Investigations of Silty Soil Slopes under Unsaturated Conditions Based on Strength Reduction Finite Element and Limit Analysis

An-Jui Li,Joram Wachira Mburu,Chao Wei Chen,Kuo-Hsin Yang 대한토목학회 2022 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.26 No.3

Matric suction plays a key role in slope stability by conferring an apparent cohesion component to the unsaturated portion of the soil. This paper adopts the total cohesion method to investigate the contribution of apparent cohesion on the stability of silty slopes under hydrostatic conditions. Phase2 and Optum G2 numerical programs, based on strength reduction finite element analysis and finite element limit analysis methods, respectively, are used for numerical analysis. Generally, Phase2 and Optum G2 results are in good agreement with each other. Optum G2 yields slightly higher factor of safety results than Phase2, particularly for steep slopes β ≥ 30°. The results are presented in form of stability charts which are validated with a case from a previous study. Notably, the contribution of apparent cohesion to unsaturated shear strength is most pronounced when varying the water table. An examination of the slope failure mechanism reveals that the toe failure mechanism is the dominant failure mechanism. The depth of the failure surface is most sensitive to changes in the slope angle, cohesion and water table position. The influence of the air-entry value on the depth of the failure surface is contingent upon the location of the water table.

7,8-Dihydroxyflavone, a Tropomyosin-Kinase Related Receptor B Agonist, Produces Fast-Onset Antidepressant-Like Effects in Rats Exposed to Chronic Mild Stress

Hsin-An Chang,Ying-Hsiu Wang,Che-Se Tung,Chin-Bin Yeh,Yia-Ping Liu 대한신경정신의학회 2016 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.13 No.5

Objective Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its specific receptor, tropomyosin-related kinase (TrkB), play important roles in treating depression. In this experiment, we examined whether 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, a novel potent TrkB agonist, could reverse the behavioral and biochemical abnormalities induced by the chronic mild stress (CMS) paradigm in rats. Methods SD rats were exposed to a battery of stressors for 56 days. 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (5 and 20 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally during the last 28 days of the CMS paradigm. Rats were tested in sucrose consumption test (SCT), forced-swimming test (FST) and elevated T-maze (ETM). Serum corticosterone levels and hippocampal BDNF levels of the rats were measured. Results Four-week CMS on the rats induced their depression-like behavior in SCT. The CMS-reduced sucrose consumption was reversed starting from 7 days after the 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (20 mg/kg) treatment and remained across the subsequent treatment regime. 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, when given at 5 mg/kg for 3 weeks, reduced the immobility time in the FST in the CMS-subjected rats. Additionally, the 4-week treatment with 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (20 mg/kg) attenuated the CMS-induced increase in anxiety-like behavior in the ETM. For the CMS-subjected rats, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone treatment dose-dependently reduced their serum corticosterone levels but increased their hippocampal BDNF levels only at 5 mg/kg. Conclusiona 7,8-dihydroxyflavone was beneficial for both depression and anxiety-like behaviors, and may exert fast-onset antidepressant effects. This provides a new insight into the pharmacological management of depression. ObjectiveaaBrain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its specific receptor, tropomyosin-related kinase (TrkB), play important roles in treating depression. In this experiment, we examined whether 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, a novel potent TrkB agonist, could reverse the behavioral and biochemical abnormalities induced by the chronic mild stress (CMS) paradigm in rats. MethodsaaSD rats were exposed to a battery of stressors for 56 days. 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (5 and 20 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally during the last 28 days of the CMS paradigm. Rats were tested in sucrose consumption test (SCT), forced-swimming test (FST) and elevated T-maze (ETM). Serum corticosterone levels and hippocampal BDNF levels of the rats were measured. ResultsaaFour-week CMS on the rats induced their depression-like behavior in SCT. The CMS-reduced sucrose consumption was reversed starting from 7 days after the 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (20 mg/kg) treatment and remained across the subsequent treatment regime. 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, when given at 5 mg/kg for 3 weeks, reduced the immobility time in the FST in the CMS-subjected rats. Additionally, the 4-week treatment with 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (20 mg/kg) attenuated the CMS-induced increase in anxiety-like behavior in the ETM. For the CMS-subjected rats, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone treatment dose-dependently reduced their serum corticosterone levels but increased their hippocampal BDNF levels only at 5 mg/kg. Conclusion 7,8-dihydroxyflavone was beneficial for both depression and anxiety-like behaviors, and may exert fast-onset antidepressant effects. This provides a new insight into the pharmacological management of depression.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Comorbid Major Depression and Heart Rate Variability: A Case-Control Study in Taiwan

Hsin-An Chang,Chuan-Chia Chang,Nian-Sheng Tzeng,Terry B. J. Kuo,Ru-Band Lu,San-Yuan Huang 대한신경정신의학회 2013 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.10 No.4

Objective Decreased heart rate variability (HRV) has been reported in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), but the results are mixed. Little is known about the impact of comorbid major depression (MD) on HRV in GAD patients. Both issues necessitate further investigation. Methods Twenty unmedicated, physically healthy GAD patients, 20 GAD patients with a secondary diagnosis of MD, 40 MD patients and 60 matched controls were recruited. We used the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale to assess anxiety and depression severity, respectively. Cardiac autonomic function was evaluated by measuring HRV parameters. Frequency-domain indices of HRV were obtained. Results Three patient groups had more anxiety and depression symptoms than control subjects, but heart rates (HRs) were significantly elevated only in GAD patients with comorbid depression. Relative to controls, GAD patients had reduced HRV while GAD patients with comorbid depression displayed the greatest reductions in HRV among three patients groups. Correlation analyses revealed anxiety/depression severity significantly associated with HRs, variance, LF-HRV and HF-HRV. However, separately analyzing among individual groups and adjusting for HRV-associated covariables rendered the correlations non-significant. Conclusion Our results suggest that reduction in HRV is a psychophysiological marker of GAD and individuals with comorbid GAD and MD may be distinguished based on psychophysiological correlates (for example, HF-HRV) from non-comorbid GAD patients. Taken into account that comorbid depression may confer increased risks for cardiovascular events in GAD patients, this subgroup of GAD patients may benefit better from cardiovascular risk reduction strategies.

Effects of Mold Growth on Building Materials by Different Environments in Taiwan

An Cheng,Yu Hsin,Wei-Ting Lin 대한토목학회 2014 KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering Vol.18 No.4

The main of study is to investigate the effect of moisture variation and micro-structure on the growth mold at surface of buildingmaterials. The two different water-cement ratio of mortars (w/c = 0.4, 0.6), brick and tiles were used in this study. The mercuryIntrusion Porosity-Meter (MIP) was used to determine the pore distribution of building materials. The moisture variation of materialswas recorded in constant climate chamber (25oC, relative humidity 80%), general indoor environment (28oC, relative humidity 55%)and water damage simulation environment. The results indicated that the pore size and distribution will affect the surface water ratioand moisture content of materials. The surface water ratio of specimen was affected by different environment seriously. The surfacewater ratio was an important factor in mold growth.

Linking an Anxiety-Related Personality Trait to Cardiac Autonomic Regulation in Well-Defined Healthy Adults: Harm Avoidance and Resting Heart Rate Variability

Lien-Cheng Kao,Yu-Wen Liu,Nian-Sheng Tzeng,Terry B. J. Kuo,San-Yuan Huang,Chuan-Chia Chang,Hsin-An Chang 대한신경정신의학회 2016 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.13 No.4

ObjectiveaaAnxiety trait, anxiety and depression states have all been reported to increase risks for cardiovascular disease (CVD), possibly through altering cardiac autonomic regulation. Our aim was to investigate whether the relationship between harm avoidance (HA, an anxiety-related personality trait) and cardiac autonomic regulation is independent of anxiety and depression states in healthy adults. MethodsaaWe recruited 535 physically and mentally healthy volunteers. Participants completed the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Tri-dimensional Personality Questionnaire. Participants were divided into high or low HA groups as discriminated by the quartile value. Cardiac autonomic function was evaluated by measuring heart rate variability (HRV). We obtained the time and frequency-domain indices of HRV including variance (total HRV), the low-frequency power (LF; 0.05–0.15 Hz), which may reflect baroreflex function, the high-frequency power (HF; 0.15–0.40 Hz), which reflects cardiac parasympathetic activity, as well as the LF/HF ratio. ResultsaaThe BDI and HA scores showed associations with HRV parameters. After adjustment for the BDI scores and other control variables, HA is still associated with reduced variance, LF and HF power. Compared with the participants with low HA, those with high HA displayed significant reductions in variance, LF and HF power and a significant increase in their LF/HF ratio. ConclusionaaThis study highlights the independent role of HA in contributing to decreased autonomic cardiac regulation in healthy adults and provides a potential underlying mechanism for anxiety trait to confer increased risk for CVD.

Dual-Mode Liquid Crystal Devices with Switchable Memory and Dynamic Modes

I-An Yao,Jin-Jei Wu,Jia-Hsin Li,Hsiao-Ti Koub,Jia-Hsin Lib, 한국정보디스플레이학회 2009 Journal of information display Vol.10 No.4

A liquid crystal device with switchable dynamic and memory modes was investigated and developed. The proposed device reveals the splay, π-twist, and bend states via selective switching among them. In the dynamic mode, thedevice is operated in the bend state, which exhibits a wide viewing-angle and a fast-response-time due to its self-compensated bend structure and flow-accelerated fast response time, respectively. In the memory mode, the permanent memory characteristics in the splay and π-twist sates are obtained, respectively. The switching mechanisms of the tristate device are also proposed.

Molecular Identification of Diphyllobothrium latum from a Pediatric Case in Taiwan

Yu-Chin An,Chia-Cheng Sung,Chih-Chien Wang,Hsin-Chung Lin,Kuang-Yao Chen,Fu-Man Ku,Ruei-Min Chen,Mei-Li Chen,Kuo-Yang Huang 대한기생충학열대의학회 2017 The Korean Journal of Parasitology Vol.55 No.4

Dual-Mode Liquid Crystal Devices with Switchable Memory and Dynamic Modes

Yao, I-An,Kou, Hsiao-Ti,Yang, Chiu-Lien,Liao, Shih-Fu,Li, Jia-Hsin,Wu, Jin-Jei The Korean Infomation Display Society 2009 Journal of information display Vol.10 No.4

A liquid crystal device with switchable dynamic and memory modes was investigated and developed. The proposed device reveals the splay, $\pi$-twist, and bend states via selective switching among them. In the dynamic mode, the device is operated in the bend state, which exhibits a wide viewing-angle and a fast-response-time due to its self-compensated bend structure and flow-accelerated fast response time, respectively. In the memory mode, the permanent memory characteristics in the splay and $\pi$-twist sates are obtained, respectively. The switching mechanisms of the tristate device are also proposed.

Management of Crohn`s disease in Taiwan: consensus guideline of the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

( Shu-Chen Wei ),( Ting-An Chang ),( Te-Hsin Chao ),( Jinn-Shiun Chen ),( Jen-Wei Chou ),( Yenn-Hwei Chou ),( Chiao-Hsiung Chuang ),( Wen-Hung Hsu ),( Tien-Yu Huang ),( Tzu-Chi Hsu ),( Chun-Chi Lin ) 대한장연구학회 2017 Intestinal Research Vol.15 No.3

Crohn`s disease (CD) is a chronic relapsing and remitting inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. CD is rare in Taiwan and other Asian countries, but its prevalence and incidence have been steadily increasing. A steering committee was established by the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease to formulate statements on the diagnosis and management of CD taking into account currently available evidence and the expert opinion of the committee. Thorough clinical, endoscopic, and histological assessments are required for accurate diagnosis of CD. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are complementary to endoscopic evaluation for disease staging and detecting complications. The goals of CD management are to induce and maintain remission, reduce the risk of complications, and improve quality of life. Corticosteroids are the mainstay for inducing re-mission. Immunomodulating and biologic therapies should be used to maintain remission. Patients should be evaluated for hepatitis B virus and tuberculosis infection prior to treatment and receive regular surveillance for cancer. These consensus statements are based on current local evidence with consideration of factors, and could be serve as concise and practical guidelines for supporting clinicians in the management of patients with CD in Taiwan. (Intest Res 2017;15:285-310)

Management of ulcerative colitis in Taiwan: consensus guideline of the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

( Shu-Chen Wei ),( Ting-An Chang ),( Te-Hsin Chao ),( Jinn-Shiun Chen ),( Jen-Wei Chou ),( Yenn-Hwei Chou ),( Chiao-Hsiung Chuang ),( Wen-Hung Hsu ),( Tien-Yu Huang ),( Tzu-Chi Hsu ),( Chun-Chi Lin ) 대한장연구학회 2017 Intestinal Research Vol.15 No.3

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by chronic mucosal inflammation of the colon, and the prevalence and incidence of UC have been steadily increasing in Taiwan. A steering committee was established by the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease to formulate statements on the diagnosis and management of UC taking into account currently available evidence and the expert opinion of the committee. Accurate diagnosis of UC requires thorough clinical, endoscopic, and histological assessment and careful exclusion of differential diagnoses, particularly infectious colitis. The goals of UC therapy are to induce and maintain remission, reduce the risk of complications, and improve quality of life. As outlined in the recommended treatment algorithm, choice of treatment is dictated by severity, extent, and course of disease. Patients should be evaluated for hepatitis B virus and tuberculosis infection prior to immunosuppressive treatment, especially with steroids and biologic agents, and should be regularly monitored for reactivation of latent infection. These consensus statements are also based on current local evidence with consideration of factors, and could be serve as concise and practical guidelines for supporting clinicians in the management of UC in Taiwan. (Intest Res 2017;15:266-284)