Anatomic Variations of the Lateral Branch of the Supraorbital Nerve Observed in Endoscopic Forehead Surgery.

Surgeons dissect carefully in the medial third of the supraorbital rim to preserve the supraorbital nerve (SON) during surgical forehead rejuvenation. However, the anatomic variations of SON exit from the frontal bone have been researched in cadaver or imaging studies. In this study, we report a variation in the lateral branch of SON observed in an endoscopic view during forehead lifts. A retrospective review of 462 patients who underwent endoscopy-assisted forehead lifts between January 2013 and April 2020 was performed. Data, including the location, number, and form of the exit point and thickness of SON and its lateral branch variant, were recorded and reviewed intraoperatively, utilizing high-definition endoscopic assistance. Thirty-nine patients and 51 sides were included, and all patients were female, with a mean age of 44.53 (18-75) years. This nerve exited a foramen in the frontal bone ~8.82 ± 2.79 mm lateral to SON and ~1.89 ± 1.34 mm from the supraorbital margin vertically. Observed thickness variations of the lateral branch of SON included 20 small, 25 medium, and 6 large nerves. This study revealed various positional and morphologic variations of the lateral branch of SON in an endoscopic view. Thus, surgeons can be alerted of the anatomic variations of SON and establish careful dissection during procedures. In addition, the findings of this study will be useful in planning nerve blocks, filler injections, and migraine treatments in the supraorbital region.

Extremely Electron-Withdrawing Lewis-Paired CN Groups for Organic p-Dopants.

P-type chemical doping (p-doping) is a key technique to modulate the optical, electrical, and electronic properties of organic semiconductors. However, typical functional groups in organic p-dopants have insufficient electron-withdrawing strength, and the inevitable diffusion of dopants in host matrices degrades doping stabilities. Herein, we utilize extremely electron-withdrawing Lewis-paired CN groups as a new class of building blocks for designing unprecedentedly strong organic p-dopants with excellent doping stability. Various Lewis acids are paired with CN-functionalized conjugated molecules in the solution state, which strengthens the electron-withdrawing properties of CN groups almost twofold. The large dopants afford outstanding doping stability against continuous heating and long-term atmospheric exposure, which is promising for practical applications in devices. Given the broad applicability of this simple combinatorial approach, it may impact many fields of (opto)electronics.

Spatial ensemble modeling for predicting the potential distribution of Lymantria dispar asiatica (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Lymantriinae) in South Korea.

The spongy moth, Lymantria dispar, is a pest that damages various tree species throughout North America and Eurasia, has recently emerged in South Korea, threatening local forests and landscapes. The establishment of effective countermeasures against this species' outbreak requires predicting its potential distribution with climate change. In this study, we used species distribution models (CLIMEX and MaxEnt) to predict the potential distribution of the spongy moth and identify areas at risk of exposure to a sustained occurrence of the pest by constructing an ensemble map that simultaneously projected the outcomes of the two models. The results showed that the spongy moth could be distributed over the entire country under the current climate, but the number of suitable areas would decrease under a climate change scenario. This study is expected to provide basic data that can predict areas requiring intensive control and monitoring in advance with methodologically improved modeling technique.

Melatonin improves the meiotic maturation of porcine oocytes by reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress during in vitro maturation.

Under endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress conditions, the unfolded protein response (UPR) generates a defense mechanism in mammalian cells. The regulation of UPR signaling is important in oocyte maturation, embryo development, and female reproduction of pigs. Recent studies have shown that melatonin plays an important role as an antioxidant to improve pig oocyte maturation. However, there is no report on the role of melatonin in the regulation of UPR signaling and ER-stress during in vitro maturation (IVM) of porcine oocytes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the antioxidative effects of melatonin on porcine oocyte maturation through the regulation of ER-stress and UPR signaling. We investigated the changes in the mRNA/protein expression levels of three UPR signal genes (Bip/Grp78, ATF4, P90/50ATF6, sXbp1, and CHOP) on oocytes, cumulus cells, and cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) during IVM (metaphase I; 22 hours and metaphase II; 44 hours) by Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. Treatment with the ER-stress inducer, tunicamycin (Tm), significantly increased expression of UPR markers. Additionally, cumulus cell expansion and meiotic maturation of oocytes were reduced in COCs of Tm-treated groups (1, 5, and 10 µg/mL). We confirmed the reducing effects of melatonin (0.1 µmol/L) on ER-stress after pretreatment with Tm (5 µg/mL; 22 hours) in maturing COCs. Addition of melatonin (0.1 µmol/L) to Tm-pretreated COCs recovered meiotic maturation rates and expression of most UPR markers. In conclusion, we confirmed a role for melatonin in the modulation of UPR signal pathways and reducing ER-stress during IVM of porcine oocytes.

Ganglioside GM3 induces cumulus cell apoptosis through inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling pathways during in vitro maturation of pig oocytes.

Gangliosides are components of the mammalian plasma membrane that help regulate receptor signaling. Ganglioside GM3, for example, plays an important role in initiating apoptosis in cancer cells; however, physiological roles for GM3 in normal processes, such as during pig oocyte maturation, are not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the functional link between GM3 and cellular apoptosis in porcine cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) during in vitro maturation. Our results indicated that denuded oocytes possess less ST3GAL5, a GM3-synthesizing enzyme, than cumulus cells or COCs after 44 hr of in vitro maturation. GM3 also affected the meiotic maturation of cultured pig oocytes, as evaluated by orcein staining. In vitro treatment of COCs with exogenous GM3 also reduced cumulus cell expansion, the proportion of meiotic maturation, and increased cumulus cell transcription of PTX3, TNFAIP6, and HAS2. Interestingly, GM3 treatment reduced the expression of Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT signaling proteins in COCs in a concentration-dependent manner, instead increasing the abundance of pro-apoptotic factors such as AIF, activated Caspase 9, cleaved PARP1, and Caspase 3 were. Thus, GM3 might affect porcine oocyte maturation via suppression of EGFR-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling and/or induction of apoptosis during in vitro maturation.

Effects of wearing ankle weight on knee joint repositioning sense in the elderly.

[Purpose] To investigate the effects of different ankle weights on knee joint repositioning sense in elderly individuals. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-one subjects were divided for assessment as follows: young (20-30 years, n=10) and elderly (60-70 years, n=11). Knee joint repositioning error was measured by asking the subjects to reposition the target angle of their knee joints while wearing different ankle weights (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) in an open kinetic chain. The Hawk Digital System (60 Hz; Motion Analysis, Santa Rosa, CA, USA) was used to measure knee joint repositioning error. Differences in knee joint repositioning error between the young and elderly groups according to ankle weight load were examined by using two-way mixed repeated-measures analysis of variance. [Results] The knee joint repositioning error was lower with than without ankle weights in both groups. The error value was lowest with the 1.0% weight, though not significantly. Knee joint repositioning error was significantly higher in the elderly under all the ankle weight conditions. [Conclusion] Knee joint repositioning sense can be improved in elderly individuals by wearing proper ankle weights. However, weights that are too heavy might disturb knee joint positioning sense.

Effects of push-up exercise on shoulder stabilizer muscle activation according to the grip thickness of the push-up bar.

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of bar thickness on shoulder stabilizer muscle activation during push-up exercise. [Subjects] Twenty-six healthy male adults in their twenties. [Methods] The study had four experimental conditions (grip thicknesses of 0%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the subjects' hand size). Measurements were conducted from the start to the end of push-up for deltoid anterior fiber, deltoid posterior fiber, infraspinatus, serratus anterior, and pectoralis major muscle activation. [Results] The deltoid anterior fiber muscle activity was 4,852.6 ± 975.2 in the 0%, 5,787.3 ± 1,514.1 in the 50%, 5,635.3 ± 1,220.1 in the 75%, and 5,032.9 ± 841.0 in the 100% condition. The infraspinatus muscle activity was 1,877.2 ± 451.3 in the 0%, 2,310.9 ± 765.4 in the 50%, 2,353.6 ± 761.9 in the 75%, and 2,016.8 ± 347.7 in the 100% condition. The pectoralis major muscle activity was 1,675.8 ± 355.1 in the 0%, 2,365.5 ± 1,287.3 in the 50%, 2,125.3 ± 382.5 in the 75%, and 1,878.8 ± 419.7 in the 100% condition, showing significant differences respectively. [Conclusion] The use of push-up bars with different thicknesses customized to personal characteristics, rather than the conventional standard, could be more effective for training and rehabilitation.

The Effects of Wearing High Heels while Pressing a Car Accelerator Pedal on Lower Extremity Muscle Activation.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of wearing high heels while driving on lower extremity muscle activation. [Subjects] The subjects of this experimental study were 14 healthy women in their 20s who normally wear shoes with high heels. [Methods] The subjects were asked to place their shoes on an accelerator pedal with the heel touching the floor and then asked to press the pedal with as much pressure as possible for 3 seconds before removing their feet from the pedal. A total of 3 measurements were taken for each heel height (flat, 5 cm, 7 cm), and the heel height was randomly selected. [Results] The levels of muscle activity, indicated as the percentage of reference voluntary contraction, for gastrocnemius muscle in the flat, 5 cm, and 7 cm shoes were 180.8±61.8%, 285.4±122.3%, and 366.2±193.7%, respectively, and there were significant differences between groups. Those for the soleus muscle were 477.3±209.2%, 718.8±380.5%, and 882.4±509.9%, and there were significant differences between groups. [Conclusion] To summarize the results of this study, it was found that female drivers require greater lower extremity muscle activation when wearing high heels than when wearing low heels. Furthermore, instability and muscle fatigue of the ankle joint, which results from wearing high heels on a daily basis, could also occur while driving.

Muscle activity of the gluteus medius at different gait speeds.

[Purpose] The present study aimed to determine the changes in the muscle activities of the gluteus medius, latissimus dorsi, and gluteus maximus at different gait speeds, to collect basic data for the study of the gluteus medius. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 18 young and healthy male adults whose mean age, height, and weight were 26.4 years, 173.37 cm, and 72.5 kg, respectively. Electromyograpy was used to measure the maximum voluntary isometric contraction of each muscle three times and the values averaged. Then, the subjects walked on a treadmill at gait speeds of 1.5 m/s, 2.5 m/s, and 3.5 m/s and the muscle activity of each muscle was measured. [Results] The gluteus medius showed no significant difference in muscle activity among the different gait speeds. [Conclusion] For selectively strengthening the gluteus medius, to establish the external stability of the pelvis during walking, weight loading or sloped treadmills are effective interventions. However, different gait speeds exert no significant effect on the selective strengthening of the gluteus medius.

Effect of muscle vibration on spatiotemporal gait parameters in patients with Parkinson's disease.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of muscle vibration in the lower extremities in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) during walking. [Subjects] Nine patients with PD participated in this study and were tested with and without vibration (vibration at 60 Hz). [Methods] Eight oscillators of vibration were attached to the muscle bellies (tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, biceps femoris, and rectus femoris) on both sides of the lower extremities with adhesive tape in this study. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were measured using a motion analysis system. [Results] Stride length and walking speed with vibration were significantly increased compared with those without vibration in PD patients. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the application of vibration to lower extremity muscles in patients with PD may improve the parkinsonian gait pattern.

Morphology-Controlled ZnO@ZnWO4 Hetero-Nanostructures for Efficient Photooxidation of Water in Near-Neutral pH.

One-dimensional ZnO nanorods (NRs) have been extensively studied as photoanodes because of their unique optical properties, high electron mobility, and suitable band positions for water oxidation. However, their practical efficiency is often compromised by chemical instability during water oxidation and high carrier recombination rates. To overcome this issue, precise morphological control of ZnO@ZnWO4 core-shell structured photoanodes, featuring a ZnO core and a ZnWO4 shell was used. This was accomplished by depositing WO3 onto hydrothermally grown ZnO NRs using the thermal chemical vapor deposition process. The photoelectrochemical performance of ZnO@ZnWO4 with an optimized morphology outperforms that of pristine ZnO NRs. Systematic optical and electrochemical analyses of ZnO@ZnWO4 demonstrated that the enhancement is attributed to the enhanced charge transfer efficiency facilitated by the optimized ZnWO4 shells.

Effect of muscle vibration on postural balance of Parkinson's diseases patients in bipedal quiet standing.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of muscle vibration applied to the lower extremities on static postural balance of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). [Subjects] Seven subjects with Parkinson's disease participated in this study. [Methods] The oscillators of vibration were attached to the muscle bellies of the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, biceps femoris, and rectus femoris on both sides of the lower extremities with adhesive tape. A vibration frequency of 60 Hz was used to induce static postural reactions. Subjects' center of pressure (COP) sway and peak ground reaction force (GRF) were measured with their eyes open with and without vibration. COP sway and peak GRF (Fx, Fy, Fz) were measured using a force plate (AMTI, Newton, USA), which provides x, y and z coordinates of body movement. [Results] The area of COP sway with vibration was significantly smaller than that with no vibration, but the length of COP sway showed no difference between two conditions. Peak medial-lateral maximum force (Fy) with vibration was significantly higher than that with no vibration, but peak anterior-posterior force (Fx) and peak vertical force (Fz) showed no differences. [Conclusion] These results suggest that vibration applied to the lower extremities can help PD patients control postural balance during quiet standing.

Manufacturing and Characterization of Dental Crowns Made of 5-mol% Yttria Stabilized Zirconia by Digital Light Processing.

We herein report manufacturing of dental crowns made of 5-mol% yttria partially stabilized zirconia (5Y-PSZ) with desired mechanical properties, optical translucency and dimensional accuracy using digital light processing (DLP). To this end, all processing parameters were carefully controlled and optimized. First, 5Y-PSZ particles with a bimodal distribution were prepared via calcination of as-received granules and subsequent ball-milling and then used to formulate 5Y-PSZ suspensions with a high solid loading of 50 vol% required for high densification after sintering. Dispersant content was also optimized. To provide high dimensional accuracy, initial dimensions of dental crowns for 3D printing were precisely determined by considering increase and decrease in dimensions during photopolymerization and sintering, respectively. Photopolymerization time was also optimized for a given layer thickness of 50 µm to ensure good bonding between layers. A multi-step debinding schedule with a slow heating rate was employed to avoid formation of any defects. After sintering at 1500 °C for 2 h, 5Y-PSZ could be almost fully densified without noticeable defects within layers and at interfaces between layers. They had high relative densities (99.03 ± 0.39%) with a high cubic phase content (59.1%). These characteristics allowed for achievement of reasonably high mechanical properties (flexural strength = 625.4 ± 75.5 MPa and Weibull modulus = 7.9) and % transmittance (31.4 ± 0.7%). In addition, 5Y-PSZ dental crowns showed excellent dimensional accuracy (root mean square (RMS) for marginal discrepancy = 44.4 ± 10.8 µm and RMS for internal gap = 22.8 ± 1.6 µm) evaluated by the 3D scanning technique.

Spatial analysis of the occurrence of the western conifer seed bug Leptoglossus occidentalis (Heteroptera: Coreidae) in Europe based on multiple environmental variables.

The western conifer seed bug (WCSB) Leptoglossus occidentalis (Heidemann) (Heteroptera: Coreidae) is a pest insect that causes significant losses of coniferous trees worldwide. In this study, we sought to project the potential distribution of the WCSB based on dual CLIMEX modeling and random forest (RF) analysis to obtain basic data for WCSB monitoring strategies. The CLIMEX model, a semimechanistic niche model that responds to climate-based environmental parameters, is a species distribution model that focuses on regional climatic suitability. Given that this model can be used to select areas that are likely to reflect the climatically favorable spread of species, which we initially used CLIMEX to evaluate the potential distribution of the WCSB. The RF algorithm was used to predict the potential occurrence of WCSB and to evaluate the relative importance of environmental variables for WCSB occurrence. Using the RF model, land cover was found to be the most important variable for classifying the presence/pseudo-absence of the WCSB, with an accuracy of 77.1%. Climatic suitability for the WCSB was predicted to be 2.4-fold higher in Southern Europe than in Western Europe, and the WCSB was predicted to occur primarily near coniferous forests. Given that CLIMEX and RF analyses yielded different prediction results, using the findings of both models may compensate for the shortcomings of these models when used independently. Consequently, to ensure greater prediction reliability, we believe that it would be beneficial to base predictions on the combined potential distribution data obtained using both modeling approaches.

A positron emission tomography microdosing study with sertraline in healthy volunteers.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored microdosing methods for evaluating the distribution and pharmacokinetics (PK) of a central nervous system (CNS) drug candidate. METHODS: We used sertraline as a model drug. In this open-label, one-arm, three-period, multiple-dosing study, 10 healthy male volunteers received 6-day administrations of sertraline at doses of 5, 25 or 50 mg/d in three different periods. Before the first dose of Period 1, and 24 h after the last dose of each period, an intravenous bolus of [11C]sertraline was injected for positron emission tomography (PET) scanning. After the sixth dose in each period, serial blood samples were collected at scheduled intervals over 48 h; then serum sertraline concentrations were determined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). RESULTS: Sertraline was distributed in the brain within 20 min, and it was highly distributed in the putamen, cingulate, and thalamus. Linearity in steady-state Cmax and AUClast were observed in the 5 - 50 mg dose range. The results suggested that microdosing with PET was a useful method for exploring the bloodbrain- barrier penetration and distribution of a candidate CNS drug. CONCLUSIONS: This study described a microdosing method that combined PET with LC-MS/MS for determining the brain distribution and PK characteristics of a CNS drug candidate.

Evaluation of the suitability of potato cultivation areas in South Korea based on climate and soil conditions.

BACKGROUND: Changes in dietary patterns have led to a decrease in rice consumption, raising demands for the cultivation of alternative crops that meet the current requirements. Potatoes are highly productive and can be stored for a relatively long period, thereby ensuring adequate income for farmers; however, optimal cultivation is necessary to maximize yield. OBJECTIVE: This study proposes optimal cultivation regions for potato considering climate and soil conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CLIMEX model was developed to evaluate climatic suitability, while the soil suitability was scored based on five soil characteristics. The final areal suitability for potato cultivation was classified into 4 levels: very suitable, suitable, marginal, and unsuitable. RESULTS: Overall, 36.5% of South Korea had very suitable climate, but areas with the best values for soil conditions were approximately 10% of the climatically suitable areas. When considering the climate and soil conditions simultaneously, climatic suitability and soil condition were inversely related, resulting in only 1.2% of optimal areas with Jeju Island as the most suitable area. CONCLUSIONS: Because both climate and soil conditions need to be suitable for growing crops, this study can provide potential paddy-cultivation areas for potato cultivation and a method for evaluating suitable areas for crop cultivation.

Molecular Detection of Equine Adenovirus 1 in Nasal Swabs from Horses in the Republic of Korea.

Equine adenovirus 1 (EAdV-1) can cause upper respiratory disease in horses and has been reported worldwide. In this study, and for the first time in Korea, the prevalence of EAdV-1 in equine nasal swabs was investigated using a PCR to identify potential risk factors and examine the genetic diversity of its DNA sequences by a comparison with foreign strains. Nasal swabs collected from 359 horses reared at Korea Racing Authority facilities were tested using an EAdV-1 hexon-specific PCR and the associations between EAdV-1 infection and sex, age, region, breed, and activity were analyzed. Five samples (1.4%, 5/359) tested positive for EAdV-1; however, no statistically significant differences were observed with respect to any variable. Among the five EAdV-1-positive horses, a co-infection with equine influenza, equine herpesvirus 1 and 4, or Streptococcus equi was not detected; however, clinical respiratory signs were observed in one. Phylogenetic analyses based on partial EAdV-1 hexon gene sequences revealed that the Korean EAdV-1 isolates shared approximately 98.8-100% similarity among each other and with foreign strains. Three Korean isolates shared high similarity with strains from Australia and India and the remaining two isolates were separate in phylogenetic analyses. These findings highlight the molecular prevalence and genetic diversity of EAdV-1 in horses in Korea.

Enhanced Stabilities and Production Yields of MAPbBr3 Quantum Dots and Their Applications as Stretchable and Self-Healable Color Filters.

Organic-inorganic hybrid CH3NH3PbBr3 (MAPbBr3) perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) are considered as promising and cost-effective building blocks for various optoelectronic devices. However, during centrifugation for the purification of these PQDs, commonly used polar protic and aprotic non-solvents (e.g., methanol and acetone) can destroy the nanocrystal structure of MAPbBr3 perovskites, which will significantly reduce the production yields and degrade the optical properties of the PQDs. This study demonstrates the use of methyl acetate (MeOAc) as an effective non-solvent for purifying as-synthesized MAPbBr3 PQDs without causing severe damage, which facilitates attainment of stable PQD solutions with high production yields. The MeOAc-washed MAPbBr3 PQDs maintain their high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yields and crystalline structures for long periods in solution states. MeOAc undergoes a hydrolysis reaction in the presence of the PQDs, and the resulting acetate anions partially replace the original surface ligands without damaging the PQD cores. Time-resolved PL analysis reveals that the MeOAc-washed PQDs show suppressed non-radiative recombination and a longer PL lifetime than acetone-washed and methanol-washed PQDs. Finally, it is demonstrated that a composite of the MAPbBr3 PQDs and a thermoplastic elastomer (polystyrene-block-polyisoprene-block-polystyrene) is feasible as a stretchable and self-healable green color filter for a white light-emitting diode device.

Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Micro-Supercapacitors Via Laser-Scribed Cobalt/Reduced Graphene Oxide Hybrids.

The evolution of "smart life," which connects all internet-of-things (IoT) microdevices and microsensors under wireless communication grids, requires microscale energy storage devices with high power and energy density and long-term cyclability to integrate them with sustainable power generators. Instead of Li-ion batteries with a short lifetime, pseudocapacitors with longer or infinite cyclability and high-power density have been considered as efficient energy storage devices for IoT. However, the design and fabrication of microscale pseudocapacitors have difficulties in patterning microscale electrodes when loading active materials at specific points of the electrodes using conventional microfabrication methods. Here, we developed a facile, one-step fabrication method of micro-supercapacitors (MSCs) through the in situ formation of Co metals and the reduced graphene oxides (rGOs) in a one-pot laser scribing process. The prepared Co/rGO MSC thus exhibited four times higher capacitance than the rGO MSC, due to the Faradaic charge capacitance behavior of the Co/rGO composites.

Efficient Debundling of Few-Walled Carbon Nanotubes by Wrapping with Donor-Acceptor Polymers for Improving Thermoelectric Properties.

Organic thermoelectric (TE) materials have great potential as sustainable energy sources for powering flexible and wearable electronic devices via harvesting of human body heat. Recent advances in soluble conjugated polymer/carbon nanotube (CNT) composites have facilitated achievement of high TE power factors. However, the effects of conjugated polymers on the debundling and electrical percolation of CNTs and on the TE properties of their composites are not yet fully understood. Herein, we introduce a novel type of polymer/CNT composite composed of a donor-acceptor (D-A)-type polymer and few-walled CNTs (FWCNTs). Three kinds of D-A polymers are employed to disperse FWCNTs, and the photophysical, morphological, and TE properties of the resulting polymer/FWCNT composites are compared with those of composites composed of FWCNTs dispersed with conventional donor-only poly(3-hexylthiophene). The results reveal that the strong intermolecular interaction forces and high backbone planarity of the D-A polymers facilitate effective debundling of FWCNTs, which results in much smaller bundle sizes. Consequently, the D-A polymer/FWCNT composite films show superior electrical percolation and TE performances with improved power factors of up to 459 µW/mK2. Finally, we demonstrate the feasibility of the D-A polymer/FWCNT composites for use in the fabrication of a flexible TE generator, which shows a maximum power output of 210 nW at a temperature gradient of 20 K.