Proposed Digital Control Scheme for Improved Current Share of Multiphase DC/DC Converters

Jen-Ta Su,Chih-Wen Liu 전력전자학회 2011 ICPE(ISPE)논문집 Vol.2011 No.5

In this paper, a novel control scheme is proposed to improve the current share for multiphase DC/DC converters. The proposed control scheme is based upon gain scheduling method to automatically tune the parameters such as on resistance of power MOSFET or board impedance between each phase for optimization in current balance. The purpose of this paper is proposed a digitally control method to implement the voltage mode control with current sense by inductor series resistance and combined with gain scheduling method. The proposed scheme is verified on 12V input with 1 V output, 40 A 2-phases interleaved DC/DC buck converter and the simulation and experimental results are presented to demonstrate the theoretical analysis.

Prognostic value of hyponatremia in heart failure patients: an analysis of the Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in the Relation with Serum Sodium Level in Asian Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure (COAST) study

( Byung Su Yoo ),( Jin Joo Park ),( Dong Ju Choi ),( Seok Min Kang ),( Juey Jen Hwang ),( Shing Jong Lin ),( Ming Shien Wen ),( Jian Zhang ),( Junbo Ge ) 대한내과학회 2015 The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine Vol.30 No.4

Background/Aims: Hyponatremia is a well-known risk factor for poor outcomes in Western studies of heart failure (HF) patients. We evaluated the predictive value of hyponatremia in hospitalized Asian HF patients. Methods: The Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in the Relation with Serum Sodium Level in Asian Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure (the COAST) study enrolled hospitalized patients with systolic HF (ejection fraction < 45%) at eight centers in South Korea, Taiwan, and China. The relationship between admissionsodium level and clinical outcomes was analyzed in 1,470 patients. Results: The mean admission sodium level was 138 ± 4.7 mmol/L, and 247 patients (16.8%) had hyponatremia defined as Na+ < 135 mmol/L. The 12-month mortality was higher in hyponatremic patients (27.9% vs. 14.6%, p < 0.001), and hyponatremia was an independent predictor of 12-month mortality (hazard ratio, 1.72; 95% confidence interval, 1.12 to 2.65). During hospital admission, 57% of hyponatremic patients showed improvement without improvement in their clinical outcomes (p = 0.620). The proportion of patients with optimal medical treatment was only 26.5% and 44.2% at admission and discharge, respectively, defined as thecombined use of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker and β-blocker. Underuse of optimal medical treatment was more pronounced in hyponatremic patients. Conclusions: In hospitalized Asian HF patients, hyponatremia at admission is common and is an independent predictor of poor clinical outcome. Furthermore, hyponatremic patients receive less optimal medical treatment than their counterparts.

Development of primary cell cultures from the adult xylem-feeding leafhopper, Kolla paulula, as a tool for studying Wolbachia biology

Rong-Jen Shiau,Yu-Der Wen,Hsien-Tzung Shih,Shin-Yi Chen,Chiou-Chu Su,Wei-Huang Tsai 한국응용곤충학회 2011 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.14 No.4

Xylophagous leafhoppers are vectors of xylem-limited plant pathogens such as citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC) and Pierce's disease, which cause Xylella diseases. Currently, no cure for Xylella diseases exists. The objective of endosymbiont control using Wolbachia pipientis is to reduce the populations of insect vectors,potentially preventing the expansion of Xylella diseases. The purpose of this study was to establish primary cell cultures from adult xylem-feeding leafhoppers to study Wolbachia biology. Cells from adult male and female Kolla paulula (Walker) (Hemiptera: Membracoidea: Cicadellinae) were successfully cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium containing 20% fetal bovine serum and were maintained for more than 6 months. Cells of both male and female adults are round and semi-attached. The doubling times for male and female K. paulula cells are approximately 8 and 10 days, respectively. The presence of Wolbachia in K. paulula cell cultures was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) gene. The cell cultures developed in this study may be useful in studying interactions between Wolbachia and its hosts of different genders.

Antiviral activity of Rheum palmatum methanol extract and chrysophanol against Japanese encephalitis virus

Shu-Jen Chang,Su-Hua Huang,Ying-Ju Lin,Yi-Yun Tsou,Cheng-Wen Lin 대한약학회 2014 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.37 No.9

Rheum palmatum, Chinese traditional herb,exhibits a great variety of anti-cancer and anti-virusesproperties. This study rates antiviral activity of R. palmatumextracts and its components against Japanese encephalitisvirus (JEV) in vitro. Methanol extract of R. palmatumcontained higher levels of aloe emodin, chrysophanol, rhein,emodin and physcion than water extract. Methanol extract(IC50 = 15.04 lg/ml) exhibited more potent inhibitoryeffects on JEV plaque reduction than water extract(IC50 = 51.41 lg/ml). Meanwhile, IC50 values determinedby plaque reduction assay were 15.82 lg/ml for chrysophanoland 17.39 lg/ml for aloe-emodin, respectively. Virucidalactivity of agents correlated with anti-JEV activity,while virucidal IC50 values were 7.58 lg/ml for methanolextract, 17.36 lg/ml for water extract, 0.75 lg/ml forchrysophanol and 0.46 lg/ml for aloe-emodin, respectively. In addition, 10 lg/ml of extract, chrysophanol or aloeemodin caused 90 % inhibition of JEV yields in cells andsignificantly activated gamma activated sequence-drivenpromoters. Hence, methanol extract of R. palmatum andchrysophanol with high therapeutic index might be usefulfor development of antiviral agents against JEV.

Antiviral activity of Rheum palmatum methanol extract and chrysophanol against Japanese encephalitis virus

Chang, Shu-Jen,Huang, Su-Hua,Lin, Ying-Ju,Tsou, Yi-Yun,Lin, Cheng-Wen 대한약학회 2014 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.37 No.9

Rheum palmatum, Chinese traditional herb, exhibits a great variety of anti-cancer and anti-viruses properties. This study rates antiviral activity of R. palmatum extracts and its components against Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) in vitro. Methanol extract of R. palmatum contained higher levels of aloe emodin, chrysophanol, rhein, emodin and physcion than water extract. Methanol extract ($IC_{50}=15.04{\mu}g/ml$) exhibited more potent inhibitory effects on JEV plaque reduction than water extract ($IC_{50}=51.41{\mu}g/ml$). Meanwhile, $IC_{50}$ values determined by plaque reduction assay were $15.82{\mu}g/ml$ for chrysophanol and $17.39{\mu}g/ml$ for aloe-emodin, respectively. Virucidal activity of agents correlated with anti-JEV activity, while virucidal $IC_{50}$ values were $7.58{\mu}g/ml$ for methanol extract, $17.36{\mu}g/ml$ for water extract, $0.75{\mu}g/ml$ for chrysophanol and $0.46{\mu}g/ml$ for aloe-emodin, respectively. In addition, $10{\mu}g/ml$ of extract, chrysophanol or aloe emodin caused 90 % inhibition of JEV yields in cells and significantly activated gamma activated sequence-driven promoters. Hence, methanol extract of R. palmatum and chrysophanol with high therapeutic index might be useful for development of antiviral agents against JEV.

Proactive Consultation by a Clinical Pathologist Prevents Diagnostic Delay in Hematological Malignancies

Chang, Chih-Chun,Su, Ming-Jang,Ho, Jung-Li,Sun, Jen-Tang,Tsai, Huang-Wen,Tang, Hui-Fei,Chu, Fang-Yeh Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.3

Background: Diagnostic difficulties in hematological malignancies may lead to unacceptably prolonged help-seeking to diagnostic interval as well as increased complications and poor outcomes. Proactive consultation by a clinical pathologist (PCCP) may help clinical diagnosis and therapeutic strategy. Hence, the aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of PCCP on the help-seeking to diagnostic interval in hematological cancer cases. Materials and Methods: From January to November, 2015, abnormal results of hematological laboratory testing with added laboratory comment were selectively screened out, and patients with such abnormalities in hematological laboratory testing and accompanied laboratory comment with PCCP were enrolled. Results: A total of 125 aberrant results of hematological laboratory testing were given with accompanied laboratory comments with PCCP and 40.8% (n=51) of these patient-oriented comments had an effect on clinical diagnosis and therapeutic strategy. Twelve of the subjects belonged to newly diagnosed hematological malignancies with the assistance of PCCP, and the help-seeking to diagnostic interval was also shortened from 42 days to 26 days in chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL), from 83 days to 11 days in multiple myeloma (MM), and from 128 days to 15 days in myelodysplastic syndrome/myeloproliferative neoplasm (MDS/MPN). During the monitoring interval, neither complication events nor deaths were reported in the study group. Conclusions: It was seemingly that PCCP prevented diagnostic delay in hematological malignancies via shortening the help-seeking to diagnostic interval, particularly in CLL, MM and MDS/MPN cases. PCCP can be considered to play an essential role in prompt establishment of diagnosis in hematological malignancies for those who newly present.

Anti-inflammatory Cembranoids from the Formosan Soft Coral Sinularia discrepans

Yi Lu,Huey-Jen Su,Yung-Husan Chen,Zhi-Hong Wen,Jyh-Horng Sheu,Jui-Hsin Su 대한약학회 2011 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.34 No.8

A new cembranoid, discrepanolide A (1), along with four known cembranoids 2-5 were isolated from the Formosan soft coral Sinularia discrepans. The structures of these compounds were determined by analysis of spectroscopic data and by comparison of NMR data with those of known compounds. None of these compounds were found to be cytotoxic towards a limited panel of cancer cell lines. Compounds 3-5 were found to display significant in vitro anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells by inhibiting the expression of the iNOS protein. Compound 5 also significantly inhibited the accumulation of pro-inflammatory COX-2 protein.

Epidemiology and risk factors associated with avascular necrosis in patients with autoimmune diseases: a nationwide study

( Hsin-lin Tsai ),( Jei-wen Chang ),( Jen-her Lu ),( Chin-su Liu ) 대한내과학회 2022 The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine Vol.37 No.4

Background/Aims: Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a clinical condition characterized by the death of bone components due to interruption in the blood supply. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology and determine the risk factors for AVN in patients with autoimmune diseases. Methods: We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort analysis using claims data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 49,636 patients with autoimmune diseases between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2013 were included. Cox regression analysis was used to identify associated risk factors for the development of AVN. Results: A total of 490/49,636 patients (1.0%) developed symptomatic AVN. The systemic lupus erythematosus patients had a higher risk of AVN compared to other autoimmune diseases. AVN was positively correlated with male sex (p < 0.001), alcoholism (p < 0.001), mean daily prednisolone dosage 7.51 to 30 mg (p < 0.001) and > 30 mg (p < 0.001), and total cumulative prednisolone dose 0 g to 5 g (p = 0.002). However, AVN was inversely correlated with cumulative duration of hydroxychloroquine exposure > 0.6 years (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Male sex, systemic lupus erythematosus, alcoholism, mean daily corticosteroid > 7.5 mg and a total cumulative dose of corticosteroid 0 to 5 g were independently associated with the development of AVN in autoimmune patients. While hydroxychloroquine use > 0.6 years conferred significant protection against the development of AVN. Clinicians should regularly assess patients with risk factors to enable the early diagnosis of AVN.

Effectiveness of Cognitive-behavioral Program on Pain and Fear in School-aged Children Undergoing Intravenous Placement

Yi-Chuan Hsieh,Su-Fen Cheng,Pei-Kwei Tsay,Wen-Jen Su,Yen-Hua Cho,Chi-Wen Chen 한국간호과학회 2017 Asian Nursing Research Vol.11 No.4

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cognitive-behavioral program on pain and medical fear in hospitalized school-aged children receiving intravenous (IV) placement. Methods: This study used an quasi-experimental design. Thirty-five participants were assigned to the experimental group and 33 to the control group in the acute internal medicine ward of a children's hospital. The cognitive-behavioral program entailed having the patients read an educational photo book about IV placement before the procedure and having them watch their favorite music video during the procedure. The outcome measures were numeric rating scales for pain intensity and fear during the procedure. Results: After applying the cognitive-behavioral program, the mean scores on pain and fear decreased in the experimental group. However, the difference in pain intensity between these two groups was nonsignificant. The intensity of fear in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group. Conclusion: In this study, the cognitive-behavioral program used with school-aged hospitalized children promoted less fear during IV placement. The results of this study can serve as a reference for empirical nursing care and as care guidance for clinical IV injections involving children.

Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir plus ribavirin for Child-Pugh B and Child-Pugh C hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis

( Chen-hua Liu ),( Chi-yi Chen ),( Wei-wen Su ),( Chun-jen Liu ),( Ching-chu Lo ),( Ke-jhang Huang ),( Jyh-jou Chen ),( Kuo-chih Tseng ),( Chi-yang Chang ),( Cheng-yuan Peng ),( Yu-lueng Shih ),( Chia 대한간학회 2021 Clinical and Molecular Hepatology(대한간학회지) Vol.27 No.4

Background/Aims: Real-world studies assessing the effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) plus ribavirin (RBV) for Child-Pugh B/C hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis are limited. Methods: We included 107 patients with Child-Pugh B/C HCV-related cirrhosis receiving SOF/VEL plus RBV for 12 weeks in Taiwan. The sustained virologic response rates at off-treatment week 12 (SVR₁₂) for the evaluable population (EP), modified EP, and per-protocol population (PP) were assessed. The safety profiles were reported. Results: The SVR₁₂ rates in the EP, modified EP and PP were 89.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 82.5-94.2%), 94.1% (95% CI, 87.8-97.3%), and 100% (95% CI, 96.2-100%). Number of patients who failed to achieve SVR₁₂ were attributed to virologic failures. The SVR₁₂ rates were comparable regardless of patient characteristics. One patient discontinued treatment because of adverse events (AEs). Twenty-four patients had serious AEs and six died, but none were related to SOF/VEL or RBV. Among the 96 patients achieving SVR₁₂, 84.4% and 64.6% had improved Child-Pugh and model for endstage liver disease (MELD) scores. Multivariate analysis revealed that a baseline MELD score ≥15 was associated with an improved MELD score of ≥3 (odds ratio, 4.13; 95% CI, 1.16-14.71; P=0.02). Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 1 had more significant estimated glomerular filtration rate declines than patients with CKD stage 2 (-0.42 mL/min/1.73 ㎡/month; P=0.01) or stage 3 (-0.56 mL/min/1.73 ㎡/month; P<0.001). Conclusions: SOF/VEL plus RBV for 12 weeks is efficacious and well-tolerated for Child-Pugh B/C HCV-related cirrhosis. (Clin Mol Hepatol 2021;27:575-588)