Chung Yuan Christian University

About: Chung Yuan Christian University is a education organization based out in Taoyuan City, Taiwan. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Membrane & Fuzzy logic. The organization has 9819 authors who have published 11623 publications receiving 213139 citations. The organization is also known as: Tiong-gôan-tāi-ha̍k & CYCU.

FLAG Review 2019

Abstract: We review lattice results related to pion, kaon, $D$-meson, $B$-meson, and nucleon physics with the aim of making them easily accessible to the nuclear and particle physics communities. More specifically, we report on the determination of the light-quark masses, the form factor $f_+(0)$ arising in the semileptonic $K \to \pi$ transition at zero momentum transfer, as well as the decay constant ratio $f_K/f_\pi$ and its consequences for the CKM matrix elements $V_{us}$ and $V_{ud}$. Furthermore, we describe the results obtained on the lattice for some of the low-energy constants of $SU(2)_L\times SU(2)_R$ and $SU(3)_L\times SU(3)_R$ Chiral Perturbation Theory. We review the determination of the $B_K$ parameter of neutral kaon mixing as well as the additional four $B$ parameters that arise in theories of physics beyond the Standard Model. For the heavy-quark sector, we provide results for $m_c$ and $m_b$ as well as those for $D$- and $B$-meson decay constants, form factors, and mixing parameters. These are the heavy-quark quantities most relevant for the determination of CKM matrix elements and the global CKM unitarity-triangle fit. We review the status of lattice determinations of the strong coupling constant $\alpha_s$. Finally, in this review we have added a new section reviewing results for nucleon matrix elements of the axial, scalar and tensor bilinears, both isovector and flavor diagonal.

Efficient Visual Feedback Method to Control a Three-Dimensional Overhead Crane

Abstract: This paper presents an efficient method to capture the dynamic movement of a three-dimensional (3-D) overhead crane, enabling it to be controlled by visual feedback in real time with two cheap handy cameras. Two tracking areas and one positioning block in each frame are used to search image features and determine the useful vision information. The depth information of 3-D crane system in images can be also obtained by a tag on the dynamic plant. The presented visual tracking method involves comparison of the lightest or darkest points in the tracking or positioning area of a dynamic object and then computes the necessary trolley position and load swing in 3-D space. Upon tracking, the sensing data are sent to an adaptive fuzzy sliding-mode controller (AFSMC) to derive control power for the crane system. Accordingly, the merits of this AFSMC approach, including robustness of the sliding-mode control and the model-free property of the fuzzy logic for the 3-D crane system, are confirmed. Experimental results verify the improvement of the proposed methodology.

Anti-apoptotic effects of curcumin on photosensitized human epidermal carcinoma A431 cells

Abstract: Photodynamic treatment (PDT) can elicit a diverse range of cellular responses, including apoptotic cell death. Previously, we showed that PDT stimulates caspase-3 activation and subsequent cleavage and activation of p21-activated kinase 2 (PAK2) in human epidermal carcinoma A431 cells. Curcumin, the yellow pigment of Curcuma longa, is known to have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, using Rose Bengal (RB) as the photosensitizer, we investigated the effect of curcumin on PDT-induced apoptotic events in human epidermal carcinoma A431 cells. We report that curcumin prevented PDT-induced JNK activation, mitochondrial release of cytochrome c, caspase-3 activation, and cleavage of PAK2. Using the cell permeable dye DCF-DA as an indicator of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, we found that both curcumin and ROS scavengers (i.e., l-histidine, a-tocopherol, mannitol) abolished PDT-stimulated intracellular oxidative stress. Moreover, all these PDT-induced apoptotic changes in cells could be blocked by singlet oxygen scavengers (i.e., l-histidine, a-tocopherol), but were not affected by the hydroxyl radical scavenger mannitol. In addition, we found that SP600125, a JNK-specific inhibitor, reduced PDT-induced JNK activation as well as caspase-3 activation, indicating that JNK activity is required for PDT-induced caspase activation. Collectively, these results demonstrate that singlet oxygen triggers JNK activation, cytochrome c release, caspase activation and subsequent apoptotic biochemical changes during PDT and show that curcumin is a potent inhibitor for this process.

Baculovirus as an expression and/or delivery vehicle for vaccine antigens.

Abstract: The baculovirus/insect cell-expression system has proven to be a valuable tool for rapid expression of abundant recombinant proteins for research purposes and has been increasingly exploited for the production of vaccine candidates for commercial use. Furthermore, baculovirus has been discovered to be capable of efficiently transducing a wide variety of mammalian cells, thus leading to the emergence of baculovirus as a novel vector for in vivo and in vitro gene delivery. By incorporating a mammalian expression cassette into the viral genome and/or genetically modifying the baculovirus envelope for immunogen display, baculovirus has also been exploited recently as a vaccine expression/delivery vehicle. This review will focus primarily on past progress and recent advances with regards to employing baculovirus as an in vitro or in vivo expression/delivery vehicle for vaccine immunogens.

Evaluating different footprints parameters as a predictor of arch height

Abstract: Some controversies still exist concerning the validity and efficacy of using footprint parameters to predict arch height. Some investigators have disputed the ability of using the footprint to characterize arch types, since factors other than arch height may contribute to the footprint. Chu and coworkers (1995) used a digital approach and included pressure information with AI, which they termed the modified arch index (MAI). Their results showed that significant correlation existed between the arch height and both the MAI (r=-0.71) and the AI (r=-0.70). The causes of the above-mentioned controversy have been believed to be due to errors introduced during the footprint acquisition and parameter extraction phases. The purpose of this study was to use the same digital approach as Chua to determine whether correlation existed between arch height and the other eight footprint parameters besides the MAI and AI. The objective of classifying foot arch type is to help people with abnormal foot structure prevent injury, and to help athletes enhance performance. The main purpose of footprint parameters is to provide an easily accessible and valid approach to reach this objective.