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Transparent displays have emerged as a class of cutting-edge electronics. Here, we propose user-customized, design-it-yourself (DIY) transparent displays based on electrochromic (EC) ion gels including viologens. To achieve multiple colors and enhance the functionality of EC displays (ECDs), the incorporation of several EC chromophores is inevitable. However, the issue related to the discrepancy of coloration voltages is inherent due to the different electrochemical characteristics of each material, causing unbalance of the color contrast. To overcome this problem without significantly affecting the performance of ECDs, we suggest a simple but effective strategy by adjusting the oxidation activity of electrolyte-soluble anodic species (i.e., ferrocene (Fc) derivatives) by modifying pendant groups. We systematically investigated the effects of the employed Fc derivatives on the EC behaviors of ECDs in terms of the coloration voltage, maximum transmittance contrast, device dynamics, coloration efficiency, and operational stability. We determine the conditions for implementing red-green-blue (RGB) colors with comparable intensities at similar voltages. Last, we draw images using RGB EC inks for conceptual demonstration of the DIY transparent displays. The fabricated ECDs exhibit transparent bleached states and user-customized images in the colored states. Overall, this result implies that the extremely simple DIY ECDs, which do not require conventional lithography or printing, have great potential as future transparent displays that can be easily customized.

Background: Microsatellite markers are an ideal molecular marker for population genetic studies such as population structure, pedigree, and kinship. The yellow-throated marten (Martes flavigula) is widely distributed in coniferous and deciduous forests of eastern Asia and plays the role of an indicator and umbrella species in South Korea, given the absence of top predators such as tiger and leopard., Objective: The aim of our study was to establish a core set of microsatellite markers that could be used for a population genetics study on M. flavigula., Methods: We characterized 21 di-motif microsatellites for M. flavigula by Illumina next-generation sequencing. We evaluated them for a population genetics study against five established criteria together with 33 previously developed microsatellites. We calculated relatedness values between individual yellow-throated martens in two groups that were suspected to be siblings using the selected core set of markers to confirm applicability., Results: Twenty-three loci were determined as the core set of microsatellite markers. The probability of identity P (ID ) and probability of identity between siblings P (ID)sib of the core set was estimated as 2 -15 and 2.2 -7 , respectively. Relatedness values between individuals in the two groups of M. flavigula revealed that one of the pairs was sisters, confirming that the core set can be applied to kinship studies., Conclusion: The developed microsatellite core set in this study is expected to contribute to studies on molecular ecology and population structure of M. flavigula.

Along with the development of the Internet and technology, food retailers have increasingly adopted online channels that enable consumers to buy food products online. This research aims to investigate the factors that influence consumer attitude and intention towards online food purchasing. A research framework was developed by combining the technology acceptance model with website trust, which is an important facilitator of online shopping. Using an online survey, data were obtained from 319 online food shoppers in an Asian emerging economy, i.e., Vietnam. Results from structural equation modeling show that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and website trust are important drivers of attitude towards online food purchasing. Among these drivers, perceived ease of use has the greatest impact on attitude. Additionally, attitude and website trust exert a direct and positive effect on intention towards online food purchasing. Taken together, these findings have important managerial implications for key stakeholders, such as online food retailers, associations, and policy makers. One key implication is that online food sellers must endeavor to make their websites simple to use, easy to navigate, reliable, and secure. Several potential caveats for future research studies are also presented in this paper.

Non-volatile smart gel platforms that change optical properties according to temperature are successfully prepared based on a random copolymer, poly(styrene-ran-benzyl methacrylate-ran-methyl methacrylate) [(P(S-r-BzMA-r-MMA)]. The P(S-r-BzMA-r-MMA) copolymers are judiciously designed to serve as both polymer hosts for a gel, and thermoresponsive materials. In contrast to typical lower critical solution temperature (LCST) or upper critical solution temperature (UCST) systems including sol-gel (or gel-sol) transition, the thermoresponsive gels consisting of the P(S-r-BzMA-r-MMA) and ionic liquids (ILs) maintain an elastic gel-state due to their network structure irrespective of phase transitions. We investigate the effects of the copolymer composition and copolymer/IL ratio on the gel properties. Temperature dependent self-assembly of the gel is revealed using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Thermal response of the gel is examined optically and dynamically. Moreover, we propose a simple method to additionally control the response temperature and the mechanical robustness of the gels by incorporating additional salts. Lastly, we successfully demonstrate practical feasibility of the thermoresponsive gels in high-temperature safety indicators and temperature range indicators, in which the gels visually display in situ thermal status by a change in optical transmittance.

Finding a new, effective anodic species is a challenge for achieving simpler low-voltage tungsten trioxide (WO 3 )-based electrochromic devices (ECDs). In this work, we utilize tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and demonstrate its reversible redox behaviors as an electrolyte-soluble anodic species. The concentration of TTF in the electrolyte is varied to optimize device performance. When the TTF concentration is low (0.01 M), a smaller maximum transmittance difference (Δ T max ∼ 34.2%) and coloration efficiency ( η ∼ 59.6 cm 2 C -1 ) are measured. Although a better performance of Δ T max ∼ 93.7% and η ∼ 74.5 cm 2 C -1 is achieved at 0.05 M TTF, the colored state could no longer return to its original form. We conclude that 0.03 M of TTF is the appropriate concentration for high-performance WO 3 ECDs with high optical contrast and reversible EC behaviors. The irreversible EC transition at high concentrations of TTF is attributed to the agglomeration of TTF molecules., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Ion gels composed of copolymers and ionic liquids (ILs) have attracted great interest as polymer gel electrolytes for various electrochemical applications. Here, we present highly robust ion gels based on a six-arm star-shaped block copolymer of (poly(methyl methacrylate)- b-polystyrene) 6 ((MS) 6 ) and an ionic liquid of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide ([EMI][TFSI]). Compared to typical ion gels based on linear polystyrene- b-poly(methyl methacrylate)- b-polystyrene (SMS), the (MS) 6 -based gels show mechanical moduli of more than twice under various strains (e.g., stretching, compression, and shear). In addition, the outstanding mechanical property is maintained even up to 180 °C without a gel-sol transition. To demonstrate that (MS) 6 -based ion gels can serve as effective gel electrolytes for electrochemical applications, tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy) 3 2+ ), a representative electrochemiluminescent (ECL) luminophore, is incorporated into the gels. In particular, flexible ECL devices based on (MS) 6 gels exhibit high durability against bending deformation compared to devices with gels based on linear SMS having a similar molecular weight and a composition. This result implies that star-shaped block copolymers are effective gelators for achieving flexible/wearable electrochemical electronics.

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been widely used for visualizing trigeminal nerves in trigeminal neuralgia., Objective: To assess atrophy and diffusion abnormalities of affected trigeminal nerves in trigeminal neuralgia with 7-T MRI., Methods: In this prospective study, 14 patients (mean age 49 years; range 31-64 years) with trigeminal neuralgia underwent 7-T MRI. We measured trigeminal nerve volumes along their course through the pontocerebellar cistern. We also evaluated fractional anisotropy (FA) and quantitative anisotropy (QA) values within cisternal segment and pontine nuclei of the affected-side and unaffected-side trigeminal nerves, using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Associations between DTI metrics and Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain scores were examined., Results: The volumes were significantly smaller for the affected trigeminal nerves (33.83 ± 23.12 mm3) than for the unaffected ones (47.76 ± 32.48 mm3; p = 0.008). Cisternal segment FA and QA values were significantly lower in affected trigeminal nerves than in unaffected ones. However, DTI measurements in the pontine nuclei revealed no significant differences between affected-side and unaffected-side trigeminal nerves. No DTI metrics significantly correlated with BNI pain scores., Conclusion: Our results suggest that 7-T MRI allows identifications of atrophy and diffusion abnormalities of trigeminal nerves in trigeminal neuralgia., (© 2019 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Dual-function electrochromic supercapacitors (ECSs) that indicate their real-time charge capacity in color are fabricated using tungsten trioxide (WO 3 ) and Li-doped ion gels containing hydroquinone (HQ). The ECSs can simultaneously serve as either electrochromic devices or supercapacitors. The coloration/bleaching and charging/discharging characteristics are investigated between 0 and -1.5 V. At the optimal HQ concentration, large transmittance contrast (∼91%), high coloration efficiency (∼61.9 cm 2 /C), high areal capacitance (∼13.6 mF/cm 2 ), and good charging/discharging cyclic stability are achieved. Flexible ECSs are fabricated on plastic substrates by exploiting the elastic characteristics of the gel electrolytes, and they exhibit good bending durability. Moreover, practical feasibility is evaluated by demonstrating the use of the ECSs as an energy storage device and a power source.

Tetrodes, consisting of four twisted micro-wires can simultaneously record the number of neurons in the brain. To improve the quality of neuronal activity detection, the tetrode tips should be modified to increase the surface area and lower the impedance properties. In this study, tetrode tips were modified by the electrodeposition of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) and dextran (Dex) doped poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). The electrochemical properties were measured using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). A decrease in the impedance value from 4.3 MΩ to 13 kΩ at 1 kHz was achieved by the modified tetrodes. The cathodic charge storage capacity (CSC C ) of AuNPs-PEDOT deposited tetrodes was 4.5 mC/cm 2 , as determined by CV measurements. The tetrodes that were electroplated with AuNPs and PEDOT exhibited an increased surface area, which reduced the tetrode impedance. In vivo recording in the ventral posterior medial (VPM) nucleus of the thalamus was performed to investigate the single-unit activity in normal rats. To evaluate the recording performance of modified tetrodes, spontaneous spike signals were recorded. The values of the L-ratio, isolation distance and signal-to-noise (SNR) confirmed that electroplating the tetrode surface with AuNPs and PEDOT improved the recording performance, and these parameters could be used to effectively quantify the spikes of each cluster.

7.0 Tesla (T) high-resolution diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can supply information on changing microstructures in cranial nerves. We investigated DTI parameters and the feasibility of DTI criteria for diagnosing trigeminal neuralgia (TN). In this study, 14 patients (28 hemispheres) of mean age 49.0 years (range, 31-64) with TN underwent DTI using 7.0 TMRI. We compared fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), mean diffusivity (MD), and radial diffusivity (RD) of affected-side and unaffected-side trigeminal nerves using DTI. We examined associations between DTI parameters and clinical characteristics for patients with TN. In patients with TN, affected sides showed significantly decreased FA and significantly increased MD, and RD compared with unaffected sides of trigeminal nerves. Nuclei were not significantly different among patients with TN. Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain scores did not correlate with affected sides. 7.0 T DTI was useful for detecting neurovascular compression in patients with TN. The increased signal-to-noise ratio provided by 7 T MRI should be advantageous for increasing spatial resolution to detect microstructure changes to trigeminal nerves in patients with TN., (Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

The cingulate cortex (CC) is a brain region that plays a key role in pain processing, but CC abnormalities are not unclear in patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN). The purpose of this study was to determine the central causal mechanisms of TN and the surrounding brain structure in healthy controls and patients with TN using 7 Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Whole-brain parcellation in gray matter volume and thickness was assessed in 15 patients with TN and 16 healthy controls matched for sex, age, and regional variability using T1-weighted imaging. Regions of interest (ROIs) were measured in rostral anterior CC (rACC), caudal anterior CC (cACC) and posterior CC (PCC). We also investigated associations between gray matter volume or thickness and clinical symptoms, such as pain duration, Barrow Neurologic Institute (BNI) scores, offender vessel, and medications, in patients with TN. The cACC and PCC exhibited gray matter atrophy and reduced thickness between the TN and control groups. However, the rACC did not. Cortical volumes were negatively correlated with pain duration in transverse and inferior temporal areas, and thickness was also negatively correlated with pain duration in superior frontal and parietal areas. The cACC and PCC gray matter atrophy occurred in the patients with TN, and pain duration was associated with frontal, parietal, and temporal cortical regions. These results suggest that the cACC, PCC but not the rACC are associated with central pain mechanisms in TN., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Localized translation plays a crucial role in synaptic plasticity and memory consolidation. However, it has not been possible to follow the dynamics of memory-associated mRNAs in living neurons in response to neuronal activity in real time. We have generated a novel mouse model where the endogenous Arc/Arg3.1 gene is tagged in its 3' untranslated region with stem-loops that bind a bacteriophage PP7 coat protein (PCP), allowing visualization of individual mRNAs in real time. The physiological response of the tagged gene to neuronal activity is identical to endogenous Arc and reports the true dynamics of Arc mRNA from transcription to degradation. The transcription dynamics of Arc in cultured hippocampal neurons revealed two novel results: (i) A robust transcriptional burst with prolonged ON state occurs after stimulation, and (ii) transcription cycles continue even after initial stimulation is removed. The correlation of stimulation with Arc transcription and mRNA transport in individual neurons revealed that stimulus-induced Ca 2+ activity was necessary but not sufficient for triggering Arc transcription and that blocking neuronal activity did not affect the dendritic transport of newly synthesized Arc mRNAs. This mouse will provide an important reagent to investigate how individual neurons transduce activity into spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression at the synapse.

Objective: To examinie the synergistic effects of Banxia Xiexin Decoction (, Known as Banhasasim-tang in Korean) extract (BXDE) on cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in the A549 human lung cancer cell lines., Methods: A549 cells were treated with varying concentrations (50-200 μg/mL) of cisplatin and BXDE alone or in combination for 96 h. We used 1-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-3,5-diphenylformazan assay and flow cytometry to analyze cell viability and apoptosis, respectively., Results: The exposure of cells to cisplatin and BXDE alone or in combination decreased cell viability dose- and time-dependently (P<0.05), which was found to be mediated by the apoptotic pathway as confirmed by the increase in the annexin V + /propidium iodide- stained cell population and a ladder pattern of discontinuous DNA fragments. Furthermore, the apoptosis was inhibited by the pan-caspase inhibitor, benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp (OMe) fluoromethylketone (z-VAD-FMK)., Conclusions: BXDE significantly potentiated apoptotic effects of cisplatin in A549 cells. Moreover, apoptosis induced by BXDE might be the pivotal mechanism mediating its chemopreventative action against cancer.

Electro-generated chemiluminescence (ECL) has attracted increasing attention as a new platform for light-emitting devices; in particular, the use of mechanically stretchable ECL gels opens up the opportunity to achieve deformable displays. The movements of radical ions under an external electric field include short-range diffusion near the electrodes and long-distance migration between the electrodes. So far, only the diffusion of radical ions has been considered as the operating principle behind ECL. In this study, electrochemical and optical analysis was performed systematically to investigate the role of ion migration in ECL devices. This study reveals that long-distance migration of radical ions can be a key variable in ECL at low frequencies and that this effect depends on the type of ion species and the operating conditions ( e.g. voltage and frequency). We also report that the emissions from the two electrodes are not identical, and the emission behaviors are different in the optimal operating conditions for the red, green, and blue ECL emissions.

Localization of messenger ribonucleoproteins (mRNPs) plays an essential role in the regulation of gene expression for long-term memory formation and neuronal development. Knowledge concerning the nature of neuronal mRNP transport is thus crucial for understanding how mRNPs are delivered to their target synapses. Here, we report experimental and theoretical evidence that the active transport dynamics of neuronal mRNPs, which is distinct from the previously reported motor-driven transport, follows an aging Lévy walk. Such nonergodic, transient superdiffusion occurs because of two competing dynamic phases: the motor-involved ballistic run and static localization of mRNPs. Our proposed Lévy walk model reproduces the experimentally extracted key dynamic characteristics of mRNPs with quantitative accuracy. Moreover, the aging status of mRNP particles in an experiment is inferred from the model. This study provides a predictive theoretical model for neuronal mRNP transport and offers insight into the active target search mechanism of mRNP particles in vivo.

Objective: Neuromodulation of the globus pallidus internus(GPi) alleviates Parkinson's disease symptoms. The primate GPi is homologous to the rat entopeduncular nucleus (EP). The aim of the present study was to determine if optogenetic modulation of the EP could alter parkinsonian behavior or thalamic discharge in a hemiparkinson rat model., Methods: We injected an adeno-associated virus type-2 expressing α-synuclein (AAV2-α-syn) into the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) of the right hemisphere and confirmed parkinsonian behavior using an amphetamine-induced rotation test. Then we injected activated or inhibited neurons, using the channelrhodopsin2 (ChR2)/halorhodopsin (NpHR) system in the EP of the hemiparkinson rat model and examined downstream effects in vivo. We assessed alterations in parkinsonian behaviors using the stepping and cylinder tests before, during, and after optogenetic stimulation., Results: Importantly, optogenetic inhibition of the EP improved parkinsonian motor behaviors. When we monitored thalamic neuronal activity following optogenetic neuromodulation in vivo, and we observed alterations in thalamic discharge The thalamic neuronal activity is increased for optogenetic inhibition stimulation, whereas decreased for optogenetic activation stimulation., Conclusions: Taken together, our data demonstrate that optical neuromodulation of the EP can successfully control contralateral forelimb movement and thalamic discharge in an AAV2-α-synuclein-induced hemiparkinson rat model., (Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

To apply well-defined block copolymer nanopatterns to next-generation lithography or high-density storage devices, small line edge roughness (LER) of nanopatterns should be realized. Although polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymer (PS-b-PMMA) has been widely used to fabricate nanopatterns because of easy perpendicular orientation of the block copolymer nanodomains and effective removal of PMMA block by dry etching, the fabricated nanopatterns show poorer line edge roughness (LER) due to relatively small Flory-Huggins interaction parameter (χ) between PS and PMMA chains. Here, we synthesized PS-b-PMMA with urea (U) and N-(4-aminomethyl-benzyl)-4-hydroxymethyl-benzamide (BA) moieties at junction of PS and PMMA chains (PS-U-BA-PMMA) to improve the LER. The U-BA moieties serves as favorable interaction (hydrogen bonding) sites. The LER of PS line patterns obtained from PS-U-BA-PMMA was reduced ∼25% compared with that obtained from neat PS-b-PMMA without BA and U moieties. This is attributed to narrower interfacial width induced by hydrogen bonding between two blocks, which is confirmed by small-angle X-ray scattering. This result implies that the introduction of hydrogen bonding into block copolymer interfaces offers an opportunity to fabricate well-defined nanopatterns with improved LER by block copolymer self-assembly, which could be a promising alternative to next-generation extreme ultraviolet lithography.

Numerous coating strategies are available to control the surface properties and confer new properties to substrates for applications in energy, environment, biosystems, etc., but most have the intrinsic limitations in the practical setting: (1) highly specific interactions between coating materials and target surfaces are required for stable and durable coating; (2) the coating of bulk substrates, such as fruits, is time-consuming or is not achievable in the conventional solution-based coating. In this respect, material-independent and rapid coating strategies are highly demanded. We demonstrate spray-assisted nanocoating of supramolecular metal-organic complexes of tannic acid and ferric ions. The spray coating developed is material-independent and extremely rapid (<5 sec), allowing for coating of commodity goods, such as shoe insoles and fruits, in the controlled fashion. For example, the spray-coated mandarin oranges and strawberries show significantly prolonged post-harvest shelf-life, suggesting practical potential in edible coating of perishable produce.

In this study, low-voltage, printed, ion gel-based electrochromic devices (ECDs) were successfully fabricated. While conventional dispensing printing provides irregularly printed electrochromic (EC) gels, we improved the adhesion between the printed gel and the substrate by applying an external voltage. This is called electrostatic-force-assisted dispensing printing. As a result, we obtained well-defined, printed, EC gels on substrates such as indium tin oxide-coated glass. We fabricated a gel-based ECD by simply sandwiching the printed EC gel between two transparent electrodes. The resulting ECD, which required a low coloration voltage (∼0.6 V), exhibited a high coloration efficiency (η) of 161 cm 2 /C and a large transmittance contrast (∼82%) between the bleached and colored states at -0.7 V. In addition, electrostatic-force-assisted dispensing printing was utilized to fabricate directly patterned ECDs.

The blood-type-mismatch problem, in addition to shortage of blood donation, in blood transfusion has prompted the researchers to develop universal blood that does not require blood typing. In this work, the "cell-in-shell" (i.e., artificial spore) approach is utilized to shield the immune-provoking epitopes on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). Individual RBCs are successfully coated with supramolecular metal-organic coordination complex of ferric ion (Fe III ) and tannic acid (TA). The use of isotonic saline (0.85% NaCl) is found to be critical in the formation of stable, reasonably thick (20 nm) shells on RBCs without any aggregation and hemolysis. The formed "RBC-in-shell" structures maintain their original shapes, and effectively attenuate the antibody-mediated agglutination. Moreover, the oxygen-carrying capability of RBCs is not deteriorated after shell formation. This work suggests a simple but fast method for generating immune-camouflaged RBCs, which would contribute to the development of universal blood.

Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography (MRI/MRA) are widely used for evaluating the moyamoya disease (MMD). This study compared the diagnostic accuracy of 7Tesla (T) and 3T MRI/MRA in MMD. In this case control study, 12 patients [median age: 34years; range (10-66years)] with MMD and 12 healthy controls [median age: 25years; range (22-59years)] underwent both 7T and 3T MRI/MRA. To evaluate the accuracy of MRI/MRA in MMD, five criteria were compared between imaging systems of 7T and 3T: Suzuki grading system, internal carotid artery (ICA) diameter, ivy sign, flow void of the basal ganglia on T2-weighted images, and high signal intensity areas of the basal ganglia on time-of-flight (TOF) source images. No difference was observed between 7T and 3T MRI/MRA in Suzuki stage, ICA diameter, and ivy sign score; while, 7T MRI/MRA showed a higher detection rate in the flow void on T2-weighted images and TOF source images (p<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curves of both T2 and TOF criteria showed that 7T MRI/MRA had higher sensitivity and specificity than 3T MRI/MRA. Our findings indicate that 7T MRI/MRA is superior to 3T MRI/MRA for the diagnosis of MMD in point of detecting the flow void in basal ganglia by T2-weighted and TOF images., (Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

A 46-year-old woman visited our hospital presenting throat pain and globus sensation. The symptoms occurred seven days after eating raw perch and mullet. An endoscopy under sedation showed a fluke-with an approximate length of 4.8 mm and width of 1.5 mm-on the left aryepiglottic fold, with active motility on the mucosa. It was extracted from the larynx using biopsy forceps and was identified as Clinostomum complanatum . To the best of our knowledge, this is the second reported case of human infection with Clinostomum complanatum diagnosed and treated by an endoscopy in Korea. Endoscopy is a useful tool in the diagnosis and treatment of patients at risk for parasitic infections complaining of throat pain.

Voltage-tunable multicolor electrochromic devices (ECDs) are fabricated based on flexible ion gels consisting of copolymers and ionic liquids as an electrolyte layer. Dimethyl ferrocene (dmFc) is incorporated into the gel, which serves as an anodic species. In this study, two electrochromic (EC) materials, monoheptyl viologen (MHV + ) and diheptyl viologen (DHV 2+ ), are employed and show significantly different EC behavior despite the similar chemical structure. Both MHV + - and DHV 2+ -containing ECDs are slightly yellowish in the bleached state, whereas the colored states are magenta and blue, respectively. All devices have good coloration efficiency of 87.5 cm 2 /C (magenta) and 91.3 cm 2 /C (blue). In addition, the required power of ∼248 μW/cm 2 (magenta) and ∼72 μW/cm 2 (blue) to maintain the colored state put the ion gel-based ECDs in a class of ultralow power consumption displays. On the basis of the distinct difference in the coloration voltage range between MHV + and DHV 2+ , and the rubbery character of the gel, flexible ECDs showing multiple colors are demonstrated. These results imply that voltage-tunable multicolor ECDs based on the gel are attractive to functional electrochemical displays.

Objective: Suppression of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic activity of the zona incerta (ZI) reportedly plays a role in neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury (SCI). A reduction in GABAergic signaling in the ZI of a thoracic hemisection-SCI rat model has been suggested, but not clearly demonstrated. Accordingly, our objective was to investigate whether GABAergic signals influence SCI-induced neuropathic pain., Methods: In vivo, we recorded and compared single-unit, neuronal activity between hemisection-SCI and sham-operated rat models. Furthermore, we analyzed neuronal activity in both models following treatment with either a GABAA receptor agonist (muscimol) or antagonist (bicuculline)., Results: Rats that underwent hemisection SCI exhibited reduced hindpaw withdrawal thresholds, latencies, and decreased ZI neuronal activity compared with sham-operated controls. Importantly, muscimol treatment increased, whereas bicuculline decreased, the firing rates of the ZI neurons. The muscimol treated, hemisection-SCI rats also exhibited increased hindpaw withdrawal thresholds and latencies., Conclusions: These data provide evidence that neuropathic pain after SCI is caused by decreased GABAergic signaling in the ZI. Furthermore, our data demonstrate that infusion of a GABAergic drug into the ZI could restore its inhibitory action and improve neuropathic pain behaviors., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Obstructive hydrocephalus caused by tectal glioma, which relived by neuroendoscopy, have been described using 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (3T MRI) so far, we present the results obtained from 3T and 7T MRI in this patient. A 21-year-old woman presented at our hospital with gait disturbance, hormonal insufficiency, and urinary incontinence that began prior to 6 years of age. 3.0T MRI revealed a non-enhancing tectal mass along with obstructive hydrocephalus. The mass measured approximately 1.1×1.0×1.2 cm. An endoscopic third ventriculostomy was performed to relieve the hydrocephalus. We compared hydrocephalus and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow findings from 3T and 7T MRI, both preoperative and postoperative at 1, 6 months. Intraventricular CSF voiding on T2-weighted images obtained with 7T MRI showed greater fluid inversion than those obtained with 3T MRI. This study shows that 7T brain MRI can provide detailed information on hydrocephalus caused by tectal glioma. Further studies are needed to develop refined 7T MRI protocols for better images of hydrocephalus., Competing Interests: The authors have no financial conflicts of interest.

Ion gels composed of a copolymer and a room temperature ionic liquid are versatile solid-state electrolytes with excellent features including high ionic conductivity, nonvolatility, easily tunable mechanical properties, good flexibility and solution processability. Ion gels can be functionalized by incorporating redox-active species such as electrochemiluminescent (ECL) luminophores or electrochromic (EC) dyes. Here, we enhance the functionality of EC gels for realizing multicolored EC devices (ECDs), either by controlling the chemical equilibrium between a monomer and dimer of a colored EC species, or by modifying the molecular structures of the EC species. All devices in this work are conveniently fabricated by a "cut-and-stick" strategy, and require very low power for maintaining the colored state [i.e., 90 μW/cm(2) (113 μA/cm(2) at -0.8 V) for blue, 4 μW/cm(2) (10 μA/cm(2) at -0.4 V) for green, and 32 μW/cm(2) (79 μA/cm(2) at -0.4 V) for red ECD]. We also successfully demonstrate a patterned, multicolored, flexible ECD on plastic. Overall, these results suggest that gel-based ECDs have significant potential as low power displays in printed electronics powered by thin-film batteries.

Background/aims: Limited data exist on the outcome of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment and its impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the Asian population. This study aims to evaluate the treatment outcomes, to investigate the factors associated with recurrence, and to evaluate the impact of the treatment outcome on the HRQoL in a Korean GERD population., Methods: This was a prospective, multicenter study involving a total of 824 GERD patients. The response to treatment was assessed at week 4 (or week 8 for the patients who did not achieve complete resolution [CR] at week 4). The EQ-5D questionnaire was used at baseline, end of treatment, and first recurrence to assess the HRQoL. To assess GERD symptoms, contact of patients by phone at 1, 6, and 12 months following treatment was carried out., Results: CR was achieved in 65.6% and recurrence was observed in 47.8% following treatment. CR and recurrence rates did not differ by the presence of esophagitis. Multivariate analysis revealed that acid regurgitation (odds ratio 2.249; 95% confidence interval 1.293-3.912; P= 0.004) and both acid regurgitation and heartburn (odds ratio 2.330; 95% confidence interval 1.392-3.901; P= 0.001) were independent risk factors for GERD recurrence. EQ-5D scores were more improved in patients with CR than in those without CR, and worsened more during follow-up in patients with recurrence than in those without recurrence., Conclusions: We should achieve complete symptom relief and attempt to prevent recurrence in GERD patients to improve their HRQoL.

Metastatic cancers spread from their site of origin (the primary site) to other parts of the body. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which degrades the extracellular matrix, is important in metastatic cancers as it plays a major role in cancer cell invasion. The present study examined the inhibitory effect of an ethanol extract of Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. (PJT) on MMP-9 expression and the invasion of MCF-7 breast cancer cells induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Western blot analysis, gelatin zymography, and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR revealed that PJT significantly suppressed MMP-9 expression and activation in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, PJT attenuated TPA-induced nuclear translocation and the transcriptional activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB. The results indicated that the PJT-mediated inhibition of TPA-induced MMP-9 expression and cell invasion involved the suppression of the PKCα/NF-κB pathway in MCF-7 cells. Thus, the inhibition of MMP-9 expression by PJT may have potential value as a therapy for restricting the invasiveness of breast cancer.

RNA is a key player in the process of gene expression. Whereas fluorescence in situ hybridization allows single mRNA imaging in fixed cells, the MS2-GFP labeling technique enables the observation of mRNA dynamics in living cells. Recently, two genetically engineered mouse models have been developed for the application of the MS2-GFP system in live animals. First, the Actb-MBS mouse was generated by knocking in 24 repeats of the MS2 stem-loop sequence in the 3' untranslated region of the β-actin gene. Second, the MCP mouse was made to express the NLS-HA-MCP-GFP transgene in all cell types. By crossing Actb-MBS and MCP mice, a double homozygous mouse line, MCP×MBS, was established to visualize endogenous β-actin mRNA labeled with multiple green fluorescent proteins. By imaging hippocampal neurons or brain slices from MCP×MBS mice, the dynamics of mRNA, such as transcription, transport, and localization, can be studied at single mRNA resolution. In this chapter, we explain the basics of MCP×MBS mice and describe methods for utilizing these animals., (© 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Chemical encapsulation of microbes in threedimensional polymeric microcapsules promises various applications, such as cell therapy and biosensors, and provides a basic platform for studying microbial communications. However, the cytoprotection of microbes in the microcapsules against external aggressors has been a major challenge in the field of microbial microencapsulation, because ionotropic hydrogels widely used for microencapsulation swell uncontrollably, and are physicochemically labile. Herein, we developed a simple polydopamine coating for obtaining cytoprotective capability of the alginate capsule that encapsulated Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The resulting alginate/ polydopamine core/shell capsule was mechanically tough, prevented gel swelling and cell leakage, and increased resistance against enzymatic attack and UV-C irradiation. We believe that this multifunctional core/shell structure will provide a practical tool for manipulating microorganisms inside the microcapsules., (© 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Ion gels comprising ABA triblock copolymers and ionic liquids have received much attention as functional materials in numerous applications, especially as gate dielectrics in organic transistors. Here we have expanded the functionality of ion gels by demonstrating low-voltage, flexible electrochemiluminescent (ECL) devices using patterned ion gels containing redox-active luminophores. The ECL devices consisted only of a 30 μm thick emissive gel and two electrodes and were fabricated on indium tin oxide-coated substrates (e.g., polyester) simply by solution-casting the ECL gel and brush-painting a top Ag electrode. The triblock copolymer employed in the gel was polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate)-block-polystyrene, where the solvophobic polystyrene end blocks associate into micellar cross-links in the versatile ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([EMI][TFSI]). An ECL gel containing ~6.25 wt % Ru(bpy)3Cl2 (relative to [EMI][TFSI]) as the luminophore turned on at an AC peak-to-peak voltage as low as 2.6 V (i.e., -1.3 to +1.3 V) and showed a relatively rapid response (sub-ms). The wavelength of maximum emission was 610 nm (red-orange). With the use of an iridium(III) complex, Ir(diFppy)2(bpy)PF6 [diFppy = 2-(2',4'-difluorophenyl)pyridine; bpy = 2,2'-bipyridyl], the emitting color was tuned to a maximum wavelength of 540 nm (green). Moreover, when a blended luminophore system containing a 60:40 mixture of Ru(bpy)3(2+) and Ir(diFppy)2(bpy)(+) was used in the emissive layer, the luminance of red-orange-colored light was enhanced by a factor of 2, which is explained by the generation of the additional excited state Ru(bpy)3(2+)* by a coreactant pathway with Ir(diFppy)2(bpy)(+)* in addition to the usual annihilation pathway. This is the first time that enhanced ECL has been achieved in ion gels (or ionic liquids) using a coreactant. Overall, the results indicate that ECL ion gels are attractive multifunctional materials for printed electronics.

Stump appendicitis is an acute inflammation of the residual appendix and is a rare complication after appendectomy. The physician should be aware of the possibility of stump appendicitis in patients with right lower abdominal pain after appendectomy so that delayed diagnosis and treatment can be prevented. Stump appendicitis is usually treated by surgical resection, and endoscopic treatment has not been reported previously. A 48-year-old man who had undergone appendectomy 35 years earlier presented to the hospital because of right lower quadrant discomfort. A computed tomography scan showed a large stone in the residual appendix. Colonoscopic findings revealed a large, smooth, protruding lesion at the cecum with a stone inside the appendiceal orifice. Endoscopic removal after incision of the appendiceal orifice was performed successfully.

Introduction. Crotonis fructus (CF) is the mature fruit of Croton tiglium L. and has been used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disturbance in Asia. It is well known that the main component of CF is croton oil (CO). The present study is to investigate the effects of CF extracts (CFE) and CO on lipolysis in OP9 adipocytes. Methods. Glycerol release to the culture supernatants was used as a marker of adipocyte lipolysis. Results. Treatment with various concentrations of CFE and CO stimulates glycerol release in a dose-dependent manner. The increase in glycerol release by CFE is more potent than isoproterenol, which is a β-adrenergic agonist as a positive control in our system. The increased lipolysis by CFE and CO was accompanied by an increase of phosphorylated hormone sensitive lipase (pHSL) but not nonphosphorylated HSL protein and mRNA. Pretreatment with H89, which is a protein kinase A inhibitor, significantly abolished the CFE- and CO-induced glycerol release in OP9 adipocytes. These results suggest that CFE and CO may be a candidate for the development of a lipolysis-stimulating agent in adipocytes.

We investigated the in situ phase transition of the nanoscopic patterns on block copolymer thin films during nanoindentation by using a transmission electron microscope (TEM) with a specially designed nanoindenter. For the first time, we observed directly an in situ phase transition from lamellar microdomains to disordered states during the nanoindentation on a baroplastic polystyrene-block-poly(n-pentyl methacrylate) copolymer (PS-b-PnPMA) film. Through the in situ TEM observation, the mechanism of the nanoscopic pattern formation on a block copolymer thin film by indentation is fully understood.

Enteritis cystica profunda is a very rare disease in which a mucin-filled cystic space is surrounded partially with nonneoplastic columnar epithelium in the submucosa of the small intestine. Most of the cases are accompanied by intestinal diseases, and the disease usually occurs in the jejunum and the ileum and there has been no report of a case that occurred in the ampulla of Vater. A 58-year-old healthy female patient without any particular symptom visited the hospital to get additional examination for a mass found on the ampulla of Vater by accident. In esophagogastroduodenoscopy, a cystic mass showing a positive pillow sign was found on the ampulla of Vater. Endoscopic retrogradecholangiopancreatography was conducted as choledochocele was suspected, but no abnormality was found in the biliary system. In endoscopic ultrasonography, multiseptated cystic structures were detected in the submucosal layer of the duodenum. The lesion was resected completely through endoscopic snare polypectomy and the case was histologically diagnosed as enteritis cystica profunda.

Currently human T-cell responses to unpurified tissue extracts cannot be easily measured because current cell lysis methods yield a lysate that is toxic. Here we describe the optimization of a protocol for extracting proteins from human tissues in a format that is compatible with the functional analysis of human T cells. The tissue was homogenized in a mixture of butan-1-ol, acetonitrile and water and then lyophilized. Lyophilized protein extracts were dissolved in 8M urea because urea did not affect T-cell function when present at 0.08 M or less. Using this method cytokine production and proliferation responses were detected from islet, acinar and spleen extracts. Hence, our method allows the rapid preparation of human tissue lysates in a format that is compatible with the analysis T-cell responses. We suggest that this method will facilitate the analysis of adaptive immune responses to tissues in transplantation, cancer and autoimmunity., (2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To investigate the effect of Patrinia scabiosaefolia (PS) on the cholecystokinin (CCK) octapeptide-induced acute pancreatitis (AP) in rats., Methods: Wistar rats weighing 240-260 g were divided into three groups: (1) Normal saline-treated group; (2) treatment with PS at 100 mg/kg group, in which PS was administered orally, followed by subcutaneous administration of 75 microg/kg CCK octapeptide three times after 1, 3 and 5 h, and this whole procedure was repeated for 5 d; (3) treatment with saline group, in which the protocols were the same as in treatment group with PS. We determined the pancreatic weight/body weight ratio, the levels of pancreatic HSP60, HSP72 and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Repeated CCK octapeptide treatment resulted in the typical laboratory findings of experimentally induced pancreatitis., Results: PS reduced the pancreatic weight/body weight ratio, the levels of serum amylase and lipase, and inhibited expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the CCK octapeptide-induced AP. Furthermore, PS pretreatment increased the pancreatic levels of HSP60 and HSP72., Conclusion: Pretreatment with PS has an anti-inflammatory effect on CCK octapeptide-induced AP.