Probing the orientation specificity of excitatory and inhibitory circuitries in the primary motor cortex with multi-channel TMS.

Objective: Electric-field orientation is crucial for optimizing neuronal excitation in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Yet, the stimulus orientation effects on short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF) are poorly understood due to technical challenges in manipulating the TMS-induced stimulus orientation within milliseconds. We aimed to assess the orientation sensitivity of SICI and ICF paradigms and identify optimal orientations for motor evoked potential (MEP) facilitation and suppression.

Improving the Theranostic Potential of Magnetic Nanoparticles by Coating with Natural Rubber Latex for Ultrasound, Photoacoustic Imaging, and Magnetic Hyperthermia: An In Vitro Study.

Background/objectives: Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have gained attention in theranostics for their ability to combine diagnostic imaging and therapeutic capabilities in a single platform, enhancing targeted treatment and monitoring. Surface coatings are essential for stabilizing MNPs, improving biocompatibility, and preventing oxidation that could compromise their functionality. Natural rubber latex (NRL) offers a promising coating alternative due to its biocompatibility and stability-enhancing properties.

Forearm Posture Affects the Corticospinal Excitability of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Hand Muscles in Dominant and Nondominant Sides.

Different forearm postures can modulate corticospinal excitability. However, there is no consensus on whether handedness plays a role in such a mechanism. This study investigated the effects of 3 forearm postures (pronation, neutral, and supination) on the corticospinal excitability of muscles from the dominant and nondominant upper limbs.

A cone-beam optical CT based on a convergent light source - Characterization and optimization.

Purpose: Employing a Fresnel lens and a point-like light source to create a convergent light beam for the camera effectively minimizes stray light and enhances image quality in optical computed tomography (OCT), benefiting 3D dosimetry applications. This study outlines the development of an economical cone-beam optical computed scanner for 3D dosimetry.

Methods: Optical performance was assessed by calculating modulation transfer function (MTF) with pattern charts.

XMEA: A New Hybrid Diamond Multielectrode Array for the In Situ Assessment of the Radiation Dose Enhancement by Nanoparticles.

This work presents a novel multielectrode array (MEA) to quantitatively assess the dose enhancement factor (DEF) produced in a medium by embedded nanoparticles. The MEA has 16 nanocrystalline diamond electrodes (in a cell-culture well), and a single-crystal diamond divided into four quadrants for X-ray dosimetry. DEF was assessed in water solutions with up to a 1000 µg/mL concentration of silver, platinum, and gold nanoparticles.