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Objectives: Given that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and schizophrenia may share clinical symptoms as well as functional brain abnormalities, this study was designed to clarify common and different morphological abnormalities in OCD and schizophrenia. Methods: Volumes of the hippocampus, the amygdala, and the thalamus were measured in three age and sex matched groups of 22 patients with OCD, 22 patients with schizophrenia, and 22 normal subjects using three dimensional magnetic resonance imaging. Volume tracing was performed manually on serial coronal slices with the references of sagittal or axial planes using internal landmarks. Results: Hippocampal volume was bilaterally reduced in both OCD and schizophrenic patients versus the normal controls. Left amygdala volume was significantly enlarged in patients with OCD but not in patients with schizophrenia versus the normal controls. The thalamus did not show any volumetric group differences. Conclusions: Non-specific hippocampal reduction in both the OCD and schizophrenic groups is likely to link to a clinical overlap between the two illnesses, whereas the left amygdala enlargement observed only in the OCD patients seems to be suggestive of a unique role for the amygdala in the pathophysiology of OCD.

The effects of processing parameters on the morphology change in a Si deposit recovered by means of molten salt electrorefining are evaluated using electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry and chronopotentiometry at 800°C. It was found that concentration of K SiF and current density were important parameters in determining deposit size. Higher concentrations of K SiF were effective in coarsening the silicon deposit and decreasing the cell potential. Silicon nanofiber was recovered at 5 wt% of K SiF whereas dense particles were prepared at 30 and 50 wt% of K SiF . The morphology of the Si deposit was determined by the concentration of Si in the electrolyte which is related to the formation of crystal and growth of Si. The formation mechanism of the Si deposit was interpreted by using high resolution TEM as well as electrochemical properties.

Purpose Considerable inter-observer variability in the visual assessment of aneurysm recurrences limits its use as an outcome parameter evaluating new coil generations. The purpose of this study was to compare visual assessment of aneurysm recurrences and aneurysm recurrence volumetry with an example dataset of HydroSoft coils (HSC) versus bare platinum coils (BPC). Methods For this retrospective study, 3-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography datasets acquired 6 and 12 months after endovascular therapy using BPC only or mainly HSC were analyzed. Aneurysm recurrence volumes were visually rated by two observersas well as quantified by subtraction of the datasets after intensity-based rigid registration . Results A total of 297 aneurysms were analyzed (BPC: 169, HSC: 128). Recurrences were detected by aneurysm recurrence volumetry in 9 of 128 (7.0 %) treated with HSC and in 24 of 169 (14.2 %) treated with BPC (odds ratio: 2.39, 95 % confidence interval: 1.05–5.48; P  = 0.039). Aneurysm recurrence volumetry revealed an excellent correlation between observers (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.93). In contrast, no significant difference in aneurysm recurrence was found for visual assessment (3.9 % in HSC cases and 4.7 % in BPC cases). Recurrences were observed in aneurysms smaller than the sample median in 10 of 33 (30.3 %) by aneurysm recurrence volumetry and in 1 of 13 (7.7 %) by visual assessment. Conclusions Aneurysm recurrences were detected more frequently by aneurysm recurrence volumetry when compared with visual assessment. By using aneurysm recurrence volumetry, differences between treatment groups were detected with higher sensitivity and inter-observer validity probably because of the higher detection rate of recurrences in small aneurysms.

The WRKY family proteins are transcription factors involved in the regulation of plant defense response pathways. In our present study, we characterized a rice WRKY gene, OsWRKY30 that had been previously isolated through systematic expression analysis of OsWRKYs during defense responses. The endogenous expression of OsWRKY30 was found to be abolished in salicylic acid (SA)-nonaccumulating NahG transgenic rice. OsWRKY30 activates transcription in maize protoplasts and its N-terminus retains transcription activation ability in yeast. OsWRKY30-GFP fusion proteins were found to localize in the nuclei of maize protoplasts. OsWRKY30 binds to the consensus W-box motif in yeast. Overexpression of OsWRKY30 in rice upregulates an SA-responsive gene OsWRKY45, and enhances disease resistance to the Xanthomonas oryzae pathovar oryzae. These results suggest that OsWRKY30 functions as a positive regulator of rice disease resistance via an SA signaling pathway.

Purpose Not infrequently, intracranial aneurysms may be multifocal. However, strategies conferring open surgical access to opposite sides of the brain are limited. Given the recent advances in protection devices and coiling technique, a study of single-stage coil embolization in patients with multiple intracranial aneurysms was undertaken, assessing procedural safety and efficacy. Methods Data prospectively accrued between January 2010 and September 2013 were systematically reviewed, assessing clinical and morphologic outcomes of single-stage coil embolization in 172 patients with multiple aneurysms (≥ 2 aneurysms each; total, 371 aneurysms). Results Internal carotid artery ( n  = 132) was the most common site, with progressively fewer aneurysms found elsewhere (middle cerebral artery, 103; anterior communicating artery, 41; posterior communicating artery, 38). In 26 patients, one-stage embolization of three or more aneurysms took place (25 patients with three each; 1 patient with four). Stents were applied in 109 aneurysms, and in 33 lesions, balloons were used. Occlusion was achieved in 326 aneurysms (87.9 %) through coil embolization, and attempted coiling rarely failed (3 of 371, 0.8 %). Mean procedural time was 111.5 ± 37.8 min. Although procedure-related adverse events included three instances of treatment failure, asymptomatic thrombi in four patients, and aneurysmal leakage in one patient, procedural morbidity was low (1 of 172, 0.6 %), and no procedure-related deaths occurred. Postembolization follow-up of 303 aneurysms at > 6 months (mean, 15.4 ± 9.8 months) showed complete occlusion in the vast majority (275 of 303, 90.8 %), with comparatively fewer instances of minor (19 of 303, 6.3 %) and major (9 of 303, 3.0 %) recanalization. Four patients experienced delayed cerebral infarction, but only one suffered permanent neurologic deficit (Glasgow outcome scale 4). Conclusion Single-stage coil embolization of multiple unruptured intracranial aneurysms is technically feasible. The time required for such procedures and the rate of complications observed seem acceptable.

Purpose It is generally accepted that filling of a saccular aneurysm with contrast immediately after coil embolization predisposes to later recanalization. However, not all such scenarios evolve similarly over time. We investigated outcomes of small (≤ 7 mm) aneurysms with contrast-filled sacs immediately after coil embolization, evaluating the impact of pattern and degree of filling on subsequent recanalization. Methods Between January, 2008 and December, 2010, 186 small (≤ 7 mm) saccular aneurysms that retained contrast after coil embolization accrued for this study. Lesions were categorized by pattern (eccentric vs. concentric) and degree of filling on working projections. Clinical and morphologic factors were also analyzed to assess impact on subsequent recanalization. Morphologic outcomes at 6 months or more were assessed. Results In 93.5 % (174/186) of aneurysms with visible contrast retention, complete occlusion was evident on follow-up imaging studies at 6 months. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that eccentric (vs. concentric) contrast filling carried greater risk of subsequent recanalization ( p  = 0.020). Stent placement and progressive occlusion were also linked, falling short of statistical significance ( p  = 0.089). Of 166 progressively occluded aneurysms followed for more than 12 months (mean, 30.8 ± 7.3 months), 158 (95.2 %) exhibited stable occlusion. Conclusion Small (≤ 7 mm) aneurysms that retain contrast immediately after coil embolization are more likely to become completely occluded over time through progressive thrombosis. However, an eccentric fill pattern may predispose to recanalization.

Introduction: Wall Shear Stress (WSS) is known to have a role in the initiation, growth and rupture of intracranial aneurysms. However, its influence on aneurysm recurrence after endovascular treatment requires further investigation. The aim of this study is to compare WSS in the neck region of recurrent and non-recurrent aneurysms and their respective correlations with the extent of sac recurrence. Methods: Three hundred and thirty coil embolised aneurysm were screened for recurrences by 3D-TOF-MRA at 6 and 12 months after coil embolization and the volumes of recurrences measured. Recurrent aneurysms at 3 locations were matched with non-recurrent aneurysms by location, neck width and pre-treatment volume. Patientspecific vessel geometries reconstructed from follow-up 3D-TOF-MRA at 6 months were analyzed using computational fluid dynamic simulations. Abnormally low and high WSS at the aneurysm neck were defined as WSS less than half or more than twice the mean WSS in the parent artery respectively. Results: Ten recurrent and non-recurrent aneurysms were matched. The mean percentage of abnormal WSS (high and low) at the aneurysm neck was 67.3% for recurrent and 54.5% for non-recurrent aneurysms (p = 0.045). The mean percentage of abnormally low WSS at the aneurysm neck was 21.9% for recurrent and 11.7% for non-recurrent aneurysms (p = 0.155). The percentage of abnormally low WSS correlated with the volumes of recurrences (Pearson Correlation Coefficient = 0.786; p < 0.005). Conclusion: Aneurysm necks of recurrent aneurysm are exposed to a higher percentage of abnormal WSS. The percentages of the aneurysm necks exposed to abnormally low WSS correlate with the recurrence volumes (Fig. 1).

The objective of this study is to show rotational 3D angiography findings and their usefulness in the occlusion of carotid cavernous fistulas (CCFs) using detachable balloons. Five patients with direct CCF were retrospectively reviewed for details of interventional procedures and 2D and 3D angiography findings. Pretherapeutic 2D and 3D angiograms (n=2) were compared to evaluate the size of the fistula and the relative size of the cavernous sinus with respect to the fistula. Postinflation-predetachment (n=3) and postdetachment (n=4) 2D and 3D angiograms were compared in each stage to evaluate the relative location of the balloon to the internal carotid artery (ICA), presence of a pseudoaneurysm, and relative size of the balloon to the fistula. Pretherapeutic 2D and 3D angiograms were equally effective in showing the fistula and relative size of the cavernous sinus. But, 3D angiography with \"cut images\" at arbitrary viewing angles clearly visualized the 3D relations between the ICA, fistula, and cavernous sinus. Both postinflation-predetachment 2D and 3D images in two patients equally showed a contrast-filled pseudoaneurysm outside the ICA and intraluminal location of the balloon. However, only the 3D images showed no difference in size of the balloon compared with the fistula, which was relevant to traction-induced instability in the remaining one patient. Both postdetachment 2D and 3D angiograms were equal in terms of showing ICA compromise (60%) in one patient and an extraluminal balloon location with complete fistular occlusion in two patients. In the remainder, a small pseudoaneurysm was identified only on 3D images. Three-dimensional angiography is a useful imaging tool for capturing the complex perifistular anatomy in the pretherapeutic stage, and for providing detailed information about the degree of balloon inflation and its location, the presence of a pseudoaneurysm, and the expected traction-induced instability in the predetachment stage. Postinflation-predetachment 3D angiography may therefore offer a chance to correct an erroneous manipulation that would otherwise lead to an incomplete procedural outcome and disastrous balloon migration.

Menyanthes trifoliata is a threatened and endangered species in Korea and USA. To assess the important ecological characteristics for its conservation and restoration, we measured the level of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) in the water, total N and C contents in the plants, and the water-holding capacity of the surrounding floating peat mat. These factors, which limit the success of aquatic macrophytes, were examined for their effects on the growth of this species. Leaflet areas and petiole lengths ranged from 6.1 ㎠ and 12.4 cm, respectively, at a water depth of 5 cm, to 22.7 ㎠ and 33.0 cm, respectively, at 40 cm.

Four cases of choroid plexitis of the brain (two with cryptococcosis and two with tuberculosis) are presented. The four patients showed either unilateral enlargement (3) or bilateral enlargement (1) and dense enhancement of the choroid plexus in the lateral ventricles (4) and fourth ventricle (1) in association with clinical findings of leptomeningitis. All patients had unilateral cystic dilatation of the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle presumably secondary to entrapment of the temporal horn and extensive oedema around the ipsilateral ventricle.