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The unique characteristic of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is that local invasion rather than distant metastasis is the major route for dissemination. Therefore, targeting the locally invasive cancer cells is more important than preventing systemic metastasis in HNSCC and other invasive-predominant cancers. We previously demonstrate a specific mechanism for HNSCC local invasion: the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulator Twist1 represses microRNA let-7i expression, leading to the activation of the small GTPase Rac1 and engendering the mesenchymal-mode movement in three-dimensional (3D) culture. However, targeting the EMT regulator is relatively difficult because of its transcription factor nature and the strategy for confining HNSCC invasion to facilitate local treatment is limited. Imipramine blue (IB) is a newly identified anti-invasive compound that effectively inhibits glioma invasion. Here we demonstrate that in HNSCC cells, a noncytotoxic dose of IB represses mesenchymal-mode migration in two-and-a-half-dimensional/3D culture system. IB suppresses EMT and stemness of HNSCC cells through inhibition of Twist1-mediated let-7i downregulation and Rac1 activation and the EMT signalling. Mechanistically, IB inhibits reactive oxygen species-induced nuclear factor-κB pathway activation. Importantly, IB promotes degradation of the EMT inducer Twist1 by enhancing F-box and leucine-rich repeat protein 14 (FBXL14)-mediated polyubiquitination of Twist1. Together, this study demonstrates the potent anti-invasion and EMT-inhibition effect of IB, suggesting the potential of IB in treating local invasion-predominant cancers.

To facilitate the assessment of ecological product value and provide a convenient means of measurement, it is imperative to enhance the value accounting system. Thus, this study aims to develop a methodology for assessing ecological products that accounts for both product quality and cost. This approach is used to determine the ecological product value for the three provinces and cities in the Three Gorges region of China, which are located in the middle and upper reaches of the Yangtze River, namely Hubei Province, Hunan Province, and Chongqing Municipality. According to the results, the ecological product value of Yangtze River's Three Gorges regions was USD 32,499,414,905.7 (2,339.417 billion yuan) in 2018. Clean water made up USD 129,845,354,411 (934.657 billion yuan) of this amount, while agricultural products contributed 140.476 billion. With a value of USD16,154,661,055 (11628.50 billion yuan), Hubei province had the greatest ecological product value. In light of these results, this study advocates for strategies to ensure the diversified and balanced development of ecological products. It recommends the establishment of a market platform dedicated to ecological products, as well as the formulation of rules and protocols governing ecological product transactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modulation doping is a commonly adopted technique to create two-dimensional (2D) electrons or holes in semiconductor heterostructures. One constraint, however, is that the intentional dopants required for modulation doping are controlled and incorporated during the growth of heterostructures. Using undoped strained germanium quantum wells as the model material system, we show, in this work, that modulation doping can be achieved post-growth of heterostructures by ion implantation and dopant-activation anneals. The carrier density is controlled ex situ by varying the ion fluence and implant energy, and an empirical calibration curve is obtained. While the mobility of the resulting 2D holes is lower than that in undoped heterostructure field-effect transistors built using the same material, the achievable carrier density is significantly higher. Potential applications of this modulation-doping technique are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accuracy of fatigue life assessment for the welded joint in a steel bridge is largely dependent on an appropriate S - N curve. In this paper, a master S - N curve-based fatigue life assessment approach for the welded joint with an open-rib in orthotropic steel bridge deck is proposed based on the finite element model (FEM) and field monitoring data from structural health monitoring (SHM) system. The case studies on fatigue life assessment by use of finite element analysis (FEA) for constant-amplitude cyclic loading mode and field monitoring data under variable-amplitude cyclic loading mode are addressed. In the case of FEA, the distribution of structural stress at fatigue-prone weld toe is achieved using 4-node shell element model and then transformed into equivalent structural stress by fracture mechanics theory. The fatigue life of the welded joint is estimated with a single master S - N curve in the form of equivalent structural stress range versus the cycles to failure. In the case of monitoring data-based fatigue life assessment, the daily history of structural stress at diaphragm to U-rib is derived from the raw strain data measured by the instrumented fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors and transformed into equivalent structural stress. The fatigue life of the investigated welded joint is calculated by cyclic counting method and Palmgren–Miner linear damage cumulative rule. The master S - N curve method provides an effective fatigue life assessment process, especially when the nominal stress is hard to be defined. A single master S - N curve will facilitate to solve the difficulty in choosing a proper S - N curve which is required in the traditional fatigue life assessment methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accuracy and integrity of stress data acquired by bridge heath monitoring system is of significant importance for bridge safety assessment. However, the missing and abnormal data are inevitably existed in a realistic monitoring system. This paper presents a data reconstruction approach for bridge heath monitoring based on the wavelet multi-resolution analysis and support vector machine (SVM). The proposed method has been applied for data imputation based on the recorded data by the structural health monitoring (SHM) system instrumented on a prestressed concrete cable-stayed bridge. The effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed wavelet-based SVM prediction method is examined by comparing with the traditional autoregression moving average (ARMA) method and SVM prediction method without wavelet multi-resolution analysis in accordance with the prediction errors. The data reconstruction analysis based on 5-day and 1-day continuous stress history data with obvious preternatural signals is performed to examine the effect of sample size on the accuracy of data reconstruction. The results indicate that the proposed data reconstruction approach based on wavelet multi-resolution analysis and SVM is an effective tool for missing data imputation or preternatural signal replacement, which can serve as a solid foundation for the purpose of accurately evaluating the safety of bridge structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural strain plays a significant role in structural condition assessment of in-service bridges in terms of structural bearing capacity, structural reliability level and entire safety redundancy. Therefore, it has been one of the most important parameters concerned by researchers and engineers engaged in structural health monitoring (SHM) practices. In this paper, an SHM system instrumented on the Jiubao Bridge located in Hangzhou, China is firstly introduced. This system involves nine subsystems and has been continuously operated for five years since 2012. As part of the SHM system, a total of 166 fiber Bragg grating (FBG) strain sensors are installed on the bridge to measure the dynamic strain responses of key structural components. Based on the strain monitoring data acquired in recent two years, the strain-based structural condition assessment of the Jiubao Bridge is carried out. The wavelet multi-resolution algorithm is applied to separate the temperature effect from the raw strain data. The obtained strain data under the normal traffic and wind condition and under the typhoon condition are examined for structural safety evaluation. The structural condition rating of the bridge in accordance with the AASHTO specification for condition evaluation and load and resistance factor rating of highway bridges is performed by use of the processed strain data in combination with finite element analysis. The analysis framework presented in this study can be used as a reference for facilitating the assessment, inspection and maintenance activities of in-service bridges instrumented with longterm SHM system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communication is closely related to safe practice and patient outcomes. Given that most clinicians fall into routines when communicating with patients, it is important to address communication issues early. This study explores Taiwanese nursing students' experiences of communication with patients with cancer and their families. Senior nursing students who had cared for cancer patients were recruited to participate in focus group interviews. These semi-structured interviews were recorded and transcribed for content analysis. Among the 45 participants, about 36% of them never received any communication training. Up to 76% of the participants stated that their communication with cancer patients was difficult and caused them emotional stress. Subsequent data analysis revealed four themes: disengagement, reluctance, regression and transition. Students' negative communication experiences were related to the patients' terminally ill situation; the students' lack of training, low self-efficacy and power status, poor emotional regulation, and cultural considerations. The findings of this study provide a deeper understanding of nursing students' communication experiences in oncology settings within the cultural context. Early and appropriate communication training is necessary to help students regulate their emotions and establish effective communication skills. Further studies are needed to examine the relationship among students' emotional labour, communication skills and outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on direct measurements of half-hourly canopy evapotranspiration (ET; Wm-2) using the eddy covariance (EC) system and daily soil evaporation (E; mmday-1) using microlysimeters over a crop ecosystem in arid northwestern China from 27 May to 14 September in 2013, a Bayesian method was used to simultaneously parameterize the soil surface and canopy resistances in the Shuttleworth-Wallace (S-W) model. Four of the six parameters showed relatively larger uncertainty reductions (> 50 %), and their posterior distributions became approximately symmetric with distinctive modes. There was a moderately good agreement between measured and simulated values of halfhourly ET and daily E with a linear regression being y = 0.84x +0.18(R² = 0.83) and y = 1.01x +0.01(R² = 0.82), respectively. The causes of underestimations of ET by the S-W model was possibly attributed to the microscale advection, which can contribute an added energy in the form of downward sensible heat fluxes to the ET process. Therefore, the advection process should be taken into account in simulating ET in heterogeneous land surfaces. Also, underestimations were observed on or shortly after rainy days, which may be due to direct evaporation of liquid water intercepted in the canopy. Thus, the canopy interception model should be coupled to the S-W model in the long-term ET simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study dealt with the deposition of nanotitanium films with different thicknesses by using the ultrahigh vacuum ion beam sputtering system. It is found that the thickness of the titanium films was in the nanoscale thus the electric resistivity of the titanium films decreased. Moreover, the deposited titanium was transformed into titanium oxide in an oxygen atmosphere and by using a rapid annealing process. The photoelectronic properties of the nanotitanium thin film was enhanced, when the nanotitanium film was transformed to titanium dioxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N-type semiconductor tungsten oxide is an interesting photocatalytic material because it has a good band gap (2·6 eV). This experiment using the surfactants citric acid and tannic acid acts on an aqueous solution of tungsten oxide, helps in the formation of different crystal growth surfaces and thus achieves a mixed solution of tungsten oxide to obtain a different optical, surface morphology and its two kinds of citric acid and tannic acid mixed ratios of the tungsten oxide specimen test the efficiency of solar hydrogen production. The efficiency test results in maximum efficiency, reaching 0·85% WO3 (citric acid:tannic acid = 1:3) of the solar hydrogen production efficiency. The efficiency will possibly be up to 3% after optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earlier detection and intervention for chronic renal allograft injury (CRAI) remain major challenges for transplantation physicians. Endocan plays a key role in the regulation of cell adhesion, inflammatory disorders, and tumor progression. We conducted this cross-sectional study of 97 renal transplant (RT) recipients with mean RT duration of 7.0 ± 5.7 years to determine whether Endocan could be a diagnostic and prognostic marker. The patients' mean age was 43.6 ± 13.2 years, and 55.7% (54/97) were male. Higher Endocan levels were found in more advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, the Endocan ≥643.19 pg/mL group had higher creatinine (Cr; 1.2 ± 0.4 vs 1.6 ± 1.1 mg/dL; P = .029) and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; 67.8 ± 23.8 mL/min vs 54.4 ± 22.0; P = .006) than the Endocan <643.19 pg/mL group after 3 months of follow-up, respectively. Linear regression analysis found tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α correlated well with Endocan. To elucidate the response of endothelium activation, we stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with TNF-α in vitro, and found the levels of Endocan (P = .022) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 (P = .034) increased with time, but interleukin (IL)-10 decreased (P = .013). In summary, Endocan may reflect the degree of endothelial cell injury in renal allografts, and showed a trend of elevation in late-stage CKD. An in vitro study demonstrated TNF-α–activated HUVECs secreted high levels of Endocan and TGF-β1, which could lead to a better understanding of the role of endothelium in immune balance. In conclusion, Endocan may have potential as a useful long-term indicator of CRAI in RT recipients, but further study is needed to verify our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatigue is among the most critical forms of damage potentially occurring in steel bridges, while accurate assessment or prediction of the fatigue damage status as well as the remaining fatigue life of steel bridges is still a challenging and unsolved issue. There have been numerous investigations on the fatigue damage evaluation and life prediction of steel bridges by use of deterministic or probabilistic methods. The purpose of this review is devoted to presenting a summary on the development history and current status of fatigue condition assessment of steel bridges, containing basic aspects of fatigue, classical fatigue analysis methods, data-driven fatigue life assessment, and reliability-based fatigue condition assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last two decades, a significant number of innovative sensing systems based on optical fiber sensors have been exploited in the engineering community due to their inherent distinctive advantages such as small size, light weight, immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and corrosion, and embedding capability. A lot of optical fiber sensor-based monitoring systems have been developed for continuous measurement and real-time assessment of diversified engineering structures such as bridges, buildings, tunnels, pipelines, wind turbines, railway infrastructure, and geotechnical structures.The purpose of this review article is devoted to presenting a summary of the basic principles of various optical fiber sensors, innovation in sensing and computational methodologies, development of novel optical fiber sensors, and the practical application status of the optical fiber sensing technology in structural health monitoring (SHM) of civil infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Chronic viral hepatitis is no longer a contraindication to renal transplantation (RT), owing to our better understanding of the hepatitis virus. Hepatitis patients may receive RT depending on their response to viral therapy. RT patients with hepatitis generally do not have an inferior prognosis compared with RT patients without the disease. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are activated during chronic viral hepatitis. The role of HSCs in immunoregulatory effects in RT recipients has not been fully elucidated. Methods: We recruited 22 RT recipients with chronic viral hepatitis, who composed the chronic liver disease (CLD) group, and 25 disease-free recipients, who served as the control group. We retrieved their clinical data and collected serum to measure cytokine levels. To investigate the immunoregulatory effect of HSCs, we cocultured HSCs with allogeneic antigen-presenting cell–activated T cells (mixed lymphocyte reaction [MLR]) in Transwell plates. Results: The liver biopsy disclosed activation HSCs in 1 chronic hepatitis C virus recipient without treatment. Serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels in the CLD group (41.6 ± 27.4 pg/mL) were significantly higher than those in the control group (28.1 ± 12.8 pg/mL; P = .008). There were similar levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). In allogeneic MLR, HSCs inhibited T-cell activation through the soluble factors in the Transwell assays. There was a high level of MCP-1 in the supernates of the HSC group in the allogeneic MLR, but TGF-β1 was lower in HSCs cocultured with MLR than in the control group, except in the early period. Conclusions: HSCs may play an immunoregulatory role in chronic viral hepatitis recipients to minimize the effect of immunosuppressants without affecting rejection. The immunomodulatory effects may be attributed to soluble factors in HSCs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, a design of new tri-band bandpass filter for the application of GSM (1.8 GHz), WiMAX (2.7 GHz) and UWB (3.3- 4.8 GHz) is proposed. The first two narrow passbands are created, and the bandwidth of the third passband can be tuned by properly selecting the impedance ratio (R) and physical length ratio (u) of the asymmetric stepped-impedance resonator. To improve passband performance and form the UWB passband, a U-shape defected ground structure and extra extended coupling lines are integrated with the asymmetric SIR. Due to the three transmission zeros appearing near the passband edges, the band selectivity of the proposed filter is much improved. The filter was fabricated, and the measured results have a good agreement with the full-wave simulated ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air-oxidation and ozone surface treatment of carbon fibers (CF) on tribological properties of CF reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites under oil-lubricated conditions was investigated. Experimental results revealed that ozone treated CF reinforced PTFE (CF/PTFE) composite had the lowest friction coefficient and wear under various applied loads and sliding speeds compared with untreated and air-oxidated composites. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) study of the carbon fiber surface showed that, after ozone treatment, oxygen concentration was obviously increased, and the amount of oxygen-containing groups on CF surfaces were increased greatly. The increase in the amount of oxygen-containing groups enhanced interfacial adhesion between CF and PTFE matrix, and large scale rubbing-off of PTFE was prevented; therefore, the tribological properties of the composite were improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following two models were combined to simultaneously predict CO2 and H2O gas exchange at the leaf scale of Populus euphratica: a Farquhar et al. type biochemical sub-model of photosynthesis (Farquhar et al., 1980) and a Ball et al. type stomatal conductance sub-model (Ball et al., 1987). The photosynthesis parameters [including maximum carboxylation rate allowed by ribulose-1,5- bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) carboxylation rate (Vcmax ), potential light-saturated electron transport rate (Jmax), triose phosphate utilization (TPU) and day respiration (Rd )] were determined by using the genetic algorithm (GA) method based on A/Ci data. Values of Vcmax and Jmax standardized at 25 °C were 75.09±1.36 (mean±standard error), 117.27±2.47, respectively. The stomatal conductance sub-model was calibrated independently. Prediction of net photosynthesis by the coupled model agreed well with the validation data, but the model tended to underestimate transpiration rates. Overall, the combined model generally captured the diurnal patterns of CO2 and H2O exchange resulting from variation in temperature and irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of air-oxidation and ozone surface treatment of carbon fibers (CF) on tribological properties of CF reinforced Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites under oil-lubricated condition was investigated. Experimental results revealed that ozone treated CF reinforced PTFE (CF/PTFE) composite had the lowest friction coefficient and wear. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) study of carbon fiber surface showed that the increase in the amount of oxygen-containing groups enhanced interfacial adhesion between CF and PTFE matrix. With strong interfacial adhesion of the composite, stress could be effectively transmitted to carbon fibers; carbon fibers were strongly bonded with PTFE matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the dynamic characteristics of composite beams with partial shear connections. The governing equations of motion for partial composite beams are derived from the one-dimensional partial composite beam theory. By solving the corresponding characteristic equation, the natural frequencies and modal shapes for simple partial composite beams are obtained. The orthogonality condition between the natural modes is utilized to decouple the equations of motion. Closed-form solution for the simple partial composite beam subjected to a moving load is derived by the modal superposition method. Key parameters that govern the fundamental frequency and deflection impact factor of simple partial composite beams are identified. Numerical results show that the former is controlled by the composite connection and section combination parameters, and the latter by the fundamental frequency ratio. It was observed that the time-history response of a partial composite beam may differ significantly from that of a full composite beam in terms of amplitude, period, and overall shape, depending on the composition connection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new Fe–Mn–Cr–Mo–V austenitic surfacing material especially suitable for the impact wear resistant application, designated as EKCM50, has been successfully developed. Hardness and impact wear tests have been performed for the surfacing deposits obtained using the newly developed austenitic surfacing electrode and the high manganese steel surfacing electrode. The mechanical performances of the surfacing deposits obtained using two electrodes have been compared. The result shows that the EKCM50 austenitic surfacing electrode can give higher hardness and excellent impact wear resistance than the high manganese steel electrode. In addition, the influence of alloying elements including Cr, Mo and V on the hardness and impact wear resistance of the new austenitic surfacing material is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to control the shape and distribution of hard phases in a surfacing deposit, a longitudinal DC magnetic field was applied during plasma arc surfacing of low carbonsted with two iron based alloys (Fe 5 and Fe 3). Hardness and wear testing as well as microstructural X-ray diffraction analyses and microstructure of two surfacing deposits were investigated. The results show that the surfacing deposit subjected to a magnetic field exhibits higher hardness and better wear resistance than that produced without the application of magnetic field. When the magnetic field current is 3 A, properties of the surfacing deposit are optimal. Under this processing condition, both α and γ solid solutions are sufficiently refined and such hard phases as Cr7C3 and CrB can be obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With numerous applications prevailing in science and engineering, the dynamics of charged droplets coupled together via electrostatics is of great interest to many researchers. In this study, the liquid droplets are assumed to be inviscid, incompressible, and electrically conductive. The boundary integral method is used to solve the three Laplace equations governing the dynamics of the two axisymmetric, inviscid charged droplets (two for hydrodynamic problems with interior domains and one for the electrostatic problem with exterior domains). Time integration of the associated dynamical system is achieved by using the fourth order Runge-Kutta method. The present results suggest that the electrostatic interaction has only a localized effect on the motions of the two coupled droplets. Global analysis based upon Legendre modes may not be a meaningful approach in the current study. Consequently, some interesting aspects of the dynamics of two electrostatically coupled charged droplets are illustrated via various examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface- vs. ground-water chemistry in the Heihe River basin, assessed through field sampling of precipitation, surface water and groundwater, allowed geographical zones and chemical types to be differentiated. The geographical zones included: alpine ice-snow (>3,900 m), alpine meadow (3,400–3,900 m), mountain forest and shrub (2,600–3,400 m), mountain grassland (1,900–2,600 m) and desert grassland (1,500–1,900 m). Groundwater chemical types included: (1) mountain fissure and piedmont gravel, bicarbonate, (2) piedmont diluvial, alluvial and lacustrine plain, sulphate, and (3) desert salt-accumulating depression, chloride. Since the 1960s, large volumes of river water diverted for irrigation have been found to re-emerge as spring water at the edge of alluvial fans and then reintegrate the Heihe River. After a number of reuses and re-emergences in the middle reaches, the river’s level of mineralization has doubled. Hydrological changes have resulted in the marked degradation of aquatic habitats, and caused substantial, and expanding, land salinization and desertification. Solving these largely anthropogenic problems requires concerted, massive and long-term efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrostructures of spray-formed 13 vol.% SiC reinforced 7075 aluminum metal matrix composites (MMCs) were studied. The workability of spray-formed MMCs was studied, which was compared with that of conventional continuously-cast 7075 aluminum alloy. Upset forming was employed to study the workability, for which the strain, strain rate, and temperature were varied. The effects of lubrication were studied. The evolving morphologies during upsetting were investigated together with the surface defects. The relationships between true strain and true stress were studied, and the strain rate sensitivities, m, were calculated. Macrostructural evolution during upset forming was characterized. The forming limit diagram of strain paths during deformation were plotted and analyzed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

JIS-AC9A alloy was spray-formed and the microstructures between spray-formed and conventional cast AC9A alloys were compared. Spray-formed AC9A billets were then extruded into bars under two different conditions of reduction ratio, preheating temperature and die temperature. The morphologies of extruded bars were analyzed to reveal the surface defects. The morphology, size and distribution of Si particles after extrusion were compared along different directions for various extrusion conditions. The porosity level after extrusion was compared for various extrusion conditions. The formation and propagation of surface crack were analyzed and studied. The relationships among surface crack length, its penetration depth and extrusion temperature were investigated and an empirical relationships was found to describe the relationships. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The high-temperature corrosion behavior of Fe-30.1Mn-9.7A1-0.77C alloy initially coated with 2 mg/cm² NaCl/Na[sub 2]SO[sub 4] (100/0, 75/25, 50/50, 25/75 and 0/100 wt.%) deposits has been studied at 750°C in air. The result shows that weight-gain kinetics in simple oxidation reveals a steady-state parabolic rate law after 3 hr, while the kinetics with salt deposits all display multi-stage growth rates. The corrosion morphology of the alloy with 100% Na[sub 2]SO[sub 4] coating is similar to that of simple oxidation. NaCl acts as the predominant corrosion species for Fe-Mn-Al-C alloy, inhibiting the formation of a protective oxide scale. For the alloy coated with over 50% NaCl in salts, NaCl induces selective oxidation of manganese and results in the formation of secondary ferrite in the alloy substrate as well as void-layers with different densities of voids layer by layer in the secondary-ferrite zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abdominal pseudocyst is a rare, but important complication in patients with a ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt insertion. Several predisposing factors for this complication have been suggested, including infection, obstruction or dislodgement, but the pathophysiology is still unknown. However, the abdominal inflammatory process is accepted widely as a hypothesis for the formation of an abdominal pseudocyst. In this study, we report the case of a 21-year-old male that presented with a high-grade fever, poor appetite, shortness of breath and unconsciousness 1 week after receiving a VP shunt insertion for obstructive hydrocephalus. Ultrasonography and computed tomographic scans of the abdomen revealed a well-defined large hepatic cyst surrounding the peritoneal tube of the VP shunt. A hepatic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cyst was diagnosed and Staphylococcus epidermis was cultured via CSF. After externalization of the VP shunt and adequate antibiotic treatment, the hepatic cyst was resolved. There was no recurrence observed in the regular follow up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A way to increase the pork production that was restricted by the natural resources and diseases is to increase the reproductive capability of swine. The pork marketed in Taiwan is dominated by the LYD crossbred pigs. The reproductive traits of Landrace and Duroc sows were studied via GWAS. Sows of which TNB are within top 15% and last 15% were selected and the genomic DNA samples were prepared. The Axiom Porcine Breeders Genotyping Array from Thermo Fisher Scientific was chosen for the studies. After assessing the accuracy and reproducibility of the chips, we are trying to primitively explore the possible SNP candidates associating to the reproductive traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intra-granular Acicular Ferrite (IAF), as one of the most well-known desirable microstructure of ferrite with a chaotic crystallographic orientation, can not only refine the microstructure and retard the propagation of cleavage crack but also provide excellent combination of strength and toughness in steel. The effect of adding cerium on microstructure and controlling proper cerium-based inclusions in order to improve properties in low-carbon commercial steel (SS400) were investigated. The type of inclusions can be controlled by changing S/O ratio and Ce content. Without Ce modification, MnS is a dominate inclusion. After adding Ce, the stable inclusion phases change from AlCeO3 to Ce2O2S. The optimum amount of cerium, 0.0235 wt.%, lead in proper grain refinement and formation of cerium oxide, oxy-sulfide and sulfide inclusions. Having a high amount of cerium results in increasing the number of inclusions significantly as a result it cannot be effective enough and the inclusions will act like barriers for others. It is found that the inclusions with a size of about 4∼7 μm can serve as heterogeneous nucleation sites for AF formation. Thermodynamic calculations have been applied to predict the inclusion formation in this molten steel as well, which show a good agreement with experimental one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]