Showing papers by "Fu Jen Catholic University published in 2006"
TL;DR: In this article, the travel motivations of Taiwanese seniors and what variables are important in explaining the variances of the motivations were identified using factor analyses, including knowledge-seeking and cleanliness and safety.
430 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a quasi-resonant ZCS (QRZCS) based battery equalization scheme was proposed for dc-to-dc dc converter with an individual cell equalizer.
Abstract: A systematic approach to reform and analyze a soft-switching bidirectional dc-to-dc converter is proposed for cell voltage balancing control in a series connected battery string. quasi-resonant converter circuits have been designed to achieve the zero-current-switching (ZCS) to reduce the switching loss in bidirectional battery equalizers. The results indicate that the switching loss and energy transfer efficiency can be substantially improved using the quasi-resonant ZCS (QRZCS) technology in a battery charging system with an individual cell equalizer (ICE). The validity of the battery equalization is further verified using an experimental installation involving a battery string of three lithium-ion cells. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed QRZCS battery equalization schemes can achieve bidirectional battery equalization performance and reduce the MOSFET transistor switch power losses by more than 96% and increase the efficiency by around 20%~30% compared with the conventional battery equalizer during an identical equalization process
375 citations
TL;DR: As the results reveal, CART and MARS outperform traditional discriminant analysis, logistic regression, neural networks, and support vector machine (SVM) approaches in terms of credit scoring accuracy and hence provide efficient alternatives in implementing credit scoring tasks.
366 citations
TL;DR: The immunosuppressive properties of PDMCs, along with their multilineage differentiation potential, ease of accessibility, and abundant cell numbers, may render these cells as good potential sources for future therapeutic applications.
Abstract: Several types of nonhematopoietic stem cells, including bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) and embryonic stem cells, have been shown to have immunosuppressive properties. We show that human placenta-derived multipotent cells (PDMCs), which are isolated from a source without ethical concern and harbor multilineage differentiation potential, have strong immunosuppressive properties. PDMCs suppress both mitogen-induced and allogeneic lymphocyte proliferation in both CD4 and CD8 populations. The immunosuppression seen with PDMCs was significantly stronger than that with BMMSCs. Both PDMCs and BMMSCs express indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, but only PDMCs are positive for intracellular human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA). Mechanistically, suppression of lymphocyte reactivity by PDMCs is not due to cell death but to decreased cell proliferation and increased numbers of regulatory T cells. Addition of neutralizing antibodies to interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta partially restored lymphocyte proliferation. Unlike BMMSCs, PDMCs treated with interferon-gamma for 3 days only very minimally upregulated HLA-DR. On the contrary, PD-L1, a cell surface marker that plays an inhibitory role in T-cell activation, was upregulated and TGF-beta expression was seen. The immunosuppressive properties of PDMCs, along with their multilineage differentiation potential, ease of accessibility, and abundant cell numbers, may render these cells as good potential sources for future therapeutic applications.
263 citations
TL;DR: The data indicate that patients with progressive liver diseases have a higher frequency of pre-S deletion, and combination of mutations rather than single mutation was associated with the development ofgressive liver diseases, especially in combination with pre- S deletion.
259 citations
TL;DR: The results of this study suggest that besides being an easily accessible and expandable source of fetal stem cells, amniotic fluid will provide a promising source of neural progenitor cells that may be used in future cellular therapies for neurodegenerative diseases and nervous system injuries.
Abstract: Recent evidence has shown that amniotic fluid may be a novel source of fetal stem cells for therapeutic transplantation. We previously developed a two-stage culture protocol to isolate a population of amniotic fluid-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AFMSCs) from second-trimester amniocentesis. AFMSCs maintain the capacity to differentiate into multiple mesenchymal lineages and neuron-like cells. It is unclear whether amniotic fluid contains heterogeneous populations of stem cells or a subpopulation of primitive stem cells that are similar to marrow stromal cells showing the behavior of neural progenitors. In this study, we showed a subpopulation of amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (AF-SCs) at the single-cell level by limiting dilution. We found that NANOG- and POU5F1 (also known as OCT4)-expressing cells still existed in the expanded single cell-derived AF-SCs. Aside from the common mesenchymal characteristics, these clonal AF-SCs also exhibit multiple phenotypes of neural-derived cells such as NES, TUBB3, NEFH, NEUNA60, GALC, and GFAP expressions both before and after neural induction. Most importantly, HPLC analysis showed the evidence of dopamine release in the extract of dopaminergic-induced clonal AF-SCs. The results of this study suggest that besides being an easily accessible and expandable source of fetal stem cells, amniotic fluid will provide a promising source of neural progenitor cells that may be used in future cellular therapies for neurodegenerative diseases and nervous system injuries.
239 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the relationship between leptin and major depressive disorder was investigated, and the relationship of the serum leptin concentration, cholesterol, and BMI between patients with major depressive disorders, schizophrenic patients and healthy control subjects was investigated.
178 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a study was conducted to determine whether poor glycemic control contributes to the development of capsular serotype K1 or K2 Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess.
Abstract: Context: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and capsular serotypes K1 and K2 Klebsiella pneumoniae have been identified as risk factors for liver abscess and complicated endophthalmitis. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether poor glycemic control contributes to the development of capsular serotype K1 or K2 K. pneumoniae liver abscess. Design and Setting: Neutrophil phagocytosis in patients with type 2 DM and nondiabetic controls was compared with isolates from liver abscess. Phagocytic rates of 18 K1/K2 and nine non-K1/K2 K. pneumoniae strains were evaluated by flow cytometry and electron microscopy. Patients or Study Participants: Forty patients with type 2 diabetes, 14 with good glycemic control, 26 with poor glycemic control, and 13 age-matched healthy normal subjects, were studied. Main Outcome Measures: Phagocytic rate of K. pneumoniae was measured. Results: Phagocytosis of serotype K1/K2 isolates by neutrophils from diabetics was significantly less than normal controls (P < 0.01). Furt...
175 citations
TL;DR: According to the results of multiple logistic-regression analysis, advanced age, male sex, the precore A1896 mutation, the BCP T1762/A1764 mutation, and an HBV load > or = 10(5) copies/mL were independently associated with the development of HCC.
Abstract: Background. Several hepatitis B viral factors correlate with the progression of chronic liver disease. However the independent and interactive effects of each known viral factor on the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unknown. Methods. In a cross-sectional retrospective hospital-based setting we comprehensively compared viral factors in 160 chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers and 200 patients with HCC to clarify the independent and joint effect of each factor. Results: In univariate analysis statistically significant odds ratios (ORs) were obtained for male sex (P<.001) advanced age (P < .001) HBV genotype C infection (P =.005) the precore A1896 mutation (P < .001) and the basal core promoter (BCP) T1762/A1764 mutation (P < .001). According to the results of multiple logistic-regression analysis advanced age male sex the precore A1896 mutation the BCP T1762/A1764 mutation and an HBV load =10(5) copies/mL were independently associated with the development of HCC. Compared with patients with an HBV load <10(5) copies/mL and the BCP A1762/G1764 wild-type strain the adjusted OR of developing HCC was =30 in patients with an HBV load =10(5) copies/mL and the BCP T1762/A1764 mutant irrespective of the presence of the precore A1896 mutation and viral genotype. Conclusions. HBV load and the BCP T1762/A1764 mutation are important in hepatocarcinogenesis. (authors)
175 citations
TL;DR: Placenta might be an easily accessible source for progenitor cells that are capable of differentiating toward hepatocyte‐like cells in vitro, and results indicate that PDMCs can differentiate into three germ layer cells, which is similar to embryonic stem cells.
Abstract: Multipotent cells isolated from human term placenta (placenta-derived multipotent cells [PDMCs]) have been known to be able to differentiate into mesodermal lineage cells, including adipocytes and osteoclasts. The low infection rate and young age of placenta compared with other tissue origins of adult stem cells make theses cells attractive target for cell-based therapy. However, the differentiation potential of PDMCs toward hepatic cells has not been evaluated yet. In this study, we cultivated PDMCs with hepatic differentiation medium to evaluate the ability of these cells in differentiating toward hepatic cells. After treatment, the morphologies of differentiated PDMCs changed to polygonal epithelial cell-like. The differentiated cells not only show the hepatocyte-like morphologies but also express hepatocyte-specific markers, including albumin and cytokeratin 18. The bioactivity assays revealed that these hepatocyte-like cells could uptake lipoprotein and store glycogen. Furthermore, the addition of rifampicin increased the gene expression of CYP3A4, which is similar with the activities of human liver cells. According to our previous results, PDMCs were capable of differentiating into mesodermal and ectodermal lineage cells. Our results indicate that PDMCs can differentiate into three germ layer cells, which is similar to embryonic stem cells. In conclusion, placenta might be an easily accessible source for progenitor cells that are capable of differentiating toward hepatocyte-like cells in vitro.
171 citations
TL;DR: Overall, the isoflavone fractions showed a better antioxidant activity than the is oflavone standards, probably caused by the presence of some other functional components such as saponin, flavonoid, and phenolic compounds in soybean cake.
Abstract: The antioxidant activities of four fractions of isoflavones from soybean cake were evaluated and compared with those of ISO-1 and ISO-2 fractions, five isoflavone standards, and mixtures of two or four isoflavone standards, as well as four commercial antioxidants, using DPPH, TEAC, reducing power, metal ion chelating, conjugated diene, and TBARS assays. Both malonylglucoside and glucoside fractions were isolated using preparative chromatography with Diaion HP-20 as adsorbent, whereas acetylglucoside and aglycone fractions were separated with silica gel as adsorbent. The other two fractions, ISO-1 and ISO-2, were soybean cake extracts containing 12 isoflavones for the former and a combination of 4 fractions for the latter. Both acetylglucoside and ISO-1 fractions exhibited the highest efficiency in scavenging DPPH free radicals, whereas all six fractions were effective in inhibiting conjugated diene formation. However, a low reducing power was observed for all six fractions and isoflavone standards. The aglycone fraction and genistein standard showed a pronounced increase of TEAC value and a moderate decrease of TBARs value. For chelating metal ions, both ISO-1 and ISO-2 fractions were the most efficient. Overall, the isoflavone fractions showed a better antioxidant activity than the isoflavone standards, probably caused by the presence of some other functional components such as saponin, flavonoid, and phenolic compounds in soybean cake.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that cyclophosphamide caused temporary interference of normal male reproductive system with low dose treatment, but might be permanent dysfunction in high dose treatment.
TL;DR: The results suggest that BCP T1762/A1764 mutation and higher viral load may be involved in the carcinogenesis of cirrhotic and noncirrhotic HCC.
Abstract: Background Apart from the presence of liver cirrhosis, hepatitis B virus (HBV) factors have also been shown to play a role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Studying HBV-related noncirrhotic HCC may help clarify the effect of viral factors. Methods In a hospital-based, age- and genotype-matched study, we aimed to determine the role played by basal core promoter (BCP) T1762/A1764 mutation, precore A1896 mutation, and serum viral load in noncirrhotic hepatocarcinogenesis by comparing 44 patients with HBV-related noncirrhotic HCC, 45 patients with chronic hepatitis B, and 42 patients with HBV-related cirrhotic HCC. HBV genotype, precore and BCP mutations, and viral load were determined by molecular assays. Results In univariate analysis, statistically significant odds ratios were obtained for male sex (P=.005) and BCP T1762/A1764 mutation (P=.0003) in patients with noncirrhotic HCC, compared with patients with chronic hepatitis B. By multiple logistic regression analysis, male sex, BCP T1762/A1764 mutation, and viral load >or=10(5) copies/mL were independently associated with the risk of noncirrhotic HCC. The virologic characteristics were similar between patients with cirrhotic HCC and those with noncirrhotic HCC. Conclusions Our results suggest that BCP T1762/A1764 mutation and higher viral load may be involved in the carcinogenesis of cirrhotic and noncirrhotic HCC.
TL;DR: An HPLC method was developed to discern the variety and content of carotenoids in the microalga Chlorella pyrenoidosa and found all-trans-lutein was present in exceptionally large amount.
TL;DR: The seasonal effect on suicide is significant in Taiwan and is of research interest for future studies regarding mechanisms of suicidal behavior, and also of practical interest for better timing of suicide interventions and effective preventive strategies.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors studied how teachers integrated technology into creative teaching, and identified the factors that influenced teachers' use of technology in teaching, classified into four categories: environmental, personal, social and curricular issues.
Abstract: Although the use of computer technology in classrooms is an innovative approach to teaching, teachers with creativity might not use technology as intensively as they use other creative strategies in the classroom Eight teachers who won an award for creative teaching were interviewed in order to identify the factors affecting their use of technology in creative teaching Teachers’ perceptions about technology use were studied Two major issues were explored First, we studied how teachers integrated technology into creative teaching; we then identified the factors that influenced teachers’ use of technology in teaching The identified factors were classified into four categories: environmental, personal, social and curricular issues
TL;DR: QSAL was superior to IPL for freckle treatment and should be used for lentigines in Asian persons, and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation developed in one patient with freckles and 8 patients with lentigine after QSAL.
Abstract: Background Q-switched (QS) pigmented lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) successfully treat pigment disorders. Objective We sought to compare efficacy and side effects of QS alexandrite laser (QSAL) and IPL for freckle and lentigo treatment in Asians. Methods In all, 15 patients with freckles and 17 patients with lentigines were treated randomly with one session QSAL in one cheek and two sessions IPL in the other cheek at 4-week intervals. Efficacy was determined using a new pigmentation area and severity index score. Results All patients experienced improvement ( P P = .04). In lentigines, the results after IPL were better than QSAL among those with postinflammatory hyperpigmentation after QSAL. Limitations Limitations include a small case number and short follow-up period. Conclusion QSAL was superior to IPL for freckle treatment. IPL should be used for lentigines in Asian persons.
TL;DR: The findings support the role of the NCX current in the PV electrical activity and reduces the PV arrhythmogenic activity and prevents the ouabain-induced arrh rhythmogenicity.
Abstract: Objective Pulmonary veins (PVs) are the most important focus for generation of atrial fibrillation. The Na+/Ca2+ exchange (NCX) current is important in PV electrical activity and cardiac glycosides-induced arrhythmias. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether KB-R7943, a NCX current blocker with preferential inhibition of the Ca2+ influx, may alter PV electrophysiological characteristics and reduce glycoside-induced arrhythmogenicity.
Methods Conventional microelectrodes were used to record the effects of KB-R7943 on action potentials and contractility in isolated rabbit PV tissue specimens with and without administration of ouabain. The ionic currents and intracellular calcium were studied in isolated single cardiomyocytes before and after KB-R7943 by the whole-cell patch clamp and indo-1 fluorimetric ratio techniques.
Results KB-R7943 (0, 3, 10, 30μM) concentration-dependently prolonged APD50 and APD90 and decreased the PV firing rates (2.3±1.2Hz, 2.1±1.2Hz, 1.9±0.9Hz, 1.7±1.1Hz, n =7, p <0.05) and incidences of delayed afterdepolarizations (DADs). KB-R7943 (3, 30μM) decreased transient inward currents, Ca2+ transient and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ content. Ouabain (0, 0.1, 1μM) concentration-dependently increased the PV firing rates and DADs in PVs with spontaneous activity ( n =7) and induced nonsustained spontaneous activity (1μM) in the PVs without spontaneous activity ( n =14). However, in the presence of KB-R7943 (30μM), ouabain (1μM) did not increase the PV firing rates or induce spontaneous activity in the PVs without spontaneous activity ( n =7).
Conclusions KB-R7943 reduces the PV arrhythmogenic activity and prevents the ouabain-induced arrhythmogenicity. Our findings support the role of the NCX current in the PV electrical activity.
TL;DR: A novel redundant mechanism for embedded memories is proposed and it is shown that the complexity of the redundancy allocation problem is NP-complete and an extended local repair-most (ELRM) algorithm suitable for built-in implementation is proposed.
Abstract: A novel redundant mechanism is proposed for embedded memories in this paper. Redundant rows and columns are added into the memory array as in the conventional approaches. However, the redundant rows and columns are divided into row blocks and column blocks, respectively. The reconfiguration is performed at the row (column) block level instead of the conventional row (column) level. Based on the proposed redundant mechanism, we first show that the complexity of the redundancy allocation problem is NP-complete. Thereafter, an extended local repair-most (ELRM) algorithm suitable for built-in implementation is proposed. The complexity of the ELRM algorithm is O(N), where N denotes the number of memory cells. According to the simulation results, the hardware overhead for implementing this algorithm is below 0.17% for a 1024/spl times/2048-b SRAM. Due to the efficient usage of the redundant elements, the manufacturing yield, repair rate, and reliability can be improved significantly.
TL;DR: Multidisciplinary diabetes foot care systems, including the provision of revascularization procedures, should be further enforced to reduce subsequent risks of nontraumatic LEA, especially in young and female diabetic patients.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE —Using the National Health Insurance claim data, we prospectively investigated the age- and sex-specific incidence density and relative hazards of nontraumatic lower-extremity amputation (LEA) and peripheral revascularization procedure (PRP) of the diabetic population in Taiwan. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS —A total of 500,868 diabetic patients and 500,248 age- and sex-matched control subjects, selected from the ambulatory care claim (1997) and the registry for beneficiaries, respectively, were linked to inpatient claims (1997–2002) to identify hospitalizations due to nontraumatic LEA and PRP. Incidence density was calculated under the Poisson assumption, and the Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess the cumulative event rates over a 6-year follow-up period. We also evaluated the age- and sex-specific relative hazards of nontraumatic LEA and PRP in relation to diabetes with Cox proportional hazard regression model adjusted for demographics and regional areas. RESULTS —The estimated incidence density of nontraumatic LEA and PRP for diabetic men was 410.3 and 317.0 per 100,000 patient-years, respectively. The corresponding data for diabetic women were relatively low at 115.2 and 86.0 per 100,000 patient-years. Compared with control subjects with the same age and sex, diabetic patients consistently suffered from significantly elevated relative hazards of nontraumatic LEA. Young and female patients were especially vulnerable to experience increased risks of nontraumatic LEA, but such effect modification by age and sex was less apparent for PRP. CONCLUSIONS —Multidisciplinary diabetes foot care systems, including the provision of revascularization procedures, should be further enforced to reduce subsequent risks of nontraumatic LEA, especially in young and female diabetic patients.
TL;DR: In this article, a bacteria-derived biodegradable and non-toxic biopolymer poly(γ-glutamic acid) was evaluated as an adsorbent for removal of basic dyes from aqueous solution.
TL;DR: To identify using three‐dimensional ultrasound the morphological features and normal biometry of the levator hiatus in nulliparous Chinese women and to explore ethnic differences between these measurements and those in nullIParous Caucasian women.
Abstract: Objectives
To identify using three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound the morphological features and normal biometry of the levator hiatus in nulliparous Chinese women and to explore ethnic differences between these measurements and those in nulliparous Caucasian women.
Methods
3D sonographic data from 59 nulliparous Chinese women (aged 19–38 years) who had no pelvic organ prolapse and no symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction were retrieved from an image dataset and analyzed by offline post-processing. The pubovisceral muscle and levator hiatus were measured in the planes of maximal pubovisceral muscle thickness and minimum hiatal dimension, respectively. In addition, the genitohiatal and levator ani angles were measured. These values were compared with those in a published study of Caucasian women.
Results
In Chinese women there was no relationship between minimum anteroposterior (AP) hiatal diameter and minimum lateral hiatal diameter. Body weight was correlated with hiatal area and minimum AP hiatal diameter (r = 0.391, P = 0.003 and r = 0.378, P = 0.004, respectively), whereas body mass index was correlated only with minimum AP hiatal diameter (r = 0.349, P = 0.008). There was a significant difference in average pubovisceral muscle thickness (P = 0.001) between nulliparous Chinese and Caucasian women.
Conclusions
Body weight, body mass index, and ethnicity are factors affecting the biometry of the levator hiatus in Chinese nulliparous women. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: The risk of ARF is significantly increased in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis presenting with marked hyperbilirubinemia, hyponatremia, elevated liver enzymes, infection, and GI bleeding, which leads to higher mortality rates in both viral and alcohol-induced liver Cirrhosis.
Abstract: BACKGROUND Acute renal failure (ARF) is a life-threatening entity that frequently complicates advanced liver disease. This study documents a number of factors that may predispose to or precipitate ARF and influence outcomes in patients with advanced liver disease. Comparisons are also made between subgroups of patients with viral and alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis in those with ARF. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review over one year of 127 consecutive hospital admissions in 82 patients who were diagnosed with advanced liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh Class C) in a tertiary care center. A diagnosis of ARF was made in 29 admissions and another 98 admissions not complicated by ARF served as controls. This study evaluated different etiologies of ARF and developed a database which included clinical features, biochemical parameters, the etiology of cirrhosis, possible predisposing factors, and precipitating events. Version II of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Physiology Scoring system (APACHE II) was applied to predict short-term hospital mortality rates. RESULTS ARF occurred in 29 admissions over the one-year study period (23%). The mean age of these patients was 56.8 +/- 12.0 years, and 73% were men. The patients with ARF had significant hyponatremia and higher levels of serum bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and white cell counts on admission than the controls. Patients who developed ARF were more likely to have had infection, especially septicemia, and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Mortality rate in the patients with ARF was much higher than in those patients without ARF (72% vs. 13%, p < 0.001). The patients with viral cirrhosis and ARF were found to have higher leukocyte counts, serum bilirubin levels, and more frequent incidence of infection, septicemia and GI bleeding compared to the patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis and ARF. Those with viral hepatitis were also significantly older and had more frequent incidence of ascites, but had lower levels of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and less frequent incidence of encephalopathy. CONCLUSIONS The risk of ARF is significantly increased in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis presenting with marked hyperbilirubinemia, hyponatremia, elevated liver enzymes, infection, and GI bleeding. The presence of ARF leads to higher mortality rates in both viral and alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis.
TL;DR: The kinetic studies of dye sorption on gamma-PGA gave high coefficients of determination for a pseudo second-order equation and an ion-exchange model, which assumes adsorption as a chemical phenomenon, was also found to fit the kinetic data precisely.
TL;DR: The anatomy-based staging system predicted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome outcomes more effectively than did the severity- based staging.
Abstract: STUDY OBJECTIVE To evaluate and compare outcomes of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) for obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) using anatomy- and severity-based staging systems. DESIGN Prospective design with a retrospective review. SETTING A tertiary-care, sleep disorder referral center. PATIENTS In total, 110 patients with OSAHS (105 men, 5 women; mean age, 43 years; apnea-hypopnea index, 44.4 +/- 28.8 events per hour; body mass index, 27.1 +/- 3.3 kg/m2). MEASUREMENTS An anatomy-based staging system (stages I-IV) was used to classify patients with OSAHS by examining tongue-palate position, tonsil size, body mass index, and craniofacial deformities. Patients were also classified as having mild, moderate, moderate-severe, or severe OSAHS based on preoperative apnea-hypopnea index from polysomnography (a severity-based staging system). Surgical success was defined as a 50% or greater reduction in the apnea-hypopnea index and a postoperative apnea-hypopnea index of less than 20 events per hour. INTERVENTION UPPP was performed in all patients. RESULTS The overall success rate of UPPP was 78%. Success rates for mild (90%), moderate (73%), moderate-severe (81%), and severe (74%) diseases were similar (p = .10). Conversely, success rates for patients with anatomy-based stages I, II, III, and IV were 100%, 96%, 65%, and 20%, respectively; these rates were significantly different (p < .001). Changes in apnea-hypopnea index were significantly correlated with Friedman tongue position (FTP) (r = -0.33, p = .0004) and tonsil size (r = -0.37, p < .0001). The FTP (odds ratio = 0.43, SE = 0.13, p = .005, 95% confidence interval = 0.24-0.78) and tonsil size (odds ratio = 3.13, SE = 1.53, p = .02, 95% confidence interval = 1.20-8.17), but not the severity-based staging (odds ratio = 0.77, SE = 0.18, p = .283, 95% confidence interval = 0.49-1.23), were predictive of surgical success. CONCLUSION The anatomy-based staging system predicted UPPP outcomes more effectively than did the severity-based staging. The anatomy-based staging system facilitates good case-selection information for counseling patients before UPPP surgery.
TL;DR: It is concluded that encapsulation by the emulsion-liposome blends is a potent way to enhance the preventative and therapeutic benefits of resveratrol.
Abstract: Nano- and submicron-sized vesicles are beneficial for the controlled delivery of drugs Resveratrol, the main active polyphenol in red wine, was incorporated into various combinations of emulsions and liposomes to examine its physicochemical characteristics and cardiovascular protection The blends of emulsion-liposome were composed of coconut oil, soybean lecithin, glycerol formal, and non-ionic surfactants Multiple systems were assessed by evaluating the droplet size, surface charge, drug encapsulation, release rate, and stability The vesicle diameter of the systems ranged from 114 to 195 nm The liposomal vesicles in the systems had smaller diameters (of 43 approximately 56 nm) (F6 and F7) Drug encapsulation of approximately 70% were achieved by the vesicles The inclusion of resveratrol in these systems retarded the drug release in both the presence and absence of plasma in vitro The emulsion-liposome blends which incorporated Brij 98 (F5) exhibited the slowest release at zero-order for resveratrol delivery Treatment using resveratrol in the blended formulations dramatically inhibited vascular intimal thickening, which was tested in an experimental model in which endothelial injury was produced in normal rat carotid arteries Intraperitoneal injection of the multiple systems was associated with no or negligible liver and kidney toxicity We concluded that encapsulation by the emulsion-liposome blends is a potent way to enhance the preventative and therapeutic benefits of resveratrol
TL;DR: An empirical case was illustrated that the POCCI model not only helps a company identify the core competency that prevails over alternative approaches but also draws more recognition from the raters.
Abstract: Purpose – This research intends to establish a model integrating the related theories in strategy management and competency in the HRM field, and to develop a systematic tool that can help a company quickly and precisely identify its core competency.Design/methodology/approach – An internal value activity chain is obtained through analyzing customers' needs. The priority of the activities is then determined via examining external factors. The critical competency needed by the activity is abstracted from a process and operation analysis. Standardized procedures and tools for applying the Process Oriented Core Competency Identification (POCCI) model are sequentially deployed.Findings – An empirical case was illustrated that the POCCI model not only helps a company identify the core competency that prevails over alternative approaches but also draws more recognition from the raters. The linkage between individual competency and organizational competitive advantage was solidified by the POCCI model and eviden...
TL;DR: This study developed a regression-based approach using clustered haplotypes to assess haplotype-phenotype association and generalized the probabilistic clustering methods of Tzeng to the generalized linear model (GLM) framework established by Schaid et al.
Abstract: Haplotype-based association analysis has been recognized as a tool with high resolution and potentially great power for identifying modest etiological effects of genes. However, in practice, its efficacy has not been as successfully reproduced as expected in theory. One primary cause is that such analysis tends to require a large number of parameters to capture the abundant haplotype varieties, and many of those are expended on rare haplotypes for which studies would have insufficient power to detect association even if it existed. To concentrate statistical power on more-relevant inferences, in this study, we developed a regression-based approach using clustered haplotypes to assess haplotype-phenotype association. Specifically, we generalized the probabilistic clustering methods of Tzeng to the generalized linear model (GLM) framework established by Schaid et al. The proposed method uses unphased genotypes and incorporates both phase uncertainty and clustering uncertainty. Its GLM framework allows adjustment of covariates and can model qualitative and quantitative traits. It can also evaluate the overall haplotype association or the individual haplotype effects. We applied the proposed approach to study the association between hypertriglyceridemia and the apolipoprotein A5 gene. Through simulation studies, we assessed the performance of the proposed approach and demonstrate its validity and power in testing for haplotype-trait association.
TL;DR: The objective is to develop an automated technology of ontology construction that will support the present information classification system, as well as to upgrade the ontological aspect of the Semantic Web.
Abstract: Following the advent of the Internet technology and the rapid growth of its applications, users have spent long periods of time browsing through the ocean of information found in the Internet. This time-consuming hunt, however, makes searching, retrieving, displaying, integrating and maintaining data such arduous tasks. One way to solve this problem is to study the concept behind the Semantic Web in accordance with the principles of ontology. Apart from facilitating the process of information search in the Semantic Web, ontology also provides a method that will enable computers to exchange, search and identify text information. But establishing the ontology necessitates a great deal of expert assistance; manually setting it up would entail a lot of time, not to mention that there are only a handful of experts available. For this reason, using automatic technology to construct the ontology is a subject worth pursuing. This research uses the theory of formal concept analysis to serve as the groundwork in assembling the different levels of ontological concepts in an automated fashion. An ontology diagram will be presented to show the correlation of concepts and their corresponding significance. Moreover, the experiments of this research select a collection of different concepts in an attempt to classify the relationships between documents and concepts. The objective is to develop an automated technology of ontology construction that will support the present information classification system, as well as to upgrade the ontological aspect of the Semantic Web.
TL;DR: Hand-assisted Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a reasonable option for selected large adrenal tumors when complete resection is technically feasible and there is no evidence of local invasion.
Abstract: Purpose: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is controversial for large, potentially malignant tumors. We report a series of LA or hand-assisted LA for large (>5 cm) adrenal tumors. Patients and Methods: Among 210 LAs performed in 6 yr, 39 patients had potentially malignant tumors greater than 5 cm in diameter. Their perioperative and follow-up data were retrospectively analyzed. Results: All 39 patients had successful LAs without perioperative mortality, conversion to open surgery, or capsular disruption during dissection. The mean tumor size was 6.2 cm (range, 5–12 cm), operative time 207 min (115–315 min), and blood loss 75 ml (minimal–1400 ml). Complications included one intraoperative diaphragmatic perforation, three mild wound infections, and one pneumonia. Preoperatively there were 27 nonfunctioning tumors, seven pheochromocytomas, three cortisol-secreting tumors, and two virilizing tumors. Final pathology revealed eight malignant (four adrenocortical carcinomas and four metastatic carcinomas) and 31 b...