Arm Exoskeleton Rehabilitation Robot with Assistive System for Patient after Stroke

Guan De Lee,Wei-Wen Wang,Kai-Wen Lee,Sheng-Yen Lin,Li-Chen Fu,Jin-Shin Lai,Wen-Shiang Chen,Jer-Junn Luh 제어로봇시스템학회 2012 제어로봇시스템학회 국제학술대회 논문집 Vol.2012 No.10

Exercise dosage is proven to be an important factor in the physical treatment. Robot assistive approach can improve the rehabilitation quality and evaluate patient’s recovery quantitatively. This paper presents kinematic structure, assistive control system, and integrated F/T sensor for an upper limb rehabilitation robot. By using the human arm dynamic, there are three rehabilitation modes presented in this paper: active mode, assistive mode, and passive mode. In assistive mode, we have two strategies to implement it. One is to amplify interactive torque, and the other is to apply assist-as-needed concept. The goal of this mode is to assist patients to finish motion tasks. The rehabilitation robot under investigation has 7 degree of freedom (DOF) actuated by DC motors, which are programmed to drive the robot arm in the 3D space. To validate our control design, some realistic experiments are conducted and its satisfactory performance is demonstrated. This work is approved clinical testing by the Department of Health, Executive Yuan, R.O.C. So far, we are demonstrating the effect of our controller.

U.S. and Domestic Market Gains and Asian Investors’ Overconfident Trading Behavior

Wen-I Chuang,Bong-Soo Lee,Kai-Li Wang 한국재무학회 2011 한국재무학회 학술대회 Vol.2011 No.09

The overconfidence hypothesis put forward by Gervais and Odean (2001) predicts that if investors are overconfident, they trade more aggressively subsequent to market gains. To gain further insight into the hypothesis, we examine whether both U.S. and domestic market gains make Asian investors trade more aggressively in subsequent periods in their domestic markets. Consistent with the predictions of the theory, we find that both U.S. and domestic market gains make Asian investors trade with more overconfidence in bull markets, in periods of high investor sentiment, and in periods of extremely high market returns after controlling for the alternative theories in explaining the return-volume relation. Moreover, we find that further integration of Asian stock markets with U.S. stock markets after the Asian financial crisis in 1998 is an important reason for Asian investors’ response to U.S. market gains by trading with overconfidence. We also find that Asian investors exhibit more significant overconfident trading behavior in markets with a short-sale constraint than in markets without it.

Impaired Na+/K+-ATPase Function in Patients with Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome

Jane-Dar Lee,Wen-Kai Yang,Ming-Huei Lee 대한의학회 2016 Journal of Korean medical science Vol.31 No.2

Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) is abundantly expressed in the basolateral membrane of epithelial cells, which is necessary for tight junction formation. The tight junction is an urothelial barrier between urine and the underlying bladder. Impairment of tight junctions allows migration of urinary solutes in patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS). We evaluated NKA expression and activity in bladder samples from patients with IC/PBS. The study group consisted of 85 patients with IC/PBS, and the control group consisted of 20 volunteers. Bladder biopsies were taken from both groups. We determined the expression and distribution of NKA using NKA activity assays, immunoblotting, immunohistochemical staining, and immunofluorescent staining. The protein levels and activity of NKA in the study group were significantly lower than the control group (1.08 ± 0.06 vs. 2.39 ± 0.29 and 0.60 ± 0.04 vs. 1.81 ± 0.18 μmol ADP/mg protein/hr, respectively; P < 0.05). Additionally, immunofluorescent staining for detection of CK7, a marker of the bladder urothelium, predominantly colocalized with NKA in patients in the study group. Our results demonstrated the expression and activity of NKA were decreased in bladder biopsies of patients with IC/PBS. These findings suggest that NKA function is impaired in the bladders from patients with IC/PBS.

Increasing the Lifetime of Ad Hoc Networks Using Hierarchical Cluster-based Power Management

( Tin-yu Wu ),( Kai-hua Kuo ),( Hua-pu Cheng ),( Jen-wen Ding ),( Wei-tsong Lee ) 한국인터넷정보학회 2011 KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Syst Vol.5 No.1

One inevitable problem in Ad Hoc networks is the limited battery capacity, which explains why portable devices might shut down suddenly when the power of hardware is depleted. Hence, how to decrease the power consumption is an important issue in ad hoc networks. With the development of wireless technology, mobile devices can transmit voices, surf the Internet, download entertaining stuffs, and even support some P2P applications, like sharing real-time streaming. In order to keep the quality stable, the transmission must be continuous and it is thus necessary to select some managers to coordinate all nodes in a P2P community. In addition to assigning jobs to the staffs (children) when needed, these managers (ancestors) are able to reappoint jobs in advance when employees retire. This paper proposed a mechanism called Cluster-based Power Management (CPM) to stabilize the transmissions and increase Time to Live (TTL) of mobile hosts. In our new proposed method, we establish the clusters according to every node`s joining order and capability, and adjust their sleep time dynamically through three different mathematical models. Our simulation results reveal that this proposed scheme not only reduces the power consumption efficiently, but also increases the total TTLs evidently.

Simultaneous Measurement of Dopamine Transporters and D2/D3 Receptors in Drug Naïve Schizophrenic Patients

Yuan-Hwa Chou,Wen-Sheng Huang,Ju-Wei Hsu,Shin-Min Lee,An-Shoei Yang,Kai-Chun Yang 대한정신약물학회 2010 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.8 No.2

Objective: Previous single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) studies have demonstrated that co-injection of radiotracers 99mTc-TRODAT and 123IBZM can assess both presynaptic, dopamine transporters (DATs), and postsynaptic, dopamine D2/D3 receptors, markers of dopaminergic system simultaneously. The aim of this study was to determine both DATs and dopamine D2/D3 receptors in drug naïve schizophrenic patients. Methods: Severn drug naïve schizophrenic patients and eleven age-matched healthy controls were recruited. Each subject received one SPECT measurement after intravenous co-administration of 99mTc-TRODAT and 123IBZM and one brain MRI scan. A ratio equilibrium model was applied to calculate the specific uptake ratio (SUR) which corresponds to the ratio of Bmax (receptor density) and KD (affinity). Results: The results showed that the SUR of DATs binding was not significantly different between healthy controls and drug naïve schizophrenic patients (2.92±0.62 vs. 2.65±0.27, p=0.052) and, however, the SUR of dopamine D2/D3 receptors binding was significantly lower in drug naïve schizophrenic patients than those in healthy controls (2.79±0.54 vs. 3.90±0.58, p=0.001). Additionally, there was a significant correlation between left and right binding for both DATs (r=0.80, p=0.003) and dopamine D2/D3 receptors (r=0.96, p=0.000) in healthy controls but not seen in drug naïve schizophrenic patients (r=0.54, p=0.20 for DATs, r=0.70, p=0.08 for dopamine D2/D3 receptors). Conclusion: This study provides evidences to support the idea that abnormalities of dopaminergic system in schizophrenia and further elucidates the disruption of inter-hemispheric interaction of postsynaptic and presynaptic markers.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease increases risk of carotid atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke: An updated meta-analysis with 135,602 individuals

Ansel Shao Pin Tang,Kai En Chan,Jingxuan Quek,Jieling Xiao,Phoebe Tay,Margaret Teng,Keng Siang Lee,Snow Yunni Lin,May Zin Myint,Benjamin Tan,Vijay K Sharma,Darren Jun Hao Tan,Wen Hui Lim,Apichat Kaewd 대한간학회 2022 Clinical and Molecular Hepatology(대한간학회지) Vol.28 No.3

Background/Aims: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with the development of cardiovascular disease. While existing studies have examined cardiac remodeling in NAFLD, there has been less emphasis on the development of carotid atherosclerosis and stroke. We sought to conduct a meta-analysis to quantify the prevalence, risk factors, and degree of risk increment of carotid atherosclerosis and stroke in NAFLD. Methods: Embase and Medline were searched for articles relating to NAFLD, carotid atherosclerosis, and stroke. Proportional data was analysed using a generalized linear mixed model. Pairwise meta-analysis was conducted to obtain odds ratio or weighted mean difference for comparison between patients with and without NAFLD. Results: From pooled analysis of 30 studies involving 7,951 patients with NAFLD, 35.02% (95% confidence interval [CI], 27.36–43.53%) had carotid atherosclerosis with an odds ratio of 3.20 (95% CI, 2.37–4.32; P<0.0001). Pooled analysis of 25,839 patients with NAFLD found the prevalence of stroke to be 5.04% (95% CI, 2.74–9.09%) with an odds ratio of 1.88 (95% CI, 1.23–2.88; P=0.02) compared to non-NAFLD. The degree of steatosis assessed by ultrasonography in NAFLD was closely associated with risk of carotid atherosclerosis and stroke. Older age significantly increased the risk of developing carotid atherosclerosis, but not stroke in NAFLD. Conclusions: This meta-analysis shows that a stepwise increment of steatosis of NAFLD can significantly increase the risk of carotid atherosclerosis and stroke development in NAFLD. Patients more than a third sufferred from carotid atherosclerosis and routine assessment of carotid atherosclerosis is quintessential in NAFLD.

Coronary Stent Infection Presented as Recurrent Stent Thrombosis

Chih-Hung Lai,Wei-Chun Chang,Yung-Kai Lin,Wen-Lieng Lee 연세대학교의과대학 2017 Yonsei medical journal Vol.58 No.2

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty with metal stent placement has become a well-developed treatment modality for coronary stenotic lesions. Although infection involving implanted stents is rare, it can, however, occur with high morbidity and mortality. We describe herein a case of an inserted coronary stent that was infected and complicated with recurrent stent thrombosis, pseudoaneurysm formation and severe sepsis. Despite repeated intervention and bypass surgery, the patient died from severe sepsis.

Haloechinothrix alba gen. nov., sp. nov., a halophilic, filamentous actinomycete of the suborder Pseudonocardineae

Tang, Shu-Kun,Wang, Yun,Zhang, Hua,Lee, Jae-Chan,Lou, Kai,Kim, Chang-Jin,Li, Wen-Jun Microbiology Society 2010 International journal of systematic and evolutiona Vol.60 No.9

<P>A novel halophilic, filamentous actinomycete strain, designated YIM 93221<SUP>T</SUP>, was isolated from a salt lake in Xinjiang province, north-west China, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic characterization. The isolate grew with 9-23 % (w/v) NaCl and did not grow without NaCl. The isolate formed spiny aerial mycelium and did not form spores at maturity. The isolate contained <I>meso</I>-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid and glucose, glucosamine, mannose and an unknown sugar as the major whole-cell sugars. The phospholipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannosides and an unknown phospholipid. MK-8(H4) was the predominant menaquinone. The major fatty acid was iso-C16 : 0. The DNA G+C content was 68.1 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain YIM 93221<SUP>T</SUP> formed a distinct lineage within the suborder <I>Pseudonocardineae</I> and showed 91.9-94.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with members of the suborder <I>Pseudonocardineae</I>. On the basis of the evidence from this polyphasic study, a novel genus and species, <I>Haloechinothrix alba</I> gen. nov., sp. nov., are proposed. The type strain of <I>Haloechinothrix alba</I> is YIM 93221<SUP>T</SUP> (=DSM 45207<SUP>T</SUP> =CCTCC AB 208140<SUP>T</SUP>).</P>

The Influence of Reconstruction Algorithm and Heart Rate on Coronary Artery Image Quality and Stenosis Detection at 64-Detector Cardiac CT

Yi-Ting Wang,Chung-Yi Yang,Jong-Kai Hsiao,Hon-Man Liu,Wen-Jen Lee,Yun Shen 대한영상의학회 2009 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.10 No.3

Objective: We wanted to evaluate the impact of two reconstruction algorithms (halfscan and multisector) on the image quality and the accuracy of measuring the severity of coronary stenoses by using a pulsating cardiac phantom with different heart rates (HRs). Materials and Methods: Simulated coronary arteries with different stenotic severities (25, 50, 75%) and different luminal diameters (3, 4, 5 mm) were scanned with a fixed pitch of 0.16 and a 0.35 second gantry rotation time on a 64-slice multidetector CT. Both reconstruction algorithms (halfscan and multisector) were applied to HRs of 40-120 beats per minute (bpm) at 10 bpm intervals. Three experienced radiologists visually assessed the image quality and they manually measured the stenotic severity. Results: Fewer measurement errors occurred with multisector reconstruction (p = 0.05), a slower HR (p < 0.001) and a larger luminal diameter (p = 0.014); measurement errors were not related with the observers or the stenotic severity. There was no significant difference in measurements as for the reconstruction algorithms below an HR of 70 bpm. More nonassessable segments were visualized with halfscan reconstruction (p = 0.004) and higher HRs (p < 0.001). Halfscan reconstruction had better quality scores when the HR was below 60 bpm, while multisector reconstruction had better quality scores when the HR was above 90 bpm. For the HRs between 60 and 90 bpm, both reconstruction modes had similar quality scores. With excluding the nonassessable segments, both reconstruction algorithms achieved a similar mean measured stenotic severity and similar standard deviations. Conclusion: At a higher HR (above 90 bpm), multisector reconstruction had better temporal resolution, fewer nonassessable segments, better quality scores and better accuracy of measuring the stenotic severity in this phantom study. Objective: We wanted to evaluate the impact of two reconstruction algorithms (halfscan and multisector) on the image quality and the accuracy of measuring the severity of coronary stenoses by using a pulsating cardiac phantom with different heart rates (HRs). Materials and Methods: Simulated coronary arteries with different stenotic severities (25, 50, 75%) and different luminal diameters (3, 4, 5 mm) were scanned with a fixed pitch of 0.16 and a 0.35 second gantry rotation time on a 64-slice multidetector CT. Both reconstruction algorithms (halfscan and multisector) were applied to HRs of 40-120 beats per minute (bpm) at 10 bpm intervals. Three experienced radiologists visually assessed the image quality and they manually measured the stenotic severity. Results: Fewer measurement errors occurred with multisector reconstruction (p = 0.05), a slower HR (p < 0.001) and a larger luminal diameter (p = 0.014); measurement errors were not related with the observers or the stenotic severity. There was no significant difference in measurements as for the reconstruction algorithms below an HR of 70 bpm. More nonassessable segments were visualized with halfscan reconstruction (p = 0.004) and higher HRs (p < 0.001). Halfscan reconstruction had better quality scores when the HR was below 60 bpm, while multisector reconstruction had better quality scores when the HR was above 90 bpm. For the HRs between 60 and 90 bpm, both reconstruction modes had similar quality scores. With excluding the nonassessable segments, both reconstruction algorithms achieved a similar mean measured stenotic severity and similar standard deviations. Conclusion: At a higher HR (above 90 bpm), multisector reconstruction had better temporal resolution, fewer nonassessable segments, better quality scores and better accuracy of measuring the stenotic severity in this phantom study.

Amycolatopsis jiangsuensis sp. nov., a novel endophytic actinomycete isolated from a coastal plant in Jiangsu, China.

Xing, Ke,Liu, Wei,Zhang, Yue-Ji,Bian, Guang-Kai,Zhang, Wen-Di,Tamura, Tomohiko,Lee, Jung-Sook,Qin, Sheng,Jiang, Ji-Hong N.V. Swets en Zeitlinger 2013 Antonie van Leeuwenhoek Vol.103 No.2

<P>A novel actinomycete, designated strain KLBMP 1262(T), was isolated from a coastal plant Dendranthema indicum (Linn.) Des Moul collected from the coastal region of Nantong, Jiangsu Province, in east China and was studied in detail for its taxonomic position. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain KLBMP 1262(T) is a member of the genus Amycolatopsis. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity indicated that strain KLBMP 1262(T) is most closely related to Amycolatopsis sulphurea DSM 46092(T) (97.96 %), Amycolatopsis ultiminotia RP-AC36(T) (97.50 %) and Amycolatopsis jejuensis N7-3(T) (97.44 %); similarity to other type strains of the genus Amycolatopsis was less than 97.0 %. The organism was determined to have chemical and morphological features consistent with its classification in the genus Amycolatopsis such as meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid in the cell wall peptidoglycan and arabinose and galactose as the diagnostic sugars. The predominant menaquinone was determined to be MK-9 (H(4)). The polar lipids detected were phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, an unknown aminophospholipid, two unknown glycolipids and several unknown lipids. The major fatty acids were found to be C(16:0), iso-C(16:0) and iso-C(15:0). DNA-DNA relatedness data, together with phenotypic differences, clearly distinguished the isolate from its closest relatives. On the basis of these phenotypic and genotypic data, the isolate is considered to represent a novel species, for which the name A. jiangsuensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KLBMP 1262(T) (=KCTC 19885 (T) = NBRC 108679(T)).</P>