An IoT based Temperature Control System for Honey Bee Colony Winter Loss Prevention

( Sheng-hao Chen ),( Hung-jen Lin ),( Yu-cheng Yang ),( En-cheng Yang ),( Joe-air Jiang ) 한국농업기계학회 2018 한국농업기계학회 학술발표논문집 Vol.23 No.1

Honey bees are the most important plant pollinators in nature. Currently, about one-third of human food comes from flowering plants. About 80% of the plants need honey bees for pollination. However, extreme weather increases the possibility of honey bees being exposed to the threat of winter losses, as global climate change intensifies. To protect honey bee colonies, in this study, a heating system is proposed to maintain the temperature of a beehive during the winter. The heating system contains a beecounter, a monitoring system built for beehives, to automatically record the data of temperature and relative humidity both inside and outside the beehives and monitor honey bees’ behavior of coming in and going out of the beehives. When the beecounter detects that the temperature inside the beehive is below a certain threshold, the heating system will be activated to increase the temperature of the beehive. And, all environmental parameters and data are transmitted through a Wi-Fi module and sent to a cloud. With the IoT technology, the temperature inside the beehive will be precisely controlled to increase the survival rate of colonies during the winter. Finally, image processing techniques are used to calculate the honey bee eclosion rates to verify the effectiveness of the proposed system, and the results show that the proposed system can successfully maintain the temperature of the beehive and increase the numbers of the bees entering and leaving the beehive.

Acupuncture for ventilator-dependent patients at a hospital-based respiratory care center: A randomized controlled trial

Jia-Ming Chen,Wan-Li Chiang,Bin-Chuan Ji,Ruei-Jhe Jhang,Pei-Hsin Chen,Ya-Lun Li,Che-Ju Chang,Sung-Yen Huang,Tsung-Chieh Lee,Chia-Yun Chen,Ching-Hsiung Lin,Sheng-Hao Lin 한국한의학연구원 2023 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.12 No.4

Background: In intensive care units, mechanical ventilation is an important therapy to help patients with dysp- nea. However, long-term ventilator dependence would consume huge medical resources and increase the risk of morbidity and mortality. The aim of the study was to examine the efficacy of the acupuncture combined with western medical care on ventilator parameters in ventilator-dependent patients. Methods: In this clinical trial, 80 ventilator-dependent patients aged 20 to 80 years old were randomly assigned to acupuncture group and control group in the respiratory care center (RCC) of Changhua Christian Hospital. Besides regular medical care and therapy, participants in the acupuncture group received acupuncture therapy at the same 17 acu-points for 20 minutes once a day, a total of 12 sessions. The ventilator parameters were recorded to evaluate the respiratory efficiency for all participants. The primary outcome was rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI), and secondary outcomes were respiratory rate (RR), tidal volume (TV) and ventilation per minute (MV). Results: Though there was no significant difference in the parameter between the acupuncture group and the control group, we found the trend of decreasing RSBI in the acupuncture group. In subgroup analyses, the mean of RSBI significantly decreased 16.02 (with the SD in 60.84) in acupuncture group, while it increased 17.84 (with the SD in 39.38) in control group (p = 0.036) after 12 sessions. Conclusion: Acupuncture treatment can improve breathing ability of patients with respirator dependence in respiratory care center.

Surgical Treatment for Early Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Chen, Shao-Bin,Weng, Hong-Rui,Wang, Geng,Yang, Jie-Sheng,Yang, Wei-Ping,Liu, Di-Tian,Chen, Yu-Ping,Zhang, Hao Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.6

More studies are needed to clarify treatments and prognosis of early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This retrospective study was designed to review the outcome of surgical treatment for early ESCC, evaluate the results of a left thoracotomy for selected patients with early ESCC, and identify factors affecting lymph node metastases and survival. The clinicopathological data of 228 patients with early ESCC who underwent transthoracic esophagectomy with lymphadenectomy without preoperative adjuvant treatment were reviewed. The ${\chi}^2$ test or Fisher's exact test were used to detect factors related to lymph node metastasis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors. There were 152 males and 76 females with a median age of 55 years. Two hundred and eight patients underwent a left thoracotomy, and the remaining 20 patients with lymph nodes in the upper mediastinum more than 5 mm in short-axis diameter by computed tomography scan underwent a right thoracotomy. No lymph node metastasis was found in the 18 patients with carcinoma in situ, while lymph node metastases were detected in 1.6% (1/62) of patients with mucosal tumours and 18.2% (27/148) of patients with submucosal tumours. Only 7 patients showed upper mediastinal lymph node metastases in the follow-up. The 5- and 10-year overall survival rates were 81.4% and 70.1%, respectively. Only histologic grade (P<0.001) and pT category (P=0.001) significantly correlated with the presence of lymph node metastases. In multivariate analysis, only histologic grade (P=0.026) and pT category (P=0.008) were independent prognostic factors. A left thoracotomy is acceptable for selected patients with early ESCC. Histologic grade and pT category affected the presence of lymph node metastases and were independent prognostic factors for early ESCC.

Growth of Human Colon Cancer Cells in Nude Mice is Delayed by Ketogenic Diet With or Without Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Medium-chain Triglycerides

Hao, Guang-Wei,Chen, Yu-Sheng,He, De-Ming,Wang, Hai-Yu,Wu, Guo-Hao,Zhang, Bo Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.5

Background: Tumors are largely unable to metabolize ketone bodies for energy due to various deficiencies in one or both of the key mitochondrial enzymes, which may provide a rationale for therapeutic strategies that inhibit tumor growth by administration of a ketogenic diet with average protein but low in carbohydrates and high in fat. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six male BALB/C nude mice were injected subcutaneously with tumor cells of the colon cancer cell line HCT116. The animals were then randomly split into three feeding groups and fed either a ketogenic diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and MCT (MKD group; n=12) or lard only (LKD group; n=12) or a standard diet (SD group; n=12) ad libitum. Experiments were ended upon attainment of the target tumor volume of $600mm^3$ to $700mm^3$. The three diets were compared for tumor growth and survival time (interval between tumor cell injection and attainment of target tumor volume). Results: The tumor growth in the MKD and LKD groups was significantly delayed compared to that in the SD group. Conclusions: Application of an unrestricted ketogenic diet delayed tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model. Further studies are needed to address the mechanism of this diet intervention and the impact on other tumor-relevant parameters such as invasion and metastasis.

Effect of Laparoscopic Nerve-sparing Radical Hysterectomy on Bladder Function, Intestinal Function Recovery and Quality of Sexual Life in Patients with Cervical Carcinoma

Chen, Long,Zhang, Wei-Na,Zhang, Sheng-Miao,Yang, Zhi-Hao,Zhang, Ping Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.24

Objective: To investigate bladder and intestinal function recovery and quality of sexual life after laparoscopic nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy (LNRH) for treatment of early invasive cervical carcinoma. Methods: Subjects included patients who underwent radical hysterectomy by laparotomy who were randomly assigned to 2 groups: 30 patients who underwent LNRH and 35 classical laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH). We assessed the patients general clinical information, surgical characteristics, pathological findings, and adjuvant therapies. A urodynamic study was used to assess bladder function. Intestinal function recovery and quality of sexual life were evaluated by questionnaire. Results: No significant differences were found in age, surgery characteristics, pathological findings, adjuvant therapies, and main adverse effects between the 2 groups. The mean duration of the postoperative catheterization (DPC) in group LNRH was shorter than that in group LRH (P < 0.001). The maximum flow rate, maximum cystometric capacity, maximum detrusor pressure and urinary complications in group LNRH were better than those in group LRH. The quality of sexual life evaluated according to the female sexual function index (FSFI) was better in group LNRH than in those who underwent LRH. The intestinal function of patients in group LNRH also recovered better compared with patients in group LRH.

Effects of Biodegradable Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquid with Ester Group on the Structure and Properties of PLLA

Hao Guan Gui,Yun Sheng Ding,Yu Li,Shouyu Chen,Pei Xu,Bin Zheng 한국고분자학회 2014 Macromolecular Research Vol.22 No.6

Blends of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and a functional ionic liquid (IL), 3-methyl-1-(ethoxycarbonylethyl) imidazoliumtetrafluoroborate ([AOEMIm][BF4]) with various weight ratios were prepared by melt compounding andtheir interactions, compatibilities, processing characteristics, crystallization behaviors, mechanical properties and thermaldegradation were investigated in this study. The interaction between PLLA and [AOEMIm][BF4] was first studiedby infrared spectroscopy (IR) investigation, and then the Flory-Huggins interaction parameter between PLLA and[AOEMIm][BF4] was calculated. The compatibility was also supported by both sample appearance and scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM) results. Crystallization and melting conditions were obtained from differential scanning calorimetry(DSC), and the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PLLA showed a gradual decrease with the increasing addition of[AOEMIm][BF4]. The balancing torque data were obtained by Haaker torque rheometry, and the molecular weight data ofprocessed PLLA obtained by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) tests reflected a positive effect of [AOEMIm][BF4]on the melt-processing of PLLA. A strong increase of the mechanical parameters of PLLA, such as the elongation atbreak and the impact strength, was observed with the incorporation of [AOEMIm][BF4] up to the content of 7 phr (phris the abbreviation for parts per hundreds of resin, n phr denoted n g IL/100 g PLLA), while the tensile strength decreasedslightly. The thermal stability of PLLA took a sustained downward trend, with the increasing contents of [AOEMIm][BF4] inits matrices, as presented from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). PLLA blended with 5 phr [AOEMIm][BF4] achievedexcellent overall performance; as well, the mechanical properties improved considerably, and damage to the thermal stabilitywas acceptable.

Experimental study of the effect of internal waves on the rotational hydrodynamics of underwater vehicle

Chen Sheng-tao,Li Dong-ju,Tian Hao,Hou Jiao-yi,Ning Da-yong,Gong Yong-jun 대한조선학회 2022 International Journal of Naval Architecture and Oc Vol.14 No.1

Maneuverability, which is closely related to navigation safety, is an important part of the overall performance of an underwater vehicle. The purpose of this study is to analyze the dynamic response of an underwater vehicle to internal waves at different angles and speeds. A combination of experiments and numerical simulations is used to compare the forces on the underwater vehicle. In terms of fluidstructure coupling, the internal wave interface is tracked by the VOF method. In this paper, waves of the same amplitude ratio as the numerical results are simulated using a wave-making sphere. The validity of the numerical method is verified by comparing with the rotation moment test of the underwater vehicle. The results show that different angles of attack have significant effects on the forces and moments of the underwater vehicle and that choosing the right angle of attack and rotation speed can limit the dangerous depth. The conclusion is of certain significance for the safety of underwater navigation.

FBW7 Upregulation Enhances Cisplatin Cytotoxicity in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cells

Yu, Hao-Gang,Wei, Wei,Xia, Li-Hong,Han, Wei-Li,Zhao, Peng,Wu, Sheng-Jun,Li, Wei-Dong,Chen, Wei Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.11

Introduction: Lung cancer is extremely harmful to human health and has one of the highest worldwide incidences of all malignant tumors. Approximately 80% of lung cancers are classified as non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). Cisplatin-based multidrug chemotherapy regimen is standard for such lesions, but drug resistance is an increasing problem. F-box/WD repeat-containing protein 7 (FBW7) is a member of the F-box protein family that regulates cell cycle progression, and cell growth and differentiation. FBW7 also functions as a tumor suppressor. Methods: We used cell viability assays, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence combined with siRNA interference or plasmid transfection to investigate the underlying mechanism of cisplatin resistance in NSCLC cells. Results: We found that FBW7 upregulation significantly increased cisplatin chemosensitivity and that cells expressing low levels of FBW7, such as NCI-H1299 cells, have a mesenchymal phenotype. Furthermore, siRNA-mediated silencing or plasmid-mediated upregulation of FBW7 resulted in altered epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) patterns in NSCLC cells. These data support a role for FBW7 in regulating the EMT in NSCLC cells. Conclusion: FBW7 is a potential drug target for combating drug resistance and regulating the EMT in NSCLC cells.

New Therapeutic Schedule for Prostatic Cancer-3 Cells with ET-1 RNAi and Endostar

Zhang, Hao-Jie,Qian, Wei-Qing,Chen, Ran,Sun, Zhong-Quan,Song, Jian-Da,Sheng, Lu Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.23

Background: Endothelin-1 and Endostar are both significant for the progression, proliferation, metastasis and invasion of cancer. In this paper, we studied the effect of ET-1 RNAi and Endostar in PC-3 prostatic cancer cells. Materials and Methods: The lentiviral vector was used in the establishment of ET-1 knockdown PC-3 cells. Progression and apoptosis were assessed by CKK-8 and flow cytometry, respectively. Transwell assay was used to estimate invasion and signaling pathways were studied by Western blotting. Results: ET-1 mRNA and protein in ET-1 knockdown PC-3 cells were reduced to 26.4% and 22.4% compared with control group, respectively. ET-1 RNAi and Endostar both were effective for the suppression of progression and invasion of PC-3 cells. From Western blotting results, the effects of ET-1 regulation and Endostar on PC-3 cells were at least related to some signaling pathways involving PI3K/Akt/Caspase-3, Erk1/2/Bcl-2/Caspase-3 and MMPs (MMP-2 and MMP-9). Furthermore, combined treatment of ET-1RNAi and Endostar was found to be more effective than single treatment. Conclusions: Both ET-1 RNAi and Endostar can inhibit the progression and invasion of PC-3 cells, but combined treatment might be a better therapeutic schedule.

Comparison of Physicochemical Characteristics of Hot-boned Chicken Breast and Leg Muscles during Storage at 20oC

Long-Hao Yu,이의수,Hong-Sheng Chen,정종윤,최윤상,임동균,김천제 한국축산식품학회 2011 한국축산식품학회지 Vol.31 No.5

The aim of this study was to compare the physicochemical changes of hot-boned chicken breast and leg muscles. Chicken breast and leg muscles from 56 broilers were excised within a 15 min post-mortem (PM) and stored at 20oC. Physicochemical traits were determined at 0.5, 6, 12, and 24 h PM. The ultimate pH of leg muscle was higher than that of breast muscle (p<0.05). The content of glycogen in the breast muscle was relatively higher than that in the leg muscle until 6 h PM (p<0.05). R-values showing rigor mortis of breast and leg muscles were completed after or before 6 h PM. Breast muscle had less cooking loss than leg muscle (p<0.05). Drip loss did not significantly differ between breast and leg muscles with the exception of that at 6 h PM. The sarcomere length of leg muscle was relatively longer than that of breast muscle (p<0.05). The MFI of leg muscle was significantly lower than that of breast muscle (p<0.05). The shear force of leg muscle was lower than that of breast muscle at 6 and 12 h PM (p<0.05); however, that of both muscles did not significantly differ at 24 h PM.