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Post-explosion radiation shielding efficiency of improved reinforced concrete slabs subjected to intensive air explosions
Unlocking High-Energy Metal Fluoride Cathodes through Modulated Interfacial Kinetics
Analysis of phylogenetic signal in protein language model embeddings
Biocatalytic Metal Hydrogen Atom Transfer for Asymmetric Olefin–Olefin Coupling
Translational difficulties in establishing a pharmacologically induced neurovascular uncoupling model in rats
Abstract Neurovascular uncoupling (NVU) contributes to neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. While a mouse NVU model exists, a reliable rat model critical for cognitive research remains underdeveloped. To address this methodological gap, we investigated a pharmacological approach in rats using the same drugs (N-(methylsulfonyl)-2-(2-propynyloxy)-benzenehexanamide (MS-PPOH), L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME), indomethacin) that proved to be efficacious in mice. The compounds were formulated as a cocktail solution and administered intraperitoneally for 13 days to aged, cognitively experienced Long-Evans rats. Our goal was to induce NVU while minimizing adverse systemic effects seen previously (e.g., hypertension, intestinal ulceration). The treatment induced only a modest (28%, non-significant) reduction in cerebral hyperaemia, with decreased prostaglandin E2 levels but unchanged 11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid concentration in the brain. Cognitive effects were limited—transient impairment in the 5-choice task but no changes in spontaneous alternation, visual discrimination, cooperation, or motor learning. Significant adverse effects emerged: reduced food intake, weight loss, gastrointestinal malaise, and moderate renal toxicity. Our findings specifically highlight the challenges of achieving sufficient and symptomatically apparent NVU while minimizing systemic toxicity. While partial NVU occurred, this polypharmacy approach had major limitations. A reliable, industrially applicable rat NVU model remains urgently needed to accelerate antidementia drug development.
Lanthanide Separations through Helicate Self-Assembly
Measuring children’s spatial accessibility to urban park green spaces
Ventrolateral prefrontal-amygdala repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) modulation of impulsivity in borderline personality disorder: a proof-of-concept study
Abstract Impulsivity and emotional dysregulation are core symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) for which therapeutic options are very limited. Prior neuroimaging studies suggest that BPD symptoms may be related to fronto-amygdala circuit dysfunction. This proof-of-concept study examined whether individualized ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC)-amygdala circuit modulation with Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) could alter impulsivity and emotional dysregulation in BPD. Eleven participants with BPD underwent resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rsfMRI) scans to identify individualized right and left VLPFC targets with the strongest functional connectivity to the ipsilateral amygdala. They then performed delayed discounting and emotional reactivity to social exclusion tasks to assess impulsivity and emotional reactivity, respectively, followed by a single session of intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) administered to left and/or right VLPFC targets. Tasks were repeated after stimulation to assess change in impulsivity and reactivity. Mixed-model linear regression analysis showed that right VLPFC, but not the left or bilateral VLPFC stimulation, was associated with a significant reduction of impulsivity (χ2(2) = 7.76, p = 0.02) but not emotional reactivity. No subjects experienced significant adverse events. These results suggest that the right VLPFC iTBS is a safe, tolerable, and promising procedure for modulating impulsivity in BPD.
<i>Pm</i> 3̅ <i>n</i> (La, Ce) <sub>4</sub> H <sub>23</sub> Phase: A Low-Pressure Hydride Superconductor near Liquid-Nitrogen Temperature
Cognitive mechanisms underlying the recall of positive relationships in social networks
Abstract Humans are embedded in complex social networks. To utilize them, they regularly need to recall with whom they are connected. This recall is cognitively demanding and utilizes a variety of heuristic cognitive mechanisms. We empirically investigate traces of these mechanisms in the context of free and repeated recall of positive social relationships (friendships, positive interactions) within an emerging undergraduate student community ( $$N = 820$$ participants). Applying multinomial modeling, we study the specific sequences in which individuals recalled their peers when prompted in a repeated online survey. We demonstrate that recall sequences are governed by multidimensional aspects: demographic similarity, shared social contexts, relationship quality, and social visibility. These aspects are relevant for the relation between the nominator and nominee but also for the associations between consecutively recalled individuals. Post-hoc analyses suggests that these patterns are stable across individuals and network types, but vary within sequences and as the community matures.