Practical method for determining load and resistance factors using third-moment transformation

Pei-Pei Li,Zhao-Hui Lu,Yan-Gang Zhao 국제구조공학회 2021 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.80 No.2

Load and resistance factor design (LRFD) is a suitable format for the reliability-based limit state design of structures. It has been adopted in many countries, such as the United States, Europe, Canada, and Japan. Usually, the first-order reliability method (FORM) is used to estimate the load and resistance factors, but it requires the determination of design points and complicated double iterative computations. Therefore, FORM is not easy or practical for engineers to use. This paper presents a simple, accurate method to determine the load and resistance factors utilizing the third-moment transformation, which does not require derivative-based iterations and can estimate the load and resistance factors without using the distribution of random variables. In addition, the proposed method provides enough accurate results within a wide range of target reliability indices. Therefore, this method should be effective and convenient for calculating the load and resistance factors in actual practice. Five numerical examples illustrate the proposed method’s efficiency and accuracy; FORM provides a benchmark for comparison.

The role of the genomic mutation signature and tumor mutation burden on relapse risk prediction in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after concurrent chemoradiotherapy

Wang Hui-Ching,Moi Sin-Hua,Chan Leong-Perng,Wu Chun-Chieh,Du Jeng-Shiun,Liu Pei-Lin,Chou Meng-Chun,Wu Che-Wei,Huang Chih-Jen,Hsiao Hui-Hua,Pan Mei-Ren,Chen Li-Tzong 생화학분자생물학회 2023 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.55 No.-

Personalized genetic profiling has focused on improving treatment efficacy and predicting risk stratification by identifying mutated genes and selecting targeted agents according to genetic testing. Therefore, we evaluated the role of genetic profiling and tumor mutation burden (TMB) using next-generation sequencing in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC). The relapse mutation signature (RMS) and chromatin remodeling mutation signature (CRMS) were explored to predict the risk of relapse in patients with HNSC treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients in the high RMS and CRMS groups showed significantly shorter relapse-free survival than those in the low RMS and CRMS groups, respectively (p < 0.001 and p = 0.006). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that extranodal extension, CCRT response, and three somatic mutation profiles (TMB, RMS, and CRMS) were independent risk predictors for HNSC relapse. The predictive nomogram showed satisfactory performance in predicting relapse-free survival in patients with HNSC treated with CCRT.

Development of Integrated Electro-Hydraulic Braking System and Its ABS Application

Zhi-Hui Tan,Zhen-Fu Chen,Xiao-Fei Pei,Xue-Xun Guo,Shuang-Hong Pei 한국정밀공학회 2016 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol.17 No.3

This paper presented a new type of integrated EHB system. The EHB consisted of a compact three-chamber structure of master cylinder and mode switching valves. This allowed for the easy implementation of three different modes: normal mode, failsafe mode and ABS mode. In normal mode, a PWM control method was proposed for pressure regulation that took into account overshoot and hysteresis. To provide a favorable pedal feeling, a pedal stroke simulator was designed and integrated with the master cylinder. The failsafe and ABS modes were verified and the performance of the EHB in the three modes was evaluated using co-simulation and a bench test.

Reducing the Incisive Wound Rate of the Operating Room Medical Care Personnel

Hsueh-Hui Chou,Chen-Ping Chiu,Pei-Ling Hsieh,Chinug-Yao Huang,Fen-Lan Huang,Ru-Ching Huang,Hui-Ling Lee,Shu-Hung Lee,Hsiu-Li Hu,Yueh-Feng Wu 한국간호과학회 2005 한국간호과학회 학술대회 Vol.2005 No.10

Renin dependent hypertension caused by accessory renal arteries

Pei Lin Chan,Florence Hui Sieng Tan 대한고혈압학회 2019 Clinical Hypertension Vol.25 No.1

Background: Hypokalemia in the presence of hypertension is often attributed to primary hyperaldosteronism as a cause of secondary hypertension, however secondary hyperaldosteronism may present similarly. Accessory renal arteries are variants in the vascular anatomy which are often thought to be innocuous but in some circumstances can cause renovascular hypertension leading to secondary hyperaldosteronism. Case presentation: We report 2 cases of hypertension with secondary hyperaldosteronism associated with accessory renal arteries. Both patients presented with hypokalemia and further investigations revealed hyperaldosteronism with unsuppressed renin levels. Imaging studies showed the presence of accessory renal artery. Conclusion: Accessory renal arteries are a potential cause renovascular hypertension which can be detected via CT angiography or magnetic resonance angiography. Hormonal evaluation should be undertaken to determine whether its presence contributes to hypertension in the patient as targeted treatment such as aldosterone antagonist can be initiated. Surgical intervention or renal denervation may be considered in resistant cases.

Gastrodia elata Bl. Attenuated Learning Deficits Induced by Forced-Swimming Stress in the Inhibitory Avoidance Task and Morris Water Maze

Pei-Ju Chen,Keng-Chen Liang,Hui-Chen Lin,Ching-Liang Hsieh,Kuan-Pin Su,Mei-Chu Hung,Lee-Yan Sheen 한국식품영양과학회 2011 Journal of medicinal food Vol.14 No.6

This study adopted the forced-swimming paradigm to induce depressive symptoms in rats and evaluated the effects on learning and memory processing. Furthermore, the effects of the water extract of Gastrodia elata Bl., a well-known Chinese traditional medicine, on amnesia in rats subjected to the forced-swimming procedure were studied. Rats were subjected to the forced-swimming procedure, and the inhibitory avoidance task and Morris water maze were used to assess learning and memory performance. The acquisition of the two tasks was mostly impaired after the 15-minute forced-swimming procedure. Administration of the water extract of G. elata Bl. for 21 consecutive days at a dosage of 0.5 or 1.0 g/kg of body weight significantly improved retention in the inhibitory avoidance test, and the lower dose showed a better effect than the higher one and the antidepressant fluoxetine (18 mg/kg of body weight). In the Morris water maze, the lower dose of the water extract of G. elata Bl. significantly improved retention by shortening escape latency in the first test session and increasing the time in searching the target zone during the probe test. These findings suggest that water extracts of G. elata Bl. ameliorate the learning and memory deficits induced by forced swimming.

CCR6 Is a Predicting Biomarker of Radiosensitivity and Potential Target of Radiosensitization in Rectal Cancer

Hui Chang,Jia-wang Wei,Ya-lan Tao,Pei-rong Ding,Yun-fei Xia,Yuan-hong Gao,Wei-wei Xiao 대한암학회 2018 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.50 No.4

Purpose This study aimed to explore the functions and mechanisms of C-C motif chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6), a gene associated with progression and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC), in radiosensitivity of rectal cancer (RC). Materials and Methods RNA sequencing and immunohistochemical analysis on CCR6 expression were performed in pretreatment tissues of RC patients exhibiting different therapeutic effects of radiotherapy. Colonogenic survival assay was conducted in different CRC cell lines to assess their radiosensitivity. And the impact of CCR6 expression on radiosensitivity was validated through RNA interference. The DNA damage repair (DDR) abilities of cell lines with different CCR6 expression were evaluated through immunofluorescence-based H2AX quantification. Results The CCR6 mRNA level was higher in patients without pathologic complete remission (pCR) than in those with pCR (fold changed, 2.11; p=0.004). High-level expression of CCR6 protein was more common in the bad responders than in the good responders (76.3% vs. 37.5%, p < 0.001). The CRC cell lines with higher CCR6 expression (LoVo and sw480) appeared to be more radioresistant, compared with the sw620 cell line which had lower CCR6 expression. CCR6 knockdown made the LoVo cells more sensitive to ionizing radiation (sensitization enhancement ratio, 1.738; p < 0.001), and decreased their DDR efficiency. Conclusion CCR6 might affect the RC radiosensitivity through DDR process. These findings supported CCR6 as a predicting biomarker of radiosensitivity and a potential target of radiosensitization for RC patients.

Possible Sarcopenia and Its Association with Nutritional Status, Dietary Intakes, Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life among Older Stroke Survivors

Hui Jie Wong,Sakinah Harith,Pei Lin Lua,Khairul Azmi Ibrahim 대한노인병학회 2022 Annals of geriatric medicine and research Vol.26 No.2

Background: Screening for sarcopenia in the stroke population is an emerging concept in research and clinical practice. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of possible sarcopenia and its associated factors among older stroke survivors who visited the neurology and rehabilitation departments of three public hospitals in Malaysia. Methods: We acquired data on sociodemographic characteristics, clinical profiles, malnutrition risk, dietary intake, physical activity level, and health-related quality of life. Possible sarcopenia was diagnosed in individuals with decreased calf circumference and low handgrip strength, as proposed by the Asia Working Group for Sarcopenia (2019). Finally, we performed descriptive analysis and binary logistic regression. Results: Among 196 older adults with stroke (mean± standard deviation of age: 67.60 ± 5.70 years), 42.3% had possible sarcopenia, with a higher prevalence in the more advanced age group (≥70 years). In univariable analysis, possible sarcopenia was significantly associated with anthropometric indices, malnutrition risk, nutrient intake, physical activity level, and health-related quality of life. In multivariable analysis, body mass index (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43–0.75) was the only factor associated with possible sarcopenia among individuals aged ≥70 years. Recurrent stroke (AOR=3.48; 95% CI, 1.02–11.92), body mass index (AOR=0.64; 95% CI, 0.54–0.76), and EQ-5D index (AOR=0.15; 95% CI, 0.03–0.78) were significantly associated with possible sarcopenia in the 60–69-year age group. Conclusion: The prevalence of possible sarcopenia among community-dwelling older stroke survivors was high. Therefore, we recommend routine screening for possible sarcopenia to ensure early nutritional and exercise intervention.

Research and practice of health monitoring for long-span bridges in the mainland of China

Hui Li,Jinping Ou,Xigang Zhang,Minshan Pei,Na Li 국제구조공학회 2015 Smart Structures and Systems, An International Jou Vol.15 No.3

The large number of long-span bridges constructed in China motivates the applications ofstructural health monitoring (SHM) technology. Many bridges have been equipped with sophisticated SHMsystems in the mainland of China and in Hong Kong of China. Recently, SHM technology has beenextended to field test systems. In this view, SHM can serve as a tool to develop the methods of life-cycleperformance design, evaluation, maintenance and management of bridges; to develop new structuralanalysis methods through validation and feedback from SHM results; and to understand the behavior ofbridges under natural and man-made disasters, rapidly assess the damage and loss of structures over largeregions after disasters, e.g., earthquake, typhoon, flood, etc. It is hoped that combining analytical methods,numerical simulation, small-scale tests and accelerated durability tests with SHM could become the mainengine driving the development of bridge engineering. This paper demonstrates the above viewpoint.

Insertion/deletion (I/D) in the Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Gene and Breast Cancer Risk: Lack of Association in a Meta-analysis

Pei, Xin-Hong,Li, Hui-Xiang Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.11

Purpose: Breast cancer is an important cause of cancer-related death in women. Numerous studies have evaluated the association between the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene and breast cancer risk. However, the specific association is still controversial rather than conclusive. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis of related studies to address this controversy. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were systematically searched to identify relevant studies. A meta-analysis was performed to examine the association between the I/D polymorphism in the ACE gene and susceptibility to breast cancer. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. Results: 10 separate studies of 7 included articles with 10,888 subjects on the relation between the I/D polymorphism in the ACE gene and breast cancer were analyzed by meta-analysis, and our results showed no association between the I/D polymorphism in the ACE gene and breast cancer in total population and different populations. No publication bias was found in the present study. Conclusions: The ACE I/D polymorphism may not be associated with breast cancer risk. Further large and well-designed studies are needed to confirm this conclusion.