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To investigate oxidative stress responses to cadmium and lead, the freshwater water flea Daphnia magna was exposed to Cd and Pb for 48 h. Following treatment with sub-lethal concentrations, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, as well as modulation of multiple biomarker, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, glutathione (GSH) contents, glutathione S -transferase (GST) activity, antioxidant enzyme - coding genes (three GST isoforms, glutaredoxin [ GRx ], glutathione peroxidase [ GPx ], and thioredoxin [ TRx ]), and stress-response proteins (heat shock protein 70 [Hsp70] and Hsp90) were examined. The results showed that intracellular ROS level was not changed at 24 h, but reduced at 48 h. Levels of total GSH content were reduced by Cd, but highly induced by Pb. SOD and GST activities were stimulated 48 h after exposure to Cd and Pb. A significant modulation of oxidative stress marker genes was observed after exposure to each element with different expression patterns depending on the metal and developmental stages. In particular, the expression levels of GST-sigma , HSP70, and HSP90 genes were enhanced in Cd - and Pb - exposed neonates. These findings imply that oxidative stress markers appear to be actively involved in cellular protection against metal-induced oxidative stress in D. magna . This study would facilitate the understanding of the molecular response to Cd and Pb exposure in water fleas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The superoxide dismutase (SOD) family is a first line antioxidant enzyme group involved in transformation of the superoxide anion (O 2 − ) into hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and O 2 . SOD gene expression patterns and enzyme activities therefore have a role as molecular biomarkers in evaluating the oxidative stress status of aquatic organisms. However, antioxidant enzyme systems are yet to be fully explored in the marine ciliates. In this study, we identified and characterized two types of Cu/Zn SODs (Ec-Cu/ZnSOD1 and Ec-Cu/ZnSOD2) and Ec-Mn SOD in the marine ciliate Euplotes crassus . Subsequently, SOD activity and transcriptional modulation of the relevant genes were investigated after the exposure to Cd and Cu for 8 h. All Ec-SODs showed conserved domains and metal binding sites on their active sites. Total SOD activity was induced at 1 h after exposure to Cd (125 and 1000 μg/L), and showed a marginal increase at 1-h exposure to Cu (10 and 100 μg/L). However, SOD activity was maintained at a steady level under Cd and decreased under Cu exposure conditions at 3 h and 8 h. mRNA expression of both the Ec-Cu/Zn-SOD s and Mn-SOD were remarkably elevated after the exposure to Cd (250–1000 μg/L, maximum 4-fold, p  < 0.05) and, in particular, Cu (25–100 μg/L, maximum > 20-fold, p <  0.05), in a concentration – dependent manner. These findings suggest that Ec-SODs may be actively involved in cellular protection against metal – mediated oxidative stress. This study is therefore helpful in understanding the molecular responses for metal toxicity in the ciliates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports on the synthesis of bimetallic PtAu nanoparticles (NPs) on the transparent conducting oxide electrode by using dry plasma reduction under atmospheric pressure without using any toxic chemicals and at a low temperature, which are first employed as counter electrodes (CEs) for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). High resolution scanning electron microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy are utilized for analyzing the morphology and the chemical composition of bimetallic PtAu NPs. The highest catalytic activity of the bimetallic PtAu NP CE is found through an optimization of the volume ratio of Au and Pt precursors used for synthesis of NPs. As a result, the highest electrocatalytic performance, which corresponds to the lowest charge transfer resistance of 0.43 Ωcm 2 , is obtained at the Au and Pt precursor molar ratio of 1. The DSC employing Pt 0.5 Au 0.5 alloy CE achieved a maximum efficiency of 8.0% among all cells under study. The efficiency is higher than those of 7.4%, and 0.1% for Pt NPs and Au NPs – based DSCs, respectively. The obtained results establish a base for the potential use of PtAu alloy CEs in efficient and robust DSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eye movements are fundamental diagnostic and progression markers of various neurological diseases, including those affecting the cerebellum. Despite the high prevalence of abnormal eye movements in patients with cerebellar disorders, the traditional rating scales do not focus on abnormal eye movements. We formed a consortium of neurologists focusing on cerebellar disorders. The consortium aimed to design and validate a novel Scale for Ocular motor Disorders in Ataxia (SODA). The primary purpose of the scale is to determine the extent of ocular motor deficits due to various phenomenologies. A higher score on the scale would suggest a broader range of eye movement deficits. The scale was designed such that it is easy to implement by non-specialized neurological care providers. The scale was not designed to measure each ocular motor dysfunction's severity objectively. Our validation studies revealed that the scale reliably measured the extent of saccade abnormalities and nystagmus. We found a lack of correlation between the total SODA score and the total International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS), Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), or Brief Ataxia Rating Scale (BARS). One explanation is that conventionally reported scales are not dedicated to eye movement disorders; and when present, the measure of ocular motor function is only one subsection of the ataxia rating scales. It is also possible that the severity of ataxias does not correlate with eye movement abnormalities. Nevertheless, the SODA met the consortium's primary goal: to prepare a simple outcome measure that can identify ocular motor dysfunction in patients with cerebellar ataxia. • Scale for Ocular Motor Disorders in Ataxia is presented. • The scale is an objective measure of eye movement burden in ataxia. • It is operator friendly and is validated with video oculography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, great efforts have been made to develop unmanned navigation systems for Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs), while further improvements are still required for ASVs operating around obstacles. In this circumstance, this paper presents an Obstacle Collision Avoidance Guidance (OCAG) using obstacle detection with a two-dimensional (2D) LiDAR sensor. After verifying the algorithm of the OCAG in a numerical manoeuvring simulation, the OCAS was embedded in a physical model of a Catamaran-type ASV with a 2D LiDAR sensor. When the ASV sails along with a predefined global path, the LiDAR sensor detects the obstacles, the collision-avoidance actions are determined based on multiple factors including the motion and orientation information of the vehicle, the measured distance and direction information of the obstacles, as well as the types of the obstacles. The proposed OCAG showed good collision-avoidance performances with different obstacle types along the path. • The obstacle collision avoidance guidance for ASV are proposed that can avoid static floats and line obstacles. • The action of collision avoidance is determined by considering the ship domain of the ASV. • The controller is designed to solve the underacted ASV using thruster output control. • The proposed obstacle collision avoidance system was verified through numerical simulations and experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play significant roles in recognizing the pathogen-associated molecular patterns that induce innate immunity, and subsequently, acquired immunity. In general, TLRs have two downstream signaling pathways, the myeloid differential factor 88 (MyD88)-dependent and toll-interleukin-1 receptor domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF)-dependent pathways, which lead to the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3). 1-[5-methoxy-2-(2-nitrovinyl)phenyl]pyrrolidine (MNP) has been previously synthesized in our laboratory. To evaluate the therapeutic potential of MNP, its effect on signal transduction via the TLR signaling pathways was examined. MNP was shown to inhibit the activation of NF-κB and IRF3 induced by TLR agonists, as well as to inhibit the expression of cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and interferon inducible protein-10. MNP also inhibited the activation of NF-κB and IRF3 induced by the overexpression of downstream signaling components of the MyD88- or TRIF-dependent signaling pathways. These results suggest that MNP can modulate MyD88- and TRIF-dependent signaling pathways of TLRs, leading to decreased inflammatory gene expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly efficient nonlinear optical quinolinium single crystals are newly designed and synthesized. The quinolinium single crystals consist of a 2-(4-hydroxystyryl)-1-methylquinolinium cation possessing large molecular optical nonlinearity and a 2,4,6-trimethylbenzenesulfonate counter anion. The quinolinium crystals exhibit monoclinic acentric space group P2 1 symmetry, resulting in large macroscopic nonlinear optical response, which is comparable with those of highly nonlinear optical configurationally locked polyene crystals. Plate-shaped bulk quinolinium crystals with an area of up to 56 mm 2 are successfully grown by the solution growth method. Single quinolinium crystals exhibit a large transparency range (550–1600 nm) in the optical region and a relatively low absorption coefficient in the THz region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of π -conjugated styryl quinolinium push–pull chromophores have been designed and synthesized in order to examine the electron-withdrawing strength of various quinolinium electron acceptor groups, and their influence on the photophysical properties and in particular on the second-order nonlinear optical response. The static molecular first hyperpolarizabilities measured by long-wavelength hyper-Rayleigh scattering are found to follow the order of the electron withdrawing strength of their acceptor groups as determined by NMR analysis. The quinolinium chromophores based on the strongest electron acceptor groups (1,2- and 1,4-dimethylquinolinium) exhibit remarkably large first hyperpolarizability values of 233 and 256 × 10 −30 esu respectively, which is higher than that of the well-known and widely-used pyridinium analogue 4-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)-1-methylpyridinium 4-methylbenzenesulfonate with first hyperpolarizability = 183 × 10 −30 esu. The dimethylquinolinium electron acceptor groups exhibit increased electron-withdrawing strength compared to the dimethylpyridinium group used in 4-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)-1-methylpyridinium 4-methylbenzenesulfonate, and therefore have a high potential for photonic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Staurosporine co-activates autophagy and mitophagy during dopaminergic cell death. [•] Genetic/pharmacological blockades of mitophagy and autophagy increased cell death. [•] Both mitophagy and autophagy exert a significant neuroprotective effect. [•] This model is useful to study mechanism underlying their crosstalk with cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study aims to investigate the effects of Ce addition on the transformation behavior of σ and χ secondary phases and corresponding mechanical properties of 27Cr–7Ni–2.5Mo-3.3W hyper duplex stainless steels. Four different steels containing various Ce content (0, 55, 110 and 450ppm) were subjected to solid-solution heat treatment and subsequent isothermal annealing at temperature range of 873–1273K for 1–1000min. In the solid-solution heat-treated steels where secondary phases were not formed, tensile strength was slightly increased in the Ce added specimens, but Charpy impact toughness varied depending on the size and volume fraction of inclusion. Subsequent isothermal annealing resulted in the precipitation of secondary phases in all steels. However, when a small amount (55 and 110ppm) of Ce was added, precipitation was considerably delayed which was attributed to the homogeneous distribution of Ce. On the other hand, in the high (450ppm) Ce content steel, Ce-rich particles were formed resulting in extremely low Ce concentration in the matrix, which could not retard the precipitation of secondary phases. Time–temperature transformation diagram for the precipitation of either σ (1%) or χ phase (0.5%) was well matched with the 50% toughness reduction curve of the steel. It was concluded that optimum Ce concentration with its homogeneous distribution in the matrix is the most effective at retarding the formation of secondary phases and therefore to prevent the degradation of mechanical properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: The ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP), a recently documented otolith-ocular reflex, is considered to reflect the central projections of the primary otolithic afferent fibers to the oculomotor nuclei. The aim of our study is to define air-conducted sound oVEMP abnormality in patients with acute brainstem lesions and to determine the brainstem structures involved in the generation of oVEMPs. Methods: In response to air-conducted tone burst sounds (ACS), oVEMP was measured in 52 patients with acute brainstem lesions. Individualized brainstem lesions were analyzed by means of MRI-based voxel-wise lesion-behavior mapping, and the probabilistic lesion maps were constructed. Results: More than half (n =28, 53.8%) of the patients with acute brainstem lesions showed abnormal oVEMP in response to ACS. The majority of patients with abnormal oVEMPs had lesions in the dorsomedial brainstem that contains the medial longitudinal fasciculus (MLF), the crossed ventral tegmental tract (CVTT), and the oculomotor nuclei and nerves. Conclusion: MLF, CVTT, and the oculomotor nuclei and nerves appear to be responsible for otolith-ocular responses in the brainstem. Significance: Complemented to cervical VEMP for the uncrossed otolith-spinal function, oVEMP to ACS may be applied to evaluate the crossed otolith-ocular function in central vestibulopathies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Effects of ɛ martensite on tensile properties and hydrogen degradation behaviors of a high Mn steel were investigated. For this purpose, a Fe–15Mn–2Cr–0.6C steel containing various amount of ɛ martensite was prepared and tensile tested at room temperature. Microstructures were examined by electron back scattered diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Then, a series of electrochemical hydrogen pre-charging, slow strain rate tests, and thermal desorption spectrometry (TDS) analyses was conducted to examine the hydrogen degradation behaviors. Deformation of the steel without ɛ martensite (i.e. fully austenitic) was dominated by slip and mechanical twinning, but that of the steel containing ɛ martensite was mainly attributed to transformation induced plasticity in association with strain induced martensitic transformation during deformation, resulting in higher work hardening rate. However, tensile strength and elongation on the steel containing ɛ martensite were lower than those of the fully austenitic steel, since cracks were prone to be initiated and propagated at the region of ɛ martensite which is harder than austenite. Furthermore, it was found that ɛ martensite provided many diffusible hydrogen trapping sites. Consequently, the notch fracture stress of the steel containing ɛ martensite decreased significantly as the diffusible hydrogen content increased. The activation energy for hydrogen detrapping from its trapping sites was also calculated by means of the TDS analyses, ∼22kJ/mol for the γ/ɛ interfaces, and ∼37kJ/mol for dislocations/γ grain boundaries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Stress induced premature senescence (SIPS) occurs after exposure to many different sublethal stresses including H2O2, hyperoxia, or tert-butylhydroperoxide. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) exhibit limited proliferative potential in vitro, the so-called Hayflick limit. According to the free-radical theory, reactive oxygen species (ROS) might be the candidates responsible for senescence and age-related diseases. H2O2 may be responsible for the production of high levels of ROS, in which the redox balance is disturbed and the cells shift into a state of oxidative stress, which subsequently leads to premature senescence with shortening telomeres. H2O2 has been the most commonly used inducer of SIPS, which shares features of replicative senescence (RS) including a similar morphology, senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, cell cycle regulation, etc. Therefore, in this study, the senescence of hMSC during SIPS was confirmed using a range of different analytical methods. In addition, we determined five differentially expressed spots in the 2-DE map, which were identified as Annexin A2 (ANXA2), myosin light chain 2 (MLC2), peroxisomal enoyl-CoA hydratase 1 (ECH1), prosomal protein P30-33K (PSMA1) and mutant β-actin by ESI-Q-TOF MS/MS. Also, proton (1H) nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) was used to elucidate the difference between metabolites in the control and hMSCs treated with H2O2. Among these metabolites, choline and leucine were identified by 1H-NMR as up-regulated metabolites and glycine and proline were identified as down-regulated metabolites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is one of the antioxidant enzymes which help protect against cellular damage. The present study examined the ability of Quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucuronopyranoside (QGC), flavonoid glucoside extracted from Rumex Aquaticus Herba, to induce expression of HO-1 and analyzed its signaling mechanism in cultured feline esophageal epithelial cells (EEC). Culture of the esophageal epithelial cells from cat was prepared. The data suggested that QGC could result in enhanced antioxidant enzyme defense system via HO-1 expression and Nrf2 translocation involving both the ERK and PI3K-Akt pathways as well as partly PKC pathways in EEC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study was aimed at investigating the effect of the microstructural constituents of high strength steels on their hydrogen delayed fracture properties. For this purpose, a series of constant loading tests, slow strain rate tests, cyclic corrosion tests, and thermal desorption spectrometry analysis was conducted on the hydrogen pre-charged specimens with tempered martensite or full pearlite showing a similar tensile strength level of 1600MPa. Constant loading tests and slow strain rate tests revealed that the tempered martensitic steel was more susceptible to hydrogen delayed fracture than the fully pearlitic steel. In slow strain rate tests, the maximum tensile strength decreased with increasing diffusible hydrogen content in a power-law manner. The content of hydrogen inflowing from environment was also simulated by cyclic corrosion tests. It was found that the fully pearlitic steel has the higher equilibrium hydrogen content than the tempered martensitic steel. The primary trapping sites were prior austenite grain boundaries for the tempered martensitic steel, and ferrite/cementite interfaces and dislocations for the fully pearlitic steel. SEM fractographs revealed that the cracks induced by hydrogen propagated along the prior austenite grain boundaries resulting in brittle intergranular fracture for the tempered martensitic steel while the fully pearlitic steel was fractured in a ductile manner. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The brainstem contains numerous structures and their afferent and efferent fibers that are involved in generation and control of eye movements. These structures give rise to distinct patterns of abnormal eye movements when damaged. Thus, defining these ocular motor abnormalities allows a topographic diagnosis of a lesion in various disorders involving the brainstem. Even though diverse patterns of impaired eye movements may be observed in lesions affecting anywhere along the brainstem, medullary lesions mostly present various patterns of nystagmus and impaired vestibular eye movements without obvious ophthalmoplegia. In contrast, pontine ophthalmoplegia is characterized by abnormal eye movements in the horizontal plane while midbrain lesions typically show vertical ophthalmoplegia in addition to pupillary and eyelid abnormalities. Recognition of the patterns and characteristics of abnormal eye movements observed in brainstem lesions is important in understanding the roles of each neural structure and circuit in ocular motor control as well as in localizing the lesions by determining the involved structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Double saccadic pulses (DSP) are saccadic intrusions that consist of an initial saccade away from a fixation followed immediately by a return saccade back to the fixation. DSP have been reported in patients with presumed multiple sclerosis and metabolic encephalopathy. However, DSP have not been described in a circumscribed brain lesion. We report a man who developed almost continuous DSP with intervening macrosaccadic oscillations from a circumscribed lesion in the dorsal pontine tegmentum which extended up to the midbrain level and spared the nucleus raphe interpositus where the pause cells reside. Damage to the projections from the superior colliculus to omnipause neurons and resultant dysfunction of omnipause neuron may be a mechanism of saccadic intrusions and oscillations observed in our patient with a circumscribed brainstem lesion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: This paper aims to determine the frequency of isolated labyrinthine infarction as an initial manifestation of anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) territory infarction and discuss its clinical implication. Methods: We studied 54 consecutive patients with AICA infarction diagnosed by brain MRI from the acute stroke registry. Results: We identified 4 patients (7.4%) with AICA territory infarction who initially presented with vertigo and hearing loss mimicking acute labyrinthitis and subsequently suffered from delayed neurological deficits. All patients had normal brain MRIs including diffusion-weighted images at the time of isolated audiovestibular loss, but all subsequently exhibited acute infarct(s) in the AICA territory on follow-up brain MRIs when they developed additional neurological deficits. Conclusion: Labyrinthine infarction may be a warning sign of impending pontocerebellar infarction in the AICA territory. Our results indicate that even a classical peripheral presentation, e.g., acute hearing loss, and acute vertigo with unidirectional nystagmus, may be a manifestation of ischemic stroke in the posterior circulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) and UV-curable acrylic systems are widely utilized in different industries, with particular attention currently directed at their use in the production of re-useable modules for smart devices. Herein, we developed a two-step UV/UV curing technique to overcome the limitations of dual curing methods conventionally used for PSA preparation and characterized the thus obtained acrylic adhesives by a range of techniques to determine the uncured marginal portion of the pre-polymer, viscoelastic properties, and adhesive properties (peel and tack). Insufficient primary curing resulted in marked physical property deterioration, while the expression of secondary curing was weak when excessive irradiation energy was supplied. Thus, it was concluded that the physical properties of acrylic PSAs could be controlled by adjustment of primary curing energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) exhibiting robust underwater adhesion was developed through the synergistic integration of gallol-functionalization and microscale surface patterning. • Gallol group introduction in a smaller proportion (3.3 mol%) demonstrated more than double the underwater adhesion strength compared to the benzyl (4.3 mol%) or phenol (3.6 mol%) groups. • Surface patterning reduced adhesion loss in water from 62% to 11%. • The pattern on the PSA surface generated drainage channels, effectively reducing defect size and ensuring a uniform distribution of adhesion defects. In this study, we synthesized a gallol-functionalized PSA and generated micropatterns on its surface to improve its underwater adhesion. Compared to the adhesive-substrate interactions of benzyl and phenol-functionalized PSAs in water, Gallol PSA exhibited greater interactions with the substrate. Furthermore, the micropattern on the PSA surface provided a drainage channel for water during the bonding process so that water is not trapped at the substrate-adhesive interface. Moreover, the drainage channel allows the formation of small and uniform adhesion defects, which minimize the deterioration in adhesion caused by water. And the adhesive manufacturing process is also simple, without any gallol protection and deprotection steps, and can be achieved using the current adhesive industry infrastructure. This facile fabrication strategy and its adhesive properties could promote the commercialization of gallol-functionalized PSAs with underwater adhesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between changes in alcohol consumption and body composition remains unclear. We investigated the association between changes in drinking habits and muscle mass and fat mass in adults. From the Health Examinees in Korea, the study population (N = 62 094) was categorized according to alcohol consumption (g of ethanol/day) and the changes in drinking habits between the baseline and follow-up periods were determined. Predicted muscle mass index (pMM), lean mass index, and fat mass index (pFM) were also calculated using age, sex, weight, height, and waist circumference. The β coefficient and adjusted means were then calculated using multiple linear regression analysis after adjusting for covariates, including follow-up duration, calorie intake, and protein intake. Compared to the almost-unchanged drinking group (reference; adjusted mean: −0.030 [95% confidence intervals: −0.048, −0.011]), there was no statistical difference or tendency of change in the pMMs of the most-decreased (−0.024 [−0.048, 0.000]) and the most-increased (−0.027 [−0.059, −0.013]) alcohol-consumed groups. The pFM decreased at those with less alcohol consumption (0.053 [−0.011, 0.119]) and increased with increased alcohol consumption (0.125 [0.063, 0.187]), compared to the no-change group (reference; 0.088 [0.036, 0.140]). Thus, changes in alcohol consumption were not significantly associated with changes in muscle mass. Increased alcohol consumption was associated with increased fat mass. Reducing the amount of alcohol consumption may improve body composition in terms of fat mass. • The amount of alcohol consumption (g of ethanol/days) and body composition (kg/m2) were calculated, based on the survey of health habit and anthropometric data in the individual. • Alcohol consumption was not significantly associated with muscle mass. • However, increased alcohol consumption was associated with increased fat mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the applicability of quercetin (QCT), we produced a QCT and cycloamylose (CA-QCT) inclusion complex based on the cyclization activity of cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase; EC 2.4.1.19). The encapsulated QCT was purified using recycling preparative high-performance liquid chromatography, and its formation was analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. The water solubility of CA-QCT was 55,000-fold higher than that of QCT. CA-QCT had 97 % stability for one week at pH 8 in a 4 °C water bath. According to a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity assay, CA-QCT activity in aqueous solution was 24 times higher than that of an equal amount of QCT in aqueous solution. In an anti-inflammatory assay using lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 macrophages, CA-QCT in aqueous solution decreased nitric oxide production in a similar manner to QCT in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Additionally, even under aqueous conditions, CA-QCT more effectively inhibited the production of inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and cyclooxygenase, compared with QCT dissolved in DMSO. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the lateralization value of video head-impulse test (vHIT) for the diagnosis of vestibulopathy and to analyze cases showing dissociated results with caloric test.Methods: In total, 19 healthy volunteers and 92 dizzy patients who underwent both a caloric test and a vHIT were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups depending on their fluctuating pattern of vertigo. The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain and gain asymmetry (GA) of a vHIT as well as unilateral weakness (UW) and the sum of the slow-phase velocities (SPVs) of warm and cold irrigation of the same side were compared. A cutoff value of VOR gain of a vHIT was also calculated using a receiver-operating characteristic curve.Results: A VOR gain in an affected ear and GA of a vHIT showed a statistically significant correlation with UW in a caloric test. The cutoff value of a vHIT was determined to be 0.875, derived under the assumption that UW of a caloric test ≤25% is normal. However, the parameters of the two tests were dissociated in 18%.Conclusion: A VOR gain of vHIT is a valuable objective parameter with a lateralization value determining vestibular hypofunction. However, considering substantial dissociation between a vHIT and a caloric test, these tests can be complementary tools for the lateralization of vestibular impairment for the comprehensive evaluation of patients' VOR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A synthesis strategy to obtain hierarchically porous N-doped carbon (P–N–C) nanofibers (NFs) comprising VN nanodots and highly densified-entangled N-doped CNTs (N-CNTs) was visualized. The unique redox-active nanostructure was applied as a multifunctional interlayer for highly stable Li–S batteries (LSBs). The P–N–C skeleton obtained via selective removal of amorphous carbon (AC) and polystyrene (PS) not only guarantees efficient electrolyte percolation but also facilitates rapid diffusion of charged species during charge-discharge processes. Moreover, the N-CNTs constituting the fiber matrix increase the overall conductivity of the framework. Besides, highly conductive vanadium nitride (VN) nanodots act as chemisorption sites for efficient lithium polysulfide capturing and prohibit their diffusion towards the anode through efficient catalytic conversion, thus improving the elemental S utilization. The Li–S cells utilizing P–N–C@VN/N-CNT NF as a multifunctional barrier resulted in decent rate capabilities (559 mA h g−1 at 2.0 C) and long-term cycling stabilities at low and high C-rates (432 mA h g−1 after the 400th cycle at 0.1 C and 290 mA h g−1 at the end of 600th cycle at 1.0 C). This is attributed to the combined synergistic effects of the P–N–C framework, N-CNT matrix, and polar VN nanodots. [Display omitted] • Hierarchically porous nitrogen-doped carbon (P–N–C) nanofibers are prepared. • Comprising VN nanodots and densified entangled N-doped CNTs (N-CNTs). • VN nanodots act as chemisorption sites for efficient anchoring of lithium polysulfide. • N-CNTs increase the overall conductivity of the nanostructure framework. • Li–S cell with P–N–C@VN/N-CNT NF-coated separator exhibits stable performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnosis of combined peripheral and central vestibulopathy remains a challenge since the findings from peripheral vestibular involvements may overshadow those from central vestibular disorders or vice versa. The aim of this study was to enhance detection of these intriguing disorders by characterizing the clinical features and underlying etiologies. We had recruited 55 patients with combined peripheral and central vestibulopathy at the Dizziness Clinic of Seoul National University Bundang Hospital from 2003 to 2013. Peripheral vestibular involvement was determined by decreased caloric responses in either ear, and central vestibulopathy was diagnosed with obvious central vestibular signs or the lesions documented on MRIs to involve the central vestibular structures. Combined peripheral and central vestibulopathy could be classified into four types according to the patterns of vestibular presentation. Infarctions were the most common cause of acute unilateral cases while cerebellopontine angle tumors were mostly found in chronic unilateral ones. Wernicke encephalopathy and degenerative disorders were common in acute and chronic bilateral disorders. Twenty five (45.5%) patients showed only vestibular findings with or without auditory involvements, but association with gaze-evoked nystagmus, impaired smooth pursuit or central types of head shaking nystagmus indicated a central vestibular involvement in most of them (23/25, 92.0%). Given the requirements for urgent treatments and potentially grave prognosis of combined vestibulopathy, central signs should be sought even in patients with clinical or laboratory features of peripheral vestibulopathy. Scrutinized bedside evaluation, however, secured the diagnosis in almost all the patients with combined vestibulopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate how often the positive sign of HINTS (Head-Impulse, Gaze Evoked Nystagmus, Test of Skew) appears in patients with acute peripheral vestibular lesion, HINTS findings were quantitatively measured and analyzed in patients with peripheral vestibulopathy accompanying spontaneous nystagmus.Methods: HINTS was evaluated in 14 vertigo patients with spontaneous nystagmus. Horizontal vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain was measured using the video head impulse test (vHIT). To evaluate gaze-evoked nystagmus (GEN), slow-phase velocities at different points of lateral gaze were measured and plotted, then the slope and its inverse value, the neural integrator time constant, were calculated. Skew deviation was tested using anaglyph filters to simulate the alternate cover test, and the degree and latency of vertical eyeball deviation were measured. The ABCD2 score was calculated to evaluate the risk of stroke.Results: Among 13 patients of peripheral vestibulopathy, 7 showed positive signs in HINTS (normal vHIT: 5, direction-changing GEN: 0, skew deviation: 3). One patient with a cerebellopontine angle tumor presented with both a peripheral and central pattern and showed positive HINTS findings (presence of direction-changing GEN). The mean VOR gain of patients with abnormal vHIT was 0.58±0.29 and 1.10±0.11 in the affected and contralateral side, respectively, while those in patients with normal vHIT were 1.04±0.21 and 1.13±0.12, respectively. The neural integrator time constant calculated from the mean slope of horizontal slow-phase velocity according to horizontal eye position was 42.9 s. The mean vertical eyeball deviation of patients with positive skew was 2.14±1.18° while uncovering the eye on the affected side, and -1.97±1.59° while uncovering the eye on the unaffected side. The median ABCD2 score of 14 patients was 2 (range, 1-3).Conclusions: HINTS findings were objectively measured in vertigo patients with spontaneous nystagmus. Although positive findings of HINTS have been recognized as a central sign, 54% (7/13) of cases with peripheral vestibulopathy showed positive HINTS signs. HINTS results should be interpreted carefully considering that a substantial proportion of peripheral vestibulopathy shows a positive HINTS sign. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Falls were not associated with cVEMP or oVEMP abnormalities. • Falls were associated with higher MDS-UPDRS-III scores. • cVEMP and oVEMP amplitudes were not associated with disease duration or disease severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate utricular and saccular function during the acute and resolved phases of BPPV, ocular and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) were studied in 112 patients with BPPV and 50 normal controls in a referral-based University Hospital. Ocular (oVEMPs) and cervical VEMPs (cVEMPs) were induced using air-conducted sound (1000 Hz tone burst, 100 dB normal hearing level) at the time of initial diagnosis and 2 months after successful repositioning in patients with BPPV, and the results were compared with those of the controls. Abnormalities of cVEMPs and oVEMPs in patients with BPPV were prevalent and significantly higher compare to the healthy control group ( p < 0.01 in each VEMP by chi-square test). In the patient group, difference between the proportions of abnormal responses of cVEMP and oVEMP was not significant in both affected ( p = 0.37, chi-squared test) and non-affected ( p = 1.00) ears. The abnormalities were more likely reduced or absent responses rather than delayed ones; reduced or absent responses are 17.6% in cVEMPs (p = 0.04, chi-square) and 21.6% in oVEMPs (p < 0.01). The non-affected ear in the BPPV group also showed significantly higher abnormalities of cVEMP and oVEMP when compared to the control group. The follow-up VEMPs after repositioning maneuvers were not significantly different compared to the initial values from both stimulated affected and non-affected ears. Although most patients had unilateral BPPV, bilateral otolithic dysfunction was often shown by persistently reduced or absent cervical and ocular VEMPs, suggesting that BPPV may be caused by significant bilateral damage to the otolith organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize distinct pathogen-associated molecular patterns and play a critical role in innate immune responses. TLR signaling pathways can be largely classified as either myeloid differential factor 88 (MyD88)- or toll-interleukin-1 receptor domain-containing adapter inducing interferon-β (TRIF)-dependent pathways. C ompound of Designation red 10 binding ( CDr10b ) was synthesized to investigate its role in neuroinflammatory diseases. This study was conducted to determine whether CDr10b can affect TLR signaling pathways. CDr10b suppressed NF-κB activation as well as COX-2 and iNOS expression induced by TLR3 or TLR4 agonists. CDr10b also suppressed the activation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and the expression of interferon inducible protein-10 (IP-10) induced by TLR3 or TLR4 agonists. These results indicate that CDr10b can modulate the TRIF-dependent pathway of TLRs and has the potential to become a new therapeutic drug for chronic inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two women presented at our clinic with vision blurring following Varicella zoster virus (VZV) vaccination, 3 weeks and 1 week ago. Ophthalmologic examination and magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral and unilateral optic neuritis, respectively. One patient had a history of optic neuritis in the fellow eye 33 years ago without recurrence since then. Both patients completely recovered after treatment with high dose intravenous methylprednisolone followed by a tapered dose of oral prednisolone. This is the first report of optic neuritis occurring in relation to VZV vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Patients with isolated internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO) frequently show abnormal ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) in response to forehead tapping in the lesion side. [•] The medial longitudinal fasciculus (MLF) appears to contain the fibers for the otolith-ocular reflex from the contralateral ear. [•] The abnormal cervical VEMPs in some patients with isolated INO suggest a modulatory pathway for the inhibitory sacculocollic reflex descending in the MLF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Continuous cooling transformation (CCT) characteristics of microalloyed steels with different tungsten (W) contents (0, 0.1 and 1wt.%) were investigated to obtain the necessary information for heat treatment of these steels. The effects of W addition on the sizes of prior austenite grains and precipitates were analysed. CCT diagrams were obtained by varying the cooling rates from 0.1 to 120°C/s. Transformation characteristics were determined by using dilatometer test, microscopic observation and hardness measurement. The results showed that W had a positive effect on the refinement of prior austenite grains and precipitates. The CCT diagrams exhibited that the ranges of transformation products were shifted to the right side of the diagram when the W content increased. CCT diagram for steel with 0.1% W was similar in shape to that without W. The addition of 1% W induced two separated transformation ranges in the cooling rate range of 0.1 to 1°C/s in the diagram. Both the austenitisation starting and finishing temperatures were raised as W was added. W addition induced decreased critical cooling rates for phase transformations and obtaining complete ferrite+pearlite microstructures. The martensite transformation temperature was decreased after W addition. The addition of W caused increased hardness, and the hardness obeyed an exponential type relationship with cooling rate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Paroxysmal reversal of spontaneous nystagmus has rarely been described. Herein, we report recurrent bouts of vertigo and oscillopsia in association with reversed spontaneous nystagmus in a patient with prior surgical resection of the cerebellar vermis due to medulloblastoma and subsequent labyrinthine damage. The symptoms almost completely resolved with carbamazepine. The episodes may be ascribed to paroxysmal reversal of the vestibular asymmetry due to intermittent decompensation by the deficient cerebellum. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: To clarify the origin and afferent pathways of short-latency ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP) in response to air-conducted sound (ACS), we evaluated cervical (cVEMP) and ocular VEMPs in patients with vestibular neuritis (VN). Methods: In response to air-conducted tone burst, the oVEMP and cVEMP were measured in 60 healthy controls and in 41 patients with acute VN. The VN selectively involved the superior vestibular nerve (superior VN) in 30 patients, affected the inferior vestibular nerve only (inferior VN) in three and damaged both superior and inferior vestibular nerve branches in eight. Results: All 30 patients with superior VN presented normal cVEMPs, indicating preservation of the saccular receptors and their afferents in the inferior vestibular nerve. However, the oVEMP was abnormal in all patients with superior VN. By contrast, the patients with inferior VN showed normal oVEMP and abnormal cVEMP. Conclusion: These dissociations in the abnormalities of cVEMP and oVEMP in patients with VN selectively involving the superior or inferior vestibular nerve suggest that the origin of the vestibular nerve afferents of oVEMP differ from those of cVEMP. Significance: The oVEMP in response to ACS may be mediated by the superior vestibular nerve, probably due to an activation of the utricular receptors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effects of safe-end length and kinematic boundary conditions during welding on weld residual stresses in dissimilar metal welds are systematically investigated using finite element analyses for typical pressurized water reactor surge nozzle configurations. The study is generalized by idealizing complex nozzle geometries as straight pipes with two welds. The impact of these variables on axial residual stresses at inner surface is examined, since these are of most concern for primary water stress corrosion cracking. Possible mechanisms controlling the development of welding residual stresses are used to qualitatively explain the predicted behavior. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ocular neuromyotonia refers to paroxysmal involuntary contraction of one or more ocular muscles resulting in paroxysmal diplopia and strabismus. A 73-year-old woman reported spells of horizontal diplopia that usually developed after leftward gaze and mostly lasted less than one minute. Between the episodes, the extraocular movements were normal without aberrant regeneration. The diplopic paroxysms could be triggered by leftward gaze for several seconds. During the episode, the left eye was exotropic with mild adduction limitation. Brain imaging revealed an aneurysm in the left internal carotid artery. The episodes resolved with carbamazepine. Aneurysm of the internal carotid artery is a rare cause of abducens neuromyotonia. A compressive lesion may give rise to ocular neuromyotonia even in the absence of prior irradiation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The clinical features of a lesion confined to the superior cerebellar peduncle (SCP) have not been defined well in human. A 92-year-old woman suddenly developed mild dysarthria and severe imbalance from an isolated unilateral SCP infarction, and examination showed ipsiversive ocular torsion, severe ipsilesional limb ataxia, and truncal ipsipulsion. These findings are well consistent with those observed in monkeys when the SCP was severed. In addition to the dentate-rubro-thalamic projections, the SCP appears to contain the fibers involved in the control of eye motion in the roll plane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postural instability is a cardinal symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD), which suggests the vestibular system may be affected in PD. This study aimed to determine whether vestibular dysfunction is associated with the risk of falls in PD. We prospectively recruited patients with de-novo PD at a tertiary medical center between December 2019 and March 2023. During initial assessment, each patient was queried about falls within the preceding year. All patients underwent evaluation of video head-impulse tests (video-HITs), motion analysis, mini-mental state examination (MMSE), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA). We determined whether head impulse gain of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) was associated with clinical severity of PD or risk of falls. Overall, 133 patients (mean age ± SD = 68 ± 10, 59 men) were recruited. The median Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor part (MDS-UPDRS-III) was 23 (interquartile range = 16–31), and 81 patients (61 %) scored 2 or less on the Hoehn and Yahr scale. Fallers were older (p = 0.001), had longer disease duration (p = 0.001), slower gait velocity (p = 0.009), higher MDS-UPDRS-III (p < 0.001) and H&Y scale (p < 0.001), lower MMSE (p = 0.018) and MOCA scores (p = 0.001) than non-fallers. Multiple logistic regression showed that MDS-UPDRS-III had a positive association with falling (p = 0.004). Falling was not associated with VOR gain (p = 0.405). The VOR gain for each semicircular canal showed no correlation with the MDS-UPDRS-III or disease duration. The semicircular canal function, as determined by video-HITs, is relatively spared and has little effect on the risk of falls in patients with mild-to-moderate PD. • Falling is a major risk for immobilization and consequent poor quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). • The canal function is relatively preserved and has little effect on the risk of falls in patients with mild-to-moderate PD. • The vestibulo-ocular reflex gain showed no correlation with the MDS-UPDRS-III or disease duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]