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The experimental study of a 3 kW organic Rankine cycle (ORC) system using an open-drive scroll type expander and R245fa has been investigated. The expander is originally hermetic-type refrigerant scroll compressor with built-in volume ratio of 3.24. The effects of pressure drop, degree of superheating and condenser temperature on system overall performance are examined. Moreover, the detailed behavior of pump and expander are explored. The experimental results show that the pressure drop exhibits a relatively higher sensitivity on system performance. The condenser temperature exhibits a negative effect on electrical power, thermal efficiency and system generating efficiency. The maximum expander shaft power, electrical power, thermal efficiency and system generating efficiency are 2.64 kW, 1.89 kW, 5.92% and 3.93%, respectively. The highest thermal efficiency does not represent the highest expander shaft power.

In this study, SnS2 powders with various surface morphologies are prepared using a facile solvothermal route with three different solvents. The powders synthesized in ethylene glycol and deionized water exhibit aggregates composed of nanoplates, whereas those synthesized in ethanol show flower-like microspheres (diameter: 1–2 µm) composed of nanosheets (thickness: 60–70 nm). The hierarchical flower-like microstructures can alleviate the volume change during charge/discharge cycles due to their porous nature. In addition, SnS2 synthesized at a lower temperature (100 °C) has nanoplates with a lower thickness, improving electrochemical performance. At a constant current density of 300 mA g−1, the microflowers exhibit a reversible capacity of 460 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles, a retention of 84%. More importantly, at a higher current density of 5000 mA g−1, a reversible capacity of 285 mAh g−1 is obtained. This study demonstrates that SnS2 synthesized using suitable processing design strategies can be used as an efficient active material for lithium-ion batteries.

In this study, experiments are carried out to examine the 3 kW organic Rankine cycle (ORC), investigating the influence of the heat source temperature and the flowrate of heat source on the system performance and heat recovery. Firstly, the behaviors of the evaporator and expander are examined. The efficiency and heat recovery effectiveness further discussed. The results indicated that the inlet temperature of the heat source exhibits a higher sensitivity on system efficiency than the flowrate due to the contribution of the heat transfer rate and power output. The system efficiency increases from 5.2% to 5.6% when the inlet temperature increase. However, the higher heat transfer rate leads to reduction of heat recovery from 60% to 40%. It indicated that the system efficiency may rise while the decrease in the heat recovery effectiveness are encountered with the increase in evaporating temperature. To tackle this inconsistency, the present study proposes a new appraisal, total heat recovery efficiency, defined by the multiplication of system efficiency and effectiveness. The proposed appraisal is more appropriate from the perspective of the heat recovery. Based on the experimental data, the proposed index can assess the performance of ORC subject to inlet temperature of heat source.

© 2019 The Royal Society of Chemistry. Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (TFSI)-based ionic liquid (IL) has high thermal and electrochemical stability, but it is not an ideal battery electrolyte due to the poor rate capability of cells that use it, problematic anode compatibility, and high cost. The incorporation of a carbonate solvent could mitigate these problems, but it would also lead to serious Al current collector corrosion at high potential. This long-existing problem is overcome in this study by modulating the LiTFSI concentration and IL/carbonate ratio in the hybrid electrolyte. The Al corrosion and electrolyte decomposition side reactions at 5 V (vs. Li+/Li) can be suppressed in 3 M LiTFSI 25%-IL electrolyte, in which good performance of a high-voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) cathode is achieved. Capacities of 140 and 88 mA h g-1 were measured at 0.1 and 2C, respectively (vs. 25 mA h g-1 at 2C for a plain LiTFSI/PMP-TFSI IL electrolyte). After 300 charge-discharge cycles, 90% of the initial LNMO capacity was retained. This electrolyte also shows low flammability and great wettability toward a polyethylene separator. Moreover, this electrolyte allows elevatederature storage and operation of LNMO cells at 55 °C, which is not possible with the conventional carbonate electrolyte. Good compatibility of the electrolyte with a graphite anode is also demonstrated. The proposed electrolyte design concept has great potential for next-generation 5 V Li-ion batteries.

Background: This study aimed at assessing the effect of a low-fat diet (LFD) in obese mice lacking toll&ndash, like receptors (Tlr) and understanding the expression and regulation of microRNAs during weight reduction. Methods: C57BL/6, Tlr5&minus, /&minus, Tlr2&minus, and Tlr4&minus, mice were used in this study. A group of mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) (58% kcal) for 12 weeks to induce obesity (diet-induced obesity, DIO). Another group that had been fed with HFD for eight weeks (obese mice) were switched to a low-fat diet (LFD) (10.5% kcal) for the next four weeks to reduce their body weight. The control mice were fed with a standard AIN-76A diet for the entire 12 weeks. The body weight of the mice was measured weekly. At the end of the experiment, epididymal fat weight and adipocyte size were measured. The differentially expressed miRNAs in the fat tissue was determined by next-generation sequencing with real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT&ndash, qPCR). Target prediction and functional annotation of miRNAs were performed using miRSystem database. Results: Switching to LFD significantly reduced the body weight and epididymal fat mass in the HFD-fed C57BL/6 and Tlr5&minus, mice but not in Tlr2&minus, mice. Weight reduction significantly decreased the size of adipocytes in C57BL/6 but not in the Tlr knockout mice. In Tlr2&minus, mice, feeding with HFD and the subsequent weight reduction resulted in an aberrant miRNA expression in the epididymal fat tissue unlike in C57BL/6 and Tlr5&minus, However, target prediction and functional annotation by miRSystem database revealed that all the top 10 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database pathways of the dysregulated miRNAs during weight reduction in the C57BL/6 mice were also found in the regulated pathways of Tlr5&minus, strains. However, among these pathways, gene sets involved in arginine and proline metabolism and glutathione metabolism were mainly involved in the Tlr knockout mice but not in the C57BL/6 mice. Conclusions: In this study, we demonstrated that feeding of LFD leads to significant body weight reduction in C57BL/6 and Tlr5&minus, mice, but not in Tlr2&minus, mice. Significant reduction in the size of adipocytes of epididymal fat was only found in C57BL/6, but not in Tlr5&minus, mice. The dysregulated miRNAs in Tlr2&minus, mice were different from those in C57BL/6 and Tlr5&minus, strains. Among those miRNA-regulated pathways, arginine and proline metabolism as well as glutathione metabolism may have important roles in the Tlr knockout mice rather than in C57BL/6 mice.

Irrigation systems in Taiwan were originally developed as private property and first put under strict government control during the Japanese colonial rule from 1895 to 1945. To understand how the Japanese introduced mapping to facilitate their early governance on irrigation systems developed by locals, this study explored the irrigation reform implemented in 1901 and its influence on the emergence of two types of irrigation mapping. One is entitled ‘Irrigation Register Maps’ and the other ‘Irrigation Application Maps’. By exploring unpublished papers in the Archives of the Government-General of Taiwan (Taiwan Sotokufu), the manuscripts of these two types of irrigation map were examined in terms of their mapping initiatives, rationales and techniques. While ‘Irrigation Register Maps’ were produced by the colonial government to illustrate the existing water ownership with public interest, ‘Irrigation Application Maps’ were written by the local residents in order to claim new water ownership with pri...

Background. The aim of this study was to profile TLR4/NF-κB-responsive microRNAs (miRNAs) and their potential target genes in the skeletal muscles of mice following ischemia-reperfusion injury.Methods. Thigh skeletal muscles of C57BL/6,Tlr4−/−, andNF-κB−/−mice isolated based on femoral artery perfusion were subjected to ischemia for 2 h and reperfusion for 0 h, 4 h, 1 d, and 7 d. The muscle specimens were analyzed with miRNA arrays. Immunoprecipitation with an argonaute 2- (Ago2-) specific monoclonal antibody followed by whole genome microarray was performed to identify mRNA associated with the RNA-silencing machinery. The potential targets of each upregulated miRNA were identified by combined analysis involving the bioinformatics algorithm miRanda and whole genome expression.Results. Three TLR4/NF-κB-responsive miRNAs (miR-15a, miR-744, and miR-1196) were significantly upregulated in the muscles following ischemia-reperfusion injury. The combined in silico and whole genome microarray approaches identified 5, 4, and 20 potential target genes for miR-15a, miR-744, and miR-1196, respectively. Among the 3 genes (Zbed4, Lrsam1,andDdx21) regulated by at least 2 of the 3 upregulated miRNAs,Lrsam1andDdx21are known to be associated with the innate immunity pathway.Conclusions. This study profiled TLR4/NF-κB-responsive miRNAs and their potential target genes in mouse skeletal muscle subjected to ischemia-reperfusion injury.

At the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, a wobbled beam together with a set of single scatterers produces a uniform proton field at the first and second gantries for proton radiotherapy. Conformal field shaping was accomplished by using only a multileaf collimator (MLC) or a combination of an MLC and a brass aperture (downstream of the MLC). The MLC-only technique typically delivered extra low dose tails in penumbra compared to the dose delivered using both the MLC and brass aperture/block. This study attempted to provide a physical explanation of this phenomenon by Monte Carlo simulation and phase space analysis. The Particle Therapy System Simulation Framework was used as the Monte Carlo tool for beam propagation simulation. This research team investigated four possible causes for low dose tails including, (a) same-side MLC scattering; (b) opposite-side MLC scattering; (c) MLC transmission; and (d) proton angular distribution broadened by the wobbling magnets. The results indicated that the proton angular distribution broadened by the wobbling magnets is the single cause of low dose tails and can be stopped by inserting a downstream brass aperture.

Bioaerosol is commonly present indoors, which may affect human health. In this study, the feasibility of water-soluble chitosan as a biochemical environment protestant to remove bioaerosol from the outpatient clinic was evaluated. Results indicated the predominant bacteria existed in the outpatient clinic included Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Corynebacterium callunae, Bacillus cereus and Moraxella sp. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and inhibition zone of water-soluble chitosan against these strains ranged from 3500-6500 ppm and 2-6 mm, respectively. When the vaporized water-soluble chitosan (500-4000 ppm) was applied in removing bioaerosol from the outpatient clinic, >90% efficiency was achieved at 50 ml/h after 4 h treatment. However, the bioaerosol removal was also attained to 90% after 50 h continuous treatment by a diluted water-soluble chitosan solution (100 ppm). Based on the cost and efficiency consideration, the bioaerosol reduction using a diluted water-soluble chitosan solution for a long-term treatment was practical. These results clearly illustrated that water-soluble chitosan has a great potential as a biochemical environment protestant to remove bioaerosol.

EFL learners in Taiwan have a low-level communication ability because many learners are still not provided opportunities to use language for genuine communication in classrooms and receive insufficient language input due to the environment. This study examines the use of digital board game language learning set in a task-collaborative platform, digital learning playground, designed for classroom learning. This study investigates whether communicative skills and intrinsic motivation could be improved by seeing relevant context and receiving adequate practice through gaming. Ninety-six high school Taiwanese students (n = 96), who were randomly assigned to an ordinary instruction group, a board game language-learning group, or a digital board game language-learning group, engaged in a 50-min English class. Analysis of covariance was used for comparing learning performance through a speaking test between the three groups. A modified intrinsic motivation inventory was conducted to assess learners’ perceptions of learning experience and an interview was held for details. The quantitative data presents a higher learning performance for the instruction set at digital learning playground. The qualitative data confirms computerized simulation adapted from board game entails context-relevant immersion, encouraging communication and efficient game instruction management for EFL language learning.

Photopolymerized hydrogels are extensively investigated for various tissue engineering applications, primarily due to their ability to form hydrogels in a minimally invasive manner. Although photocrosslinkable hydrogels provide necessary biological and chemical characteristics to mimic cellular microenvironments, they often lack sufficient mechanical properties. Recently, nanocomposite approaches have demonstrated potential to overcome these deficits by reinforcing the hydrogel network with. In this study, we investigate some physical, chemical, and biological properties of photocrosslinked poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-silica hydrogels. The addition of silica nanospheres significantly suppresses the hydration degree of the PEG hydrogels, indicating surface interactions between the silica nanospheres and the polymer chains. No significant change in hydrogel microstructure or average pore size due to the addition of silica nanospheres was observed. However, addition of silica nanospheres significantly increases both the mechanical strength and the toughness of the hydrogel networks. The biological properties of these nanocomposite hydrogels were evaluated by seeding fibroblast cells on the hydrogel surface. While the PEG hydrogels showed minimum cell adhesion, spreading and proliferation, the addition of silica nanospheres enhanced initial cell adhesion, promoted cell spreading and increased the metabolic activity of the cells. Overall, results indicate that the addition of silica nanospheres improves the mechanical stiffness and cell adhesion properties of PEG hydrogels and can be used for biomedical applications that required controlled cell adhesion.

A systematic approach to develop robust and adhesive hydrogels by photopolymerizing poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-diacrylate and methoxy-PEG-acrylate in the presence of charged silicate nanoparticles (Laponite) is presented. PEG-diacrylate and silicate are used for covalent and physical cross-linking, thus providing the hydrogel with mechanical and adhesive strengths. Methoxy-PEG-acrylate is used as a softening agent. The resulting hydrogels can be extensively elongated and the hydrogels readily adhere to tissue even in the elongated state. These hydrogels may aid the development of adhesive tissue engineering matrixes, wound dressings, sealants, and the adhesive components of biomedical devices.

Here we present an injectable PEG/collagen hydrogel system with robust networks for use as elastomeric tissue scaffolds. Covalently crosslinked PEG and physically crosslinked collagen form semi-interpenetrating networks. The mechanical strength of the hydrogels depends predominantely on the PEG concentration but the incorporation of collagen into the PEG network enhances hydrogel viscoelasticity, elongation, and also cell adhesion properties. Experimental data show that this hydrogel system exhibits tunable mechanical properties that can be further developed. The hydrogels allow cell adhesion and proliferation in vitro. The results support the prospect of a robust and semi-interpenetrating biomaterial for elastomeric tissue scaffolds applications.

The mechanical and biological properties of silicate-crosslinked PEO nanocomposites are studied. A strong correlation is observed between silicate concentration and mechanical properties. In vitro cell culture studies reveal that an increase in silicate concentration enhances the attachment and proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells significantly. An upregulation in the expression of osteocalcin on nanocomposites compared to the tissue culture polystyrene control is observed. Together, these results suggest that silicate-based nanocomposites are bioactive and have the potential to be used in a range of biotechnological and biomedical applications such as injectable matrices, biomedical coatings, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine.

Reducing the expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecules (ECAMs) is known to decrease inflammation-induced vascular complications. In this paper we looked at whether statins can reduce inflammation-induced ECAM expression after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment in endothelial cells. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were pretreated with different concentrations of simvastatin, atorvastatin, and rosuvastatin and subsequently exposed to 5 μg/ml LPS. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis was used to measure the mRNA expression of ECAMs, including VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin. VCAM-1 mRNA appeared to be the only target that was affected by the statins, with its expression being partially and almost completely reduced by simvastatin at 50 and 125 μM concentrations, respectively, and only partially reduced by atorvastatin, but not reduced by rosuvastatin. VCAM-1 protein production was inhibited by simvastatin at concentrations from 5 to 125 μM. Leukocyte–endothelial cell adhesion assay revealed that simvastatin could inhibit the adhesion of labelled U937 cells to the HUVEC monolayer. This study showed that simvastatin reduces VCAM-1 expression in HUVECs exposed to LPS and decreases leukocyte–endothelial cell adhesion.

The structures and mechanical properties of both physically and covalently cross-linked nanocomposite hydrogels made from poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and silicate nanoparticles (Laponite RD) are investigated. Injectable nanocomposite precursor solutions can be covalently cross-linked via photopolymerization. The resulting hydrogels are transparent and have interconnected pores, high elongation and toughness. These properties depend on the hydrogel composition, polymer-nanoparticle interactions and degree of cross-linking (both physical and covalent). Covalent cross-linking of polymer chains leads to the formation of an elastic network, whereas physical cross-linking between nanoparticles and polymer chains induces viscoelastic properties. At high deformations covalent bonds may be broken but physical bonds rebuild and to some extent self-heal the overall network structure. Addition of silicate also enhances the bioactivity and adhesiveness of the hydrogel as these materials stick to soft tissue as well as to hard surfaces. In addition, MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblast cells readily adhere and spread on nanocomposite hydrogel surfaces. Collectively, the combinations of properties such as elasticity, stiffness, interconnected network, adhesiveness to surfaces and bio-adhesion to cells provide inspiration and opportunities to engineer mechanically strong and elastic tissue matrixes for orthopedic, craniofacial and dental applications.

Mechanical properties of polymer hydrogels are critical to their performance as tissue engineering scaffolds especially in load bearing tissues and wound sealants. In this study, we aim to synthesize mechanically tough nanocomposite hydrogels by photo-cross-linking PEO–PPO–PEO triblock copolymer diacrylates (Pluronic F127 diacrylate) in the presence of silicate nanoparticles, Laponite. The resulting hydrogels have high elongations and improved toughness when compared to their polymer hydrogel counterparts. Oscillatory shear and creep experiments suggest that the silicate nanoparticles physically interact with the covalently cross-linked polymer networks and impart viscoelasticity to the hydrogels. Imaging the structures of deformed nanocomposite hydrogels with cryo-scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) leads us to believe that stretched hydrogels have finer network structures with smaller pore sizes when compared to the unstretched ones. The structural transitions observed in cryo-SEM and the viscoelast...

To profile the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) and their potential target genes in the soleus muscles after denervation and reinnervation of the sciatic nerve in rats.The 4 months denervated and reinnervated soleus muscles were analyzed with Agilent Rat miRNA array to detect the expressed miRNAs against those from the sham control. These differentially expressed miRNAs were applied for hierarchical cluster analysis using average linkage and Pearson correlation as a measure of similarity. A combined approach using computational prediction by the miRanda algorithm and the Agilent Whole Rat Genome 4× 44K oligo microarray experiment was performed to identify the potential target genes of these up-regulated miRNAs. Gene ontology (GO) analysis of these potential target genes into one of the three ontologies, biological process, molecular function, or cellular component, was performed and compared between the denervated and reinnervated muscles.Thirty-six and 39 miRNAs of 350 rat miRNAs tested were significantly up-regulated in the denervated and reinnervated muscles, respectively. The expressed miRNAs in these two groups were similar but with different folds, and the unsupervised hierarchy clustering was able to separate the samples into denervation and reinnervation groupings. In the GO analysis, all three categories indicated a considerable reduced number of the potential target genes of the up-regulated miRNAs and less fraction of differentially expressed genes in most of the GO terms in the reinnervated muscle.This study demonstrated a different involvement of miRNAs and their potential target genes in the soleus muscle after denervation and after reinnervation of the sciatic nerve in a rat model.

Biomedical polymer-silicate nanocomposites have potential to become critically important to the development of biomedical applications, ranging from diagnostic and therapeutic devices, tissue regeneration and drug delivery matrixes to various bio-technologies that are inspired by biology but have only indirect biomedical relation. The fundamental understanding of polymer-nanoparticle interactions is absolutely necessary to control structure-property relationships of materials that need to work within the chemical, physical and biological constraints required by an application. This review summarizes the most recent published strategies to design and develop polymer-silicate nanocomposites (including clay based silicate nanoparticles and bioactive glass nanoparticles) for a variety of biomedical applications. Emerging trends in bio-technological and biomedical nanocomposites are highlighted and potential new fields of applications are examined.

Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) is known to activate protein kinase C (PKC) and increase angiogenesis in cultured endothelial cells. Using a microRNA (miRNA) array, we found that PMA induced miR-146a expression in human microvascular endothelial cells. The miR-146a expression was dependent on dose and time and independent of PKC activation. Using a combined approach involving predictions using miRanda algorithm and whole genome microarray experiments with or without inhibition of miR-146a expression by LNA-antimir-146a or LNA-control, 29 potential target genes of miR-146a were identified. Because endothelial cell S phase progression is an early event in the induction of angiogenesis, we evaluated 5 cell cycle-related genes from the 29 target genes and found that the transcripts of 3 genes (CCNA2, PA2G4, and BRCA1) were downregulated after PMA treatment, but their expression was rescued upon miR-146a inhibition. However, inhibition of miR-146a expression failed to alter the cell cycle distribution or angiogenesis induced by PMA treatment. By using a combined approach involving computational prediction and a whole genome microarray experiment in the presence or absence of antimir, the observations in this presented article raise the possibility that antimir strategies might be used to identify the potential miRNA targets.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of highly conserved, non-coding RNAs involved in post-transcriptional gene regulation. The muscle-specific miRNAs, miR-1, miR-133a, and miR-206, are expressed in skeletal muscles and have been shown to contribute to muscle development. To profile their expression after sciatic nerve denervation and reinnervation, the soleus muscles of the rats were analyzed with quantitative real-time PCR at 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, and 4 months after the experiments. In addition, a combined approach using computational prediction by the miRanda website and the Agilent Whole Rat Genome 4 x 44 k oligo microarray experiment was performed to investigate the potential target genes of these three miRNAs in the denervated and reinnervated muscles. The results revealed that with the first downregulation of miR-1 and miR-133a within 1 month in the denervated muscle, the expression of miR-1 and miR-133 increased by approximately 2-fold at 4 months after denervation and reinnervation; on the other hand, the expression of miR-206 was significantly increased to approximately 3-fold 1 month later only following reinnervation but not following denervation, and lasted at least for 4 months. The expression pattern of miR-206 was different from that of miR-1 and miR-133a. Notably, two genes (Hnrpu and Npy) and one gene (Ptprd) were potentially regulated both in the denervated and reinnervated muscle by miR-1 and miR-133a, respectively. There were six potential target genes (Hnrpu, Lsamp, MGC108776, Mef2, Npy, and Ppfibp2) of the upregulated miR-206 in the reinnervated muscle. Among these, three (Hnrpu, Npy, and MGC108776) were potentially regulated by both miR-1 and miR-206. Because the Mef2 transcription factor was reported to promote the transformation of type II fast glycolytic fibers into type I slow oxidative fibers, the upregulation of miR-206 with decreased expression of the Mef2 transcript in the 4 month reinnervated muscle, which presented type II fiber predominance 4 months after nerve microanastomosis, might indicate the role of miR-206 in determining the fiber type after peripheral nerve regeneration.

We investigate the phase transition behavior and dissolution resistant properties of thermo-sensitive nanocomposite hydrogels made from PEO-PPO-PEO triblock copolymer (Pluronic F127) and Laponite silicate nanoparticles. The rapid dissolution properties of F127 copolymer hydrogels usually limit their use as sustained release drug carriers. We overcome this limitation by synergistic combination of nanoparticle gelation characteristics with polymer thermo-sensitivity. We present a proof of concept that the temperature-dependent phase transitions can be shifted as a function of hydrogel composition and that the dissolution of the polymer hydrogels as well as the release of a model drug, albumin, can be significantly slowed down by addition of nanoparticles. The dissolution resistant properties generated will prove useful in the future formulation, processing and application of our polymer hydrogels for sustained release drug delivery carriers.

Aim: This study reports on nursing students’ current capacity to handle standard and additional infection-control precautions in terms of their knowledge, application skills and confidence.-- Background: These precautions are recommended as the guidelines for preventing infections and ensuring occupational safety. As nursing students undertake patient care during clinical practice, their knowledge of and ability to apply these precautions with confidence should be examined before they enter the clinical field.-- Method: A specific tool, the Infection Control Evaluation, was developed and distributed. Design. A cross-sectional survey involving a sample of preservice nursing students was conducted in southern Taiwan.-- Results: The results were based on an 88% response rate and indicated that the level of knowledge concerning standard and additional precautions was low among Taiwanese nursing students. Their ability in applying these precautions in clinicalpractice also appeared to be inadequate.-- Conclusions: Such findings indicate that Taiwanese preservice nursing students require a comprehensive foundation course in infection-control precautions before they enter the clinical environment. This will help to ensure their protection and that of their patients. Relevance to clinical practice. As the findings highlight the importance of providing such education for students before they undertake any clinical work, the information provided here can help nursing educators and academics to develop a specific program.

Although multiple subtypes of sodium channels are expressed in most neurons, the specific contributions of the individual sodium channels remain to be studied. The role of zebrafish Na(v)1.6 sodium channels in the embryonic locomotor movements has been investigated by the antisense morpholino (MO) knockdown. MO1 and MO2 are targeted at the regions surrounding the translation start site of zebrafish Na(v)1.6 mRNA. MO3 is targeted at the RNA splicing donor site of exon 2. The correctly spliced Na(v)1.6 mRNA of MO3 morphants is 6% relative to that of the wild-type embryos. Na(v)1.6-targeted MO1, MO2 and MO3 attenuate the spontaneous contraction, tactile sensitivity, and swimming in comparison with a scrambled morpholino and mutated MO3 morpholino. No significant defect is observed in the development of slow muscles, the axonal projection of primary motoneurons, and neuromuscular junctions. The movement impairments caused by MO1, MO2, and MO3 suggest that the function of Na(v)1.6 sodium channels is essential on the normal early embryonic locomotor activities.

Background. This study aimed to establish the expression profile of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) during nerve allotransplantation in the presence and absence of FK506 immunosuppression.Methods. A 1 cm BALB/c donor sciatic nerve graft was transplanted into the sciatic nerve gaps created in recipient C57BL/6 mice with or without daily FK506 immunosuppression [1 mg/(kg·d)]. At 3, 7, and 14 d after nerve allotransplantation, serum samples were collected for miRNA expression analysis by Illumina small RNA deep sequencing.Results. Sequence analysis showed that the dominant size of circulating small RNAs after nerve allotransplantation was 22 nucleotides, followed by 23-nucleotide sequences. Nine upregulated circulating miRNAs (let-7e-5p, miR-101a-3p, miR-151-5p, miR-181a-5p, miR-204-5p, miR-340-5p, miR-381-3p, miR-411-5p, miR-9-5p, and miR-219-2-3p) were identified at 3 d, but none was identified at 7 or 14 d. Among them, miR-9-5p had the highest fold-change of >50-fold, followed by miR-340-5p with 38.8-fold. The presence of these nine miRNAs was not significant at 7 and 14 d after nerve allotransplantation with or without immunosuppression, showing that these miRNAs are not ideal biomarkers for monitoring rejection of deep-buried nerve allografts, a response usually observed later.Conclusions. We identified nine upregulated circulating miRNAs, which may have a biological function, particularly during the early stages after nerve allotransplantation under FK506 immunosuppression.

Introduction: The balance between regulatory T cells (Tregs) and effector T help cells (Th cells) is critical for the control of adaptive immune response during nerve transplantation. However, whether the homeostasis of immune regulation between Tregs and Th cells requires toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling is unclear. The aim of this study is to profile the distribution of spleen Tregs and Th cells in a mouse model of nerve xenografting in the TLR2 and NF-κB gene knockout mice. Methods: The sciatic nerve was taken from a SD rat or an allogeneic mouse and transplanted to a right back leg of recipient C57BL/6, TLR2-/-, or NF-κB-/- mice by subcutaneous transplantation. After 7 days, the T lymphocytes were then isolated from spleen, stained with phenotyping kits, and analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: The results showed that Tregs were decreased after nerve xenografting in the recipient C57BL/6 mouse. In addition, nerve xenografting also increased the Th1 and Th17 but not the Th2 cell populations. In contrast, amelioration of the Tregs elimination was found in TLR2-/- and NF-κB-/- mice after transplantation of the nerve xenograft. Moreover, the mice lacking TLR2 or NF-κB showed attenuation of the increase in Th1 and Th17 cells after nerve xenografting. Conclusions: TLR signaling is involved in T cell population regulation during tissue transplantation. Knock-out of TLR2 and NF-κB prevented Tregs elimination and inhibited Th1- and Th17-driven immune response after nerve xenografting. This study highlighted the potential of inhibiting TLR signaling to modulate T cell-mediated immune regulation to facilitate tolerance to nerve transplantation.

Water absorption in dried beans has been investigated. Diffusion equations based on wetting theory are proposed and an analytical solution was obtained using Duhamel's theorem. The green bean, red bean, California small white bean and soybean are considered. Some green beans and red beans were irradiated by gamma-rays. The theoretical predictions are in excellent agreement with the experimental data. The diffusion coefficients of water in green bean and red bean satisfy the Arrhenius equation. The testa wetting was analyzed on a thermodynamic basis. The wetting time of water molecules from water reservoir to embryo of green bean and red bean via testa was found to satisfy a modified Arrhenius equation. The activation energy of diffusion is greater for non-irradiated red bean than for irradiated red bean, but the energy barrier of wetting is smaller for non-irradiated red bean than for irradiated red bean. However, the effects of gamma-rays on diffusion and wetting in green bean are not pronounced. The time to cook the green bean until well done was analyzed and the effect of water uptake on cooking time is discussed. The water transport in hulled green bean was also investigated. The wetting behavior was not observed in the hulled green bean. This is direct evidence of the wetting behavior of the testa. The water uptake in the hulled green bean is greater than that in the coated green bean.

Background We profiled the expression of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in mice using Illumina small RNA deep sequencing in order to identify the miRNAs that may potentially be used as biomarkers to distinguish between gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial infections. Results Recombinant-specific gram-negative pathogen Escherichia coli (Xen14) and gram-positive pathogen Staphylococcus aureus (Xen29) were used to induce bacterial infection in mice at a concentration of 1 × 108 bacteria/100 μL of phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Small RNA libraries generated from the serum of mice after exposure to PBS, Xen14, Xen29, and Xen14 + Xen29 via the routes of subcutaneous injection (I), cut wound (C), or under grafted skin (S) were analyzed using an Illumina HiSeq2000 Sequencer. Following exposure to gram-negative bacteria alone, no differentially expressed miRNA was found in the injection, cut, or skin graft models. Exposure to mixed bacteria induced a similar expression pattern of the circulating miRNAs to that induced by gram-positive bacterial infection. Upon gram-positive bacterial infection, 9 miRNAs (mir-193b-3p, mir-133a-1-3p, mir-133a-2-3p, mir-133a-1-5p, mir-133b-3p, mir-434-3p, mir-127-3p, mir-676-3p, mir-215-5p) showed upregulation greater than 4-fold with a p-value

This aim of this study was to explore the role of miRNA-146a (miR-146a) and its target genes in endothelial cells. We demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced the upregulation of miR-146a in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and that the induction was blocked by silencing toll-like receptors, the adaptor molecule MyD88, and the nonspecific NF-κB inhibitor BAY 11-7082. In addition, knockdown of miR-146a by transfection of the locked nucleic acid antimiR-146a significantly inhibited LPS-induced cell migration and tube formation. A combined analysis of bioinformatics miRanda algorithms and a whole genome expression microarray of immunoprecipitated Ago2 ribonucleoprotein complexes identified 14 potential target genes. Subsequent transfection with the miR-146a precursor pre-miR-146a into HUVECs validated that CARD10 was the target gene of the miR-146a, both at the mRNA and protein levels. Silencing CARD10 inhibited p65 nuclear translocation in the cells receiving LPS stimulation and increased angiogenesis. Therefore, miR-146a may play a role in regulating the angiogenesis in HUVECs by downregulating CARD10, which acts in a negative feedback regulation loop to inhibit the activation of NF-κB that normally impairs angiogenesis.

In this study, a technique that saved phosphor use was applied to warm white light-emitting diodes containing 3D photonic crystals to develop the candlelight that exhibits a high luminous flux and an excellent color-rendering index.

This study presents the light-spectrum modification of warm white-light-emitting diodes (w-WLEDs) with 3D colloidal photonic crystals (3D CPhCs) to approximate candlelight. The study measures the angular-resolved transmission properties of the w-WLEDs with CPhCs, which exhibit photonic stop bands based on the CPhC photonic band structures. The w-WLEDs with 3D CPhCs produce a low correlated color temperature of 1963 K, a high color-rendering index of 85, and a luminous flux of 22.8 lm (four times that of a candle). This study presents the successful development of a novel low-cost technique to produce candlelight w-WLEDs for use as an indoor light source.

Background Knockout of either toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) or 2 (TLR2) had been reported to delay the Wallerian degeneration after peripheral nerve injury by deterring the recruitment of the macrophages and clearance of myelin debris. However, the impact on the remyelination process is poorly understood. In this study, the effect of TLR2 and TLR4 knockout on the nerve regeneration and on the remyelination process was studied in a mouse model of sciatic nerve crush injury. Results A standard sciatic nerve crush injury by a No. 5 Jeweler forcep for consistent 30 seconds was performed in Tlr4 −/− (B6.B10ScN-Tlr4 lps-del /JthJ), Tlr2 −/− (B6.129-Tlr2tm1Kir/J) and C57BL/6 mice. One centimeter of nerve segment distal to the crushed site was harvested for western blot analysis of the myelin structure protein myelin protein zero (Mpz) and the remyelination transcription factors Oct6 and Sox10 at day 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 28. Nerve segment 5-mm distal to injured site from additional groups of mice at day 10 after crush injury were subjected to semi-thin section and toluidine blue stain for a quantitative histomorphometric analysis. With less remyelinated nerves and more nerve debris, the histomorphometric analysis revealed a worse nerve regeneration following the sciatic nerve crush injury in both Tlr4 −/− and Tlr2 −/− mice than the C57BL/6 mice. Although there was a delayed expression of Sox10 but not Oct6 during remyelination, with an average 4-day delay in the demyelination process, the subsequent complete formation of Mpz during remyelination was also delayed for 4 days, implying that the impaired nerve regeneration was mainly attributed to the delayed demyelination process. Conclusions Both TLR4 and TLR2 are crucial for nerve regeneration after nerve crush injury mainly by delaying the demyelination but not the remyelination process.

This paper discusses how geographical naming was applied by various colonial powers during their initial exploration and mapping of an indigenous island. In a case study of Orchid Island, we compare the cartographic works performed by three colonial powers during the seventeenth—nineteenth centuries of Taiwan, namely, the Dutch East India Company, the Ching Empire and the Japanese Empire. Instead of documenting the toponymic change, our target is to uncover the strategies of place-naming in accordance with the underlying exploration purposes and cartographic perspectives. Early Dutch and Chinese explorers were found to behave in a similar way by denoting Orchid Island with ambiguous names derived from external societies, simply illustrating a geo-referenced dot on the general maps of Taiwan. On the other hand, the Japanese explorers strived to compile the first large-scale map of Orchid Island with names identifiable with local geography. It should be noted that both political and ethnographic interests were involved with the Japanese mapping of Orchid Island in the late 1890s, which resulted in two versions of toponyms, one is information-driven and the other based on local knowledge. To conclude, heterogeneous ways to deal with indigenous place names were found to reflect different colonial interests and cartographers’ interactions with local society.

To understand the molecular mechanisms that direct the expression of the gene encoding the platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor, the 5′-flanking region of the human PAF receptor gene was cloned, and its promoter activity in myeloid cell lines was characterized. By the 5′-rapid amplification of cDNA ends method and primer extension, the transcription initiation site was mapped to an adenosine residue 137 bases upstream of the ATG translation initiation codon. The promoter region lacks a typical TATA or CCAAT box. However, the sequence encompassing the transcription initiation site shows high homology to the initiator (Inr) sequence. Transfection of promonocytic U937 cells with recombinant plasmids containing a series of truncated segments of the 5′-flanking region linked to the luciferase reporter gene revealed that the sequence from nucleotides −44 to +27 relative to the transcription initiation site was sufficient to promote a high level of gene expression. The promoter activity was much lower in nonexpressing HeLa cells and promyelocytic HL-60 cells, which express relatively low levels of the PAF receptor. Gel mobility shift analysis demonstrated the binding of nuclear factors extracted from myelocytic cells to the −16/+18 sequence containing the Inr element. No binding activity was detected using the nuclear extracts from the nonmyelocytic HeLa cells. The DNA-protein complexes were sequence-specific since the binding was not significantly affected by the mutated Inr sequences or the Inr sequence of the terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase gene. Furthermore, point mutations in the Inr element significantly reduced promoter activity in both U937 and THP-1 cell lines. When Me2SO or retinoic acid was used to induce granulocytic differentiation of HL-60 cells, a distinct Inr-protein complex was induced concurrently, but the complex was not observed in 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced monocytic differentiated HL-60 cells or Me2SO-induced differentiated U937 cells, indicating that the inducible Inr binding activity is granulocyte-specific. These results suggest that distinct nuclear factors interact with the unique Inr element and play a role in the transcriptional regulation of the PAF receptor in various myeloid cells.

A Si-heavy doped GaN:Si epitaxial layer is transformed into a directional nanopipe GaN layer through a laser-scribing process and a selectively electrochemical (EC) etching process. InGaN light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with an EC-treated nanopipe GaN layer have a high light extraction efficiency. The direction of the nanopipe structure was directed perpendicular to the laser scribing line and was guided by an external bias electric field. An InGaN LED structure with an embedded nanopipe GaN layer can enhance external quantum efficiency through a one-step epitaxial growth process and a selective EC etching process. A birefringence optical property and a low effective refractive index were observed in the directional-nanopipe GaN layer.

A systematic approach to develop robust and adhesive hydrogels by photopolymerizing poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-diacrylate and methoxy-PEG-acrylate in the presence of charged silicate nanoparticles (Laponite) is presented. PEG-diacrylate and silicate are used for covalent and physical cross-linking, thus providing the hydrogel with mechanical and adhesive strengths. Methoxy-PEG-acrylate is used as a softening agent. The resulting hydrogels can be extensively elongated and the hydrogels readily adhere to tissue even in the elongated state. These hydrogels may aid the development of adhesive tissue engineering matrixes, wound dressings, sealants, and the adhesive components of biomedical devices.

This paper is a pilot study for a combination of school knowledge and board game learning. We designed a digital board game based on textbook materials. And presented them with a set of educational equipment- Digital Learning Playground (DLP). We created a situational interaction learning in classrooms. In this research, the resulted data indicates the studentsi¦ motivation, confidence and satisfaction were enhanced through the designed learning environment.

In our study, we will look at how the substantial context-embedded authentic tasks had been done under a high-interactive gaming structure in classroom basis. We analyzed the difference of intrinsic motivation (enjoyment, perceived competence, pressure, etc) and learning effectiveness between team players and individual players in the game-based learning environments.

In order to let students learn authentically, we provide an opportunity for them to learn naturally and apply knowledge by adding authentic learning experience in classrooms. We wanted to know whether integrating embodied interactions in authentic learning can enhance authentic learning experience, and even improve learning performance. In this research, we proposed a near-authentic environment that students can engage in a designed situation with their body movements. This study analyzed how this learning mechanic could enhance learning motivation or performance. We observed the subjectsi¦ perceptions of learning experience through the designed activity and examine whether they were engaging. This research uncovered that their intrinsic motivation was relatively high in this activity and there were some interesting behaviors among studentsi¦ interactions.

The oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors of epidermal growth factor, erlotinib and gefitinib, are active in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, a number of skin manifestations have been found in patients receiving erlotinib therapy. Leukocytoclastic vasculitis is a rare side-effect of erlotinib therapy. However, whether or not erlotinib treatment should be continued when disseminated ulceration of leukocytoclastic vasculitis is encountered remains to be determined. In this study, we report a patient with NSCLC who remains responsive to erlotinib treatment following successful rechallenge with a reduced dose of erlonitib after presenting with severe degree of leukoclastic vasculitis.

In this paper, we embedded authentic learning content into a themed board game and presented them by a set of educational equipment-Digital Learning Playground (DLP). DLP applied the idea of mixed reality that students interact to the simulative situations, and also remain some hand-on experience with realia. With this device, we build a digital board game and require students and the teacher to join in to yield the best learning environment-proper assistance and peer cooperation. The showing resulting data depicts that the students were highly engaged and satisfied with learning through a gaming flow. With respect to learning performance, the assessing data indicates an effective learning has been achieved.

Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone), a natural flavonoid occurring in various plants and foods such as propolis and honey, reportedly opposes inflammation and carcinogenesis, but has rarely been applied in skin care. This study, therefore, aimed to explore the roles of chrysin in protection against UV-induced damage in HaCaT keratinocytes. Results showed that chrysin can attenuate apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) expression induced by UVB and UVA. Chrysin predominantly reversed the down-regulation of aquaporin 3 (AQP-3) by UVB. It predominantly reversed JNK activation and also mildly inhibited p38 activation triggered by UVA and UVB. Animal studies revealed that chrysin's topical application demonstrated efficient percutaneous absorption and no skin irritation. Overall, results demonstrated significant benefits of chrysin on the protection of keratinocytes against UVA- and UVB-induced injuries and suggested its potential use in skin photoprotection.

Unique combinations of hard and soft components found in biological tissues have inspired researchers to design and develop synthetic nanocomposite gels and hydrogels with elastomeric properties. These elastic materials can potentially be used as synthetic mimics for diverse tissue engineering applications. Here we present a set of elastomeric nanocomposite hydrogels made from poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nHAp). The aqueous nanocomposite PEG-nHAp precursor solutions can be injected and then covalently cross-linked via photopolymerization. The resulting PEG-nHAp hydrogels have interconnected pore sizes ranging from 100 to 300 nm. They have higher extensibilities, fracture stresses, compressive strengths, and toughness when compared with conventional PEO hydrogels. The enhanced mechanical properties are a result of polymer nanoparticle interactions that interfere with the permanent cross-linking of PEG during photopolymerization. The effect of nHAp concentration and temperature on hydrogel swelling kinetics was evaluated under physiological conditions. An increase in nHAp concentration decreased the hydrogel saturated swelling degree. The combination of PEG and nHAp nanoparticles significantly improved the physical and chemical hydrogel properties as well as some biological characteristics such as osteoblast cell adhesion. Further development of these elastomeric materials can potentially lead to use as a matrix for drug delivery and tissue repair especially for orthopedic applications.

The outcomes of frameworks and practices for stakeholder involvement in environmental impact assessment (EIA) for road planning, under the umbrella of a common EU legal framework, are investigated here in specific national contexts. Data for the two empirical cases examined – Poland and Sweden – are related to the recent ongoing discussion on context dependency for Environmental Assessments (EA). The analysis, informed by practitioner interviews and documentary review, comprises a historical review of the evolution of EIA and stakeholder involvement, and examines more closely the legal frameworks, formal and informal arenas for stakeholder involvement, and norms of stakeholder involvement held by professionals involved in the planning process in the two countries. The results challenge existing assumptions about the relative depth of institutionalisation of stakeholder involvement and environmental concern in a Scandinavian and Central-Eastern European context, and highlight the decisive role of practitio...

This study was designed to determine the in vitro angiogenic ability of far-infrared (FIR) radiation in the skin-derived cultured human microvascular endothelial cells and to elucidate the role of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in this process. The results revealed that FIR radiation from a WS(TM) TY301 FIR emitter activated p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), but not Akt or c-Jun N-terminal protein kinases (JNK), and significantly promoted angiogenesis by increasing tube formation in Matrigel and the migration of cells across an eight micron polyester filter. The addition of 50 μM PD98059, a MEK inhibitor, significantly inhibited the activation of ERK and the enhanced angiogenesis; in contrast, the inhibition of p38 phosphorylation did not inhibit the enhanced angiogenesis. After FIR radiation, there was no increase in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) isoforms (VEGF-A, -B, -C and -D) mRNA and VEGF protein, no increase phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) detected using Western blotting, and no increase in NO production detected using flow cytometry in cells pre-incubated with the cell-permeable NO-binding dye diluted 4-amino-5-methylamino-2', 7'-difluorofluorescein diacetate (DAF-FM DA). This study revealed that FIR radiation possesses in vitro angiogenic activity via the activation of the MEK/ERK but not the VEGF/Akt/eNOS-dependent signaling pathways.