Impact of Impedance Levels on Recording Quality in Flexible Neural Probes.

Flexible neural probes are attractive emerging technologies for brain recording because they can effectively record signals with minimal risk of brain damage. Reducing the electrode impedance of the probe before recording is a common practice of many researchers. However, studies investigating the impact of low impedance levels on high-quality recordings using flexible neural probes are lacking. In this study, we electrodeposited Pt onto a commercial flexible polyimide neural probe and investigated the relationship between the impedance level and the recording quality. The probe was inserted into the brains of anesthetized mice. The electrical signals of neurons in the brain, specifically the ventral posteromedial nucleus of the thalamus, were recorded at impedance levels of 50, 250, 500 and 1000 kΩ at 1 kHz. The study results demonstrated that as the impedance decreased, the quality of the signal recordings did not consistently improve. This suggests that extreme lowering of the impedance may not always be advantageous in the context of flexible neural probes.

A User-Centered Approach to the Application of BIM in Smart Working Environments.

Considerable research has been performed on smart working environments in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry, with building information modeling considered as a critical element for implementing intelligent working systems. Although much software has been developed, a lack of understanding inhibits a user-centered approach to the application of building information modeling in architectural design offices. This study focuses on usability factors for the development of software and proposes a direction for the adoption of building information modeling in architectural design offices. This study adopts a persona method that focuses on user experience, starting with a survey conducted in two large domestic architectural offices. For developing the persona scenarios, this study provides a conceptual framework of usability, identifies user demands, and characterizes user experience. Four representative personas were developed for the representative types of users in smart working environments. The persona scenarios provide a basis that directly reflects user needs and experiences regarding the use of building information modeling software in architectural design offices. Two implications of the application of building information modeling are proposed based on the scenarios: a user-friendly working environment for smart workflows and a customized training program focusing on user experience for the use of building information modeling software.

Prevention of postsurgical scars: comparsion of efficacy and convenience between silicone gel sheet and topical silicone gel.

To date, few studies have compared the effectiveness of topical silicone gels versus that of silicone gel sheets in preventing scars. In this prospective study, we compared the efficacy and the convenience of use of the 2 products. We enrolled 30 patients who had undergone a surgical procedure 2 weeks to 3 months before joining the study. These participants were randomly assigned to 2 treatment arms: one for treatment with a silicone gel sheet, and the other for treatment with a topical silicone gel. Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) scores were obtained for all patients; in addition, participants completed scoring patient questionnaires 1 and 3 months after treatment onset. Our results reveal not only that no significant difference in efficacy exists between the 2 products but also that topical silicone gels are more convenient to use. While previous studies have advocated for silicone gel sheets as first-line therapies in postoperative scar management, we maintain that similar effects can be expected with topical silicone gel. The authors recommend that, when clinicians have a choice of silicone-based products for scar prevention, they should focus on each patient's scar location, lifestyle, and willingness to undergo scar prevention treatment.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester promotes anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB signaling in activated HMC-1 human mast cells.

CONTEXT: Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component of honeybee propolis, is known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other beneficial medicinal properties. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-allergic effects in mast cells are unknown. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to examine whether CAPE modulates the immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated local allergic reaction in animals, as well as to elucidate the effects of CAPE on mast cells in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To investigate the bioactive potential of CAPE (10 or 20 µM), HMC-1 cells were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI) for 24 h in the presence or absence of CAPE. To study the pharmacological effects of CAPE, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), RT-PCR, Western blot analysis, electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs), and fluorescence assays were used. RESULTS: CAPE (10 mg/kg) inhibited local IgE-mediated allergic reactions (0.164 versus 0.065 O.D.) in a mouse model. Additionally, CAPE (20 µM) attenuated PMACI-stimulated histamine release (3146.42 versus 2564.83 pg/ml) and the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1ß (4.775 versus 0.713 pg/ml, IC50 = 6.67 µM), IL-6 (4771.5 versus 449.1 pg/ml, IC50 = 5.25 µM), and IL-8 (5991.7 versus 2213.1 pg/ml, IC50 = 9.95 µM) in HMC-1 cells. In activated HMC-1 cells, pretreatment with CAPE decreased the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase. In addition, CAPE inhibited PMACI-induced nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation by suppressing IκBα phosphorylation and its degradation. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that CAPE can modulate mast cell-mediated allergic disease.

A case of ampullary gangliocytic paraganglioma.

Gangliocytic paragangliomas (GPs) are rare tumors of the duodenum, presenting as single sessile or pedunculated polypoid masses. Clinical manifestations of duodenal GPs can vary from an incidental finding at endoscopy to frequent upper gastrointestinal bleeding caused by mucosal ulceration and abdominal pain. GPs are considered benign, but the disease can recur and spread to regional lymph nodes. A 41-year-old female presented with abdominal pain. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a subepithelial tumor of the ampulla of Vater in the second portion of the duodenum. The tumor was resected using the endoscopic mucosal resection technique. The tumor was diagnosed as benign GP of the duodenum using histological and immunohistochemical staining procedures.

Solvothermal synthesis of Fe-MOF-74 and its catalytic properties in phenol hydroxylation.

A Fe-containing metal-organic framework, Fe-MOF-74, was solvothermally synthesized using FeCl2.4H2O and 2,5-di-hydroxy-1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid. Characterization was conducted by XRD, BET surface area measurement, FT-IR spectroscopy, TGA, and elemental analysis, which confirmed successful preparation of Fe-MOF-74 having an identical framework structure to that reported for MOF-74. Fe-MOF-74 was found to be an effective heterogeneous catalyst for the hydroxylation of phenol using H2O2 as an oxidant; 60% phenol conversion was achieved at 20 degrees C in water with 68 and 32% selectivity to catechol and hydroquinone, respectively. The effect of temperature, phenol/H2O2 mole ratio, catalyst quantity, and solvent on catalytic performance was discussed, and a reaction mechanism is proposed based upon the experimental results.