Current Amplitude Research Articles

The mechanism of tuning filler orientation degree in composites based on AC electric field assist: from microscopic dynamical model to macroscopic electrical properties

Using the AC electric field to induce the orientation of nonlinear conductive fillers in composites is an effective solution for alleviating electric field distortion in power modules. However, the mechanism by which the electric field affects the filler dynamic characteristics and the composites’ electrical properties remains unclear. In this paper, the correlation between the microscopic dynamic processes of fillers and the macroscopic current amplitude was analyzed. The results show that the current increases rapidly (0 ∼ 173 s) and then slowly (173 ∼ 869 s) at 600 V mm−1, influenced by the rotation and attraction processes of the fillers. This demonstrates that the orientation stops at about 869 s and the filler orientation state is a key factor in determining the dielectric properties. Secondly, the global orientation evaluation index D for the filler network was proposed, which can also derive the minimum time and energy loss required for preparation. Finally, the impact of different filler orientations on the composites’ conductivity was investigated. In the low electric field stress region, with the average carrier jump distance decreasing from 150.23 to 109.71 nm as the D increases from −0.93 to −0.05. On this basis, materials with nonlinear conductivity gradient distribution can be easily prepared. Before optimization, the electric field stress of the power module at the triple point was 35.79 kV. This composite can reduce the value to 15.42 kV, a decrease of 56.9%, while maintaining good electric field uniformity.

Extending battery life in CubeSats by charging current control utilizing a long short-term memory network for solar power predictions

Recently, there has been a surge in small satellites and CubeSats. A crucial factor limiting the duration of their missions is the lifespan of their batteries. Typically, batteries are charged immediately when there is sufficient power generated from the solar panels. However, this practice results in additional charging stress and degradation due to unnecessarily high current amplitudes. In this work, a distributed charging strategy based on solar power prediction is proposed to mitigate charging stress and thereby extend battery life, ensuring sufficient charging without jeopardizing spacecraft operation. The proposed method for power generation prediction relies on a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network, trained on GOMX-4A satellite telemetry data. The proposed LSTM method performed an order of magnitude better, with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.2274 W, while a baseline prediction utilizing a Seasonal Auto-Regressive Moving Average has an RMSE of 1.2406 W. Using the predicted power generation from the LSTM method, the current is distributed using a proposed charging multiplier control, resulting in 72.0882% reduction in the median charging current. A direct possible impact on lithium-ion batteries was evaluated by employing an electrochemical model from the literature, confirming that the proposed strategy effectively reduces degradation caused by lithium plating. Moreover, the capacity fade in the example scenario at 25 °C was reduced by 0.0849%. The extent of degradation reduction will vary according to the required mission profile, the operational conditions, the specific chemistry, and the type of battery in use.

A positively charged residue at the Kv1.1 T1 interface is critical for voltage-dependent activation and gating kinetics.

Within the tetramerization domain (T1) of most voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv) are highly conserved charged residues that line the T1-T1 interface. We investigated the Kv1.1 residue R86 located at the narrowest region of the T1 interface. A Kv1.1 R86Q mutation was reported in a child diagnosed with lower limb dyskinesia (Set KK, Ghosh D, Huq AHM, Luat AF. Mov Disord Clin Pract 4: 784-786, 2017). The child did not present with episodic ataxia 1 (EA1) symptoms typically associated with Kv1.1 loss-of-function mutations. We characterized the electrophysiological outcome of the R86Q substitution by expressing Kv1.1 in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Mutated α-subunits were able to form functional channels that pass delayed rectifier currents. Oocytes that expressed only mutated α-subunits produced a significant reduction in Kv1.1 current and showed a positive shift in voltage dependence of activation. In addition, there was substantially slower activation and faster deactivation implying a reduction in the time the channel is in its open state. Oocytes co-injected with both mutated and wild-type cRNA in equal amounts, to mimic the heterozygous condition of the disease, showed a decrease in current amplitude at -10 mV, a positive shift in activation voltage-dependence and faster deactivation kinetics when compared with the wild-type channel. These findings indicate that T1 plays a role in Kv1.1's voltage-dependent activation and in its kinetics of activation and deactivation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first Kv1.1 study to characterize the electrophysiological and structural phenotype of a tetramerization (T1) domain mutation. Surprisingly, the mutated α-subunits were able to tetramerize, albeit with different gating kinetics and voltage dependence. This novel finding points to a clear role of T1 in the channel's voltage dependence and gating. Mimicking the heterozygous condition resulted in milder alterations in channel function when compared with previously reported mutations. This is in agreement with the child's milder symptoms.

Citrulline activates adenosine receptors: New insight into metabolic pathways interaction

Citrulline is a non-proteinogenic amino acid that forms as by-product in nitric oxide (NO) synthesis from arginine and may act in concert with NO as an independent signaling molecule that involves in the mechanism of vascular smooth muscle vasodilation.In this study we examined the effects of citrulline on pulmonary artery smooth muscles. Experimental design comprised outward potassium currents measurements in enzymatically isolated rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle (PASMc) cells using whole-cell patch clamp technique, isometric contractile force recordings on rat pulmonary artery rings and method of molecular docking simulation.Citrulline in a concentration 10−9-10−5 M relaxed phenylephrine (PHE)-preactivated SM of rat pulmonary artery in a dose-dependent manner (EC50 0,67 μM). This citrulline-induced relaxation was dependent on an intact endothelium. Bath application of citrulline (10-8-10-5 M) on isolated PASMc induced a significant increase in the amplitude of outward potassium current (Ik). The adenosine antagonist caffeine (10-6 M) effectively blocked both the citrulline-induced relaxation response and Ik increment. Molecular docking modeling suggests that caffeine blocking the potent activity of citrulline results from competitive interactions at the A2 adenosine receptor binding site.In summary, our data suggest that citrulline, released with NO at low concentrations, can effectively interact with adenosine receptors in smooth muscle cells, causing their relaxation, indicating surprising interaction between NO and adenosine pathways.

Parvalbumin expression does not account for discrete electrophysiological profiles of glutamatergic ventral pallidal subpopulations

The ventral pallidum (VP) has emerged as a critical node in the mesolimbic reward system. Modulating the VP can impact the subjective valuation of rewards, reward motivation, and reward seeking under conflict, making it an attractive target for clinical neuromodulation therapies that manage substance use disorders. To understand how to rationally modulate the VP, we need a better understanding of the electrophysiological properties of VP neurons and the molecular and biophysical determinants of these properties. Here, we used patch-clamp electrophysiology to characterize the intrinsic properties of glutamatergic VP (VPGlu) neurons and observed two distinct electrophysiological profiles: VPGlu neurons that undergo depolarization block in response to progressively increasing current injection amplitudes and those that were resistant to depolarization block. To explore the mechanisms that could contribute to these distinct profiles, we used targeted ribosome affinity purification to identify ion channel subunits and regulatory proteins by isolating actively transcribed mRNA selectively from VPGlu neurons. We then used this transcriptomic information to implement a Markov Chain Monte Carlo method to parameterize a large population of biophysically distinct multicompartment models of VPGlu neurons conforming to either subpopulation. Based on prior literature suggesting parvalbumin (PV) is expressed in a subset of VPGlu neurons, and that PV expression governs the firing properties of those neurons, we tested the hypothesis that PV expression accounted for differences in subgroups, by increasing the maximal firing frequency and conferring resistance to depolarization block. In contrast, our model determined that PV expression at physiological levels had no effect on maximum firing rate. However, supraphysiological expression levels of PV appeared to induce a depolarization block in previously depolarization block-resistant neuron models, suggesting that other intracellular calcium-binding proteins could play a role in determining the firing phenotype of VPGlu neurons. We corroborated this result with single-cell patch-clamp RT-PCR, which confirmed that PV expression did not distinguish the two electrophysiologically distinct subpopulations. Together, these findings establish that VPGlu neurons are composed of biophysically distinct subpopulations that have not been appreciated in prior studies interrogating the function of this population. With the advent of novel tools for cell-type specific pharmacology and targeted neurostimulation, this understanding will be critical for developing strategies to rationally modulate VPGlu cells to treat disorders characterized by maladaptive reward seeking.

Enhancing mixing efficiency of a circular electroosmotic micromixer with cross-reciprocal electrodes

Enhancing mixing efficiency in microscale processes for sensitive biomedical, pharmaceutical, and chemical applications is crucial, particularly when operating under low-velocity constraints. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the impact of various factors on microfluidic mixing within a circular mixing chamber micromixer, utilizing electroosmotic principles. The governing equations are solved numerically using the finite element technique-based solver. This research examines the effects of microchamber diameter (D), inlet velocity (uo), alternating current (AC) voltage amplitude (ϕo), and AC frequency (f) on fluid mixing dynamics. Several key findings are noted from this study. The reduction of the circular microchamber diameter decreases the linear distance between cross-reciprocally placed microelectrodes, resulting in increased electroosmosis force and mixing efficiency. The voltage amplitude within the specified range shows increased mixing efficiency when fluid species are combined at appropriate velocity and AC frequency. The highest mixing efficiency of 98.84% is achieved with the following parameters: flow velocity (uo) of 150 μm/s, AC frequency of 4 Hz, voltage amplitude of 500 mV, and microchamber diameter of 20 μm. At a frequency of 12 Hz and voltage amplitude of 500 mV, the mixing efficiency exceeds 94.66% across a wide range of input velocities (100–200 μm/s), enabling versatile control in microfluidic devices. The nonlinear interaction between electroosmotic flow and microchamber geometry significantly contributes to this enhanced mixing efficiency. These results demonstrate the potential for optimizing microfluidic mixing processes through careful parameter tuning, particularly in applications requiring high efficiency at low flow rates. Thus, this study provides valuable insights for designing more effective microfluidic systems in various scientific and industrial fields.

The Biallelic Inheritance of Two Novel SCN1A Variants Results in Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy Responsive to Levetiracetam.

Loss-, gain-of-function and mixed variants in SCN1A (Nav1.1 voltage-gated sodium channel) have been associated with a spectrum of neurologic disorders with different severity and drug-responsiveness. Most SCN1A variants are heterozygous changes occurring de novo or dominantly inherited; recessive inheritance has been reported in a few cases. Here, we report a family in which the biallelic inheritance of two novel SCN1A variants, N935Y and H1393Q, occurs in two siblings presenting with drug-responsive developmental and epileptic encephalopathy and born to heterozygous asymptomatic parents. To assess the genotype-phenotype correlation and support the treatment choice, HEK 293 cells were transfected with different combinations of the SCN1A WT and mutant cDNAs, and the resulting sodium currents were recorded through whole-cell patch-clamp. Functional studies showed that the N935Y and H1393Q channels and their combinations with the WT (WT + N935Y and WT + H1393Q) had current densities and biophysical properties comparable with those of their respective control conditions. This explains the asymptomatic condition of the probands' parents. The co-expression of the N935Y + H1393Q channels, mimicking the recessive inheritance of the two variants in siblings, showed ~20% reduced current amplitude compared with WT and with parental channels. This mild loss of Nav1.1 function may contribute in part to the disease pathogenesis, although other mechanisms may be involved.

Applicability of linear models in modeling dynamic behavior of alkaline water electrolyzer stack

Linear equivalent circuit models are commonly used to estimate the effect of current ripple on the performance of water electrolyzers, thus it is important that the validity of this approach is examined. The effect of the amplitude and frequency of the sinusoidal current ripple on the performance of the alkaline water electrolyzer stack is studied experimentally. The increased current ripple amplitude produces additional losses in the electrolyzer stack, while the effect of ripple frequency appears to be insignificant. Linear models based on an equivalent circuit and polarization curve tangent are compared with waveform measurements with differing ripple amplitudes and frequencies to study their dynamic modeling capabilities. Under dynamic operation the experimental results show that operating voltage differs considerably from the static polarization curve, especially at low operating currents, due to nonlinear behavior. It is also shown that the dynamic equivalent circuit model using only linear components is not enough to accurately model electrolyzer behavior under dynamic operation.

Forskolin reverses the O-GlcNAcylation dependent decrease in GABAAR current amplitude at hippocampal synapses possibly at a neurosteroid site on GABAARs

GABAergic transmission is influenced by post-translational modifications, like phosphorylation, impacting channel conductance, allosteric modulator sensitivity, and membrane trafficking. O-GlcNAcylation is a post-translational modification involving the O-linked attachment of β-N-acetylglucosamine on serine/threonine residues. Previously we reported an acute increase in O-GlcNAcylation elicits a long-term depression of evoked GABAAR inhibitory postsynaptic currents (eIPSCs) onto hippocampal principal cells. Importantly, O-GlcNAcylation and phosphorylation can co-occur or compete for the same residue; whether they interact in modulating GABAergic IPSCs is unknown. We tested this by recording IPSCs from hippocampal principal cells and pharmacologically increased O-GlcNAcylation, before or after increasing serine phosphorylation using the adenylate cyclase activator, forskolin. Although forskolin had no significant effect on baseline eIPSC amplitude, we found that a prior increase in O-GlcNAcylation unmasks a forskolin-dependent increase in eIPSC amplitude, reversing the O-GlcNAc-induced eIPSC depression. Inhibition of adenylate cyclase or protein kinase A did not prevent the potentiating effect of forskolin, indicating serine phosphorylation is not the mechanism. Surprisingly, increasing O-GlcNAcylation also unmasked a potentiating effect of the neurosteroids 5α-pregnane-3α,21-diol-20-one (THDOC) and progesterone on eIPSC amplitude in about half of the recorded cells, mimicking forskolin. Our findings show that under conditions of heightened O-GlcNAcylation, the neurosteroid site on synaptic GABAARs is possibly accessible to agonists, permitting strengthening of synaptic inhibition.

Characterization of a novel Ca2+-Activated potassium channel in rat brain rough endoplasmic reticulum

ObjectivesPotassium channels in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are crucial for maintaining calcium balance during calcium fluxes. Disruption in ER calcium balance leads to ER stress, implicated in diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, limited data exists on ER potassium channels in excitable tissues such as the brain. To fill this gap, we aimed to evaluate potassium currents in rat brain rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). MethodsRats were euthanized under deep anesthesia and their brains were immediately removed. The brains were then homogenized in ice-cold sucrose buffer, followed by the extraction of RER microsomes through a series of centrifugation processes. Purity of sample was evaluated using western blotting technique. Single channel recordings were done in voltage steps from +50 to −60 mV following incorporation of rat brain RER vesicles into planar bilayers. ResultsWe observed a voltage-dependent potassium channel with an approximate conductance of 188 pS. Channel open probability was low at negative voltages, increasing at positive voltages. The channel was blocked by Charybdotoxin but not by Iberiotoxin. Additionally, TRAM-34, a specific KCa3.1 channel blocker, suppressed channel current amplitude and open probability. Western blot analysis revealed specific bands for anti-KCa3.1 antibody, approximately 50 kDa in brain homogenate and RER fraction. ConclusionOur study provides strong evidence for the presence of an KCa3.1 channel on the RER membrane in rat brain, exhibiting distinct electro-pharmacological profile compared to plasma membrane and other organelles.

Caspase-1 inhibitor CZL80 protects against acute seizures via amplifying the inhibitory neural transmission

Current anti-seizure medications (ASDs) primarily target ion channels or neurotransmissions; however, their practicability is limited by unwanted side-effects and pharmacoresistance. Cumulative evidence has proposed pro-inflammatory caspase-1 as a potential target for developing ASDs. In this study, we showed that the small-molecular caspase-1 inhibitor CZL80 can prevent seizures in various models including the maximal electroshock (MES), the pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), and the amygdaloid kindled models. Specifically, we discovered that CZL80 prevented death, reduced the duration of generalized seizures, and increased the threshold of generalized seizures in a dose-dependent manner in the MES model. In the PTZ model, CZL80 decreased the seizure stages, prolonged the latency to stage 4 seizures, and decreased the death rate. And in amygdaloid kindled rats, CZL80 inhibited the seizure stages, shortened the durations of both generalized seizures and after-discharges. And the anti-seizure efficacy of CZL80 was diminished in caspase-1 knockout mice. In vitro electrophysiology recordings revealed that CZL80 was able to decreased the excitability of glutamatergic pyramidal neurons, as denoted by reducing the spontaneous neuronal firings and increasing the rheobase injected currents to elicit action potentials. Furthermore, CZL80 was able to increase the amplitudes of inhibitory post-synaptic currents (IPSC), while the excitatory post-synaptic currents (EPSC) were not influenced. Lastly, daily administration of CZL80 for 3 weeks did not influence the normal locomotor functions in mice. In sum, our results highlighted CZL80 as a potential anti-seizure therapy with therapeutic significance.

A Novel Coupled Memristive Izhikevich Neuron Model and Its Complex Dynamics

This paper proposes a novel, five-dimensional memristor synapse-coupled Izhikevich neuron model under electromagnetic induction. Firstly, we analyze the global exponential stability of the presented system by constructing an appropriate Lyapunov function. Furthermore, the Hamilton energy functions of the model and its corresponding error system are derived by using Helmholtz’s theorem. In addition, the influence of external current and system parameters on the dynamical behavior are investigated. The numerical simulation results indicate that the discharge pattern of excitatory and inhibitory neurons changes significantly when the amplitude and frequency of the external stimulus current are applied at different degrees. And the crucial dynamical behavior of the neuronal system is determined by the intensity of modulation of the induced current and the gain in the electromagnetic induction. Moreover, the amount of Hamilton energy released by the model could be evaluated during the conversion between the distinct dynamical behaviors.

Homeostatic Synaptic Plasticity of Miniature Excitatory Postsynaptic Currents in Mouse Cortical Cultures Requires Neuronal Rab3A.

Following prolonged activity blockade, amplitudes of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) increase, a form of plasticity termed "homeostatic synaptic plasticity." We previously showed that a presynaptic protein, the small GTPase Rab3A, is required for full expression of the increase in miniature endplate current amplitudes following prolonged blockade of action potential activity at the mouse neuromuscular junction in vivo (Wang et al., 2011), but it is unknown whether this form of Rab3A-dependent homeostatic plasticity shares any characteristics with central synapses. We show here that homeostatic synaptic plasticity of mEPSCs is impaired in mouse cortical neuron cultures prepared from Rab3A-/- and mutant mice expressing a single point mutation of Rab3A, Rab3A Earlybird mice. To determine if Rab3A is involved in the well-established homeostatic increase in postsynaptic AMPA-type receptors (AMPARs), we performed a series of experiments in which electrophysiological recordings of mEPSCs and confocal imaging of synaptic AMPAR immunofluorescence were assessed within the same cultures. We found that Rab3A was required for the increase in synaptic AMPARs following prolonged activity blockade, but the increase in mEPSC amplitudes was not always accompanied by an increase in postsynaptic AMPAR levels, suggesting other factors may contribute. Finally, we demonstrate that Rab3A is acting in neurons because only selective loss of Rab3A in neurons, not glia, disrupted the homeostatic increase in mEPSC amplitudes. This is the first demonstration that neuronal Rab3A is required for homeostatic synaptic plasticity and that it does so partially through regulation of the surface expression of AMPA receptors.

Unlocking Single Particle Anisotropy in Real‐Time for Photoelectrochemistry Processes at the Nanoscale

AbstractThe key to rationally and rapidly designing high‐performance materials is the monitoring and comprehension of dynamic processes within individual particles in real‐time, particularly to gain insight into the anisotropy of nanoparticles. The intrinsic property of nanoparticles typically varies from one crystal facet to the next under realistic working conditions. Here, we introduce the operando collision electrochemistry to resolve the single silver nanoprisms (Ag NPs) anisotropy in photoelectrochemistry. We directly identify the effect of anisotropy on the plasmonic‐assisted electrochemistry at the single NP/electrolyte interface. The statistical collision frequency shows that heterogeneous diffusion coefficients among crystal facets facilitate Ag NPs to undergo direction‐dependent mass transfer toward the gold ultramicroelectrode. Subsequently, the current amplitudes of transient events indicate that the anisotropy enables variations in dynamic interfacial electron transfer behaviors during photothermal processes. The results presented here demonstrate that the measurement precision of collision electrochemistry can be extended to the sub‐nanoparticle level, highlighting the potential for high‐throughput material screening with comprehensive kinetics information at the nanoscale.

Unlocking Single Particle Anisotropy in Real-Time for Photoelectrochemistry Processes at the Nanoscale.

The key to rationally and rapidly designing high-performance materials is the monitoring and comprehension of dynamic processes within individual particles in real-time, particularly to gain insight into the anisotropy of nanoparticles. The intrinsic property of nanoparticles typically varies from one crystal facet to the next under realistic working conditions. Here, we introduce the operando collision electrochemistry to resolve the single silver nanoprisms (Ag NPs) anisotropy in photoelectrochemistry. We directly identify the effect of anisotropy on the plasmonic-assisted electrochemistry at the single NP/electrolyte interface. The statistical collision frequency shows that heterogeneous diffusion coefficients among crystal facets facilitate Ag NPs to undergo direction-dependent mass transfer toward the gold ultramicroelectrode. Subsequently, the current amplitudes of transient events indicate that the anisotropy enables variations in dynamic interfacial electron transfer behaviors during photothermal processes. The results presented here demonstrate that the measurement precision of collision electrochemistry can be extended to the sub-nanoparticle level, highlighting the potential for high-throughput material screening with comprehensive kinetics information at the nanoscale.

A multi-channel stimulator with an active electrode array implant for vagal-cardiac neuromodulation studies

BackgroundImplantable vagus nerve stimulation is a promising approach for restoring autonomic cardiovascular functions after heart transplantation. For successful treatment a system should have multiple electrodes to deliver precise stimulation and complex neuromodulation patterns.MethodsThis paper presents an implantable multi-channel stimulation system for vagal-cardiac neuromodulation studies in swine species. The system comprises an active electrode array implant percutaneously connected to an external wearable controller. The active electrode array implant has an integrated stimulator ASIC mounted on a ceramic substrate connected to an intraneural electrode array via micro-rivet bonding. The implant is silicone encapsulated for biocompatibility and implanted lifetime. The stimulation parameters are remotely transmitted via a Bluetooth telemetry link.ResultsThe size of the encapsulated active electrode array implant is 8 mm × 10 mm × 3 mm. The stimulator ASIC has 10-bit current amplitude resolution and 16 independent output channels, each capable of delivering up to 550 µA stimulus current and a maximum voltage of 20 V. The active electrode array implant was subjected to in vitro accelerated lifetime testing at 70 °C for 7 days with no degradation in performance. After over 2 h continuous stimulation, the surface temperature change of the implant was less than 0.5 °C. In addition, in vivo testing on the sciatic nerve of a male Göttingen minipig demonstrated that the implant could effectively elicit an EMG response that grew progressively stronger on increasing the amplitude of the stimulation.ConclusionsThe multi-channel stimulator is suitable for long term implantation. It shows potential as a useful tool in vagal-cardiac neuromodulation studies in animal models for restoring autonomic cardiovascular functions after heart transplantation.

A 3 MHz Low-Error Adaptive Howland Current Source for High-Frequency Bioimpedance Applications.

Bioimpedance is a diagnostic sensing method used in medical applications, ranging from body composition assessment to detecting skin cancer. Commonly, discrete-component (and at times integrated) circuit variants of the Howland Current Source (HCS) topology are employed for injection of an AC current. Ideally, its amplitude should remain within 1% of its nominal value across a frequency range, and that nominal value should be programmable. However, the method's applicability and accuracy are hindered due to the current amplitude diminishing at frequencies above 100 kHz, with very few designs accomplishing 1 MHz, and only at a single nominal amplitude. This paper presents the design and implementation of an adaptive current source for bioimpedance applications employing automatic gain control (AGC). The "Adaptive Howland Current Source" (AHCS) was experimentally tested, and the results indicate that the design can achieve less than 1% amplitude error for both 1 mA and 100 µA currents for bandwidths up to 3 MHz. Simulations also indicate that the system can be designed to achieve up to 19% noise reduction relative to the most common HCS design. AHCS addresses the need for high bandwidth AC current sources in bioimpedance spectroscopy, offering automatic output current compensation without constant recalibration. The novel structure of AHCS proves crucial in applications requiring higher β-dispersion frequencies exceeding 1 MHz, where greater penetration depths and better cell status assessment can be achieved, e.g., in the detection of skin or breast cancer.

Maximum torque per ampere control of permanent magnet/reluctance hybrid rotor dual stator synchronous motor

AbstractCompared with a traditional low‐speed high‐torque permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), a permanent magnet (PM)/reluctance hybrid rotor dual‐stator synchronous motor (PM/RHRDSSM) has the advantages of high torque density and high space utilization. This type of motor is composed of a "back‐to‐back" PM + reluctance hybrid rotor and an inner and outer double stator. The number of poles of the inner and outer unit motors is the same, and the inner and outer stator windings are connected in series, driven by a single inverter. Due to the special mechanical structure and electromagnetic relationship of PM/RHRDSSM, traditional PMSM and synchronous reluctance motor maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) control strategies are no longer applicable. In response to this issue, the authors establishe a PM/RHRDSSM mathematical model of stator winding series structure and propose a MTPA control strategy suitable for this new type of motor. This strategy is aimed at the special mathematical model of PM/RHRDSSM and derives the analytical expression of MTPA trajectory, which minimises the required stator current amplitude of PM/RHRDSSM at various load torques, thereby minimising the motor copper loss. Finally, the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed control strategy were verified through simulation and experiments.

Dopamine enhances GABAA receptor-mediated current amplitude in a subset of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells.

Neuromodulation in the retina is crucial for effective processing of retinal signal at different levels of illuminance. Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), the neurons that drive nonimage-forming visual functions, express a variety of neuromodulatory receptors that tune intrinsic excitability as well as synaptic inputs. Past research has examined actions of neuromodulators on light responsiveness of ipRGCs, but less is known about how neuromodulation affects synaptic currents in ipRGCs. To better understand how neuromodulators affect synaptic processing in ipRGC, we examine actions of opioid and dopamine agonists have on inhibitory synaptic currents in ipRGCs. Although µ-opioid receptor (MOR) activation had no effect on γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) currents, dopamine [via the D1-type dopamine receptor (D1R)]) amplified GABAergic currents in a subset of ipRGCs. Furthermore, this D1R-mediated facilitation of the GABA conductance in ipRGCs was mediated by a cAMP/PKA-dependent mechanism. Taken together, these findings reinforce the idea that dopamine's modulatory role in retinal adaptation affects both nonimage-forming and image-forming visual functions.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Neuromodulators such as dopamine are important regulators of retinal function. Here, we demonstrate that dopamine increases inhibitory inputs to intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), in addition to its previously established effect on intrinsic light responsiveness. This indicates that dopamine, in addition to its ability to intrinsically modulate ipRGC activity, can also affect synaptic inputs to ipRGCs, thereby tuning retina circuits involved in nonimage-forming visual functions.

Non-invasive Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation Programming Recommendations for the Treatment of Upper Extremity Impairment in Tetraplegia

ObjectivesThis study analyzes the stimulation parameters implemented during two successful trials that used non-invasive transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) to effectively improve upper extremity function after chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). It proposes a framework to guide stimulation programming decisions for the successful translation of these techniques into the clinic. Materials and MethodsProgramming data from 60 participants who completed the Up-LIFT trial and from 17 participants who subsequently completed the LIFT Home trial were analyzed. All observations of stimulation amplitudes, frequencies, waveforms, and electrode configurations were examined. The incidence of adverse events and relatedness to stimulation parameters is reported. A comparison of parameter usage across the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) subgroups was conducted to evaluate stimulation strategies across participants with varying degrees of sensorimotor preservation. ResultsActive (cathodal) electrodes were typically placed between the C3/C4 and C6/C7 spinous processes. Most sessions featured return (anodal) electrodes positioned bilaterally over the anterior superior iliac spine, although clavicular placement was frequently used by 12 participants. Stimulation was delivered with a 10-kHz carrier frequency and typically a 30-Hz burst frequency. Biphasic waveforms were used in 83% of sessions. Average stimulation amplitudes were higher for biphasic waveforms. The AIS B subgroup required significantly higher amplitudes than did the AIS C and D subgroups. Device-related adverse events were infrequent, and not correlated with specific waveforms or amplitudes. Within the home setting, participants maintained their current amplitudes within 1% of the preset values. The suggested stimulation programming framework dictates the following hierarchical order of parameter adjustments: current amplitude, waveform type, active/return electrode positioning, and burst frequency, guided by clinical observations as required. ConclusionsThis analysis summarizes effective stimulation parameters from the trials and provides a decision-making framework for clinical implementation of tSCS for upper extremity functional restoration after SCI. The parameters are aligned with existing literature and proved safe and well tolerated by participants.