Registry-based stroke research in Taiwan: past and future

Cheng-Yang Hsieh,Darren Philbert Wu3,,Sheng-Feng Sung 한국역학회 2018 Epidemiology and Health Vol.40 No.-

Stroke registries are observational databases focusing on the clinical information and outcomes of stroke patients. They play an important role in the cycle of quality improvement. Registry data are collected from real-world experiences of stroke care and are suitable for measuring quality of care. By exposing inadequacies in performance measures of stroke care, research from stroke registries has changed how we manage stroke patients in Taiwan. With the success of various quality improvement campaigns, mortality from stroke and recurrence of stroke have decreased in the past decade. After the implementation of a nationwide stroke registry, researchers have been creatively expanding how they use and collect registry data for research. Through the use of the nationwide stroke registry as a common data model, researchers from many hospitals have built their own stroke registries with extended data elements to meet the needs of research. In collaboration with information technology professionals, stroke registry systems have changed from web-based, manual submission systems to automated fill-in systems in some hospitals. Furthermore, record linkage between stroke registries and administrative claims databases or other existing databases has widened the utility of registry data in research. Using stroke registry data as the reference standard, researchers have validated several algorithms for ascertaining the diagnosis of stroke and its risk factors from claims data, and have also developed a claims-based index to estimate stroke severity. By making better use of registry data, we believe that we will provide better care to patients with stroke.

아시아 횡단철도의 경제적 효과 분석 : 중국 동북 3성을 중심으로

구종순,여희정,동무성 한국관세학회 2009 관세학회지 Vol.10 No.1

The paper explores economic effects of the Trans-Asian Railway North Corridor(TAR-NC) in the Northeast regions of China. The 3 Northeast regions, called Dongbeisan Sheng(3 provinces composed of Liaoning Sheng, Helongjiang Sheng, Jilin Sheng) possess natural resources and form a large regional economic block. In the 2000's the Chinese government has led a development policy of land transport via TAR-NC. Volumes transported by rail from origin/destination stations such as Erlianhaote, Suifenhe, Arasankou, Manzhouli are significantly increasing. Furthermore, by the fact that the Russian government plans to reduce railway tariffs and the Chinese government reforms laws related to container transport to increase competitiveness of the TAR-NC as an international railway route, the TAR-NC will offer a better package of services such as transit times, tariffs to attract shippers and compete against well-established shipping lines. Europe is the second export/import trade partner for the 3 Northeast regions. The reduced transit times and tariffs offered by the railway route for land movements of containers will enhance the competitiveness of products of the regions in the European market.

From an Authoritarian Party-State to a Democratic and Competitive Party System

Wu, Wen Cheng 서강대학교 동아연구소 1988 東亞 硏究 Vol.- No.15

The influence of serial passage on the stability of an exogenous gene expression in recombinant baculovirus

Wu Carol P.,Chang Chia‐Jung,Li Cheng‐Hsun,Wu Yueh‐Lung 한국곤충학회 2021 Entomological Research Vol.51 No.4

The baculovirus expression system has been widely used for industrial-scale production of recombinant proteins. These recombinant proteins are expressed from recombinant baculoviruses carrying an expression cassette for a particular protein. Even though the baculovirus genome can accommodate large fragments of foreign genetic material, it has been shown that defective interfering particles (DIs) are generated over many passages of the recombinant virus. Defective interfering particles can affect the stability of the inserted gene, which can result in sub-optimal expression of the recombinant protein; this can, therefore, have a significant impact on production. The stability of exogenous genes in recombinant viruses over serial passage has not yet been investigated. As such, the present study set out to assess the effect of serial passage on the stability of the expression of an exogenous gene inserted into a recombinant baculovirus and its subsequent recombinant protein yield. To achieve this, a recombinant baculovirus carrying the classical swine fever virus E2 gene was serially passaged up to 20 times. The results showed that the E2 gene expression by the recombinant baculovirus was stable for up to 10 passages without any effect on recombinant E2 production in insect cells.

Value of CT in the Discrimination of Fatal from Non-Fatal Stercoral Colitis

Cheng-Hsien Wu,Chen-Chih Huang,Li-Jen Wang,Yon-Cheong Wong,Chao-Jan Wang,Wan-Chak Lo,Being-Chuan Lin,Yung-Liang Wan,Chuen Hsueh 대한영상의학회 2012 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.13 No.3

Objective: Clinical presentation and physical signs may be unreliable in the diagnosis of stercoral colitis (SC). This study evaluates the value of computed tomography (CT) in distinguishing fatal from non-fatal SC. Materials and Methods: Ten patients diagnosed as SC were obtained from inter-specialist conferences. Additional 13 patients with suspected SC were identified via the Radiology Information System (RIS). These patients were divided into two groups; fatal and non-fatal SCs. Their CT images are reviewed by two board-certified radiologists blinded to the clinical data and radiographic reports. Results: SC occurred in older patients and displayed no gender predisposition. There was significant correlation between fatal SC and CT findings of dense mucosa (p = 0.017), perfusion defects (p = 0.026), ascites (p = 0.023), or abnormal gas (p = 0.033). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of dense mucosa were 71%, 86%, and 81%, respectively. These figures were 75%, 79%, and 77% for perfusion defects; 75%, 80%, and 78% for ascites; and 50%, 93%, and 78% for abnormal gas, respectively. Each CT sign of mucosal sloughing and pericolonic abscess displayed high specificity of 100% and 93% for diagnosing fatal SC, respectively. However, this did not reach statistical significance in diagnosing fatal SC. Conclusion: CT appears to be valuable in discriminating fatal from non-fatal SC. Objective: Clinical presentation and physical signs may be unreliable in the diagnosis of stercoral colitis (SC). This study evaluates the value of computed tomography (CT) in distinguishing fatal from non-fatal SC. Materials and Methods: Ten patients diagnosed as SC were obtained from inter-specialist conferences. Additional 13 patients with suspected SC were identified via the Radiology Information System (RIS). These patients were divided into two groups; fatal and non-fatal SCs. Their CT images are reviewed by two board-certified radiologists blinded to the clinical data and radiographic reports. Results: SC occurred in older patients and displayed no gender predisposition. There was significant correlation between fatal SC and CT findings of dense mucosa (p = 0.017), perfusion defects (p = 0.026), ascites (p = 0.023), or abnormal gas (p = 0.033). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of dense mucosa were 71%, 86%, and 81%, respectively. These figures were 75%, 79%, and 77% for perfusion defects; 75%, 80%, and 78% for ascites; and 50%, 93%, and 78% for abnormal gas, respectively. Each CT sign of mucosal sloughing and pericolonic abscess displayed high specificity of 100% and 93% for diagnosing fatal SC, respectively. However, this did not reach statistical significance in diagnosing fatal SC. Conclusion: CT appears to be valuable in discriminating fatal from non-fatal SC.

Radon-induced demethylation of Cdk2 CpG island in the rat lung

Cheng Wu,Qiu Chen,Jian Tong,Xin Xie,Fengmei Cui,Yang Jiao,Dandan Qi,Jihua Nie,Tom K. Hei,Qisheng Jiang 한국유전학회 2014 Genes & Genomics Vol.36 No.6

Radon exposure has been linked to lung carcinogenesisin both human and animal studies. The identificationof sequential changes in DNA methylation duringtumour progression and the elucidation of their interplaywith genetic changes will broaden our molecular understandingof this disease. Rats were exposed to 120 or 400working level months (WLM) of radon, lung pathologicalchanges were examined by haematoxylin and eosin staining,lung single cell suspension cell cycles were detected byflow cytometry, lung cell cycle regulated gene (Cdkn2a,P53, Cdk4/2, Mdm4/2 and Rb1 genes) expression wasquantified by real-time PCR and methylation of CpG islandsin the promoters of cell cycle-regulated genes were detectedby bisulfite sequencing PCR. The alveolar walls of rat lungsafter exposured to radon exhibited papillae and the lungbronchial epithelial cells stained positively for proliferatingcell nuclear antigen. The bronchial epithelial cells displayedsome hyperplasia after challenged by 400 WLM of radon. Moreover, G1 arrest decreased; Rb1, Mdm2/4, and Cdk2/4expression decreased and Cdk2 was demethylated at thesecond and sixth CpG loci from base pairs 3092704 to3092953 of chromosome 7. Cdk2 demethylation may beapplicable as a biomarker of early lung damage that wasinduced by radon and other environmental carcinogens.

Non-linear FEA of mechanical properties of modular prefabricated steel-concrete composite joints

Wu Cheng Long,Kan Jian Cheng,Liu Ji Ming,Mou Ben 국제구조공학회 2021 Steel and Composite Structures, An International J Vol.40 No.4

This paper study the seismic performance of modular prefabricated SRC column to steel beam composite joint (MPCJ) under static loading. Numerical modeling of MPCJs with three different beam-end connections was carried out in ABAQUS. Results of the numerical calculation were compared with existing quasi-static test results to verify the feasibility of the numerical model. The model was then used to analyze changes in the moment-rotation relation, failure mode, ductility, stiffness, and bolt stress in the joint between the column and joint module. Besides, stress distributions in the joints were analyzed along different stress paths. Under monotonic loading, the mechanical performance of the MPCJ is significantly affected by the beam end connection mode. Failure of the MPCJ mainly occurs at the beam end connection, thus, the aim of keeping the plastic hinge away from the joint core and preventing shear failure is achieved. Furthermore, the maximum story drift ratio is 3.9–5 times greater than the recommended limit, which indicates good ductility and deformation performance. The MPCJ of the three-beam end connection methods is all semi-rigid connections. The beam end structure will have a large influence on the bolt tension and stress distribution. According to the test research results, a nonlinear model with three parameters including joint cover plate cantilever section length, flange connecting plate thickness and flange connecting plate weld length was established. The theoretical calculation results was consistent with the results of the numerical simulation. MPCJs can be designed based on the proposed theoretical calculation formula.

FEM analysis of the modular prefabricated steel-concrete composite beam-column internal joint under reciprocating action

Cheng Long Wu,Jian Cheng Kan,Qi Hui Wang,Ji Ming Liu,Zun Qiang Li 국제구조공학회 2021 Steel and Composite Structures, An International J Vol.41 No.1

Prefabricated steel-concrete composite structure has the advantages of large bearing capacity, reliable connection, and good durability, which is of great significance to the development of building industrialization. In this paper, a finite element model (FEM) of the modular prefabricated SRC column-steel beam composite joint is established and verified its accuracy through ABAQUS. The effects of various parameter variables on the hysteresis curve, skeleton curve, ductility, energy consumption, and performance deterioration are investigated. The results show that as the axial compression ratio increases, the joint bearing capacity first increases and then decreases, the strength and stiffness have relatively stable degradation characteristics. However, the hysteresis curve has a certain “pinch” phenomenon, which reduces the energy consumption performance. Different column end bolts margin and apertures have little effect on the bearing capacity, strength and stiffness degradation performance, but affect energy consumption and ductility. The width-to-thickness ratio of the square steel tube has a greater impact on the bearing capacity, energy consumption and ductility, and has less impact on the strength and stiffness degradation performance. As the thickness of the joint cover plate increases, the bearing capacity, energy consumption and initial stiffness of the joint gradually increase, the ductility first increases and then decreases.

A BP Neural Network Based on Improved PSO for Increasing Current Efficiency of Copper Electrowinning

Wu Jing,Cheng Yan-Ming,Liu Cheng,Lee Il-Kyoo,Cha Jae-Sang,Huang Wen-Lin 대한전기학회 2021 Journal of Electrical Engineering & Technology Vol.16 No.3

In this paper, to improve the current effi ciency in the copper electrowinning process is taken as the research objective. In the traditional production process, sulfate ion concentration, copper ion concentration and current density are carried out according to the empirical value, which cannot ensure the current effi ciency to reach the optimal level. Therefore, fi rstly, this paper proposes a BP neural network model to improve the current effi ciency according to the relationships between sulfate ion concentration, copper ion concentration, current density and the established BP neural network model is trained by using real data from the enterprise. The simulation results indicate that there is a defi nite error between the predicted current effi ciency and corresponding to the current effi ciency measured at the production site. It is proposed that the BP neural network improved by the improved PSO to further improve the prediction accuracy of the BP neural network. Simulation results indicate that the prediction error of the current effi ciency is greatly reduced that meets the accuracy requirements. On the premise of guaranteeing the quality of copper electrowinning, the current density, sulfate ion concentration and copper ion concentration corresponding to the maximum current effi ciency accurately predicted by this method can be respectively adjusted in real-time in the copper electrowinning process, which realizes the optimization of current effi ciency in the process of copper electrowinning under the background of low carbon and environmental protection.

An Optimized Control Method Based on Dual Three-Level Inverters for Open-end Winding Induction Motor Drives

Wu, Di,Su, Liang-Cheng,Wu, Xiao-Jie,Zhao, Guo-Dong The Korean Institute of Power Electronics 2014 JOURNAL OF POWER ELECTRONICS Vol.14 No.2

An optimized space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) method with common mode voltage elimination and neutral point potential balancing is proposed for an open-end winding induction motor. The motor is fed from both of the ends with two neutral point clamped (NPC) three-level inverters. In order to eliminate the common mode voltage of the motor ends and balance the neutral point potential of the DC link, only zero common mode voltage vectors are used and a balancing control factor is gained from calculation in the strategy. In order to improve the harmonic characteristics of the output voltages and currents, the balancing control factor is regulated properly and the theoretical analysis is provided. Simulation and experimental results show that by adopting the proposed method, the common mode voltage can be completely eliminated, the neutral point potential can be accurately balanced and the harmonic performance for the output voltages and currents can be effectively improved.