Unusual Exchange Bias Effects Induced in NiFe/Mn Thin Films via Ion-beam Bombardment: Superlattice vs. Nanocomposite

Chi-Hsin Liu,Chin Shueh,Tien-Chi Lan,Ko-Wei Lin,Wen-Chen Chen,Te-Ho Wu,R. D. Desautels,J. van Lierop 한국물리학회 2013 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.62 No.12

The interplay between interlayer coupling and exchange bias coupling in [NiFe/Mn] multilayerbasedthin films was investigated by using ion-beam bombardment during deposition to control theconfigurations from superlattice to nanocomposite or hybrid-structured thin films. Results showedthat well-defined interfaces in the superlattice [NiFe/Mn] thin film exhibited an interlayer couplingbehavior. In contrast, an enhanced coercivity was observed in the nanocomposite [NiFe-Mn] thinfilm. However, the hybrid [NiFe-Mn]/[NiFe/Mn] thin film with an intermixed NiFeMn alloyed filmcomponent gave rise to unusual positive exchange bias coupling.

A retrospective analysis of 20-year data of the surgical management of ulcerative colitis patients in Taiwan: a study of Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

( Chun-chi Lin ),( Shu-chen Wei ),( Been-ren Lin ),( Wen-sy-tsai ),( Jinn-shiun Chen ),( Tzu-chi Hsu ),( Wei-chen Lin ),( Tien-yu Huang ),( Te-hsin Chao ),( Hung-hsin Lin ),( Jau-min Wong ),( Jen-kou 대한장연구학회 2016 Intestinal Research Vol.14 No.3

Background/Aims: With the recent progress in medical treatment, surgery still plays a necessary and important role in treating ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. In this study, we analyzed the surgical results and outcomes of UC in Taiwan in the recent 20 years, via a multi-center study through the collaboration of Taiwan Society of IBD. Methods: A retrospective analysis of surgery data of UC patients from January 1, 1995, through December 31, 2014, in 6 Taiwan major medical centers was conducted. The patients’ demographic data, indications for surgery, and outcome details were recorded and analyzed. Results: The data of 87 UC patients who received surgical treatment were recorded. The median post-operative follow-up duration was 51.1 months and ranged from 0.4 to 300 months. The mean age at UC diagnosis was 45.3±16.0 years and that at operation was 48.5±15.2 years. The 3 leading indications for surgical intervention were uncontrolled bleeding (16.1%), perforation (13.8%), and intractability (12.6%). In total, 27.6% of surgeries were performed in an emergency setting. Total or subtotal colectomy with rectal preservation (41.4%) was the most common operation. There were 6 mortalities, all due to sepsis. Emergency operation and low pre-operative albumin level were significantly associated with poor survival (P =0.013 and 0.034, respectively). Conclusions: In the past 20 years, there was no significant change in the indications for surgery in UC patients. Emergency surgeries and low pre-operative albumin level were associated with poor survival. Therefore, an optimal timing of elective surgery for people with poorly controlled UC is paramount.

The long-term anatomical and visual effect of intravitreal triamcinolone injection during vitrectomy for the treatment of idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane

Lai, Chi-Chun,Wang, Nan-Kai,Wu, Wei-Chi,Yeung, Ling,Hwang, Yih-Shiou,Chen, Kuan-Jen,Chen, Tun-Lu,Chuang, Lan-Hsin Informa Healthcare 2011 Cutaneous and ocular toxicology Vol.30 No.4

<P><I>Purpose</I>: To compare the long-term anatomical and visual outcomes of patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) removed by vitrectomy and membrane peeling with or without the use of intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA).</P><P><I>Methods</I>: A retrospective chart review was performed. Subjects who underwent vitrectomy and who were followed over 12 months were included. The study included two groups of patients. In group 1 (71 eyes), the patients underwent vitrectomy and membrane peeling without the use of IVTA. In group 2 (27 eyes), 2 mg of IVTA was given at the end of the surgery. The main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT) determined by optical coherence tomography (OCT), the number of cataract surgeries, and the use of anti-glaucomatous drugs during the follow-up period.</P><P><I>Results</I>: This study included 98 eyes with ERM from 98 patients. There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to age, gender, pre- and postoperative lens status, BCVA, CFT, or length of the follow-up period. The mean age for all of the patients was 62.45 ± 10.01 (mean ± SD) years, and the mean follow-up length was 20.58 ± 9.64 (mean ± SD) months. In all cases, the mean best-corrected logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) acuity improved from a preoperative value of 0.91 ± 0.32 [Snellen equivalent (SE), 0.16 ± 0.14] to a postoperative value of 0.46 ± 0.36 (SE, 0.46 ± 0.29) (<I>P</I> < 0.0001). The CFT was reduced from a preoperative value of 473.46 ± 96.91 μm to a postoperative value of 302.44 ± 69.80 μm (<I>P</I> < 0.0001). Six patients (22.2%) in group 2 required anti-glaucomatous drugs to control intraocular pressure (IOP) during the follow-up period, and three patients (4.2%) in group 1 required drugs to control IOP (<I>P</I> == 0.012).</P><P><I>Conclusions</I>: The postoperative visual outcomes for patients with idiopathic ERM were favorable, but CFT did not return to a normal level, even in eyes in which 2 mg IVTA was used. The IVTA use after ERM removal produced no significant benefits during long-term follow-up, but IVTA did increase the risk of increased IOP.</P>

The Relationship Between Night Shift Work and the Risk of Abnormal Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone: A Hospital-Based Nine-Year Follow-up Retrospective Cohort Study in Taiwan

Chen, Hsin-Hao,Chiu, Hsiao-Hui,Yeh, Tzu-Lin,Lin, Chi-Min,Huang, Hsin-Yi,Wu, Shang-Liang Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute 2021 Safety and health at work Vol.12 No.3

Background: Health-care providers typically undergo shift work and are subjected to increased stress. Night shift work may induce disturbed sleep cycles and circadian rhythm. The objective of this study was to explore if night shift workers (NSWs) show an increased risk of abnormal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 574 employees without thyroid disease and abnormal TSH at baseline who underwent annual check-ups between 2007 and 2016 in a medical center. NSWs were defined as those with working time schedules other than daytime hours. We calculated the incidence rate and estimated the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for incident abnormal TSH and subclinical hypothyroidism compared with non-NSWs using a Cox regression model. Results: A total of 56 incident abnormal TSH cases and 39 subclinical hypothyroidism cases in NSWs were identified during 3000 person-years of follow-up. In models adjusted for age, sex, obesity, and working departments, we found no increased relative risk for incident abnormal TSH (HR: 0.72, 95% confidence interval: 0.33-1.60) or subclinical hypothyroidism (HR: 0.52, 95% confidence interval: 0.19-1.45) when comparing NSWs to non-NSWs; nor were incidence rates significantly different among exclusively medical employees after excluding administrative staff. Conclusion: In this hospital-based nine-year follow-up retrospective cohort study, NSWs were not associated with increased relative risk of incident abnormal TSH and subclinical hypothyroidism, in contrast to previous cross-sectional studies.

Prediction of the Duration to Next Admission for an Acute Affective Episode in Patients with Bipolar I Disorder

Pao-Huan Chen(Pao-Huan Chen),Chun-Ming Shih(Chun-Ming Shih),Chi-Kang Chang(Chi-Kang Chang),Chia-Pei Lin(Chia-Pei Lin),Yung-Han Chang(Yung-Han Chang),Hsin-Chien Lee(Hsin-Chien Lee),El-Wui Loh(El-Wui Lo 대한정신약물학회 2023 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.21 No.2

Objective: Predicting disease relapse and early intervention could reduce symptom severity. We attempted to identify potential indicators that predict the duration to next admission for an acute affective episode in patients with bipolar I disorder. Methods: We mathematically defined the duration to next psychiatric admission and performed single-variate regressions using historical data of 101 patients with bipolar I disorder to screen for potential variables for further multivariate regressions. Results: Age of onset, total psychiatric admissions, length of lithium use, and carbamazepine use during the psychiatric hospitalization contributed to the next psychiatric admission duration positively. The all-in-one found that hyperlipidemia during the psychiatric hospitalization demonstrated a negative contribution to the duration to next psychiatric admission; the last duration to psychiatric admission, lithium and carbamazepine uses during the psychiatric hospitalization, and heart rate on the discharge day positively contributed to the duration to next admission. Conclusion: We identified essential variables that may predict the duration of bipolar I patients’ next psychiatric admission. The correlation of a faster heartbeat and a normal lipid profile in delaying the next onset highlights the importance of managing these parameters when treating bipolar I disorder.

새로운 다수제적 혼합제도에 대한 대만 시민의 인식도 -코호트 분석

( Chi Huang ),( Ching Hsin Yu ),( Yi Ching Hsiao ) 한국선거학회 2011 선거연구 Vol.1 No.2

선거제도는 투표를 의석으로 전환하는 규칙을 제공하며, 그에 따라 선거에서 누가 승리하고 패배하는가를 결정한다. 선거제도가 정치에서 수행하는 역할에 의문을 던지는 사람은 별로 없을 것이다. 그러나 기존 연구는 일반 시민들이 선거제도를 어떻게 인식하고 이해하고 있는가 (특히 선거제도가 근본적 변화를 경험하고 있는 이행기 동안에) 라는 질문에 대해서 이상하게도 침묵을 지키고 있다. 대만의 선거제도 개혁 경험은 이러한 빈 공간을 채울 수 있는 좋은 기회를 제공해 준다. 대만은 2008년에 의원 선거제도를 변화시켰는데, 지난 50년간 지속되어 왔던 단기비이양식(SNTV) 제도에서 다수제적 혼합선거제도 (MMM)로 바꿨다. 새로운 다수제적 혼합선거제도는 전체 의석 수, 선거구 크기, 선거 공식, 그리고 투표 구조 등에 있어서 과거의 단기비이양식 제도와 상당히 달랐다. 이 글은 새로운 선거제도를 소개하고 이 제도전반에 대한 시민들의 인식도를 알아보고자 한다. 또한 이 글에서는 시민들의 선거제도에 대한 지식이 2008년 선거 이전과 이후에 어떻게 변화했는지 살펴본다. 두 선거 제도 사이에 상당한 차이가 존재하기 때문에, 먼저 새로운 제도에 대한 시민들의 전반적 지식을 조사한다. 그 다음 설문조사 자료를 사용하여, 선거 기간과 비선거 기간 사이에 시민들의 지식 변화를 고찰한다. 분석 결과에 따르면, 다수의 시민들이 새로운 다수제적 혼합선거제도의 주요 구성 요인에 대해 완전히 이해하지 못하고 있다. 특히, 최소 조건에 대한 조항이 가장 적은 관심을 받고 있다. 더 나아가, 새로운 선거제도에 대한 시민들의 지식은 선거 모멘텀에 영향을 받아, 선거일이 다가옴에 따라 지식이 올라가고 선거일 이후에는 감소하는 것으로 나타났다. 마지막으로, 보다 구체적인 코호트 분석을 통해 시민들 중에 어떤 집단이 선거제도 변화와 관련된 정보를 가장 잘 획득하는지를 고찰한다. 본 연구 결과는 선거제도 지식에 대한 선거 주기 가설을 부분적으로 지지해준다. Electoral systems provide the rules of translating votes into seats and thus decide who wins and loses in elections. Few would doubt the critical roles that electoral systems play in politics. Yet current literature is curiously silent about how ordinary citizens perceive and understand the electoral system, especially during the transition period when the system is undergoing fundamental changes. The experiences of electoral reform in Taiwan provide an opportune case to fill up this gap. Taiwan transformed its legislative electoral system from a half-century long SNTV (single non-transferable vote) system to a MMM (mixed-member majoritarian) electoral system in 2008. The new MMM system is a sharp departure from the original SNTV system in the total number of legislative seats, the district magnitude, electoral formula, and ballot structure. This essay intends to introduce the new MMM system and explore citizens` awareness of the new MMM system in general. Also, it explores the changes of citizens` knowledge of the new electoral system before and after the 2008 legislative election. Given the significant differences between the SNTV system and the MMM system, it firstly tests of citizens` overall knowledge of the new MMM system. Then, with the help of survey data, it examines the changes of citizens` knowledge in election periods and non-election periods. The findings show a majority of citizens are not fully aware of the institutional components of the new MMM system. In particular, the threshold regulation receives the least attention by citizens. Furthermore, it finds that citizens` knowledge of the new MMM system is a function of electoral momentum, i.e., citizens` knowledge rises as the election date approaches and declines after the election date. Then we proceed with a more detailed cohort analyses to examine which groups of citizens are more likely to pick up information related to the electoral system changes. Our findings partially support our electoral cycle hypothesis of electoral system knowledge.

Comparisons of Moisturizing Function Between Rayon Fabric with Collagen Peptides from Fish Scales and Regular Rayon Fabric Under Various Relative Humidity

Chi‑Shih Huang,Erh‑Jen Hou,Ying‑Chou Lee,Tzong‑Huei Lee,Yi‑Jun Pan,Ta Yu,Wei‑Hsin Lin,Chun‑Han Shih,Wei‑Che Chang 한국섬유공학회 2023 Fibers and polymers Vol.24 No.12

The study was inspired by the specialized facial masks made of rayon non-woven fabrics which contained collagen peptides for improving moisturizing function. This study explored the moisturizing function of a rayon fabric containing collagen peptides extracted from tilapia fish scales under various conditions of relative humidity. This research had implications for the development of clothing that can prevent dry skin. A two-stage nested design experiment was adopted. The first-stage factor such as the fabric has two levels and the second-stage factor such as the relative humidity with three levels nested under each level of the first-stage factor. Preliminary results indicated that introducing a new variable (i.e., fabric moisturizing value, which combines the moisture regains of adsorption and desorption) would be useful. The moisturizing value of the novel rayon fabric and regular rayon fabric increased with the increase in relative humidity, and moisturizing effect of the novel rayon fabric with collagen peptides was better than that of the regular rayon fabric. Therefore, the novel rayon fabric may be suitable for preventing dry skin in winter.

A Statistical Framework for Characterizing the Nanotube Buckypaper Manufacturing Process

Chi-Lung Kuo,Chih-Hsing Chu,Che-Ping Jack Su,Hsin-Yuan Miao 한국정밀공학회 2014 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol. No.

This study develops a statistical framework for characterizing an improved Buckypaper manufacturing process. A screening procedurebased on design of experiment techniques and the Lenth method was used to identify significant process parameters. These parameterssignificantly affect the tensile strength of the Buckypaper produced by the process. The procedure only samples a limited number ofexperimental runs. A linear regression model and a nonlinear model based on the Kriging method were constructed to characterizethe relationship between the parameters and tensile strength. Tradeoff curves were used to determine the best parameter settings whensimultaneously considering the mean and variance of the tensile strength. Validation tests show that both models are better predictorsthan previous models and the nonlinear model outperforms the linear model. The statistical framework provides a systematic andeffective method of characterizing the manufacture of nanotube products.

The assessment of host and bacterial proteins in sputum from active pulmonary tuberculosis

Hsin-Chih Lai,Yu-Tze Horng,Pen-Fang Yeh,Jann-Yuan Wang,Chin-Chung Shu,Chia-Chen Lu,Jang-Jih Lu,Jen-Jyh Lee,Po-Chi Soo 한국미생물학회 2016 The journal of microbiology Vol.54 No.11

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The protein composition of sputum may reflect the immune status of the lung. This study aimed to evaluate the protein profiles in spontaneous sputum samples from patients with active pulmonary TB. Sputum samples were collected from patients with pulmonary TB and healthy controls. Western blotting was used to analyze the amount of interleukin 10 (IL-10), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), IL-25, IL- 17, perforin-1, urease, albumin, transferrin, lactoferrin, adenosine deaminase (also known as adenosine aminohydrolase, or ADA), ADA-2, granzyme B, granulysin, and caspase- 1 in sputum. Results of detection of IL-10, IFN-γ, perforin- 1, urease, ADA2, and caspase-1, showed relatively high specificity in distinguishing patients with TB from healthy controls, although sensitivities varied from 13.3% to 66.1%. By defining a positive result as the detection of any two proteins in sputum samples, combined use of transferrin and urease as markers increased sensitivity to 73.2% and specificity to 71.1%. Furthermore, we observed that the concentration of transferrin was proportional to the number of acidfast bacilli detected in sputum specimens. Detection of sputum transferrin and urease was highly associated with pulmonary TB infection. In addition, a high concentration of transferrin detected in sputum might correlate with active TB infection. This data on sputum proteins in patients with TB may aid in the development of biomarkers to assess the severity of pulmonary TB.

The effect on the distribution and catch rate for Scomberomorus commerson during the ENSO events in the coastal waters off Taiwan

Lu-Chi Chen,Jinn-Shing Weng,Hsin-Ming Yeh,Chen-Te Tseng,Kuo-Wei Lan 한국수산과학회 양식분과 2022 한국수산과학회 양식분과 학술대회 Vol.2022 No.10