GROUND OBSERVATIONS OF SPRITES AND OTHER TLES IN TAIWAN

WANG YUN-CHING,HSU RUE-RON,SU HAN-TZONG,CHEN ALFRED BING-CHIH,LEE YI-JEN,KUO CHENG-LING,TSAY WEAN-SHUN,CHANG CHAN-KAO,WANG SHI-CHUN,LEE LOU-CHUANG,LIU TIE-YUE The Korean Astronomical Society 2005 Journal of The Korean Astronomical Society Vol.38 No.2

Sprites, elves and blue jets are collectively denominated as the upper atmospheric transient luminous events (TLEs). They are recently discovered optical flashes between active thunderstorms and the ionosphere. In this report, a brief introduction to the most important characteristics of TLEs is given. Since 2001, scientists from the National Cheng Kung University have been performing yearly summer campaigns from various locations in Taiwan. The main achievements of their yearly campaign are presented.

Tool Wear Performance in Face Milling Inconel 182 using Minimum Quantity Lubrication with Different Nozzle Positions

Cheng-Dong Wang,Ming Chen,Qin-Long An,Min Wang,Yi-Hong Zhu 한국정밀공학회 2014 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol. No.

Minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) is one of the promising Green Manufacturing Technology to meet the challenge of machining difficult-to-cut material Inconel 182 which is deposited by Shield Metal Arc Welding (SMAW). Unlike the flood lubrication, in MQL, only a small amount of non-toxic biodegradable oil are directly sprayed to the cutting zone by compressed air, which can reduce friction coefficient and temperature. Wear performance of uncoated tool inserts and Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coated tool inserts are evaluated by comparison during up and down face milling Inconel 182 with different MQL nozzle positions. Results indicate that uncoated tool inserts are not suitable for face milling Inconel 182 in all lubrication conditions due to the severe flank wear and the catastrophic breakage. On the contrary, PVD coated tool inserts have longer tool life compared to uncoated ones in all lubrication conditions. MQL nozzle positioned at tool cut into workpiece and positioned at tool cut out of workpiece in down milling as well as MQL nozzle positioned at tool cut out of workpiece in up milling can effectively prolong tool life of PVD coated tool inserts, which can be selected as the optimal lubrication solution for face milling Inconel 182.

Appraise and analysis of dynamical stability of cable-driven lower limb rehabilitation training robot

Yan-lin Wang,Ke-yi Wang,Wan-li Wang,Peng-cheng Yin,Zhuang Han 대한기계학회 2019 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.33 No.11

This paper presents a problem that traditional methods cannot evaluate the dynamical stability of the under-constraint cable-driven lower limb rehabilitation training robot (CLLRTR). An analytical method is presented to evaluate the dynamical stability of CLLRTR. Firstly, position performance factor, posture performance factor and cable tension performance factor are defined based on the kinematics and dynamics of CLLRTR. An appraisal index and method of the dynamical stability for CLLRTR with the hybrid force-position-pose approach is proposed by using the weighted average method among three performance factors. Secondly, the stable workspace and robustness workspace with the external forces are defined according to the stability margin. Finally, the simulation analysis and the experimental study are used to illustrate the distribution of the dynamical stability in the whole workspace of CLLRTR. The results show that the experimental results are the same as the theoretical simulation analysis results. So the appraisal index of the dynamical stability can be used to evaluate the dynamical stability of CLLRTR. It will provide a foundation for the trajectory planning and control strategy of CLLRTR training pattern.

Preliminary Application of High-Definition CT Gemstone Spectral Imaging in Hand and Foot Tendons

Kai Deng,Cheng-Qi Zhang,Wei Li,Jun-Jun Wang,Xin-Yi Wang,Tao Pang,Guang-Li Wang,Cheng Liu 대한영상의학회 2012 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.13 No.6

Objective: To assess the feasibility of visualizing hand and foot tendon anatomy and disorders by Gemstone Spectral Imaging (GSI) high-definition CT (HDCT). Materials and Methods: Thirty-five patients who suffered from hand or foot pain were scanned with GSI mode HDCT and MRI. Spectrum analysis was used to select the monochromatic images that provide the optimal contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for tendons. The image quality at the best selected monochromatic level and the conventional polychromatic images were compared. Tendon anatomy and disease were also analyzed at GSI and MRI. Results: The monochromatic images at about 65 keV (mean 65.09 ± 2.98) provided the optimal CNR for hand and foot tendons. The image quality at the optimal selected monochromatic level was superior to conventional polychromatic images (p = 0.005, p < 0.05). GSI was useful in visualizing hand and foot tendon anatomy and disorders. There were no statistical differences between GSI and MRI with regard to tendon thickening (χ2 = 0, p > 0.05), compression (χ2 = 0.5, p > 0.05), absence (χ2 = 0, p > 0.05) and rupture (χ2 = 0, p > 0.05). GSI was significantly less sensitive than MRI in displaying tendon adhesion (χ2 = 4.17, p < 0.05), degeneration (χ2 = 4.17, p < 0.05), and tendinous sheath disease (χ2 = 10.08, p < 0.05). Conclusion: GSI with monochromatic images at 65 keV displays clearly the most hand and foot tendon anatomy and disorders with image quality improved, as compared with conventional polychromatic images. It may be used solely or combined with MRI in clinical work, depending on individual patient disease condition. Objective: To assess the feasibility of visualizing hand and foot tendon anatomy and disorders by Gemstone Spectral Imaging (GSI) high-definition CT (HDCT). Materials and Methods: Thirty-five patients who suffered from hand or foot pain were scanned with GSI mode HDCT and MRI. Spectrum analysis was used to select the monochromatic images that provide the optimal contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for tendons. The image quality at the best selected monochromatic level and the conventional polychromatic images were compared. Tendon anatomy and disease were also analyzed at GSI and MRI. Results: The monochromatic images at about 65 keV (mean 65.09 ± 2.98) provided the optimal CNR for hand and foot tendons. The image quality at the optimal selected monochromatic level was superior to conventional polychromatic images (p = 0.005, p < 0.05). GSI was useful in visualizing hand and foot tendon anatomy and disorders. There were no statistical differences between GSI and MRI with regard to tendon thickening (χ2 = 0, p > 0.05), compression (χ2 = 0.5, p > 0.05), absence (χ2 = 0, p > 0.05) and rupture (χ2 = 0, p > 0.05). GSI was significantly less sensitive than MRI in displaying tendon adhesion (χ2 = 4.17, p < 0.05), degeneration (χ2 = 4.17, p < 0.05), and tendinous sheath disease (χ2 = 10.08, p < 0.05). Conclusion: GSI with monochromatic images at 65 keV displays clearly the most hand and foot tendon anatomy and disorders with image quality improved, as compared with conventional polychromatic images. It may be used solely or combined with MRI in clinical work, depending on individual patient disease condition.

No Association Between the USP7 Gene Polymorphisms and Colorectal Cancer in the Chinese Han Population

Li, Xin,Wang, Yang,Li, Xing-Wang,Liu, Bao-Cheng,Zhao, Qing-Zhu,Li, Wei-Dong,Chen, Shi-Qing,Huang, Xiao-Ye,Yang, Feng-Ping,Wang, Quan,Wang, Jin-Fen,Xiao, Yan-Zeng,Xu, Yi-Feng,Feng, Guo-Yin,Peng, Zhi-Ha Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.5

Colorectal cancer (CRC), now the third most common cancer across the world, is known to aggregate in families. USP7 is a very important protein with an important role in regulating the p53 pathway, which is critical for genomic stability and tumor suppression. We here genotyped eight SNPs within the USP7 gene and conducted a case-control study in 312 CRC patients and 270 healthy subjects in the Chinese Han population. No significant associations were found for any single SNP and CRC risk. Our data eliminate USP7 as a potential candidate gene towards for CRC in the Han Chinese population.

Prognostic Role of Hepatoma-derived Growth Factor in Solid Tumors of Eastern Asia: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Bao, Ci-Hang,Liu, Kun,Wang, Xin-Tong,Ma, Wei,Wang, Jian-Bo,Wang, Cong,Jia, Yi-Bin,Wang, Na-Na,Tan, Bing-Xu,Song, Qing-Xu,Cheng, Yu-Feng Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.5

Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) is a novel jack-of-all-trades in cancer. Here we quantify the prognostic impact of this biomarker and assess how consistent is its expression in solid tumors. A comprehensive search strategy was used to search relevant literature updated on October 3, 2014 in PubMed, EMBASE and WEB of Science. Correlations between HDGF expression and clinicopathological features or cancer prognosis was analyzed. All pooled HRs or ORs were derived from random-effects models. Twenty-six studies, primarily in Eastern Asia, covering 2,803 patients were included in the analysis, all of them published during the past decade. We found that HDGF overexpression was significantly associated with overall survival (OS) ($HR_{OS}=2.35$, 95%CI=2.04-2.71, p<0.001) and disease free survival (DFS) ($HR_{DFS}=2.25$, 95%CI =1.81-2.79, p<0.001) in solid tumors, especially in non-small cell lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Moreover, multivariate survival analysis showed that HDGF overexpression was an independent predictor of poor prognosis ($HR_{OS}=2.41$, 95%CI: 2.02-2.81, p<0.001; $HR_{DFS}=2.39$, 95%CI: 1.77-3.24, p<0.001). In addition, HDGF overexpression was significantly associated with tumor category (T3-4 versus T1-2, OR=2.12, 95%CI: 1.17-3.83, p=0.013) and lymph node status (N+ versus N-, OR=2.37, 95%CI: 1.31-4.29, p=0.03) in CCA. This study provides a comprehensive examination of the literature available on the association of HDGF overexpression with OS, DFS and some clinicopathological features in solid tumors. Meta-analysis results provide evidence that HDGF may be a new indicator of poor cancer prognosis. Considering the limitations of the eligible studies, other large-scale prospective trials must be conducted to clarify the prognostic value of HDGF in predicting cancer survival.

Professionals’ experiences and attitudes toward use of Traditional Chinese Medicine in hospice palliative inpatient care units: A multicenter survey in Taiwan

Yu-Jia Lin,Hsiao-Ting Chang,Ming-Hwai Lin,Ru-Yih Chen,Ping-Jen Chen,Wen-Yuan Lin,Jyh-Gang Hsieh,Ying-Wei Wang,Chung-Chieh Hu,Yi-Sheng Liou,Tai-Yuan Chiu,Chun-Yi Tu,Yi-Jen Wang,Bo-Ren Cheng,Tzeng-Ji Ch 한국한의학연구원 2021 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.10 No.2

Background: Medical staff may have difficulties in using conventional medicine to manage symptoms among terminally ill patients, including adverse effects of the treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is regarded as a complementary or alternative medicine, and has been increasingly used in the field of palliative medicine in recent years. This study aimed to investigate the experiences of and attitudes toward using TCM among palliative care professionals, and to provide preliminary information about its use in palliative care. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey study conducted in eight inpatient hospice wards in Taiwan between December 2014 and February 2016. The questionnaire was self-administered, and was analyzed with descriptive statistics including Pearson’s Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. Results: A total of 251 palliative care professionals responded to the questionnaire, of whom 89.7% and 88.9% believed that the use of TCM could improve the physical symptoms and quality of life in terminally ill patients, respectively. Overall, 59.8%, of respondents suggested that TCM had rare side effects, and 58.2% were worried that TCM could affect the liver and kidney function of patients. In total, 89.7% and 88.0% of professionals agreed there were no suitable clinical practice guidelines and educational programs, respectively, for TCM use in palliative care. Conclusions: Most of the respondents agreed there was insufficient knowledge, skills-training, and continuing education on the use of TCM in terminally ill patients in Taiwan. These results show that to address patient safety considerations, guidelines about use of TCM in palliative care should be established.

Tazarotene-Induced Gene 1 Interacts with DNAJC8 and Regulates Glycolysis in Cervical Cancer Cells

Wang, Chun-Hua,Shyu, Rong-Yaun,Wu, Chang-Chieh,Chen, Mao-Liang,Lee, Ming-Cheng,Lin, Yi-Yin,Wang, Lu-Kai,Jiang, Shun-Yuan,Tsai, Fu-Ming Korean Society for Molecular and Cellular Biology 2018 Molecules and cells Vol.41 No.6

The tazarotene-induced gene 1 (TIG1) protein is a retinoidinducible growth regulator and is considered a tumor suppressor. Here, we show that DnaJ heat shock protein family member C8 (DNAJC8) is a TIG1 target that regulates glycolysis. Ectopic DNAJC8 expression induced the translocation of pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) into the nucleus, subsequently inducing glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) expression to promote glucose uptake. Silencing either DNAJC8 or PKM2 alleviated the upregulation of GLUT1 expression and glucose uptake induced by ectopic DNAJC8 expression. TIG1 interacted with DNAJC8 in the cytosol, and this interaction completely blocked DNAJC8-mediated PKM2 translocation and inhibited glucose uptake. Furthermore, increased glycose uptake was observed in cells in which TIG1 was silenced. In conclusion, TIG1 acts as a pivotal repressor of DNAJC8 to enhance glucose uptake by partially regulating PKM2 translocation.

Validation of a Palliative Prognostic Index to Predict Life Expectancy for Terminally Ill Cancer Patients in a Hospice Consultation Setting in Taiwan

Cheng, Wei-Hong,Kao, Chen-Yi,Hung, Yu-Shin,Su, Po-Jung,Hsieh, Chia-Hsun,Chen, Jen-Shi,Wang, Hung-Ming,Chou, Wen-Chi Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.6

Background: The aim of our study was to assess the practical utility of the palliative prognostic index (PPI) as a prognostic tool used by nurse specialists in a hospice consultation setting in Taiwan. Methods: In total, 623 terminal cancer patients under hospice consultation care from one medical center in northern Taiwan were enrolled between January 1 and June 30, 2011. PPI was assessed by a nurse specialist at first hospice consultation and patients categorized into groups by prognosis (good, intermediate, poor). Patient survival was analyzed retrospectively to determine significance of between-group differences. Results: By PPI sum score, 37.2% of patients were in the good prognosis group, 18% in the intermediate prognosis group and 44.8% in the poor prognosis group. The death rates were 56%, 81.2% and 89.6% and median survivals were 76, 18 and 7 days, respectively. The hazard ratio was 0.19 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10-0.24, p<0.001) for the poor versus good prognosis group and 0.54 (95% CI 0.43-0.69, p<0.001) for the poor versus intermediate prognosis group. The sensitivity and specificity for the poor prognosis group was 66% and 71%; the positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 81% and 52%, respectively, to predict patient death within 21 days (area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic was 0.68). Conclusions: Assessment by PPI can accurately predict survival of terminal cancer patients receiving hospice consultation care. PPI is a simple tool and can be administered by nurse members of hospice consultation teams.

Burial depth of anode affected the bacterial community structure of sediment microbial fuel cells

Yi-cheng Wu,Hong-jie Wu,Hai-yan Fu,Zhineng Dai,Ze-jie Wang 대한환경공학회 2020 Environmental Engineering Research Vol.25 No.6

Sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) are attractive devices to in situ power environmental monitoring sensors and bioremediate contaminated soils/sediments. Burial depth of the anode was verified to affect the performance of SMFCs. The present research evaluated the differences in microbial community structure of anodic biofilms located at different depth. It was demonstrated that both microbial diversity and community structure of anodic biofilms were influenced by the depth of anode location. Microbial diversity decreased with increased anodic depth. The number of the operational taxonomic units (OTUs) was determined as 1438 at the anode depth of 5 cm, which reduced to 1275 and 1005 at 10 cm and 15 cm, respectively. Cluster analysis revealed that microbial communities of 5 cm and 10 cm were clustered together, separated from the original sediment and 15 cm. Proteobacteria was the predominant phylum in all samples, followed by Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. Beta- and Gamma-proteobacteria were the most abundant classes. A total of 23 OTUs showed high identity to 16S rRNA gene of exoelectrogens such as Geobacter and Pseudomonas. The present results provided insights into the effects of anode depth on the performance of SMFC from the perspectives of microbial community structure.