Burst Generation Research Articles

Cellular mechanisms of synchronized rhythmic burst generation in the ventromedial hypothalamus.

The ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) plays an important role in feeding behavior and control of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). The VMH includes a group of neurons that exhibit strong synchronized rhythmic burst firing (so-called VMH oscillation). This VMH oscillation is glucose inhibited, responsive to feeding-related peptides, and is functionally coupled to outputs of the SNS. However, the details of its rhythm generation and synchronization mechanisms are unknown. In the present study, we investigated cellular mechanisms of VMH oscillation by means of electrophysiological recordings and calcium imaging in juvenile rat slice preparations including the VMH. In the electrophysiological study, we performed membrane potential recording from neurons in the vicinity of pipettes for field potential recording. We found that the rhythmic bursts in the VMH were preserved in low Ca2+/high Mg2+ synaptic transmission blockade solution. During membrane hyperpolarization by current injection, the action potential was largely inhibited, but fluctuation of the membrane potential remained with a frequency similar to that at resting potential level. The electric VMH oscillation disappeared after application of either a gap junction blocker, carbenoxolone (100µM), or a persistent sodium channel blocker, riluzole (20µM). Membrane potentials and input resistances of rhythmic burst neurons in the VMH were not significantly changed during these manipulations. A calcium imaging study revealed that all VMH cells exhibiting synchronized rhythmic activity detected by intracellular calcium increases were silenced following the application of carbenoxolone. These results suggest that VMH oscillation arises from the activation of persistent sodium channels and coupling via gap junctions.

Ultrathin BSA-Stabilized Black Phosphorous Nanoreactor Boosts Mild-Temperature Photothermal Therapy Through Modulation of Cellular Self-Defense Fate.

Mild-temperature photothermal therapy (mild-PTT, 42-45°C) offers a higher level of biosafety. However, its therapeutic effects are compromised by the heat shock response (HSR), a cellular self-defense mechanism, which triggers the overexpression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) with the capacity of repairing the damaged tumor cells. Herein, this work fabricates a novel nanoreactor by incorporating up-conversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), chlorin e6 (Ce6), and glucose oxidase (GOx) onto the ultrathin black phosphorus nanosheet (BPNS) (denoted as GOx-BUC). This nanoreactor amplifies mild-PTT effects under irradiation with an 808nm laser, modulating HSPs-mediated cellular self-defense fate. On one hand, upon irradiation with a 980nm laser, UCNPs can transfer energy to excite Ce6, leading to the generation of ROS burst, which achieves indiscriminate damage to HSPs activity in deeper tumor tissues. On the other hand, GOx can consume glucose, thereby depleting the ATP energy supply and further suppressing HSPs expression. Consequently, GOx-BUC exhibits excellent anti-tumor efficacy under mild temperature in a human colorectal cancer mouse model, resulting in complete tumor inhibition with negligible side effects. This black phosphorous nanoreactor, featuring dual-track HSPs destruction functionality, introduces novel perspectives for enhancing mild-PTT effectiveness while maintaining high biosafety.

Electrophysiological features of cortical 3D networks are deeply modulated by scaffold properties.

Three-dimensionality (3D) was proven essential for developing reliable models for different anatomical compartments and many diseases. However, the neuronal compartment still poses a great challenge as we still do not understand precisely how the brain computes information and how the complex chain of neuronal events can generate conscious behavior. Therefore, a comprehensive model of neuronal tissue has not yet been found. The present work was conceived in this framework: we aimed to contribute to what must be a collective effort by filling in some information on possible 3D strategies to pursue. We compared directly different kinds of scaffolds (i.e., PDMS sponges, thermally crosslinked hydrogels, and glass microbeads) in their effect on neuronal network activity recorded using micro-electrode arrays. While the overall rate of spiking activity remained consistent, the type of scaffold had a notable impact on bursting dynamics. The frequency, density of bursts, and occurrence of random spikes were all affected. The examination of inter-burst intervals revealed distinct burst generation patterns unique to different scaffold types. Network burst propagation unveiled divergent trends among configurations. Notably, it showed the most differences, underlying that functional variations may arise from a different 3D spatial organization. This evidence suggests that not all 3D neuronal constructs can sustain the same level of richness of activity. Furthermore, we commented on the reproducibility, efficacy, and scalability of the methods, where the beads still offer superior performances. By comparing different 3D scaffolds, our results move toward understanding the best strategies to develop functional 3D neuronal units for reliable pre-clinical studies.

Screen-printed, biocompatible and ultrasensitive sensor for real-time reactive oxygen species detection in human sweat

Excessive or burst generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can induce oxidative stress, precipitating a range of critical illnesses, including cancers, Parkinson's disease and Ischemia-reperfusion injury. Conventional biological assays for ROS, involving discrete steps of capturing, labelling, and spectrometric detection, are complex and time-intensive. Moreover, their accuracy is substantially compromised by the short lifespan (microseconds to milliseconds) of ROS. Consequently, there is a pressing need for a rapid and efficient method that enables real-time detection. In this study, we have developed a printable, flexible ROS sensor based on a robust nanoenzyme composite by direct deposition of the paste onto a flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. This device demonstrated the fast and real-time responses to the hydrogen peroxide (mimetic agent) in the laboratory and to total ROS in sweat of an individual, exhibiting an outstanding current response to hydrogen peroxide across a broad concentration range of 0.01–10 mM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.85 μM. The device's sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide (136.59 μA mM−1 cm−2), was found to be 1.5 to 10 times higher than that of sensors previously reported. Moreover, the IFRS device successfully identified instantaneous ROS levels in the sweat of adult males in vitro, with amperometric response increased 8 times after half an hour strenuous exercise, thereby exhibiting excellent selectivity, remarkable stability, and confirmed high biosafety. Overall, the IFRS provides a viable and practical solution for simple, expedited, and real-time ROS detection in the near future.

The Na+/K+-ATPase generically enables deterministic bursting in class I neurons by shearing the spike-onset bifurcation structure.

Slow brain rhythms, for example during slow-wave sleep or pathological conditions like seizures and spreading depolarization, can be accompanied by oscillations in extracellular potassium concentration. Such slow brain rhythms typically have a lower frequency than tonic action-potential firing. They are assumed to arise from network-level mechanisms, involving synaptic interactions and delays, or from intrinsically bursting neurons. Neuronal burst generation is commonly attributed to ion channels with slow kinetics. Here, we explore an alternative mechanism generically available to all neurons with class I excitability. It is based on the interplay of fast-spiking voltage dynamics with a one-dimensional slow dynamics of the extracellular potassium concentration, mediated by the activity of the Na+/K+-ATPase. We use bifurcation analysis of the complete system as well as the slow-fast method to reveal that this coupling suffices to generate a hysteresis loop organized around a bistable region that emerges from a saddle-node loop bifurcation-a common feature of class I excitable neurons. Depending on the strength of the Na+/K+-ATPase, bursts are generated from pump-induced shearing the bifurcation structure, spiking is tonic, or cells are silenced via depolarization block. We suggest that transitions between these dynamics can result from disturbances in extracellular potassium regulation, such as glial malfunction or hypoxia affecting the Na+/K+-ATPase activity. The identified minimal mechanistic model outlining the sodium-potassium pump's generic contribution to burst dynamics can, therefore, contribute to a better mechanistic understanding of pathologies such as epilepsy syndromes and, potentially, inform therapeutic strategies.

Triple threat: how diabetes results in worsened bacterial infections.

Diabetes mellitus, characterized by impaired insulin signaling, is associated with increased incidence and severity of infections. Various diabetes-related complications contribute to exacerbated bacterial infections, including hyperglycemia, innate immune cell dysfunction, and infection with antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. One defining symptom of diabetes is hyperglycemia, resulting in elevated blood and tissue glucose concentrations. Glucose is the preferred carbon source of several bacterial pathogens, and hyperglycemia escalates bacterial growth and virulence. Hyperglycemia promotes specific mechanisms of bacterial virulence known to contribute to infection chronicity, including tissue adherence and biofilm formation. Foot infections are a significant source of morbidity in individuals with diabetes and consist of biofilm-associated polymicrobial communities. Bacteria perform complex interspecies behaviors conducive to their growth and virulence within biofilms, including metabolic cross-feeding and altered phenotypes more tolerant to antibiotic therapeutics. Moreover, the metabolic dysfunction caused by diabetes compromises immune cell function, resulting in immune suppression. Impaired insulin signaling induces aberrations in phagocytic cells, which are crucial mediators for controlling and resolving bacterial infections. These aberrancies encompass altered cytokine profiles, the migratory and chemotactic mechanisms of neutrophils, and the metabolic reprogramming required for the oxidative burst and subsequent generation of bactericidal free radicals. Furthermore, the immune suppression caused by diabetes and the polymicrobial nature of the diabetic infection microenvironment may promote the emergence of novel strains of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. This review focuses on the "triple threat" linked to worsened bacterial infections in individuals with diabetes: (i) altered nutritional availability in diabetic tissues, (ii) diabetes-associated immune suppression, and (iii) antibiotic treatment failure.

Frequency-mode-stable regenerative amplification at terahertz burst rates

Generation of high-fidelity amplified pulse bursts with a regular interpulse interval yields, in the spectral domain, an equidistant pattern of narrowband spectral modes, similar to frequency combs produced by cw mode-locked lasers but with greatly increased pulse energy. Despite their great potential for nonlinear spectroscopy, material processing, etc., such long frequency-stable bursts are difficult to generate and amplify because of prominent temporal intensity modulation even after strong dispersive pulse stretching. This study presents a burst generation method based on a master-oscillator regenerative-amplifier system that allows for chirped-pulse amplification (CPA) with high scalability in pulse number. A gradual smoothing of temporal intensity profiles at an increasing number of pulses is discovered, demonstrating an unexpected recovery of the CPA performance at terahertz intraburst repetition rates. In consequence, a self-referenced stable burst spectral peak structure with megahertz peak width is generated without risk of amplifier damage caused by interference of chirped pulses. This result eliminates limitations in burst amplification and paves the way for advancements in ultrashort-pulse burst technology, particularly for its use in nonlinear optical applications.

Observation of solar radio burst events from Mars orbit with the Shallow Radar instrument

Context. Multispacecraft and multiwavelength observations of solar eruptions, such as flares and coronal mass ejections, are essential to understanding the complex processes behind these events. The study of solar burst events in the radio frequency spectrum has relied almost exclusively on data from ground-based observations and a few dedicated heliophysics missions such as STEREO or Wind. Aims. By reanalysing existing data from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) Shallow Radar (SHARAD) instrument, a Martian planetary radar sounder, we discovered the instrument was also capable of detecting solar radio bursts and that it was able to do so with unprecedented resolution for a space-based solar instrument. In this study, we aim to demonstrate the reliability and value of SHARAD as a new solar radio observatory. Methods. We characterised the sensitivity of the instrument to type III solar radio bursts through a statistical analysis of correlated observations using STEREO and Wind as references. Using 38 correlated detections, we established the conditions under which SHARAD can observe solar bursts in terms of acquisition geometry. As an example of scientific application, we also present the first analysis of type III characteristic times at high resolution beyond 1 AU. Results. A simple logistic model based purely on geometrical acquisition parameters can predict burst show versus no-show in SHARAD data with an accuracy of 79.2%, demonstrating the reliability of the instrument in detecting solar bursts and laying the foundation for using SHARAD as a solar radio observatory. The extremely high resolution of the instrument, both in temporal and frequency directions; its bandwidth; and its position in the Solar System enable SHARAD to make significant contributions to heliophysics. Notably, it could provide data on plasma processes on the site of the burst generation and along the propagation path of associated fast electron beams.

Benefits of intratracheal and extrathoracic high-frequency percussive ventilation in a model of capnoperitoneum.

Abdominal inflation with CO2 is used to facilitate laparoscopic surgeries, however, providing adequate mechanical ventilation in this scenario is of major importance during anesthesia management. We characterized high-frequency percussive ventilation (HFPV) in protecting from the gas exchange and respiratory mechanical impairments during capnoperitoneum. In addition, we aimed to assess the difference between conventional pressure-controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) and HFPV modalities generating the high-frequency signal intratracheally (HFPVi) or extrathoracally (HFPVe). Anesthetized rabbits (n = 16) were mechanically ventilated by random sequences of CMV, HFPVi, and HFPVe. The ventilator superimposed the conventional waveform with two high-frequency signals (5 Hz and 10 Hz) during intratracheal HFPV (HFPVi) and HFPV with extrathoracic application of oscillatory signals through a sealed chest cuirass (HFPVe). Lung oxygenation index ([Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text]), arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide ([Formula: see text]), intrapulmonary shunt (Qs/Qt), and respiratory mechanics were assessed before abdominal inflation, during capnoperitoneum, and after abdominal deflation. Compared with CMV, HFPVi with additional 5-Hz oscillations during capnoperitoneum resulted in higher [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text], lower [Formula: see text], and decreased Qs/Qt. These improvements were smaller but remained significant during HFPVi with 10 Hz and HFPVe with either 5 or 10 Hz. The ventilation modes did not protect against capnoperitoneum-induced deteriorations in respiratory tissue mechanics. These findings suggest that high-frequency oscillations combined with conventional pressure-controlled ventilation improved lung oxygenation and CO2 removal in a model of capnoperitoneum. Compared with extrathoracic pressure oscillations, intratracheal generation of oscillatory pressure bursts appeared more effective. These findings may contribute to the optimization of mechanical ventilation during laparoscopic surgery.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present study examines an alternative and innovative mechanical ventilation modality in improving oxygen delivery, CO2 clearance, and respiratory mechanical abnormalities in a clinically relevant experimental model of capnoperitoneum. Our data reveal that high-frequency oscillations combined with conventional ventilation improve gas exchange, with intratracheal oscillations being more effective than extrathoracic oscillations in this clinically relevant translational model.

In vivo and ex vivo studies support the immunostimulant and immunoprotective effect of Damiana (Turnera diffusa Willd) in Almaco Jack (Seriola rivoliana)

Damiana (Turnera diffusa Willd) was evaluated in vitro for antioxidant and antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes (as a preliminary screening assessment) by high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography (HPTLC)-Direct bioautography. A study was performed in vivo to evaluate the effects of Damiana enriched diets at 0.5 % on immune parameters in mucus and serum and gene expression in Almaco Jack (Seriola rivoliana) intestine after two and four weeks; an infection with Aeromonas hydrophila at 1x107 colony forming units (CFU) followed and an ex vivo study was carried out using head-kidney leukocytes. Ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays showed high antioxidant activities in Damiana leaves; even in the ABTS assay, Damiana at 300 μg/mL showed similar activity to ascorbic acid – the standard control. Damiana exhibited strong in vitro antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and S. pyogenes. In vivo studies showed a strong enhancement of myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities in mucus and serum of S. rivoliana supplemented with Damiana; their immunological response enhanced after infection with A. hydrophila. IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10 gene expressions upregulated in the fish intestine challenged with the bacterium. Piscidin and macrophage (MARCO) receptor gene expression up-regulated at week 4 and down-regulated after infection. Intestinal histology results confirm that Damiana not cause inflammation or damage. Finally, the ex vivo study confirmed the immunostimulant and protective effects of Damiana through increased phagocytic, respiratory burst, myeloperoxidase activities and nitric oxide generation before and upon the bacterial encounter. These results support the idea that Damiana has the potential as an immunostimulant additive for diets in aquaculture by enhancing immune parameters and protecting Almaco Jack against A. hydrophila infections upon four weeks of supplementation.

Generation of femtosecond pulse bursts at multiple-THz repetition rate by nonlinear self-compression in bulk KTP

A chirped 470 fs pulse at 1030 nm was used to generate a phonon-polariton wave in bulk KTP by optical rectification. Phase modulation of the pump by the polariton wave resulted in generation of a burst of 20 fs pulses.

Picosecond spaced pulse burst generation using a low repetition rate ultrafast fiber laser and spectral filtering

The adaptation of laser pulse parameters is required for different material processing steps. Especially if the processing has to be done using a single laser system, a flexible variation of the pulse properties is needed. Especially the generation of pulse bursts with ps spacing enable many refinement process steps. As fiber lasers are suitable in the micro material processing regime due to their excellent beam parameter products and short pulses, an adaptive filter for pulse shaping is highly desired. This work derives a general filter theory for generating pulse bursts from ultrashort pulses and extends it for dispersion compensation. The theory is validated by simulation and experiments with a low repetition rate fiber laser and a commercial programmable optical filter. Simulations prove the viability of pulse burst generation with dispersion compensation. With the experimental setup 2-4 ps pulses with 15-25 ps spacing are generated from one ultrashort pulse.

A fully integrated nanosecond burst RF generator for quantum technologies

AbstractQuantum technologies is an emerging field of physics and engineering based on exploiting properties of quantum mechanics such as entanglement, superposition, or tunneling, and which is expected to impact many applications, such as communications, simulation, computation, or sensing and metrology. The operation of quantum technologies is based on the manipulation of the quantum states of certain devices, either to induce transitions between states or to detect the transitions. Irrespective of the practical realization of these quantum devices, their manipulation requires interacting with their quantum resonant states, for which very narrow radio‐frequency (RF) bursts in the range of the GHz are required. Arbitrary waveform generators are used to generate these signals for test purposes, but this is not suitable for practical quantum technology applications, which will need to produce the required bursts by specific circuit building blocks with low power and small dimensions. Here, an integrated RF burst generator capable of producing GHz bursts shorter than 1 ns is presented. The proposed architecture is tested using a 5 GHz quadrature LC‐tank voltage‐controlled oscillator (LC‐VCO), showing that the four equally spaced phases can be switched every 500 ps, which allows the generation of more complex RF bursts for optimized quantum state manipulation.

Cosmic Baby and the Mystery of Fast Radio Bursts

With the discovery of “Pulsar” a new probe of short duration radio pulses arises to the astronomers. Searching the “tomography” of the galaxy using the short-pulses offered a new method to measure the fairly accurate distance to the new sources of pulse radiation i.e. Pulsars. Another pulse radiative object i.e. fast radio burst (FRB) remains a mysterious object till today. Analysis of observed data indicates that FRBs have multi-source origin, variation in location of the burst generation (i.e. radial distance from their central compact objects, the Magnetar’s surface) depending on model to model. Two most important puzzle creating facts of FRBs are: (a) microstructure appearance in FRBs on time-scale of ≤ 10 μs; (b) No FRBs observed at low latitudes. Recoding of observed parameters from Cosmic Baby, i.e. Swift J1818.0 – 1607, shows that it has a steep spectra at first and then flat spectra later which indicates possibly be a transient object between normal pulsars and magnetars. This unusual characteristic of radio spectrum provides a clue to rethink about the magnetar origin of FRBS. i.e. Cosmic Baby can be a probe of resolving the mangetar originated FRB problem. The author thus encourages the radio wave burst community for continuous observation through advanced radio telescopes ALMA, VLA, CHIME, UTMOST with a hope that detection of unseen FRBs at low latitudes unveil the secrets of the Universe.

Generation of pulse bursts with controllable number of pulses and of spectral broadening directly at the laser output from a km-long Yb-doped all-fiber laser

In this work, we study the pulse burst regime of a fiber laser, which allows generating packets of multiple pulses whose number can be precisely controlled by modifying the polarization state by means of two retarder plates (QWR, HWR). The proposed experimental scheme is a highly energetic Yb-doped all-fiber ring pulsed laser operating in the 1064 nm wavelength region and using a nonlinear polarization rotation (NPR)-based passive mode locking technique. Raman scattering effects can be found by increasing pump power to achieve the formation of up to four Stokes, resulting in a spectral broadening over more than 200 nm.

THE DICHOTOMY OF THE MECHANISMS OF DECAMETER RADIO EMISSION FROM JUPITER: THE INFLUENCE OF STREAMER INHOMOGENEITIES AND MHD PERTURBATIONS IN THE SOURCE

There are analyzed a model of the source of DAM radiation bursts which are activated under the MHD waves excitation in the Jupiter lower magnetosphere in a presence of ionized streamer-like inhomogeneities of limited thickness (1-100 km). There was studied the formation of an anisotropic kinetic distribution of electrons, which leads to the generation of Jupiter DAM radiation bursts under the various scenarios. It was investigated the influence of gas-dust flows in the Io-Jupiter tube, the ionization processes and the diffusion effects in the streamer plasma to the creation the cone-type kinetic distribution of electrons. On the other hand, it has been shown that Alfven waves, due to the fluctuations of electric fields, are to form of both cone-like electron distribution (primarily on the streamer periphery) and beam-like distribution with the beams of accelerated electrons (primarily inside the streamer), which further run along the streamers at speeds of about 0.1c and have been modulated by a "longitudinal" MHD wave with a length of about 1000 km and a period of about 1 second. The streamer oscillations in the direction tangential to the magnetic field lines lead to the excitation the fast magneto-sonic waves (at about the ion cyclotron resonance frequencies). The beams of accelerated electrons of along the magnetic field lines generate the plasma waves in the same direction (at about the electron cyclotron resonance frequency). At the same time, plasma perturbations create a stratification of the steamer-tube structure into ultrafine threads of ionized plasma, and they contribute to the ultrafine modulation of bursts of DAM radiation with millisecond periods. Finally, it is shown in detail how all these processes lead to activate the Jupiter DAM radiation bursts in that source at the frequency of electron cyclotron resonance by different generation mechanisms, such as the Maser Cyclotron or Cherenkov mechanisms of generation, and with different burst’s properties.

Statistical analysis of microflares as observed by the 4–8 GHz spectropolarimeter

Radio observations of weak events are one of the promising methods for studying energy release and non-thermal processes in the solar corona. The development of instrumental capabilities allows for radio observations of weak transient coronal events, such as quasi-stationary brightenings and weak flares of X-ray class B and below, which were previously inaccessible for analysis. We have measured the spectral parameters of microwave radiation for thirty weak solar flares with X-ray classes ranging from A to C1.5, using observations from the Badary Broadband Microwave Spectropolarimeter (BBMS). The spectra indicate that plasma heating is caused by the appearance of non-thermal electron fluxes, which can be detected by bursts of microwave radiation, predominantly with an amplitude ~5–6 solar flux units (SFU) at 4–5 GHz frequencies. One solar flux unit (SFU) of radio emission is equal to 10–22 W/(m•Hz). The range of low-frequency spectrum growth indices fα varies widely from α=0.3 to 15. The distribution of high-frequency decay indices is similar to the distributions of regular flares. One of the explanations for the appearance of large fα values is the Razin effect, which can influence the shape of the gyrosynchrotron spectrum during the generation of bursts in dense plasma under relatively weak magnetic fields. We have detected two events in which the appearance of non-thermal electrons led to the generation of narrowband bursts at frequencies near the double plasma frequency. SRH test trials have shown the potential for measuring the structure of flare sources with fluxes of the order of 1 SFU, indicating the high diagnostic potential of the radioheliograph for detecting acceleration processes in weak flare events and their localization in active regions.

Статистический анализ микровспышек по данным Cпектрополяриметра 4-8 ГГц

Radio observations of weak events are one of the promising methods for studying energy release and non-thermal processes in the solar corona. The development of instrumental capabilities allows for radio observations of weak transient coronal events, such as quasi-stationary brightenings and weak flares of X-ray class B and below, which were previously inaccessible for analysis. We have measured the spectral parameters of microwave radiation for thirty weak solar flares with X-ray classes ranging from A to C1.5, using observations from the Badary Broadband Microwave Spectropolarimeter (BBMS). The spectra indicate that plasma heating is caused by the appearance of non-thermal electron fluxes, which can be detected by bursts of microwave radiation, predominantly with an amplitude ~5–6 solar flux units (SFU) at 4–5 GHz frequencies. One solar flux unit (SFU) of radio emission is equal to 10–22 W/(m•Hz). The range of low-frequency spectrum growth indices fα varies widely from α=0.3 to 15. The distribution of high-frequency decay indices is similar to the distributions of regular flares. One of the explanations for the appearance of large fα values is the Razin effect, which can influence the shape of the gyrosynchrotron spectrum during the generation of bursts in dense plasma under relatively weak magnetic fields. We have detected two events in which the appearance of non-thermal electrons led to the generation of narrowband bursts at frequencies near the double plasma frequency. SRH test trials have shown the potential for measuring the structure of flare sources with fluxes of the order of 1 SFU, indicating the high diagnostic potential of the radioheliograph for detecting acceleration processes in weak flare events and their localization in active regions.

A sequential dual-locked strategy with pH-responsive activation of photosensitizers and precise Cerenkov radiation delivery for cancer theranostics

Cerenkov radiation (CR)-induced therapy (CRIT) has emerged as a promising modality to overcome the limitation of light penetration in conventional photodynamic therapy (PDT). Nevertheless, achieving a balance between efficacy and safety of CRIT remains a significant challenge. Here, we propose a dual-locked strategy that sequentially delivers a pH-activatable photosensitizer, bovine serum albumin (BSA)-packed chlorin e6 (Ce6) and MnO2 nanodots (BCM), and 68Ga-labeled CD47-targeting C2 nanobody (68Ga-C2) for safe and effective CRIT in tumors. BCM serves as both a tumor microenvironment (TME) modulator and a pH-activatable photosensitizer, which exhibits minimal phototoxicity in normal tissues due to its quenched fluorescence and attenuated inter-system crossing (ISC) induced by MnO2 nanodots. Upon exposure to the acidic TME, BCM “unlocks” its bifunctionality, triggering a self-cascade catalysis reaction to supply O2 and cytotoxic HO·, while simultaneously depleting GSH. Cerenkov radiation from 68Ga-C2, subsequently delivered, illuminates the activated Ce6 molecules in BCM, inducing a burst generation of singlet oxygen, which is further enhanced by the pre-modulated TME. The acidic TME and tumor-targeting 68Ga-C2 provide two “keys” to ensure a selective reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst in the tumor sites while minimizing ROS generation in normal tissues. This pH-activatable CRIT induces DNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction of tumor cells, effectively suppressing tumor growth with minimal side effects on CD47-expressing LS174T tumor models. This study highlights the potential of using pH-activatable photosensitizers in cancer therapy and provides a reference for future research in CR-induced tumor theranostics.

Diverse beta burst waveform motifs characterize movement-related cortical dynamics.

Classical analyses of induced, frequency-specific neural activity typically average band-limited power over trials. More recently, it has become widely appreciated that in individual trials, beta band activity occurs as transient bursts rather than amplitude-modulated oscillations. Most studies of beta bursts treat them as unitary, and having a stereotyped waveform. However, we show there is a wide diversity of burst shapes. Using a biophysical model of burst generation, we demonstrate that waveform variability is predicted by variability in the synaptic drives that generate beta bursts. We then use a novel, adaptive burst detection algorithm to identify bursts from human MEG sensor data recorded during a joystick-based reaching task, and apply principal component analysis to burst waveforms to define a set of dimensions, or motifs, that best explain waveform variance. Finally, we show that bursts with a particular range of waveform motifs, ones not fully accounted for by the biophysical model, differentially contribute to movement-related beta dynamics. Sensorimotor beta bursts are therefore not homogeneous events and likely reflect distinct computational processes.