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Folcia CL, Ortega J, Etxebarria J, Pan L, Wang S, Huang CC, Ponsinet V, Barois P, Pindak R, Gimeno N. Polarization periodicity in the B(1) columnar phase determined by resonant x-ray scattering. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2011; 84:010701. [PMID: 21867105 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.84.010701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
We report structural results that evidence the polarization distribution of the blocks in the columnar phase of an achiral bent-core liquid crystal. The study was performed using resonant x-ray diffraction at the sulfur K edge on oriented samples aligned on substrates. The extra periodicity is revealed through the violation of the systematic extinction rule of the structural symmetry group along the experimentally accessible diffraction direction. Further data obtained from the polarization analysis of a resonant reflection give information concerning the transition mechanism between B(1) and B(2) phases.
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Ponsinet V, Barois P, Pan L, Wang S, Huang CC, Wang ST, Pindak R, Baumeister U, Weissflog W. Characterization of a chiral phase in an achiral bent-core liquid crystal by polarization studies of resonant x-ray forbidden reflections. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2011; 84:011706. [PMID: 21867195 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.84.011706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The chiral antiferroelectric structure of an achiral bent-core liquid crystal is characterized by resonant x-ray scattering at chlorine K edge. The "forbidden" reflections resulting from the glide or screw symmetry elements are restored by the anisotropy of the tensor structure factor, which we calculate for two possible structural models. A careful analysis of the polarization states of the restored "forbidden" reflections enables an unambiguous identification of a chiral structure (i.e., the so-called anticlinic, antiferroelectric smectic-C or Sm-C(A)P(A)) coexisting with the achiral synclinic antiferroelectric smectic-C or Sm-C(S)P(A). The method proves to be quite powerful as it identifies the chiral structure within coexisting phases despite an imperfect orientation of the sample. The volume fraction of the chiral phase and the distribution of alignment are extracted from the data.
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Pan L, McCoy BK, Wang S, Liu ZQ, Wang ST, Pindak R, Huang CC. Effect of enantiomeric excess on the phase behavior of antiferroelectric liquid crystals. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2011; 83:060701. [PMID: 21797292 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.83.060701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Null transmission ellipsometry and resonant x-ray diffraction are employed to study the effect of enantiomeric excess (EE) on the phase behavior of antiferroelectric liquid crystal 10OTBBB1M7. Phase sequence, layer spacing, and pitch of the helical structures of the smectic-C(α)* and smectic-C* phases are studied as a function of temperature and EE. Upon reducing EE, a liquid-gas-type critical point of the smectic-C(α)* to smectic-C* transition is observed, as well as the disappearance of the smectic-C(d4)* and the smectic-C(d3)* phases. Results are analyzed in a mean-field model.
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Liao MF, Huang CC, Lyu RK, Chen CM, Chang HS, Chu CC, Hsu WC, Wu YR, Kuo HC, Cheng MY, Hung PC, Chou ML, Lin KL, Hsieh MY, Ro LS. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis that meets modified McDonald criteria for dissemination in space is associated with a high probability of conversion to multiple sclerosis in Taiwanese patients. Eur J Neurol 2011; 18:252-259. [PMID: 20561038 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2010.03114.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) may relapse and some may ultimately convert to multiple sclerosis (MS); however, no criteria that can predict MS conversion are available to date. Our aim was to describe the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of patients with an initial ADEM attack and evaluate which MRI criteria can predict conversion to MS. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the records of 36 patients diagnosed with ADEM. We determined clinical signs/symptoms, examined the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and performed brain MRI scans and compared the findings between patients who did and did not convert to MS. RESULTS Clinical signs/symptoms, and CSF analysis show no significant difference between the two groups. The rate of conversion to MS from ADEM in Taiwanese patients is low (11%) after a mean follow-up period of 28.36 months. Modified McDonald criteria were fulfilled in 19/36 patients: 21% (4/19) of those patients developed MS according to Poser criteria subsequently. Of the other patients (17/36) who did not fulfill these criteria, none converted to MS. (log rank test; P=0.027). CONCLUSIONS It is difficult to predict from initial clinical presentations to address which patients with ADEM will convert to MS. Patients with ADEM whose brain MRI findings met the modified McDonald criteria may have clinically isolated syndrome because they have a significantly higher probability of conversion to MS. In contrast, patients whose brain MRI findings did not meeting these criteria may be considered as having classic ADEM because they have a lower probability of conversion to MS.
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Huang CC, Chang SJ, Kuo CH, Ko CH, Wann CH, Cheng YC, Lin WJ. GaN epitaxial layers prepared on nano-patterned Si(001) substrate. JOURNAL OF NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY 2011; 11:1248-1251. [PMID: 21456167 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2011.3075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
We report the growth of GaN epitaxial layer on Si(001) substrate with nano-patterns prepared by dry etching facility used in integrated circuit (IC) industry. It was found that the GaN epitaxial layer prepared on nano-patterned Si(001) substrate exhibits both cubic and hexagonal phases. It was also found that threading dislocation observed from GaN prepared on nano-patterned Si(001) substrate was significantly smaller than that prepared on conventional unpatterned Si(111) substrate. Furthermore, it was found that we can reduce the tensile stress in GaN epitaxial layer by about 78% using the nano-patterned Si(001) substrate.
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Pan L, McCoy BK, Wang S, Weissflog W, Huang CC. Surface and bulk uniaxial to biaxial smectic-A transition in a bent core liquid crystal. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2010; 105:117802. [PMID: 20867608 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.105.117802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
A null transmission ellipsometer was employed to study the uniaxial to biaxial smectic-A phase transition of a bent core liquid crystal material. Free-standing films of thicknesses ranging from 5 molecular layers to more than 300 were prepared and studied. Critical exponents for both the surface and interior biaxiality were obtained. The results were discussed in the general framework of phase transition in lower dimensions.
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Huang CC, Lee TJ, Chang PH, Lee YS, Chuang CC, Jhang YJ, Chen YW, Chen CW, Fu CH, Tsai CN. Expression of cathepsin S and its inhibitor stefin A in sinonasal inverted papilloma. Rhinology 2010. [DOI: 10.4193/rhin09.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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McCoy BK, Pan L, Liu ZQ, Wang ST, Wang S, Goodby JW, Huang CC. Evolution of a rare sequence of surface transitions with temperature and film thickness. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2010; 81:031712. [PMID: 20365756 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.81.031712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
In free-standing smectic films, layers near the surfaces of the film often contain molecules tilted away from the layer normal, while in the bulk of the film the magnitude of the tilt decays exponentially with distance from the surface. We have identified the detailed molecular tilt orientations in the surface layers of films for one antiferroelectric liquid crystal compound. A series of five surface structures exists with different nonplanar tilt arrangements for each structure. The molecular orientations in the surface layers evolve with temperature. The polarization of the film also evolves with temperature, corresponding to the tilt arrangements. Using ellipsometric data, we reconstruct the changes in the magnitude and azimuthal direction of the tilt as functions of temperature. We have also studied films of several different thicknesses. We present a phase diagram for the five surface structures showing the dependence on temperature and film thickness.
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Wang S, Pan L, Pindak R, Liu ZQ, Nguyen HT, Huang CC. Discovery of a novel smectic-C{*} liquid-crystal phase with six-layer periodicity. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2010; 104:027801. [PMID: 20366625 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.104.027801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2009] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
We report the discovery of a new smectic-C{*} liquid-crystal phase with six-layer periodicity by resonant x-ray diffraction. Upon cooling, the new phase appears between the SmC{alpha}{*} phase having a helical structure and the SmC{d4}{*} phase with four-layer periodicity. This SmC{d6}{*} phase was identified in two mixtures which have an unusual reversed SmC{d4}{*}-SmC{*} phase sequence. The SmC{d6}{*} phase shows a distorted clock structure. Three theoretical models have predicted the existence of a six-layer phase. However, our experimental findings are not consistent with the theories.
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Wang CJ, Ko JY, Chan YS, Lee MS, Chen JM, Wang FS, Yang KD, Huang CC. Extracorporeal shockwave for hip necrosis in systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2010; 18:1082-6. [PMID: 19762382 DOI: 10.1177/0961203309103151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) frequently received corticosteroid therapy, resulting in osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Prior studies demonstrated the effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave treatment (ESWT) for ONFH.. This study evaluated the effectiveness of ESWT for ONFH in patients with SLE. We studied 39 patients, including 15 patients with SLE (26 hips) and 24 controls (29 hips). To each affected hip we applied ESWT (6000 impulses at 28 kV in a single session). Patients were ambulated with partial weight bearing for 4-6 weeks. The primary endpoint was the need for hip replacement. The secondary endpoints were improvement in hip pain and function and image changes on X-ray and MRI. Patients received total hip replacement in 12% of patients with SLE and in 14% of controls (P = 0.802). There was no statistically significant difference in pain scores (0.86 vs. 0.89; P = 0.467) and function scores (89% vs. 91%; P = 0.194) between patients with SLE and controls. SLE response to ESWT for ONFH is comparable with ONFH in patients without SLE.
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Huang CW, Tsai JJ, Huang CC, Wu SN. Experimental and simulation studies on the mechanisms of levetiracetam-mediated inhibition of delayed-rectifier potassium current (KV3.1): contribution to the firing of action potentials. JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY : AN OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE POLISH PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY 2009; 60:37-47. [PMID: 20065495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2008] [Accepted: 11/06/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Levetiracetam (LEV) is an S-enantiomer pyrrolidone derivative with established antiepileptic efficacy in generalized epilepsy and partial epilepsy. However, its effects on ion currents and membrane potential remain largely unclear. We investigated the effect of LEV on differentiated NG108-15 neurons. In these cells treated with dibutyryl cyclic AMP, the expression level of the K(V)3.1 mRNA was elevated. With the aid of patch clamp technology, we found that LEV could suppress the amplitude of delayed rectifier K(+) current (I(K(DR))) in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC(50) value of 37 microM. LEV (30 microM) shifted the steady-state activation of I(K(DR)) to a more positive potential by 10 mV, without shifting the steady-state inactivation of I(K(DR)). Neither Na(+), nor erg (ether-a-go-go-related)-mediated K(+) and ATP-sensitive K(+) currents were affected by LEV (100 microM). LEV increased the duration of action potentials in current clamp configuration. Simulation studies in a modified Hodgkin-Huxley neuron and network unraveled that the reduction of slowly inactivating I(K(DR)) resulted in membrane depolarization accompanied by termination of the firing of action potentials in a stochastic manner. Therefore, the inhibitory effects on slowly inactivating I(K(DR)) (K(V)3.1-encoded current) may constitute one of the underlying mechanisms through which LEV affect neuronal activity in vivo.
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Kuo CC, Huang CC, Chu TS. Renal haemophilic pseudotumour. Acta Clin Belg 2009; 64:555-6. [PMID: 20101882 DOI: 10.1179/acb.2009.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Pan L, Wang S, Hsu CS, Huang CC. Thickness dependent phase behavior of antiferroelectric liquid crystal films. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2009; 103:187802. [PMID: 19905833 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.103.187802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Free standing films of a liquid crystal compound with simple surface enhanced order were studied. The resultant phase diagram demonstrates that (1) the short helical pitch smectic-C(alpha)* phase disappears below a film thickness of 10 layers, and (2) the temperature window of a distorted 4 layer smectic-C(FI2)* phase increases dramatically upon decreasing film thickness. The experimental findings were attributed to the reduced dimensionality and enhanced surface effects in thin films. The results of the smectic-C(alpha)* phase are consistent with what have been reported for helically ordered magnetic thin films, with a noticeable difference due to the opposite effect of the surface on ordering in the two systems.
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Veum M, Duelge L, Droske J, Nguyen HT, Huang CC, Mirantsev LV. Comparison between experiment and theory in the temperature variation of film tension above the bulk isotropic transition in free-standing liquid-crystal films. Phys Rev E 2009; 80:031707. [PMID: 19905131 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.80.031707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2009] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Using differential scanning calorimetry, the transition enthalpies and temperatures for the bulk smectic-isotropic phase transition have been measured for a series of liquid-crystal compounds. For five compounds, those values were used as parameters in a microscopic mean-field model to predict the temperature dependence of the difference in free-energy density between a sample of material in a free-standing smectic film and that in the bulk. The model predicts a weak temperature dependence below the bulk clearing point and a pronounced monotonic increase with temperature above the transition temperature. The compounds used in this study were chosen specifically because they were also the subject of a previous independent experimental study [M. Veum, Phys. Rev. E 74, 011703 (2006)] that demonstrated a sudden monotonic increase in the free-standing film tension with temperature, which is qualitatively consistent with the predictions of the above-mentioned mean-field model. This study presents a direct and quantitative comparison between the predictions of the mean-field model and the results from previous tension experiments.
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Kuo LN, Huang CJ, Fang YC, Huang CC, Wang JL, Lin KL, Chu ST, Chang HT, Chien JM, Su HH, Chi CC, Chen WC, Tsai JY, Liao WC, Tseng LL, Jan CR. Effect of thimerosal on Ca2+ movement and viability in human oral cancer cells. Hum Exp Toxicol 2009; 28:301-8. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327109106548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The effect of thimerosal on cytosolic free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i ) in human oral cancer cells (OC2) is unclear. This study explored whether thimerosal changed basal [Ca2+]i levels in suspended OC2 cells using fura-2. Thimerosal at concentrations between 1and 50 μM increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. The Ca2+ signal was reduced partly by removing extracellular Ca 2+. Thimerosal-induced Ca2+ influx was not blocked by L-type Ca2+ entry inhibitors and protein kinase C modulators (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate [PMA] and GF109203X). In Ca2+-free medium, 50 μM thimerosal failed to induce a [Ca2+]i rise after pretreatment with thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor). Inhibition of phospholipase C with U73122 did not change thimerosal-induced [Ca2+]i rises. At concentrations between 5 and 10 μM, thimerosal killed cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The cytotoxic effect of 8 μM thimerosal was potentiated by prechelating cytosolic Ca2+ with the Ca2+ chelator 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetate/acetomethyl (BAPTA/ AM). Flow cytometry data suggested that 1—7 μM thimerosal-induced apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Collectively, in OC2 cells, thimerosal-induced [Ca2+]i rises by causing phospholipase C-independent Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum and Ca2+ influx through non—L-type Ca2+ channels. Thimerosal killed cells in a concentration-dependent manner through apoptosis.
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McCoy BK, Liu ZQ, Wang ST, Pan L, Wang S, Goodby JW, Huang CC. Nonplanar tilts in very thin smectic films of one liquid-crystal compound. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2009; 79:061702. [PMID: 19658511 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.79.061702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Surface effects cause tilted molecular arrangements in smectic layers near the surface of a free-standing liquid-crystal film in which the bulk of the film is in the smectic- A phase. One recent work has shown that the tilt directions in adjacent surface layers may be nonplanar. In this paper we study films with thicknesses of two to six smectic layers. Surface effects dominate in these very thin films. We show that the molecular tilts are nonplanar even in these very thin films.
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Pan L, Wang S, Hsu CS, Huang CC. Surface-induced ordering effect in one antiferroelectric liquid crystal compound. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2009; 79:031704. [PMID: 19391959 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.79.031704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Null transmission ellipsometer was employed to study the surface-induced tilt transition of an antiferroelectric liquid crystal compound in the bulk smectic- A (SmA) temperature range. The data of the surface tilt transition can be fitted with an extended mean-field model. These results indicate the transition is near a mean-field tricritical point. The surface layers' tilt directions are found to be in different planes several degrees above the bulk SmA-SmC_{alpha};{ *} transition.
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Wang S, Pan L, McCoy BK, Wang ST, Pindak R, Nguyen HT, Huang CC. Recovery of a reversed phase sequence in one ternary liquid-crystal-mixture system. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2009; 79:021706. [PMID: 19391764 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.79.021706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2008] [Revised: 11/17/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The nOHFBBB1M7 (n=10) compound, 10OHF, shows a reversed SmC{FI2}-SmC phase sequence, unique among all known antiferroelectric liquid crystals. This reversed phase sequence is stabilized when 10OHF is doped with 9OTBBB1M7(C9) or 11OTBBB1M7(C11). In contrast, doping of the homologous members ( n=9 , 11, or 12) eliminates the SmC{FI2} phase. One 10OHF/11OHF mixture without the SmC{FI2} phase was selected for further studies. By adding C9 into this particular mixture, the reversed phase sequence is revived. To our surprise, even though 11OHF destabilizes the SmC_{FI2} phase in binary mixtures with 10OHF, it significantly increases the SmC_{FI2} temperature range in the 10OHF/11OHF/C9 ternary mixtures.
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Huang CC, Chuang CK, Wong YC, Wang LJ, Wu CH. Useful prediction of ureteral calculi visibility on abdominal radiographs based on calculi characteristics on unenhanced helical CT and CT scout radiographs. Int J Clin Pract 2009; 63:292-8. [PMID: 19196367 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2008.01861.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS To determine whether visibility of ureteral calculi on plain radiographs of the kidney, ureter and bladder (KUB) could be predicted based on characteristics on unenhanced helical computed tomography (UHCT) and CT scout radiographs (CTSR). METHODS One hundred and twenty-three patients diagnosed with 140 ureteral calculi on UHCT, had undergone both UHCT and KUB within 24 h and before calculus passage or intervention were included. The visibility of ureteral calculi on KUB and CTSR as well as their sizes, locations and densities on UHCT were recorded. The association of CTSR/UHCT characteristics of ureteral calculi and their visibility on KUB were analysed. Multivariate analyses using logistic regression were computed as predictors for visibility on KUB. RESULTS Of the 140 calculi, 56 (40%) and 98 (70%) were visible on CTSR and KUB respectively. All calculi detectable on CTSR were also visible on KUB. Multivariate analyses of the 84 CTSR undetectable calculi revealed that non-middle ureteral location and higher calculi densities on UHCT were significant predictors of visibility on KUB. All non-middle ureteral calculi with density > 800 Hounsfield units (HU) were visible on KUB. Of 23 calculi in the middle ureter or with density < 200 HU, 17 (74%) were invisible on KUB. CONCLUSIONS Ureteral calculi characteristics on UHCT and CTSR are useful for predicting their visibility on KUB. Patients with visible calculi on CTSR or non-middle ureteral calculi with density > 800 HU are suitable for KUB to follow-up calculi status.
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Lin YJ, Deng MC, Wu SH, Chen YL, Cheng HC, Chang CY, Lee MS, Chien MS, Huang CC. Baculovirus-derived hemagglutinin vaccine protects chickens from lethal homologous virus H5N1 challenge. J Vet Med Sci 2008; 70:1147-52. [PMID: 19057130 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.70.1147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Since outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in both human and poultry from 2003, it is critical to have effective vaccines. A cDNA fragment coding the entire hemagglutinin (HA) gene derived from an H5N1 strain (A/duck/China/E319-2/03) was cloned and expressed using the baculovirus system. Two weeks after receiving two doses of recombinant HA (rHA) vaccines, chickens develop high antibody response for hemagglutination inhibition (HI) at titer 7.2 log(2). Challenge studies revealed that vaccinated chickens with HI titers greater than 3 log(2) could have immunoprotection against the same HPAI H5N1 strain virus challenge through intranasal route. Additionally, HI titer of 5 log(2) determined whether the live viruses could not be detected from oropharyngeal, cloacal discharge or in tissues. This result suggests that the rHA expressed from baculovirus system could be a candidate for the development of a safe and efficient subunit vaccine for HPAI (H5N1).
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Huang CC, Liu MT, Pi CP, Chung CY. Primary plasmacytoma of the uterine cervix treated with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy. Singapore Med J 2008; 49:e361-e364. [PMID: 19122936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Primary plasmacytoma of the uterine cervix is a rare neoplasm with limited known data, and only several cases sporadically reported in the published literature. Radiotherapy might have a role in the treatment of plasmacytoma of the uterine cervix. We describe primary plasmacytoma of the uterine cervix in a 45-year-old woman treated with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, and also reviewed the literature to evaluate the treatment modality and therapeutic outcome of this rare disease.
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Tsukada Y, Hara K, Bando Y, Huang CC, Kousaka Y, Kawashima Y, Morishita R, Tsujimoto H. Particle size control of poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) nanospheres for sterile applications. Int J Pharm 2008; 370:196-201. [PMID: 19100320 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2008.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2008] [Revised: 10/22/2008] [Accepted: 11/24/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Parameters affecting the particle sizes of poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanospheres produced by the Emulsion Solvent Diffusion (ESD) method were evaluated in this study, so that suitable PLGA nanospheres could be prepared to pass through a membrane filter with 0.2 microm pore size and used as a sterile product. Experimental results demonstrated that the particle sizes of PLGA nanospheres could be reduced by the following efforts. (1) Increase stirring rate of poor solvent. (2) Decrease feed rate of good solvent. (3) Increase poor solvent ratio. (4) Increase the temperature of poor solvent. (5) Decrease polyvinyl alcohol concentration in poor solvent. (6) Increase ethanol concentration in good solvent. (7) Decrease PLGA concentration in good solvent. After optimization, PLGA nanospheres with a mean particle size of 102-163 nm and the 100-98% of filtration fraction could be produced and passed the bacteria challenge tests. This study found PLGA nanospheres can be efficiently prepared as a sterile product.
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Syed F, Huang CC, Li K, Liu V, Shang T, Amegadzie BY, Griswold DE, Song XYR, Li L. Identification of interleukin-13 related biomarkers using peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Biomarkers 2008; 12:414-23. [PMID: 17564846 DOI: 10.1080/13547500701192652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic disorder characterized by airway inflammation, reversible bronchial obstruction, hyper-responsiveness and remodelling. Data from human in vitro studies and experimental in vivo models of asthma has implicated interleukin (IL)-13 in the asthma phenotype suggesting that a therapeutic agent against it could be effective in treating asthma. The role of biomarkers is becoming increasingly important in the clinical development of therapeutics. Here we describe the use of the GeneChip((R)) DNA microarray technology platform to explore and identify potential response to therapy biomarkers that are associated with the biology of IL-13. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from eight healthy donors were cultured in the presence of IL-13, IL-4, an anti-IL-13 monoclonal antibody (mAb) or an isotype control mAb, and RNA from the treated cells was subjected to microarray analysis. The results revealed a number of genes, such as CCL17 (TARC), CCL22 (MDC), CCL23 (MPIF-1), CCL26 (eotaxin 3) and WNT5A (human wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 5A), that showed increased expression in the IL-13 and IL-4 treatment groups. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) subsequently confirmed these results. A follow-up study in PBMCs from five additional healthy donors showed that the neutralization of IL-13 completely blocked IL-13-induced TARC, MDC and eotaxin 3 production at the protein level. These data suggest that TARC, MDC, eotaxin 3, CCL23 and WNT5A if validated could serve as potential biomarkers for anti-IL-13 therapeutics.
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Chen SC, Tsai SJ, Chen CH, Huang CC, Lin DB, Wang PH, Chen CC, Lee MC. Predictors of mortality in patients with pyogenic liver abscess. Neth J Med 2008; 198:164-72. [PMID: 18490797 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2008.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2008] [Revised: 08/06/2008] [Accepted: 08/06/2008] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is uncommon but potentially life-threatening. The objective of this study was to identify the prognostic factors for PLA. METHODS The medical records of 253 patients, 148 men and 105 women with a mean age of 56.4 years (SD : 15.0 years), who were hospitalised due to a PLA between January 1995 and June 2007 were reviewed. The underlying medical disorders, clinical signs and symptoms, laboratory values, imaging studies, microbiological features, treatments, morbidity and mortality were recorded. Factors related to in-hospital case fatality were analysed. RESULTS The mean Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score at admission in patients with PLA was 8.7 points (SD 5.4 points). The most common co-existing disease was diabetes mellitus (41.9%), followed by biliary stone disorders (32.0%). Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most frequent pathogen, followed by Escherichia coli. The in-hospital case-fatality rate was 9.1%. Multivariate analysis revealed that gas-forming abscess (p=0.019), multi-drug resistant isolates (p=0.026), anaerobic infection (p=0.045), blood urea nitrogen level >7.86 mmol/l (p=0.004), and APACHE II score > or =15 (p= 0.004) were associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS The prognosis of PLA may depend chiefly on the severity of the basic physical condition and underlying pathology. As the primary treatment for PLA is not completely effective, a more aggressive approach should be considered, especially for patients with poor prognosis.
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Chung KP, Lai MS, Cheng SH, Tang ST, Huang CC, Cheng AL, Hsieh PC. Organization-based performance measures of cancer care quality: core measure development for breast cancer in Taiwan. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2008; 17:5-18. [PMID: 18181886 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2354.2007.00796.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to develop organization-based core performance measures (CPMs) for breast cancer patients treated in hospitals that participated in cancer quality improvement programmes in Taiwan. CPMs were developed in three stages that included a preparation, a consensus building stage, and two stages of stakeholder feedback. Three criteria and seven subcriteria were applied in the development process. Indicators listed in a Delphi questionnaire were based on a literature search, indicators developed by relevant institutions and discussion by authors. Each indicator needed to meet inclusion criteria as a final indicator. Evidence-based guidelines, expert opinions from panel group, 27 hospitals and empirical data were all applied to develop and revise the core measures. Fifteen out of 28 indicators were selected and modified after the three stages. There were two pre-treatment indicators for screening and diagnosis, nine treatment-related indicators, and four monitoring-related indicators. Six indicators were supported by evidence level I, and four indicators by level II evidence. The CPMs for breast cancer can be developed systematically and be applied for internal quality improvement and external surveillance. Our experience can be extended to other cancer sites and adapted to link with pay for performance or certification program in cancer care.
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McCoy BK, Liu ZQ, Wang ST, Pan L, Wang S, Nguyen HT, Pindak R, Huang CC. Effects of doping on an unusual smectic- C*alpha-smectic-C*FI2-smectic-C* phase sequence. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2008; 77:061704. [PMID: 18643284 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.77.061704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The compound 10OHF has a partially inverted phase sequence, unique among the series of nOHF homologous compounds and all other known liquid crystals, with the smectic-C*FI2 (SmC*FI2) phase occurring at higher temperature than the smectic-C* (SmC*) phase. We present ellipsometric data to identify the phase sequences of 9OHF, 10OHF, 11OHF, and 12OHF. Binary mixtures of 10OHF with C11, a compound with the typical phase sequence among the smectic phases, show that the unusual phase sequence of 10OHF stabilizes upon mixing and that SmC*FI2 predominates over SmC* throughout the entire mixing phase diagram. In thin films of some mixtures, surface interactions induce a reentrant SmC*FI2-SmC*-SmC*FI2 transition in the rest of the film.
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77
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Ma CJ, Yang SF, Huang CC, Chai CY, Cheng KI, Tsai EM, Wang JY. Malignant mixed müllerian tumor of primary mesenteric origin associated with a synchronous ovarian cancer: case report and literature review. EUR J GYNAECOL ONCOL 2008; 29:289-293. [PMID: 18592799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Malignant mixed müllerian tumor (MMMT) is a rare tumor in females and extragenital MMMT is even more so. We report a patient with MMMT primarily in the mesentery with synchronous ovarian cancer. In the English literature, 42 cases of extragenital MMMT have been reported other than the presented case, and this is only the second MMMT arising from the mesentery. Furthermore, among the cases reviewed, MMMTs tend to be associated with synchronous or metachronous colonic cancer or gynecologic tumors originating from the müllerian duct, including ovarian tumors, fallopian tube cancer, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, and serous carcinoma of the peritoneum (14 out of 43 patients; 32.6%). The risk factors for MMMT include obesity, nulliparity, exogenous estrogen, and long-term tamoxifen use. The prognosis of MMMT is catastrophic and the treatment is based on the experience of those of uterine sarcomas, which is composed of operation, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
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Fernandes P, Barois P, Wang ST, Liu ZQ, McCoy BK, Huang CC, Pindak R, Caliebe W, Nguyen HT. Polarization studies of resonant forbidden reflections in liquid crystals. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2007; 99:227801. [PMID: 18233329 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.99.227801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
We report the results of resonant x-ray diffraction experiments performed on thick films of a biaxial liquid crystal made of achiral bent-core molecules. Polarization properties of forbidden reflections are observed as a function of the sample rotation angle phi about the scattering vector Q for the first time on a fluid material. The experimental data are successfully analyzed within a tensor structure factor model by taking the nonperfect alignment of the liquid crystal into account. The local structure of the B2 mesophase is hence determined to be SmC_{S}P_{A}.
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Tsujimoto H, Hara K, Tsukada Y, Huang CC, Kawashima Y, Arakaki M, Okayasu H, Mimura H, Miwa N. Evaluation of the permeability of hair growing ingredient encapsulated PLGA nanospheres to hair follicles and their hair growing effects. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2007; 17:4771-7. [PMID: 17658251 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2007.06.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2007] [Revised: 05/30/2007] [Accepted: 06/20/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes the process of encapsulating hair growing ingredients in the PLGA nanospheres by emulsion solvent diffusion method and investigates the feasibility of using the PLGA nanospheres as the DDS (Drug delivery System) carriers for delivering various hair growing ingredients to hair follicles. In-vitro and in-vivo tests were conducted to verify the performances of encapsulated PLGA nanospheres with three different hair growing ingredients. In the in-vitro tests, the scalp-pore permeability of hair growing ingredient encapsulated PLGA nanospheres (dispersed in the PBS solution) was examined using human scalp biopsies in a modified Bronaugh diffusion chamber in comparison to that of the control samples containing the hair growing ingredient in the PBS solution. Furthermore, the hair growing effect of the encapsulated PLGA nanospheres was evaluated with the C3H mice in the in-vivo tests. By observing the fluorescence intensity of the ingredients, as shown in the cross-section photographs of the human scalp biopsies, it was found that the dispersion liquids containing hair growing ingredient encapsulated PLGA nanospheres exerted a scalp-pore permeability 2.0- to 2.5-fold more marked than that of the control samples. Also, the hair growing activities were enhanced by using the encapsulated PLGA nanospheres, which transformed the hair growth cycle from the resting phase to the growing phase. As a result, the degree of hair growth was improved significantly. These results suggested that the PLGA nanosphere can be a new DDS carrier for delivering hair growing ingredients and drugs to the hair follicles.
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80
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Liu ZQ, McCoy BK, Wang ST, Pindak R, Caliebe W, Barois P, Fernandes P, Nguyen HT, Hsu CS, Wang S, Huang CC. Unique pitch evolution in the smectic-C+alpha phase. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2007; 99:077802. [PMID: 17930926 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.99.077802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Employing resonant x-ray diffraction, we observed unique pitch evolutions in the smectic-C*(alpha) phase in mixtures of two antiferroelectric liquid crystals. Our results show that the pitch in this phase continuously evolves across 4 layers, contradicting a theoretical model that predicts that the smectic-C*(FI2) phase intervenes in the smectic-C*(alpha) phase. The phase sequences we found can be explained by another model that includes one type of long-range interaction among smectic layers.
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81
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Chien SWC, Wang MC, Huang CC, Seshaiah K. Characterization of humic substances derived from swine manure-based compost and correlation of their characteristics with reactivities with heavy metals. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2007; 55:4820-7. [PMID: 17497878 DOI: 10.1021/jf070021d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Various composts contain a significant amount of humic substances including humic acid (HA) and fulvic acids (FAs). The FA fraction in soils is considered to be sensitive to agronomic and environmental factors. In this study, three fractions of humic substances, HA (MW > 1000 Da), FA (MW > 1000 Da), and FA (MW < 1000 Da) were extracted from swine manure-based compost and characterized, and then, their reactivities were correlated with heavy metals. Compositions of the three fractions of humic substances were characterized by elemental and total acidity analyses and electron spin resonance (ESR), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance with cross-polarization and magic-angle spinning spectroscopic techniques. Elemental analyses indicated that HA has higher contents of C, H, N, and S than those of FAs. However, FA (MW > 1000) and especially FA (MW < 1000) have higher contents of O than that of HA (MW > 1000). The g values of the ESR spectra of the three fractions showed that the organic free radical characteristics and the widths of the spectra and free radical concentrations of the three fractions are significantly different. The FTIR spectra indicated that HA (MW > 1000) is abundant in C=C bonds while FA (MW > 1000), especially FA (MW < 1000), are abundant in C=O bonds. In addition, 13C NMR spectra indicate that carboxyl contents of FA (MW > 1000), especially FA (MW < 1000), are higher than that of HA (MW > 1000). The sequence of the reactivity in terms of acidic functional groups was FA (MW < 1000) > FA (MW > 1000) > HA (MW > 1000). Elemental and functional group compositions of the three fractions significantly correlated with reported reactivities with heavy metals. The application of swine manure-based compost containing HA and FAs fractions to soil and associated environments may thus significantly affect the concerned reactions with organic and inorganic compounds including pollutants.
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McCoy BK, Liu ZQ, Wang ST, Pindak R, Takekoshi K, Ema K, Seed A, Huang CC. Smectic-C*alpha phase with two coexistent helical pitch values and a first-order smectic-C*alpha to smectic-C* transition. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2007; 75:051706. [PMID: 17677083 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.75.051706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2007] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Previous results from Kundu using dielectric relaxation have suggested a reentrant antiferroelectric-ferroelectric-antiferroelectric transition in the compound LN36. Our comprehensive studies of this compound using differential optical reflectivity, nonadiabatic scanning calorimetry, null transmission ellipsometry, and resonant x-ray diffraction show that in fact LN36 exhibits the usual phase sequence for chiral smectic liquid crystals: SmA*-SmC*alpha-SmC*-SmC*FI1-SmC*A . Moreover, the SmC*alpha-SmC* transition is a first-order transition, characterized by a discontinuous change in the helical pitch. At temperatures just above the SmC*alpha-SmC* transition, two different values for the helical pitch are simultaneously observed for the first time.
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Lee MS, Deng MC, Lin YJ, Chang CY, Shieh HK, Shiau JZ, Huang CC. Characterization of an H5N1 avian influenza virus from Taiwan. Vet Microbiol 2007; 124:193-201. [PMID: 17512143 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2007.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2007] [Revised: 04/03/2007] [Accepted: 04/05/2007] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In 2003, an avian influenza (AI) virus of H5N1 subtype (A/Duck/China/E319-2/03; Dk/CHN/E319-2/03) was isolated from a smuggled duck in Kinmen Island of Taiwan. Phylogenetic analysis and pairwise comparison of nucleotide and amino acid sequences revealed that the virus displayed high similarity to the H5N1 viruses circulating in Asia during 2004 and 2005. The hemagglutinin (HA) protein of the virus contained multiple basic amino acid residues (-RERRRKR-) adjacent to the cleavage site between the HA1 and HA2 domains, showing the highly pathogenic (HP) characteristics. The HP phenotype was confirmed by experimental infection of chickens, which led up to 100% mortality within 24-72h postinfection. The virus replicated equally well in the majority of organs of the infected chickens with titers ranging from 10(7.5) to 10(4.7) 50% embryo lethal dose (ELD50) per gram of tissue. In a mouse model the virus exhibits low pathogenic characteristics with a lethal infection observed only after applying high inoculating dose (>or=10(7.6) ELD50) of the virus. The infectious virus particles were recovered only from the pulmonary system including trachea and lungs. Our study suggests that ducks infected with H5N1 AIV of HPAI pathotype showing no disease signs can carry the virus silently and that bird smuggling represent a serious risk for H5N1 HPAI transmission.
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84
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Truitt PA, Hertzberg JB, Huang CC, Ekinci KL, Schwab KC. Efficient and sensitive capacitive readout of nanomechanical resonator arrays. NANO LETTERS 2007; 7:120-6. [PMID: 17212450 DOI: 10.1021/nl062278g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Here we describe all-electronic broadband motion detection in radio frequency nanomechanical resonators. Our technique relies upon the measurement of small motional capacitance changes using an LC impedance transformation network. We first demonstrate the technique on a single doubly clamped beam resonator with a side gate over a wide range of temperatures from 20 mK to 300 K. We then apply the technique to accomplish multiplexed readout of an array of individually addressable resonators, all embedded in a single high-frequency circuit. This technique may find use in a variety of applications ranging from ultrasensitive mass and force sensing to quantum information processing.
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Hara K, Tsujimoto H, Huang CC, Kawashima Y, Mimura H, Miwa N. The effect of poly (aspartic acid-co-lactic acid) nanospheres on the lung metastasis of B16BL6 melanoma cells by intravenous administration. Oncol Rep 2006; 16:1215-20. [PMID: 17089040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Poly (aspartic acid-co-lactic acid) (PAL) has been investigated as a new biodegradable material for Drug Delivery Systems (DDS). Similar to the poly (lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanospheres, the PAL nanospheres can control-release encapsulated drugs by hydrolysis and adhere to the mucous membranes to improve the drug absorption. In this study, the vitamin encapsulated PAL nanospheres were applied on mice to examine their effect on tumor metastasis and safety as an injectable DDS material for anti-cancer and other drugs. In the experiment, 6 C57BL/6 mice per group were intravenously administered with B16BL6 melanoma cells (1 x 10(5) per mouse) and non-encapsulated PAL nanospheres or pro-vitamin encapsulated nanospheres respectively, while the control group was administered with B16BL6 cells alone. Two weeks later, the lungs of the mice were excised and metastatic foci on the lung surface were counted. The melanoma cell metastasis to lungs was prevented by intravenous co-injection of B16BL6 melanoma cells with 1.7 microg of pro-vitamin E encapsulated PAL nanospheres. Its metastatic foci count (mean +/- SD) was 127+/-80, which was better than the control (246+/-95, p<0.02). Also, applying the pro-vitamin C and pro-vitamin A encapsulated PAL nanospheres as well as the non-encapsulated PAL nanospheres slightly decreased the number of metastasis colonies in the lungs as compared to that of the control. These results suggested that PAL nanospheres did not promote the lung metastasis of B16BL6 melanoma cells. Thus, the PAL nanospheres are safe material for injection applications.
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Wang ST, Han XF, Liu ZQ, McCoy BK, Huang CC. Optical studies on the surface-induced tilted layers in freestanding films of two no-layer-shrinkage liquid crystal compounds. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2006; 74:031707. [PMID: 17025654 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.74.031707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2006] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Null transmission ellipsometry has been employed to study the molecular arrangements in freestanding films of two no-layer-shrinkage liquid crystal homologous compounds above the bulk smectic A-smectic C* (Sm C*) transition temperature. An unusual nonplanar-parallel or nonplanar-antiparallel-parallel transition has been observed in both compounds under a proper electric field. With the addition of one CH2 group, while the SmC* phase is more stable thermally, the magnitude of the critical field needed to induce a parallel-antiparallel transition decreases dramatically.
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87
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Liu ZQ, Wang ST, McCoy BK, Cady A, Pindak R, Caliebe W, Takekoshi K, Ema K, Nguyen HT, Huang CC. Smectic-Calpha*-smectic-C* phase transition and critical point in binary mixtures. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2006; 74:030702. [PMID: 17025581 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.74.030702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2006] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
We have investigated the smectic-Calpha*-smectic-C* (SmCalpha*-SmC*) transition in a series of binary mixtures with resonant x-ray diffraction, differential optical reflectivity, and heat capacity measurements. Results show that the phases are separated by a first-order transition that ends at a critical point. We report the observation of such a critical point. We have proposed the appropriate order parameter and obtained values of two critical exponents associated with this transition. The values of the critical exponents suggest that long-range interactions are present in the SmCalpha*-SmC* critical region.
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Chang Chien SW, Wang MC, Huang CC. Reactions of compost-derived humic substances with lead, copper, cadmium, and zinc. CHEMOSPHERE 2006; 64:1353-61. [PMID: 16490235 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2005.12.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2005] [Revised: 12/07/2005] [Accepted: 12/19/2005] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Thermodynamic stability constants of the formation of complexes from the reactions of humic substances with various metals are usually used as parameters to judge the reactivities of both humic substances and metals. However, in calculating the thermodynamic stability constants, complicated processes for the acquisition of activities of components in reactions are absolutely inevitable. In this study, we investigated the average conditional concentration quotients of the complexes formed from the reaction of metals with humic substances and the relations of these quotients to thermodynamic stability constants. The characterized humic substances including HA (MW>1,000), FA (MW>1,000), and FA (MW<1,000) extracted from a swine compost were prepared to react with Pb, Cu, Cd, and Zn at 25 degrees C and at pH 4.00 and 6.50. Reactions of HA (MW>1,000), FA (MW>1,000), and FA (MW<1,000) with the four metals were carried out at 1:0.1, 1:0.5, 1:1, 1:5, and 1:10 ligand:metal stoichiometry. The concentrations of the free ions of Pb, Cu, Cd, and Zn in the reaction systems of metal-HA suspensions and metal-FA solutions were measured by anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV). The sequence of the average conditional concentration quotients of the formed complexes from the reaction of humic substances with metals was FA(MW<1,000)>FA(MW>1,000)>HA(MW>1,000), showing the relative reactivities of the fractions of swine compost-derived humic substances. The sequence of reacting metals with humic substances was Pb>Cu>Cd>Zn, which is in good agreement with the sequence reported by judging the thermodynamic stability constants. The average conditional concentration quotients of the formed complexes from the reaction of humic substances with metals were thus useful parameters that can be directly related to thermodynamic stability constants and other parameters.
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Veum M, Blees MK, Voshell N, Nguyen HT, Huang CC. Role of molecular weight and phase sequence in the temperature variation of film tension above the bulk isotropic transition in freestanding liquid-crystal films. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2006; 74:011703. [PMID: 16907107 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.74.011703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2006] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Building upon our previous report [Veum, Phys. Rev. E 17, 020701(R) (2005)] involving two compounds, we have performed a systematic study of the temperature variation of film tension above the bulk isotropic transition in freestanding films to include a total of six smectic liquid-crystal compounds. Consistent with the previous results, the tension increases sharply with temperature above the transition, the tension-temperature slope is proportional to the film's thickness, and the data can be interpreted in the context of theoretical models for layer thinning. Our data suggest that both molecular weight and bulk phase appearing below its isotropic phase play important roles in the slope values.
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Panov VP, McCoy BK, Liu ZQ, Vij JK, Goodby JW, Huang CC. Investigations of nanoscale helical pitch in smectic-C*alpha and smectic-C* phases of a chiral smectic liquid crystal using differential optical reflectivity measurements. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2006; 74:011701. [PMID: 16907105 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.74.011701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2006] [Revised: 05/16/2006] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Differential optical reflectivity (DOR) was used to study the temperature dependence of the short helical pitch in freestanding films of a liquid crystal compound. The experimentally measured DOR signal was fitted using Berreman's 4 x 4 matrix method to get the pitch value in the smectic-C*alpha (sMC*alpha) phase. The results show continuous evolution of the pitch between the smectic-C*alpha and sMC*alpha phases. In sMC*alpha, the pitch decreases as temperature increases and is found to level off at 16+/-1 smectic layers at the sMC*alpha to smectic-A* transition.
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91
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Huang CW, Hsieh YJ, Huang CC, Tsai JJ. Non-ketotic hyperglycaemia-related paroxysmal bilateral hand paraesthesia misdiagnosed as diabetic neuropathy. Neurol Sci 2006; 27:180-2. [PMID: 16897631 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-006-0665-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2006] [Accepted: 05/17/2006] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Non-ketotic hyperglycaemia (NKH)-related partial seizure disorders are not uncommon in clinical practice but still deserve attention as they significantly affect neurologic outcome if unnoticed. The atypical presentation of sensorimotor symptoms can be seen in this setting, with paroxysmal character as the rule. Atypical manifestations could cause confusion and might lead to improper diagnosis and treatment. We report a case of inadequately controlled diabetes mellitus and NKH presenting as paroxysmal paraesthesia of both hands, which was misdiagnosed as diabetic neuropathy.
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Ke WC, Fu CP, Huang CC, Ku CS, Lee L, Chen CY, Tsai WC, Chen WK, Lee MC, Chou WC, Lin WJ, Cheng YC. Optical properties and carrier dynamics of self-assembled GaN/Al(0.11)Ga(0.89)N quantum dots. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2006; 17:2609-2613. [PMID: 21727512 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/17/10/027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
GaN quantum dots were grown on an Al(0.11)Ga(0.89)N buffer layer by using flow rate modulation epitaxy. The Stranski-Krastanov growth mode was identified by an atomic force microscopy study. The thickness of the wetting layer is about 7.2 monolayers. The temperature dependent photoluminescence studies showed that at low temperature the localization energy, which accounts for de-trapping of excitons, decreases with the reducing dot size. The decrease in emission efficiency at high temperature is attributed to the activation of carriers from the GaN dot to the nitrogen vacancy (V(N)) state of the Al(0.11)Ga(0.89)N barrier layer. The activation energy decreases with reducing dot size.
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McCoy BK, Liu ZQ, Wang ST, Panov VP, Vij JK, Goodby JW, Huang CC. Surface-induced multiple reentrant transitions. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2006; 73:041704. [PMID: 16711824 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.73.041704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2005] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
We have studied tilted surface layers in the bulk SmA temperature window of one liquid crystal using null transmission ellipsometry. Five distinct nonplanar surface structures were observed. We present analyses of the tilt and azimuthal profiles of the structures and examine the transitions between the structures. The transitions are identified as a double reentrant synclinic-anticlinic-synclinic-anticlinic transition. Meanwhile, the transitions also display reentrant ferroelectric-antiferroelectric-ferroelectric behavior.
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94
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Wang HP, Huang CC, Chen CH, Lin HY. Weber–Christian disease presenting with intractable fever and periorbital swelling mimicking angioedema. Clin Rheumatol 2006; 26:1002-4. [PMID: 16550303 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-006-0235-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2006] [Revised: 01/24/2006] [Accepted: 01/24/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A 22-year-old male patient with Weber-Christian disease (WCD) presenting with periorbital swelling is a very rare occurrence. Lobular panniculitis in the periorbital and anterior tibial skin was diagnosed in this patient, based on the histological findings from biopsy specimens. The differential diagnosis was done before administering systemic corticosteroid. A dramatic response was achieved several days later, but relapse with intractable fever occurred 1 month later. The use of other immunosuppressive agents failed, and he died of septic shock 2 months later. The preceding infection may have been the immunopathologic factor in the development of WCD. Other effective treatments for WCD may be described in the future.
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95
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Wang ST, Liu ZQ, McCoy BK, Pindak R, Caliebe W, Nguyen HT, Huang CC. Optical and resonant X-ray diffraction studies confirm a SmC*FI2-SmC* liquid crystal phase sequence reversal. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2006; 96:097801. [PMID: 16606316 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.96.097801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2005] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Employing both null transmission ellipsometry and resonant x-ray diffraction, we confirmed the SmC*FI2-SmC* phase sequence reversal in one liquid crystal compound and specially prepared binary mixtures. This phase sequence reversal was predicted by two recent theoretical advances. Moreover, the temperature range for the SmC*FI2 phase increases significantly in the mixture suggesting that such a phase sequence may exist in other compounds.
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96
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Hwang IS, Huang CC, Sul JH, Huang CT, Wang CH, Young MS. The effects of weight load and joint immobilization on reorganization of postural tremor. ELECTROMYOGRAPHY AND CLINICAL NEUROPHYSIOLOGY 2006; 46:67-77. [PMID: 16795996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
To investigate change in coordinative strategies due to wrist immobilization and index loading, postural tremors from the index, hand, and forearm were recorded during different postural holding tasks. The wrist joint was immobilized with a thermoplastic splint in the constrained condition, and a copper mass of 100 grams was applied to the index finger in the loaded condition. The structures of the postural tremors of all upper limb segments among the unloaded-unconstrained, unloaded-constrained, loaded-unconstrained, and loaded-constrained conditions were compared. Index loading exaggerated index/forearm postural tremor, while the load-induced tremor enhancement was no longer evident for wrist immobilization. In the unloaded condition, wrist immobilization resulted specifically in enhancement of carpal postural tremor, rather than in the index and forearm. Index loading induced a marked tremor peak and relative power in the range of 5-8 Hz. Wrist immobilization potentiated the carpal tremor peak of 1-4 Hz in association with enhancement of carpal-forearm mechanical coupling. In light of structural changes in postural tremor, our data suggest that (1) a wrist splint is effective to counteract load-induced enhancement of postural tremor, and (2) freezing of the wrist joint might facilitate compensatory strategies to minimize passive fluctuation transmission from the carpal to index.
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97
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Chen YC, Tsai MH, Ho YP, Hsu CW, Lin HH, Fang JT, Huang CC, Chen PC. Comparison of the severity of illness scoring systems for critically ill cirrhotic patients with renal failure. Clin Nephrol 2005; 61:111-8. [PMID: 14989630 DOI: 10.5414/cnp61111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mortality rates of cirrhotic patients with renal failure admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) are high. End-stage liver disease is frequently complicated by disturbances of renal function. This investigation is aimed to compare the predicting ability of acute physiology, age, chronic health evaluation II and III (APACHE II and III), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), and Child-Pugh scoring systems, obtained on the first day of ICU admission, for hospital mortality in critically ill cirrhotic patients with renal failure. METHODS Sixty-seven patients with liver cirrhosis and renal failure were admitted to ICU from April 2001-March 2002. Information considered necessary for computing the Child-Pugh, SOFA, APACHE II and APACHE III score on the first day of ICU admission was prospectively collected. RESULTS The overall hospital mortality rate was 86.6%. Liver disease was most commonly attributed to hepatitis B viral infection. The development of renal failure was associated with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding. Goodness-of-fit was good for SOFA, APACHE II and APACHE III scores. The APACHE III and SOFA models reported good areas under receiver operating characteristic curve (0.878 +/- 0.050 and 0.868 +/- 0.051, respectively). CONCLUSION Renal failure is common in critically ill patients with cirrhosis. The prognosis for cirrhotic patients with renal failure is poor. APACHE III and SOFA showed excellent discrimination power in this group of patients. They are superior to APACHE II and Child-Pugh scores in this homogenous group of patients.
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98
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Badagnani I, Chan W, Castro RA, Brett CM, Huang CC, Stryke D, Kawamoto M, Johns SJ, Ferrin TE, Carlson EJ, Burchard EG, Giacomini KM. Functional analysis of genetic variants in the human concentrative nucleoside transporter 3 (CNT3; SLC28A3). THE PHARMACOGENOMICS JOURNAL 2005; 5:157-65. [PMID: 15738947 DOI: 10.1038/sj.tpj.6500303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The human concentrative nucleoside transporter, CNT3 (SLC28A3), plays an important role in mediating the cellular entry of a broad array of physiological nucleosides and synthetic anticancer nucleoside analog drugs. As a first step toward understanding the genetic basis for interindividual differences in the disposition and response to antileukemic nucleoside analogs, we examined the genetic and functional diversity of CNT3. In all, 56 variable sites in the exons and flanking intronic region of SLC28A3 were identified in a collection of 270 DNA samples from US populations (80 African-Americans, 80 European-Americans, 60 Asian-Americans, and 50 Mexican-Americans). Of the 16 coding region variants, 12 had not been previously reported. Also, 10 resulted in amino-acid changes and three of these had total allele frequencies of >/=1%. Nucleotide diversity (pi) at nonsynonymous and synonymous sites was estimated to be 1.81 x 10(4) and 18.13 x 10(4), respectively, suggesting that SLC28A3 is under negative selection. All nonsynonymous variants, constructed by site-directed mutagenesis and expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, transported purine and pyrimidine model substrates, except for c. 1099G>A (p. Gly367Arg). This rare variant alters an evolutionarily conserved site in the putative substrate recognition domain of CNT3. The presence of three additional evolutionarily conserved glycine residues in the vicinity of p. Gly367Arg that are also conserved in human paralogs suggest that these glycine residues are critical in the function of the concentrative nucleoside transporter family. The genetic analysis and functional characterization of CNT3 variants suggest that this transporter does not tolerate nonsynonymous changes and is important for human fitness.
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99
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Ema K, Takekoshi K, Yao H, Wang ST, Huang CC. Calorimetric investigations of liquid-crystal compounds exhibiting almost no layer-shrinkage behavior through the smectic-A-smectic- C* transition. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2005; 71:031706. [PMID: 15903446 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.71.031706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2004] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Heat-capacity measurements have been made on liquid-crystal compounds exhibiting almost no layer-shrinkage (NLS) behavior through the Sm-A-Sm- C(*) phase transition. The transition was found to be second order for two of the substances studied. It was found that the heat-capacity anomaly accompanying a second-order Sm-A-Sm- C(*) transition with NLS behavior is quite similar to that observed for typical antiferroelectric liquid crystals of the 4-(1-methylheptyloxycarbonyl)phenyl 4'-octyloxybiphenyl-4-carboxylate (MHPOBC) group, showing three-dimensional (3D) XY behavior in the vicinity of the transition. On the other hand, for one compound which shows a weakly first-order transition, the anomaly is almost symmetric above and below T(c) , with a significant fluctuation effect in the Sm-A phase. For this compound, the critical behavior of the heat-capacity anomaly is almost tricritical in the immediate vicinity of T(c) , while away from T(c) the behavior can be explained with the 3D XY model. This suggests that the underlying transition with the 3D XY critical behavior is driven to almost being tricritical but remaining weakly first order. No indication of low-dimensional character in the critical behavior was found in both cases.
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100
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Huang CS, Huang CC, Lien HH. Prolene hernia system compared with mesh plug technique: a prospective study of short- to mid-term outcomes in primary groin hernia repair. Hernia 2005; 9:167-71. [PMID: 15703858 DOI: 10.1007/s10029-005-0318-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2004] [Accepted: 12/23/2004] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Two types of anterior tension-free hernioplasty, prolene hernia system (PHS) repair and mesh plug technique (MPT), were introduced to Taiwan in 2001. This study compared the short- to mid-term outcomes following primary groin hernia repair with PHS and MPT. From January 2001 to December 2003, 393 patients with 426 primary groin hernias were operated on by a single surgeon using MPT (n=192) and PHS (n=234). Baseline perioperative details and follow-up information were compared. Demographic characteristics of both groups were similar. The laterality, types of anesthesia, postoperative stay, postoperative wound pain scores, wound complications and days to return to activities of daily life were equally distributed between the two groups. However, the distribution of Gilbert types in the PHS group was shifted a little to the right compared with that of the MPT group. PHS repair had longer operative time (34+/-17 vs 25+/-9 minutes, p<0.01). No recurrence was noted in both groups during the follow-up from 5 to 41 months. Chronic non-disabling groin pains were noted in 2.8% (6/218) of patients in the PHS group and 8.9% (14/175) in the MPT group (p=0.01). Our results show that both PHS and MPT repairs can be performed with short operation time, minor wound pain and quick return to activities of daily life without short- to mid-term recurrences, but postoperatively the MPT group had higher incidence of chronic non-disabling groin pain. Although the MPT is less invasive, the additional protective patch in the preperitoneal space of the PHS may provide a further safeguard against recurrences, especially for those patients with attenuated inguinal floor. Long-term follow-up is needed.
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