The present study tested the cytoprotective effect of methyleugenol in an in vivo ischemia model (i.e. middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 1.5 h and subsequent reperfusion for 24 h) and further investigated its mechanism of action in in vitro cerebral ischemic models. When applied shortly after reperfusion, methyleugenol largely reduced cerebral ischemic injury. Methyleugenol decreased the caspase-3 activation and death of cultured cerebral cortical neurons caused by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) for 1 h and subsequent re-oxygenation for 24 h. Methyleugenol markedly reduced superoxide generation in the ischemic brain and decreased the intracellular oxidative stress caused by OGD/re-oxygenation. It was found that methyleugenol elevated the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Further, methyleugenol inhibited the production of nitric oxide and decreased the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase. Methyleugenol down-regulated the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the ischemic brain as well as in immunostimulated mixed glial cells. The results indicate that methyleugenol could be useful for the treatment of ischemia/inflammation-related diseases.

Use of a gradient-index (GRIN) substrate is proposed as a novel signal-propagation medium for planar optics. The GRIN substrate provides planar optics designers not only a three-dimensional light propagation space but also smart optical diffraction-limited imaging. Experimental results on the imaging of an input signal to multiple destinations by the GRIN planar optics are presented.

With optimal inductors shunted at the end of the transverse radio-frequency (rf) discharge waveguide laser, the longitudinal voltage variation across a waveguide channel can be reduced. If multiple inductors are shunted at the appropriate positions, an almost perfect rf uniformity may be attained. All the optimum inductances are derived from the conventional transmission line theory.

In this study, microstructure and wear behavior of thermally sprayed Fe-based alloy coatings were investigated. Fe-based alloy coatings were formed on a carbon steel substrate and then heat-treated at temperature of 700 oC for 20 minutes. Dry sliding wear tests were performed using the sliding speeds of 0.4 and 0.8 m/s, the applied loads of 3 and 6 N. Microstructure and wear behavior of as-sprayed and heat-treated Fe-based amorphous coatings were studied using a scanning electron microscope(SEM), transmission electron microscopy(TEM) and X-ray diffraction(XRD).