Inside or Outside: Origin of Lithium Dendrite Formation of All Solid‐State Electrolytes

All‐solid‐state lithium metal batteries (ASSLMBs) stand out for the next generation of energy storage system. However, the further realization is severely hampered by the lithium dendrite formation in solid state electrolytes (SSEs), by mechanisms that remain controversial. Herein, with the aid of experimental and theoretical approaches, the origin of dendrite formation in representative LiBH₄ SSE, which is thermodynamically stable with the Li metal, suppressing the side reaction between Li and SSE is elucidated. It is demonstrated that upon diffusion, Li⁺ encounters an electron, and is subsequently reduced to Li⁰ within the grain boundary/pore of SSE, eventually leading to short circuit. Thus, introducing LiF with the ability of interstitial filling and low electronic conductivity into SSE is the effective countermeasure, and as expected, with the addition of LiF, the critical current density (CCD) increases by 235% compared to the value of pure LiBH₄. The TiS₂|LiBH₄–LiF|Li ASSLMBs manifest a reversible capacity of 137 mAh g^?1 at 0.4 C upon 60 cycles. These findings not only unravel critical issues in Li dendrite formation in SSE, but also propose the countermeasure.     

Reinforcement Learning Recruits Somata and Apical Dendrites across Layers of Primary Sensory Cortex

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The Synaptic and Neuronal Functions of the X‐Linked Intellectual Disability Protein Interleukin‐1 Receptor Accessory Protein Like 1 (IL1RAPL1)

Since the first observation that described a patient with a mutation in IL1RAPL1 gene associated with intellectual disability in 1999, the function of IL1RAPL1 has been extensively studied by a number of laboratories. In this review, we summarize all the major data describing the synaptic and neuronal functions of IL1RAPL1 and recapitulate most of the genetic deletion identified in humans and associated to intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). All the data clearly demonstrate that IL1RAPL1 is a synaptic adhesion molecule localized at the postsynaptic membrane. Mutations in IL1RAPL1 gene cause either the absence of the protein or the production of a dysfunctional protein. More recently it has been demonstrated that IL1RAPL1 regulated dendrite formation and mediates the activity of IL‐1β on dendrite morphology. All these data will possibly contribute to identifying therapies for patients carrying mutations in IL1RAPL1 gene.     

Developmental regulation of the neuronal‐specific isoform of K‐CL cotransporter KCC2 in postnatal rat brains

We examined the expression of the KCC2 isoform of the K‐Cl cotransporter in the developing and adult brain, using an affinity‐purified antibody directed against a unique region of the KCC2 protein. Expression was shown to be limited to neurons at the cell bodies and cell processes in the hippocampus and cerebellum. Expression seemed to be the highest at the end of processes that originated from the CA1 pyramidal cells. Developmental up‐regulation of KCC2 expression was demonstrated in the entire rat brain by Northern and Western blot analyses, and in the hippocampus by immunofluorescence. Level of KCC2 expression was minimal at birth and increased significantly during postnatal development. This pattern of expression was opposite to the one of the Na‐K‐2Cl cotransporter that is highly expressed in immature brain and decreases during development. The up‐regulation of the K‐Cl cotransporter expression is consistent with the developmental down‐regulation of the intracellular Cl⁻ concentration in neurons. The level of intracellular Cl⁻, in turn, determines the excitatory versus inhibitory response of the neurotransmitter γ‐aminobutyric acid in the immature versus mature brain. Finally, KCC2 expression was shown in dorsal root ganglion neurons, demonstrating that expression of the cotransporter is not strictly confined to central nervous system neurons. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 39: 558–568, 1999     

Ultrathin Reed Membranes: Nature's Intimate Ion-Regulation Skins Safeguarding Zinc Metal Anodes in Aqueous Batteries

The practical realization of aqueous zinc-ion batteries relies crucially on effective interphases governing Zn electrodeposition chemistry. In this study, an innovative solution by introducing an ultrathin (≈2 µm) biomass membrane as an intimate artificial interface, functioning as nature's ion-regulation skin to protect zinc metal anodes is proposed. Capitalizing on the inherent properties of natural reed membrane, including multiscale ion transport tunnels, abundant ─OH groups, and remarkable mechanical integrity, the reed membrane demonstrates efficacy in regulating uniform and rapid Zn²⁺ transport, promoting desolvation, and governing Zn (002) plane electrodeposition. Importantly, a unique in situ electrochemical Zn─O bond formation mechanism between the reed membrane and Zn electrode upon cycling is elucidated, resulting in a robustly adhered interface covering on the zinc anode surface, ultimately ensuring remarkable dendrite-free and highly reversible Zn anodes. Consequently, the approach achieves a prolonged cycle life for over 1450 h at 3 mA cm⁻²/1.5 mAh cm⁻² in symmetric Zn//Zn cells. Moreover, exceptional cyclic performance (88.95%, 4000 cycles) is obtained in active carbon-based cells with an active mass loading of 5.8 mg cm⁻². The approach offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly strategy for achieving stable and reversible zinc anodes for aqueous batteries.     

Competitive Calcium Binding: Implications for Dendritic Calcium Signaling

Action potentials evoke calcium transients in dendrites of neocortical pyramidal neurons with time constants of <100 ms at physiological temperature. This time period may not be sufficient for inflowing calcium ions to equilibrate with all present Ca²⁺-binding molecules. We therefore explored nonequilibrium dynamics of Ca²⁺ binding to numerous Ca²⁺ reaction partners within a dendritelike compartment using numerical simulations. After a brief Ca²⁺ influx, the reaction partner with the fastest Ca²⁺ binding kinetics initially binds more Ca²⁺ than predicted from chemical equilibrium, while companion reaction partners bind less. This difference is consolidated and may result in bypassing of slow reaction partners if a Ca²⁺ clearance mechanism is active. On the other hand, slower reaction partners effectively bind Ca²⁺ during repetitive calcium current pulses or during slower Ca²⁺ influx. Nonequilibrium Ca²⁺ distribution can further be enhanced through strategic placement of the reaction partners within the compartment. Using the Ca²⁺ buffer EGTA as a competitor of fluo-3, we demonstrate competitive Ca²⁺ binding within dendrites experimentally. Nonequilibrium calcium dynamics is proposed as a potential mechanism for differential and conditional activation of intradendritic targets.