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This article explores enhancing spoke-type flux-intensifying permanent magnet (SFI-PM) motor performance by strategically placing flux barriers (FBs) in the asymmetric rotor. Integrating multi-FBs into the conventional spoke-type PM (CSPM) rotor topology elevates the d-axis inductance ( $L_{d} \gt L_{q}$ ), intensifying flux density and improving output torque while posing challenges like increased cogging torque, torque ripple, and harmonic distortion. An asymmetric rotor design is proposed to mitigate these issues by strategically placing a higher number of FBs along the forward direction (FD) of the spoke magnet axis (q-axis). Analysis reveals that this configuration reduces torque ripple and enhances output torque. A multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) is applied to optimize this asymmetric design considering mechanical constraints. The analyses are validated by manufacturing and testing a 5-kW asymmetric SFI-PM machine with a higher number of FBs along the FD of the spoke magnet axis.

In the realm of electric motor design, achieving high efficiency at elevated operational speeds is paramount for various applications, ranging from automotive propulsion to industrial machinery. This research delves into the significance of high-efficiency interior permanent magnet synchronous motors (IPMSMs), particularly when operating in the flux-weakening (FW) region. The focus is on the pivotal role played by the characteristic current in expanding the high-efficiency region at these demanding operational speeds. By manipulating the characteristic current, this research explores avenues for improvements in efficiency during FW operation. The investigation is substantiated through a comprehensive approach, incorporating both simulation and experimental validation. Through rigorous analysis, the study demonstrates that manipulating characteristic current represents a viable strategy for improving the high-efficiency region of IPMSMs when operating at high speeds in the FW region.

Achieving a model which accurately diagnoses faults in electric machines is a vital step in data-driven fault detection approaches. To this aim, this article proposes a long short-term memory regulated deep residual network for data-driven fault diagnosis purposes in electric machines. The advantages of the proposed network are that it is more general in terms of fault type and measurement, results in a more accurate model for fault classification, and has faster convergence compared with other networks, such as conventional deep residual networks. In order to prove these advantages of the proposed network, it is evaluated by two different types of datasets. One is the inter-turn short circuit fault in a permanent magnet synchronous motor with the data of measured three-phase current. The second one is the Case Western Reverse University bearing fault dataset with the vibration measurements. The performance of the network is also compared with other networks. Results reveal that the model can accurately detect both types of faults by two different measurements with a test accuracy of 100%. Furthermore, it converges faster than other networks in the training procedure.

Although PSMA PET/CT imaging has great potential for noninvasively detecting prostate cancer (PCa), limitations exist for patients with low PSMA expression, caused by androgen deprivation treatment or neuroendocrine differentiation. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas Prostate Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-PRAD) data found that erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor A2 (EphA2), a receptor overexpressed in most PCa could be a potential target for PSMA-negative PCa. A fluorescent ligand ETF and a radiolabeled ligand [18F]AlF-ETN derived from a EphA2-targeting bicyclic peptide were synthesized and investigated. ETF could selectively stain and visualize the EphA2-positive but PSMA-negative PC3 cells, in complementary to the PSMA-targeting probe. PET/CT imaging and biodistribution experiments demonstrated that [18F]AlF-ETN specifically accumulated in PC3 tumors with a high contrast (tumor-to-muscle ratio: 21.29 ± 6.55). In conclusion, we have demonstrated the potential for using EphA2 to detect PSMA-negative PCa and developed a radiolabeled ligand [18F]AlF-ETN to specifically image EphA2 expressing PCa with high contrast.

This article investigates the effects of multiple flux barriers (FBs) and permanent magnet (PM) arrangements of flux intensifying (FI) interior PM (FI-IPM) motors at high-speed operation for spindle applications. Common FI-IPM motors possess a low constant power speed range (CPSR), thus limiting their applications. In this article, three multiple-flux-barrier FI-IPM (MFI-IPM) motors with different PM arrangements are studied. First, the air gap flux density, inductance characteristics, and torque component distribution are investigated with various rotor topologies. Then, the performance of the MFI-IPM motors in terms of CPSR and torque ripple is investigated and compared with an original V-shape FI-IPM motor. The analysis reveals that proper rotor designs can significantly improve the performance and CPRS of the MFI-IPM motor. Furthermore, considering the rotor mechanical strength of the MFI-IPM motor at high speeds, magnetic bridges and ribs are added, which thus increases flux leakage and slightly reduces motor performance. Finally, a rated power of 9 kW MFI-IPM motor prototype is fabricated and tested. The experiment results validate the analyses.

This article develops a method for the cancellation of the inherent even-order harmonics in consequent-pole permanent-magnet vernier motors (CP-PMVMs) to improve the performance. Vernier motors can achieve high torque density; however, their high pole number means a high amount of rare-earth permanent magnet (PM) usage at a high cost. The consequent-pole design can reduce PM material cost but leads to high even-order harmonics and torque ripple. This article analyzes two winding configurations in order to develop the method for even-order harmonics cancellation in the CP-PMVMs. Two CP-PMVMs with different slot–pole combinations are analyzed to verify the proposed method. The effect of magnetic barriers on the torque output of the CP-PMVM with canceled even-order harmonics is evaluated. Finally, a multi-objective genetic algorithm is used to optimize the motor. Finite element analysis (FEA) is used to validate the design, with subsequent confirmation of simulations through prototype testing.

This article proposes an approach that combines machine learning (ML) and equivalent magnetic circuit (EMC) analysis for the design of surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motors (SPMSMs). This is aimed at building a service platform for non-professional users who need motor designs. The developed method can quickly obtain permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) designs and parameters with a certain level of accuracy without using finite-element (FE) simulation. Therefore, the users can take advantage of the platform and obtain the motor designs in a few seconds. The users only need to input key specifications, such as the torque required, speed, and voltage available, and the ML-based platform can predict and output a design that satisfies the specifications. In this article, an EMC model is first developed, and FE is employed to validate its accuracy. With the EMC, more than 6000 motor models are produced as the data pool for the ML. The ML algorithms are trained by making use of this motor design data pool so that the design platform can be built. Finally, the FE simulations validate the accuracy of the proposed method.

Conventional sensors for detecting the rotor position in permanent magnet synchronous motors can be influenced by environmental conditions and may pose reliability concerns during operation. Accordingly, this study proposes a search coil design in which a single strand of the motor winding from each phase terminal is used to derive the three-phase stator flux linkage. The flux linkage is transformed into the $\alpha $ – $\beta $ frame to determine the stator flux linkage angle, which is then used to interrogate a pre-established lookup table to determine the corresponding motor rotor angle. The effectiveness of the proposed search coil is evaluated via experimental trials using a commercial 3.7-kW motor. The position estimation results are found to be in good agreement with those obtained using a commercial resolver under various speed and load conditions. The proposed search coil offers a simple, noninvasive, and reliable means of estimating the rotor angle. Importantly, the proposed search coil can function as either a reliable backup in the event of motor position sensor failure or as a primary sensor. It, thus, provides a suitable choice for a wide range of motor types.

This paper develops a coreless-stator permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) for reaction wheels applied to attitude control of satellites. The reaction wheel motor requires a design of lightweight, low operation loss, high efficiency and high inertia to keep the satellite operation stable with minimized power consumption. A coreless-stator design possesses the advantages of low core loss and lightweight and is considered suitable. However, this design may suffer significant eddy current loss induced in the conductors by the rotor alternating magnetic field, and this is unbeneficial to loss reduction. Moreover, due to the high inertia of the reaction wheel, torque and current would persist for a long duration, leading to copper losses that should not be disregarded. Therefore, the operation scenarios of the satellites should be considered in the reaction wheel design. In this paper, a comprehensive analysis for various design factors is conducted to minimize the power loss of the reaction wheel, taking the satellite operation scenarios into account. Finally, a lightweight and low-loss reaction wheel motor is designed and simulated. Experiments are conducted to validate the design and analysis.

This work focuses on maximizing the high-efficiency operating range of a spoke-type permanent magnet (PM) motor by minimizing losses with a proposed motor constant to extend the cruise range for E-bikes. Multiple factors are usually involved in reducing copper and iron losses, and the efficiency may not be easily manipulated in the design processes for high-performance motors. The motor efficiency may directly be obtained through simulations upon completion of designs, resulting in a long product development period. Therefore, this paper proposes a simple optimization method covering copper and iron losses to expand motor high-efficiency ranges. A 300 W spoke-type PM motor for E-bikes is used as the target. The torque density is enhanced and the power losses are minimized based on the proposed new motor constant, which is developed to comprehensively evaluate motor performance and efficiency. The Genetic Algorithm is used in conjunction with the new motor constant to maximize the high-efficiency operating range. The analysis results reveal that the optimized spoke-type PM motors can achieve a higher torque density and broader high-efficiency range than that without being optimized. A prototype is fabricated, and experiments are conducted to validate the analysis.

‘CandidatusLiberibacter asiaticus (CLas)’, which causes citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) disease, has not been successfully cultured in vitroto date. Here, a rapid multiplication system for CLas was established through in vitroregeneration of axillary buds from CLas-infected ‘Changyecheng’ sweet orange (Citrus sinensisOsbeck). Stem segments with a single axillary bud were cultured in vitroto allow CLas to multiply in the regenerating axillary buds. A high CLas titer was detected in the regenerated shoots on an optimized medium at 30 days after germination (DAG). This titer was 28.2-fold higher than in the midribs from CLas-infected trees growing in the greenhouse. To minimize contamination during in vitroregeneration, CLas-infected axillary buds were micrografted onto seedlings of ‘Changyecheng’ sweet orange and cultured in a liquid medium. In this culture, the titers of CLas in regenerated shoots rapidly increased from 7.5×104to 1.4×108cells μg–1of citrus DNA during the first 40 DAG. The percentages of shoots with >1×108CLas cells μg–1DNA were 30 and 40% at 30 and 40 DAG, respectively. Direct tissue blot immunoassay (DTBIA) indicated that the distribution of CLas was much more uniform in regenerated plantlets than in CLas-infected trees growing in the greenhouse. The disease symptoms in the plantlets were die-back, stunted growth, leaf necrosis/yellowing, and defoliation. The death rate of the plantlets was 82.0% at 60 DAG. Our results show that CLas can effectively multiply in citrus plantlests in vitro. This method will be useful for studying plant-HLB interactions and for rapid screening of therapeutic compounds against CLas in citrus.

Early impairment of islet function and graft loss limit the success of allogeneic islet transplantation. Non-specific inflammatory events occurring at the transplant site immediately after grafting, involving the production of [...]

Prostate Ewing sarcoma is rare. We report the 18F-FDG PET/CT finding of a 16-year-old adolescent boy who presented with dysuria and was confirmed to be extraskeletal Ewing sarcoma of the prostate by histopathologic findings.

During the initial developmental stage of historical settlement, residents used the principles of feng shuito locate suitable residence sites to ensure quality of life. Using Huazhai Village in Taiwan as a case study, this study explores the design philosophy of ancient Chinese people through scientific analysis. Research showed that the region was characterized by a windy climate. Therefore, a computational fluid dynamics model was used to simulate the local wind environment and restore the early architectural complex of the village. Compared to the current situation, it was demonstrated that the planning principles of the early buildings gave first priority to site selection. Second, with the village streets acting as a wind corridor, the angle of the streets was well utilized to strengthen outdoor ventilation in summer. Third, according to wind field characteristics at different locations, various opening directions and arrangement modes were applied in different areas to improve the wind field of the living environment. This ancient ecological wisdom provides current designers with a new strategy for living in harmony with nature, which may aid the design of sustainable living environments that adapt to the climate.

The magneto-rheological(MR) suspension system has been established, by employing the modified Bouc-wen force-velocity (F-v) model of magneto-rheological damper(MRD). The possibility of chaotic motions in MR suspension is discovered by employing nonlinear systems stability theory. With the bifurcation diagram and corresponding Lyapunov exponent spectrum diagrams detected through numerical calculation, we can observe the complex dynamical behaviors and oscillating mechanism of alternating periodic oscillations, quasi-periodic oscillations and chaotic oscillations with different profiles of road excitation, as well as the dynamical evolution to chaos by period-doubling bifurcations, saddle-node bifurcations and reverse period-doubling bifurcations.

Several case reports have shown fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) imaging to be superior to 18F-FDG imaging in the delineation of primary gastric signet-ring cell carcinoma lesions. In this case, 18F-AlF-NOTA-FAPI PET/CT showed more metastatic lesions that had more increased activity than 18F-FDG PET/CT. However, neither 18F-AlF-NOTA-FAPI nor 18F-FDG imaging revealed any abnormal uptake in the primary gastric lesion, which was subsequently demonstrated to be the primary lesion by pathology.

In patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, myocardial uptake at fluorine 18 fibroblast activation protein inhibitor PET/CT extended to the nonhypertrophic myocardium and correlated with the 5-year sudden cardiac death risk.

China-fir was a key building material used in Taiwan before 1894 and reached Taiwan by import from Fuzhou, China. However, at the start of the period of Japanese governance (beginning in 1895), the China-fir market in Taiwan appeared to gradually reduce as a result of an attempt by the Taiwanese Governor General′s Office (TGGO) to develop the market for Japanese timbers in Taiwan.After an investigation of the Japanese consular office in Fuzhou, the anti-termite property of China-fir was announced in October 1916. Some former studies concluded that the report was one of the reasons for China-fir′s renewed dominance in the building material market in Taiwan from 1917 to 1925.However, in contrast to the period before 1916, when the TGGO boycotted China-fir by every means, why did the TGGO announce news about China-fir as an anti-termite material, and allow it to overwhelm the market of Japanese cedar again? By reviewing the TGGO′s South China Policy and other historical materials, this paper shows that the 1916 report can be seen as encouragement for Japanese and Taiwanese merchants to invest in the China-fir market in Fuzhou, which would be of benefit to the colonial government by allowing it to develop economic and political power in South China.

AbstractLarge-scale heritage structures with historical value often suffer damage as a result of external forces. If they are to be rebuilt, while preserving their original appearance, the difficulties of reconstructing the often shattered remains must be addressed. In this paper, the south chimney of the Taiwan Tile Corporation′s Takao factory, which was seriously damaged during an earthquake, is used as the example. To develop the integrated technology of 3D laser scanning, with a Fuzzy c-mean algorithm and precision irregular 3D building digital model, eleven complete precision 3D digital models of the south chimney and a 3D digital model of the south chimney needed to be created from 2D architectural survey figures. Judging whether the positions of the undamaged remains match their original positions requires the use of 3D overlay recognition through position, size and appearance. The recognition results are successful for eight pieces of the remains, and the success matching rate is about 72%. The 3D digital recovery simulation model using a precision irregular 3D building digital model can improve the ability to rebuild in keeping with the original appearance, as well as reduce conservation costs in the rebuilding of large-scale heritage structures.

The main objective of this paper is to develop a new technique for detecting turn-to-turn short-circuit faults in one or two stator phases of an induction motor. Hence, modeling a turn-to-turn short-circuit fault in more than one phase and a phase-to-ground fault is the first novelty of this paper for calculating phase currents under faulty conditions. This strategy uses the extracted features from the corresponding three-phase current pattern in 3-D space. Identification of faulty phases and of the severity of the fault is the outcome of this technique. This technique is also capable of detecting a phase-to-ground fault. This method just requires current sensors that are available in most drive systems to provide good controllability, and details of the machine design are not necessary. Experimental results are included to show the ability of the proposed strategy for detecting and locating phase/phases under different faults and load conditions.

This paper demonstrated the importance of bolt tightening in engineering application, and given the injector clamp tightening of engine model. We given the calculation method of snug torque and angle of torque-angle tightening of bolt, and this calculation method of bolt tightening has an important control function.  In addition, the torque and angle Adjustment method was given. We introduced the Experimental Study. Finally, the injector clamp tightening bolt M8×1 of JX4D30X engine as an example, Examples proved that the results of theoretical calculation and experimental study uniform.  These studies have not been involved in other papers.

To develop a new kind of functional textile material, viscose fiber was prepared from natural and antibacterial pineapple leaf fiber and its structures and properties were explored with analyzing methods of sensory evaluation, SEM, FT-IR, TG, DTG and DSC. The results showed that the prepared pineapple leaf viscose fiber was white, shiny, fine, smooth, soft, and somewhat curly with even fineness. Its arrangement was verticall y parallel with some obvious grooves. Irregular zigzaging and the skin-core structure were observed in cross section. The fiber had characteristic groups of cellulose and absorption peaks at 1737.74, 1506.23 and 1431.82 cm-1 almost disappeared, and it showed high purity. The pyrogenation mechanism of pineapple leaf viscose fiber was similar to that of pineapple leaf fiber, but thermal stability of pineapple leaf viscose fiber was slightly lower than that of pineapple leaf fiber. Pineapple leaf viscose fiber belonged to cotton-type viscose staple fiber. The basic properties met the requirements of the first grade of viscose fiber. The mechanical properties reached top standard. It was a good kind of antibacterial textile material with strong bacteriostatic and bactericidal action against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans.

It is the key step for real-time image processing of beacon to complete the pointing, acquisition and tracking course between the optical communication terminals. The segmentation and extraction of beacon is the most difficult problem for the sequence image processing, a kind of adaptive threshold segmentation method is put forward on the basis of Otsu algorithm , in the improved algorithm, the image processing is divided into two parts: firstly, it is to identify potential target in a single frame; the secondly, it is to detect beacon image in a region of interesting . Finally, the kalman model is applied to accomplish the tracking of beacon, the experimental result shows that the Otsu algorithm overcomes the disadvantage of incomplete information for traditional algorithm, therefore, it is beneficial to improve the tracking ability of system．

AbstractBased on census records during the Japanese period, oral interviews and literature reviews, the migratory routes of Quanzhou carpenters in Taiwan between 1910 and 1928 were traced. Population structure and networks, interactions between the related carpentry guilds and their job scopes were carefully analyzed. Results show that the carpentry skills inherited by the Quanzhou Xidi carpenters were actually the outcome of a gradual fusion between the essence of Ming dynasty development and the accumulation of temporal wisdom passed down from their patrilineal societies. Upon arrival in Taiwan, the migration trend of the Tangshan carpenters gradually evolved from single nodal concentration (staying within their own clans or villages) to inter-state (township and/or county-level) migration through inter-referrals. Eventually, patrilineal skill-imparting practices could no longer sustain the ever-changing socio-economic trend, and thus led to the collapse of the traditional system. In-land migration brought about geographical and subsequently, temporal transmission of carpentry skills, which led to the creation of locally distinctive styles. The initial intention of outsourcing overseas skilled carpentry teams had not only indirectly revealed the essence of ′foreign′ traditional carpentry in the local environment, but had also led to the unique fusion of ethnic, geographical and construction skill integration in Taiwan.

We designed one kind of general A/D converter based on the NuMicro M0516 processor. Taking the realize of AD574A for example to illustrate the process of using this processor. We solved the interface between digital input and analog input, and yet, came up with the method for the realization of software programming. Application results prove that this kind of A/D converter is programmable, high precision, and the voltage conversion range is large, what's more, its price is relative lower and so it has a certain practicality and popularize value.

Review critically evaluates the reported in vitro cytokine functions of HSPs and HMGB1, their implications, and lessons learned from these studies. In search of the etiology and pathophysiology for autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases, many molecules have been identified as endogenous damage‐associated molecules with proinflammatory cytokine functions that may be responsible for the sterile inflammation leading to tissue injuries observed in these disorders. HSPs and HMGB1 are intracellular molecular chaperones for peptides and DNAs, respectively. They are released extracellularly upon cellular injury or activation. In vitro studies revealed that HSPs and HMGB1 were capable of inducing the release of proinflammatory cytokines by monocytes and macrophages and the activation and maturation of DCs. These cytokine effects were reported to be mediated by TLR2 and TLR4 signal transduction pathways. Thus, they were called endogenous ligands of TLR2 and TLR4 and might serve as danger signals, alarmins, or damage‐associated molecules to the host immune system. It has been suggested that HSPs provide a link between innate and adaptive immune systems, and HMGB1 functions at the cross‐road between innate and adaptive immunity. However, recent evidence suggests that highly purified HSPs and HMGB1, although retaining their biological activities, do not have cytokine effects. Thus, HSPs and HMGB1 do not meet the definition of endogenous ligands of TLRs, danger signals, alarmins, or damage‐associated molecules. In contrast, HSPs and HMGB1 are found to bind a number of pathogen‐associated molecules, such as LPS and bacterial lipopeptides, and enhance the cytokine effects of these molecules. The significance of these cytokine‐enhancing effects of HSPs and HMGB1 needs further investigation.

The aim of this study was to analyze the amplification of the human telomerase gene (TERC) in cervical specimens by fluorescence in situhybridization (FISH), and FISH findings were compared with cytologic and histologic diagnoses. Slides prepared from 123 liquid-based preparations from cervical specimens with cytologic diagnoses of negative for squamous intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (n20), atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (n22), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (n55), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (n21), or invasive cervical carcinomas (n5) were analyzed for the amplification of TERCusing a 2-color FISH probe. The results of the cytologic analysis and those of concurrent or subsequent biopsies were compared with the FISH findings. Results showed that amplification of TERCwas significantly associated with both cytologic and histologic diagnoses (P<0.05). Patients with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or squamous cell carcinoma cytology diagnoses had significantly higher percentages of cells with the amplification of TERCthan did patients with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, ASC-US, and negative for squamous intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (P<0.005). FISH can be performed on cervical liquid-based preparations to detect the amplification of TERC. This test may be an adjunct to cytology screening, early detection of cervix neoplasm, and may determine the progressive potential of individual lesions, especially in high-risk patients.

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) such as HSP 60 (Hsp60), Hsp70, Hsp90, and gp96, have been reported to play important roles in antigen presentation and cross‐presentation, activation of macrophages and lymphocytes, and activation and maturation of dendritic cells. HSPs contain peptide‐binding domains that bind exposed hydrophobic residues of substrate proteins. As part of their molecular chaperone functions, HSPs bind and deliver chaperoned, antigenic peptides to MHC class I molecules at the cell surface for presentation to lymphocytes. HSPs also bind nonprotein molecules with exposed hydrophobic residues including lipid‐based TLR ligands. Recombinant HSP products may be contaminated with pathogen‐associated molecules that contain exposed hydrophobic residues such as LPS (a TLR4 ligand), lipoprotein (a TLR2 ligand), and flagellin (a TLR5 ligand). These contaminants appear to be responsible for most, if not all, reported in vitro cytokine effects of HSPs, as highly purified HSPs do not show any cytokine effects. We propose that HSPs are molecular chaperones that bind protein and nonprotein molecules with exposed hydrophobic residues. The reported antigen presentation and cross‐presentation and in vitro HSP cytokine functions are a result of molecules bound to or chaperoned by HSPs but not a result of HSPs themselves.

Nitrate-augmented myocardial perfusion imaging has been demonstrated to improve the detection of myocardial viability and accurately predicts recovery of left ventricular (LV) function in patients with severe coronary artery disease and LV dysfunction. Recently, several studies showed the prognostic utility of nitrate imaging in evaluation of event-free survival in ischemic LV dysfunction. Furthermore, the diagnostic power of nitrate imaging compared with positron emission tomography or MRI, as well as the mechanism of nitrate-enhanced imaging, were also studied. We describe recent studies using nitrate-augmented myocardial perfusion imaging for the assessment of myocardial viability.

A simple and sensitive fluoroimmunoassay (FIA) based on a heavy-chain antibody (VHH) for rapid detection of fenitrothion was developed. A VHH library was constructed from an immunized alpaca, and one clone recognizing fenitrothion (namely, VHHjd8) was achieved after careful biopanning. It was biotinylated by fusing with the Avi tag and biotin ligase to obtain a fusion protein (VHHjd8-BT), showing both binding capacity to fenitrothion and the streptavidin poly-horseradish peroxidase conjugate (SA-polyHRP). Based on a competitive assay format, the absorbance spectrum of oxidized 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine generated by SA-polyHRP overlapped the emission spectrum of carbon dots, which resulted in quenching of signals due to the inner-filter effect. The developed FIA showed an IC50value of 1.4 ng/mL and a limit of detection of 0.03 ng/mL, which exhibited 15-fold improvement compared with conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The recovery test of FIA was validated by standard GC–MS/MS, and the results showed good consistency, indicating that the assay is an ideal tool for rapid screening of fenitrothion in bulk food samples.

AbstractThis research focuses primarily on the Taiwan Exhibition (1935) with particular reference to its archetype, the Great Exhibition (1851). Through these, this paper considers the concepts and appearance of world exhibitions. It also discusses how they became a spatial venue to show ″modernity″ and ″colonialism″ in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.It starts with a description of the history and concepts of world exhibitions, and follows with a discussion of modernity and colonialism. Since the nineteenth century, world exhibitions have been regarded as the most meaningful invention of ″modernity″. These not only present the exhibition of commodities, but also reflect the turning point in industrialization. However, camouflaged by the cover of modernization, world exhibitions essentially revealed the ideologies of imperialism and colonialism.Although postdating the Great Exhibition by almost eighty years, this essay will suggest that the Taiwan Exhibition, the greatest exhibition held in Japanese colonial territories, conveyed the same ideologies of modernity and colonialism. It seems that there are unexpected similarities between these two events in completely different times, 1851 and 1935, and places, the west and the east.

Heat inactivation by boiling has been widely used as a criterion to determine whether the observed effects of a protein preparation are a result of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) contamination. However, the heat sensitivity of LPS cytokine‐inducing activity has not been characterized. In the current study, we demonstrated that the endotoxin activity, i.e., Limulusamebocyte lysate‐gelating activity, and the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α)‐inducing activity of LPS (Escherichia coliK‐12 JM83, K‐12 LCD25, and F583) were sensitive to boiling. Heat treatment by boiling for 15 min was sufficient to inactivate ∼90% of the LPS TNF‐α‐inducing activity. The heat‐induced inactivation of LPS activities was not a result of adherence of boiled LPS to the wall of the container, i.e., polypropylene tubes, or aggregation of boiled LPS. In addition, boiled LPS retained its ability to bind polymyxin B. The presence of protein (ovalbumin) in LPS did not affect the heat sensitivity of LPS. Conversely, boiling reduced the size of LPS aggregates as determined by electrophoresis using native polyacrylamide gel. Likewise, the TNF‐α‐inducing activity of diphosphoryl lipid A (DPLA) was also sensitive to boiling. Thin‐layer chromatographic analysis of boiled DPLA revealed that the heat‐induced inactivation of DPLA TNF‐α‐inducing activity was not a result of its conversion to monophosphoryl lipid A. We conclude that the TNF‐α‐inducing activity of LPS and DPLA is sensitive to boiling and suggest that heat sensitivity as an indicator of whether the observed effects of a protein preparation are a result of LPS contamination should be used with caution.

Previous studies have documented the prognostic value of normal exercise 201Tl myocardial perfusion imaging in patients with angiographic coronary artery disease (CAD). However, data on exercise 99mTc-sestamibi myocardial single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) are scant. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of normal exercise 99mTc-sestamibi SPECT in patients with angiographic CAD.

The Nuki joints in Taiwan and Japan are similar in appearance; however, due to lack of wedges used in Nuki joints in Taiwan, the gap between the column and beam increases the complexity of timber joints. In this article, the rotational performance of traditional timber joints is reported. A theoretical model considering Hook’s law and Hankinson’s formula was developed for predicting the rotational performance of Nuki joints with gaps. A total of 24 specimens was tested and used to verify the rotational performance of timber joints. The proposed model not only predicts the rotational stiffness of Nuki joints, but can also estimate the initial slip of these joints. Good agreement was found between predicted and experimental data.

Extensive work has suggested that a number of endogenous molecules such as heat shock proteins (hsp) may be potent activators of the innate immune system capable of inducing proinflammatory cytokine production by the monocyte‐macrophage system and the activation and maturation of dendritic cells. The cytokine‐like effects of these endogenous molecules are mediated via the Toll‐like receptor (TLR) signal‐transduction pathways in a manner similar to lipopolysaccharide (LPS; via TLR4) and bacterial lipoproteins (via TLR2). However, recent evidence suggests that the reported cytokine effects of hsp may be a result of the contaminating LPS and LPS‐associated molecules. The reasons for previous failure to recognize the contaminant(s) being responsible for the putative TLR ligands of hsp include failure to use highly purified hsp free o LPS contamination; failure to recognize the heat sensitivity of LPS; and failure to consider contaminant(s) other than LPS. Whether other reported putative endogenous ligands of TLR2 and TLR4 are a result of contamination of pathogen‐associated molecular patterns is not clear. It is essential that efforts should be directed to conclusively determine whether the reported putative endogenous ligands of TLRs are a result of the endogenous molecules or of contaminant(s), before exploring further the implication and therapeutic potential of these putative TLR ligands.

The Java processor is suitable for Internet appliances or embedded controllers due to its speed and low memory requirement. However, its performance is severely limited by true data dependence. In this work, we present a smart and dynamic stack operations folding - POC model-based folding. The stack instructions are classified into P,O, and C three types. The folding algorithm can automatically determine the folding relations among all the instructions based on the type and folding attributes of each instruction. The proposed algorithm has no requirement to match different patterns. A typical folding mechanism design based on this model is then introduced. Also, the performance of various folding methods based on the POC model is evaluated. Simulation data indicate that the 4-foldable method eliminates 84% of all stack operations. Furthermore, the 2-, 3-, and 4-foldable methods accelerate the overall program by 1.22, 1.32 and 1.34, respectively, as compared to a Java processor without folding.

E5531, a synthetic lipid A analog, has been shown to inhibit endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production by human monocytes and murine macrophages. Whether it also inhibits LPS induction of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is not clear. In the current study, we demonstrated that E5531, while having no effect on TNF-α and MnSOD mRNAs by itself, markedly inhibited LPS- and lipid A-, but not TNF-α-, induced increases in TNF-α and MnSOD mRNAs in human monocytes. In contrast, E5531 at concentrations and conditions that markedly inhibit LPS-induced increases in TNF-α and MnSOD mRNAs, and TNFα production by human monocytes, had no effect on murine peritoneal macrophages. These results demonstrate that E5531 is a potent LPS antagonist in human monocytes. However, it does not show antagonist action against LPS in murine macrophages in the range of concentrations tested, suggesting that E5531 is a more potent antagonist in humans than in mice.

The role of endogenous tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in the pathogenesis of pulmonary O2 toxicity was investigated. Intratracheal insufflation of anti-TNF antibodies prolonged the survival of rats exposed to 100% O2. No TNF bioactivity or immunoreactive protein was detectable in the alveolar lavage fluid or lung homogenate of rats exposed to normoxia or hyperoxia. However, levels of pulmonary TNF mRNA were markedly enhanced in rats exposed to hyperoxia. These results suggest that hyperoxia may cause the production of low level TNF, which in turn enhances O2 toxicity.

Recent studies using inhibitors or synthetic substrates of serine protease suggest that membrane protease activity may be essential for neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis, degranulation, and superoxide production. However, little is known about the nature and localization of the proteases. In this study, we demonstrated that intact human neutrophils hydrolyzed [125I] glucagon. The degradation of glucagon was temperature dependent and was not dependent on the release of lysosomal enzymes. Two endopeptidases were demonstrated: a metalloendopeptidase which accounted for two thirds of the intact cell activity, and a serine endopeptidase, accounting for the rest of the activity. Both enzymes had a neutral to alkaline pH optimum (pH 7–9). The metalloendopeptidase had aKm of 15.3µM andVmax of 5.9 nmol/5 × 106 cells/45 min. The corresponding values for the serine endopeptidase were 33.3 µM and 5.0 nmol/5 x 106 cells/45 min, respectively. Inhibition of the membrane metalloendopeptidase or serine endopeptidase by 1,10-phenanthroline or diisopropylfluorophosphate, respectively, did not inhibit the production of superoxide by phorbol myristate acetate-stimulated neutrophils.

We have previously shown that deuterium oxide (D2O) enhances the oxidation of methionine, a myeloperoxidase (MPO)-mediated reaction, by human neutrophils during phagocytosis. However, D2O has no effect on the oxidation of methionine by the purified MPO-H2O2-Cl- system. To explain this observation, we studied the effect of D2O on the oxidative metabolism, phagocytosis, and lysosomal enzyme release by human neutrophils. D2O stimulated the hexose monophosphate shunt (HMS) activity of resting neutrophils in a dose-response fashion. In the presence of latex particles or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), D2O brought about an exaggerated stimulation of the HMS activity. This enhancement of the HMS activity by D2O was markedly reduced when neutrophils form two patients with X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) were used, either in the presence or absence of latex particles or PMA. Superoxide and H2O2 production by neutrophils in the presence of latex particles or PMA were also stimulated by D2O. In contrast, D2O inhibited the ingestion of latex particles. D2O enhanced the extracellular release of MPO, but not lactate dehydrogenase, by neutrophils only in the simultaneous presence of cytochalasin B and latex particles. The enhancement of HMS activity and MPO release by D2O was partially inhibited by colchicine. Our results suggest that enhancement of neutrophil oxidative metabolism by D2O may in part explain the stimulation of methionine oxidation by phagocytosing neutrophils.

We studied the oxidation of alanine and methionine by human neutrophils. Phagocytosis enhanced the decarboxylation of amino acids by human neutrophils. Decarboxylation of amino acids was dependent on the myeloper-oxidase system (MPO-H2O2-Cl-). This was further confirmed using purified canine MPO. Human neutrophils and the MPO system were about 10 times more efficient in decarboxylating alanine than methionine. They also oxidized methionine to methionine sulfoxide. The fraction of methionine decarboxylated by human neutrophils or the MPO system was small compared to the fraction which was oxidized to methionine sulfoxide. Thus methionine was preferentially oxidized to methionine sulfoxide by the MPO system. However, once methionine was oxidized to methionine sulfoxide, it was readily decarboxylated by the MPO system. The results suggest that the thio group of methionine prevents its carboxylic group from being decarboxylated.

We have previously shown that in the presence of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), neutrophils kill neoplastic cells as well as themselves. This PMA-induced neutrophil autotoxicity was markedly inhibited by catalase, suggesting that H2O2 directly or indirectly played an important role. In this study we compared PMA and H2O2 toxicity against human neutrophils. The effect of H2O2 was faster and more sensitive to catalase and serum than that of PMA. Sodium azide markedly enhanced the effect of H2O2 but not that of PMA. In contrast, methionine and histidine prevented the toxicity of PMA, while they had no effect on H2O2 toxicity. The results suggest that PMA-induced neutrophil autotoxicity is not mediated by H2O2 alone.