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Lee YC, Hu HY, Yen TM, Tsai CH. Kano’s Model and Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory Applied to Order Winners and Qualifiers Improvement: A Study of the Computer Industry. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.3923/itj.2008.702.714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Tsai CH, Ju CP, Chern Lin JH. Morphology and mechanical behavior of TTCP-derived calcium phosphate cement subcutaneously implanted in rats. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE. MATERIALS IN MEDICINE 2008; 19:2407-2415. [PMID: 18185915 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-006-0055-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2006] [Accepted: 11/27/2006] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
A pre-hardened, TTCP-derived CPC was immersed in Hanks' solution as well as subcutaneously implanted into abdomen of rats. The implant-soft tissue interfacial morphology was examined and properties of the CPC were evaluated and compared under in vitro and in vivo conditions. The results indicate that the surface of immersed samples appeared rougher and more porous than that of implanted samples and was covered with a layer of fine apatite crystals. The CPC samples implanted for 4 weeks or longer were surrounded by a layer of fibrous tissue, which was further surrounded by a soft tissue capsule comprising numerous fat cells. The soft tissue capsule had a non-uniform distribution in thickness, which increased most significantly between 4 weeks and 12 weeks after implantation. None of polymorphic cells, osteoblast cells or bone cells adjacent to the implant were observed. The majority of original TTCP powder was transformed into apatite after 1 day of either immersion in Hanks' solution or implantation. The average porosity values of samples immersed in Hanks' solution for 4 weeks or longer were significantly larger than those immersed for 1 day or 1 week. The porosity values of samples implanted for different times were not significantly different. The DTS values of Hanks' solution-immersed samples largely decreased after a few weeks of immersion. The implanted samples maintained their strengths throughout the study.
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Chung YC, Hsu YW, Tsai CH. An empirical study on the correlation between Critical DFSS success factors, DFSS implementation activity levels and business competitive advantages in Taiwan's high-tech manufacturers. TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT & BUSINESS EXCELLENCE 2008. [DOI: 10.1080/14783360802024408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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54
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Tsai CH, Chuang CS, Chi KW. SU-GG-I-118: A Novel Method of MRI Correlate with Electron Density Information for Radiotherapy Treatment Planning. Med Phys 2008. [DOI: 10.1118/1.2961516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Chung YC, Tien SW, Hsieh CH, Tsai CH. A study of the business value of Total Quality Management. TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT & BUSINESS EXCELLENCE 2008. [DOI: 10.1080/14783360701349344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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56
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Lee YC, Yen TM, Tsai CH. Using Importance-Performance Analysis and Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory to Enhance Order-Winner Criteria ~ A Study of Computer Industry. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.3923/itj.2008.396.408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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57
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Tsai CH, Lin RM, Ju CP, Chern Lin JH. Bioresorption behavior of tetracalcium phosphate-derived calcium phosphate cement implanted in femur of rabbits. Biomaterials 2008; 29:984-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2007.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2007] [Accepted: 10/14/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Chung YC, Tsai CH, Hsu YW. Research on the Correlation Among Critical Success Factors, of Knowledge Management, Executive Degree of Knowledge Management Activities and New Product Development Performance in Taiwan's High-Tech Firms. JOURNAL OF INFORMATION & KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT 2007. [DOI: 10.1142/s0219649207001834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge Management (KM) is an important issue in the 21st century and its execution has become a necessary process for enterprises to reach a level of sustainable development. Enterprises should value their own KM activities and accomplish the goal of sustainable operation through the promotion of effective KM activities. This research studies the impact of the critical success factors of KM on the implementation of KM activities, and its impact on new product development performance. The two intermediate variables, industry groups and the enterprise scales, are considered. After reviewing the literature, this research developed a theoretical model of the factors influencing these relationships. The research results found that the executive degree of critical KM success factors (five dimensions) revealed a significant influence on the executive degree of KM activities. The executive degree of KM activities also revealed a significant impact on new product development performance. As to the intermediate variables of industry groups and enterprise scales, this research proved that industry groups and the enterprise scales do not have any significant influence on the executive degree of KM activities or the new product development performance.
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Chen TW, Tsai CH, Chou SJ, Yu CY, Shih ML, Yu JC, Hsieh CB. Intrapericardial isolation of the inferior vena cava through a transdiaphragmatic pericardial window for tumor resection without sternotomy or thoracotomy. Eur J Surg Oncol 2007; 33:239-42. [PMID: 17174512 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2006.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2006] [Accepted: 11/09/2006] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The prognosis for patients with advanced tumors invading the inferior vena cava (IVC) is dismal and surgical treatments for these tumors are challenging. A surgical approach that avoids sternotomy and thoracotomy for tumors invading the IVC even to the level of the hepatocaval junction would be extremely helpful. METHODS The intrapericardial IVC was isolated via a transdiaphragmatic pericardial window using a transabdominal approach. Hepatectomy was then applied via an anterior approach until the IVC was seen. Total hepatic vascular exclusion was achieved by clamping the portal triad, intrapericardial IVC and infrahepatic IVC. We removed the primary tumor, the liver portion involved and the tumor thrombi, with segmental resection of the IVC. Vascular continuity was reestablished using a 20-mm-diameter polytetrafluoroethylene graft. RESULTS Four patients with tumors invading the IVC were treated with this method. All underwent gross en-bloc tumor resections and all survived. CONCLUSION This method for the resection of IVC tumors could avoid emboli dislodging from the tumor thrombi, prevent the complications of sternotomy, cardiopulmonary bypass and shorten operative times.
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Tien SW, Hwang WT, Tsai CH. Study of a risk-based piping inspection guideline system. ISA TRANSACTIONS 2007; 46:119-26. [PMID: 17275821 DOI: 10.1016/j.isatra.2006.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2005] [Accepted: 06/23/2006] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
A risk-based inspection system and a piping inspection guideline model were developed in this study. The research procedure consists of two parts--the building of a risk-based inspection model for piping and the construction of a risk-based piping inspection guideline model. Field visits at the plant were conducted to develop the risk-based inspection and strategic analysis system. A knowledge-based model had been built in accordance with international standards and local government regulations, and the rational unified process was applied for reducing the discrepancy in the development of the models. The models had been designed to analyze damage factors, damage models, and potential damage positions of piping in the petrochemical plants. The purpose of this study was to provide inspection-related personnel with the optimal planning tools for piping inspections, hence, to enable effective predictions of potential piping risks and to enhance the better degree of safety in plant operations that the petrochemical industries can be expected to achieve. A risk analysis was conducted on the piping system of a petrochemical plant. The outcome indicated that most of the risks resulted from a small number of pipelines.
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Tsai CH, Lin JHC, Ju CP. γ-Radiation-induced changes in structure and properties of tetracalcium phosphate and its derived calcium phosphate cement. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2006; 80:244-52. [PMID: 16850475 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.30590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the gamma-radiation effect on the structure and properties of the single-phase tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) powder and its derived calcium phosphate cement (CPC). Experimental results show that low-dosed (0-30 kGy) CPC has a setting time of 10-12 min, while high-dosed (40-120 kGy) CPC has a setting time of 8-10 min. The low dose gamma-radiation does not significantly change porosity volume fraction or compressive strength of the CPC. The pH values of all CPC samples fell in a relatively narrow band, with a band width of 8.5-9.1 (in terms of pH value). With a dose of 10 or 20 kGy gamma-radiation, the TTCP-apatite conversion ratio does not change much. With 30 kGy the conversion ratio significantly increases and reaches a maximum value. With further increases in dose, the conversion ratio quickly declines. With increasing gamma-ray dose, the CPC morphology becomes more porous/loose and apatite particles become larger in size. When exposed to a high dose (120 kGy) of gamma-radiation, TTCP structure is radiation-damaged, and gamma-ray-induced formation of apatite is confirmed by transmission electron microscopic/selected-area diffraction/lattice imaging analyses.
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Peng CT, Wu KH, Lan SJ, Tsai JJP, Tsai FJ, Tsai CH. Amino acid concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia undergoing chemotherapy. Eur J Cancer 2005; 41:1158-63. [PMID: 15911239 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2005.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2004] [Revised: 01/27/2005] [Accepted: 02/17/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amino acid concentrations were measured in 45 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Central nervous system (CNS) disease was absent in 34 and present in 11 (Groups L and M, respectively) at diagnosis. Thirty-two otherwise healthy children with febrile convulsions were studied for comparison. Results from this study show that glutamine levels at Day 0 were significantly higher in patients than in controls. Patients in Group M had elevated glutamine levels compared to Group L. In comparison, at Day 14, concentrations of glutamine and asparagine decreased, while glutamic acid amounts increased significantly in Group L. Glutamine levels fell at Day 42 in Group M, which may have resulted from more intensive treatment. From this study we hypothesise that higher baseline glutamine levels are indicative of a greater risk for CNS leukemia. Large-scale prospective trials are required to confirm increased baseline CSF glutamine levels in ALL patients, to identify glutamine as a marker for CNS disease and to clarify underlying mechanisms regulating glutamine in ALL.
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Christie PE, Jonas M, Tsai CH, Chi EY, Henderson WR. Increase in laminin expression in allergic airway remodelling and decrease by dexamethasone. Eur Respir J 2005; 24:107-15. [PMID: 15293612 DOI: 10.1183/09031936.04.00013303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Lung expression of the extracellular matrix protein, laminin, and its receptor, laminin-1 receptor, were examined in a mouse model of asthma with airway remodelling. Ovalbumin (OVA) was administered to BALB/c mice, intraperitoneally on days 0 and 14, and intranasally periodically between days 14 and 75. The mice developed airway eosinophil and mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis. On day 76, a marked increase in total laminin was seen in the airways of OVA-treated mice compared to controls by Western blot analysis. The increased laminin expression was detected immunocytochemically in the thickened subepithelial basement membrane and around airways and blood vessels. The OVA-treated mice showed increased expression of the alpha1, beta1, and gamma1 chains of the laminin-1 isoform in monocytes, macrophages and eosinophils infiltrating the airways. Laminin-1 receptor expression was increased in inflammatory and endothelial cells in the lungs of OVA-treated mice compared to controls. Treatment of OVA-sensitised/challenged mice with dexamethasone reduced airway expression of laminin and laminin-1 receptor in OVA-treated mice but not airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine. Laminin deposition may be an important component of the airway remodelling observed in chronic allergic lung inflammation and is a process modulated by corticosteroids.
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Wu CI, Changlai SP, Huang WS, Tsai CH, Lee CC, Kao CH. Usefulness of 99mTc ethyl cysteinate dimer brain SPECT to detect abnormal regional cerebral blood flow in patients with acute carbon monoxide poisoning. Nucl Med Commun 2005; 24:1185-8. [PMID: 14569173 DOI: 10.1097/00006231-200311000-00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
99mTc ethyl cysteinate dimer (99mTc-ECD) brain single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was used to detect abnormal regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in patients with acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Ten patients with acute CO poisoning and no past histories of psychoneurological disorders were enrolled in this study. After oxygen treatment, all of the 10 patients were investigated using 99mTc-ECD brain SPECT and brain computed tomography (CT) scan. Brain CT scan findings were normal in all of the 10 patients. 99mTc-ECD brain SPECT showed the hypoperfusion lesions of the basal ganglia and brain cortex in five and seven patients, respectively. Only three of the 10 patients had normal 99mTc-ECD brain SPECT findings. This study suggests that, in comparison with brain CT scan, 99mTc-ECD brain SPECT is a better tool for the early detection of hypoperfusion brain lesions in acute CO poisoning in patients with normal brain CT findings.
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Lin HC, Tsai FJ, Tsai CH, Hsieh YY, Hsu CM. Cytokine polymorphisms and chronic lung disease in small preterm infants. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2005; 90:F93-4. [PMID: 15613592 PMCID: PMC1721810 DOI: 10.1136/adc.2004.061713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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66
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Lo SF, Huang CM, Tsai CH, Chen ML, Tsai FJ. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene polymorphism in Taiwanese patients with gout. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2005; 23:85-8. [PMID: 15789892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine whether interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) gene polymorphism is a marker of susceptibility to or of the clinical characteristics of gout in Taiwanese patients. METHODS 196 Taiwanese patients with gout and 103 unrelated normal healthy control subjects living in central Taiwan were studied. Polymorphism of the gene for IL-1Ra was typed from genomic DNA. Allelic frequencies and carriage rates were compared between gout patients and control subjects. The relationship between IL-1Ra genotypes and the clinical characteristics of gout was also evaluated. RESULTS No significant differences were observed in genetic and allelic frequencies of the IL-1Ra gene polymorphism between patients with gout and healthy control subjects. Furthermore, we did not detect any association of IL-1Ra genotype with the clinical and laboratory profiles in patients with gout. CONCLUSION The results from the present study suggest that the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene polymorphism is not a genetic marker of susceptibility to gout for Taiwanese. Furthermore, our study also suggests that the IL-1Ra gene polymorphism is unrelated to the clinical characteristics of gout.
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Tsai CH, Chang FC, Su YC, Tsai FJ, Lu MK, Lee CC, Kuo CC, Yang YW, Lu CS. Two novel mutations of the glycine receptor gene in a Taiwanese hyperekplexia family. Neurology 2004; 63:893-6. [PMID: 15365143 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000138566.65519.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The authors report a Taiwanese family with autosomal recessive hyperekplexia. Two novel mutations, W96C (from the paternal allele) and R344X (from the maternal allele), which are located in exon 4 and exon 7 of the GLRA1 gene, were identified in this family. A series of electrophysiologic investigations were conducted in one of the probands, and the results suggest that the "startle center" is located subcortically.
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MESH Headings
- Acoustic Stimulation
- Adult
- Amino Acid Substitution
- Brain/physiopathology
- DNA Mutational Analysis
- Electromyography
- Evoked Potentials, Motor
- Female
- Genes, Recessive
- Humans
- Magnetics
- Mutation, Missense
- Pedigree
- Physical Stimulation
- Point Mutation
- Polymorphism, Single-Stranded Conformational
- Receptors, Glycine/genetics
- Reflex, Abnormal/genetics
- Reflex, Startle/genetics
- Reflex, Startle/physiology
- Reflex, Stretch/genetics
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Taiwan/epidemiology
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Liu FY, Shiau YC, Kao A, Hsu WH, Wang JJ, Tsai CH. Comparison of quantitative 99mTc-HMPAO and 67Ga citrate lung scans in patients with active diffuse infiltrative lung disease. Nucl Med Commun 2004; 24:1243-6. [PMID: 14627851 DOI: 10.1097/00006231-200312000-00007] [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] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Diffuse infiltrative lung disease (ILD) is a heterogeneous group of disorders that predominantly affect the lung parenchyma and spare the airway. To objectively assess the degree of pulmonary vascular endothelium damage in active ILD, lung/liver uptake ratios (L/L ratios) on 99mTc hexamethylpropylene amine oxime (99mTc-HMPAO) lung scans were determined in 21 patients with active ILD. Meanwhile, the 67Ga citrate uptake index (GUI) on 67Ga lung scans was measured in order to evaluate the severity of lung inflammation in active ILD. The results show there were statistically significant differences between normal controls and patients with active ILD, as shown in the L/L ratio and GUI. However, when the patients were divided into two groups: (1) eight patients with normal chest X-ray findings, and (2) 13 patients with abnormal X-ray findings, there was no significant difference between groups 1 and 2 for the results of L/L ratio and GUI. In addition, no correlation between the degree of damage to the pulmonary vascular endothelium and the severity of lung inflammation was found. In conclusion, L/L ratios on 99mTc-HMPAO lung scans and GUI on 67Ga lung scans are different to the findings of chest X-rays and have the potential to objectively detect the degree of damage to the pulmonary vascular endothelium and the severity of lung inflammation in active IDL. However, the relationship between L/L ratio and GUI in active ILD is not significant.
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Tsai YY, Tsai YY, Cheng YW, Lee H, Tseng SH, Tsai CH, Tsai FJ. No association of p53 codon 72 and p21 codon 31 polymorphisms in Taiwan Chinese patients with pterygium. Br J Ophthalmol 2004; 88:975-6. [PMID: 15205257 PMCID: PMC1772236 DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2003.040428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Chou IC, Tsai CH, Hsieh YY, Peng CT, Tsai FJ. Association between polymorphism of interleukin-1beta-511 promoter and susceptibility to febrile convulsions in Taiwanese children. ACTA PAEDIATRICA (OSLO, NORWAY : 1992) 2004; 92:1356. [PMID: 14696863 DOI: 10.1080/08035250310006133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2022]
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71
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Lee MT, Yen CK, Yang WP, Chen HH, Liao CH, Tsai CH, Chen CH. Efficient Green Coumarin Dopants for Organic Light-Emitting Devices. Org Lett 2004; 6:1241-4. [PMID: 15070307 DOI: 10.1021/ol049903d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We have synthesized a new green fluorescent dopant C-545P having incorporated five strategically placed "methyl" steric spacers on the julolidyl ring system. C-545P has good thermal properties and photostability, and when fabricated as a dopant in an Alq(3)-hosted OLED device, it shows notable improvement in luminance efficiency and is more resistant to concentration quenching than C-545T, particularly in the doping concentration range between 1 and 2% v/v, while achieving comparable device stability. [structure: see text]
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Huang CM, Chen CL, Tsai JJP, Tsai CH, Tsai FJ. Association between urokinase gene 3'-UTR T/C polymorphism and Chinese patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Taiwan. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2004; 22:219-22. [PMID: 15083890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the urokinase gene 3'-UTR C/T polymorphism is a marker of susceptibility to or severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Chinese patients. METHODS A total of 145 RA patients and 134 healthy control subjects were enrolled in this study. We identified the C/T polymorphism of the urokinase gene, which is mapped on the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) on chromosome 10 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS There were significant differences in the distribution of the urokinase gene 3'-UTR C/T polymorphism frequency between RA patients and subjects in the control group. However, we did not detect an, association between the urokinase gene 3'-UTR C/T polymorphism and rheumatoid factor (RF), extraarticular involvement or bone erosion in RA patients. CONCLUSION The urokinase gene 3'-UTR "T" allele was associated with RA in Chinese patients in Taiwan.
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Chen AC, Tsai FJ, Tsai CH, Lin CC, Lee CC, Kao CH. Simultaneously evaluating the effects of one-week fluticasone propionate inhalation therapy on lung ventilation and permeability in children with asthma. Lung 2004; 181:283-9. [PMID: 14705772 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-003-1032-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of fluticasone propionate inhalation therapy on lung ventilation and alveolar permeability by quantitative Tc-99m DTPA radioaerosol inhalation lung scintigraphy in 15 children with asthma. Lung ventilation was evaluated as the distribution percentage (D%) of Tc-99m DTPA radioaerosols in the central, intermediate and peripheral regions of the right lung. Alveolar permeability was measured by the rate of Tc-99m DTPA radioaerosol clearance curve from the peripheral alveoli of the right lung and represented as slope. The D% and slopes were calculated before and after one-week inhalation therapy (100 microg fluticasone propionate two times daily for one-week) to evaluate the effects of inhalation therapy on lung ventilation and alveolar permeability. The preliminary results revealed statistically significantly improved lung ventilation but no significant change of alveolar permeability in the right lung after one-week fluticasone propionate inhalation therapy in children with asthma. We suggest that the widely available and noninvasive Tc-99m DTPA radioaerosol inhalation lung scintigraphy can simultaneously evaluate lung ventilation and alveolar permeability in one study and should contribute to any disorder involving both alveoli and airways.
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Wu KH, Chang JS, Tsai CH, Peng CT. Combined therapy with deferiprone and desferrioxamine successfully regresses severe heart failure in patients with beta-thalassemia major. Ann Hematol 2003; 83:471-3. [PMID: 14658011 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-003-0820-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2003] [Accepted: 10/22/2003] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac complications caused by iron deposition are major causes of death in patients with beta-thalassemia major. Deferiprone (L1) was found to have greater efficacy at depleting myocardial iron than desferrioxamine (DFX). Furthermore, combined therapy with L1 and DFX produced an additive or synergistic iron chelating effect. We report the successful treatment of severe heart failure in two patients with beta-thalassemia major with the combined therapy. Magnetic resonance images showed a marked recovery of signal intensity in the heart, indicating a significant reduction of iron load in the heart. No significant adverse effects were noted. Therefore, combined therapy with L1 and DFX should be considered in patients with beta-thalassemia major and cardiac complications.
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Tsai PC, Chang FC, Tsai CH, Jang FR, Shen AN, Huang YT, Lai SC, Yeh TH, Lu MK, Lu CS. Focal hand myoclonus caused by a small hematoma underneath the cerebral motor cortex. Eur Neurol 2003; 50:114-7. [PMID: 12944720 DOI: 10.1159/000072512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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