrogen species within Li-GCN interphase homogenize the distribution of Li ions flux. • The all-solid-state Li-GCN/LPSC/SPAN battery delivers an excellent capacity retention of 88% after 150 cycles. Sulfide solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) are expected to fundamentally avoid the polysulfides shuttle and Li dendrites growth in the traditional liquid electrolyte lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries owing to its ultrahigh ionic conductivity, the high mechanical strength and favorable interfacial compatibility with sulfide-based cathodes. However, the sulfide SSEs are thermodynamically unstable to Li metal, and the parasitic reactions between the Li anode and sulfide SSEs results in intolerable interface deterioration. Herein, a graphitic carbon nitride (GCN, g-C 3 N 4)-dominated artificial interlayer was introduced to enhance the interfacial stability between Li metal and sulfide SSEs. The introduction of electrochemically inert GCN is revealed to effectively alleviate the formation of heterogenous resistance layers for long-term. Furthermore, the abundant nitrogen species within GCN layer homogenize the distribution of Li ions flux, which effectively smooths Li deposition and suppresses dendrites growth. Herein, the symmetric cells with the Li-GCN show a stable plating/stripping cycling for over 1100 h at 0.2 mA cm−2 and a capacity of 0.2 mAh cm−2. The all-solid-state Li-SPAN battery with g-C 3 N 4 interphase exhibits a highly reversible capacity of 579 mAh g−1 and a capacity retention of 88% at 0.2C after 150 cycles, as well as achieves an excellent rate performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Discuss the origin of local and global calcium activity in cortical neurons. • Review the difficulties and caveats of spatially defining dendritic activity. • Reveal evidence in support of both local and global dendritic activity. • Illustrate that both local and global dynamics define neural input–output function. There has been increasing interest in the measurement and comparison of activity across compartments of the pyramidal neuron. Dendritic activity can occur both locally, on a single dendritic segment, or globally, involving multiple compartments of the single neuron. Little is known about how these dendritic dynamics shape and contribute to information processing and behavior. Although it has been difficult to characterize local and global activity in vivo due to the technical challenge of simultaneously recording from the entire dendritic arbor and soma, the rise of calcium imaging has driven the increased feasibility and interest of these experiments. However, the distinction between local and global activity made by calcium imaging requires careful consideration. In this review we describe local and global activity, discuss the difficulties and caveats of this distinction, and present the evidence of local and global activity in information processing and behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hippocampal GABAergic interneurons express different types of cholinergic receptors. • The modulatory effects of acetylcholine in interneurons are cell type-specific. • Acetylcholine regulates dendritic calcium signaling and plasticity in interneurons. Dendrites represent the "reception hub" of the neuron as they collect thousands of different inputs and send a coherent response to the cell body. A considerable portion of these signals, especially in vivo , arises from neuromodulatory sources, which affect dendritic computations and cellular activity. In this context, acetylcholine (ACh) exerts a coordinating role of different brain structures, contributing to goal-driven behaviors and sleep–wake cycles. Specifically, cholinergic neurons from the medial septum–diagonal band of Broca complex send numerous projections to glutamatergic principal cells and GABAergic inhibitory neurons in the hippocampus, differentially entraining them during network oscillations. Interneurons display abundant expression of cholinergic receptors and marked responses to stimulation by ACh. Nonetheless, the precise localization of ACh inputs is largely unknown, and evidence for cholinergic modulation of interneuronal dendritic signaling remains elusive. In this article, we review evidence that suggests modulatory effects of ACh on dendritic computations in three hippocampal interneuron subtypes: fast-spiking parvalbumin-positive (PV+) cells, somatostatin-expressing (SOM+) oriens lacunosum moleculare cells and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-expressing (VIP+) interneuron-selective interneurons. We consider the distribution of cholinergic receptors on these interneurons, including information about their specific somatodendritic location, and discuss how the action of these receptors can modulate dendritic Ca2+ signaling and activity of interneurons. The implications of ACh-dependent Ca2+ signaling for dendritic plasticity are also discussed. We propose that cholinergic modulation can shape the dendritic integration and plasticity in interneurons in a cell type-specific manner, and the elucidation of these mechanisms will be required to understand the contribution of each cell type to large-scale network activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A mixture electrolyte was obtained by dissolving Li-O 2 battery electrolyte into aqueous ZnSO 4 solution. • Synergistic effect between Li+ addition and Zn2+ solvation structure has been observed. • TEGDME can replace water to regulate multilayer solvating structure of Zn2+. • TFSI- can induce the formation of ZnF 2 enriched surface protection layer. Though aqueous zinc ion batteries have been identified as a feasible option for energy storage, there are still some challenges that block the development of aqueous zinc ion battery, especially the issues from zinc metal anode. Tuning solvating structure of Zn2+ and adjusting the electrolyte in recent years is considered to be a simple but potential strategy to improve stability of zinc anode. In this work, a mixture electrolyte was obtained by dessolving LiTFSI/TEGDME Li-O 2 battery electrolyte into 2 M aqueous ZnSO 4 solution to tune solvating structure and adjust the striping/plating process of anode. Molecular spectrum and X-ray based method clarified that the mixture electrolyte plays dual functions to protect anode during electrochemical process. From one aspect, TEGDME partially replaced water and reconstructed a new multilayer solvating shell with TFSI-, which is beneficial for fast dendrite-free deposition. From the other aspect, surface spectrum also revealed that due to the participation of Li+ and TFSI-, a surface layer with ZnOHS framework and ZnF 2 fillings formed on anode which further inhibit the dendrite growth and stabilize anode. This work combines the method of tuning solvation structure and construct SEI together and opens a new view designing new electrolytes for aqueous Zn-ion battery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrite growth causing short circuits is a long-standing challenge in the battery field. Lithium-ion batteries are always prone to form dendrite, while magnesium-ion batteries are not. In this paper, an advanced phase field model is formulated to investigate the detailed patterns and growth differences between the lithium and magnesium deposition process. The simulation results show that the deposition growth of ion is relative to the deposition time. Furthermore, the deposition growth morphology of Li is the irregular tree-like pattern, while the deposition pattern of Mg is denser and smoother. According to our phase field model results, the contribution of a smaller electric field and driving force are important factors to make Mg form a dense deposition layer rather than a tree-like dendritic morphology, which Li prefers to form. For the dendrite growth of Li, a larger electric field and driving force at the dendrite tip lead to a stronger concentration of ion and more rapid dendrite growth. And the "entrainment" phenomenon of ion leading to positive feedback further accelerates the deposition of Li ion at the dendrite tip. Furthermore, the simulation results exhibit that the overpotential required to stimulate the rapid growth of magnesium dendrites is typically smaller than that of lithium. • A non-linear and non-symmetric phase-field model is developed for dendrite growth. • Reduced driving force and electric field are crucial for the dense Mg deposition. • The dynamics of Li and Mg deposition under various overpotentials are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stroke, trauma, and neurodegenerative disorders cause loss of neurites (axons and dendrites) in addition to neuronal death. Neurite loss may result directly from a primary insult, secondary to parental neuron death, or secondary to a post-injury inflammatory response. Here, we use lipopolysaccharide and the alarmin S100β to selectively evaluate neurite loss caused by the inflammatory response. Activation of microglia and infiltrating macrophages by these stimuli causes neurite loss that far exceeds neuronal death, both in vitro and in vivo. Neurite loss is accompanied by the formation of cofilactin rods and aggregates (CARs), which are polymers of cofilin-1 and actin induced by oxidative stress and other factors. Mice deficient in either cofilin-1 or the superoxide-generating enzyme NADPH oxidase-2 show reduced CAR formation, neurite loss, and motor impairment. The findings identify a mechanism by which inflammation leads to neurite loss via CAR formation and highlight the relevance of neurite loss to functional impairment. [Display omitted] • The brain inflammatory response causes neurite (axon and dendrite) degeneration • Neurites are more vulnerable than neuronal cell bodies to inflammatory injury • Inflammatory neurite loss results from the formation of cofilactin rods • Inflammatory neurite loss is associated with functional impairment Uruk et al. demonstrate that the brain inflammatory response causes neurite (axon and dendrite) degeneration by a mechanism involving NOX2-induced cofilactin rod formation. Neurites are more vulnerable to inflammation-induced injury than neuronal cell bodies, and neurite loss in the absence of neuronal cell body loss is associated with functional impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being an expected battery anode material, lithium metal suffers from dendrite growth during cycling, which is a fatal issue and aggravates the parasitic reactions with electrolytes and causes safety problem. Herein, we report that the MoP/C nanocomposite enables high–rate cycling of a lithium metal anode at an ultrahigh current density of 10 mA cm−2 for extended 500 h without dendrite growth. With the MoP/C nanocomposite Li anode, 500 cycle–life Li||LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 (NCM811) battery is achieved. These excellent performance can be attributed to the consistent Li+ flux within bulk lithium metal facilitated by the ion/electron conductive MoP/C nanocomposite. Our approach could lead to the stabilization of lithium metal anode and its potential application in high–energy–density batteries. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Single or double knockdown of CaMKIIα, IIβ or IV did not inhibit the dendritic differentiation of Purkinje cells. • Triple knockdown of CaMKIIα, IIβ and IV inhibited the dendritic branching of Purkinje cells. • Triple knockdown of CaMKIIα, IIβ and IV reduced the phosphorylation of CREB in Purkinje cells. Cerebellar Purkinje cells develop the most elaborate dendritic trees among neurons in the brain. To examine the role of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) IIα, IIβ and IV in the dendritic differentiation of Purkinje cells, we introduced siRNA against these CaMKs into Purkinje cells in cerebellar cell cultures using a single-cell electroporation technique. Single-cell electroporation enables us to transfer siRNA into specific cells within a heterogeneous cell population. In addition, we can easily and reliably transfer multiple types of siRNA into a cell simply by loading them together in one micropipette. Any one of the siRNA against CaMKIIα, IIβ and IV (single knockdown) or any combinations of two of the siRNA against these CaMKs (double knockdown) had no significant effects on the dendritic differentiation of Purkinje cells. However, the combination of all three siRNA against these CaMKs (triple knockdown) inhibited the branching of Purkinje cell dendrites. Furthermore, the triple knockdown reduced the phosphorylation of CREB in Purkinje cells. These findings suggest the promotion of dendritic differentiation of Purkinje cells by CaMKIIα, IIβ and IV and the possible involvement of phosphorylation of CREB as a common substrate of these CaMKs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Exogenous sodium pyruvate displays anti-melanogenic properties. • Intracellular pyruvate suppresses dendrite elongation by inhibiting Rac1 pathway. • Pyruvate treatment alleviates UV-induced hyperpigmentation in reconstructed human skin equivalent. Melanin is synthesized in melanocytes and transferred to keratinocytes through dendrites. Endogenous pyruvate is a key metabolite for ATP production in glycolysis, and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and exogenous pyruvate provide protection against oxidative stress and acidosis in the intercellular space. The function of pyruvate in the regulation of dendrite outgrowth remains to be elucidated. We examined the effect of pyruvate on dendritic elongation and skin pigmentation Murine B16F10 melanoma cells and human primary melanocytes were used for in vitro analysis. Melanin quantitation and histochemical staining were performed in a 3D pigmented human skin model. We demonstrated the participation of monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) responsible for the membrane transport of pyruvate in B16F10 melanoma cells. The accumulation of pyruvate occurred in a pH-dependent manner, which was highly sensitive to a specific MCT inhibitor (α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid). α-MSH-induced morphological changes, including dendrite elongation and growth-cone-like structure, were diminished in B16F10 cells upon treatment with pyruvate. In addition, the number of dendrite branches was reduced in normal human epidermal melanocytes. As the Rho-subfamily of monomeric GTP-binding proteins modulates dendrite formation, we subsequently examined the suppression of Rac1 activation by pyruvate, but not RhoA and Cdc42. Furthermore, pyruvate showed anti-melanogenic effects against UV-induced pigmentation in reconstructed pigmented epidermis, established by co-seeding autologous melanocytes and keratinocytes, which act similar to in vivo skin tissue. These results suggest that pyruvate treatment may be an alternative or additive therapeutic strategy to prevent hyperpigmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium metal anode holds great promise in pursuing high-energy and sustainable rechargeable batteries, but severely suffers from fatal dendrite growth accompanied with huge volume change. Herein, a robust mixed conducting sodium metal anode is designed through incorporating NaSICON-type solid Na-ion conductor into bulk Na. A fast and continuous pathway for simultaneous transportation of electrons and Na+ is established throughout the composite anode. The intimate contact between Na-ion conducting phase and Na metallic phase constructs abundant two-phase boundaries for fast redox reactions. Further, the compact configuration of the composite anode substantially protects Na metal from being corroded by liquid organic electrolyte for the minimization of side reactions. Benefiting from the unique configuration, the composite anode shows highly reversible and durable Na plating/stripping behavior. The symmetric cells exhibit ultralong lifespan for over 700 h at 1 mA cm−2 with a high capacity of 5 mAh cm−2 and outstanding rate capability up to 8 mA cm−2 in the carbonate electrolyte. Full cells with Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 3 /C cathode demonstrate impressive cycling stability (capacity decay of 0.012% per cycle) and low charge/discharge polarization as well. This work provides new insights into rational design and development of robust sodium metal anode through an architecture engineering strategy for advanced rechargeable sodium batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classically, animal cells nucleate or form new microtubules off the perinuclear centrosome. In recent years, the Golgi outpost has emerged as a satellite organelle that can function as an acentrosomal microtubule-organizing center (MTOC), nucleating new microtubules at distances far from the nucleus or cell body. Golgi outposts can nucleate new microtubules in specialized cells with unique cytoarchitectures, including Drosophila neurons, mouse muscle cells, and rodent oligodendrocytes. This review compares and contrasts topics of functional relevance, including Golgi outpost heterogeneity, formation and transport, as well as regulation of microtubule polarity and branching. Golgi outposts have also been implicated in the pathology of diseases including muscular dystrophy, and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Since Golgi outposts are relatively understudied, many outstanding questions regarding their function and roles in disease remain. Golgi outposts are satellite organelles that can function as acentrosomal microtubule-organizing centers (MTOCs). Golgi outposts play specialized roles in building the cytoarchitecture of neuronal dendrites, muscle cells, and oligodendrocytes. Golgi outposts are heterogeneous in compartmentalization (cis , medial, trans), motility, and ability to nucleate microtubules. Golgi outpost dysfunction is implicated in muscular dystrophy, polyglutamine disease, Parkinson's disease, and other α-synucleinopathies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• DA-GABAergic neurons cluster in GL but also scattered in EPL∼GCL. • In GL there are 4 distinct types of DA-GABAergic neurons and other unclassified neurons. • DA-GABAergic large PG cells are the main source of the interglomerular connections. • There are both axonic and anaxonic DA-GABAergic small PG cells. • Dendrites of some DA-GABAergic neurons in EPL∼GCL participate to the GL neuropil. The structural features of dopamine (DA)-GABAergic neurons in the mouse main olfactory bulbs were examined, using both wild type and transgenic TH-GFP mice, with the combination of several methods; the immunocytochemistry, biotinylated dextran amine labeling, lucifer yellow injection in fixed slices, biocytin injection in live slice and the functional olfactory deprivation. DA-GABAergic neurons were clustered in the glomerular layer (GL) but they also scattered in other layers. DA-GABAergic juxtaglomerular neurons, were classified into 5 groups based on their structural features and named as follows: 1) Large periglomerular (LPG) cells with tuft-like glomerular dendritic branches and apparent axons extending to the distant glomeruli, which correspond to the " inhibitory juxtaglomerular association (IJGA) neurons" participating in the interglomerular association system. 2) Small periglomerular (SPG) cells including both axonic and anaxonic ones; the axonic SPG cells might correspond to the classical periglomerular cells. 3) Transglomerular cells extending dendritic processes spanning 2 or more glomeruli. 4) Incrusting cells extending their dendritic branches mainly in the periphery of the glomeruli. 5) Other various neurons not-yet classified. In the layers other than the GL various types of TH expressing neurons were scattered; some of them extended dendritic processes into the GL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Acute stress significantly decreased spine number, dendritic length, and altered spine morphometric parameters. • This was paralleled by changes in the gene expression of Spinophilin and Cdc42 , and protein expression of homer1. • Pretreatment with DMI prevented the stress-induced dendritic atrophy and spine loss 14 days after acute FS. • DMI treatment without stress differentially affected the expression patterns of spine-related genes and proteins. Stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders and affects neuronal plasticity in different brain regions. We have previously found that acute foot-shock (FS) stress elicits fast and long-lasting functional and morphological remodeling of excitatory neurons in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which were partly prevented by the pretreatment with antidepressants. Here we investigated, whether acute stress and pretreatment with desipramine (DMI) interfere in hippocampal dendritic remodeling. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to acute FS-stress, followed by measurement of time-dependent (1, 7 and 14 days) structural plasticity (dendritic arborization, spine number and morphology) in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons and expression patterns of molecular markers implicated in neuronal plasticity. We found that acute stress significantly decreased spine number, dendritic length, and altered spine morphometric parameters at all time points evaluated after stress. This was paralleled by changes in the gene expression of Spinophilin and Cdc42 , and protein expression of homer1. Pretreatment with DMI prevented the stress-induced dendritic atrophy and spine loss 14 days after acute FS. However, DMI treatment without stress differentially affected the expression patterns of spine-related genes and proteins. In conclusion, acute FS-stress and pretreatment with DMI significantly changed dendritic morphology, including number and morphology of spines, and the length of dendrites in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells as early as 1 day, and sustained up to 14 days after acute FS. The findings were paralleled by changes in gene and protein expression of actin binding and cytoskeletal proteins, Rho GTPases, and postsynaptic scaffolding proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CIMT improved functional recovery in rats after ischemic stroke. • CIMT enhanced dendritic complexity in ipsilateral sensorimotor cortex following stroke. • CIMT increased dendritic spines density and functional spines in contralateral sensorimotor cortex following stroke. • CIMT increased synaptic GluR2 expression in ipsilateral sensorimotor cortex following stroke. Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) has proven to be an effective way to restore functional deficits following stroke in human and animal studies, but its underlying neural plasticity mechanism remains unknown. Accumulating evidence indicates that rehabilitation after stroke is closely associated with synaptic plasticity. We therefore investigated the impact of CIMT on synaptic plasticity in ipsilateral and contralateral brain of rats following stroke. Rats were subjected to 90 minutes of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). CIMT was performed from 7 days after stroke and lasted for two weeks. Modified Neurology Severity Score (mNSS) and the ladder rung walking task tests were conducted at 7,14 and 21 days after stroke. Golgi-Cox staining was used to observe the plasticity changes of dendrites and dendritic spines. The expression of glutamate receptors (GluR1, GluR2 and NR1) were examined by western blot. Our data suggest that the dendrites and dendritic spines are damaged to varying degrees in bilateral sensorimotor cortex and hippocampus after acute stroke. CIMT treatment enhances the plasticity of dendrites and dendritic spines in the ipsilateral and contralateral sensorimotor cortex, increases the expression of synaptic GluR2 in ipsilateral sensorimotor cortex, which may be mechanisms for CIMT to improve functional recovery after ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies in developing animals show that a clinically relevant anaesthesia exposure increases neuronal death and alters brain structure. In the hippocampal dentate gyrus, the anaesthetic isoflurane induces selective apoptosis among roughly 10% of 2-week-old hippocampal granule cells in 21-day-old mice. In this work, we queried whether the 90% of granule cells surviving the exposure might be 'injured' and integrate abnormally into the brain.Methods: The long-term impact of isoflurane exposure on granule cell structure was studied using a transgenic mouse model fate-mapping approach to identify and label immature granule cells. Male and female mice were exposed to isoflurane for 6 h when the fate-mapped granule cells were 2 weeks old. The morphology of the fate-mapped granule cells was quantified 2 months later.Results: The gross structure of the dentate gyrus was not affected by isoflurane treatment, with granule cells present in the correct subregions. Individual isoflurane-exposed granule cells were structurally normal, exhibiting no changes in spine density, spine type, dendrite length, or presynaptic axon terminal structure (P>0.05). Granule cell axon terminals were 13% larger in female mice relative to males; however, this difference was evident regardless of treatment (difference of means=0.955; 95% confidence interval, 0.37-1.5; P=0.010).Conclusions: A single, prolonged isoflurane exposure did not impair integration of this age-specific cohort of granule cells, regardless of the animal's sex. Nonetheless, although 2-week-old cells were not affected, the results should not be extrapolated to other age cohorts, which may respond differently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solving the intermediate-temperature brittleness (ITB) of traditional superalloys and multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs) is a serious challenge. In this paper, a novel MPEA with superior mechanical performance is prepared and successfully overcomes the ITB by simple heat treatment. The effects of different solution treatments on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloy are studied. This work shows that the dendrite structure with trimodal γʹ structure is preserved by the subsolvus heat treatment. The heterogeneously distributed trimodal γʹ structure with high volume fraction primary γʹ phases in the interdendritic region effectively prevents the localized slip and enhances the pinning effect of grain boundaries, which inhibits the generation of ITB. The yield strengths of the MPEA with trimodal γʹ structure are 802 ± 17 MPa at 973 K, 814 ± 20.7 MPa at 1023 K and 776 ± 9 MPa at 1073 K, respectively, which are superior than that of most cast superalloys and MPEAs. Moreover, the elongations of the MPEA at 973 K, 1023 K and 1073 K are 10.6 ± 1.3 %, 14.2 ± 1.4 % and 11.0 ± 1.5 %, respectively, which increase by 214.9 %, 510 % and 219.4 %, respectively, compared with the MPEA with uniformly distributed bimodal γʹ structure. Meanwhile, the MPEA shows the best intermediate temperature plasticity (14.2 ± 1.4 %) at 1023 K due to the microstwinning. The scheme of combining MPEAs with the trimodal γʹ structure and microtwinning opens up a new avenue for the development and manufacture of advanced high-temperature structural materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Facile one-pot synthesis of high-yield GO, GOQDs, and self-assembling GOQDs. • DFT-guided investigation of dendrite voids and structure. • Groundbreaking research estimates GOQDs dendrite formation mechanism. • Limitless possibilities for advanced materials with tailored properties. [Display omitted] This study establishes the feasibility of bottom-up self-assembly of zero-dimensional graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) into highly ordered, multi-dimensional dendritic nanostructures (F-GOQDs) using a freeze-drying approach. The distinctive features of dendrites have been investigated using various characterization techniques. FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of carboxyl groups in the dendrite formation mechanism. UV–visible spectroscopy also revealed the oxidation process of graphite sheets, while Raman spectroscopy indicated a slightly lower density of structural imperfections in F-GOQDs than in GOQDs, as evidenced by the I D /I G ratio of 0.97 and 0.93 for GOQDs and F-GOQDs, respectively. The XRD analysis revealed that the crystallite size was 2.3 nm for the GOQDs and 5.5 nm for F-GOQDs. TEM provided insights into the hexagonal particle structure of the GOQDs with a size of 2.25 nm. FESEM and STEM were used to assess the success of the lyophilization process and the form of dendrites, which revealed an average size of 0.6 µm. Dendrite void generation in F-GOQD motifs was investigated at the molecular level using density functional theory (DFT) simulations. The results show that the correlation of the total dipole moment, electrostatic potential, and the decrease in bandgap energy produces these dendrite gaps. Moreover, the wet chemical route employed in this study holds significant potential for the synthesis of both organic and inorganic nanomaterials. The findings of this work not only advance our understanding of dendritic structure and emptiness creation but also offer important guidance for designing and creating novel nanostructures with integrated functionalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A generalized model for the kinetics of a dendrite tip with a non-equilibrium interface is presented for multicomponent alloys. The model includes full coupling with thermodynamic databases to account for non-dilute non-ideal solutions, in addition to a full diffusion matrix in the liquid. The consequences of the computed non-equilibrium phase diagram boundaries on the dendrite tip kinetics are considered, and substantial deviations from existing theories are observed, especially in the case of zero solute drag. The model is applied to the rapid solidification of Inconel 718 (a nickel-based superalloy) and 316L (a stainless steel), which contain seven and five solute species, respectively. From the model, the phase diagram properties (i.e., partition coefficients and liquidus slopes) are able to be directly visualized as a function of velocity and observed to vary non-linearly and, in some cases, non-monotonically due to the combination of non-linear phase diagrams and kinetic effects. Finally, recent reports in the literature on the competition between the growth of ferrite and austenite from the melt in 316L are revisited with these new developments. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An in-situ electrochemical optical diagnosis is the key to the investigation of electrode interface during a redox reaction. Because the morphology changes particularly, dendrite formation, dendrite shapes, solid electrolyte interface formation and gas generation can be revealed visually. The challenge of ensuring uniform current density on a flat Li anode in a liquid electrolyte is addressed and uniform Li plating is demonstrated. The dendrite shape change under different reduction current density is discussed. The Li dendrite shape change and the performance of Li anodes with a surface lamination of graphite and red phosphate are used as examples to demonstrate the capability of the in-situ optical cell. An in-situ electrochemical optical cell used in the investigation of the increasingly popular solid-state Li batteries has its own challenges. Due to the untransparent nature of a solid-state electrolyte, an optical investigation on a solid-state electrolyte Li battery needs to be done by exposing the cross-section of the cell. In addition, it is very difficult to assemble an optical cell with a brittle and fragile solid-state electrolyte in a glove box. A set of formation and transfer dies, and an optical cell are introduced. The Li dendrite growth at the interface can be observed in a solid-state Li cell. [Display omitted] • Designs of In-situ cells to investigate Li dendrite formation real-time. • A cell for solid-state electrolyte revealing cross-section. • A cell for liquid electrolyte with unform current distribution. • Multiple examples to demonstrate the capability of the cell design. • Diffusion limited Li dendrite growth demonstration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A porous and rich active sites graphite carbon felt was designed for Zn-Ce redox flow battery. • Remarkable electrochemical performance was achieved in Zn-Ce redox flow battery. • The remarkable modified graphite carbon felt makes it potentially suitable for other Zn-based redox flow batteries applications. The zinc-cerium redox flow battery has great potential in the field of energy storage for the merits of high voltage and low cost. However, undesirable dendrites growth and insufficient active sites of Zn anode electrode remain a grand challenge to obtain a good reversibility and cycling stability. Herein, we propose a promising and universal method to stabilize Zn anode by modifying commercial graphite carbon felt with metal–organic framework derivative. Owing to the porous structure and rich active sites of heteroatom N and O introduced by metal–organic framework derivative, the modified carbon felts can effectively induce zinc uniformly nucleation and deposition. As a result, the carbon felt electrode modified with ZIF-8 derivative exhibits a lower overpotential than pristine carbon felt electrode. And it exhibits a high average energy efficient of 80.0 % at the current density of 20 mA cm−2 for 14 cycles, which is better than previous results of Zn-Ce redox flow battery. When modified with cobalt-base ZIF-67 derivative, the energy efficient can even reach up to 86.07 % in first cycle. This work offers a strategy in zinc-based redox flow battery research to improve the reversibility and cycling ability by introducing metal–organic framework derivative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recruitment of synaptic α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptors underlies the strengthening of neuronal connectivity during learning and memory. This process is triggered by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-dependent postsynaptic Ca2+ influx. Synaptotagmin (Syt)-1 and -7 have been proposed as Ca2+ sensors for AMPA receptor exocytosis but are functionally redundant. Here, we identify a cytosolic C2 domain-containing Ca2+-binding protein, Copine-6, that forms a complex with AMPA receptors. Loss of Copine-6 expression impairs activity-induced exocytosis of AMPA receptors in primary neurons, which is rescued by wild-type Copine-6 but not Ca2+-binding mutants. In contrast, Copine-6 loss of function does not affect steady-state expression or tetrodotoxin-induced synaptic upscaling of surface AMPA receptors. Loss of Syt-1/Syt-7 significantly reduces Copine-6 protein expression. Interestingly, overexpression of wild-type Copine-6, but not the Ca2+-binding mutants, restores activity-dependent exocytosis of AMPA receptors in Syt-1/Syt-7 double-knockdown neurons. We conclude that Copine-6 is a postsynaptic Ca2+ sensor that mediates AMPA receptor exocytosis during synaptic potentiation. [Display omitted] • Copine-6 binding to Ca2+ augments its interaction with GluA1 during synaptic potentiation • Copine-6 translocation to dendritic spines and recycling endosomes requires Ca2+ binding • Copine-6 binding to Ca2+ is required for glycine-induced GluA1 exocytosis • Copine-6 overexpression rescues GluA1 exocytosis in Syt-1/Syt-7 knockdown neurons Tan and Jang et al. identify an interaction between the GluA1 subunit of AMPA receptors with the neuron-specific C2 domain-containing protein Copine-6 that is enriched in the somatodendritic compartment. The binding of Copine-6 to calcium mediates activity-dependent insertion of GluA1-containing AMPA receptors to the plasma membrane during synaptic potentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cyclability of rechargeable high-energy-density lithium (Li) metal batteries (LMBs) is seriously limited by the Li dendrite induced volume variation and safety hazards. Herein, a hierarchical host composed of a robust polyethylene terephthalate (PET) matrix as the primary backbone and carbon nanotube (CNT) sponges as the pore fillers is fabricated as an advanced model structure for highly reversible Li storage. Compared with the conventional three-dimensional hosts in which the Li deposition confinement is not controlled in the void pores, extremely smooth Li deposition can be accommodated in the CNT sponges of the confined spaces, leading to a step towards better Li protection. Furthermore, a niobium (Nb)-based coating is revealed as a rational process to not only enable uniform solid electrolyte interphase with fast Li+ migration ability of the PET-CNT-Nb host, but also to activate the abundant polar lithiophilic segments (C O or -O-) of the PET matrix for guided Li nucleation. Based on the multifunctional PET-CNT-Nb host, stable cycling of LMBs with a practical capacity of ∼2.5 mAh cm−2 can be achieved over 400 cycles, demonstrating the rationality of the investigated host structuration rule for great Li protection ability. [Display omitted] ● A carbon nanotube (CNT) sponge filled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) matrix is fabricated as an advanced Li host. ● An Nb-based coating activates the polar lithiophilic segments of PET skeletons for uniform Li nucleation and migration. ● The multifunctional PET-CNT-Nb host enables stable cycling of Li metal anode under practical cycling conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]