The role of entropy and enthalpy plays an essential key for the formation of an alloy. This paper illustrates how an alloy is to form and what and why the properties of the alloy are going to have by the entropy and e...The role of entropy and enthalpy plays an essential key for the formation of an alloy. This paper illustrates how an alloy is to form and what and why the properties of the alloy are going to have by the entropy and enthalpy effects via a designed enthalpy-entropy plane (EE-plane) based on the Gibbs free energy equation and the introducing a charactering pseudo-unitary lattice (PUL) for entropy alloys. Based on the PUL scheme, the so-called four effects in high entropy alloys are simply nothing but the entropy effect with the other three accompanying effects: the distortion, slow diffusion and cocktail effects.展开更多
This paper investigates a multiplayer Pareto game for affine nonlinear stochastic systems disturbed by both external and the internal multiplicative noises.The Pareto cooperative optimal strategies with the H_(∞) con...This paper investigates a multiplayer Pareto game for affine nonlinear stochastic systems disturbed by both external and the internal multiplicative noises.The Pareto cooperative optimal strategies with the H_(∞) constraint are resolved by integrating H_(2)/H_(∞) theory with Pareto game theory.First,a nonlinear stochastic bounded real lemma(SBRL)is derived,explicitly accounting for non-zero initial conditions.Through the analysis of four cross-coupled Hamilton-Jacobi equations(HJEs),we establish necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of Pareto optimal strategies with the H_(∞) constraint.Secondly,to address the complexity of solving these nonlinear partial differential HJEs,we propose a neural network(NN)framework with synchronous tuning rules for the actor,critic,and disturbance components,based on a reinforcement learning(RL)approach.The designed tuning rules ensure convergence of the actor-critic-disturbance components to the desired values,enabling the realization of robust Pareto control strategies.The convergence of the proposed algorithm is rigorously analyzed using a constructed Lyapunov function for the NN weight errors.Finally,a numerical simulation example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods and main results.展开更多
AIM: To determine the number of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in gastric mucosa of patients with gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of gastric antrum biopsy spec...AIM: To determine the number of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in gastric mucosa of patients with gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of gastric antrum biopsy specimens from healthy controls (n = 22) and patients with gastritis (n = 30), peptic ulcer (n = 83), or gastric cancer (n = 32). Expression of CD4, CD25 and Foxp3 was determined by immunohistochemistry in three consecutive sections per sample.RESULTS: Compared with healthy controls, there was an increased number of CD25+ and Foxp3+ cells in patients with gastritis (P = 0.004 and P = 0.008), peptic ulcer (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001), and gastric cancer (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001). The ratio of CD25+/CD4+ or Foxp3+/CD4+ cells was also significantly higher in all disease groups (P < 0.001, respectively). The number of CD4+, CD25+, and Foxp3+ cells, and the ratio of CD25+/CD4+ and Foxp3+/CD4+ cells, were associated with the histological grade of the specimens, including acute inflammation, chronic inflammation, lymphoid follicle number, and Helicobacter pylori infection. The number of CD4+, CD25+ and Foxp3+ cells, and the ratio of CD25+/CD4+ and Foxp3+/CD4+ cells, were negatively associated with intestinal metaplasia among gastritis (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.002 and P = 0.002) and peptic ulcer groups (P = 0.013, P = 0.004, P < 0.001, P = 0.040 and P = 0.003).展开更多
Acinetobacter baumannii(A. baumannii) is undoubtedly one of the most successful pathogens in the modern healthcare system. With invasive procedures, antibiotic use and immunocompromised hosts increasing in recent year...Acinetobacter baumannii(A. baumannii) is undoubtedly one of the most successful pathogens in the modern healthcare system. With invasive procedures, antibiotic use and immunocompromised hosts increasing in recent years, A. baumannii has become endemic in hospitals due to its versatile genetic machinery, which allows it to quickly evolve resistance factors, and to its remarkable ability to tolerate harsh environments. Infections and outbreaks caused by multidrugresistant A. baumannii(MDRAB) are prevalent and have been reported worldwide over the past twenty or more years. To address this problem effectively, knowledge of species identification, typing methods, clinical manifestations, risk factors, and virulence factors is essential. The global epidemiology of MDRAB is monitored by persistent surveillance programs. Because few effective antibiotics are available, clinicians often face serious challenges when treating patients with MDRAB. Therefore, a deep understanding of the resistance mechanisms used by MDRAB can shed light on two possible strategies to combat the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance: stringent infection control and antibiotic treatments, of which colistin-based combination therapy is the mainstream strategy. However, due to the current unsatisfying therapeutic outcomes, there is a great need to develop and evaluate the efficacy of new antibiotics and to understand the role of other potential alternatives, such as antimicrobial peptides, in the treatment of MDRAB infections.展开更多
AIM： Enterovirus 71 （EV71） has been implicated as the etiological agent responsible for the recent outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease associated with severe neurological diseases in the Asia-Pacific region. ...AIM： Enterovirus 71 （EV71） has been implicated as the etiological agent responsible for the recent outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease associated with severe neurological diseases in the Asia-Pacific region. METHODS： The assembly process was hypothesized to occur via an orchestrated proteolytic processing of the P1 precursor by the viral protease 3CD. To test this hypothesis, we constructed 3 recombinant baculoviruses： Bac-P1 expressing P1; Bac-3CD expressing 3CD; and Bac-P1-3CD co-expressing P1 and 3CD. RESULTS： Both single infection by Bac-P1-3CD and coinfection by Bac-P1 and Bac-3CD resulted in correct cleavage of P1 to yield individual proteins VP0, VP1 and VP3, while the former approach yielded higher VLP production. In the cells, the structural proteins selfassembled into clusters of virus-like particles （VLP） resembling the authentic EV71 particle aggregates. After ultracentrifugation purification, the dispersed VLPs were indistinguishable from the authentic virus in size, appearance, composition and surface epitopes, as determined by SDS-PAGE, Western blot, transmission electron microscopy and immunogold labeling. CONCLUSION： Our data, for the first time, suggest that in insect cells EV71 structural proteins adopt a processing and assembly pathway similar to poliovirus assembly. The preservation of particle morphology and composition suggest that the VLP may be a valuable vaccine candidate to prevent EV71 epidemics.展开更多
AIM: To explore the anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) effects of Boehmeria nivea (B. nivea) root extract (BNE) by using the HepG2 2.2.15 cell model system. METHODS: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B virus e ...AIM: To explore the anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) effects of Boehmeria nivea (B. nivea) root extract (BNE) by using the HepG2 2.2.15 cell model system. METHODS: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg), and HBV DNA were measured by using ELISA and real-time PCR, respectively. Viral DNA replication and RNA expression were determined by using Southern and Northern blot, respectively. RESULTS: In HepG2 2.2.15 cells, HBeAg (60%, P < 0.01) and particle-associated HBV DNA (> 99%, P < 0.01) secretion into supernatant were significantly inhibited by BNE at a dose of 100 mg/L, whereas the HBsAg was not inhibited. With different doses of BNE, the reduced HBeAg was correlated with the inhibition of HBV DNA. The anti-HBV effect of BNE was not caused by its cytotoxicity to cells or inhibition of viral DNA replication and RNA expression. CONCLUSION: BNE could effectively reduce the HBV production and its anti-HBV machinery might differ from the nucleoside analogues.展开更多
Astrodynamical space test of relativity using optical devices optimized for gravitation wave detection （ASTROD- GW） is an optimization of ASTROD to focus on the goal of detection of gravitation waves. The detection ...Astrodynamical space test of relativity using optical devices optimized for gravitation wave detection （ASTROD- GW） is an optimization of ASTROD to focus on the goal of detection of gravitation waves. The detection sensitivity is shifted 52 times toward larger wavelength compared with that of laser interferometer space antenna （LISA）. The mission orbits of the three spacecrafts forming a nearly equilateral triangular array are chosen to be near the Sun–Earth Lagrange points L3, L4, and L5. The three spacecrafts range interferometrically with one another with an arm length of about 260 million kilometers. In order to attain the required sensitivity for ASTROD-GW, laser frequency noise must be suppressed to below the secondary noises such as the optical path noise, acceleration noise, etc. For suppressing laser frequency noise, we need to use time delay interferometry （TDI） to match the two different optical paths （times of travel）. Since planets and other solar-system bodies perturb the orbits of ASTROD-GW spacecraft and affect the TDI, we simulate the time delay numerically using CGC 2.7 （here, CGC stands for center for gravitation and cosmology） ephemeris framework. To conform to the ASTROD-GW planning, we work out a set of 20-year optimized mission orbits of ASTROD-GW spacecraft starting at June 21, 2028, and calculate the differences in optical path in the first and second generation TDIs separately for one-detector case. In our optimized mission orbits of 20 years, changes of arm lengths are less than 0.0003 AU; the relative Doppler velocities are all less than 3m/s. All the second generation TDI for one-detector case satisfies the ASTROD-GW requirement.展开更多
Liver cancer is one of the world's most common cancers and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), a primary hepatic cancer, accounts for 90%-95% of liver cancer cases. The pathog...Liver cancer is one of the world's most common cancers and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), a primary hepatic cancer, accounts for 90%-95% of liver cancer cases. The pathogenesis of HCC consists of a stepwise process of liver damage that extends over decades, due to hepatitis, fatty liver, fibrosis, and cirrhosis before developing fully into HCC. Multiple risk factors are highly correlated with HCC, including infection with the hepatitis B or C viruses, alcohol abuse, aflatoxin exposure, and metabolic diseases. Over the last decade, genetic alterations, which include the regulation of multiple oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes and the activation of tumorigenesis-related pathways, have also been identified as important factors in HCC. Recently, zebrafish have become an important living vertebrate model organism, especially for translational medical research. In studies focusing on the biology of cancer, carcinogen induced tumors in zebrafish were found to have many similarities to human tumors. Several zebrafish models have therefore been developed to provide insight into the pathogenesis of liver cancer and the related drug discovery and toxicology, and to enable the evaluation of novel smallmolecule inhibitors. This review will focus on illustrativeexamples involving the application of zebrafish models to the study of human liver disease and HCC, through transgenesis, genome editing technology, xenografts,drug discovery, and drug-induced toxic liver injury.展开更多
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) neutrophil-activating protein (HP-NAP) was originally identified as a virulence factor of H. pylori for its ability to activate neutrophils to generate respiratory burst by releasing re...Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) neutrophil-activating protein (HP-NAP) was originally identified as a virulence factor of H. pylori for its ability to activate neutrophils to generate respiratory burst by releasing reactive oxygen species. Later on, HP-NAP was also found to be involved in the protection of H. pylori from DNA damage, supporting the survival of H. pylori under oxidative stress. This protein is highly conserved and expressed by virtually all clinical isolates of H. pylori. The majority of patients infected with H. pylori produced antibodies specific for HP-NAP, suggesting its important role in immunity. In addition to acting as a pathogenic factor by activating the innate immunity through a wide range of human leukocytes, including neutrophils, monocytes, and mast cells, HP-NAP also mediates adaptive immunity through the induction of T helper cell type I responses. The pro-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of HP-NAP not only make it play an important role in disease pathogenesis but also make it a potential candidate for clinical use. Even though there is no convincing evidence to link HP-NAP to a disease outcome, recent findings supporting the pathogenic role of HP-NAP will be reviewed. In addition, the potential clinical applications of HP-NAP in vaccine development, clinical diagnosis, and drug development will be discussed.展开更多
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of long-term exposure to moxa smoke on acupuncturists and to consider the association between physical symptoms and gender, age, secondhand smoke(SHS) exposure, and the duration o...OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of long-term exposure to moxa smoke on acupuncturists and to consider the association between physical symptoms and gender, age, secondhand smoke(SHS) exposure, and the duration of exposure.METHODS: A self-report, web-based questionnaire was used to evaluate the effects of moxa smoke onacupuncturists. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between physical symptoms and possible correlative factors.RESULTS: A total of 858 questionnaires were analyzed. The data showed that 42.42% of acupuncturists had been exposed to moxa smoke for 5-10 years. The most frequent symptom was tearing(32.98%) and the least frequent symptom was asthma(5.24%). Logistic regression analysis showed that female acupuncturists were slightly more susceptible to cough and tearing than males(cough:OR: 1.583, 95% CI: 1.079, 2.321, P = 0.019; tearing:OR: 1.519, 95% CI: 1.094, 2.108, P = 0.013). Acupuncturists aged over 25 years reported a slightly lower incidence of eye itchiness than those aged under25 years(26-40 years: OR: 0.604, 95% CI: 0.379,0.965, P = 0.035; over 40 years: OR: 0.330, 95% CI:0.114, 0.958, P = 0.042). Ophthalmodynia occurred less in acupuncturists aged 26-40 years(OR: 0.591,95% CI: 0.359, 0.970, P = 0.038) than in those younger than 25 years. The only association between prevalence of symptoms and tobacco use and SHS exposure was that smokers had a lower occurrence of phlegm in the throat(OR: 0.579, 95% CI: 0.392,0.856, P = 0.006). Shortness of breath was less frequent in participants exposed to moxa smoke for more than 5 years(5-10 years: OR: 0.400, 95% CI:0.204, 0.785, P = 0.008; 11-20 years: OR: 0.392, 95%CI: 0.178, 0.864, P = 0.02), but a slightly higher incidence of eye itchiness was found in those with over20 years of moxa exposure(OR: 4.200, 95% CI:1.344, 3.128, P = 0.014).CONCLUSION: The most frequent symptom of moxa smoke exposure in acupuncturists was tear-ing. The association of symptoms with age and duration of exposure to moxa smoke were rather complicated; hence, care should be taken in drawing conclusions about the safety of moxa smoke based solely on its potentially harmful ingredients.展开更多
Head and neck(HN)cancer is an endemic disease in Taiwan,China.Locally recurrent HN cancer after full-dose irradia-tion poses a therapeutic challenge,and boron neutron capture therapy(BNCT)may be a solution that could ...Head and neck(HN)cancer is an endemic disease in Taiwan,China.Locally recurrent HN cancer after full-dose irradia-tion poses a therapeutic challenge,and boron neutron capture therapy(BNCT)may be a solution that could provide durable local control with tolerable toxicity.The Tsing-Hua Open Pool Reactor(THOR)at National Tsing-Hua University in Hsin-Chu,provides a high-quality epithermal neutron source for basic and clinical BNCT research.Our first clinical trial,entitled“A phase I/II trial of boron neutron capture therapy for recurrent head and neck cancer at THOR”,was carried out between 2010 and 2013.A total of 17 patients with 23 recurrent HN tumors who had received high-dose photon irradiation were enrolled in the study.The fructose complex of l-boronophenylalanine was used as a boron carrier,and a two-fraction BNCT treatment regimen at 28-day intervals was used for each patient.Toxicity was acceptable,and although the response rate was high(12/17),re-recurrence within or near the radiation site was common.To obtain better local control,another clinical trial entitled“A phase I/II trial of boron neutron capture therapy combined with image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy(IG-IMRT)for locally recurrent HN cancer”was initiated in 2014.The first administration of BNCT was performed according to our previous protocol,and IG-IMRT was initiated 28 days after BNCT.As of May 2017,seven patients have been treated with this combination.The treatment-related toxicity was similar to that previously observed with two BNCT applications.Three patients had a complete response,but locoregional recurrence was the major cause of failure despite initially good responses.Future clinical trials combining BNCT with other local or systemic treatments will be carried out for recurrent HN cancer patients at THOR.展开更多
AIM： To study the baculovirus/mammalian cell system for efficient expression of functional large hepatitis delta antigen （L-HDAg）. METHODS： A recombinant baculovirus expressing histidine-tagged L-HDAg （L-HDAgH） ...AIM： To study the baculovirus/mammalian cell system for efficient expression of functional large hepatitis delta antigen （L-HDAg）. METHODS： A recombinant baculovirus expressing histidine-tagged L-HDAg （L-HDAgH） was constructed to transduce baby hamster kidney （BHK） cells by a simplified transduction protocol. RESULTS： The recombinant baculovirus transduced BHK cells with efficiencies higher than 90% as determined by flow cytometry. The expression level was significantly higher than that obtained by plasmid transfection and was further enhanced 3-fold to around 19 pg/cell by the addition of 10 mmol/L sodium butyrate. Importantly, the expressed L-HDAgH was localized to the cell nucleus and correctly isoprenylated as determined by immunofluorescence labeling and confocal microscopy. Moreover, L-HDAgH interacted with hepatitis B surface antigen to form virus-like particles. CONCLUSION： The fusion with histidine tags as well as overexpression of L-HDAgH in the baculovirus-transduced BHK cells does not impair the biological functions. Taken together, the baculovirus/mammalian cell system offers an attractive alternative for high level expression of L-HDAgH or other proteins that require extensive posttranslational modifications.展开更多
Sub-micron-structure machining on silicon substrate was studied by direct writing system of femtosecond laser with the central wavelength of 800 nm, pulse duration of 120 fs and repetition rate of 1 kHz. Three kinds o...Sub-micron-structure machining on silicon substrate was studied by direct writing system of femtosecond laser with the central wavelength of 800 nm, pulse duration of 120 fs and repetition rate of 1 kHz. Three kinds of experiments were conducted: 1) the effect of photoresist on silicon; 2) machinability of different orientations of silicon; and 3) the size of micro-structure and the cross-section shape. Photoresist SU8 was coated onto silicon substrates in thicknesses of 100 μm. SU8 remained on the silicon substrate while the silicon under the machined SU8 was removed after laser machining. Orientations of (100), (110), and (111) silicon substrates were machined with the laser power of 60 μW and the scanning speed of 3 mm/min. Spike morphologies were observed on all three orientations of silicon substrates without obvious directional difference of these spikes on different silicon substrates. In addition, the ablation threshold energies were also similar. In the consideration of ablation energy, one numerical model of the machining parameters has been proposed to simulate the cross-section of the micro-structure. The predicted shape by simulation can fit the profile of the cross-section shape well.展开更多
Multi-way principal component analysis (MPCA) is the most widely utilized multivariate statistical process control method for batch processes. Previous research on MPCA has commonly agreed that it is not a suitable me...Multi-way principal component analysis (MPCA) is the most widely utilized multivariate statistical process control method for batch processes. Previous research on MPCA has commonly agreed that it is not a suitable method for multiphase batch process analysis. In this paper, abundant phase information is revealed by way of partitioning MPCA model, and a new phase identification method based on global dynamic information is proposed. The application to injection molding shows that it is a feasible and effective method for multiphase batch process knowledge understanding, phase division and process monitoring.展开更多
BACKGROUND The current case report describes successful phacoemulsification with the aid of perioperative topical ascorbic acid(AA) in two patients with corneal endothelial disorders to prevent postoperative corneal e...BACKGROUND The current case report describes successful phacoemulsification with the aid of perioperative topical ascorbic acid(AA) in two patients with corneal endothelial disorders to prevent postoperative corneal endothelial decompensation.CASE SUMMARY Two eyes of two patients underwent phacoemulsification with pre-existing corneal endothelial disorders including Fuchs corneal endothelial dystrophy(Patient 1) and endotheliitis(Patient 2). Topical AA was applied to both patients at least one month before and after with a frequency of four times per day. After the surgery, both eyes improved best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA) and there was limited human corneal endothelial cell loss without signs of corneal endothelial decompensation, such as deteriorated BCVA or persistent corneal edema during the follow-up of at least two years.CONCLUSION Perioperative administration of topical AA may be an alternative therapy to the triple procedure in patients expecting to undergo cataract surgery.展开更多
AIM： To identify the genes related to lymph node metastasis in human hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）, 32 HCC patients with or without lymph node metastasis were investigated by high-throughput microarray comprising ...AIM： To identify the genes related to lymph node metastasis in human hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）, 32 HCC patients with or without lymph node metastasis were investigated by high-throughput microarray comprising 886 genes. METHODS： The samples of cancerous and noncancerous paired tissue were taken from 32 patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy with lymph node dissection. Total RNA was extracted from the cells obtained by means of laser microdissection （LCM） and was amplified by the T7-based amplification system. Then, the amplified samples were applied in the cDNA microarray comprising of 886 genes. RESULTS： The results demonstrated that 25 upregulated genes such as cell membrane receptor, intraceliular signaling and cell adhesion related genes, and 48 down-regulated genes such as intracellular signaling and cell cycle regulator-related genes, were correlated with lymph node metastasis in HCC. Amongst them were included some interesting genes, such as MET, EPHA2, CCND1, MMP2, MMP13, CASP3, CDH1, and PTPN2. Expression of 16 genes （MET, CCND1, CCIVD2, VEGF, KRT18, RFC4, BIRC5, CDC6, MMP2, BCL2A1, CDH1, VIM, PDGFRA, PTPN2, SLC25A5 and DSP） were further confirmed by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptional polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. CONCLUSION： Tumor metastasis is an important biological characteristic, which involves multiple genetic changes and cumulation. This genome-wide information contributes to an improved understanding of molecular alterations during lymph node metastasis in HCC. It may help clinicians to predict metastasis of lymph nodes and assist researchers in identifying novel therapeutic targets for metastatic HCC patients.展开更多
AIM： To identify biomarkers indicating virus-specific hepatocarcinogenic process, differential mRNA expression in 32 patients with hepatitis B virus （HBV）-/hepatitis C virus （HCV）-associated hepatocellular carcin...AIM： To identify biomarkers indicating virus-specific hepatocarcinogenic process, differential mRNA expression in 32 patients with hepatitis B virus （HBV）-/hepatitis C virus （HCV）-associated hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） were investigated by means of cDNA microarrays comprising of 886 genes. METHODS： Thirty two HCC patients were divided into two groups based on viral markers： hepatitis B virus positive and HCV positive. The expression profiles of 32 pairs of specimens （tumorous and surrounding nontumorous liver tissues）, consisting of 886 genes were analyzed. RESULTS： Seven up-regulated genes in HBV-associated HCC comprised genes involved in protein synthesis （RPSS）, cytoskeletal organization （KRTS）, apoptosis related genes （CFLAR）, transport （ATPSF1）, cell membrane receptor related genes （IGFBP2）, signal transduction or transcription related genes （MAP3KS）, and metastasis-related genes （MMP9）. The up-regulated genes in HCV-infected group included 4 genes： V/M （cell structure）, ACTB （cell structure）, GAPD （glycolysis） and CD58 （cell adhesion）. The expression patterns of the 11 genes, identified by cDNA microarray, were confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR in 32 specimens.CONCLUSION： The patterns of all identified genes were classified based on the viral factor involved in HBV- and HCV-associated HCC. Our results strongly suggest that the pattern of gene expression in HCC is closely associated with the etiologic factor. The present study indicates that HBV and HCV cause hepatocarcinogenesis by different mechanisms, and provide novel tools for the diagnosis and treatment of HBV- and HCV-associated HCC.展开更多
Strong limit theorems are established for weighted sums of widely orthant dependent（WOD） random variables. As corollaries, the strong limit theorems for weighted sums of extended negatively orthant dependent（ENOD）...Strong limit theorems are established for weighted sums of widely orthant dependent（WOD） random variables. As corollaries, the strong limit theorems for weighted sums of extended negatively orthant dependent（ENOD） random variables are also obtained, which extend and improve the related known works in the literature.展开更多
Coating slurries for making anodes and cathodes of lithium batteries contain a large percentage of solid particles of different chemicals, sizes and shapes in highly viscous media. A thorough mixing of these slurries ...Coating slurries for making anodes and cathodes of lithium batteries contain a large percentage of solid particles of different chemicals, sizes and shapes in highly viscous media. A thorough mixing of these slurries poses a major challenge in the battery manufacturing process. Several types of mixing devices and mixing methods were examined. The conventional turbine stirrers or ball mill mixers could be adequately used for the preparation of anode slurries, but not suitable for cathode slurries. In this study, a newly three-dimensional mixer, in conjunction with a multi-stage mixing sequence was proposed. The mixing effectiveness was examined by means of rheological measurements and flow visualization techniques. Preliminary electrical performance results indicated that the battery obtained using the 3D mixing device with a multi-stage mixing sequence was more efficient to those obtained from conventional methods.展开更多
The characteristics of diffusion are essential to the transport of radionuclides through buffer/backfill materials, such as bentonite, which are commonly found in waste repositories. This study used through-diffusion ...The characteristics of diffusion are essential to the transport of radionuclides through buffer/backfill materials, such as bentonite, which are commonly found in waste repositories. This study used through-diffusion techniques to investigate the diffusion behavior of HTO and ^(99)TcO_4^- on GMZ bentonite of various densities. Diffusion rates were calculated by measuring the diffusion coefficients(De, Da), plotting breakthrough curves and interpreting experiment data. The apparent and effective diffusion coefficients of HTO ranged from(1.68 ± 0.40) 9 × 10^(-11) to(2.80 ± 0.62) 9 × 10^(-11) m^2/s and from(4.61 ±1.28) 9 × 10^(-12) to (16.2 ± 2.50) 9 × 10^(-12) m^2/s, respectively.The apparent and effective diffusion coefficients of^(99)TcO_4^-ranged from(5.26 ± 0.16) 9 × 10^-12to(7.78 ± 0.43) 9× 10^-12m^2/s and from(1.49 ± 0.002) 9 × 10^(-12) to(4.16 ±0.07) 9 × 10^(-12) m^2/s, respectively. The distribution coefficients of HTO and^(99)TcO_4^-ranged from(0.70 ± 0.12) 9× 10^(-2) to(1.36 ± 0.53) 9 × 10^(-2) mL/g and from(1.12 ±0.06) 9 × 10^(-2) to(5.79 ± 2.22) 9 × 10^(-2) mL/g, respectively.The Deand Kdvalues were shown to decrease with an increase in the bulk dry density of compacted bentonite. Our results show that HTO and ^(99)Tc could be considered nonsorbent radionuclides. The data obtained in this studyprovide a valuable reference for the safety assessment of waste repositories.展开更多
文摘The role of entropy and enthalpy plays an essential key for the formation of an alloy. This paper illustrates how an alloy is to form and what and why the properties of the alloy are going to have by the entropy and enthalpy effects via a designed enthalpy-entropy plane (EE-plane) based on the Gibbs free energy equation and the introducing a charactering pseudo-unitary lattice (PUL) for entropy alloys. Based on the PUL scheme, the so-called four effects in high entropy alloys are simply nothing but the entropy effect with the other three accompanying effects: the distortion, slow diffusion and cocktail effects.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(12426609,62203220,62373229)the Taishan Scholar Project Foundation of Shandong Province(tsqnz20230619,tsqn202408110)+2 种基金the Fundamental Research Foundation of the Central Universities(23Cx06024A)the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province(ZR2024QF096)the Outstanding Youth Innovation Team in Shandong Higher Education Institutions(2023KJ061).
文摘This paper investigates a multiplayer Pareto game for affine nonlinear stochastic systems disturbed by both external and the internal multiplicative noises.The Pareto cooperative optimal strategies with the H_(∞) constraint are resolved by integrating H_(2)/H_(∞) theory with Pareto game theory.First,a nonlinear stochastic bounded real lemma(SBRL)is derived,explicitly accounting for non-zero initial conditions.Through the analysis of four cross-coupled Hamilton-Jacobi equations(HJEs),we establish necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of Pareto optimal strategies with the H_(∞) constraint.Secondly,to address the complexity of solving these nonlinear partial differential HJEs,we propose a neural network(NN)framework with synchronous tuning rules for the actor,critic,and disturbance components,based on a reinforcement learning(RL)approach.The designed tuning rules ensure convergence of the actor-critic-disturbance components to the desired values,enabling the realization of robust Pareto control strategies.The convergence of the proposed algorithm is rigorously analyzed using a constructed Lyapunov function for the NN weight errors.Finally,a numerical simulation example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods and main results.
基金Supported by Grants from National Science Council, No. NSC98-2313-B-007-005-MY3, NSC98-3112-B-007-004 and NSC98-2627-B-007-013Boost Grant of National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan
文摘AIM: To determine the number of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in gastric mucosa of patients with gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of gastric antrum biopsy specimens from healthy controls (n = 22) and patients with gastritis (n = 30), peptic ulcer (n = 83), or gastric cancer (n = 32). Expression of CD4, CD25 and Foxp3 was determined by immunohistochemistry in three consecutive sections per sample.RESULTS: Compared with healthy controls, there was an increased number of CD25+ and Foxp3+ cells in patients with gastritis (P = 0.004 and P = 0.008), peptic ulcer (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001), and gastric cancer (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001). The ratio of CD25+/CD4+ or Foxp3+/CD4+ cells was also significantly higher in all disease groups (P < 0.001, respectively). The number of CD4+, CD25+, and Foxp3+ cells, and the ratio of CD25+/CD4+ and Foxp3+/CD4+ cells, were associated with the histological grade of the specimens, including acute inflammation, chronic inflammation, lymphoid follicle number, and Helicobacter pylori infection. The number of CD4+, CD25+ and Foxp3+ cells, and the ratio of CD25+/CD4+ and Foxp3+/CD4+ cells, were negatively associated with intestinal metaplasia among gastritis (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.002 and P = 0.002) and peptic ulcer groups (P = 0.013, P = 0.004, P < 0.001, P = 0.040 and P = 0.003).
文摘Acinetobacter baumannii(A. baumannii) is undoubtedly one of the most successful pathogens in the modern healthcare system. With invasive procedures, antibiotic use and immunocompromised hosts increasing in recent years, A. baumannii has become endemic in hospitals due to its versatile genetic machinery, which allows it to quickly evolve resistance factors, and to its remarkable ability to tolerate harsh environments. Infections and outbreaks caused by multidrugresistant A. baumannii(MDRAB) are prevalent and have been reported worldwide over the past twenty or more years. To address this problem effectively, knowledge of species identification, typing methods, clinical manifestations, risk factors, and virulence factors is essential. The global epidemiology of MDRAB is monitored by persistent surveillance programs. Because few effective antibiotics are available, clinicians often face serious challenges when treating patients with MDRAB. Therefore, a deep understanding of the resistance mechanisms used by MDRAB can shed light on two possible strategies to combat the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance: stringent infection control and antibiotic treatments, of which colistin-based combination therapy is the mainstream strategy. However, due to the current unsatisfying therapeutic outcomes, there is a great need to develop and evaluate the efficacy of new antibiotics and to understand the role of other potential alternatives, such as antimicrobial peptides, in the treatment of MDRAB infections.
基金Supported by the National Science Council,No.93-2214-E-007-016 Ministry of Economic Affairs,No.93-EC-17A-17S1-0009
文摘AIM： Enterovirus 71 （EV71） has been implicated as the etiological agent responsible for the recent outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease associated with severe neurological diseases in the Asia-Pacific region. METHODS： The assembly process was hypothesized to occur via an orchestrated proteolytic processing of the P1 precursor by the viral protease 3CD. To test this hypothesis, we constructed 3 recombinant baculoviruses： Bac-P1 expressing P1; Bac-3CD expressing 3CD; and Bac-P1-3CD co-expressing P1 and 3CD. RESULTS： Both single infection by Bac-P1-3CD and coinfection by Bac-P1 and Bac-3CD resulted in correct cleavage of P1 to yield individual proteins VP0, VP1 and VP3, while the former approach yielded higher VLP production. In the cells, the structural proteins selfassembled into clusters of virus-like particles （VLP） resembling the authentic EV71 particle aggregates. After ultracentrifugation purification, the dispersed VLPs were indistinguishable from the authentic virus in size, appearance, composition and surface epitopes, as determined by SDS-PAGE, Western blot, transmission electron microscopy and immunogold labeling. CONCLUSION： Our data, for the first time, suggest that in insect cells EV71 structural proteins adopt a processing and assembly pathway similar to poliovirus assembly. The preservation of particle morphology and composition suggest that the VLP may be a valuable vaccine candidate to prevent EV71 epidemics.
文摘AIM: To explore the anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) effects of Boehmeria nivea (B. nivea) root extract (BNE) by using the HepG2 2.2.15 cell model system. METHODS: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg), and HBV DNA were measured by using ELISA and real-time PCR, respectively. Viral DNA replication and RNA expression were determined by using Southern and Northern blot, respectively. RESULTS: In HepG2 2.2.15 cells, HBeAg (60%, P < 0.01) and particle-associated HBV DNA (> 99%, P < 0.01) secretion into supernatant were significantly inhibited by BNE at a dose of 100 mg/L, whereas the HBsAg was not inhibited. With different doses of BNE, the reduced HBeAg was correlated with the inhibition of HBV DNA. The anti-HBV effect of BNE was not caused by its cytotoxicity to cells or inhibition of viral DNA replication and RNA expression. CONCLUSION: BNE could effectively reduce the HBV production and its anti-HBV machinery might differ from the nucleoside analogues.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 10778710 and 10875171)
文摘Astrodynamical space test of relativity using optical devices optimized for gravitation wave detection （ASTROD- GW） is an optimization of ASTROD to focus on the goal of detection of gravitation waves. The detection sensitivity is shifted 52 times toward larger wavelength compared with that of laser interferometer space antenna （LISA）. The mission orbits of the three spacecrafts forming a nearly equilateral triangular array are chosen to be near the Sun–Earth Lagrange points L3, L4, and L5. The three spacecrafts range interferometrically with one another with an arm length of about 260 million kilometers. In order to attain the required sensitivity for ASTROD-GW, laser frequency noise must be suppressed to below the secondary noises such as the optical path noise, acceleration noise, etc. For suppressing laser frequency noise, we need to use time delay interferometry （TDI） to match the two different optical paths （times of travel）. Since planets and other solar-system bodies perturb the orbits of ASTROD-GW spacecraft and affect the TDI, we simulate the time delay numerically using CGC 2.7 （here, CGC stands for center for gravitation and cosmology） ephemeris framework. To conform to the ASTROD-GW planning, we work out a set of 20-year optimized mission orbits of ASTROD-GW spacecraft starting at June 21, 2028, and calculate the differences in optical path in the first and second generation TDIs separately for one-detector case. In our optimized mission orbits of 20 years, changes of arm lengths are less than 0.0003 AU; the relative Doppler velocities are all less than 3m/s. All the second generation TDI for one-detector case satisfies the ASTROD-GW requirement.
基金Supported by Grants from the National Science Council,NSC102-2314-B-002-142-MY3 and NSC-102-2628-B-002-029-MY3,Taiwan
文摘Liver cancer is one of the world's most common cancers and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), a primary hepatic cancer, accounts for 90%-95% of liver cancer cases. The pathogenesis of HCC consists of a stepwise process of liver damage that extends over decades, due to hepatitis, fatty liver, fibrosis, and cirrhosis before developing fully into HCC. Multiple risk factors are highly correlated with HCC, including infection with the hepatitis B or C viruses, alcohol abuse, aflatoxin exposure, and metabolic diseases. Over the last decade, genetic alterations, which include the regulation of multiple oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes and the activation of tumorigenesis-related pathways, have also been identified as important factors in HCC. Recently, zebrafish have become an important living vertebrate model organism, especially for translational medical research. In studies focusing on the biology of cancer, carcinogen induced tumors in zebrafish were found to have many similarities to human tumors. Several zebrafish models have therefore been developed to provide insight into the pathogenesis of liver cancer and the related drug discovery and toxicology, and to enable the evaluation of novel smallmolecule inhibitors. This review will focus on illustrativeexamples involving the application of zebrafish models to the study of human liver disease and HCC, through transgenesis, genome editing technology, xenografts,drug discovery, and drug-induced toxic liver injury.
基金Supported by National Science Council of Taiwan,No.NSC101-2311-B-007-007
文摘Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) neutrophil-activating protein (HP-NAP) was originally identified as a virulence factor of H. pylori for its ability to activate neutrophils to generate respiratory burst by releasing reactive oxygen species. Later on, HP-NAP was also found to be involved in the protection of H. pylori from DNA damage, supporting the survival of H. pylori under oxidative stress. This protein is highly conserved and expressed by virtually all clinical isolates of H. pylori. The majority of patients infected with H. pylori produced antibodies specific for HP-NAP, suggesting its important role in immunity. In addition to acting as a pathogenic factor by activating the innate immunity through a wide range of human leukocytes, including neutrophils, monocytes, and mast cells, HP-NAP also mediates adaptive immunity through the induction of T helper cell type I responses. The pro-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of HP-NAP not only make it play an important role in disease pathogenesis but also make it a potential candidate for clinical use. Even though there is no convincing evidence to link HP-NAP to a disease outcome, recent findings supporting the pathogenic role of HP-NAP will be reviewed. In addition, the potential clinical applications of HP-NAP in vaccine development, clinical diagnosis, and drug development will be discussed.
基金Supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(973 Program,No.2015CB554504)
文摘OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of long-term exposure to moxa smoke on acupuncturists and to consider the association between physical symptoms and gender, age, secondhand smoke(SHS) exposure, and the duration of exposure.METHODS: A self-report, web-based questionnaire was used to evaluate the effects of moxa smoke onacupuncturists. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between physical symptoms and possible correlative factors.RESULTS: A total of 858 questionnaires were analyzed. The data showed that 42.42% of acupuncturists had been exposed to moxa smoke for 5-10 years. The most frequent symptom was tearing(32.98%) and the least frequent symptom was asthma(5.24%). Logistic regression analysis showed that female acupuncturists were slightly more susceptible to cough and tearing than males(cough:OR: 1.583, 95% CI: 1.079, 2.321, P = 0.019; tearing:OR: 1.519, 95% CI: 1.094, 2.108, P = 0.013). Acupuncturists aged over 25 years reported a slightly lower incidence of eye itchiness than those aged under25 years(26-40 years: OR: 0.604, 95% CI: 0.379,0.965, P = 0.035; over 40 years: OR: 0.330, 95% CI:0.114, 0.958, P = 0.042). Ophthalmodynia occurred less in acupuncturists aged 26-40 years(OR: 0.591,95% CI: 0.359, 0.970, P = 0.038) than in those younger than 25 years. The only association between prevalence of symptoms and tobacco use and SHS exposure was that smokers had a lower occurrence of phlegm in the throat(OR: 0.579, 95% CI: 0.392,0.856, P = 0.006). Shortness of breath was less frequent in participants exposed to moxa smoke for more than 5 years(5-10 years: OR: 0.400, 95% CI:0.204, 0.785, P = 0.008; 11-20 years: OR: 0.392, 95%CI: 0.178, 0.864, P = 0.02), but a slightly higher incidence of eye itchiness was found in those with over20 years of moxa exposure(OR: 4.200, 95% CI:1.344, 3.128, P = 0.014).CONCLUSION: The most frequent symptom of moxa smoke exposure in acupuncturists was tear-ing. The association of symptoms with age and duration of exposure to moxa smoke were rather complicated; hence, care should be taken in drawing conclusions about the safety of moxa smoke based solely on its potentially harmful ingredients.
基金supported by“Ministry of science and technology of Taiwan”,China.
文摘Head and neck(HN)cancer is an endemic disease in Taiwan,China.Locally recurrent HN cancer after full-dose irradia-tion poses a therapeutic challenge,and boron neutron capture therapy(BNCT)may be a solution that could provide durable local control with tolerable toxicity.The Tsing-Hua Open Pool Reactor(THOR)at National Tsing-Hua University in Hsin-Chu,provides a high-quality epithermal neutron source for basic and clinical BNCT research.Our first clinical trial,entitled“A phase I/II trial of boron neutron capture therapy for recurrent head and neck cancer at THOR”,was carried out between 2010 and 2013.A total of 17 patients with 23 recurrent HN tumors who had received high-dose photon irradiation were enrolled in the study.The fructose complex of l-boronophenylalanine was used as a boron carrier,and a two-fraction BNCT treatment regimen at 28-day intervals was used for each patient.Toxicity was acceptable,and although the response rate was high(12/17),re-recurrence within or near the radiation site was common.To obtain better local control,another clinical trial entitled“A phase I/II trial of boron neutron capture therapy combined with image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy(IG-IMRT)for locally recurrent HN cancer”was initiated in 2014.The first administration of BNCT was performed according to our previous protocol,and IG-IMRT was initiated 28 days after BNCT.As of May 2017,seven patients have been treated with this combination.The treatment-related toxicity was similar to that previously observed with two BNCT applications.Three patients had a complete response,but locoregional recurrence was the major cause of failure despite initially good responses.Future clinical trials combining BNCT with other local or systemic treatments will be carried out for recurrent HN cancer patients at THOR.
基金Supported by National Health Research Institutes (NHRI-EX94-9412EI) VTY Joint Research Program, Tsou's Foundation (VGHUST94-P6-32)
文摘AIM： To study the baculovirus/mammalian cell system for efficient expression of functional large hepatitis delta antigen （L-HDAg）. METHODS： A recombinant baculovirus expressing histidine-tagged L-HDAg （L-HDAgH） was constructed to transduce baby hamster kidney （BHK） cells by a simplified transduction protocol. RESULTS： The recombinant baculovirus transduced BHK cells with efficiencies higher than 90% as determined by flow cytometry. The expression level was significantly higher than that obtained by plasmid transfection and was further enhanced 3-fold to around 19 pg/cell by the addition of 10 mmol/L sodium butyrate. Importantly, the expressed L-HDAgH was localized to the cell nucleus and correctly isoprenylated as determined by immunofluorescence labeling and confocal microscopy. Moreover, L-HDAgH interacted with hepatitis B surface antigen to form virus-like particles. CONCLUSION： The fusion with histidine tags as well as overexpression of L-HDAgH in the baculovirus-transduced BHK cells does not impair the biological functions. Taken together, the baculovirus/mammalian cell system offers an attractive alternative for high level expression of L-HDAgH or other proteins that require extensive posttranslational modifications.
基金Prof.Hai-Lung TSAI (Mechanical Engineering,Missouri University of Science and Technology,USA) for his laser system and the National Science Council for supporting the research project under the contract No. NSC-97-2622-E-007-004-CC3
文摘Sub-micron-structure machining on silicon substrate was studied by direct writing system of femtosecond laser with the central wavelength of 800 nm, pulse duration of 120 fs and repetition rate of 1 kHz. Three kinds of experiments were conducted: 1) the effect of photoresist on silicon; 2) machinability of different orientations of silicon; and 3) the size of micro-structure and the cross-section shape. Photoresist SU8 was coated onto silicon substrates in thicknesses of 100 μm. SU8 remained on the silicon substrate while the silicon under the machined SU8 was removed after laser machining. Orientations of (100), (110), and (111) silicon substrates were machined with the laser power of 60 μW and the scanning speed of 3 mm/min. Spike morphologies were observed on all three orientations of silicon substrates without obvious directional difference of these spikes on different silicon substrates. In addition, the ablation threshold energies were also similar. In the consideration of ablation energy, one numerical model of the machining parameters has been proposed to simulate the cross-section of the micro-structure. The predicted shape by simulation can fit the profile of the cross-section shape well.
基金Supported by the Guangzhou Scientific and Technological Project (2012J5100032)Nansha District Independent Innovation Project (201103003)
文摘Multi-way principal component analysis (MPCA) is the most widely utilized multivariate statistical process control method for batch processes. Previous research on MPCA has commonly agreed that it is not a suitable method for multiphase batch process analysis. In this paper, abundant phase information is revealed by way of partitioning MPCA model, and a new phase identification method based on global dynamic information is proposed. The application to injection molding shows that it is a feasible and effective method for multiphase batch process knowledge understanding, phase division and process monitoring.
基金Supported by the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital,No.CMRPG3F1471~2 and No.CMRPG3G0031~3the Ministry of Science and Technology No.MOST106-2314-B-182A-042-34 and No.MOST 107-2314-B-182A-088-MY3
文摘BACKGROUND The current case report describes successful phacoemulsification with the aid of perioperative topical ascorbic acid(AA) in two patients with corneal endothelial disorders to prevent postoperative corneal endothelial decompensation.CASE SUMMARY Two eyes of two patients underwent phacoemulsification with pre-existing corneal endothelial disorders including Fuchs corneal endothelial dystrophy(Patient 1) and endotheliitis(Patient 2). Topical AA was applied to both patients at least one month before and after with a frequency of four times per day. After the surgery, both eyes improved best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA) and there was limited human corneal endothelial cell loss without signs of corneal endothelial decompensation, such as deteriorated BCVA or persistent corneal edema during the follow-up of at least two years.CONCLUSION Perioperative administration of topical AA may be an alternative therapy to the triple procedure in patients expecting to undergo cataract surgery.
文摘AIM： To identify the genes related to lymph node metastasis in human hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）, 32 HCC patients with or without lymph node metastasis were investigated by high-throughput microarray comprising 886 genes. METHODS： The samples of cancerous and noncancerous paired tissue were taken from 32 patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy with lymph node dissection. Total RNA was extracted from the cells obtained by means of laser microdissection （LCM） and was amplified by the T7-based amplification system. Then, the amplified samples were applied in the cDNA microarray comprising of 886 genes. RESULTS： The results demonstrated that 25 upregulated genes such as cell membrane receptor, intraceliular signaling and cell adhesion related genes, and 48 down-regulated genes such as intracellular signaling and cell cycle regulator-related genes, were correlated with lymph node metastasis in HCC. Amongst them were included some interesting genes, such as MET, EPHA2, CCND1, MMP2, MMP13, CASP3, CDH1, and PTPN2. Expression of 16 genes （MET, CCND1, CCIVD2, VEGF, KRT18, RFC4, BIRC5, CDC6, MMP2, BCL2A1, CDH1, VIM, PDGFRA, PTPN2, SLC25A5 and DSP） were further confirmed by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptional polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. CONCLUSION： Tumor metastasis is an important biological characteristic, which involves multiple genetic changes and cumulation. This genome-wide information contributes to an improved understanding of molecular alterations during lymph node metastasis in HCC. It may help clinicians to predict metastasis of lymph nodes and assist researchers in identifying novel therapeutic targets for metastatic HCC patients.
文摘AIM： To identify biomarkers indicating virus-specific hepatocarcinogenic process, differential mRNA expression in 32 patients with hepatitis B virus （HBV）-/hepatitis C virus （HCV）-associated hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） were investigated by means of cDNA microarrays comprising of 886 genes. METHODS： Thirty two HCC patients were divided into two groups based on viral markers： hepatitis B virus positive and HCV positive. The expression profiles of 32 pairs of specimens （tumorous and surrounding nontumorous liver tissues）, consisting of 886 genes were analyzed. RESULTS： Seven up-regulated genes in HBV-associated HCC comprised genes involved in protein synthesis （RPSS）, cytoskeletal organization （KRTS）, apoptosis related genes （CFLAR）, transport （ATPSF1）, cell membrane receptor related genes （IGFBP2）, signal transduction or transcription related genes （MAP3KS）, and metastasis-related genes （MMP9）. The up-regulated genes in HCV-infected group included 4 genes： V/M （cell structure）, ACTB （cell structure）, GAPD （glycolysis） and CD58 （cell adhesion）. The expression patterns of the 11 genes, identified by cDNA microarray, were confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR in 32 specimens.CONCLUSION： The patterns of all identified genes were classified based on the viral factor involved in HBV- and HCV-associated HCC. Our results strongly suggest that the pattern of gene expression in HCC is closely associated with the etiologic factor. The present study indicates that HBV and HCV cause hepatocarcinogenesis by different mechanisms, and provide novel tools for the diagnosis and treatment of HBV- and HCV-associated HCC.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.11271161)
文摘Strong limit theorems are established for weighted sums of widely orthant dependent（WOD） random variables. As corollaries, the strong limit theorems for weighted sums of extended negatively orthant dependent（ENOD） random variables are also obtained, which extend and improve the related known works in the literature.
文摘Coating slurries for making anodes and cathodes of lithium batteries contain a large percentage of solid particles of different chemicals, sizes and shapes in highly viscous media. A thorough mixing of these slurries poses a major challenge in the battery manufacturing process. Several types of mixing devices and mixing methods were examined. The conventional turbine stirrers or ball mill mixers could be adequately used for the preparation of anode slurries, but not suitable for cathode slurries. In this study, a newly three-dimensional mixer, in conjunction with a multi-stage mixing sequence was proposed. The mixing effectiveness was examined by means of rheological measurements and flow visualization techniques. Preliminary electrical performance results indicated that the battery obtained using the 3D mixing device with a multi-stage mixing sequence was more efficient to those obtained from conventional methods.
基金the Nuclear Backend Management Department at Taiwan Power Company for financially supporting this research
文摘The characteristics of diffusion are essential to the transport of radionuclides through buffer/backfill materials, such as bentonite, which are commonly found in waste repositories. This study used through-diffusion techniques to investigate the diffusion behavior of HTO and ^(99)TcO_4^- on GMZ bentonite of various densities. Diffusion rates were calculated by measuring the diffusion coefficients(De, Da), plotting breakthrough curves and interpreting experiment data. The apparent and effective diffusion coefficients of HTO ranged from(1.68 ± 0.40) 9 × 10^(-11) to(2.80 ± 0.62) 9 × 10^(-11) m^2/s and from(4.61 ±1.28) 9 × 10^(-12) to (16.2 ± 2.50) 9 × 10^(-12) m^2/s, respectively.The apparent and effective diffusion coefficients of^(99)TcO_4^-ranged from(5.26 ± 0.16) 9 × 10^-12to(7.78 ± 0.43) 9× 10^-12m^2/s and from(1.49 ± 0.002) 9 × 10^(-12) to(4.16 ±0.07) 9 × 10^(-12) m^2/s, respectively. The distribution coefficients of HTO and^(99)TcO_4^-ranged from(0.70 ± 0.12) 9× 10^(-2) to(1.36 ± 0.53) 9 × 10^(-2) mL/g and from(1.12 ±0.06) 9 × 10^(-2) to(5.79 ± 2.22) 9 × 10^(-2) mL/g, respectively.The Deand Kdvalues were shown to decrease with an increase in the bulk dry density of compacted bentonite. Our results show that HTO and ^(99)Tc could be considered nonsorbent radionuclides. The data obtained in this studyprovide a valuable reference for the safety assessment of waste repositories.
