Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy Energy Constant Study for Various MgO Thickness of Tunneling Junction(Co/Pd)n/MgO/(Co/Pt)<SUB>n</SUB>

Yi-Rung Wang,Yao-Jen Chang,Sheng-Yuan Wang,Yang-Hua Chang,Te-ho Wu 한국자기학회 2007 한국자기학회 학술연구발표회 논문개요집 Vol.- No.-

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.

Safety and Efficacy of Adalimumab for Patients With Moderate to Severe Crohn`s Disease: The Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (TSIBD) Study

( Chen Wang Chang ),( Shu Chen Wei ),( Jen Wei Chou ),( Tzu Chi Hsu ),( Chiao Hsiung Chuang ),( Ching Pin Lin ),( Wen Hung Hsu ),( Hsu Heng Yen ),( Jen Kou Lin ),( Yi Jen Fang ),( Horng Yuan Wang ),( 대한장연구학회 2014 Intestinal Research Vol.12 No.4

Background/Aims: Only moderate to severe Crohn`s Disease (CD) patients without a satisfactory conventional therapy effect are eligible to get reimbursement from the National Health Insurance of Taiwan for using adalimumab. These are more stringent criteria than in many Western countries and Japan and Korea. We aim to explore the efficacy of using adalimumab in CD patients under such stringent criteria. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted in nine medical centers in Taiwan and we collected the results of CD patients receiving adalimumab from Sep 2009 to Mar 2014. The clinical characteristics, response measured by CDAI (Crohn`s Disease Activity Index), adverse events and survival status were recorded and analyzed. CR-70, CR-100, and CR-150 were defined as attaining a CDAI decrease of 70, 100 or 150 points compared with baseline. Results: A total of 103 CD patient records were used in this study. Sixty percent of these patients received combination therapy of adalimumab together with immunomodulators. CR-70 was 68.7%, 74.5% and 88.4% after week 4, 8 and 12 of treatment, respectively. The steroid-free rate, complications and survival were 47.6%, 9.7% and 99% of patients, respectively. In considering the mucosal healing, only 25% patients achieve mucosal healing after treatment for 6 to12 months. Surgery was still needed in 16.5% of patients. Combination treatment of adalimumab with immunomodulators further decreased the level of CDAI at week 8 when compared with the monotherapy. Conclusions: Even under the stringent criteria for using adalimumab, the response rate was comparable to those without stringent criteria. (Intest Res 2014;12:287-292)

Professionals’ experiences and attitudes toward use of Traditional Chinese Medicine in hospice palliative inpatient care units: A multicenter survey in Taiwan

Yu-Jia Lin,Hsiao-Ting Chang,Ming-Hwai Lin,Ru-Yih Chen,Ping-Jen Chen,Wen-Yuan Lin,Jyh-Gang Hsieh,Ying-Wei Wang,Chung-Chieh Hu,Yi-Sheng Liou,Tai-Yuan Chiu,Chun-Yi Tu,Yi-Jen Wang,Bo-Ren Cheng,Tzeng-Ji Ch 한국한의학연구원 2021 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.10 No.2

Background: Medical staff may have difficulties in using conventional medicine to manage symptoms among terminally ill patients, including adverse effects of the treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is regarded as a complementary or alternative medicine, and has been increasingly used in the field of palliative medicine in recent years. This study aimed to investigate the experiences of and attitudes toward using TCM among palliative care professionals, and to provide preliminary information about its use in palliative care. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey study conducted in eight inpatient hospice wards in Taiwan between December 2014 and February 2016. The questionnaire was self-administered, and was analyzed with descriptive statistics including Pearson’s Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. Results: A total of 251 palliative care professionals responded to the questionnaire, of whom 89.7% and 88.9% believed that the use of TCM could improve the physical symptoms and quality of life in terminally ill patients, respectively. Overall, 59.8%, of respondents suggested that TCM had rare side effects, and 58.2% were worried that TCM could affect the liver and kidney function of patients. In total, 89.7% and 88.0% of professionals agreed there were no suitable clinical practice guidelines and educational programs, respectively, for TCM use in palliative care. Conclusions: Most of the respondents agreed there was insufficient knowledge, skills-training, and continuing education on the use of TCM in terminally ill patients in Taiwan. These results show that to address patient safety considerations, guidelines about use of TCM in palliative care should be established.

Novel Deadlock Control for Smartphone Manufacturing Systems Using Petri Nets

Yi-Nan Lin,Sheng-Kuan Wang,Gwo-Jen Chiou,Cheng-Ying Yang,Victor R. L. Shen,Tony Tong-Ying Juang,Ting-Jui Huang 제어·로봇·시스템학회 2022 International Journal of Control, Automation, and Vol.20 No.3

Currently, the marketing strategy in the manufacturing industry is becoming more and more competitive. Thus, the production efficiency becomes the main developing trend, which many people are now pursuing. However, the automatic production might cause resource conflicts and system deadlocks. In this study, Petri net models and analysis were used to effectively avoid deadlocks and to achieve the goal of lean production. The iPhone XS device developed by Apple is now a popular product. Consequently, this paper aims to describe its manufacturing system by using Petri net models. Meanwhile, the siphon property of Petri nets can be used to detect the deadlock in the manufacturing processes and to avoid it from occurring. Two simulation software tools, WoPeD and PIPE, were applied to conduct the experiments. The experimental results have indicated that our proposed approach is more feasible and acceptable than other existing ones.

GROUND OBSERVATIONS OF SPRITES AND OTHER TLES IN TAIWAN

WANG YUN-CHING,HSU RUE-RON,SU HAN-TZONG,CHEN ALFRED BING-CHIH,LEE YI-JEN,KUO CHENG-LING,TSAY WEAN-SHUN,CHANG CHAN-KAO,WANG SHI-CHUN,LEE LOU-CHUANG,LIU TIE-YUE The Korean Astronomical Society 2005 Journal of The Korean Astronomical Society Vol.38 No.2

Sprites, elves and blue jets are collectively denominated as the upper atmospheric transient luminous events (TLEs). They are recently discovered optical flashes between active thunderstorms and the ionosphere. In this report, a brief introduction to the most important characteristics of TLEs is given. Since 2001, scientists from the National Cheng Kung University have been performing yearly summer campaigns from various locations in Taiwan. The main achievements of their yearly campaign are presented.

Health Care Utilization and Expenditures of Patients with Diabetes Comorbid with Depression Disorder: A National Population-Based Cohort Study

Chun-Jen Huang,Hui-Min Hsieh,Herng-Chia Chiu,Peng-Wei Wang,Mei-Hsuan Lee,Chih-Yi Li,Ching-Hua Lin 대한신경정신의학회 2017 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.14 No.6

Objective: The study investigated to compare health care utilization and expenditures between diabetic patients with and without depression in Taiwan. Methods: Health care utilization and expenditure among diabetic patients with and without depression disorder during 2000 and 2004 were examined using Taiwan’s population-based National Health Insurance claims database. Health care utilization included outpatient visits and the use of inpatient services, and health expenditures were outpatient, inpatient, and total medical expenditures. Moreover, general estimation equation models were used for analyzing the factors associated with outpatient visits and expenditures. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied for identifying the factors associated with hospitalization. Results: The average annual outpatient visits and annual total medical expenditures in the study period were 44.23–52.20; NT$87,496–133,077 and 30.75–32.92; NT$64,411–80,955 for diabetic patients with and without depression. After adjustment for covariates, our results revealed that gender and complication were associated with out-patient visits. Moreover, the time factor was associated with the total medical expenditure, and residential urbanization and complication factors were associated with hospitalization. Conclusion: Health care utilization and expenditures for diabetic patients with depression were significantly higher than those without depression. Sex, complications, time, and urbanization are the factors associated with health care utilization and expenditures.

Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir for 12 Weeks Is Safe and Effective in CHC and CHB Coinfection Patients: A Phase 3 Study in Taiwan

( Chun-Jen Liu ),( Wan-Long Chuang ),( I-Shyan Sheen ),( Horng-Yuan Wang ),( Chi-Yi Chen ),( Kuo-Chih Tseng ),( Ting-Tsung Chang ),( Benede tta Massetto ),( Jenny Yang ),( Gregory Camus ),( Fangqiu Zh 대한간학회 2017 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2017 No.1

Aims: Patients co-infected with HCV and HBV have more rapid progression and worse outcomes than mono-infected patients. Taiwan has among the highest prevalence of chronic HCV/HBV coinfection in Southeast Asia. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of an all-oral treatment with ledipasvir(LDV)/sofosbuvir(SOF) for 12 weeks in chronic HCV and HBV coinfection. Methods: Patients with or without compensated cirrhosis chronic HCV GT1/GT2 and HBV (HBsAg+) treatment naïve were enrolled into open-label, receiving LDV 90 mg/SOF 400 mg(QD) for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint is SVR12. HBV DNA was monitored at all study visits and it will be monitored for 2 years post-treatment. Results: A total of 111 patients (68[61%] with GT1 and 43[39%] with GT2) were enrolled and treated. The majority were female(62%), treatment naive(67%), and non-cirrhotic(85%), with a mean age of 55 years and mean BMI of 24.5kg/m2. All but one was HBeAg negative. Mean baseline HBV DNA was 2.1 log10IU/mL. SVR4 was 100%(111/111). The mean change in HBV DNA ranged from -0.06 log10IU/mL at week 1 to +0.49 log10IU/mL at follow-up visit 4; HBV DNA kinetics are shown in Fig 1. 60(54%) patients had an increase in HBV DNA> 10 x BL or became HBV DNA > LLOQ. No patients had ALT ≥ 2 X baseline. No patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events (AEs). Three patients had serious AEs(optic neuritis, post procedural bleeding and duodenal ulcer bleeding; none was considered drug related). Conclusions: In chronic HCV/HBV infection patients, LDV/SOF for 12 weeks resulted in an SVR4 rate of 100%. Although most patients had an increase in HBV DNA during treatment, this was not associated with ALT elevations ≥2 X baseline, and no patients started HBV therapy to date. This all-oral, interferon-free regimen was well tolerated, supporting its potential as a treatment option for HCV/HBV co-infected patients.

Blind QR Code Steganographic Approach Based upon Error Correction Capability

( Yin-jen Chiang ),( Pei-yu Lin ),( Ran-zan Wang ),( Yi-hui Chen ) 한국인터넷정보학회 2013 KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Syst Vol.7 No.10

A novel steganographic QR code algorithm, which not only coveys the secret into the widely-used QR barcode but also preserves the readability of QR content and the capability of error correction, is presented in this article. Different from the conventional applications for QR barcode, the designed algorithm conceals the secret into the QR modules directly by exploiting the error correction capability. General browsers can read the QR content from the QR code via barcode readers; however, only the authorized receiver can further reveal the secret from the QR code directly. The new mechanism can convey a larger secret payload along with adjustment of the QR version and error correction level. Moreover, the blind property allows the receiver to reveal the secret without the knowledge of the embedded position of modules. Experimental results demonstrate that the new algorithm is secure, efficient and feasible for the low-power QR readers and mobile devices.

Thyroid fine-needle aspiration cytology in Taiwan: a nationwide survey and literature update

Chien-Chin Chen,Jen-Fan Hang,Chih-Yi Liu,Yeh-Han Wang,Chiung-Ru Lai 대한병리학회 2020 Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine Vol.54 No.5

In Taiwan, thyroid fine-needle aspiration cytology is easily accessible and reliable for evaluating thyroid nodules. The sonographic pattern plays a major role and is the deciding factor for aspiration. We conducted a nationwide survey in 2017 and it revealed that 31% of laboratories had adopted The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology. There was a relatively high unsatisfactory rate (24.04%) and low rates of indeterminate diagnoses, including atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesions of undetermined significance: 4.87%, and follicular neoplasm/suspicious for a follicular neoplasm: 0.35%. Moreover, the risks of malignancy in benign, atypia of undetermined significance, and suspicious for a follicular neoplasm were relatively high. These may reflect strict diagnostic criteria for indeterminate categories and better patient selection for surgery. Improvements in specimen sampling and continuing education programs are crucial. Newly-developed thyroid cytology technologies, such as immunocytochemistry, molecular testing, and computerized cytomorphometry, may further facilitate cytology diagnoses.