Improved Multilayered (Bi,Sc)O3-(Pb,Ti)O3 Piezoelectric Energy Harvesters Based on Impedance Matching Technique.

As a piezoelectric material, (Bi,Sc)O3-(Pb,Ti)O3 ceramics have been tested and analyzed for sensors and energy harvester applications owing to their relatively high Curie temperature and high piezoelectric coefficient. In this work, we prepared optimized (Bi,Sc)O3-(Pb,Ti)O3 piezoelectric materials through the conventional ceramic process. To increase the output energy, a multilayered structure was proposed and designed, and to obtain the maximum output energy, impedance matching techniques were considered and tested. By varying and measuring the energy harvesting system, we confirmed that the output energies were optimized by varying the load resistance. As the load resistance increased, the output voltage became saturated. Then, we calculated the optimized output power using the electric energy formula. Consequently, we identified the highest output energy of 5.93 µW/cm2 at 3 MΩ for the quadruple-layer harvester and load resistor using the impedance matching system. We characterized and improved the electrical properties of the piezoelectric energy harvesters by introducing impedance matching and performing the modeling of the energy harvesting component. Modeling was conducted for the piezoelectric generator component by introducing the mechanical force dependent voltage sources and load resistors and piezoelectric capacitor connected in parallel. Moreover, the generated output voltages were simulated by introducing an impedance matching technique. This work is designed to explain the modeling of piezoelectric energy harvesters. In this model, the relationship between applied mechanical force and output energy was discussed by employing experimental results and simulation.

Pin1 promotes neuronal death in stroke by stabilizing Notch intracellular domain.

OBJECTIVE: Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability. The peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase Pin1 regulates factors involved in cell growth. Recent evidence has shown that Pin1 plays a major role in apoptosis. However, the role of Pin1 in ischemic stroke remains to be investigated. METHODS: We used Pin1 overexpression and knockdown to manipulate Pin1 expression and explore the effects of Pin1 in cell death on ischemic stress in vitro and in a mouse stroke model. We also used Pin 1 inhibitor, γ-secretase inhibitor, Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD1)-deleted mutant cells, and Pin1 mutant cells to investigate the underlying mechanisms of Pin1-NICD1-mediated cell death. RESULTS: Our findings indicate that Pin1 facilitates NICD1 stability and its proapoptotic function following ischemic stroke. Thus, overexpression of Pin1 increased NICD1 levels and enhanced its potentiation of neuronal death in simulated ischemia. By contrast, depletion or knockout of Pin1 reduced the NICD1 level, which in turn desensitized neurons to ischemic conditions. Pin1 interacted with NICD1 and increased its stability by inhibiting FBW7-induced polyubiquitination. We also demonstrate that Pin1 and NICD1 levels increase following stroke. Pin1 heterozygous (+/-) and knockout (-/-) mice, and also wild-type mice treated with an inhibitor of Pin1, each showed reduced brain damage and improved functional outcomes in a model of focal ischemic stroke. INTERPRETATION: These results suggest that Pin1 contributes to the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke by promoting Notch signaling, and that inhibition of Pin1 is a novel approach for treating ischemic stroke.

A radial artery originating from the thoracoacromial artery.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this case report is to report a rare vascular variation in the upper limbs because of its clinical importance and embryological implication. METHODS: During the educational dissection of a 73-year-old Korean male cadaver`s right upper limb, we found a variant branch which is originated from the thoracoacromial artery. RESULTS: The variant branch from the thoracoacromial artery ran to the distal forearm in the deep fascia. Because it finally coursed like the radial artery in the forearm and the palm, we defined the variant artery as superficial brachioradial artery (SBRA). In the cubital region a little below the intercondylar line, the brachial artery gave off a small communicating branch to SBRA, and continued as the ulnar artery. CONCLUSIONS: We reported this unique variation and discussed its clinical and embryological implication.

Propagation-based phase-contrast X-ray microtomography of a cerebral protection device retrieved after carotid artery stenting.

Phase-contrast synchrotron X-ray microtomography (pcSyncX) based on the highly coherent X-ray beam has previously been used to visualize the microstructures of biologic specimens, but it has never been used to evaluate embolic debris adherent on a cerebral protection device (CPD). The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of pcSyncX for evaluating embolic debris during carotid artery stenting (CAS). Five patients (four males, age range 67-77 years) with severe carotid artery stenosis underwent CAS. The retrieved CPD was exposed to synchrotron radiation and 1000 pcSyncX projection images were obtained by rotating the CPD through 180°. An X-ray shadow of a CPD was converted into a visual image by the scintillator. After microtomographic reconstruction, the three-dimensionally reconstructed images were further segmented into the embolic debris and CPD. The total volume of emboli was calculated by summing the volume at each scanning level. The number of membrane pores covered by emboli as seen from the outer surface was counted and the percentage of covered area was calculated. Embolic debris was clearly demonstrated not only on the inner surface and within pores but also on the outer surface of the CPD. The mean total volume of embolic debris was 0.538 × 10(-6) mm(3) (range 0.225-0.965 × 10(-6) mm(3)). Most (61.5%) of the debris was located at the apical one-third of the CPD and 20.8% of the pore area was covered by debris.

Correlative microscopy methods that maximize specimen fidelity and data completeness, and improve molecular localization capabilities.

Correlative microscopy techniques interrogate biological systems more thoroughly than is possible using a single modality. This is particularly true if disparate data types can be acquired from the same specimen. Recently, there has been significant progress towards combining the structural information obtained from soft X-ray tomography (SXT) with molecular localization data. Here we will compare methods for determining the position of molecules in a cell viewed by SXT, including direct visualization using electron dense labels, and by indirect methods, such as fluorescence microscopy and high numerical aperture cryo-light microscopy. We will also discuss available options for preserving the in vivo structure and organization of the specimen during multi-modal data collection, and how some simple specimen mounting concepts can ensure maximal data completeness in correlative imaging experiments.

Ascochlorin suppresses TGF-ß1-induced PAI-1 expression through the inhibition of phospho-EGFR in rat kidney fibroblast cells.

Fibrosis is induced by the excessive and abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) with various growth factors in tissues. Transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), the growth factor involved in fibrosis, modulates ECM synthesis and accumulation. TGF-ß1 enhances the production of stimulators of ECM synthesis such as plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1). As such, PAI-1 expression directly influences the proteolysis, invasion, and accumulation of ECM. It was shown in this study that ascochlorin, a prenylpenl antiobiotic, prevents the expression of profibrotic factors, such as PAI-1 and collagen type I, and that the TGF-ß1-induced PAI-1 promoter activity is inhibited by ascochlorin. Ascochlorin abolishes the phosphorylation of the EGFR-MEK-ERK signaling pathway to regulate the TGF-ß1-induced expression of PAI-1 without the inhibition of TßRII phosphorylation. Furthermore, the MEK inhibitor and EGFR siRNA block PAI-1 expression, and the Raf-1, MEK, and ERK signaling pathways for the regulation of PAI-1 expression. Ascochlorin suppresses the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity to activate the heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), to induce the phosphorylation of EGFR, and the MMPs inhibitor suppresses EGFR phosphorylation and the PAI-1 mRNA levels. These results suggest that ascochlorin prevents the expression of PAI-1 via the inhibition of an EGFR-dependent signal transduction pathway activated by MMPs.

Comparison of 3-month cytogenetic and molecular assays for early assessment of long-term clinical impact after BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment in chronic myeloid leukemia.

To compare the clinical significance of 3-month cytogenetic and molecular monitoring, we analyzed 1,410 paired cytogenetic and molecular data from 705 chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia patients. Based on early cytogenetic response (ECyR, Ph+≤35 %) and molecular response (EMR, BCR-ABL1IS≤10 %) at 3 months, the patients were divided into four groups (group 1: ECyR + EMR, n = 560; group 2: no ECyR + EMR, n = 27; group 3: ECyR + no EMR, n = 55; group 4: no ECyR + no EMR, n = 63). By 10 years, major molecular response (MMR), deep molecular response (MR4.5), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were significantly high in group 1 (P < 0.001). Comparing groups 2 and 3, the MMR (P = 0.096), MR4.5 (P = 0.945), OS (P = 0.832), and PFS (P = 0.627) rates tended to be higher in group 2, although not significantly. Thus, the cytogenetic assay can not only be useful but its addition may also provide a more precise prediction of MR4.5.

Insertional anatomy and clinical relevance of the distal biceps tendon.

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the incidence of bifurcated distal biceps tendons and the tendon's insertional footprint on the radial tuberosity. METHODS: Twenty-five embalmed cadaveric specimens were dissected. The relationships and orientation of the muscle bellies and distal biceps tendon were examined. The insertional length, width, and footprint area of the distal biceps tendon on the radial tuberosity were evaluated. RESULTS: In 12 specimens (48%), the distal biceps tendon was in 2 distinct, easily separated parts. The average footprint length, width, and area of the tendon's insertion on the radial tuberosity were 20.5 mm ± 2.0 mm, 9.7 mm ± 1.3 mm, and 156.3 mm(2) ± 29.4 mm(2), respectively. We calculated that the tendon's insertion occupied approximately 35.9% of the area of the radial tuberosity. In the specimens with a bifurcated distal biceps tendon, the long head of the tendon inserted at the posterosuperior portion of the radial tuberosity, and the average area was 71.4 mm(2) ± 11.3 mm(2). The short head of the distal biceps tendon inserted at the anteroinferior portion, and the average area was 88.3 mm(2) ± 24.1 mm(2). CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that bifurcated distal biceps tendon insertion is not a rare anatomical variation, showed by recent investigations, and found that the short head of the distal biceps tendon was inserted more anteriorly than the long head on the radial tuberosity. These findings may allow functional independence and isolated rupture of each portion. It can make correct diagnosis possible and allow for a more anatomical orientation of the tendon during surgical repair.

Enhanced Energy Efficiency of Light Grid System with Optimized System Design and Recycling with Thermoelectric Platform.

In this work, a light grid system with a high-power LED chip was manufactured and employed to analyze the energy efficiency of output optical energy. The high-power LED system based on thermoelectric modules, a heat dissipation structure and optical transmission system with an optical fiber were optimally combined and designed, which increased the efficiency of light grid system. Additionally, by introducing an effective design for the heat dissipation structure, the output optical energy and recycled electrical energy were increased. The recycled energy through optimized heat dissipation structure was 1.94 W, and the system efficiency of designed light grid system is more than 50%. In this research, we intensively studied the energy efficiency of a light grid system as well as the recycling of thermal energy through thermoelectric modules.

Topography and Anatomical Variations of the Axillary Artery.

Knowledge of anatomical variations of the limb's main arteries is significant for the clinicians. Thus, this study is aimed at examining the branching pattern and anatomical variations of the axillary artery. We conducted research on 59 upper limbs of adult human donated cadavers. All axillary artery branches' origins were assessed, and the correlations between points of origins and variations of specific branches were evaluated. The average length of the axillary artery was found to be 11.22 cm, and this length was defined as reference line. Based on this reference line, the first, second, and third parts were 37.56%, 39%, and 30.05%, respectively. The STA was originated from 25.11%. The TAA and LTA were 42.67% and 54.82%, respectively. The SSA, ACHA, and PCHA were 64.72%, 83.89%, and 84.53%, respectively. The origin of LTA was correlated with that of SSA (R = 0.473, P < 0.05) and AHCA (R = 0.307, P < 0.05), respectively. And there was a positive correlation between AHCA and PHCA (R = 0.705, P < 0.05). The number of branches ranged from 3~6, and 9 types were shown. The most frequent branching pattern was common origin of the LTA and SSA (22/59). And AHCA and PHCA were originated together in 19 cases, and both patterns were combined in 12 cases. TTA and LTA branched together in 9 cases, and common trunk for the SSA, PHCA, and AHCA was found in 2 cases. According to this pattern, the origin of LTA and PCHA was significantly different. This information is particularly useful for surgeons and clinicians.

In vivo high-resolution synchrotron radiation imaging of collagen-induced arthritis in a rodent model.

In vivo microstructures of the affected feet of collagen-induced arthritic (CIA) mice were examined using a high-resolution synchrotron radiation (SR) X-ray refraction technique with a polychromatic beam issued from a bending magnet. The CIA models were obtained from six-week-old DBA/1J mice that were immunized with bovine type II collagen and grouped as grades 0-3 according to a clinical scoring for the severity of arthritis. An X-ray shadow of a specimen was converted into a visual image on the surface of a CdWO(4) scintillator that was magnified using a microscopic objective lens before being captured with a digital charge-coupled-device camera. Various changes in the joint microstructure, including cartilage destruction, periosteal born formation, articular bone thinning and erosion, marrow invasion by pannus progression, and widening joint space, were clearly identified at each level of arthritis severity with an equivalent pixel size of 2.7 microm. These high-resolution features of destruction in the CIA models have not previously been available from any other conventional imaging modalities except histological light microscopy. However, thickening of the synovial membrane was not resolved in composite images by the SR refraction imaging method. In conclusion, in vivo SR X-ray microscopic imaging may have potential as a diagnostic tool in small animals that does not require a histochemical preparation stage in examining microstructural changes in joints affected with arthritis. The findings from the SR images are comparable with standard histopathology findings.

MK886-induced apoptosis depends on the 5-LO expression level in human malignant glioma cells.

Mounting evidence suggests that lipoxygenase (LO)-catalyzed products may play a key role in the development and progression of human cancers. In this study, we analyzed the effects of a 5-LO inhibitor, which inhibits the conversion of arachidonic acid to leukotrienes, on cell proliferation and apoptosis in human malignant glioma cells, including 5-LO-expressing cells U-87MG, A172 and 5-LO non-expressing cell U373. Growth of U-87MG and A172 cells, but not that of U373 cells, was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by treatment with MK886. Similarly, specific 5-LO silencing by small interfering RNA reduced the growth of U-87MG and A172 cells. MK886 treatment reduced 5-LO activity independently of 5-LO-activating protein (FLAP) in human malignant glioma cells. MK886 treatment also induced cell apoptosis, measured by DNA fragmentation and nuclear condensation, in U-87MG and A172 cells but there were no signs in U373 cells. Moreover, this treatment reduced ERKs phosphorylation and anti-apoptotic molecule Bcl-2 expression, and increased Bax expression in U-87MG and A172 cells. In summary, our results show there is a link between the 5-LO expression status and the extent of MK886-inhibited cell proliferation and apoptosis. Taken together, this study suggest that 5-LO is a possible target for treating patients with gliomas, and 5-LO inhibition might be potent therapy for patients with 5-LO-expressing malignant gliomas.

Imprinting and expression status of isoforms 1 and 2 of PEG1/MEST gene in uterine leiomyoma.

PEG1/MEST gene has been known to be an imprinting gene, which is associated with growth of mesodermal origin cells. Its expression was also reported to be increased in leiomyoma. Several reports showed that loss of imprinting is associated with carcinogenesis in some types of cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether overexpression of PEG1/MEST gene in leiomyoma is associated with loss of imprinting of the gene (biallelic), or whether the overexpression occurs while maintaining the imprinting (monoallelic). We investigated the expression and the imprinting status of PEG1/MEST and its isoforms in samples from 25 patients with uterine leiomyomas as well as in matched normal myometrial tissue. The isoform 1 transcripts were found to be more increased in uterine leiomyomas, compared to myometrium. However, there was no difference in the mRNA levels of isoform 2 between normal myometrium and leiomyoma. All normal myometrial tissues and 19 of 20 leiomyomas showed monoallelic expression of PEG1/MEST. Thus, these data demonstrated that tumorigenesis of leiomyoma is associated with overexpression of isoform 1 of PEG1/MEST gene, but not with loss of imprinting of the gene.

Fluorescence kinetics of protoporphyrin-IX induced from 5-ALA compounds in rabbit postballoon injury model for ALA-photoangioplasty.

Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) is one of the photodynamically active substances that are endogenously synthesized in the metabolic pathway for heme as a precursor. Aminolevulinic acid-esters are more lipophilic than conventional 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and some of them are currently being approved as new drugs for photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) and photodynamic therapy (PDT). In order to investigate the pharmacokinetics of ALA and ALA-ethyl ester (ALA-ethyl) in the atheromatous plaque and normal aortic wall of rabbit postballoon injured artery, each 60 mg kg(-1) of ALA or ALA-ethyl was injected intravenously followed by serial detection of PpIX fluorescence of harvested arteries at 0-48 h post-injection. Maximum PpIX build-up in the atheromatous plaque was seen at 2 h after injecting ALA. In contrast, it occurred at 9 h after injecting ALA-ethyl. In addition, the selective build-up of ALA in the atheromatous plaque compared to normal vessel wall was much higher (10 times) than that of ALA-ethyl. The time of maximum fluorescence intensity of PpIX was employed as drug-light-interval for subsequent PDT treatment of the atheromatous plaque with 50-150 J cm(-1) of light dose. Significant reduction in plaque was observed without damage of the medial wall at both groups, but smooth muscle cell (SMC) was still present in the media region below the PDT-treated atheromatous plaque. In conclusion, ALA may be a more effective compound for endovascular PDT treatment of the atheromatous plaque compared with ALA-ethyl based on their pharmacokinetics, but further optimization of PDT methodology remains to remove completely residual SMC in the media for preventing potential restenosis.

Synchrotron tomographic images from human lung adenocarcinoma: Three-dimensional reconstruction and histologic correlations.

High-resolution tomographic images using synchrotron X-rays are expected to provide detailed reflection of microstructures, thereby allowing for the examination of histologic structures without destruction of the specimen. This study aims to evaluate the synchrotron tomographic images of mixed ground-glass opacity excised on 5-mm sections in comparison to pathologic examination. The Institutional Review Board of our institute approved this retrospective study, and written informed consent was obtained from each patient whose lung tissue would be used. Obtained lung cancer specimens were brought to the multiple Wiggler 6C beam line at the Pohang Light Source (PLS-II) in Korea, and phase contrast X-ray images were obtained in November 2016. The X-ray emanated from a bending magnet of the electron storage ring with electron energy of 3 GeV, and a typical beam current was 320 mA. Reconstructed tomographic images were compared with images from histologic slides obtained from the same samples. Pulmonary microstructures including terminal bronchioles, alveolar sacs, and vasculature were identified with phase contrast X-ray images. Images from normal lung tissue and mixed ground-glass opacity were clearly distinguishable. Hyperplasia of the interalveolar septum and dysplasia of microstructure were clearly identified. The imaging findings correlated well with hematoxylin-eosin stained specimens. Tomographic images using synchrotron radiation have the potential for clinical applications. With refinement, this technique may become a diagnostic tool for detection of lung cancer.

High-resolution X-ray refraction imaging of rat lung and histological correlations.

This study was performed to observe microstructures of the rat lung, using a synchrotron radiation beam and to compare findings with histological observations. X-ray refraction images from ex-vivo ventilating rat lung were obtained with an 8 KeV monochromatic beam and 20-mum thick CsI(Tl) scintillation crystal. The visual image was magnified using a 20x microscope objective and captured using an analog CCD camera. Obtained images were compared with conventional light microscopic findings from the same tissue. Pulmonary microstructures, including alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs, alveoli, alveolar walls, and perialveolar capillary networks were clearly identified with spatial resolution of as much as 1.2 mum and had good correlation with conventional light microscopic findings. The shape of alveoli appeared more round in SR images than in the light microscopic images. The results suggest that X-ray microscopy study of the lung using synchrotron radiation demonstrates the potential for clinically relevant microstructure of lung tissue without sectioning and fixation.

Effects of pH, dissolved organic matter, and salinity on ibuprofen sorption on sediment.

Ibuprofen is well known as one of the most frequently detected pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in rivers. However, sorption of ibuprofen onto sediment has not been considered in spite of its high K ow (3.5). In this study, the effects of various environmental conditions such as pH (4, 5.3, and 7), the concentrations of dissolved organic matters (0 to 1.0 mM citrate and urea), salinity (0, 10, 20, and 30 part per thousand), and presence of other PPCP (salicylic acid) on ibuprofen sorption were investigated. Linear model mainly fitted the experimental data for analysis. The distribution coefficient (K d) in the linear model decreased from 6.76 at pH 4 to near zero at pH 7, indicating that neutral form of ibuprofen at pH below pKa (5.2) was easily sorbed onto the sediment whereas the sorption of anionic form at pH over pKa was not favorable. To investigate the effect of dissolved organic matters (DOMs) on ibuprofen sorption, citrate and urea were used as DOMs. As citrate concentration increased, the K d value decreased but urea did not interrupt the ibuprofen sorption. Citrate has three carboxyl functional groups which can attach easily ibuprofen and hinder its sorption onto sediment. Salinity also affected ibuprofen sorption due to decrease of the solubility of ibuprofen as salinity increased. In competitive sorption experiment, the addition of salicylic acid also led to enhance ibuprofen sorption. Conclusively, ibuprofen can be more easily sorbed onto the acidified sediments of river downstream, especially estuaries or near-shore environment with low DOM concentration.

Synchrotron nanoscopy imaging study of scalp hair in breast cancer patients and healthy individuals: Difference in medulla loss and cortical membrane enhancements.

Nanoscopic synchrotron X-ray imaging was performed on scalp hair samples of patients with breast cancer and healthy individuals to investigate any structural differences as diagnostic tool. Hair strands were divided into 2-3 segments along the strands from root to tip, followed by imaging either in projection or in CT scanning with a monochromatic 6.78-keV X-ray using zone-plate optics with a resolving power of 60 nm. All the examined cancer hairs exhibited medulla loss with cancer stage-dependent pattern; complete loss, discontinuous or trace along the strands. In contrast, medullas were well retained without complete loss in the healthy hair. In the CT-scanned axial images, the cortical spindle compartments had no contrast in the healthy hair, but appeared hypointense in contrast to the surrounding hyperintense cortical membrane complex in the cancer hair. In conclusion, observation of medulla loss and cortical membrane enhancements in the hair strands of breast cancer patients demonstrated structural variations in the cancer hair, providing a new platform for further synchrotron X-ray imaging study of screening breast cancer patients.

Possible association between serotonin transporter promoter region polymorphism and impulsivity in Koreans.

Serotonin has become the major focus of biological studies of suicidal behavior and impulsive-aggressive behavior in humans. The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene is one of the important genes involved in the regulation of serotonin transmission. We examined the association of impulsivity in Korean populations with a functional polymorphism of the promoter region of the 5-HTT gene (5-HTTLPR). We recruited 186 adolescent prisoners and 64 medical students. Impulsivity was measured using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale and we divided all subjects into three groups: impulsive subjects (IS, N=121), non-impulsive subjects (NIS, N=115) and an intermediate group (excluded, N=14). The 5-HTTLPR genotype was determined by polymerase chain reaction. All subjects were Korean men unrelated to each other. There were no significant differences in the genotype frequency of 5-HTTLPR-S/S, S/L and -L/L between the two groups in the Korean population (IS vs. NIS: 47.9 vs. 61.7%; 43.0 vs. 32.2%; and 9.1 vs. 6.1%, respectively). However, there was a statistically significant difference in allelic frequency of 5-HTTLPR-S and 5-HTTLPR-L between the two groups in the Korean population (IS vs. NIS: 69.4 vs. 77.8%; and 30.6 vs. 22.2%, respectively. From our results, this 5-HTTLPR polymorphism appears to be a possible candidate gene for impulsivity in the Korean population.