Effects of 625 nm light-emitting diode irradiation on preventing ER stress-induced apoptosis via GSK-3ß phosphorylation in MC3T3-E1.

Prolonged endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress contributes to cell apoptosis and interferes with bone homeostasis. Although photobiomodulation (PBM) might be used for ER stress-induced diseases, the role of PBM in relieving cell apoptosis remains unknown. During ER stress, glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GSK-3ß) is critical; however, its functions in PBM remain uncertain. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the role of GSK-3ß in 625 nm light-emitting diode irradiation (LEDI) relieving tunicamycin (TM)-induced apoptosis. Based on the results, pre-625 nm LEDI (Pre-IR) phosphorylated GSK-3ß via ROS production. Compared with the TM group, Pre-IR + TM group reduced the phosphorylation of the α-subunit of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF-2α) and B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X (Bax)/Bcl-2 ratio through regulating GSK-3ß. Furthermore, a similar tendency was observed between Pre-IR + TM and Pre-LiCl+TM groups in preventing TM-induced early and late apoptosis. In summary, this study suggests that the Pre-IR treatment in TM-induced ER stress is beneficial for preventing cell apoptosis via GSK-3ß phosphorylation.

Detection of Abnormal Changes on the Dorsal Tongue Surface Using Deep Learning.

Background and Objective: The tongue mucosa often changes due to various local and systemic diseases or conditions. This study aimed to investigate whether deep learning can help detect abnormal regions on the dorsal tongue surface in patients and healthy adults. Materials and Methods: The study collected 175 clinical photographic images of the dorsal tongue surface, which were divided into 7782 cropped images classified into normal, abnormal, and non-tongue regions and trained using the VGG16 deep learning model. The 80 photographic images of the entire dorsal tongue surface were used for the segmentation of abnormal regions using point mapping segmentation. Results: The F1-scores of the abnormal and normal classes were 0.960 (precision: 0.935, recall: 0.986) and 0.968 (precision: 0.987, recall: 0.950), respectively, in the prediction of the VGG16 model. As a result of evaluation using point mapping segmentation, the average F1-scores were 0.727 (precision: 0.717, recall: 0.737) and 0.645 (precision: 0.650, recall: 0.641), the average intersection of union was 0.695 and 0.590, and the average precision was 0.940 and 0.890, respectively, for abnormal and normal classes. Conclusions: The deep learning algorithm used in this study can accurately determine abnormal areas on the dorsal tongue surface, which can assist in diagnosing specific diseases or conditions of the tongue mucosa.

625 nm Light Irradiation Prevented MC3T3-E1 Cells from Accumulation of Misfolded Proteins via ROS and ATP Production.

Osteoblasts must acquire a considerable capacity for folding unfolded and misfolded proteins (MPs) to produce large amounts of extracellular matrix proteins and maintain bone homeostasis. MP accumulation contributes to cellular apoptosis and bone disorders. Photobiomodulation therapy has been used to treat bone diseases, but the effects of decreasing MPs with photobiomodulation remain unclear. In this study, we explored the efficacy of 625 nm light-emitting diode irradiation (LEDI) to reduce MPs in tunicamycin (TM) induced-MC3T3-E1 cells. Binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP), an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent chaperone, is used to evaluate the capacity of folding MPs. The results revealed that pretreatment with 625 nm LEDI (Pre-IR) induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, leading to the increased chaperone BiP through the inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1)/X-box binding protein 1s (XBP-1s) pathway, and then restoration of collagen type I (COL-I) and osteopontin (OPN) expression relieving cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the translocation of BiP into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen might be followed by a high level of ATP production. Taken together, these results suggest that Pre-IR could be beneficial to prevent MP accumulation through ROS and ATP in TM-induced MC3T3-E1cells.

Effects of Red LED Irradiation in Enhancing the Mineralization of Human Dental Pulp Cells In Vitro.

Dentin regeneration is the preferred method used to preserve dental pulp vitality after pulp exposure due to caries. Red light-emitting diode irradiation (LEDI), which is based on photobiomodulation (PBM), has been used to promote hard-tissue regeneration. However, the underlying mechanism still needs elucidation. This study aimed to explore the mechanism involved in red LEDI affecting dentin regeneration. Alizarin red S (ARS) staining revealed that red LEDI induced mineralization of human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) in vitro. We further distinguished the cell proliferation (0-6 d), differentiation (6-12 d), and mineralization (12-18 d) of HDPCs in vitro and treated cells either with or without red LEDI in each stage. The results showed that red LEDI treatment in the mineralization stage, but not the proliferation or differentiation stages, increased mineralized nodule formation around HDPCs. Western blot also indicated that red LEDI treatment in the mineralization stage, but not the proliferation or differentiation stages, upregulated the expression of dentin matrix marker proteins (dentin sialophosphoprotein, DSPP; dentin matrix protein 1, DMP1; osteopontin, OPN) and an intracellular secretory vesicle marker protein (lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1, LAMP1). Therefore, the red LEDI might enhance the matrix vesicle secretion of HDPCs. On the molecular level, red LEDI enhanced mineralization by activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways (ERK and P38). ERK and P38 inhibition reduced mineralized nodule formation and the expression of relevant marker proteins. In summary, red LEDI enhanced the mineralization of HDPCs by functioning to produce a positive effect in the mineralization stage in vitro.

Effect of Coffee on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Immortalized Human Oral Keratinocytes.

Periodontitis is a common inflammatory disease that is strongly influenced by dietary habits. Coffee is one of the most common dietary components; however, current research on the relationship between coffee consumption and periodontitis, as well as its underlying mechanisms, is limited. Based on a previous report, caffeine (CA) and chlorogenic acid (CGA) were formulated into artificial coffee (AC) for this experiment. Cell viability, prostaglandin E2 release, Western blotting, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) translocation analyses were performed to explore the effects of AC on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced immortalized human oral keratinocytes (IHOKs) and elucidate their underlying mechanisms. AC pretreatment attenuated LPS-induced inflammatory mediator release, ROS production, and nuclear factor kappa B translocation in IHOKs. CA and CGA promoted AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation and down-regulated the nuclear factor-κB pathways to exert anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, CGA promoted Nrf2 translocation and heme oxygenase-1 expression and showed anti-oxidative effects. Furthermore, AC, CA, and CGA components showed synergistic effects. Thus, we predict that coffee consumption may be beneficial for alleviating periodontitis. Moreover, the main coffee components CA and CGA seem to play a synergistic role in periodontitis.

A Novel Fluorescent Dye Extracted from Buddleja officinalis for Labeling Mitochondria after Fixation.

Mitochondria are versatile organelles and function by communicating with cellular ecosystems. The fluorescent colocalization analysis after fixation is a highly intuitive method to understand the role of mitochondria. However, there are few fluorescent dyes available for mitochondrial staining after fixation. In this study, a novel fluorescent dye (BO-dye), extracted from Buddleja officinalis, was applied for mitochondrial staining in fixed immortalized human oral keratinocytes. The BO-dye (excitation: 414 nm, emission: 677 nm) is a small fluorescent molecular dye, which can cross the cytomembrane without permeabilization. We assume that the BO-dye could aggregate and bind to the mitochondria stably. BO-dye exhibited a mega-Stokes shift (>250 nm), which is an important feature that could reduce self-quenching and enhance the signal-to-noise ratio. Analysis of photophysical properties revealed that the BO-dye is temperature and pH insensitive, and it exhibits superior photostability. These results indicate that BO-dye can be considered an alternative fluorescent dye for labeling mitochondria after fixation.

635 nm LED irradiation may prevent endoplasmic reticulum stress in MC3T3-E1 cells.

Although endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is thought to be involved in various diseases such as cancer, metabolic, and inflammatory disorders, the relationship between ER stress and bone diseases, are remains unclear. Tunicamycin-treated MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts were used as the ER stress model in this study. 635 nm light-emitting diode irradiation (635 nm-IR) was carried out for 1 h before and after inducing ER stress. To investigate the effects of 635 nm-IR on ER stress-induced MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts and the underlying mechanism, western blot, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, alkaline phosphatase and Alizarin red staining, 2',7'-dichlorodyhydrofluorescein diacetate assay, Fluo-3AM and immunocytochemistry were performed. Pretreatment with 635 nm-IR effectively prevented intracellular reactive oxygen species production and alleviated ER stress through the pancreatic ER kinase (PERK)-eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2)-activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4)-nuclear factor-like 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. Hence, 635 nm-IR may serve a protective role in the treatment of ER stress-related bone diseases.

Surface electromyography for evaluating patients with oromandibular dystonia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate myoelectric signals of dystonic activities in oromandibular dystonia (OMD) subjects using surface electromyography (EMG). METHODS: Twelve OMD subjects were included in this study. Resting myoelectric activities of the superficial masseter, anterior temporalis, and anterior belly of the digastric muscle on both sides were monitored, and dystonic muscle contractions were recorded using surface EMG. Myoelectric signal amplitude, the type of muscle contraction, and contraction rate for phasic activities were evaluated. RESULTS: Surface EMG revealed that eight subjects had dystonic muscle activities in the phasic contraction pattern, three subjects had a tonic contraction pattern, and one subject had a mixed pattern. Synchronous contraction of dystonic muscles was frequently observed. Many of the monitored muscles showed high resting amplitudes. CONCLUSION: Surface EMG detects abnormal muscle activities related to oromandibular dystonia. Surface EMG can serve as an objective method for diagnosing oromandibular dystonia.

Photochemical reaction to increase melanogenesis using Buddleja officinalis and blue light-emitting diode irradiation in B16F10.

Recently, the incidence of vitiligo has increased because of stresses induced by external environment. Ultraviolet (UV) light therapy is the most commonly used method of treating the disease; however, UV light therapy requires a long treatment period, and prolonged exposure to UV radiation has side effects. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of natural products and LED irradiation (LED-IR) on the synthesis of melanin. It was not possible to effectively increase intracellular melanin production through individual applications of Buddleja officinalis (BO), which is a natural substance selected through screening, or blue light irradiation (Blue-IR). However, when used in combination, these two agents stimulated adenylyl cyclase (AC) and melanin production was induced in the stimulated cells via the CREB/MITF/TYR pathway. Furthermore, the combined treatment with BO and Blue-IR generated low levels of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induced p38 phosphorylation, which in turn activated MITF in ROS-stimulated synthetic melanocytes, resulting in the promotion of melanogenic pathways other than the CREB/MITF/TYR pathway. In addition, this treatment combination effected melanin transport. These results suggested that the combined therapies can be used to treat melanin-deficiency skin diseases such as vitiligo.

Role of E2F1/SPHK1 and HSP27 During Irradiation in a PMA-Induced Inflammatory Model.

Background: Sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) and heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) are important for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects after red light irradiation in an inflammatory model. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether SPHK1 and HSP27 work independently or are dependent on some other regulator after 625 nm light-emitting diode irradiation in the human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cell line. Methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between groups with or without 625 nm photobiomodulation (PBM) in the inflammatory model. Potential transcription factors (TFs) of key DEGs were predicted using the iRegulon plugin. The mechanism was investigated by analyzing mRNA and protein expression levels, prostaglandin E2 levels, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced HaCaT cells after 625 nm PBM. Results: A total of 6 TFs (e.g., E2F1) and 51 key DEGs (e.g., SPHK1) were identified after 625 nm PBM in PMA-stimulated HaCaT cells. E2F1 worked as a regulator of SPHK1; however, it did not affect HSP27. E2F1 knockdown drastically decreased the SPHK1 expression level and increased the intracellular ROS, as well as the expression levels of inflammation-related proteins in PMA-induced HaCaT cells. In addition, the inhibition of HSP27 decreased the anti-inflammatory effect of 625 nm PBM. Conclusions: E2F1 worked as a TF of SPHK1 and exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects through SPHK1 in PMA-induced HaCaT cells after 625 nm PBM. HSP27 is essential for the 625 nm PBM-induced anti-inflammatory function. Therefore, E2F1/SPHK1 and HSP27 could be used as potential biomarkers for anti-inflammatory therapy with 625 nm PBM.

Raphanus sativus L. seed extracts induce apoptosis and reduce migration of oral squamous cell carcinoma KB and KBCD133+cells by downregulation of ß-catenin.

Although, oral cancer therapies have been developed for decades, patient survival rates have not changed. Side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy reduce quality of life of patients and it remains difficult to treat oral cancers due to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) that cause recurrence and metastasis. Therefore, we search for natural products that affect oral cancer cells including oral cancer stem cells. In the present study, we investigated the anticancer effects of Raphanus sativus L. seed (RSLS) extracts on oral squamous cell carcinoma KB cells and CSC-like KBCD133+ cells. CD133 plays an important role in CSCs and physically binds to ß-catenin to activate the ß-catenin signaling targets. Therefore, a natural extract that can inhibit ß-catenin act in may be effective anticancer drug acquiring CSC. Of the natural product extract candidates, RSLS extracts induced apoptosis in KB and KBCD133+ cells and inhibited nuclear translocation of ß-catenin cell migration and invasion rates. Treatment of RSLS extracts resulted in increases of Axin and it leds to reductions of ß-catenin in KB and KBCD133+ cells. Hence, the result suggests that RSLS are potential candidate for anticancer drug against oral cancer cells and CSCs.AbbreviationsCSCcancer stem cellsOSCCsquamous cell carcinoma cellsRSLSRaphanus sativus L. seed.

The Protective Role of Feruloylserotonin in LPS-Induced HaCaT Cells.

Epidermal inflammation is caused by various bacterial infectious diseases that impair the skin health. Feruloylserotonin (FS) belongs to the hydroxycinnamic acid amides of serotonin, which mainly exists in safflower seeds and has been proven to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Human epidermis mainly comprises keratinocytes whose inflammation causes skin problems. This study investigated the protective effects of FS on the keratinocyte with lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced human HaCaT cells and elucidated its underlying mechanisms of action. The mechanism was investigated by analyzing cell viability, PGE2 levels, cell apoptosis, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) translocation, and TLR4/NF-κB pathway. The anti-inflammatory effects of FS were assessed by inhibiting the inflammation via down-regulating the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. Additionally, FS promoted Nrf2 translocation to the nucleus, indicating that FS showed anti-oxidative activities. Furthermore, the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of FS were found to benefit each other, but were independent. Thus, FS can be used as a component to manage epidermal inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties.

Acanthopanacis Cortex extract: A novel photosensitizer for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma therapy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to develop a novel photosensitizer from traditional plant extracts and to investigate the photodynamic therapy (PDT) effect and mechanism of action of the novel photosensitizer on KB and Hep-2 cells. METHODS: Fluorescence emission, cell viability, and intracellular distribution of candidates were analyzed to screen potential photosensitizers from traditional plant extracts. Cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) quantification, Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, and western blotting were performed to explore the mechanism of cell death in KB and Hep-2 cells. RESULT: Of 289 traditional plant extracts, 13 plant extracts with strong fluorescence were initially screened by fluorescence emission analysis. The cell viability assay and intracellular distribution of candidates showed that Acanthopanacis Cortex (AC) extract is a potential photosensitizer. Under optimal PDT conditions, high levels of ROS were produced in KB and Hep-2 cells, followed by cell death. However, there was no significant damage to HaCaT cells. Moreover, apoptosis induced by AC extract with 625 nm irradiation (IR) down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 protein and up-regulated the expression of Bax protein, as well as that of cleaved PARP-1 protein in both KB and Hep-2 cells. CONCLUSION: The fluorescence intensity of AC extract at 420 nm is similar to that of the commercial Hematoporphyrin (HP). AC extract with 625 nm IR could enhance the PDT effect, induce ROS generation, and trigger apoptotic pathways in KB and Hep-2 cells. Therefore, we suggest that AC is a potential novel photosensitizer for PDT in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Development of Novel Photosensitizer Using the Buddleja officinalis Extract for Head and Neck Cancer.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is generally safer and less invasive than conventional strategies for head and neck cancer treatment. However, currently available photosensitizers have low selectivity for tumor cells, and the burden and side effects are so great that research is needed to develop safe photosensitizers. In this study, it was confirmed that the Buddleja officinalis (BO) extract, used in the treatment of inflammation and vascular diseases, shows fluorescence when activated by LED light, and, based on this, we aimed to develop a new photosensitive agent suitable for PDT. MTT, Diff-Quick® staining, and DCF-DA were performed to measure the effects of treating head and neck cancer cells with BO extract and 625 nm LED light (BO-PDT). Cell cycle, TUNEL, and western blot assays, as well as acridine orange staining, were performed to explore the mechanism of BO-PDT-induced cell death. We found that when the BO extract was irradiated with 625 nm LED light, it showed sufficient fluorescence and stronger intracellular toxicity and ROS effect than the currently commercially available hematoporphyrin. BO-PDT resulted in a decrease of mTOR activity that was correlated with an increase in the levels of ATG5, beclin-1, and LC3-II, which interfere with the formation of autophagosomes. In addition, BO-PDT induced the activation of PARP and led to an increase in the expression of proapoptotic protein Bax and a decrease in the expression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. Moreover, BO-PDT has been shown to induce the autophagy pathway 4 h after treatment, while apoptosis was induced 16 h after treatment. Finally, we confirmed that BO-PDT caused cell death of head and neck cancer cells via the intrinsic pathway. Therefore, we suggest that BO extract can be used as a new photosensitizer in PDT of head and neck cancer.

Diagnostic accuracy and reliability of panoramic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) radiography to detect bony lesions in patients with TMJ osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The value of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) projections of panoramic radiography for diagnosing TMJ osteoarthritis is not completely elucidated. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy and reliability of panoramic TMJ radiography to detect bony lesions in patients with TMJ osteoarthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 55 TMJs of 44 subjects who were diagnosed with TMJ osteoarthritis. They underwent panoramic radiography (PanRad), lateral (LatTMJ) and frontal (FrnTMJ) projection panoramic TMJ radiography, and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). All images were examined by two observers for flattening, erosion, and osteophytes on the condylar head and articular eminence of the TMJ. RESULTS: For detecting flattening lesions on the mandibular condyle, the sensitivities of PanRad, LatTMJ, and FrnTMJ were less than 67% and the combination of LatTMJ and FrnTMJ (ComTMJ) had the highest sensitivity for both observers (67.6% and 79.7%, respectively). For erosion lesions, the sensitivity of ComTMJ for observer 1 was the highest, at 84.3%, whereas the specificity of ComTMJ was the lowest, at 37.5%. The sensitivities of all four methods for observer 2 were less than 54% and the specificities ranged from 75.0% to 100%. The overall diagnostic accuracy was highest for ComTMJ (64.3%), followed by LatTMJ (59.5%). The intraobserver reliability was good for one observer and excellent for the other, and the interobserver reliability was fair or moderate. CONCLUSION: Panoramic TMJ radiography demonstrated limited diagnostic accuracy and acceptable reliability in detecting bony lesions of the TMJ, although it was better than conventional panoramic radiography.

Repeatability of measurements of surface electromyographic variables during maximum voluntary contraction of temporalis and masseter muscles in normal adults.

This study evaluated the intraexaminer repeatability of measurements of surface electromyography (EMG) variables and functional indices of the myoelectric signals from the masseter and temporalis muscles bilaterally in 15 healthy men. The test was repeated on two different days without templates. The resting muscle activity was recorded once, and two kinds of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) tasks were performed and recorded three times. The two MVC tasks involved clenching the teeth and biting down on two cotton rolls bilaterally with the posterior teeth. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of amplitude was >88% and that of frequency was >95% during the two MVC tasks but not under resting conditions. The ICC of the asymmetry and activity indices during the two MVC tasks was >76%. A Bland-Altman analysis revealed no significant difference in amplitude or frequency or in the two indices between the two days during the MVC tasks. In conclusion, the measurements of surface EMG variables and the indices obtained according to the study protocol were highly repeatable in healthy men. Additional studies using templates and intraexaminer measurement errors are warranted in both men and women for complete validation of these findings.

Characterization of a submandibular gland sialolith: micromorphology, crystalline structure, and chemical compositions.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to understand the mechanism of mineralization and growth of a sialolith by analyzing its micromorphology, crystalline structure, and chemical compositions. STUDY DESIGN: A sialolith was removed along with submandibular salivary gland from a patient. After cross-cutting and polishing the sialolith, its morphology, chemical compositions, crystalline structure, and chemical states were analyzed by using optical camera, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometer, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer, and transmittance electron microscopy. RESULTS: The sialolith had a core composed of organic material, such as lipid compounds, and the surrounding mineralized shell structure mostly consisted of hydroxyapatite. In the transition zone between the organic core and mineralized shell layers, inorganic layers were arranged alternately with organic layers. Congregated globular structures were calcified with hydroxyapatite and whitlockite crystallites. Analysis of crystalline structures and chemical compositions suggested that calcium phosphate minerals containing magnesium, such as whitlockite, were developed in the initial stage and gradually transformed into crystallites composed of hydroxyapatite during the growth of crystallites. CONCLUSIONS: Sialolith with an organic core grew as inorganic materials were deposited and calcified in alternate layers. The mineralization process might include the initial whitlockite development and successive transformation into more stable hydroxyapatite.

The concentration of desflurane preventing spectral entropy change during surgical stimulation: A prospective randomized trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the concentration of desflurane necessary to blunt changes in spectral entropy during surgical incision when two different target-controlled effect-site concentrations of remifentanil (1 and 3ng/ml) were infused. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized controlled study. SETTING: Operating room of a university hospital. INTERVENTIONS: Forty-two patients undergoing general anesthesia for elective surgery were enrolled and randomly allocated to the R1 (1ng/ml of remifentanil, n=21) or R3 (3ng/ml of remifentanil, n=21) group. After at least a 10-min administration of target-controlled remifentanil concentration and predetermined end-tidal desflurane following endotracheal intubation, changes in spectral entropy in response to surgical incision were evaluated. MEASUREMENTS: Concentration of desflurane necessary to blunt changes in spectral entropy during surgical incision for each group was determined using Dixon's up-and-down method. Hemodynamic variables including mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were measured. MAIN RESULTS: Concentration of desflurane necessary to blunt changes in spectral entropy during surgical incision in 50% of patients (EC50) was 4.1% (95% CI: 3.5-4.7%) for the R1 group and 3.4% (95% CI: 3.0-3.8%) for the R3 group (P=0.033). Additionally, the calculated EC95 values using the logistic regression analysis for the R1 and R3 groups were 5.8% (95% CI: 5.0-10.8%) and 5.1% (95% CI: 4.3-10.6%), respectively. MAPs and HRs were significantly higher in the R1 than in the R3 group after surgical incision. CONCLUSIONS: Desflurane 4.1% with remifentanil 1ng/ml and desflurane 3.4% with remifentanil 3ng/ml significantly blunt the change in spectral entropy after surgical incision in 50% of patients.

Large-scale freestanding nanometer-thick graphite pellicles for mass production of nanodevices beyond 10 nm.

Extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) has received much attention in the semiconductor industry as a promising candidate to extend dimensional scaling beyond 10 nm. We present a new pellicle material, nanometer-thick graphite film (NGF), which shows an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) transmission of 92% at a thickness of 18 nm. The maximum temperature induced by laser irradiation (λ = 800 nm) of 9.9 W cm(-2) was 267 °C, due to the high thermal conductivity of the NGF. The freestanding NGF was found to be chemically stable during annealing at 500 °C in a hydrogen environment. A 50 × 50 mm large area freestanding NGF was fabricated using the wet and dry transfer (WaDT) method. The NGF can be used as an EUVL pellicle for the mass production of nanodevices beyond 10 nm.

Weekend experiences and subjective well-being of retired older adults.

OBJECTIVES: To examine how involvement in activities is related to subjective well-being (SWB) among older adults in particular during weekends. To explore the situational and behavioral factors such as day of week, type of activities, and social context and their impact on subjective well being of older adults. METHODS: The experience sampling method (ESM) was used with retired older adults. RESULTS: Participants reported lower levels of SWB on the weekend. They experienced higher levels of SWB when they were engaged in active leisure on the weekend. Social contexts were significant predictors of older adults' SWB on the weekend. CONCLUSION: These findings extend the body of knowledge that involvement in active leisure and socializing with friends improve SWB of older adults.