Reducing l-lactate release from hippocampal astrocytes by intracellular oxidation increases novelty induced activity in mice

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Wiley via the DOI in this record DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT: Data available on request from the authors.Astrocytes are in control of metabolic homeostasis in the brain and support and modulate neuronal function in various ways. Astrocyte-derived l-lactate (lactate) is thought to play a dual role as a metabolic and a signaling molecule in inter-cellular communication. The biological significance of lactate release from astrocytes is poorly understood, largely because the tools to manipulate lactate levels in vivo are limited. We therefore developed new viral vectors for astrocyte-specific expression of a mammalianized version of lactate oxidase (LOx) from Aerococcus viridans. LOx expression in astrocytes in vitro reduced their intracellular lactate levels as well as the release of lactate to the extracellular space. Selective expression of LOx in astrocytes of the dorsal hippocampus in mice resulted in increased locomotor activity in response to novel stimuli. Our findings suggest that a localized decreased intracellular lactate pool in hippocampal astrocytes could contribute to greater responsiveness to environmental novelty. We expect that use of this molecular tool to chronically limit astrocytic lactate release will significantly facilitate future studies into the roles and mechanisms of intercellular lactate communication in the brain.British Heart FoundationBritish Heart FoundationConselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e TecnológicoNational Institute of HealthNational Institute of HealthNational Institute of HealthNorthcott Devon Medical Trust FoundationNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strok

Properties of nanocones formed on a surface of semiconductors by laser radiation: quantum confinement effect of electrons, phonons, and excitons

On the basis of the analysis of experimental results, a two-stage mechanism of nanocones formation on the irradiated surface of semiconductors by Nd:YAG laser is proposed for elementary semiconductors and solid solutions, such as Si, Ge, SiGe, and CdZnTe. Properties observed are explained in the frame of quantum confinement effect. The first stage of the mechanism is characterized by the formation of a thin strained top layer, due to redistribution of point defects in temperature-gradient field induced by laser radiation. The second stage is characterized by mechanical plastic deformation of the stained top layer leading to arising of nanocones, due to selective laser absorption of the top layer. The nanocones formed on the irradiated surface of semiconductors by Nd:YAG laser possessing the properties of 1D graded bandgap have been found for Si, Ge, and SiGe as well, however QD structure in CdTe was observed. The model is confirmed by "blue shift" of bands in photoluminescence spectrum, "red shift" of longitudinal optical line in Raman back scattering spectrum of Ge crystal, appearance of Ge phase in SiGe solid solution after irradiation by the laser at intensity 20 MW/cm2, and non-monotonous dependence of Si crystal micro-hardness as function of the laser intensity

Исследование методом атомно-силовой микроскопии влияния наночастиц на структурные и механические свойства клеток почки быка линии MDBK

The effect of copper and silver nanoparticles Cu+Ag, silver nitrite AgNO3 and zinc oxide ZnO on morphology and mechanical properties of immunocompetent cells bovine kidney line MDBK is investigated by atomic force microscopy. The results of calculation of the local elastic modulus, strength, surface cell adhesion, adhesion work, and the three-dimensional image analysis of cells in control and after incubation with the nanoparticles bioelements for 20 min are presented.Методом атомно-силовой микроскопии (АСМ) исследовано влияние наночастиц меди и серебра Cu+Ag, нитрита серебра AgNO3 и оксида цинка ZnO на морфологию и механические свойства иммунокомпетентных клеток почки быка линии MDBK. Представлены результаты расчетов локального модуля упругости, силы поверхностной адгезии клеток, работы адгезии, а также анализа трехмерных изображений клеток в контроле и после инкубации с наночастицами биоэлементов в течение 20 мин

Progress in European Thin Film Activities

Thin film cavities with higher Tc superconductors SC than Nb promise to move the operating temperature from 2 to 4.5 K with savings 3 orders of magnitude in cryogenic power consumption. Several European labs are coordinating their efforts to obtain a first 1.3 GHz cavity prototype through the I.FAST collaboration and other informal col laborations with CERN and DESY. R amp;D covers the entire production chain. In particular, new production techniques of seamless Copper and Niobium elliptical cavities via additive manufacturing are studied and evaluated. New acid free polishing techniques to reduce surface roughness in a more sustainable way such as plasma electropolishing and metallographic polishing have been tested. Optimization of coating parameters of higher Tc SC than Nb Nb 3Sn, V 3Si, NbTiN via PVD and multilayer via ALD are on the way. Finally, rapid heat treatments such as Flash Lamp Annealing and Laser Annealing are used to avoid or reduce Copper diffusion in the SC film. The development and characterization of superconducting coatings is done on planar samples, 6 GHz cavities, choke cavities, QPR and 1.3 GHz cavities. This work presents the progress status of these co ordinated effort