Excitation Functions Research Articles

Clinical Applications for Spread of Excitation Functions Obtained Via Electrically Evoked Compound Action Potentials (eCAP).

To assess the clinical utility of spread of excitation (SOE) functions obtained via electrically evoked compound action potentials (eCAP) to 1) identify electrode array tip fold-over, 2) predict electrode placement factors confirmed via postoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging, and 3) predict postoperative speech recognition through the first year post-activation in a large clinical sample. Retrospective case review. Cochlear implant (CI) program at a tertiary medical center. Two hundred seventy-two ears (238 patients) with Cochlear Ltd. CIs (mean age = 46 yr, range = 9 mo-93 yr, 50% female) implanted between August 2014 and December 2022 were included. eCAP SOE widths (mm) (probe electrodes 5, 11, and 17), incidence of electrode tip fold-over, CT imaging data (electrode-to-modiolus distance, angular insertion depth, scalar location), and speech recognition outcomes (consonant-nucleus-consonant [CNC], AzBio quiet, and +5 dB SNR) through the first year after CI activation. 1) eCAP SOE demonstrated a sensitivity of 85.7% for identifying tip fold-over instances that were confirmed by CT imaging. In the current dataset, the tip fold-over incidence rate was 3.1% (7 patients), with all instances involving a precurved electrode array. 2) There was a significant positive relationship between eCAP SOE and mean electrode-to-modiolus distance for precurved arrays, and a significant positive relationship between eCAP SOE and angular insertion depth for straight arrays. No relationships between eCAP SOE and scalar location or cochlea diameter were found in this sample. 3) There were no significant relationships between eCAP SOE and speech recognition outcomes for any measure or time point, except for a weak negative correlation between average eCAP SOE widths and CNC word scores at 6 months post-activation for precurved arrays. In the absence of intraoperative CT or fluoroscopic imaging, eCAP SOE is a reasonable alternative method for identifying electrode array tip fold-over and should be routinely measured intraoperatively, especially for precurved electrode arrays with a sheath.

Synthesis, luminescent and thermometric properties of the Tb3+ doped Gd2TeO6 phosphor

Gadolinium tellurate phosphor Gd2TeO6 pure and Tb3+ doped were successfully synthesised by solid-state reaction. The crystal structure and photoluminescence properties were characterised by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and fluorescence spectroscopy. The influence of Tb3+ concentration on the behaviour of the relative emission intensity and chromaticity coordinates were systematically investigated as a function of energy excitation and temperature. From the Tb3+ emission spectra the CIE (x,y) values and G/B = I(5D4 → 7F5)/I(5D4 → 7F6) ratio were calculated. While the G/B ratio is found temperature independent for all samples, the CIE runs from reddish to greenish region. The thermometric properties are also determined and a good relative thermal sensitivity Sr value 0.98 %K−1 was obtained. The investigation results show that these phosphors could be potentially interesting for use in white light-emitting devices as well as noncontact temperature sensors.

Red-light-excited TiO2/Bi2S3 heterojunction nanotubes and photoelectric hydrogels mediate epidermal-neural network reconstruction in deep burns

Inspired by the strong light absorption of carbon nanotubes, we propose a fabrication approach involving one-dimensional TiO2/Bi2S3 QDs nanotubes (TBNTs) with visible red-light excitable photoelectric properties. By integrating the construction of heterojunctions, quantum confinement effects, and morphological modifications, the photocurrent reached 9.22 µA/cm2 which is 66 times greater than that of TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs). Then, a red light-responsive photoelectroactive hydrogel dressing (TBCHA) was developed by embedding TBNTs into a collagen/hyaluronic acid-based biomimetic extracellular matrix hydrogel with good biocompatibility, aiming to promote wound healing and skin function restoration. This approach is primarily grounded in the recognized significance of electrical stimulation in modulating nerve function and immune responses. Severe burns are often accompanied by extensive damage to epithelial-neural networks, leading to a loss of excitatory function and difficulty in spontaneous healing, while conventional dressings inadequately address the critical need for nerve reinnervation. Furthermore, we highlight the remarkable ability of the TBCHA photoelectric hydrogel to promote the reinnervation of nerve endings, facilitate the repair of skin substructures, and modulate immune responses in a deep burn model. This hydrogel not only underpins wound closure and collagen synthesis but also advances vascular reformation, immune modulation, and neural restoration. This photoelectric-based therapy offers a robust solution for the comprehensive repair of deep burns and functional tissue regeneration. Statement of significanceWe explore the fabrication of 1D TiO2/Bi2S3 nanotubes with visible red-light excitability and high photoelectric conversion properties. By integrating heterojunctions, quantum absorption effects, and morphological modifications, the photocurrent of TiO2/Bi2S3 nanotubes could reach 9.22 µA/cm², which is 66 times greater than that of TiO2 nanotubes under 625 nm illumination. The efficient red-light excitability solves the problem of poor biosafety and low tissue penetration caused by shortwave excitation. Furthermore, we highlight the remarkable ability of the TiO2/Bi2S3 nanotubes integrated photoelectric hydrogel in promoting the reinnervation of nerve endings and modulating immune responses. This work proposes an emerging therapeutic strategy of remote, passive electrical stimulation, offering a robust boost for repairing deep burn wounds.

Enhanced hippocampal LTP but normal NMDA receptor and AMPA receptor function in a rat model of CDKL5 deficiency disorder

BackgroundMutations in the X-linked gene cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) cause a severe neurological disorder characterised by early-onset epileptic seizures, autism and intellectual disability (ID). Impaired hippocampal function has been implicated in other models of monogenic forms of autism spectrum disorders and ID and is often linked to epilepsy and behavioural abnormalities. Many individuals with CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) have null mutations and complete loss of CDKL5 protein, therefore in the current study we used a Cdkl5−/y rat model to elucidate the impact of CDKL5 loss on cellular excitability and synaptic function of CA1 pyramidal cells (PCs). We hypothesised abnormal pre and/or post synaptic function and plasticity would be observed in the hippocampus of Cdkl5−/y rats.MethodsTo allow cross-species comparisons of phenotypes associated with the loss of CDKL5, we generated a loss of function mutation in exon 8 of the rat Cdkl5 gene and assessed the impact of the loss of CDLK5 using a combination of extracellular and whole-cell electrophysiological recordings, biochemistry, and histology.ResultsOur results indicate that CA1 hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) is enhanced in slices prepared from juvenile, but not adult, Cdkl5−/y rats. Enhanced LTP does not result from changes in NMDA receptor function or subunit expression as these remain unaltered throughout development. Furthermore, Ca2+ permeable AMPA receptor mediated currents are unchanged in Cdkl5−/y rats. We observe reduced mEPSC frequency accompanied by increased spine density in basal dendrites of CA1 PCs, however we find no evidence supporting an increase in silent synapses when assessed using a minimal stimulation protocol in slices. Additionally, we found no change in paired-pulse ratio, consistent with normal release probability at Schaffer collateral to CA1 PC synapses.ConclusionsOur data indicate a role for CDKL5 in hippocampal synaptic function and raise the possibility that altered intracellular signalling rather than synaptic deficits contribute to the altered plasticity.LimitationsThis study has focussed on the electrophysiological and anatomical properties of hippocampal CA1 PCs across early postnatal development. Studies involving other brain regions, older animals and behavioural phenotypes associated with the loss of CDKL5 are needed to understand the pathophysiology of CDD.

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First radial excitations of mesons and diquarks in a contact interaction

We present a calculation for the masses of the first radially excited states of 40 mesons and diquarks made up of u, d, s, c, and b quarks, including states that contain one or both heavy quarks. To this end, we employ a combined analysis of the Bethe-Salpeter and Schwinger-Dyson equations within a self-consistent and symmetry-preserving vector-vector contact interaction. The same set of parameters describes ground and excited states of mesons and their diquark partners. The wave function of the first radial excitation contains a zero whose location is correlated with an additional parameter dF which is a function of dressed quark masses. Our results satisfy the equal spacing rules given by the Gell-Mann Okubo mass relations. Wherever possible, we make comparisons of our findings with known experimental observations as well as theoretical predictions of several other models and approaches including lattice quantum chromodynamics, finding a very good agreement. We report predictions for a multitude of radial excitations not yet observed in experiments. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Increasing Ambient GABA Levels in the Hippocampus to Improve Cognition in a Mouse Model of Schizophrenia: A Research Protocol

Introduction: Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder characterized by cognitive, positive, and negative symptoms, with cognitive impairments significantly affecting learning, memory, and executive functions. The hippocampus, particularly the CA1 region, is a critical area of interest due to its role in learning and memory and its dysfunction in schizophrenia. This protocol explores the effects of increasing ambient Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) levels in the CA1 region on cognitive functions in a Methylazoxymethanol Acetate (MAM) model of schizophrenia. Methods: Utilizing a two-by-two factorial design, male Sprague-Dawley rats undergo either a sham or MAM treatment, followed by a control or GABA modulation intervention. The study will employ GABA transporter inhibitor Tiagabine to increase ambient GABA levels and assess its impact on neuronal excitability and cognitive function. Behavioural assessments will include the Morris water maze and the Attentional set-shifting test to evaluate spatial memory and cognitive flexibility. Histological examinations and electrophysiological measurements will provide insights into structural and functional changes in the hippocampus. Results: The results are expected to demonstrate neurodevelopmental disruptions in MAM-treated offspring and improvements in cognitive performance following GABA modulation. Enhanced spatial memory and cognitive flexibility are anticipated in MAM-treated rats with GABA modulation, as evidenced by performance in the Morris water maze and Attentional set-shifting test. Electrophysiological recordings are likely to show increased tonic inhibition in the CA1 region. Discussion: This study aims to extend the understanding of tonic inhibition in schizophrenia treatment. By focusing on ambient GABA modulation, the research could offer novel insights into therapeutic strategies for schizophrenia, especially in enhancing cognitive functions. However, the translational applicability of intracerebral administration of uptake inhibitors like Tiagabine poses a significant challenge, highlighting the need for future research in more clinically viable methods of GABA modulation. Conclusion: This study was designed to contribute to schizophrenia research, particularly in understanding cognitive impairments and developing potential therapeutic strategies targeting the GABAergic system. The proposed findings could pave the way for novel treatments, improving the quality of life for individuals with schizophrenia.

Fabrication of 208Pb and 193Ir targets on Al-backing using high/ultra-high vacuum deposition technique for low-energy nuclear reaction experiments

Aiming to study the interplay of different nuclear reactions at low incident energies, thin targets of enriched stable isotopes, 208Pb and 193Ir, have been fabricated at the target development laboratory of the Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), New Delhi. As a means of preparing a large number of thin isotopically pure targets, physical vapour deposition techniques, (a) resistive heating, for fabrication of 208Pb targets of mass thickness 160-340μg/cm2, and (b) electron-gun evaporation technique, for fabrication of 193Ir targets of mass thickness 17-60μg/cm2, have been employed. The fabricated targets were characterized using Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE–SEM). The thickness of targets was estimated based on the evaporation rate and measured by RBS. The RBS was employed to analyse the samples for trace- and heavy impurities, provided the measurements and analysis suggest that the targets prepared in the present work do not contain any impurities. FE-SEM was employed to examine the surface morphology and microstructure in high resolution. This technique enables the detection of any morphological changes induced by the irradiation process, offering insights into the effects of irradiation on the target films. The targets have been successfully deployed to measure complete and incomplete fusion excitation functions, mass distribution of fission fragments, and forward ranges of target-like recoils in 12C + 208Pb, 193Ir reactions from sub- to above barrier energies. Preliminary data analysis suggests the achievement of high-quality 208Pb and 193Ir target foils.

Cluster structure of 3α+p states in N13

Cluster states in N13 are extremely difficult to measure due to the unavailability of B9+α elastic-scattering data. Using β-delayed charged-particle spectroscopy of O13, clustered states in N13 can be populated and measured in the 3α+p decay channel. One-at-a-time implantation and decay of O13 was performed with the Texas Active Target Time Projection Chamber. 149β3αp decay events were observed and the excitation function in N13 reconstructed. Four previously unknown α-decaying excited states were observed in N13 at an excitation energy of 11.3, 12.4, 13.1, and 13.7 MeV decaying via the 3α+p channel. These states are seen to have a [9B(g.s)⨂α/p+C12(02+)], [9B(12+)⨂α], [9B(52+)⨂α], and [9B(52+)⨂α] structure, respectively. A previously seen state at 11.8 MeV was also determined to have a [p+C12(g.s.)/p+C12(02+)] structure. The overall magnitude of the clustering is not able to be extracted, however, due to the lack of a total width measurement. Clustered states in N13 (with unknown magnitude) seem to persist from the addition of a proton to the highly α-clustered C12. Evidence of the 12+ state in B9 was also seen to be populated by decays from N★13.Published by the American Physical Society2024

Calculation of the energy dependence of fission fragments yields and kinetic energy distributions for neutron-induced 235U fission* *Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (12075105), the NSFC-Nuclear Technology Innovation Joint Fund (U2167203), the Major Science and Technology Projects of Gansu Province (22ZD6GB020), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China (lzujbky-2022-ey14, lzujbky-2022- kb07)

Fission fragments yields and average total kinetic energy are fundamental nuclear data for nuclear energy applications and the study of nuclear devices. Certain fission products, such as 95Zr, 99Mo, 140Ba, 144Ce, and 147Nd, serve as burnup monitors, assessing the number of fissions induced by neutrons on 235U. However, current experimental data for these fission products worldwide are inconsistent, introducing significant uncertainty into related scientific research. In this study, we employed the Potential-driving Model to calculate the independent yields of 235U and evaluate its advantages in such calculations. Additionally, we investigated the energy dependence of independent yields to select important products. Furthermore, we calculated the cumulative yields of 95Zr, 99Mo, 140Ba, 144Ce, and 147Nd, and compared them with existing literature data to explore the energy dependence of fission products for 235U. Given the lack of fission product yield data above 14.8 MeV, we extended our calculated incident neutron energy to 20 MeV, aiming to support future scientific research. The Geant4 physical model does not consider the influence of incident neutron energy on the average total kinetic energy of fission fragments; thus, we introduced the excitation function of the total kinetic energy of fission fragments recommended by Madland et al., which effectively describes the experimental data of the average total kinetic energy of fragments formed in 235U fission. In this paper, we comprehensively discuss the energy dependence of fission product yields and average total kinetic energy.

A method of determining the bremsstrahlung flux-weighted average photonuclear cross section

Based on a developed analytical model, a method is proposed for measuring the photonuclear cross section averaged over bremsstrahlung flux without application of additional target-monitor of photon flux. The method involves the use of a thin isotopic target, that completely overlaps the photon beam (a photonuclear converter), as well as an algorithm for processing the data on the yield of a reaction under study in such a target. The novel technique was validated on the reactions 100Mo(γ,n)99Mo and 58Ni(γ,n)57Ni in the range of photon end-point energy of 40.7–93.9 MeV. The photon flux-weighted average cross sections of the reactions measured experimentally are in good agreement with Monte Carlo simulations and TALYS predictions on their excitation functions.

Study the Cross Section of 67Ga(n,p)67Zn Reaction by using the Revers Reaction in the Ground State

In this study the excitation function for 67Ga(n,p)67Zn nuclear reaction in the ground state has been calculated using the reciprocity theorem. The decay energy of proton particles equal to (-1.78369) MeV according to the available International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for 67Zn (p,n) 67Ga nuclear reaction with threshold energy (1.81054 MeV) and this data replicated in fine proceedings for specified energy range. The cross-section calculations in a present work shows same behavior of the corresponding experimental data and with previous theoretical work using statistical model.

Study of the 7Be(d,3He)6Li* reaction at 5 MeV/u

The measurement of the 7Be(d,3He)6Li* transfer cross section at 5 MeV/u is carried out. The population of the 2.186 MeV excited state of 6Li in this reaction channel is observed for the first time. The experimental angular distributions have been analyzed in the finite range DWBA and coupled-channel frameworks. The effect of the 7Be(d,3He)6Li reaction on both the 6Li and 7Li abundances are investigated at the relevant big-bang nucleosynthesis energies. The excitation function is calculated by TALYS and normalized to the experimental data. The S factor of the (d,3He) channel from the present work is about 50% lower than existing data at nearby energies. At big-bang energies, the S factor is about three orders of magnitude smaller than that of the (d,p) channel. The (d,3He) reaction rate is found to have a less than 0.1% effect on the 6,7Li abundances.

Calcium-Dependent Regulation of Neuronal Excitability Is Rescued in Fragile X Syndrome by a Tat-Conjugated N-Terminal Fragment of FMRP.

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) arises from the loss of fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein (FMRP) needed for normal neuronal excitability and circuit functions. Recent work revealed that FMRP contributes to mossy fiber long-term potentiation by adjusting the Kv4 A-type current availability through interactions with a Cav3-Kv4 ion channel complex, yet the mechanism has not yet been defined. In this study using wild-type and Fmr1 knock-out (KO) tsA-201 cells and cerebellar sections from male Fmr1 KO mice, we show that FMRP associates with all subunits of the Cav3.1-Kv4.3-KChIP3 complex and is critical to enabling calcium-dependent shifts in Kv4.3 inactivation to modulate the A-type current. Specifically, upon depolarization Cav3 calcium influx activates dual-specific phosphatase 1/6 (DUSP1/6) to deactivate ERK1/2 (ERK) and lower phosphorylation of Kv4.3, a signaling pathway that does not function in Fmr1 KO cells. In Fmr1 KO mouse tissue slices, cerebellar granule cells exhibit a hyperexcitable response to membrane depolarizations. Either incubating Fmr1 KO cells or in vivo administration of a tat-conjugated FMRP N-terminus fragment (FMRP-N-tat) rescued Cav3-Kv4 function and granule cell excitability, with a decrease in the level of DUSP6. Together these data reveal a Cav3-activated DUSP signaling pathway critical to the function of a FMRP-Cav3-Kv4 complex that is misregulated in Fmr1 KO conditions. Moreover, FMRP-N-tat restores function of this complex to rescue calcium-dependent control of neuronal excitability as a potential therapeutic approach to alleviating the symptoms of FXS.

A variance-based optimization for determining ground and excited N-electron wave functions within the doubly occupied configuration interaction scheme.

This work describes optimizations of N-electron system wave functions by means of the simulated annealing technique within the doubly occupied configuration interaction framework. Using that technique, we minimize the energy variance of a Hamiltonian, providing determinations of wave functions corresponding to ground or excited states in an identical manner. The procedure that allows us to determine electronic spectra can be performed using treatments of restricted or unrestricted types. The results found in selected systems, described in terms of energy, spin, and wave function, are analyzed, showing the performance of each method. We also compare these results with those arising from more traditional approaches that minimize the energy, in both restricted and unrestricted versions, and with those obtained from the full configuration interaction treatment.

Probing the structure of X(3872) in photoproduction

We study the production of X(3872) mesons in photon-induced nuclear reactions near the threshold within the collision model based on the nuclear spectral function. The model accounts for direct photon-nucleon X(3872) production processes as well as five different scenarios for their internal structure. We calculate the absolute and relative excitation functions for X(3872) production off 12C and 184W target nuclei at near-threshold incident photon energies of 8–16 GeV, the absolute differential cross sections for their production off these target nuclei at laboratory angles of 0∘–10∘ and for incident photon energy of 13 GeV as well as the A dependences of the relative (transparency ratios) cross sections for X(3872) production from γA collisions at photon energies around 13 GeV within the adopted scenarios for the X(3872) meson internal structure. We show that the absolute and relative observables considered reveal distinct sensitivity to these scenarios. Therefore, the measurement of such observables in a dedicated experiment at the CEBAF facility in the near-threshold energy range will allow us to get valuable information on the X(3872) inner structure.

Image denoising method of HV insulator damage based on U-Net neural network

The noise of the image will lead to large errors in the image processing of high-voltage insulator damage. In order to reduce the impact of noise, a denoising method for high-voltage insulator damage image is designed based on U-Net neural network. The specific method is to define the perception features of the real domain of the HV insulator damage image, to obtain the input and output values in the convolution layer, to construct the excitation function of the convolution layer, to calculate the average value in the selected region, and to obtain the network image feature mapping results. Based on this, displacement changes were acquired by calculating the mean and variance of image data, and multi-scale image features were extracted combined with U-Net neural network. Thus, the image denoising model of high voltage insulator damage is established. Through the continuous optimization algorithm, the value of loss function reaches the predetermined standard, and the denoising of high voltage insulator damage image is finally realized. The experimental results show that as the noise level increases, the peak signal-to-noise(PSNR) ratio obtained by this denoising method shows a decreasing trend. When the noise level is 5 dB and 75 dB, the PSNR values of this denoising method on the color dataset are 27.6 dB and 26.8 dB, respectively. In the grayscale dataset, when the noise level is 75 dB, the PSNR value is 26.9 dB. From the experimental data, it can be seen that the proposed U-Net neural network denoising method is better.

Excitation functions of the α-particle-induced reactions on natCr up to 50 MeV

Activation cross sections of the α-particle-induced reactions on natCr were measured. A stacked foil activation technique and γ-ray spectrometry were used. Nickel-chromium alloy, nickel and titanium metallic foils were stacked as a target. The target was irradiated with a 51.2-MeV α-particle beam at the AVF cyclotron, RIKEN. The γ rays were measured for the irradiated foils using an HPGe detector. Production cross sections of 52gFe, 52g,54Mn, 48,51Cr and 48V radionuclides were determined. The cross sections determined in this experiment were compared with the literature data and found to be consistent with them.

Energy-Based Design of Buckling-Restrained Steel Braced Frames for Concurrent Occurrences of Earthquake and Wind

This paper describes the development of a dual hazard spectrum for use in the dynamic analysis of steel frames subject to the combined effects of earthquakes and wind. The proposed spectrum is obtained by combining the power spectra of earthquakes and wind using the square root of the sum of squares (SRSS) combination method. An equivalent time excitation function is then computed using an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) and serves as input for the dynamic analysis. Using time-history analysis on the OpenSees platform, the dynamic responses expressed in terms of peak and residual inter-story and roof drifts for two multistory steel frames located in two US cities (Los Angeles and Charleston) are obtained to demonstrate that designing these buildings based on just one hazard may not be adequate. For frames that are considered under-designed, an energy-based design procedure that uses buckling-restrained braces (BRBs) to dissipate the excess energy imparted to these frames is proposed so they will satisfy the FEMA 356 recommended drift limits for the performance levels of immediate occupancy and life safety.

Ensemble variational Monte Carlo for optimization of correlated excited state wave functions

Variational Monte Carlo methods have recently been applied to the calculation of excited states; however, it is still an open question what objective function is most effective. A promising approach is to optimize excited states using a penalty to minimize overlap with lower eigenstates, which has the drawback that states must be computed one at a time. We derive a general framework for constructing objective functions with minima at the the lowest N eigenstates of a many-body Hamiltonian. The objective function uses a weighted average of the energies and an overlap penalty, which must satisfy several conditions. We show this objective function has a minimum at the exact eigenstates for a finite penalty, and provide a few strategies to minimize the objective function. The method is demonstrated using ab initio variational Monte Carlo to calculate the degenerate first excited state of a CO molecule.