Basal ganglia (BG) circuits orchestrate complex motor behaviors predominantly via inhibitory synaptic outputs. Although these inhibitory BG outputs are known to reduce the excitability of postsynaptic target neurons, precisely how this change impairs motor performance remains poorly understood. Here, we show that optogenetic photostimulation of inhibitory BG inputs from the globus pallidus induces a surge of action potentials in the ventrolateral thalamic (VL) neurons and muscle contractions during the post-inhibitory period. Reduction of the neuronal population with this post-inhibitory rebound firing by knockout of T-type Ca channels or photoinhibition abolishes multiple motor responses induced by the inhibitory BG input. In a low dopamine state, the number of VL neurons showing post-inhibitory firing increases, while reducing the number of active VL neurons via photoinhibition of BG input, effectively prevents Parkinson disease (PD)-like motor symptoms. Thus, BG inhibitory input generates excitatory motor signals in the thalamus and, in excess, promotes PD-like motor abnormalities. VIDEO ABSTRACT.

As animals forage, they must obtain useful targets by orchestrating appropriate actions that range from searching to chasing, biting and carrying. Here, we reveal that neurons positive for the α subunit of Ca/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKIIα) in the medial preoptic area (MPA) that send projections to the ventral periaqueductal gray (vPAG) mediate these target-directed actions in mice. During photostimulation of the MPA-vPAG circuit, mice vigorously engaged with 3D objects and chased moving objects. When exposed to a cricket, they hunted down the prey and bit it to kill. By applying a head-mounted object control with timely photostimulation of the MPA-vPAG circuit, we found that MPA-vPAG circuit-induced actions occurred only when the target was detected within the binocular visual field. Using this device, we successfully guided mice to navigate specified routes. Our study explains how the brain yields a strong motivation to acquire a target object along the continuum of hunting behavior.

Li metal thickness has been considered a key factor in determining the electrochemical performance of Li metal anodes. The use of thin Li metal anodes is a prerequisite for increasing the energy density of Li secondary batteries intended for emerging large-scale electrical applications, such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems. To utilize thin (20 μm thick) Li metal anodes in Li metal secondary batteries, we investigated the synergistic effect of a functional additive (Li nitrate, LiNO3) and a dual-salt electrolyte (DSE) system composed of Li bis­(fluorosulfonyl)­imide (LiTFSI) and Li bis­(oxalate)­borate (LiBOB). By controlling the amount of LiNO3 in DSE, we found that DSE containing 0.05 M LiNO3 (DSE–0.05 M LiNO3) significantly improved the electrochemical performance of Li metal anodes. DSE–0.05 M LiNO3 increased the cycling performance by 146.3% [under the conditions of a 1C rate (2.0 mA cm–2), DSE alone maintained 80% of the initial discharge capacity up to the 205th cycle, whereas DSE–0.05 M LiNO3 maintained 80% up to the 300th cycle] and increased the rate capability by 128.2% compared with DSE alone [the rate capability of DSE–0.05 M LiNO3 = 50.4 mAh g–1, and DSE = 39.3 mAh g–1 under 7C rate conditions (14.0 mA cm–2)]. After analyzing the Li metal surface using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, we were able to infer that the stabilized solid electrolyte interphase layer formed by the combination of LiNO3 and the dual salt resulted in a uniform Li deposition during repeated Li plating/stripping processes.

Neural interfaces facilitating communication between the brain and machines must be compatible with the soft, curvilinear, and elastic tissues of the brain and yet yield enough power to read and write information across a wide range of brain areas through high‐throughput recordings or optogenetics. Biocompatible‐material engineering has facilitated the development of brain‐compatible neural interfaces to support built‐in modulation of neural circuits and neurological disorders. Recent developments in brain‐compatible neural interfaces that use soft nanomaterials more suitable for complex neural circuit analysis and modulation are reviewed. Preclinical tests of the compatibility and specificity of these interfaces in animal models are also discussed.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

An organic-inorganic photopolymers have been studied for their potential in of reducing the volume shrinkage during photopolymerization and enhancing the dimensional stability of photopolymers. We demonstrate the diffraction efficiency of photopolymers could be significantly enhanced by the interfacial interactions induced at the surface of inorganic nanoparticles.