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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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102
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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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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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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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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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106
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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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Veum M, Kutschera E, Voshell N, Wang ST, Wang SL, Nguyen HT, Huang CC. Temperature variation of film tension above the bulk smectic-A-isotropic transition in freestanding liquid-crystal films. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2005; 71:020701. [PMID: 15783308 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.71.020701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
We have measured the temperature variation of film tension above the bulk smectic-A-isotropic transition in freestanding films of two liquid-crystal compounds. Above the transition, the tension increases sharply with temperature, and the slope is proportional to the film's thickness regardless of whether or not the compound exhibits regular layer-by-layer thinning. The data can be interpreted in the context of theoretical models for layer thinning.
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108
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Ting LJ, Lee MS, Huang TS, Huang CC, Kuo ST, Lee F, Jong MH, Shiau JR, Lin SY. Identification of bluetongue virus in goats in Taiwan. Vet Rec 2005; 156:52. [PMID: 15675526 DOI: 10.1136/vr.156.2.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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109
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Lay JJ, Tsai CJ, Huang CC, Chang JJ, Chou CH, Fan KS, Chang JI, Hsu PC. Influences of pH and hydraulic retention time on anaerobes converting beer processing wastes into hydrogen. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2005; 52:123-9. [PMID: 16180418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
To convert high-solids organic wastes (3% w./w.) to high-value hydrogen, a full factorial experimental design was employed in planning the experiments for learning the effects of pH and hydraulic retention time (HRT) on the hydrogen production in a chemostat reactor using waste yeast obtained from beer processing wastes. For determining which experimental variable settings affect hydrogen production, predictive polynomial quadratic equation and response surface methodology were employed to determine and explain the conditions required for high-value hydrogen production. Experimental results indicate that a maximum hydrogen production rate of 460 mL/gVSS/d was obtained at pH = 5.8 and HRT = 32 hours. Moreover, hydrogenase targeted RT-PCR results indicate that Clostridium thermocellum and Klebsiella pneumoniae predominated.
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Chen JJ, Weng LY, Peng SM, Tsai MW, Hsu MJ, Huang CC, Lin SL, Liing RJ, Hsien HW, Liao YH. Development of interesting step-climbing styles. Methods Inf Med 2005; 44:323-7. [PMID: 15924201] [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
OBJECTIVES This study was to investigate the influence of stepping styles (forward, side, and cross steppings) and inclinations (25 and 45 degrees) on cardiorespiratory responses (C-R responses). METHODS Twenty volunteers were recruited and randomly arranged into two ten-people groups, exercising on step-climbing machines respectively of 25 and 45 degrees of inclination. C-R responses were recorded during each test which lasted for six minutes at 50 steps per minute on a step-climbing machine. RESULTS The group on 25-degree inclination had significantly lower C-R responses than the group on 45-degree inclination. Although only small differences, probably statistically insignificant, were found among the three step-climbing styles, these differences showed interesting trends independent of inclination. CONCLUSIONS Climbing stairs with the three interesting step-climbing styles in this study could be considered as an exercise of moderate intensity (60-80% HRmax ). Climbing on 25-degree inclination at 50 steps per minute is recommended for less fit individuals because of lower cardiovascular stress as compared with on 45-degree inclination.
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111
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Wang ST, Han XF, Cady A, Liu ZQ, Kamenev A, Glazman L, Sadashiva BK, Reddy RA, Huang CC. Optical investigations on the biaxial smectic- A phase of a bent-core compound. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2004; 70:061705. [PMID: 15697388 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.70.061705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2003] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Several unique optical properties have been obtained from freestanding films of a bent-core compound. Our experimental results indicate the existence of the antiferroelectric biaxial smectic-A (Sm A) phase. The critical exponent associated with the biaxiality through the uniaxial-antiferroelectric biaxial Sm A transition has been measured to be 0.82+/-0.04 , which is in good agreement with our theoretical calculation. Our theoretical advances further demonstrate that the critical behavior of the optical biaxiality with the order parameter being a vector is described by the secondary-order parameter of the three-dimensional XY model. We also observe a remarkable even-odd layering effect exhibited by the surface layers of freestanding films under an applied electric field (approximately 20 V/cm) in the film plane.
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112
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Bai Y, van der Hulst R, Huang CC, Wei L, Stam P, Lindhout P. Mapping OI-4, a gene conferring resistance to Oidium neolycopersici and originating from Lycopersicon peruvianum LA2172, requires multi-allelic, single-locus markers. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2004; 109:1215-23. [PMID: 15340683 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-004-1698-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Lycopersicon peruvianum LA2172 is completely resistant to Oidium neolycopersici, the causal agent of tomato powdery mildew. Despite the large genetic distance between the cultivated tomato and L. peruvianum, fertile F1 hybrids of L. esculentum cv. Money maker x L.peruvianum LA2172 were produced, and a pseudo-F2 population was generated by mating F, half-sibs. The disease tests on the pseudo-F2 population and two BC,families showed that the resistance in LA2172 is governed by one dominant gene, designated as 01-4. In the pseudo-F2 population, distorted segregation was observed, and multi-allelic, single-locus markers were used to display different marker-allele configurations per locus. Para-meters for both distortion and linkage between genetic loci were determined by maximum likelihood estimation, and the necessity of using multi-allelic, single-locus markers was illustrated. Finally, a genetic linkage map of chromosome 6 around the 01-4 locus was constructed by using the pseudo-F2 population.
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113
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Ko YC, Lee CT, Cheng YF, Hung KH, Kuo CY, Huang CC, Chen JB. Hypercalcaemia and haemophagocytic syndrome: rare concurrent presentations of disseminated tuberculosis in a dialysis patient. Int J Clin Pract 2004; 58:723-5. [PMID: 15311732 DOI: 10.1111/j.1368-5031.2004.00054.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis remains an important cause of infection in chronic haemodialysis patients. Frequent extrapulmonary involvement, non-specific presentation and limited diagnostic tools usually make early diagnosis difficult. Herein, we report on an 83-year-old female patient who had been on regular heamodialysis therapy for 15 years, who presented with asymptomatic hypercalcaemia and pancytopenia. Haemophagocytic syndrome was documented during the admission period. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was cultured from bone marrow 1 month after her demise. This case report highlights the non-specific manifestations of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in dialysis patients and the limited value of conventional diagnostic methods. We would like to recommend aggressive intervention and early tissue aspiration from possible infectious sites when tuberculosis cannot be completely ruled out. Disseminated tuberculosis should be considered as an indication of hypercalcaemia where haemophagocytic syndrome occurs simultaneously.
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Li CC, Ko SF, Ng SH, Huang CC, Wan YL, Lee TY. Symptomatic giant Müllerian duct cyst in an infant: radiographic and CT findings. ABDOMINAL IMAGING 2004; 29:525-7. [PMID: 15024515 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-003-0143-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
We report an unusual case of Müllerian duct cyst in an 8-month-old infant who presented with frequent vomiting and recurrent urinary tract infections. Computed tomography showed a midline giant cyst in the pelvic floor. Delayed enhanced computed tomography demonstrated contrast filling of the cyst, indicating a communication with the urotract. Subsequent cystourethrogram and surgery confirmed a giant Müllerian duct cyst.
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Huang CC, Hewak D, Badding J. Deposition and characterization of germanium sulphide glass planar waveguides. OPTICS EXPRESS 2004; 12:2501-2506. [PMID: 19475087 DOI: 10.1364/opex.12.002501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Germanium sulphide glass thin films have been deposited on CaF2 and Schott N-PSK58 glass substrates directly by means of chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The deposition rate of germanium sulphide glass film by this CVD process is estimated about 12 microm/hr at 500oC. These films have been characterized by micro-Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Their transmission range extends from 0.5microm to 7microm measured by UV-VIS-NIR and FT-IR spectroscopy. The refractive index of germanium sulphide glass film measured by prism coupling technique was 2.093+/-0.008 and the waveguide loss measured at 632.8nm by He-Ne laser was 2.1+/-0.3 dB/cm.
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116
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Huang CC. New approaches to surgery of lentigo maligna. SKIN THERAPY LETTER 2004; 9:7-11. [PMID: 15146261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Lentigo maligna (LM) is a pigmented lesion that occurs most commonly on the sun-exposed skin of the head and neck of an older patient. LM can be difficult to completely remove due to its occasional extensive subclinical extension. Surgical treatments, including standard excision and margin-controlled excision (Mohs micrographic surgery or rush permanent sections), are reviewed. Immunostains that can increase sensitivity and specificity of margin-controlled excision are discussed, and other nonscalpel treatments including destruction, topical imiquimod, radiation therapy and cryotherapy are briefly discussed. The gold standard treatment for LM is margin-controlled excision.
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Wang LW, Huang CC, Yeh TF. Major brain lesions detected on sonographic screening of apparently normal term neonates. Neuroradiology 2004; 46:368-73. [PMID: 15103432 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-003-1160-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2002] [Accepted: 12/01/2003] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Major congenital or acquired structural abnormalities of the brain, with significant prognostic implications have rarely been emphasised in apparently normal infants. Our purpose was to investigate the prevalence and types of major brain lesions in clinically normal term neonates using sonography. From January 1999 to December 2001, we examined 2309 clinically normal term neonates within 3 days of birth. Of these, six (0.26%) had major brain lesions, including three cases of intracerebral haemorrhage (two grade II intraventricular and one temporal lobe haemorrhage), two of corpus callosum agenesis and one lacunar infarct in the territory of the left middle cerebral artery. One child was lost to follow-up, because of adoption, and four had borderline to significant developmental delay at a mean age of 24 months (range 12-36 months). Although the prevalence of major brain lesions was low, these infants have a higher risk of later neurodevelopmental disability, despite an early asymptomatic period. Universal neonatal brain ultrasound screening may help early diagnosis of rare major lesions, some of which have prognostic implications.
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118
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Huang CC, Wang ST, Han XF, Cady A, Pindak R, Caliebe W, Ema K, Takekoshi K, Yao H. Experimental investigations of one liquid-crystal compound exhibiting the no-layer-shrinkage effect near the Sm-A-Sm- C(*) transition. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2004; 69:041702. [PMID: 15169028 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.69.041702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2003] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Three experimental probes have been employed to investigate the nature of the smectic- A -smectic- C ( Sm-A-Sm- C(*) ) phase transition of one liquid-crystal compound showing almost no layer-shrinkage effect through the transition. Results from both x-ray diffraction and optical studies indicate that the compound exhibits a crossover behavior of different molecular packing arrangements within the bulk Sm-A phase window. The calorimetry results show a significant critical anomaly near the Sm-A-Sm- C(*) transition, although it was found to be weakly first order.
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Huang CC, Ko SF, Chung MY, Shieh CS, Tiao MM, Lui CC, Ng SH. Infradiaphragmatic pulmonary sequestration combined with cystic adenomatoid malformation: unusual postnatal computed tomographic features. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 29:439-42. [PMID: 15024518 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-003-0141-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
We present a surgically proven case of infradiaphragmatic pulmonary sequestration combined with cystic adenomatoid malformation. Prenatal magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well-defined hyperintense mass with a hypointense septum in the left infradiaphragmatic region. Postdelivery computed tomography (CT) and 3-month follow-up CT showed replacement of intralesional cystic areas by solid content. Such unusual postnatal CT changes, to our knowledge, have not been previously documented.
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Lin H, Chang HY, Huang CC, Changchien CC. Prediction of disease persistence after conization for microinvasive cervical carcinoma and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2004; 14:311-6. [PMID: 15086731 DOI: 10.1111/j.1048-891x.2004.14215.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We attempted to determine the significant variables and to predict the probability of disease persistence after conization for microinvasive cervical carcinoma and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN3). We analyzed 133 patients from 2001 to 2002 who had a subsequent hysterectomy after conization. The histological findings of the cone specimens, together with the clinical parameters, were correlated with the presence of residual dysplasia in the hysterectomy specimen. The probability of having residual dysplasia was calculated based on the function of the significant variables obtained by logistic regression analysis. Of the 133 patients, 42 (31.6%) had residual disease in their hysterectomy specimens. Using multivariate analysis only for the postmenopausal state, positive endocervical curettage, positive margin, and microinvasive carcinoma were predictive of residual dysplasia. The probabilities of having residual dysplasia were about 0.99, 0.84, 0.4, 0.07, and 0.01 in patients with a presence of all four, any three, any two, any one, and no risk factors, respectively. The best cutoff probability determined by the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.32, yielding a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 88%. Based on these results, patients with the presence of any two or more of the risk factors mentioned above should be considered as a high-risk group for having disease persistence after conization for the treatment of CIN3 and microinvasive carcinoma.
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Wang ST, Han XF, Liu ZQ, Cady A, Radcliffe MD, Huang CC. Unusual behavior of the surface-induced tilted layers in free-standing films of a non-layer-shrinkage liquid crystal compound. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2003; 68:060702. [PMID: 14754172 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.68.060702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2003] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Null-transmission ellipsometry has been conducted to study the molecular arrangements in free-standing films of one chiral compound above the bulk smectic-A-smectic-C* transition temperature. Upon cooling under a proper electric field, a nonplanar-anticlinic-synclinic or a nonplanar-synclinic transition has been observed. The nonplanar structure continuously evolves into the anticlinic or synclinic structures. Increasing electric field can induce a rare transition from a synclinic to an anticlinic structure.
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Han XF, Wang ST, Cady A, Liu ZQ, Findeisen S, Weissflog W, Huang CC. Optical studies on free-standing films of an achiral smectic liquid crystal. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2003; 68:060701. [PMID: 14754171 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.68.060701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2003] [Revised: 09/10/2003] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Employing null transmission ellipsometry and depolarized reflected light microscopy, we have studied two smectic phases, Sm-C1 and Sm-C2, of one achiral mesogen. Our results show that Sm-C1 and Sm-C2 are the synclinic Sm-C and anticlinic Sm-C(A) phases, respectively. We find no evidence to support recent claims that the Sm-C1 is chiral and ferroelectric [R. Stannarius et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 90, 025502 (2003)].
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Hsieh CS, Huang LT, Huang CC, Wu JJ, Chuang JH. Bacteria ascend to liver from the bilioenteric conduit after choledochojejunostomy in the cholestatic rat. Pediatr Surg Int 2003; 19:699-702. [PMID: 14564465 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-002-0930-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/02/2002] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The high incidence of postoperative cholangitis in children with clinical restoration of bile flow after Roux-Y choledochojejunostomy (RYCJ) assumed the concept of a direct ascending cholangitis caused by pathogens in the intestine, into the intrahepatic bile duct via the porta hepatis. It is also well known that jaundiced animals (patients) are more susceptible to infections of the bile ducts following the procedure of bilioenteric anastomosis. An animal experiment was conducted to compare quantitative bacterial cultures of the choledochojejunostomy area and the liver 24 hours after Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) or sterile normal saline was injected into the bilioenteric conduit (BEC), following RYCJ in rats with or without the proceeding bile duct ligation. A significant increase of E. coli of the same strain (ATCC 25922), that we injected into the BEC, was proved with pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and shown in the liver of the jaundiced rats receiving E. coli (ATCC 25922), compared to that in the nonjaundiced rats with normal saline treatment. It is concluded that bacteria often ascend early to the liver from the BEC following RYCJ. This ascending cholangitis model might be produced for further studies.
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Mercuri F, Marinelli M, Zammit U, Huang CC, Finotello D. Critical behavior of thermal parameters at the smectic-A-hexatic-B and smectic-A-smectic-C phase transitions in liquid crystals. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2003; 68:051705. [PMID: 14682809 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.68.051705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2003] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
High temperature resolution measurements of thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and specific heat, with simultaneous polarized light visual inspection of the sample, have been performed at two different liquid crystal phase transitions: the SmA-SmC (Smectic-A-Smectic-C) and the SmA-HexB (Smectic-A-hexatic-B) in racemic A7 [4-(3-methyl-2-chlorobutanoyloxy)-4(')-heptyloxybiphenyl] and 65OBC (n-hexyl-4(')-n-pentyloxybiphenyl-4-carboxylate) compounds, respectively. In the past, anomalies in the thermal conductivity at the transitions have been reported. Our results indicate a nonsingular behavior of the thermal conductivity at both transitions, similarly to what has been previously reported for the smectic-A-nematic phase transition. It is also shown how, in several cases, the nature of the transition can be affected by the sample thermal history due to the presence of strain annealing phenomena.
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Cady A, Han XF, Olson DA, Orihara H, Huang CC. Optical characterization of a nanoscale incommensurate pitch in a new liquid-crystal phase. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2003; 91:125502. [PMID: 14525371 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.91.125502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2003] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
As a remarkable orientationally ordered soft-condensed matter system, the smectic-C*(alpha) phase exhibits an incommensurate nanoscale helical pitch of more than four smectic layers. Recent theoretical advances predict the existence of a new phase showing a helical pitch of less than four smectic layers (<16 nm). By applying a novel optical technique to the study of freestanding films with increments in thickness of one smectic layer, we have measured the size of this pitch using 633 nm HeNe laser light. Our results confirm the existence of the newly predicted phase in one unique compound.
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