The accredited biomarker alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) offers limited sensitivity and specificity in the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To improve the screening performance, des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) has been identified as another promising biomarker of HCC, combined with AFP biomarkers. The results of the commercial optical enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit easily have the interference problem due to the optical methodology. The immunomagnetic reduction (IMR) assay based on the magnetic measurement was utilized to assay DCP biomarkers without the excellent antiinterference performances. A DCP magnetic reagent, composed of iron-oxide (Fe3O4 ) magnetic nanoparticles coated with anti-DCP antibodies solved in phosphoryl-buffer solution, was synthesized and characterized. In the test of standard DCP antigens, superior antiinterference and sensitivity than optical ELISA were proved. In the animal test, the results indicate good agreement between the IMR assay findings and the tumor sizes of HCC rats at all time points after the HCC implantation. The feasibility of the developed DCP magnetic reagent with the IMR for the detection of DCP is verified, and demonstrates the high potential for future clinical applications.
Abstract-With the contributions of computer technology, digital learning has evolved into a stage of mobile learning. However, school classes require teachers to perform face-to-face humanized lectures. Digital learning remains to function as a tool for assisted teaching. Few studies have investigated what proportions digital learning should occupy in teaching activities. In this study, to investigate the optimal proportion of face-to-face instructions and digital learning, we conducted a one-semester teaching experiment on two classes of students in the informatics department in a public vocational high school in Taipei City. In addition, the Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance was adopted for the statistical analysis to determine the optimal blending proportions. Our results indicate that optimal effects are achieved at a time ratio of 2:1 of traditional face-to-face teaching to digital learning.
Cognitive load theory concludes that the level of learners' expertise influences mental effort directly. The recent developments of evaluating learner expertise by quantitative measurement techniques are discussed in this research. Cognitive efficiency, an optimal measurement technique of expertise, was developed by Kalyuga and Sweller to replace instructional efficiency in e-learning environment for dynamically adapting instruction. But mental effort, a factor of cognitive efficiency, is assessed by a node mode measurement technique which discontinues instruction and causes interference. This research suggests a new measurement technique of assessing and measuring learners' learning effort in dynamic, real-time and non-interference approach for adaptive e-learning. The learning effort curve, a friendly interface in graphic format, is developed by this technique to enhance effective interaction between instructors and learners and navigate adaptive learning.
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