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Spatially distributed sediment delivery (SEDD) models are of great interest in estimating the expected effect of changes on soil erosion and sediment yield. However, they can only be applied if the model can be calibrated using observed data. This paper presents a geographic information system (GIS)-based method to calculate the sediment discharge from basins to coastal areas. For this, an SEDD model, with a sediment rating curve method based on observed data, is proposed and validated. The model proposed here has been developed using the combined application of the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) and a spatially distributed sediment delivery ratio, within Model Builder of ArcGIS's software. The model focuses on spatial variability and is useful for estimating the spatial patterns of soil loss and sediment discharge. The model consists of two modules, a soil erosion prediction component and a sediment delivery model. The integrated approach allows for relatively practical and cost-effective estimation of spatially distributed soil erosion and sediment delivery, for gauged or ungauged basins. This paper provides the first attempt at estimating sediment delivery ratio based on observed data in the monsoon region of Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 16.000 vagal nerve stimulators (VNSs) have been implanted for refractory epileptic seizures. The most commonly reported side effect is hoarseness. This study examines the effects of VNS placement on vocal fold function. level patients who had undergone VNS placement at our institution were recruited. Subjective evaluation by a panel of speed and language athologists of both connected speech and videolaryngoscopy recordings were used both at rest and during VNS activation. Additional ubjective evaluation included use of the Voice Handicap Index for the study group. These results were compared to data from age- and sexmatched controls. Objective data included maximum phonation time iti the study and control groups, as well as laryngeal electromyography perft>mied on the VNS-implanted patients only. Motor unit potential morphology and recruitment, as well as spontaneous activity, were analyzed bilaterally for the cricothyroid and thyroarytenoid muscles. Significant differences were ound between the study and control groups subjectively for vocal quality and videolaryngoscopy parameters. Vocal fold tension, supragtoltic muscular hyperfunction. and reduced vocal fold mobility were the most common findings during VNS activation. Two of 10 patients had inmiohile left vocal folds in the absence of active stiniulatit>n. The maximum phonation time was generally reduced in the subject group, bul this reductitin did not reach statistical significance. Finally, 6 of 10 patients had abnormal electromy graphic results, including large-amplilude poiyphasic motor unit potentials and decreased recruitment. We conclude that implantation of a VNS can affect local fold function. The effects are magnified during periods of active stimulation. There is the potential for nerve degeneration after prolonged repetitive stimulation, and there may be a trend toward greater vocal fold dysfunction with higher stimulation parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water extract of Panax ginseng (GT) and Polygala tenuifolia (YT), the main constituents of the commonly used kai-xin-san formula of traditional Chinese medicine, represents SY. It possesses strong neuroprotective effects. Using behavioural tests, we have previously established that the SY formulation exerts superior antidepressant activity than that of GT or YT. To elucidate the impact of SY treatment on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depressive-like behaviours and the prospective mechanism related to hippocampal neurogenesis and the BDNF signaling pathway. We exposed Sprague-Dawley rats (male; 180–200 g) to CUMS for 35 days. The rats in the experimental treatment groups were daily treated with either fluoxetine (10 mg kg−1d−1) or SY (67.5, 135, or 270 mg kg−1d−1) orally until the behavioural tests (tail suspension test [TST], novelty-suppressed feeding test [NSFT], sucrose preference test [SPT], and forced swim test [FST]) were completed. We assessed the modifications in the hippocampal neurogenesis and the BDNF signaling pathway post-treatment with CUMS and SY. Additionally, K252a, a tyrosine protein kinase inhibitor, was utilized to evaluate the antidepressant mechanisms of SY. s: The results of SPT, NSFT, FST, and TST in CUMS-exposed rats confirmed the antidepressant actions of SY. Additionally, SY treatment induced the BDNF signaling pathway and reversed the hippocampal neurogenesis caused by CUMS. Moreover, we found that the TrkB antagonist K252a blocked SY effects on behavioural improvement, inhibited the incremental effects of SY on hippocampal neurogenesis, and eliminated the impact of SY on BDNF-TrkB signaling activation. Thus, the impact of SY treatment on BDNF signaling molecules (pAkt, pERK1/2, and pCREB) were significantly inhibited by K252a. This study showed that SY acted as an antidepressant in rats exhibiting CUMS-induced depressive-like behaviours, and was facilitated by promoting hippocampal neurogenesis and the BDNF signaling pathway activation. Thus, SY could act as a potential novel supplement or adjuvant to prevent or treat clinical depressive disorders. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]