Showing papers by "National Cheng Kung University published in 2014"
Taipei Veterans General Hospital1, The Chinese University of Hong Kong2, Mahidol University3, University of Malaya4, South Korean Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs5, Ajou University6, Khon Kaen University7, Kyung Hee University8, National Cheng Kung University9, Chinese Ministry of Health10, Kyoto University11, University of Tokyo12
TL;DR: The AWGS consensus report is believed to promote more Asian sarcopenia research, and most important of all, to focus on sarc Openia intervention studies and the implementation of sarcopenian in clinical practice to improve health care outcomes of older people in the communities and the healthcare settings in Asia.
2,976 citations
University of Oxford1, Broad Institute2, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology3, University of Bern4, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute5, Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute6, University of Konstanz7, Agency for Science, Technology and Research8, Reed College9, Stanford University10, California Institute of Technology11, Benaroya Research Institute12, University of Rennes13, Georgia Institute of Technology14, University of Maryland, College Park15, University of Basel16, University of Texas at Austin17, Tokyo Institute of Technology18, National Museum of Natural History19, University of Stirling20, Carnegie Institution for Science21, National Cheng Kung University22, Science for Life Laboratory23, Norwich University24
TL;DR: This article found an excess of gene duplications in the East African lineage compared to Nile tilapia and other teleosts, an abundance of non-coding element divergence, accelerated coding sequence evolution, expression divergence associated with transposable element insertions, and regulation by novel microRNAs.
Abstract: Cichlid fishes are famous for large, diverse and replicated adaptive radiations in the Great Lakes of East Africa. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying cichlid phenotypic diversity, we sequenced the genomes and transcriptomes of five lineages of African cichlids: the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), an ancestral lineage with low diversity; and four members of the East African lineage: Neolamprologus brichardi/pulcher (older radiation, Lake Tanganyika), Metriaclima zebra (recent radiation, Lake Malawi), Pundamilia nyererei (very recent radiation, Lake Victoria), and Astatotilapia burtoni (riverine species around Lake Tanganyika). We found an excess of gene duplications in the East African lineage compared to tilapia and other teleosts, an abundance of non-coding element divergence, accelerated coding sequence evolution, expression divergence associated with transposable element insertions, and regulation by novel microRNAs. In addition, we analysed sequence data from sixty individuals representing six closely related species from Lake Victoria, and show genome-wide diversifying selection on coding and regulatory variants, some of which were recruited from ancient polymorphisms. We conclude that a number of molecular mechanisms shaped East African cichlid genomes, and that amassing of standing variation during periods of relaxed purifying selection may have been important in facilitating subsequent evolutionary diversification.
832 citations
TL;DR: Nitrogen-doped graphene oxide quantum dots exhibit both p- and n-type conductivities and catalyze overall water-splitting under visible-light irradiation, and the reaction mimics biological photosynthesis.
Abstract: Nitrogen-doped graphene oxide quantum dots exhibit both p- and n-type conductivities and catalyze overall water-splitting under visible-light irradiation. The quantum dots contain p-n type photochemical diodes, in which the carbon sp(2) clusters serve as the interfacial junction. The active sites for H2 and O2 evolution are the p- and n-domains, respectively, and the reaction mimics biological photosynthesis.
705 citations
University of Oxford1, Broad Institute2, University of Bern3, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology4, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute5, Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute6, University of Konstanz7, Agency for Science, Technology and Research8, Reed College9, Stanford University10, California Institute of Technology11, Benaroya Research Institute12, University of Rennes13, Georgia Institute of Technology14, University of Maryland, College Park15, University of Basel16, University of Texas at Austin17, Tokyo Institute of Technology18, National Museum of Natural History19, University of Stirling20, Carnegie Institution for Science21, National Cheng Kung University22, Science for Life Laboratory23, Norwich University24
TL;DR: It is concluded that a number of molecular mechanisms shaped East African cichlid genomes, and that amassing of standing variation during periods of relaxed purifying selection may have been important in facilitating subsequent evolutionary diversification.
Abstract: Cichlid fishes are famous for large, diverse and replicated adaptive radiations in the Great Lakes of East Africa. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying cichlid phenotypic diversity, we sequenced the genomes and transcriptomes of five lineages of African cichlids: the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), an ancestral lineage with low diversity; and four members of the East African lineage: Neolamprologus brichardi/pulcher (older radiation, Lake Tanganyika), Metriaclima zebra (recent radiation, Lake Malawi), Pundamilia nyererei (very recent radiation, Lake Victoria), and Astatotilapia burtoni (riverine species around Lake Tanganyika). We found an excess of gene duplications in the East African lineage compared to tilapia and other teleosts, an abundance of non-coding element divergence, accelerated coding sequence evolution, expression divergence associated with transposable element insertions, and regulation by novel microRNAs. In addition, we analysed sequence data from sixty individuals representing six closely related species from Lake Victoria, and show genome-wide diversifying selection on coding and regulatory variants, some of which were recruited from ancient polymorphisms. We conclude that a number of molecular mechanisms shaped East African cichlid genomes, and that amassing of standing variation during periods of relaxed purifying selection may have been important in facilitating subsequent evolutionary diversification.
666 citations
TL;DR: This study successfully demonstrates the application of inorganic p-type nickel oxide (NiOx) as electrode interlayer for the fabrication of NiOx /CH3 NH3 PbI3 perovskite/PCBM PHJ hybrid solar cells with a respectable solar-to-electrical PCE of 7.8%.
Abstract: This study successfully demonstrates the application of inorganic p-type nickel oxide (NiOx ) as electrode interlayer for the fabrication of NiOx /CH3 NH3 PbI3 perovskite/PCBM PHJ hybrid solar cells with a respectable solar-to-electrical PCE of 7.8%. The better energy level alignment and improved wetting of the NiOx electrode interlayer significantly enhance the overall photovoltaic performance.
643 citations
TL;DR: It is believed that high specificity could be obtained by implementing near-infrared (NIR) light-assisted nanoparticles in photothermal therapy, chemotherapy, and photodynamic therapy and novel nanomaterials have been designed and modified to achieve spatial and temporal control when conducting an in vivo xenograft.
Abstract: Noninvasive techniques, such as breath tests (urea breath test), blood pressure measurements using a sphygmomanometer and electrocardiography, were employed by a physician to perform classical diagnosis. The use of state-of-the-art noninvasive therapies at the organ level in modern medicine has gradually become possible. However, cancer treatment demands spatially and temporally controlled noninvasive therapy at the cell level because nonspecific toxicity often causes complicated side effects. To increase survival in cancer patients further, combination therapy and combination drugs are explored which demand high specificity to avoid combined-drug side effects. We believe that high specificity could be obtained by implementing near-infrared (NIR) light-assisted nanoparticles in photothermal therapy, chemotherapy, and photodynamic therapy. To refine this therapy and subsequently achieve high efficiency, novel nanomaterials have been designed and modified either to enhance the uptake and drug delivery to the cancer site, or control treatment to administer therapy efficiently. These modifications and developments have been demonstrated to achieve spatial and temporal control when conducting an in vivo xenograft, because the NIR light penetrated effectively the biological tissue. The nanoplatforms discussed in this review are grouped under the following subheadings: Au nanorods (NRs), Au nanoshells, other Au-related nanomaterials, graphene oxide, upconversion nanoparticles, and other related materials (including materials such as CuS, Fe3O4-related systems, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs)).
609 citations
University of California, Berkeley1, Golder Associates2, University of Southampton3, Yunnan University4, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Division of Water Resources5, Brigham Young University6, Compagnie Nationale du Rhône7, Kyoto University8, National Cheng Kung University9, Wuhan University10, Tsinghua University11, Colorado State University12
TL;DR: In this article, the authors summarized collective experience from five continents in managing reservoir sediments and mitigating downstream sediment starvation, and recommended that these sediment management approaches be utilized where possible to sustain reservoir capacity and minimize environmental impacts of dams.
Abstract: By trapping sediment in reservoirs, dams interrupt the continuity of sediment transport through rivers, resulting in loss of reservoir storage and reduced usable life, and depriving downstream reaches of sediments essential for channel form and aquatic habitats. With the acceleration of new dam construction globally, these impacts are increasingly widespread. There are proven techniques to pass sediment through or around reservoirs, to preserve reservoir capacity and to minimize downstream impacts, but they are not applied in many situations where they would be effective. This paper summarizes collective experience from five continents in managing reservoir sediments and mitigating downstream sediment starvation. Where geometry is favorable it is often possible to bypass sediment around the reservoir, which avoids reservoir sedimentation and supplies sediment to downstream reaches with rates and timing similar to pre-dam conditions. Sluicing (or drawdown routing) permits sediment to be transported through the reservoir rapidly to avoid sedimentation during high flows; it requires relatively large capacity outlets. Drawdown flushing involves scouring and re-suspending sediment deposited in the reservoir and transporting it downstream through low-level gates in the dam; it works best in narrow reservoirs with steep longitudinal gradients and with flow velocities maintained above the threshold to transport sediment. Turbidity currents can often be vented through the dam, with the advantage that the reservoir need not be drawn down to pass sediment. In planning dams, we recommend that these sediment management approaches be utilized where possible to sustain reservoir capacity and minimize environmental impacts of dams.
531 citations
Harvard University1, Kindai University2, ICM Partners3, University of Ulsan4, Samsung Medical Center5, University of Hong Kong6, Memorial Hospital of South Bend7, Medical University of Vienna8, Kyorin University9, Novartis10, National Health Research Institutes11, National Cheng Kung University12, Kaohsiung Medical University13
TL;DR: Everolimus did not improve overall survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma whose disease progressed during or after receiving sorafenib or who were intolerant of sorAFenib.
Abstract: RESULTS No significant difference in overall survival was seen between treatment groups, with 303 deaths (83.7%) in the everolimus group and 151 deaths (82.1%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio [HR], 1.05; 95% CI, 0.86-1.27; P = .68; median overall survival, 7.6 months with everolimus, 7.3 months with placebo). Median time to progression with everolimus and placebo was 3.0 months and 2.6 months, respectively (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.75-1.15), and disease control rate was 56.1% and 45.1%, respectively (P = .01). The most common grade 3/4 adverse events for everolimus vs placebo were anemia (7.8% vs 3.3%, respectively), asthenia (7.8% vs 5.5%, respectively), and decreased appetite (6.1% vs 0.5%, respectively). No patients experienced hepatitis C viral flare. Based on central laboratory results, hepatitis B viral reactivation was experienced by 39 patients (29 everolimus, 10 placebo); all cases were asymptomatic, but 3 everolimus recipients discontinued therapy.
504 citations
TL;DR: This paper reviews studies on network DEA by examining the models used and the structures of the network system of the problem being studied, and highlights some directions for future studies from the methodological point of view.
446 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: SPMF is an open-source data mining library offering implementations of more than 55 data mining algorithms, specialized for discovering patterns in transaction and sequence databases such as frequent itemsets, association rules and sequential patterns.
Abstract: We present SPMF, an open-source data mining library offering implementations of more than 55 data mining algorithms. SPMF is a cross-platform library implemented in Java, specialized for discovering patterns in transaction and sequence databases such as frequent itemsets, association rules and sequential patterns. The source code can be integrated in other Java programs. Moreover, SPMF offers a command line interface and a simple graphical interface for quick testing. The source code is available under the GNU General Public License, version 3. The website of the project offers several resources such as documentation with examples of how to run each algorithm, a developer's guide, performance comparisons of algorithms, data sets, an active forum, a FAQ and a mailing list.
417 citations
TL;DR: The NHIRD appears to be a valid resource for population research in cardiovascular diseases by cross-comparisons of discharge diagnoses listed in the NHIRD with those in the medical records obtained from a medical center in Taiwan.
TL;DR: A weather-based hybrid method for 1-day ahead hourly forecasting of PV power output is presented and achieves better prediction accuracy than the simple SVR and traditional ANN methods.
Abstract: To improve real-time control performance and reduce possible negative impacts of photovoltaic (PV) systems, an accurate forecasting of PV output is required, which is an important function in the operation of an energy management system (EMS) for distributed energy resources. In this paper, a weather-based hybrid method for 1-day ahead hourly forecasting of PV power output is presented. The proposed approach comprises classification, training, and forecasting stages. In the classification stage, the self-organizing map (SOM) and learning vector quantization (LVQ) networks are used to classify the collected historical data of PV power output. The training stage employs the support vector regression (SVR) to train the input/output data sets for temperature, probability of precipitation, and solar irradiance of defined similar hours. In the forecasting stage, the fuzzy inference method is used to select an adequate trained model for accurate forecast, according to the weather information collected from Taiwan Central Weather Bureau (TCWB). The proposed approach is applied to a practical PV power generation system. Numerical results show that the proposed approach achieves better prediction accuracy than the simple SVR and traditional ANN methods.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the relationships among transformational leadership, creative role identity, creative self-efficacy, job complexity, and creativity in a hotel setting. But they focused on the relationship between creative role identities and creative selfefficacy.
25 Jun 2014
TL;DR: An extensive experimental study with four real-life datasets shows that the resulting algorithm named FHM (Fast High-Utility Miner) reduces the number of join operations by up to 95 % and is up to six times faster than the state-of-the-art algorithm HUI-Miner.
Abstract: High utility itemset mining is a challenging task in frequent pattern mining, which has wide applications. The state-of-the-art algorithm is HUI-Miner. It adopts a vertical representation and performs a depth-first search to discover patterns and calculate their utility without performing costly database scans. Although, this approach is effective, mining high-utility itemsets remains computationally expensive because HUI-Miner has to perform a costly join operation for each pattern that is generated by its search procedure. In this paper, we address this issue by proposing a novel strategy based on the analysis of item co-occurrences to reduce the number of join operations that need to be performed. An extensive experimental study with four real-life datasets shows that the resulting algorithm named FHM (Fast High-Utility Miner) reduces the number of join operations by up to 95 % and is up to six times faster than the state-of-the-art algorithm HUI-Miner.
Hannover Medical School1, University of Paris2, Cornell University3, Henry Ford Health System4, China Medical University (Taiwan)5, National Cheng Kung University6, University of Colorado Denver7, Pusan National University8, University of Duisburg-Essen9, Baylor College of Medicine10, Kaiser Permanente11, National Yang-Ming University12, Monash University13, Inje University14, National Taiwan University15, Bristol-Myers Squibb16
TL;DR: Daclatasvir plus asunaprevir provided high sustained virological response rates in treatment-naive, non-responder, and ineligible, intolerant, or ineligible and intolerant patients, and was well tolerated in patients with HCV genotype 1b infection.
TL;DR: Low temperature sputtered NiOx thin film is introduced, which substitutes the PEDOT-PSS and solution-processed NiOx as an effective electron blocking layer for mesoscopic NiO/CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells, and has the advantage for cost-effective perovSkite-based photovoltaics.
Abstract: We introduce the use of low temperature sputtered NiOx thin film, which substitutes the PEDOT–PSS and solution-processed NiOx as an effective electron blocking layer for mesoscopic NiO/CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells. The influences of film thickness and oxygen doping on the photovoltaic performances are scrutinized. The cell efficiency has been improved from 9.51 to 10.7% for devices using NiOx fabricated under pure argon atmosphere. With adequate doping under 10% oxygen flow ratio, we achieved power conversion efficiency of 11.6%. The procedure is large area scalable and has the advantage for cost-effective perovskite-based photovoltaics.
TL;DR: Interestingly, AgNPs induced morphological and biochemical markers of autophagy in NIH 3T3 cells and induced autophagosome formation, as evidenced by transmission electron microscopic analysis, the formation of microtubule-associated protein-1 light chain-3 (LC3) puncta and the expression of LC3-II protein.
TL;DR: Physician assistant is an emerging high burnout group; its severity is similar to that of nurses and far more than that of physicians, administrative staff and medical technicians, which may contribute to the development of feasible strategies to reduce the stress which results in the burnout currently plaguing most hospitals in Taiwan.
Abstract: Objectives To explore the prevalence and associated factors of burnout among five different medical professions in a regional teaching hospital. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Hospital-based survey. Participants A total of 1329 medical professionals were recruited in a regional hospital with a response rate of 89%. These voluntary participants included 101 physicians, 68 physician assistants, 570 nurses, 216 medical technicians and 374 administrative staff. Primary and secondary outcome measures Demographic data included gender, age, level of education and marital status, and work situations, such as position, work hours and work shifts, were obtained from an electronic questionnaire. Job strain and burnout were measured by two validated questionnaires, the Chinese version of the Job Content Questionnaire and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Results Among the five medical professions, the prevalence of high work-related burnout from highest to lowest was nurses (66%), physician assistants (61.8%), physicians (38.6%), administrative staff (36.1%) and medical technicians (31.9%), respectively. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that job strain, overcommitment and low social support explained the most variance (32.6%) of burnout. Conclusions Physician assistant is an emerging high burnout group; its severity is similar to that of nurses and far more than that of physicians, administrative staff and medical technicians. These findings may contribute to the development of feasible strategies to reduce the stress which results in the burnout currently plaguing most hospitals in Taiwan.
TL;DR: Nanostructured substrates with high average SERS enhancement factors (EFs) can now be easily produced, with the EF depending strongly on the size and shape of the nanostructures that give rise to the effect.
TL;DR: This comprehensive review discusses recent advances in understanding the effects of major environmental stresses and the characteristics of various engineering operation strategies on the production of biofuels (mainly biodiesel and bioethanol) using microalgae.
TL;DR: It is shown that IL-17RA signals directly within transformed colonic epithelial cells (enterocytes) to promote early tumor development and is established as a therapeutic targets in colorectal cancer.
TL;DR: The isolation and characterization of bacteria isolated from the hepatopancreas (HP) of shrimp collected from an early mortality outbreak farm in Thailand revealed the possibility of diversity in isolates of V. parahaemolyticus that may cause early mortality in shrimp cultivation ponds.
TL;DR: Delayed clearance of plasma phenytoin was detected in patients with severe cutaneous adverse reactions, especially CYP2C9*3 carriers, providing a functional link of the associated variants to the disease.
Abstract: Importance The antiepileptic drug phenytoin can cause cutaneous adverse reactions, ranging from maculopapular exanthema to severe cutaneous adverse reactions, which include drug reactions with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis. The pharmacogenomic basis of phenytoin-related severe cutaneous adverse reactions remains unknown. Objective To investigate the genetic factors associated with phenytoin-related severe cutaneous adverse reactions. Design, Setting, and Participants Case-control study conducted in 2002-2014 among 105 cases with phenytoin-related severe cutaneous adverse reactions (n=61 Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis and n=44 drug reactions with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms), 78 cases with maculopapular exanthema, 130 phenytoin-tolerant control participants, and 3655 population controls from Taiwan, Japan, and Malaysia. A genome-wide association study (GWAS), direct sequencing of the associated loci, and replication analysis were conducted using the samples from Taiwan. The initial GWAS included samples of 60 cases with phenytoin-related severe cutaneous adverse reactions and 412 population controls from Taiwan. The results were validated in (1) 30 cases with severe cutaneous adverse reactions and 130 phenytoin-tolerant controls from Taiwan, (2) 9 patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis and 2869 population controls from Japan, and (3) 6 cases and 374 population controls from Malaysia. Main Outcomes and Measures Specific genetic factors associated with phenytoin-related severe cutaneous adverse reactions. Results The GWAS discovered a cluster of 16 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in CYP2C genes at 10q23.33 that reached genome-wide significance. Direct sequencing of CYP2C identified missense variant rs1057910 ( CYP2C9*3 ) that showed significant association with phenytoin-related severe cutaneous adverse reactions (odds ratio, 12; 95% CI, 6.6-20; P =1.1 × 10 −17 ). The statistically significant association between CYP2C9*3 and phenytoin-related severe cutaneous adverse reactions was observed in additional samples from Taiwan, Japan, and Malaysia. A meta-analysis using the data from the 3 populations showed an overall odds ratio of 11 (95% CI, 6.2-18; z =8.58; P CYP2C9*3 association with phenytoin-related severe cutaneous adverse reactions. Delayed clearance of plasma phenytoin was detected in patients with severe cutaneous adverse reactions, especially CYP2C9*3 carriers, providing a functional link of the associated variants to the disease. Conclusions and Relevance This study identified CYP2C variants, including CYP2C9*3 , known to reduce drug clearance, as important genetic factors associated with phenytoin-related severe cutaneous adverse reactions.
TL;DR: Recent discoveries of spectacular dinosaur fossils overwhelmingly support the hypothesis that birds are descended from maniraptoran theropod dinosaurs, and furthermore, demonstrate that distinctive bird characteristics such as feathers, flight, endothermic physiology, unique strategies for reproduction and growth, and a novel pulmonary system originated among Mesozoic terrestrial dinosaurs.
Abstract: Background The origin of birds is one of the most enduring and dramatic evolutionary debates. The hypothesis that the primarily small-sized birds are nested within a theropod dinosaur group that includes the gigantic Tyrannosaurus rex has been supported by strong fossil evidence, but until recently, several important issues remained unresolved, including the origins of feathers and flight, the “temporal paradox” (the coelurosaurian theropods occur too late in the fossil record to be ancestral to the Jurassic bird Archaeopteryx), and supposed homological incongruities (e.g., the suggested homologies of three fingers in tetanuran theropods are different from those of living birds). Recent discoveries of spectacular dinosaur fossils from China and elsewhere provide new information to address these issues, and also prompt numerous studies in disciplines other than paleontology that help explain how bird characteristics originated and evolved. Evolutionary history of selected bird features inferred from multidisciplinary data. Recent studies demonstrate that major bird characteristics have evolved in a sequential way, and many of them initiated transformation early in dinosaur evolution, with some approaching modern conditions well before the origin of birds, whereas others appear only near the origin of the crown group birds. Advances The discoveries of feathered dinosaur fossils from the Jurassic and Cretaceous sediments of China and elsewhere document a diverse range of feathers from monofilamentous feathers to highly complex flight feathers, which show a general evolutionary trend of increasing complexity leading to the cladogenesis of birds. The wide occurrence of foot feathers in Mesozoic theropods (i.e., short filamentous forms in relatively basal theropods and large vaned forms in derived theropods, including early birds) clarifies feather-scale relations and integumentary evolution pertinent to flight origins and also shows that bird flight likely had evolved through a four-winged stage. With numerous discoveries of well-preserved dinosaur fossils covering a wide range of geological periods, the morphological, functional, and temporal transition from ground-living to flight-capable theropod dinosaurs is now one of the best-documented major evolutionary transitions. Meanwhile, studies in disciplines other than paleontology provide new insights into how bird characteristics originated and evolved—such as feathers, flight, endothermic physiology, unique strategies for reproduction and growth, and an unusual pulmonary system. The iconic features of extant birds, for the most part, evolved in a gradual and stepwise fashion throughout theropod evolution. However, new data also highlight occasional bursts of morphological novelty at certain stages particularly close to the origin of birds and an unavoidable complex, mosaic evolutionary distribution of major bird characteristics on the theropod tree. Research into bird origins provides a model example of how an integration of paleontological and neontological data can be used to gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexity surrounding major evolutionary transitions and to set new research directions. Outlook A refined, more robust phylogeny will be imperative to move our studies forward. A larger data set will help to increase the accuracy of phylogenetic reconstructions, but better character formulation and more accurate scorings are imperative at the current stage. In terms of character evolution, an integrative approach combining paleontological, neontological, developmental, temporal, and even paleoenvironmental data is particularly desirable. Greater examination of fossils pertaining to molecular information is also a potentially fruitful avenue for future investigation. Evolutionary scenarios for various aspects of the origin of birds have sometimes been constructed from neontological data, but any historical reconstruction must ultimately be tested using the fossil record. Consequently, dense fossil sampling along the line to modern birds and better understanding of transitional forms play key roles in such reconstructions.
TL;DR: Estimating EEG-based functional connectivity provides a useful tool for studying the relationship between brain activity and emotional states, and it is concluded that the classification rate was better than chance.
Abstract: This study aimed to classify different emotional states by means of EEG-based functional connectivity patterns. Forty young participants viewed film clips that evoked the following emotional states: neutral, positive, or negative. Three connectivity indices, including correlation, coherence, and phase synchronization, were used to estimate brain functional connectivity in EEG signals. Following each film clip, participants were asked to report on their subjective affect. The results indicated that the EEG-based functional connectivity change was significantly different among emotional states. Furthermore, the connectivity pattern was detected by pattern classification analysis using Quadratic Discriminant Analysis. The results indicated that the classification rate was better than chance. We conclude that estimating EEG-based functional connectivity provides a useful tool for studying the relationship between brain activity and emotional states.
TL;DR: Through selective passivation of the defects by atomic layer deposition (ALD) an enhanced corrosion protection of more than 99% was achieved, which compares favorably with commercial corrosion protection methods.
Abstract: Graphene is expected to enable superior corrosion protection due to its impermeability and chemical inertness. Previous reports, however, demonstrate limited corrosion inhibition and even corrosion enhancement of graphene on metal surfaces. To enable the reliable and complete passivation, the origin of the low inhibition efficiency of graphene was investigated. Combining electrochemical and morphological characterization techniques, nanometer-sized structural defects in chemical vapor deposition grown graphene were found to be the cause for the limited passivation effect. Extremely fast mass transport on the order of meters per second both across and parallel to graphene layers results in an inhibition efficiency of only ∼50% for Cu covered with up to three graphene layers. Through selective passivation of the defects by atomic layer deposition (ALD) an enhanced corrosion protection of more than 99% was achieved, which compares favorably with commercial corrosion protection methods.
TL;DR: This review focuses on how ROS production is correlated with host cell death, and may play an important role as a signal molecule in the regulation of viral replication and organelle function, potentially providing new insights in the prevention and treatment of RNA viruses and retrovirus infections.
Abstract: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are well known for being both beneficial and deleterious. The main thrust of this review is to investigate the role of ROS in ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus pathogenesis. Much evidences has accumulated over the past decade, suggesting that patients infected with RNA viruses are under chronic oxidative stress. Changes to the body's antioxidant defense system, in relation to SOD, ascorbic acid, selenium, carotenoids, and glutathione, have been reported in various tissues of RNA-virus infected patients. This review focuses on RNA viruses and retroviruses, giving particular attention to the human influenza virus, Hepatitis c virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and the aquatic Betanodavirus. Oxidative stress via RNA virus infections can contribute to several aspects of viral disease pathogenesis including apoptosis, loss of immune function, viral replication, inflammatory response, and loss of body weight. We focus on how ROS production is correlated with host cell death. Moreover, ROS may play an important role as a signal molecule in the regulation of viral replication and organelle function, potentially providing new insights in the prevention and treatment of RNA viruses and retrovirus infections.
TL;DR: The role of adipocytes has been shown to be relevant for epidermal homoeostasis during hair follicle regeneration and wound healing and a refined nomenclature for the cells and adipose tissue underlying the reticular dermis as intradermal adipocytes and dermal white adiposes tissue is proposed.
Abstract: Here, we explore the evolution and development of skin-associated adipose tissue with the goal of establishing nomenclature for this tissue. Underlying the reticular dermis, a thick layer of adipocytes exists that encases mature hair follicles in rodents and humans. The association of lipid-filled cells with the skin is found in many invertebrate and vertebrate species. Historically, this layer of adipocytes has been termed subcutaneous adipose, hypodermis and subcutis. Recent data have revealed a common precursor for dermal fibroblasts and intradermal adipocytes during development. Furthermore, the development of adipocytes in the skin is independent from that of subcutaneous adipose tissue development. Finally, the role of adipocytes has been shown to be relevant for epidermal homoeostasis during hair follicle regeneration and wound healing. Thus, we propose a refined nomenclature for the cells and adipose tissue underlying the reticular dermis as intradermal adipocytes and dermal white adipose tissue, respectively.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present an assessment of battery performance involving complex, interrelated physical and chemical processes between electrode materials and electrolytes, including high-energy cathode and anode materials for rechargeable Li-ion batteries and challenges of Li metal as an anode material for Li batteries.
Abstract: This issue contains assessments of battery performance involving complex, interrelated physical and chemical processes between electrode materials and electrolytes. Transformational changes in battery technologies are critically needed to enable the effective use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind to allow for the expansion of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) to plug-in HEVs and pure-electric vehicles. For these applications, batteries must store more energy per unit volume and weight, and they must be capable of undergoing many thousands of charge-discharge cycles. The articles in this theme issue present details of several growing interest areas, including high-energy cathode and anode materials for rechargeable Li-ion batteries and challenges of Li metal as an anode material for Li batteries. They also address the recent progress in systems beyond Li ion, including Li-S and Li-air batteries, which represent possible next-generation batteries for electrical vehicles. One article reviews the recent understanding and new strategies and materials for rechargeable Mg batteries. The knowledge presented in these articles is anticipated to catalyze the design of new multifunctional materials that can be tailored to provide the optimal performance required for future electrical energy storage applications.
TL;DR: A systems biological approach to analyze immune responses to dengue in humans revealed that genes encoding proinflammatory mediators and type I interferon-related proteins were associated with high DENV levels during initial symptomatic disease and CD14(+)CD16(+) monocytes increased in the blood.