Composite materials application on FORMOSAT-5 remote sensing instrument structure

Composite material has been widely applied in space vehicle structures due to its light weight and designed stiffness modulus. Some special mechanical properties that cannot be changed in general metal materials, such as low CTE (coefficient of thermal expansion) and directional material stiffness can be artificially adjusted in composite materials to meet the userâs requirements. Space-qualified Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) composite materials are applied In the FORMOSAT-5 Remote Sensing (RSI) structure because of its light weight and low CTE characteristics. The RSI structural elements include the primary mirror supporting plate, secondary mirror supporting ring, and supporting frame. These elements are designed, manufactured, and verified using composite materials to meet specifications. The structure manufacturing process, detailed material properties, and CFRP structural element validation methods are introduced in this paper

Evaluation of prognostic factors and the role of chemotherapy in unfavorable carcinoma of unknown primary site: a 10-year cohort study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Carcinoma of unknown primary site (CUP) has a poor prognosis and the prognostic factors in these patients are not well established. Furthermore, there are no selection criteria for patients who should benefit from chemotherapy.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The medical records of 179 CUP patients who were treated at Taipei Veterans General Hospital from 2000 to 2009 were reviewed. Factors associated with survival were determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Differences between the groups with and without palliative chemotherapy were analyzed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Univariate analysis revealed multiple prognostic factors, including performance status, lung metastasis, number of metastatic organs, serum albumin, corrected serum calcium, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), sodium, and cholesterol levels, palliative chemotherapy, and white blood cell and lymphocyte counts. Multivariate analysis showed that performance status < 2, serum albumin level ≥ 3.5 g/dl, corrected serum calcium level < 10.7 mg/dl, single metastatic organ, and palliative chemotherapy were independent factors of better prognosis. Patients with better performance status, higher serum albumin, and lower serum LDH levels had significantly greater benefit from palliative chemotherapy.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Certain patients with unfavorable CUP will have better survival. Identification of patients with unfavorable CUP who could benefit from palliative chemotherapy warrants future prospective studies.</p

Design of Mixed-Dimensional QDs/MoS₂/TiO₂ Heterostructured Resistive Random-Access Memory with Interfacial Analog Switching Characteristics for Potential Neuromorphic Computing

Resistive random-access memory (RRAM) is one of the most promising candidates for next-generation nanoscale nonvolatile memory devices and neuromorphic computing applications. In this study, we developed a novel mixed-dimensional design for RRAM devices, incorporating zero-dimensional quantum dots (QDs), two-dimensional MoS2, and a TiO2 switching layer to achieve prominent interfacial switching behaviors. Compared with typical filamentary RRAM devices, the proposed heterostructure featured a light-sensitive QDs/MoS2 layer that allowed for bias-controllable resistive changes during the set and reset processes without abrupt switching. This was endowed by effective electron–hole pair separations upon excitation and the generation of a thin molybdenum oxide (MoOx) layer due to the accumulation of oxygen ions at the interface between MoS2 and TiO2. The ITO/QDs/MoS2/TiO2/Pt RRAM device exhibited an on/off ratio of 10 with improved endurance under 515 nm laser illumination and wavelength-dependent resistive switching behavior, making it useful for multilevel storage. Furthermore, the heterostructured device demonstrated synaptic characteristics with enhanced potentiation and depression nonlinearities and asymmetry factors, revealing its potential for future neuromorphic applications

Non-antireflective Scheme for Efficiency Enhancement of Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ Nanotip Array Solar Cells

We present systematic works in characterization of CIGS nanotip arrays (CIGS NTRs). CIGS NTRs are obtained by a one-step ion-milling process by a direct-sputtering process of CIGS thin films (CIGS TF) without a postselenization process. At the surface of CIGS NTRs, a region extending to 100 nm in depth with a lower copper concentration compared to that of CIGS TF has been discovered. After KCN washing, removal of secondary phases can be achieved and a layer with abundant copper vacancy (V_Cu) was left. Such compositional changes can be a benefit for a CIGS solar cell by promoting formation of Cd-occupied Cu sites (Cd_Cu) at the CdS/CIGS interface and creates a type-inversion layer to enhance interface passivation and carrier extraction. The raised V_Cu concentration and enhanced Cd diffusion in CIGS NTRs have been verified by energy dispersive spectrometry. Strengthened adhesion of Al:ZnO (AZO) thin film on CIGS NTRs capped with CdS has also been observed in SEM images and can explain the suppressed series resistance of the device with CIGS NTRs. Those improvements in electrical characteristics are the main factors for efficiency enhancement rather than antireflection