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Liquid $^3\mathrm{He}$ is a Fermi liquid that undergoes a BCS-type phase transition to a spin-triplet superfluid, making it valuable for understanding interacting fermions. When the temperature approaches the transition temperature $T_{\mathrm{c}}$ from above, physical properties can be modified by Cooper pair fluctuations, leading to deviations from the predictions of Fermi liquid theory. We use nonequilibrium Green's function theory to study the role of pair fluctuations on quasiparticle transport. The Boltzmann-Landau kinetic equation, which describes the transport properties of Fermi liquids, acquires corrections from the interaction of quasiparticles with pair fluctuations. As an application, we study the effects of pair fluctuations on the propagation of zero sound in liquid $^3\mathrm{He}$. We calculate the temperature-dependent correction to the zero sound velocity due to pair fluctuations, and compare the result with existing experimental data., 10 pages, 2 figures with appendix

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) has been a critical morbidity in preterm infants. To improve our definition and prediction of BPD is challenging yet indispensable. We aimed to apply machine learning (ML) to investigate effective models by using the recently-proposed and data-driven definition to predict late respiratory support modalities at 36 weeks’ post menstrual age (PMA). We collected data on very-low-birth-weight infants born between 2016 and 2019 from the Taiwan Neonatal Network database. Twenty-four attributes associated with their early life and seven ML algorithms were used in our analysis. The target outcomes were overall mortality, death before 36 weeks’ PMA, and severity of BPD under the new definition, which served as a proxy for respiratory support modalities. Of the 4103 infants initially considered, 3200 were deemed eligible. The logistic regression algorithm yielded the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). After attribute selection, the AUROC of the simplified models remain favorable (e.g., 0.801 when predicting no BPD, 0.850 when predicting grade 3 BPD or death before 36 weeks’ PMA, and 0.881 when predicting overall mortality). By using ML, we developed models to predict late respiratory support. Estimators were developed for clinical application after being simplified through attribute selection.

The goal of this paper was to synthesize eco-humidity-conditioned Al-MCM-41 mesoporous molecular sieves (CHCMs) from liquid–crystal-display waste glass (LCDWG) and silicon carbide sludge (SiCS) via an alkali fusion process. LCDWG and SiCS are primarily composed of SiO2 and Al2O3. The characterization of CHCM materials under different synthesis conditions and their humidity regulation effects were compared. The results showed that the CHCM materials exhibit type-IV isotherms and clearly defined capillary phenomena and were composed of hexagonal Al-MCM-41, which is a mesoporous material. When the optimal reaction temperature was 120 °C, and the liquid/solid ratio (L/S) was 15, the highest equilibrium moisture content of the synthesized CHCM sample was 66.84 m3/m3. In addition, the large surface area (1120 m2/g), pore size (5.2 nm), pore volume (0.93 cm3/g) and wall thickness (1.44 nm) of the samples improved the moisture absorption capacity of the equilibrium moisture content. The equilibrium moisture content of the CHCM samples was higher than those of rape straw concrete and hemp concrete (9.8–17.8 m3/m3) and that of a diatomite/ground calcium carbonate composite material (11.7 m3/m3). This study focused on the unique properties of synthesized CHCM samples and the utilization of LCDWG and SiCS to produce samples and thereby solve the disposal problem associated with LCDWG and SiCS. Therefore, CHCMs can be used in several applications, particularly as CHCM materials in construction.

BACKGROUND Insulin resistance (IR) is a pathophysiological construct that derives a series of metabolic disturbances that promote cardiometabolic dysfunction. This study evaluated mediating and modifying effects of homeostatic model assessment-based IR (HOMA-IR) on the association between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption and a constellation of adolescent cardiometabolic abnormalities. METHODS Comprehensive data on sociodemographics, diet, physical activity, and anthropometric and biochemical parameters for 1454 adolescents were obtained from a large-scale representative study for adolescent metabolic syndrome (MetS) conducted in Taiwan. The original (HOMA1-IR) and updated nonlinear (HOMA2-IR) HOMA-IR indicators were used as IR biomarkers. Principal component (PC) analysis was employed to create reduced groups of variables and risk scores for retained PCs. RESULTS Higher SSB intake was associated with higher levels of HOMA1-IR and HOMA2-IR, and the two IR biomarkers were positively correlated with metabolic dysfunction clustering. Compared with SSB nondrinkers, adolescents who consumed >500 mL/day of hand-shaken high-fructose corn syrup beverages (HHB) had a 0.22 increase in the number of abnormal MetS components, and HOMA-IR mediation explained 33.9-37.9% of the effect. IR biomarkers accounted for 26.5-31.0% of the relationship between >500 mL/day of SSB consumption and bodyweight-enhanced PC scores. The effects of HOMA-IR indicators on all bodyweight-related factors were consistently intensified among >350 mL/day HHB drinkers (all Pinteraction

Background Postoperative colorectal anastomotic strictures are quite common. As such, many techniques have been available to address such a problem, one of which is endoscopic dilation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes following endoscopic dilation using a multidiameter balloon. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on patients with postoperative anastomotic stenosis treated with endoscopic dilation using a multidiameter balloon at our institution, in January 2005–December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed, excluding those with tumor recurrence. Perioperative factors, complications, and recurrence rates were analyzed. Results There were 40 patients, (22 males and 18 females, mean age 64.6 ± 10.7 years, range 33–84 years). The median follow-up period was 56 months (interquartile range 22.5–99 months). Only 1 complication occurred, micro-perforation due to guided wire injury, which was managed conservatively. Five (12.5%) patients developed restenosis and underwent repeat balloon dilation. None of the five recurrences required more aggressive management, such as redo anastomosis. Conclusions Endoscopic multidiameter balloon dilation is a safe and effective method for treating benign colorectal anastomotic strictures.

This study aims to (1) assess the associations between sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) consumption and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and (2) evaluate the modifying effect of body mass index (BMI) on the association between SSB consumption and CRP levels. A total of 6856 eligible adults were selected from the 2007–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Average quantity of SSB consumption was calculated from 2-day 24-h dietary recalls. All data analyses were performed with appropriate sampling weights. Compared with non-SSB drinkers, a 0.26 mg/l higher CRP was observed in heavy SSB drinkers after adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle patterns, and BMI. An effect modification of BMI on SSB intake and CRP levels was detected (P

Salivary gland epithelial cells (SGECs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Sjögren’s syndrome due to aberrant antigen-presentation function. This study examined the hypothesis that oral dysbiosis modulates the antigen-presentation function of SGECs, which regulates CD4 T cell proliferation in primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). Saliva samples from 8 pSS patients and 16 healthy subjects were analyzed for bacterial 16S ribosomal DNA. As a result, 39 differentially abundant taxa were identified. Among them, the phylum Proteobacteria comprised 21 taxa, and this phylum was mostly enriched in the healthy controls. The proteobacterium Haemophilus parainfluenzae was enriched in the healthy controls, with the greatest effect size at the species level. Treatment of A253 cells in vitro with H. parainfluenzae upregulated PD-L1 expression, and H. parainfluenzae-pretreated A253 cells suppressed CD4 T cell proliferation. The suppression was partially reversed by PD-L1 blockade. Among low-grade xerostomia patients, salivary abundance of H. parainfluenzae decreased in pSS patients compared to that in non-pSS sicca patients. Our findings suggest that H. parainfluenzae may be an immunomodulatory commensal bacterium in pSS.

This paper presents a corrosion assessment of copper spent nuclear fuel disposal canisters in crystalline rock, using hydrogeological modeling. A simplified approach is considered, to avoid complex and time-consuming computer simulations. This simplified case is presented as a base case, with changes in the hydrogeological parameters presented as variant cases. The results show that in Taiwan’s base case, decreasing the hydraulic conductivity of the rock or decreasing the hydraulic conductivity of dikes results in a shorter transport path for sulfide and an increase in corrosion depth. However, the estimated canister failure time is still over one million years in the variant cases.

In the present study, we evaluated the effects of using co-fired fly ash (waste product of paper making) and water-quenched slag (waste product of iron smelting) in the manufacture of cementitious materials (CM). Rapid chloride permeability results revealed that less charge passes through CM than through ordinary Portland cement (OPC), indicating the superior durability of CM. However, the results of water permeability testing led to the opposite conclusion. Absorption capacity results revealed that the durability of CM is lower than that of OPC. Previous studies have shown that the strength of CM is only 70% that of OPC. This is a clear indication that CM containing co-fired fly ash and slag should not be used for primary structures, i.e., its use should be limited to secondary structures such as bricks or PC-based materials.

In this study, it investigated the effects of adding a mixture of circulating fluidized bed co-fired fly ash and bottom ash on controlled low-strength material (CLSM). Experiment variables were as follows: (1) mixing of co-fired fly ash, cement, and pulverized coal fly ash in various proportions to evaluate the effectiveness of using co-fired fly ash as cementitious material in CLSM; (2) mixing of bottom ash and natural fine aggregate in various proportions to evaluate the effectiveness of using bottom ash mixture as aggregates in CLSM. The water-cement ratio of CLSM was fixed at 0.85. Assessments were conducted using a lump flow test, flow consistency test, ball drop test, chloride ion measurement, compression strength test, and length change test. Test results indicate the following: (1) increasing the replacement ratio of co-fired fly ash and bottom ash decreases flowability; (2) the addition of co-fired ash (containing chlorine), with bottom ash increases the amount of chloride ions in CLSM; (3) the addition of co-fired fly ash reduces setting time; (4) the CaO, SiO2, and Al2O3 in co-fired fly ash and bottom ash increase the compressive strength of CLSM; (5) the CaO contained in the mixture of co-fired fly ash and bottom ash causes CLSM to expand.

The appropriate timing for initiating renal replacement therapy (RRT) in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) remains unknown. This meta-analysis aims to assess the efficacy of early initiation of RRT in critically ill patients with AKI. The Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched up to August 13, 2019. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of early and late RRT on AKI patients were included. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality. Eleven RCTs including 1131 and 1111 AKI patients assigned to early and late RRT strategies, respectively, were enrolled in this meta-analysis. The pooled 28-day mortality was 38.1% (431/1131) and 40.7% (453/1111) in the patients assigned to early and late RRT, respectively, with no significant difference between groups (risk ratio (RR), 0.95; 95% CI, 0.78–1.15, I2 = 63%). No significant difference was found between groups in terms of RRT dependence in survivors on day 28 (RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.67–1.25, I2 = 0%), and recovery of renal function (RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.89–1.19, I2 = 56%). The early RRT group had higher risks of catheter-related infection (RR, 1.7, 95% CI, 1.01–2.97, I2 = 0%) and hypophosphatemia (RR, 2.5, 95% CI, 1.25–4.99, I2 = 77%) than the late RRT group. In conclusion, an early RRT strategy does not improve survival, RRT dependence, or renal function recovery in critically ill patients with AKI in comparison with a late RRT strategy. However, clinicians should be vigilant because early RRT can carry higher risks of catheter-related infection and hypophosphatemia during dialysis than late RRT.

The main of study is to investigate the effect of moisture variation and micro-structure on the growth mold at surface of building materials. The two different water-cement ratio of mortars (w/c = 0.4, 0.6), brick and tiles were used in this study. The mercury Intrusion Porosity-Meter (MIP) was used to determine the pore distribution of building materials. The moisture variation of materials was recorded in constant climate chamber (25oC, relative humidity 80%), general indoor environment (28°C, relative humidity 55%) and water damage simulation environment. The results indicated that the pore size and distribution will affect the surface water ratio and moisture content of materials. The surface water ratio of specimen was affected by different environment seriously. The surface water ratio was an important factor in mold growth.

This study investigated the microstructure and machining characteristics of a Zr38.5Ti16.5Cu15.25Ni9.75Be20 bulk metallic glass (Zr-BMG) alloy machined using electro-discharge machining (EDM). After EDM, the hardening effect near the outer surface of the electro-discharge machined (EDMed) Zr-BMG alloy originated from the surface carbides of the recast layer, ZrC and TiC. The thickness of the recast layer, crater size, and the surface roughness increased with greater pulse energy. Furthermore, the EDM can generate a porous recast layer and convert the Zr-BMG alloy surface into a carbide surface, which is a potential method to fabricate biomaterials. Experimental results also show that the material removal rate of this alloy in the EDM process was significantly related to the pulse current IP and pulse duration τP. Many electro-discharge craters and recast materials were observed on the surface of the EDMed Zr-BMG alloy. The surface roughness of the EDMed Zr-BMG alloy was found to obey the empirical equation of Ra = β(IP × τP)α.

The present study evaluated the corrosion behavior of cement-based composites containing polyolefin fibers and supplementary cementitious materials by the impressed voltage corrosion test and the impressed current corrosion test. Material variables included the addition of polyolefin fiber (0, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 %), the dosage of ultrafine slag (40 and 60 %), the dosage of fumed silica (2 and 5 %) and mixed cementitious materials (35 % slag plus 5 % fumed silica and 55 % slag plus 5 % fumed silica). The test results indicate that a small amount of polyolefin fibers extends the time that a chlorine ion reaches to the surface of the rebar and decreases the corrosion rate of rebar. Nevertheless, the fiber is not very useful for the corrosion resistance of steel when the chlorine ions reach the surface of the rebar and corrode it. In addition, the inclusion of ultrafine slag or fumed silica can arrest the rebar corrosion and improve the compactness through pozzolanic reactivity and pore filling effects. According to the corrosion behavior and economy performance of the concrete structure, the combination of 55 % ultrafine slag, 5 % fumed silica and 0.8 % polyolefin fibers provides the best corrosion resistance of the tested cement-based composites.

This project was aimed to evaluate the chloride permeability and corrosion behavior of cement-based composites which comprised fibers and silica fume in the mixes. Resistivity, polarization resistance, ponding and rapid chloride penetration results of specimens were obtained through tests. Test results indicate that resistivity, open circuit potentials and direct current polarization of specimens with w/b ratio of 0.35 are higher than those of specimens with w/b ratio of 0.55. For length-diameter ratio of 65, resistivity and direct current polarization of specimens with fiber length of 35 mm were similar to those of 60 mm. In addition, the open circuit potentials of specimens with fiber length of 60 mm were slightly higher that those of 35 mm. The resistivity decreased with increasing steel fiber content, and the open circuit potential and direct current polarization increased with increasing steel fiber content. The specimens containing silica fume were found to provide higher resistivity, open circuit potentials and direct current polarization than the control specimens. The incorporation of steel fiber and silica fume in composites achieved more significantly decreases in resistivity and increases in direct current polarization than steel fiber composites or silica fume composites. The penetration depth and six-hour total charge passed of specimens for w/b ratio of 0.35 were lower than those for w/b ratio of 0.55. For length-diameter ratio of 65, the penetration depth of specimens for fiber length of 35 mm was similar to that of 60 mm. The penetration depth decreased with increased steel fiber content in the composites. By regression analysis, a good correlation between open circuit potential and direct current polarization, and chloride penetration depth and direct current polarization.

Leaching is one of the major factors that alter the mechanical properties of cement-based composites. This study is aimed to investigate the effect of leaching on the properties of cement-based composites. Specimens with two water/cementitious ratios and two mineral admixtures were tested. An electrical potential was applied to accelerate the leaching process. Compressive strength test, scanning electronic microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray diffraction analysis were conducted. Test results demonstrated that the calcium leaching reduced compressive strengths of concrete specimens, and such effect was prominent on the specimens without mineral admixtures. The leaching resistance increased with a decrease in water/cementitious ratio and an increase in amount of mineral admixtures. The mineral admixtures would reduce the amount of calcium hydroxide and refine the pore structure through pozzolanic reactions. A fair relationship was found between the calcium leaching and the compressive strength.

The purpose of the present study is to develop a new conductive coating for application on fishing nets that can be used as an anode, while submersed in the sea, to generate free chlorine which will in turn inhibit marine biofouling. To confirm the durability and viability of this coating, long-term field tests were carried out in the Nanao harbor in Taiwan. Electrical resistivity tests showed that polyurethane resin with carbon black and graphite can demonstrate the lowest resistivity: 0.06 Ωm. This sample also generated optimal quantities of free chlorine, which performs excellent antifouling properties. The use of carbon black in conjunction with graphite did prove to yield greater benefits. A 500-day field test showed that the PU-CG conductive coatings reduced the quantity of marine biofouling attached to the cage by approximately 79%. Furthermore, the chlorine produced was within safe levels, and judged not to pollute the sea. However, this antifouling system still shows durable problems which remain to be considered.

The protein expressions of neurotrophic factors can be enhanced by low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) stimulation in the brain. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the protective effect of LIPUS stimulation against aluminum-induced cerebral damage in Alzheimer's disease rat model. LIPUS was administered 7 days before each aluminum chloride (AlCl3) administration and concomitantly given with AlCl3 daily for a period of 6 weeks. Neurotrophic factors in hippocampus were measured by western blot analysis. Behavioral changes in the Morris water maze and elevated plus maze were examined in rats after administration of AlCl3. Various biochemical analyses were performed to evaluate the extent of brain damages. LIPUS is capable of prompting levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in rat brain. AlCl3 administration resulted in a significant increase in the aluminum concentration, acetylcholinesterase activity and beta-amyloid (Aβ) deposition in AlCl3 treated rats. LIPUS stimulation significantly attenuated aluminum concentration, acetylcholinesterase activity, Aβ deposition and karyopyknosis in AlCl3 treated rats. Furthermore, LIPUS significantly improved memory retention in AlCl3-induced memory impairment. These experimental results indicate that LIPUS has neuroprotective effects against AlCl3-induced cerebral damages and cognitive dysfunction.

Plasma-assisted thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) was carried out to synthesize high-quality graphene film at a low temperature of 600°C. Monolayer graphene films were thus synthesized on Cu foil using various ratios of hydrogen and methane in a gaseous mixture. The in situ plasma emission spectrum was measured to elucidate the mechanism of graphene growth in a plasma-assisted thermal CVD system. According to this process, a distance must be maintained between the plasma initial stage and the deposition stage to allow the plasma to diffuse to the substrate. Raman spectra revealed that a higher hydrogen concentration promoted the synthesis of a high-quality graphene film. The results demonstrate that plasma-assisted thermal CVD is a low-cost and effective way to synthesis high-quality graphene films at low temperature for graphene-based applications.

500 nm-thick aluminum-doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Al) thin film is usually used as a front transparent conductive oxide (TCO) contact on photovoltaic devices, and for this application is often deposited by a reactive radio-frequency (r.f.) magnetron sputtering system from a ceramic target. This work reports on the preparation and characterization of AZO thin films on Corning 1737 glass substrates grown by reactive r.f.-magnetron sputtering from a ZnO ceramic target with 2 wt% Al content. It was found that the growth parameters, such as chamber pressure, working power, and deposition temperature, have significant influences on the properties of AZO films. According to the experimental results: (1) Films were polycrystalline showing a strong preferred c-axis orientation. (2) With increasing working power, the resistivity decreased, and mobility and the carrier concentration increased. (3) Lower deposition temperature leads to a decrease in resistivity, with 2.5×10-4 Ω-cm representing the lowest resistivity reached.

This work reports on the fabrication and characterization of Mo thin films on soda-lime glass substrate grown by reactive RF magnetron sputtering. Film thickness was measured by x-ray step surface profiler. The structural properties and surface morphology were analyzed by x-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscope (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrical properties were measured by four-point probe. It was found that the growth parameters, such as argon flow rate, RF power, film thickness, have significant influences on properties of Mo films. The strain on films revealed the complicated relationship with the working pressure, which might be associated with micro structures and impurities. In order to improve the adhesion and electricity, we adopted a two-pressure deposition scheme. The optimal thickness and sheet resistance are νm and 0.12 ω The mechanisms therein will be discussed in detail. Furthermore, we also investigated the diffusion property of Na ion of double Mo films sputtered on soda-lime glass. Our experimental results could lead to better understanding for improving further CIGS-based photovoltaic devices.