Objective Verification of Acute Tinnitus and Validation of Efficacy of Systemic Steroids in Rats.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to identify acute tinnitus and evaluate the efficacy of steroids for noise-induced acute tinnitus by measuring the gap-prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle (GPIAS) value in an animal model. METHODS: Nineteen rats (the noise group [n = 7] and the noise + dexamethasone [DEX] group [n = 12]) were exposed to narrow-band noise centered at 16 kHz from a sound generator for 4 hours. The noise + DEX group received intraperitoneal steroid administration daily for 5 days (1.5 mg/kg/day) after completing noise exposure. Auditory brainstem response and GPIAS value were measured just prior to, and 1 day after noise exposure and on days 1 and 10 days after completing steroid administration. The changes in cochlear structure were evaluated by histological analysis. RESULTS: The threshold shift was checked 1 and 10 days after intraperitoneal steroid injection, and no differences in threshold shift were observed between the two groups in each frequency except for 32 kHz 1 day after steroid injection. The mean GPIAS value in the noise + DEX group (36.4% ± 14.1%) was significantly higher than that in the noise group (16.4% ± 18.8%) 10 days after intraperitoneal steroid administration (P = 0.017). There were no pathological changes associated with noise trauma in the two groups as determined on hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical staining. CONCLUSION: An acute tinnitus model with minimal structural changes by noise exposure was set up, and used to verify tinnitus objectively by measuring the GPIAS value. Steroid therapy for control of tinnitus was validated in this animal model.

A 3D Microscaffold Cochlear Electrode Array for Steroid Elution.

In cochlear implants, the electrode insertion trauma during surgery can cause damage residual hearing. Preserving the residual hearing is an important challenge and the localized administration of drugs, such as steroids, is one of the most promising ways, but remains a challenge. Here, a microscaffold cochlear electrode array (MiSCEA) consisting of a microfabricated flexible electrode array and a 3D microscaffold for steroid reservoir is reported. The MiSCEA without loaded drug is tested by measuring the electrically evoked auditory brainstem response of the cochlea in guinea pigs (n = 4). The scaffold is then coated with steroid (dexamethasone) encapsulated in polylactic-co-glycolic acid and the continuous release of the steroid into artificial perilymph during six weeks is monitored. The steroid-containing scaffolds are then implanted into guinea pigs (n = 4) and threshold shifts are analyzed for four weeks by measuring the acoustically evoked auditory brainstem response. The threshold shifts tend to be lower in the group implanted with the steroid-containing MiSCEAs. The feasibility of 3D MiSCEA opens up the development of potential next-generation cochlear electrode with improved steroid release dynamics into cochlea.

Epidermal Growth Factor-Releasing Radially Aligned Electrospun Nanofibrous Patches for the Regeneration of Chronic Tympanic Membrane Perforations.

Chronic tympanic membrane (TM) perforations can cause otorrhea. To date, various types of tissue engineering techniques have been applied for the regeneration of chronic TM perforations. However, the application of nanofibers with radially aligned nanostructures and the simultaneous release of growth factors have never been applied in the regeneration of chronic TM perforations. Here, epidermal growth factor (EGF)-releasing radially aligned nanofibrous patches (ERA-NFPs) are developed and applied for the regeneration of chronic perforated TMs. First, radial alignments and the presence of EGF in the ERA-NFPs are analyzed. EGF is confirmed to be released from the ERA-NFPs until 8 weeks. In an in vitro study, cell viability assay, immunocytochemistry, and wound-healing assay indicate rational enhancement of healing by the combination of radial alignments and EGF release. The effect of ERA-NFPs on TM cells is revealed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. An in vivo animal study shows that the ERA-NFPs effectively stimulates the healing of the chronic TM perforations. The TMs healed by ERA-NFPs show histological properties similar to those of normal TMs. These results indicate that ERA-NFPs may be an efficient platform for the regeneration of chronic TM perforations, laying the foundation for nonsurgical treatments of chronic otitis media.

Charged Polymer-Coated Separators by Atmospheric Plasma-Induced Grafting for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

A simple and fast method of atmospheric plasma-induced grafting was applied over a polyethylene membrane to enhance its performance as a separator for lithium-ion batteries. The process of grafting has formed a thin, durable, and uniform layer on the surface of the porous membrane. The charges of grafted polymers affected the performance of batteries in many ways besides the change of hydrophilicity. Negative charges in polymers improve the capacity retention of batteries and the uniformity of the SEI layer. On the other hand, the electrostatic attraction between different charges contributed to small increases of thermal stability and mechanical strength of separators. Polyampholyte was grafted by using the mixtures of monomers, and the composition of the grafted layer was optimized. The formation of stable uniform SEI layers and the marked improvement in capacity retention were observed in the full cell tests of the lithium battery with the polyampholyte-grafted separators when the polyampholyte has a negative net charge.

Disaster medical assistance in super typhoon Haiyan: Collaboration with the local medical team that resulted in great synergy.

BACKGROUND: On 8 November 2013, Typhoon Haiyan made landfalls over the center of the Philippines and devastated the region. Soon aftermath of the disaster, many foreign medical teams (FMTs) headed toward the site, and the Korean team was one of them. METHODS: This study described the experiences of the team during the initial phase of response, focusing on collaborative efforts with the local medical team. RESULTS: The Korean team was capable of providing primary care, and the Filipino team provided incomplete secondary care which was insufficient for covering the patient load. Not only did the Korean team provide electricity for hospital operation and various materials, but also supplemented medical personnel, who covered the emergency and outpatient departments. Collaborative efforts filled in each other's gap, and resulted in great synergy. CONCLUSION: Disaster medical relief mission of FMTs should be cooperated with a coordination mechanism. Collaboration with the local resources can be a great opportunity for both parties, and should not be overlooked in any disaster situations.

Effect of Cu Alloying on S Poisoning of Ni Surfaces and Nanoparticle Morphologies Using Ab-Initio Thermodynamics Calculations.

We investigated the effect of Cu alloying on S poisoning of Ni surfaces and nanoparticle morphologies using ab-initio thermodynamics calculations. Based on the Cu segregation energy and the S adsorption energy, the surface energy and nanoparticle morphology of pure Ni, pure Cu, and NiCu alloys were evaluated as functions of the chemical potential of S and the surface orientations of (100), (110), and (111). The constructed nanoparticle morphology was varied as a function of chemical potential of S. We find that the Cu added to Ni for NiCu alloys is strongly segregated into the top surface, and increases the S tolerance of the NiCu nanoparticles.

Theoretical Analysis for Proton Conductivity at σ3 Tilt Grain Boundary of Barium Cerate.

We theoretically analyzed proton conductivity at the σ3 tilt grain boundary (GB) of barium cerate using density functional theory. Two types of positively charged defects, a proton and an oxygen vacancy, were segregated at the GB with segregation energies in the range of -0.36(-) -0.52 and -0.17(-)-0.30 eV, respectively. Segregated defects at the GB built up an electrostatic potential of 0.41 V at 600 K. The segregated proton at the GB required energy barriers in the range of 0.66-0.86 eV in order to migrate across the GB. Based on the electrostatic potential and energy barriers, proton conductivities in bulk, and at the GB of barium cerate, were calculated and compared with experimental values.

Initial oxidation of gallium arsenide (001)-ß2(2 x 4) surface using density functional theory.

The initial oxidation of a gallium arsenide (001)-ß2(2 x 4) surface with an oxygen molecule was investigated using density functional theory. The oxygen molecule was adsorbed on the surface without any energy barrier. The dissociation of the oxygen molecule on the first arsenic layer had two dissociation paths; the inter-dimer and intra-dimer. The inter-dimer dissociation was the dominant dissociation path based on the energy barriers. The two dissociated oxygen atoms preferred breaking the arsenic-gallium back-bond to form arsenic-oxygen-gallium bonds. Our results are in good agreement with literature of the scanning tunneling microscope study.

Initial surface reaction of di-lsopropylaminosilane on a fully hydroxyl-terminated Si (001) surface.

We studied the interaction of di-isopropylaminosilane (SiH3N(C3H7)2, DIPAS) molecules with a fully hydroxyl-terminated Si (001) surface for SiO2 thin-film growth by using density functional theory. The amino group consisting of DIPAS was chosen in order to obtain a high adsorption energy because its lone-pair electrons in the N atom would help in the adsorption of DIPAS. The absolute value of the adsorption energy (0.67 eV) of DIPAS was higher than its reaction energy barrier of 0.38 eV. Thus, DIPAS could react with the surface without desorption. The reaction between DIPAS and the surface produced a silyl group (-SiH3) as a primary product and di-isopropylamine (NH(C3H7)2, DIPA) as a by-product. A second DIPAS, which was adsorbed near the pre-adsorbed DIPAS or -SiH3 with DIPA, required higher reaction energy barriers of 3.91 or 1.92 eV, respectively, because of its interaction with the first DIPAS or DIPA. However, when the second DIPAS was adsorbed near -SiH3 without DIPA, a low reaction energy barrier of 0.42 eV was required, indicating a negligible effect of -SiH3 on the second DIPAS reaction. Therefore, to obtain a highly dense Si layer, DIPA must desorb from the surface. DIPA requires a relatively high desorption energy of 0.40 eV because the lone-pair electrons in the N atom of DIPA also enhance its adsorption on the surface. The high desorption energy could reduce the process window of atomic layer deposition.

Initial reaction of dimethylaluminum isopropoxide with hydrogen-terminated Si (001) surface using density functional theory.

The initial reaction of dimethylaluminum isopropoxide (Al(CH3)2OC3H7, DMAI) with a fully hydrogen-terminated Si (001) surface for aluminum oxide thin-film growth was investigated using density functional theory. Al-C and Al-O bonds of the adsorbed DMAI were easily broken to produce unimethylaluminum isopropoxide (-AICH3OC3H7, UMAI) group and dimethylaluminum (-Al(CH3)2, DMA) group on the surface, and methane (CH4) and isopropoxide (HOC3H7) as a by-product, respectively, with low energy barriers in the range of 0.22-0.35 eV. UMAI and DMA groups further reacted with the surface to form aluminum isopropoxide (-AlOC3H7) and unimethylaluminum (-AICH3) groups on the surface, and CH4 and HOC3H7 as a by-product, respectively.

Heart sounds analysis via esophageal stethoscope system in beagles.

Esophageal stethoscope is less invasive and easy to handling. And it gives a lot of information. The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation of blood pressure and heart sound as measured by esophageal stethoscope. Four male beagles weighing 10 to 12 kg were selected as experimental subjects. After general anesthesia, the esophageal stethoscope was inserted. After connecting the microphone, the heart sounds were visualized and recorded through a self-developed equipment and program. The amplitudes of S1 and S2 were monitored real-time to examine changes as the blood pressure increased and decreased. The relationship between the ratios of S1 to S2 (S1/S2) and changes in blood pressure due to ephedrine was evaluated. The same experiment was performed with different concentration of isoflurane. From S1 and S2 in the inotropics experiment, a high correlation appeared with change in blood pressure in S1. The relationship between S1/S2 and change in blood pressure showed a positive correlation in each experimental subject. In the volatile anesthetics experiment, the heart sounds decreased as MAC increased. Heart sounds were analyzed successfully with the esophageal stethoscope through the self-developed program and equipment. A proportional change in heart sounds was confirmed when blood pressure was changed using inotropics or volatile anesthetics. The esophageal stethoscope can achieve the closest proximity to the heart to hear sounds in a non-invasive manner.

Interaction of TEMAHf precursor with OH-terminated Si (001) surface: a first principles study.

We performed a first principles study to investigate the interaction of tetrakis-ethylmethylaminohafnium (4[(C2H5)(CH3)N]Hf, TEMAHf) precursors with an OH-terminated Si (001) surface that is the initial stage of atomic layer deposition (ALD). When TEMAHf reacted on the OH-terminated Si surface, there were two reaction mechanisms. One was the reaction with one -OH, and the other was the reaction with two -OH's. When TEMAHf reacted with an -OH on the Si (001) surface, an ethylmethylamine ((C2H5)(CH3)NH, EMA) was produced as a by-product and the trikis-ethylmethylaminohafnium group (3[(C2H5)(CH3)N]Hf) was attached to the O atom of the -OH. There were five reaction sites for TEMAHf to react with two -OH's to form the dikis-ethylmethylaminohafnium group (2[(C2H5)(CH3)N]Hf): Inter-dimer, intra-dimer, inter-row, cross-dimer, and cross-row. The reaction with two -OH's on the inter-dimer, intra-dimer, and inter-row sites were more favorable than the reaction with one -OH. Since the inter-dimer reaction was the most favorable, the energy barrier on the inter-dimer site for the reaction of the trikis-ethylmethylaminohafnium group with -OH to form the dikis-ethylmethylaminohafnium group was calculated, and the result was 0.19 eV. An extra energy of 0.25 eV was needed to remove EMA from the surface. Four TEMAHf's reacted with the surface and these reactions were exothermic by -7.77 eV, and the calculated Hf coverage of the first-half ALD cycle was 1.67 x 10(14)/cm2.

Anodization of carbon fibers on interfacial mechanical properties of epoxy matrix composites.

The influence of anodic oxidation on the mechanical interfacial properties of carbon-fiber-reinforced epoxy resin composites was investigated. The surface properties of the anodized carbon fibers were studied through the measurement of contact angles and through SEM, XPS, and FT-IR analyses. The mechanical interfacial properties of the composites were studied through measurements of interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), critical stress intensity factor (K(IC)), and critical strain energy release rate (G(IC)). It was shown that the surface functional groups containing oxygen on the anodized carbon fibers exert great effects on the surface energetics of fibers and the mechanical interfacial properties, e.g., ILSS, of the resulting composites. Contact angle measurements based on the wicking rate of a test liquid showed that anodic oxidation lead to an increase in the surface free energy of the carbon fibers, mainly in its specific (or polar) component. In terms of surface energetics, it was found that wetting played an important role in increasing the degree of adhesion at interfaces between the fibers and the resin matrices of the composites.

Pd migration in tetragonal-Ni(1-x)Pd(x)Si/Si (001) using density functional theory.

Pd migration in tetragonal-Ni(1-x)Pd(x)Si/Si (001) structure was studied to understand the mechanism of Pd segregation at the interface by using density functional theory (DFT). A plane with Ni atoms was chosen as the terminating interface layer of the tetragonal-NiSi for the tetragonal-Ni(1-x)Pd(x)Si/Si (001). Two different Ni sites were indentified at the interface, and the Ni sites farther away from the Si substrate were more favorable for Pd substitution. Ni vacancies were produced at the interface Ni sites, and the energy barrier for Pd migration from a bulk Ni site to an interface Ni site was calculated to be 4.56 eV. Pd segregation at the interface, therefore, was not through this migration path during the heat treatment of silicidation, as the energy barrier was rather high to be overcome.

Multidetector-row computed tomographic evaluation of myocardial perfusion in reperfused chronic myocardial infarction: value of color-coded perfusion map in a porcine model.

We aimed to develop color-coded CT perfusion maps (CPM) of infarcted myocardium and assess the utility of CPM in evaluating ischemic heart disease on a cardiac multi-detector CT (MDCT) in a porcine reperfused-myocardial-infarction model. Myocardial infarctions were induced by 30 min occlusions of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) in 17 healthy adult female pigs. First-pass and 5 min-delayed cardiac MDCTs were performed after 4 weeks of LAD occlusion. Myocardial CPMs were obtained by using the CPM program. Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC)-staining was performed on the cardiac specimens. We analyzed the intermodality agreement on the size and location of the myocardial infarctions. TTC staining revealed myocardial infarction in 16 of 17 pigs, and 15 of these (94%) showed matched infarcts on the CPM and first-pass images. The areas of perfusion deficit noted in early arterial phase images and CPM coincided exactly with the areas of poor TTC staining in 12 of 15 pigs (80%). In the three remaining pigs, the areas of poor TTC staining were larger than those of a perfusion deficit demonstrated by either early arterial phase images or CPM. The agreement between these tests is calculated to be moderate to good (k = 0.736, P < 0.05). Ten myocardial segments in 4 of the 15 pigs (27%) with hypoattenuated myocardium showed a delayed enhancement on the 5 min-delayed images. Contrast-enhanced MDCT was useful and accurate in detecting chronic myocardial infarction; CPM was helpful in visualizing the infarcted myocardium.

Pan-genome isolation of low abundance transcripts using SAGE tag.

The SAGE (serial analysis of gene expression) method is sensitive at detecting the lower abundance transcripts. More than a third of human SAGE tags identified are novel representing the low abundance unknown transcripts. Using the GLGI method (generation of longer 3' EST from SAGE tag for gene identification), we converted 1009 low-copy, human X chromosome-specific SAGE tags into 10210 3' ESTs. We identified 3418 unique 3' ESTs, 46% of which are novel and originated from the lower abundance transcripts. However, nearly all 3' ESTs were mapped to various regions across the genome but not X chromosome. Detailed analysis indicates that those 3' ESTs were isolated by SAGE tag mis-priming to the non-parent transcripts. Replacing SAGE tags with non-transcribed genomic DNA tags resulted in poor amplification, indicating that the sequence similarity between different transcripts contributed to the amplification. Our study shows the prevalence of novel low abundance transcripts that can be isolated efficiently through SAGE tags mis-priming.

Gene expression profiles in acute myeloid leukemia with common translocations using SAGE.

Identification of the specific cytogenetic abnormality is one of the critical steps for classification of acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) which influences the selection of appropriate therapy and provides information about disease prognosis. However at present, the genetic complexity of AML is only partially understood. To obtain a comprehensive, unbiased, quantitative measure, we performed serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) on CD15(+) myeloid progenitor cells from 22 AML patients who had four of the most common translocations, namely t(8;21), t(15;17), t(9;11), and inv(16). The quantitative data provide clear evidence that the major change in all these translocation-carrying leukemias is a decrease in expression of the majority of transcripts compared with normal CD15(+) cells. From a total of 1,247,535 SAGE tags, we identified 2,604 transcripts whose expression was significantly altered in these leukemias compared with normal myeloid progenitor cells. The gene ontology of the 1,110 transcripts that matched known genes revealed that each translocation had a uniquely altered profile in various functional categories including regulation of transcription, cell cycle, protein synthesis, and apoptosis. Our global analysis of gene expression of common translocations in AML can focus attention on the function of the genes with altered expression for future biological studies as well as highlight genes/pathways for more specifically targeted therapy.