Electrochemical Cr(VI) reduction using a sacrificial Fe anode: Impacts of solution chemistry and stoichiometry

Chuang, Sheng-Ming,Ya, Vinh,Feng, Chiao-Lin,Lee, Shou-Jen,Choo, Kwang-Ho,Li, Chi-Wang Elsevier 2018 Separation and purification technology Vol.191 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>A systematic investigation of Cr(VI) reduction using electrochemical reduction revealed that the Cr(VI) reduction was extremely fast with reaction kinetics limited by the anodic generation of Fe(II). The Cr(VI) reduction rate increased with decreasing pH at the initial stage of reaction but the time to reach complete Cr(VI) reduction is pH independent. The amount of Fe(II) generated per mole of Cr(VI) reduced was calculated and compared with the stoichiometric value, i.e., 3mole of Fe(II) needed per mole of Cr(VI) reduced. The values are 11.1% higher than the stoichiometric value for pH 7 and 9, but are 32.0% less for pH 3 and 5. The spontaneous reduction of Cr(VI) by Fe<SUP>0</SUP> and adsorption of Cr(VI) to Fe(OH)<SUB>3</SUB> precipitates might contribute the additional Cr(VI) removal. Effect of DO was investigated under various mixing schemes. Under N<SUB>2</SUB> purging, Fe(II) generated for one mole of Cr(VI) reduced is 3.67% higher than the stoichiometric value, while mechanic mixing and aeration mixing show 15% and 19%, respectively, higher than stoichiometric value, indicating that DO does impact Cr(VI) reduction. The electrochemical Cr(VI) reduction process was also employed to treat electroplating wastewater with and without pH pre-adjustment, achieving 100% total Cr and Ni removal for both cases. ORP can be used as a controlling parameter when electrochemical reduction is implemented for Cr(VI) reduction.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Effect of current on Cr(VI) reduction under same current density was studied. </LI> <LI> Effects of initial and fixed pH on Cr(VI) reduction were investigated. </LI> <LI> Effect of DO on Cr(VI) reduction was explored. </LI> <LI> Electrochemical reduction was applied for treating electroplating wastewater. </LI> <LI> ORP is an ideal parameter for controlling electrochemical Cr(VI) reduction. </LI> </UL> </P>

Plant membrane-protein mediated intracellular traffic of fatty acids and acyl lipids

Li-Beisson, Yonghua,Neunzig, Jens,Lee, Youngsook,Philippar, Katrin Elsevier 2017 Current opinion in plant biology Vol.40 No.-

<P>In plants, <I>de novo</I> synthesis of fatty acids (FAs) occurs in plastids, whereas assembly and modification of acyl lipids is accomplished in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and plastids as well as in mitochondria. Subsequently, lipophilic compounds are distributed within the cell and delivered to their destination site. Thus, constant acyl-exchanges between subcellular compartments exist. These can occur via several modes of transport and plant membrane-intrinsic proteins for FA/lipid transfer have been shown to play an essential role in delivery and distribution. Lately, substantial progress has been made in identification and characterization of transport proteins for lipid compounds in plant organelle membranes. In this review, we focus on our current understanding of protein mediated lipid traffic between organelles of land plants.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Increased seed oil synthesis by enhanced pyruvate transport into plastids. </LI> <LI> Identification of a membrane transporter for plastid fatty acid export. </LI> <LI> Mediation of ER to plastid lipid transfer by a P4-type ATPase in the ER. </LI> <LI> A mitochondrial membrane protein for lipid transfer during phosphate starvation. </LI> </UL> </P>

Scrap iron packed in a Ti mesh cage as a sacrificial anode for electrochemical Cr(VI) reduction to treat electroplating wastewater

Ya, Vinh,Guillou, Esther Le,Chen, Yi-Ming,Yu, Jui-Hsuan,Choo, Kwang-Ho,Chuang, Sheng-Ming,Lee, Shou-Jen,Li, Chi-Wang Elsevier 2018 JOURNAL- TAIWAN INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS Vol.87 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>A novel sacrificial anode comprised of scrap iron packed inside a cage made of titanium mesh was developed for Cr(VI) reduction. With electric currents applied, the surface passivation of scrap iron electrode could be avoided. Due to the large surface area with open structures provided, the applied current densities (1.18–3.54 mA/cm<SUP>2</SUP>) were low, resulting in low operating voltage and energy consumption. Complete Cr(VI) removal was achieved with electric currents applied, whereas only 20% of the Cr(VI) was removed without electricity. Direct Cr(VI) reduction on the iron surface was a dominant mechanism for the system operated at low (0.25 A) or no current. Acidic pH levels were more effective in Cr(VI) removal, due to more adsorption of Cr(VI) onto the precipitated Fe hydroxide. The trend in total Cr removal was almost the same as that of Cr(VI) removal, but time required to complete total Cr removal was extended. With intermittent electricity supply at a high electric current intensity, the energy consumption of the system was more efficient. Using scrap iron as a sacrificial anode under the intermittent current condition can save 72–77% of the total operational costs required by the conventional plate electrode.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> A novel anode packed with scrap iron inside a Ti mesh was used for reducing Cr(VI). </LI> <LI> Electroplating wastewater containing Cr(VI) and Ni(II) was treated. </LI> <LI> Current intensity and initial pH affect the Cr(VI) reduction pattern significantly. </LI> <LI> Intermittent but high electric current supply saved 72–77% of the operating costs. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Survival Benefit of Tamoxifen in Estrogen Receptor-Negative and Progesterone Receptor-Positive Low Grade Breast Cancer Patients

Li-Heng Yang,Hsin-Shun Tseng,Che Lin,Li-Sheng Chen,Shou-Tung Chen,Shou-Jen Kuo,Dar-Ren Chen 한국유방암학회 2012 Journal of breast cancer Vol.15 No.3

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the efficacy and prognostic significance of adjuvant tamoxifen in breast cancer patients with various hormone receptor statuses. Methods: Typically, 1,260 female breast cancer patients were recruited in this study. The correlation between estrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone receptor (PR) phenotypes and clinical characteristics was investigated, and the survival rate was assessed after 5-year follow-up. Results: The 5-year overall survival (85%) was better in women under the age of 50 years. Patients with ER+/PR+ tumors had a better 5-year survival rate (94%); those with ER-/PR- tumors experienced the worst outcome (74% survival rate); whereas singlepositive cases were in between. In 97 out of 128 patients with ER-/PR+ tumors, tamoxifen was given as adjuvant hormonal therapy, and it increased the survival benefit in the lower grade group in terms of overall survival and disease-free survival (p=0.01 and p=0.03, respectively). Conclusion: For high-grade tumors with ER-/PR+, adjuvant tamoxifen therapy may have no survival benefit, whereas for the patients with low-grade ER-/PR+ tumors, adjuvant tamoxifen therapy is highly suggestive.

Nematic Liquid Crystal Alignment on Micro-grooved-patterned Surfaces

( Li-jen Chen ) 한국공업화학회 2008 한국공업화학회 연구논문 초록집 Vol.2008 No.1

Use of Imaging and Biopsy in Prostate Cancer Diagnosis: A Survey From the Asian Prostate Imaging Working Group

Wang Li-Jen,Jinzaki Masahiro,Tan Cher Heng,Oh Young Taik,Shinmoto Hiroshi,Lee Chau Hung,Patel Nayana U.,Chang Silvia D.,Westphalen Antonio C.,Kim Chan Kyo 대한영상의학회 2023 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.24 No.11

Objective: To elucidate the use of radiological studies, including nuclear medicine, and biopsy for the diagnosis and staging of prostate cancer (PCA) in clinical practice and understand the current status of PCA in Asian countries via an international survey. Materials and Methods: The Asian Prostate Imaging Working Group designed a survey questionnaire with four domains focused on prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), other prostate imaging, prostate biopsy, and PCA backgrounds. The questionnaire was sent to 111 members of professional affiliations in Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan who were representatives of their working hospitals, and their responses were analyzed. Results: This survey had a response rate of 97.3% (108/111). The rates of using 3T scanners, antispasmodic agents, laxative drugs, and prostate imaging-reporting and data system reporting for prostate MRI were 21.6%−78.9%, 22.2%−84.2%, 2.3%−26.3%, and 59.5%−100%, respectively. Respondents reported using the highest b-values of 800−2000 sec/mm2 and fields of view of 9−30 cm. The prostate MRI examinations per month ranged from 1 to 600, and they were most commonly indicated for biopsy-naïve patients suspected of PCA in Japan and Singapore and staging of proven PCA in Korea and Taiwan. The most commonly used radiotracers for prostate positron emission tomography are prostate-specific membrane antigen in Singapore and fluorodeoxyglucose in three other countries. The most common timing for prostate MRI was before biopsy (29.9%). Prostate-targeted biopsies were performed in 63.8% of hospitals, usually by MRI-ultrasound fusion approach. The most common presentation was localized PCA in all four countries, and it was usually treated with radical prostatectomy. Conclusion: This survey showed the diverse technical details and the availability of imaging and biopsy in the evaluation of PCA. This suggests the need for an educational program for Asian radiologists to promote standardized evidence-based imaging approaches for the diagnosis and staging of PCA.

Facile hydrophilic modification of polydimethylsiloxane-based sponges for efficient oil–water separation

Chao-Jen Wang,Wei-Fan Kuan,Hui-Ping Lin,Yury A. Shchipunov,Li-Jen Chen 한국공업화학회 2021 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.96 No.-

In this study, an eco-friendly fabrication process for the hydrophilic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-basedsponge was proposed with the assistance of sugar templates and poly(dimethylsiloxane-b-ethyleneoxide) (PDMS-b-PEO) block copolymer additives. The effects of sugar loadings and sugar particle sizes onsponge structure and separation performance were investigated. Manipulating sugar loadings exhibiteda unique control over the porosity of sponge, which further influenced the absorption capacity and oil–water separation speed. Additionally, the surface modification of PDMS sponge from hydrophobic/oleophilic to hydrophilic/underwater oleophobic was achieved by incorporating PDMS-b-PEO. Suchmodified sponge demonstrated an underwater oil contact angle of 154 and a stable separation efficiencygreater than 99.9% in the gravity-driven cycledfiltration tests. The hydrophilic PDMS-b-PEO modifiedsponges highlighted herein reveal a promising potential for novel separation materials with energyefficientand cost-effective features, which are ideal for oil spill clean-up events and wastewatertreatment application.

Characterization of Protein Arginine Methyltransferases in Porcine Brain

( Chien Jen Hung ),( Da Huang Chen ),( Yi Ting Shen ),( Yi Chen Li ),( Yi Wei Lin ),( Mingli Hsieh ),( Chuan Li ) 생화학분자생물학회 2007 BMB Reports Vol.40 No.5

Hotel service convergence innovation

Meiyun Li,Aaron Hsiao,Jintao Ma Emily,Shang-Jen Li 한국마케팅과학회 2022 마케팅과학연구 Vol.32 No.3

Industry convergence has taken place in many different fields, making it a hot research topic. There are studies on industry convergence in the manufacturing industry, the food and pharmaceutical industries, and between manufacturing and services industries. The hospitality industry provides lodging and catering services, which provides a great platform to integrate multiple industries in order to enhance customer experience. However, there has been little focus on industry convergence in the hospitality or hotel industries. Therefore, a better understanding of service convergence innovation from both a systematic and a holistic perspective are needed. The result showed that in order to form effective mechanisms for coordination and integration of service, it was necessary to use systematic digital information technology, which could transfer practical experience into a standardized demonstrable learning database system. The implication of this study is that the illustrations on the factors as well as contexts to foster service convergence practices could facilitate managerial endeavors by hospitality business professionals. Appropriate incentive mechanisms which leverage as well as motivate partnership endeavors should be the core aligning individuals and organization goal instead of imposing regulative order.

Traditional Chinese medicine attenuates hospitalization and mortality risks in diabetic patients with carcinoma in situ in Taiwan

Tsai Li-Jen,Chung Chi-Hsiang,Lin Chien-Jung,Su Sheng-Chiang,Kuo Feng-Chih,Liu Jhih-Syuan,Chen Kuan-Chan,Ho Li-Ju,Kuo Chih-Chun,Chang Chun-Yung,Lin Ming-Hsun,Chu Nain-Feng,Lee Chien-Hsing,Hsieh Chang-H 한국한의학연구원 2022 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.11 No.2

Background: Diabetic patients are at high risk of developing cancer. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has become increasingly popular as an adjuvant treatment for patients with chronic diseases, and some studies have identified its beneficial effect in diabetic patients with cancer. The purpoes of this study was to outline the potential of TCM to attenuate hospitalization and mortality rates in diabetic patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS). Methods: A total of 6,987 diabetic subjects with CIS under TCM therapy were selected from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, along with 38,800 of 1:1 sex-, age-, and index year-matched controls without TCM therapy. Cox proportional hazard analysis was conducted to compare hospitalization and mortality rates during an average of 15 years of follow-up. Results: A total of 3,999/1,393 enrolled-subjects (28.62%/9.97%) had hospitalization/mortality, including 1,777/661 in the TCM group (25.43%/9.46%) and 2,222/732 in the control group (31.80%/10.48%). Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed a lower rate of hospitalization and mortality for subjects in the TCM group (adjusted HR=0.536; 95% CI=0.367–0.780, P<0.001; adjusted HR=0.783; 95% CI=0.574– 0.974, P = 0.022). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the cumulative risk of hospitalization and mortality in the case and control groups was significantly different (log rank, P<0.001 and P = 0.011, respectively). Conclusions: Diabetic patients with CIS under TCM therapy were associated with lower hospitalization and mortality rates compared to those without TCM therapy. Thus, TCM application may reduce the burden of national medical resources.