97 results on '"Yu-Chao Hsu"'
Search Results
2. The Influence of the Solid Solution Formation on Purification of L-Menthol from the Enantiomer Mixture by Three-Phase Crystallization
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Yu-Chao Hsu, Sheng-Chin Yang, Kai-Fang Ku, and Lie-Ding Shiau
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crystallization ,vaporization ,purification ,menthol ,thermodynamics process ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Three-phase crystallization (TPC) was introduced in this study to purify L-menthol from menthol enantiomer mixtures in consideration of the formation of solid solutions. TPC is a new separation technology, which combines melt crystallization and vaporization to result in the desired crystalline product from a liquid mixture along with the unwanted components vaporized via the three-phase transformation by reducing temperature and pressure. The three-phase transformation conditions for the liquid menthol enantiomer mixtures were determined based on the thermodynamic calculations to direct the TPC experiments. A new model was proposed based on the mass and energy balances in consideration of the formation of the solid solutions to predict the yield and purity of the final L-menthol product during TPC. The yield and purity obtained from the TPC experiments were compared with those predicted by the model.
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- 2023
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3. Enhancing Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Performance with Different Sizes of ZnO Nanorods Grown Using Multi-Step Growth
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Fang-I Lai, Jui-Fu Yang, Wei-Chun Chen, Yu-Chao Hsu, and Shou-Yi Kuo
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DSSCs ,ZnO nanorod ,multi-step growth ,Chemical technology ,TP1-1185 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
In this study, we employed a chemical solution method to grow zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods on SnO2:F (FTO) substrates as photoelectrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The influence of varying ZnO nanorod dimensions on cell performance was investigated. Specifically, we explored the effects of nanorod length and diameter on dye adsorption capacity and photovoltaic conversion efficiency. Characterization techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) were utilized to analyze the ZnO nanorods. Our results demonstrate that the sequential growth technique allows for control over the length and diameter of ZnO nanorods, thereby modulating their optoelectronic properties. XRD and FE-SEM analyses revealed that the surface morphology of the ZnO nanorods impacts dye adsorption capacity and photovoltaic conversion efficiency. EIS measurements further indicated a significant influence of dye adsorption on the electron lifetime of ZnO nanorods. Overall, this study highlights the potential of multi-step growth of ZnO nanorods to optimize the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells by tuning their morphology and surface properties.
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- 2023
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4. Association of urinary ketamine and APOA1 levels with bladder dysfunction in ketamine abusers revealed via proteomics and targeted metabolite analyses
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Jo-Chuan Liu, Yi-Ting Chen, Ya-Ju Hsieh, Chia-Chun Wu, Ming-Chyi Huang, Yu-Chao Hsu, Chun-Te Wu, Chih-Ken Chen, Srinivas Dash, and Jau-Song Yu
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Medicine ,Science - Abstract
Abstract Chronic ketamine abuse is associated with bladder dysfunction and cystitis. However, the effects of ketamine abuse on the urinary proteome profile and the correlations among urinary proteins, urinary ketamine (and metabolites) and clinicopathological features of ketamine-induced bladder dysfunction remain to be established. Here, we recruited 56 ketamine abusers (KA) and 40 age-matched healthy controls (HC) and applied the iTRAQ-based proteomics approach to unravel quantitative changes in the urine proteome profile between the two groups. Many of the differentially regulated proteins are involved in the complement and coagulation cascades and/or fibrotic disease. Among them, a significant increase in APOA1 levels in KA relative to control samples (392.1 ± 59.9 ng/ml vs. 13.7 ± 32.6 ng/ml, p
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- 2021
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5. Suppression of SnS2 Secondary Phase on Cu2ZnSnS4 Solar Cells Using Multi-Metallic Stacked Nanolayers
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Fang-I Lai, Jui-Fu Yang, Jia-En Li, Yu-Chao Hsu, and Shou-Yi Kuo
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bifacial solar cell ,CZTS ,nano multi-metallic stacked ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
In Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) solar cells, it is crucial to suppress the generation of and remove the SnS2 secondary phase to improve the solar cell characteristics, as the SnS2 secondary phase affects the barrier for carrier collection and diode characteristics of the device. In this study, the nano-metallic precursor was modified to effectively suppress the generation of the SnS2 secondary phase on the surface and simultaneously improve the uniformity and quality of the thin film. The CZTS bifacial solar cells prepared via the proposed method exhibited significantly improved junction-rectifying characteristics, as the efficiency was improved to 1.59%. The proposed method to figurremove SnS2 is effective, simple, and environmentally friendly.
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- 2023
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6. Perioperative Complications and Oncologic Outcomes after Radical Cystectomy in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients with Bladder Cancer Obtained Using a Standardized Reporting System
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Yu-Liang Liu, Chun-Te Wu, Yu-Chao Hsu, Miao-Fen Chen, Chih-Shou Chen, Chung-Sheng Shi, and Yun-Ching Huang
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complication ,cystectomy ,bladder ,cancer ,urothelial carcinoma ,end-stage renal disease ,Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens ,RC254-282 - Abstract
Background: We investigated the use of a standardized reporting system to study perioperative complications and oncologic outcomes after radical cystectomy in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with bladder cancer. Methods: We reviewed retrospective outcomes in 141 ESRD patients with bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy between 2004 and 2015. Complications were graded using the Clavien–Dindo classification system with 0–2 classified as “No Major Complications” and Clavien 3–5 as “Major Complications”. Low-volume surgeons were classified as those performing fewer than nine cases during the study. Fisher’s exact test along with the chi-squared test, two-tailed t tests, logistic regression, and the Cox proportional hazard model were used to evaluate all clinically meaningful covariates. Results: Ninety-nine (99, 70.2%) patients had no major complications, and forty-two (29.8%) patients had major complications. Patients in the major complications group were older, had a higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and had a longer hospitalization duration than those in the no major complications group (all, p < 0.05). Major complications were also more common when the procedure was performed by low-volume surgeons (p = 0.003). In multivariate logistic regression models, CCI ≥ 5 (p = 0.006) and low-volume surgeon (p = 0.004) were independent predictors of major complications. According to multivariate analysis with the Cox hazards regression, male sex, age > 70 years, CCI ≥ 5, bladder cancer stage ≥ 3, lymphovascular invasion, and experiencing major complications were significant poor prognostic factors for overall survival (all, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Accurate reporting of complications is necessary for preoperative counseling, identifying modifiable risk factors, and planning risk mitigation strategies. High comorbidity and low-volume surgeons were interrelated as notable risk factors for major complications. In addition to tumor-related factors, male sex, older age, and major complications significantly influence overall survival.
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- 2022
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7. Efficacy and Safety of the Sandwich Method in Patients with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia: Bipolar Transurethral Resection with GreenLight Vaporization
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Tsu-Chen Lin, Po-Chih Chang, I-Hung Shao, Yu Chen, Hsin-Chieh Huang, Yu-Chao Hsu, and Ming-Li Hsieh
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benign prostate hyperplasia ,bipolar-transurethral resection of the prostate ,GreenLight photoselective vaporization of the prostate ,large prostate ,transurethral surgery of prostate ,Medicine - Abstract
Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) refers to the nonmalignant enlargement of the transition zone of the prostate gland. While holmium laser enucleation of the prostate and open simple prostatectomy are effective in the management of patients with large prostates, they have some limitations. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the efficacy and safety of the sandwich method of bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (B-TURP) and GreenLight photoselective vaporization of the prostate (GLPVP) in patients with large prostates. Patients diagnosed with BPH who underwent the sandwich method with B-TURP and GLPVP from 2015 to 2020 were included. Efficacy analyses included the change in the uroflowmetry results in both group A (prostate volume < 80 g) and group B (prostate volume ≥ 80 g), and complication analyses included perioperative complications, early postoperative complications at three months and late postoperative complications at 12 months. The cohort comprised 188 and 44 patients in groups A and B, respectively. The prostate volume of groups A and B were 50.83 ± 14.14 g and 102.03 ± 19.36 g (p < 0.001), respectively. The peak (Qmax) and average (Qavg) flow rates were comparable between the two groups. The only significant difference noted was in the postoperative post-void residual (PVR) urine. Improvement was seen in all the variables including the Qmax, Qavg and PVR urine in each group. No patient experienced perioperative complications. Analysis of the overall one-year complication rate showed no significant difference between the two groups. The sandwich method of B-TURP and GLPVP may be feasible for the management of patients with large prostate.
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- 2022
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8. Effectiveness and Safety of Intradetrusor OnabotulinumtoxinA Injection for Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity and Overactive Bladder Patients in Taiwan—A Phase IV Prospective, Interventional, Multiple-Center Study (Restore Study)
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Chung-Cheng Wang, Eric Chieh-Lung Chou, Yao-Chi Chuang, Chih-Chieh Lin, Yu-Chao Hsu, Chun-Hou Liao, and Hann-Chorng Kuo
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overactive bladder ,onabotulinum toxin A ,neurogenic detrusor overactivity ,Medicine - Abstract
We conducted a phase IV, pre/post multi-center study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injection in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO, n = 119) or overactive bladder (OAB, n = 215). Patients received either 200U (i.e., NDO) and 100U (i.e., OAB) of onabotulinumtoxinA injection into the bladder, respectively. The primary endpoint for all patients was the change in the PPBC questionnaire score at week 4 and week 12 post-treatment compared with baseline. The secondary endpoints were the changes in subjective measures (i.e., questionnaires: NBSS for patients with NDO and OABSS for those with OAB) at week 4 and week 12 post-treatment compared with baseline. Adverse events included symptomatic UTI, de novo AUR, gross hematuria and PVR > 350mL were recorded. The results showed that compared with baseline, PPBC (3.4 versus 2.4 and 2.1, p < 0.001) and NBSS (35.4 versus 20.4 and 18.1, p < 0.001) were significantly improved at 4 weeks and 12 weeks in NDO patients. In addition, compared with baseline, PPBC (3.5 versus 2.3 and 2.0, p < 0.001) and OABSS (9.1 versus 6.2 and 5.7, p < 0.001) were significantly improved at 4 weeks and 12 weeks in OAB patients. Eight (6.7%) had symptomatic UTI and 5 (4.2%) had de novo AUR in NDO patients. Twenty (9.3%) had symptomatic UTI but no de novo AUR in OAB patients. In conclusion, we found that intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injections were safe and improved subjective measures related to NDO or OAB in our cohort.
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- 2021
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9. Location-Optoelectronic Property Correlation in ZnO:Al Thin Film by RF Magnetron Sputtering and Its Photovoltaic Application
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Fang-I Lai, Jui-Fu Yang, Yu-Chao Hsu, and Shou-Yi Kuo
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CZTSe solar cell ,AZO film ,RF magnetron sputtering ,Technology ,Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering ,TK1-9971 ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,TA1-2040 ,Microscopy ,QH201-278.5 ,Descriptive and experimental mechanics ,QC120-168.85 - Abstract
In this study, a radio-frequency magnetron sputter system was used to deposit Al2O3 doped ZnO (AZO) thin films at room temperature, and the soda lime glass (SLG) substrates were placed at different zones relative to the center of the sample holder under the target. The samples were then analyzed using an X-ray diffractometer, Hall-effect measurement system, UV-visible spectrophotometer, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that the electrical, structural, and optical properties of AZO films strongly depend on the target racetrack. The AZO thin film grown at a location outside the racetrack not only has the most suitable figure of merit for transparent conductive films, but also retains the least residual stress, which makes it the most suitable candidate for use as a CZTSe transparent conductive layer. When applied to CZTSe solar cells, the photoelectric efficiency is 3.56%.
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- 2021
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10. Correlation of Morphology Evolution with Carrier Dynamics in InN Films Heteroepitaxially Grown by MOMBE
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Fang-I Lai, Jui-Fu Yang, Woei-Tyng Lin, Wei-Chun Chen, Yu-Chao Hsu, and Shou-Yi Kuo
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InN ,nanorods ,catalyst-free ,Chemical technology ,TP1-1185 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
In this study, we report the catalyst-free growth of n-type wurtzite InN, along with its optical properties and carrier dynamics of different surface dimensionalities. The self-catalyzed epitaxial growth of InN nanorods grown by metal–organic molecular-beam epitaxy on GaN/Al2O3(0001) substrates has been demonstrated. The substrate temperature is dominant in controlling the growth of nanorods. A dramatic morphological change from 2D-like to 1D nanorods occurs with decreasing growth temperature. The InN nanorods have a low dislocation density and good crystalline quality, compared with InN films. In terms of optical properties, the nanorod structure exhibits strong recombination of Mahan excitons in luminescence, and an obvious spatial correlation effect in phonon dispersion. The downward band structure at the nanorod surface leads to the photon energy-dependent lifetime being upshifted to the high-energy side.
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- 2021
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11. Energy-Dependent Time-Resolved Photoluminescence of Self-Catalyzed InN Nanocolumns
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Fang-I Lai, Jui-Fu Yang, Wei-Chun Chen, Dan-Hua Hsieh, Woei-Tyng Lin, Yu-Chao Hsu, and Shou-Yi Kuo
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indium nitride ,nanocolumns ,photoluminescence ,Chemical technology ,TP1-1185 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
In this study, we report the optical properties and carrier dynamics of different surface dimensionality n-type wurtzite InN with various carrier concentrations using photoluminescence (PL) and an energy-dependent, time-resolved photoluminescence (ED-TRPL) analysis. Experimental results indicated that the InN morphology can be controlled by the growth temperature, from one-dimensional (1D) nanorods to two-dimensional (2D) films. Moreover, donor-like nitrogen vacancy (VN) is responsible for the increase in carrier concentration due to the lowest formation energies in the n-type InN samples. The PL results also reveal that the energies of emission peaks are higher in the InN samples with 2D features than that with 1D features. These anomalous transitions are explained as the recombination of Mahan excitons and localized holes, and further proved by a theoretical model, activation energy and photon energy-dependent lifetime analysis.
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- 2021
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12. A Photomicroscopic Study on the Growth Rates of Calcium Oxalate Crystals in a New Synthetic Urine without Inhibitors and with Various Inhibitors
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Yu-Chao Hsu, Li-Cheng Pan, and Lie-Ding Shiau
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kidney stone ,calcium oxalate ,crystallization ,growth ,inhibition ,Crystallography ,QD901-999 - Abstract
A photomicroscopic growth apparatus was used to study the growth rates of calcium oxalate crystals in a new synthetic urine without inhibitors and with various inhibitors, including magnesium ions, citrate ions, chondroitin sulfate ions, and phytate ions. The dependence of growth rates on supersaturation at different temperatures without inhibitors was investigated using a power law model in terms of the Arrhenius form. The effects of various inhibitors on the growth rates of calcium oxalate indicated that the inhibition of growth rates increases in the order magnesium ions < citrate ions < chondroitin sulfate ions < phytate ions. The polymorphic forms of calcium oxalate crystals without inhibitors and with various inhibitors were examined by scanning electron microscopy.
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- 2021
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13. Improvement of Amorphous Silicon Thin-Film Photovoltaic Cells with Zinc Oxide Nanorods
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Fang-I Lai, Jui-Fu Yang, Yu-Chao Hsu, and Shou-Yi Kuo
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ZnO nanorods ,anti-reflective layers ,a-Si:H thin-film photovoltaic cell ,Crystallography ,QD901-999 - Abstract
In this study, zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NRs) were produced using a chemical solution method, which was applied to the surfaces of amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin-film photovoltaic cells as an anti-reflective layer (ARL). ZnO NRs of different lengths were grown on Si substrates by controlling the growth time. They were then analyzed using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), UV-vis spectrometer, and field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), thereby obtaining the optimal growth conditions for ZnO NRs. The optimal growth parameters were applied to the surface of a-Si:H thin-film photovoltaic cells. The results show that the short-circuit current density increased from 6.23 mA/cm2 to 8.05 mA/cm2, and the efficiency increased from 3.49% to 4.51%, an increase of approximately 29%. In addition, ZnO NRs growing on the surfaces of a-Si:H thin-film photovoltaic cells can reduce the hydrophilicity. The experimental results show that ZnO NRs have great application potential, not only for improving the conversion efficiency, but also for protecting the devices from external environmental influences.
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- 2020
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14. Enhanced Conversion Efficiency of a-Si:H Thin-Film Solar Cell Using ZnO Nanorods
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Fang-I Lai, Jui-Fu Yang, Yu-Chao Hsu, and Shou-Yi Kuo
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ZnO nanorods ,antireflective layers ,a-Si:H thin-film solar cell ,Crystallography ,QD901-999 - Abstract
The surface reflectivity of a material will vary as light passes through interfaces with different refractive indices. Therefore, the optical loss and reflection of an optical-electronic component can be reduced by fabricating nanostructures on its surface. In the case of a solar cell, the presence of nanostructures can deliver many different advantages, such as decreasing the surface reflectivity, enhancing the light trapping, and increasing the efficiency of the carrier collection by providing a shorter diffusion distance for the photogenerated minority carriers. In this study, an approximately 50-nm thick seed layer was first prepared using spin coating. Zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO-NRs) were then grown using a chemical solution method (CSM). The ZnO-NRs were approximately 2 μm in height and 100 nm in diameter. After applying them to amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) solar cells, the short-circuit current density increased from 8.03 to 9.24 mA/cm2, and the photovoltaic conversion efficiency increased by 11.24%.
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- 2020
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15. A pilot study on Trichomonas vaginalis in women with recurrent urinary tract infections
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Po-Chih Chang, Yu-Chao Hsu, Ming-Li Hsieh, Shih-Tsung Huang, Hsin-Chieh Huang, and Yu Chen
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Medicine (General) ,R5-920 ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
Background: Trichomoniasis and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) shared similar risk factors, age distribution and overlapping symptoms. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) in women with recurrent UTIs, attending a urology clinic in a medical center, in order to inform screening and treatment policies. Methods: Women with recurrent UTIs, defined as the presence of lower urinary tract symptoms (dysuria, frequency and urgency) and three positive urine cultures on voided urine specimens in the previous year, were enrolled prospectively from January 2013 to April 2014. Urine samples were collected for culture and tested for TV using immunochromatographic strip. Outpatient follow-up was arranged to diagnose any symptomatic UTI recurrence. Results: Sixty-five women were recruited. Mean age was 57.4 ± 14.3 year-old and follow-up duration was 9.5 ± 4.0 months. The prevalence of TV was 16.9% (11/65). Eight women had UTI recurrence in the follow-up period. Recurrence rate did not differ in patients with and without concomitant TV infection. Conclusions: Given the high prevalence of TV, we suggest that testing for TV should be considered in women with recurrent UTIs. Further larger studies are needed to evaluate the potential benefit of treating TV in this group of patients. Keywords: Prevalence, Trichomonas vaginalis, Urinary tract infection, Women
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- 2016
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16. Less pain perceived in transrectal ultrasound of prostate using microconvex transducer as compared to biplaned linear transducer
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Pei-Shan Yang, Yu-Hsiang Lin, Phei-Lang Chang, Ke-Hung Tsui, Yu-Chao Hsu, and Chen-Pang Hou
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biplaned transducer ,microconvex transducer ,prostate ,ultrasound ,Diseases of the genitourinary system. Urology ,RC870-923 - Abstract
Objective: Evaluate the difference in the subjective pain of using different probes for transrectal ultrasound of prostate. Materials and Methods: From July 2014 to December 2014, patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) of prostate were randomly divided into two groups and using two different probes. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate subjective perception of pain in these patients. Results: A significant difference was found in VAS between the two groups. The patient felt less pain during TRUS examination when using a microconvex transducer. Additionally, patients with external hemorrhoid, longer prostate sagittal length, image artifacts caused by stool, and deeper probe insertion depth were all found to be associated with more pain. The usage of a microconvex transducer can help reduce pain for patients with external hemorrhoids, whereas there was no difference in pain perception when the patient had previous rectal surgery or image artifacts caused by stool. Conclusion: We identified the factors of pain associated with TRUS. The microconvex transducer caused less TRUS-associated pain as compared to using a biplaned linear transducer.
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- 2016
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17. Extracorporeal magnetic innervation increases functional bladder capacity and quality of life in patients with urinary incontinence after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy
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Po-Chih Chang, Chun-Te Wu, Shih-Tsung Huang, Yu Chen, Hsin-Chieh Huang, Yu-Chao Hsu, and Ming-Li Hsieh
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extracorporeal magnetic innervation ,quality of life ,robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy ,urinary incontinence ,Diseases of the genitourinary system. Urology ,RC870-923 - Abstract
Objective: Postprostatectomy incontinence (PPI) is a major health problem that has substantial effects on health-related quality of life. In recent years, extracorporeal magnetic innervation (ExMI) has become a preferred treatment method for urinary incontinence. We evaluated the effects of ExMI on patients with PPI after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), specifically regarding health-related quality of life. Materials and methods: From September to December 2014, patients with post-RARP PPI were enrolled in the study. A 20-minute ExMI treatment session was provided twice a week for two months. Number of voids, incontinence and urgency episodes, and mean and maximum voided volume per micturition (mL) were recorded in a 3-day bladder diary. Quality of life was assessed using the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7), and International Prostate Symptom Score quality-of-life questionnaire (IPSS-QoL). All assessments were conducted before and within 2 weeks after ExMI treatment. A favorable outcome was defined as an IPSS-QoL score 2-point decrease in the pretreatment score. Results: Thirteen patients with a mean age of 69.3 years were enrolled. After ExMI, the number of incontinence episodes/3 d decreased to 5.85 from 9.15 (p = 0.004). The mean number of voids/d also decreased to 9.17 from 10.45 (p = 0.036). Patients' functional bladder capacity increased from 243.46 to 289.23 (p = 0.007). Scores of both UDI-6 and IPSS-QoL improved from 7.15 to 5.31 (p = 0.024) and 4.00 to 2.77 (p = 0.007). Patients aged
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- 2015
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18. Effects of Various Inhibitors on the Nucleation of Calcium Oxalate in Synthetic Urine
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Yu-Chao Hsu, Yi-Hsuan Lin, and Lie-Ding Shiau
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kidney stone ,calcium oxalate ,crystallization ,nucleation ,inhibition ,interfacial energy ,Crystallography ,QD901-999 - Abstract
A new synthetic urine was adopted in this work to study the nucleation kinetics of calcium oxalate using a batch crystallizer for various supersaturations at 37 °C. In the studied new synthetic urine, three additional components (urea, uric acid and creatinine) within the normal physiological ranges were added to the commonly-used synthetic urine to simulate human urine more closely. The interfacial energy for the nucleation of calcium oxalate was determined based on classical nucleation theory using the turbidity induction time measurements. The effects of various inhibitors, including magnesium, citrate, hydroxycitrate, chondroitin sulfate, and phytate, on the nucleation of calcium oxalate were investigated in detail. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the influences of these inhibitors on the preferential nucleation of the different hydrates of calcium oxalate crystals.
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- 2020
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19. Upper urinary tract damage caused by ketamine snorting—A report of nine cases
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Hsiang-Ying Lee, Yu-Chao Hsu, Chao-Yu Hsu, Eric Chieh-Lung Chou, Ching-Chia Li, Yung-Shun Juan, and Mei-Yu Jang
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hydronephrosis ,ketamine ,urinary tract damage ,Diseases of the genitourinary system. Urology ,RC870-923 - Abstract
Objective: The toxicity of ketamine to genitourinary system not only involved in lower urinary tract, which include urinary frequency, urgency, suprapubic pain, dysuria and hematuria, but also upper urinary tracts. However, the reports of ketmaine-induced upper urinary tract damage were rare. Materials and methods: Herein, we reported nine ketamine abusers presented with moderate flank pain with hydronephrosis and lower urinary tract symptoms from three medical centers located around Taiwan. Results: All patients were diagnosed of hydronephrosis by sonography or abdominal computed tomography scans and 7 cases combined with acute kidney injury. They all receive ureteroscopy exam and double-J stenting. All of their flank pain and renal function impairment improved during follow up. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, currently there is no standard therapy for ketamine-induced nephropathy, we therefore supplied a therapeutic choice for those ketamine abuser combined with hydronephrosis and/or acute kidney injury.
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- 2015
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20. Endourological management of iatrogenic ureter injury after abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery: Report of 2 cases and literature review
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Chih-Te Lin, Po-Chih Chang, Ming-Li Hsieh, Shih-Tsung Huang, Yu Chen, Hsin-Chieh Huang, Yu-Chao Hsu, and Wei-Chang Li
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Diseases of the genitourinary system. Urology ,RC870-923 - Published
- 2016
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21. Psychological impact of patients with erectile dysfunction
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Wei-Feng Ding, Yu Chen, Ching-Yen Chen, Ming-Li Hsieh, Shih-Tsung Huang, Hsin-Chien Huang, Yu-Chao Hsu, Po-Chih Chang, and Wei-Chang Lee
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Diseases of the genitourinary system. Urology ,RC870-923 - Published
- 2016
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22. Waist circumference is an independent risk factor for prostatic hyperplasia in Taiwanese males
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Hsu-Han Wang, Chi-Jeng Hsieh, Kuo-Jen Lin, Sheng-Hsien Chu, Cheng-Keng Chuang, Hsiao-Wen Chen, Min-Li Hsieh, Ta-Min Wang, Yu Chen, Kuan-Lin Liu, Hsin-Chien Huang, Yu-Chao Hsu, and Yang-Jen Chiang
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body mass index ,obesity ,prostate-specific antigen ,prostatic hyperplasia ,waist circumference ,Surgery ,RD1-811 - Abstract
Purpose: Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common disease affecting older males. As obesity becomes an increasing problem worldwide, its role in prostatic hypertrophy has been discussed recently. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between waist circumferences and prostatic hyperplasia in Taiwan. Methods: There were 539 men enrolled in the study who had health examinations at the Healthcare Center of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital; 53 were excluded because of history of conditions affecting prostatic volume. Their anthropometry was measured and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels as well as lipid profiles were analyzed. Prostate volume was measured by transrectal ultrasonography performed by experienced urologists. Results: The mean prostate volume was 26.43 mL, whereas mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.27 kg/m2 and mean waist circumference (WC) was 90.81 cm. By age-adjusted logistic regression, PSA > 4 ng/mL, WC ≥ 90 cm, and BMI > 24 kg/m2 are associated with increased risk of developing prostatic hyperplasia; only WC ≥ 90 cm can be validated by multiple logistic regression. Further analysis of obesity patterns showed that abdominal overweight/obesity places patients at increased risk independently rather than high WC or high BMI alone. Conclusions: Study results showed that waist circumference ≥ 90 cm is an independent risk factor of prostatic hyperplasia in Taiwan. Men with abdominal overweight/obesity (WC ≥ 90 cm and BMI > 24 kg/m2) have a twofold risk of developing prostatic hyperplasia.
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- 2011
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23. Less Pain Perceived in Transrectal ultrasound of Prostate using Micro-convex Transducer than Bi-planed linear Transducer
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Pei-Shan Yang, Yu-Hsiang Lin, Chen-Pang Hou, Yu-Chao Hsu, Chien-Lun Chen, Ke-Hung Tsui, and Phei-Lang Chang
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Diseases of the genitourinary system. Urology ,RC870-923 - Published
- 2015
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24. The efficacy of increasing coital frequency in the treatment of premature ejaculation
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Yu Chen, Shih-Tsung Huang, Hsin-Chien Huang, Yu-Chao Hsu, Po-Chih Chang, and Ming-Li Hsieh
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Diseases of the genitourinary system. Urology ,RC870-923 - Published
- 2015
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25. Corrigendum to 'Less pain perceived in transrectal ultrasound of prostate using microconvex transducer as compared to biplaned linear transducer' [Urol Sci 27 (2015)]
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Pei-Shan Yang, Yu-Hsiang Lin, Phei-Lang Chang, Ke-Hung Tsui, Yu-Chao Hsu, and Chen-Pang Hou
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Diseases of the genitourinary system. Urology ,RC870-923 - Published
- 2016
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26. Intraprostatic Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A Injection for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia—A Spotlight in Reality
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Yu-Chao Hsu, Hung-Jen Wang, and Yao-Chi Chuang
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botulinum toxin ,prostate ,lower urinary tract symptoms ,benign prostatic hyperplasia ,Medicine - Abstract
Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It inhibits the release of acetylcholine and other neurotransmitters from the nerve terminal. Botulinum toxin, specifically toxin type A (BoNT-A) has been used since the 1970s to reduce the muscular hypercontraction disorders. The application of BoNT-A in urology field started from intra-bladder injection for overactive bladder, which has been recognized as third line therapy in many countries. Since prostate gland as well as bladder is under the influence of autonomic innervation, theorectically, injection of BoNT-A into the prostate induces chemo-denervation and modulation of prostate function, and reduces lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This article reviews the application of BoNT-A in patients with LUTS/ benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) from mechanisms of action to clinical results. BoNT-A has been shown to induce prostate apoptosis, downregulation of alpha 1A receptors, and reduce contractile function of prostate in animal studies. Open studies of intraprostate BoNT-A injection have demonstrated promising results of reducing LUTS and improvement of voiding function in human LUTS/BPH, however, intraprostatic BoNT-A injection did not perform better than the placebo group in recent publications of placebo controlled studies. We suggested that BoNT-A prostate injection might benefit selected population of BPH/LUTS, but it is unlikely to be an effective therapy for general population of male LUTS/BPH.
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- 2016
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27. Taiwan Student Quantum Computer Society.
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Ran-Yu Chang, Yu-Chao Hsu, and Tsung-Wei Huang
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- 2023
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28. Optimum precursor stacking sequence of Cu2ZnSnSe4 thin film solar cell in selenium atmosphere
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Fang-I Lai, Jui-Fu Yang, Wei-Chun Chen, Yu-Chao Hsu, and Shou-Yi Kuo
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Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment ,General Materials Science - Published
- 2023
29. Detection of Trichomonas vaginalis Infection in Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Patients by Rapid Immunochromatographic Test
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Po-Chih Chang, Ming-Li Hsieh, Shih-Tsung Huang, Hsin-Chieh Huang, Yu-Chao Hsu, Ching-Wei Huang, Wei-Feng Ding, and Yu Chen
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Microbiology (medical) ,General Medicine ,Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology ,Microbiology - Abstract
This study aims to evaluate associations between the immunochromatographic rapid test technique and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection in patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) in Taiwan. All patients received post-prostate massage urine (VB3) Trichomonas rapid tests. The demographic characteristics and urogenital symptoms of CP/CPPS were recorded. Routine urinalysis of VB3 was also performed, and laboratory examination results of semen were recorded if available. A total of 29 patients with TV infection and 109 without TV infection were enrolled, which reflected that the prevalence in patients with TV infection was approximately 21%. Patients with TV infection displayed a significantly higher frequency of suprapubic/lower abdominal pain (p = 0.034), semen leukocyte > 5/high-power field (HPF) (p = 0.020), and an inflammatory type (category IIIA) (p = 0.005) than patients without TV infection. A higher prevalence of TV infection was found in patients with category IIIA (47.37%). No significant difference was found in the symptom duration and other clinical symptoms. In conclusion, the high prevalence of TV infection was revealed in CP/CPPS patients using the VB3 rapid Trichomonas test, especially in CP/CPPS patients with category IIIA. Thus, rapid TV testing might be vital for CP/CPPS patients in the hospital.
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- 2022
30. A treatment prediction strategy for overactive bladder using a machine learning algorithm that utilized data from the FAITH study
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Farid Hadi, Budiwan Sumarsono, Kyu‐Sung Lee, Seung‐June Oh, Sung Tae Cho, Yu‐Chao Hsu, Paul Rasner, Cerys Jenkins, and Harry Fisher
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Urology ,Neurology (clinical) - Published
- 2023
31. Can the Sandwich Method Be an Alternative Treatment Choice for BPH Patients With Large Prostates?
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Tsu-Chen Lin, Chen-Pang Hou, Yu-Chao Hsu, Yu Chen, Kai-Jie Yu, I-Hung Shao, and Ming-Li Hsieh
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Urology - Published
- 2023
32. All-Vacuum-Deposited Bifacial Cu2ZnSnSe4 Photovoltaic Cells with Sputtered Cd-Free Buffer Layer
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Fang-I Lai, Jui-Fu Yang, Wei-Chun Chen, Yu-Chao Hsu, and Shou-Yi Kuo
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Fuel Technology ,Nuclear Energy and Engineering ,Article Subject ,Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment ,Energy Engineering and Power Technology - Abstract
By depositing metal precursors on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates using evaporation and postselenisation and modifying the number of stacked metallic precursor layers, this study systematically analysed the effect of cation changes on the absorber layer and the solar cell properties of Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe). Furthermore, in this study, an all-vacuum method was adopted to prepare a cadmium-free bifacial CZTSe solar cell and conducted damp heat tests on the device. The findings indicate that the increase in the number of stacked metallic precursor layers suppresses secondary phase generation, thereby enhancing the film performance and bifacial solar cell characteristics. The cadmium-free bifacial CZTSe solar cell prepared in this study exhibited the efficiency of 4.13% under bifacial incident light. Moreover, the degradation of the device was effectively mitigated in the damp heat tests compared with previously reported devices with metal substrates. These findings can provide new directions for research and lead to novel applications for CZTSe solar cells in the future.
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- 2023
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33. Suppressing the formation of double‐layer in <scp> Cu 2 ZnSnSe 4 </scp> ( <scp>CZTSe</scp> ) absorber layer by facile heating process through nontoxic selenium atmosphere
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Yu-Chao Hsu, Shou-Yi Kuo, Fang-I Lai, and Jui-Fu Yang
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Atmosphere ,Double layer (biology) ,Fuel Technology ,Materials science ,Nuclear Energy and Engineering ,Chemical engineering ,chemistry ,Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment ,Scientific method ,Energy Engineering and Power Technology ,chemistry.chemical_element ,Layer (electronics) ,Selenium - Published
- 2021
34. Risk Factors of Emergency Room Visits for Bleeding Complications Following Transurethral Procedures in the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Retrospective Cohort Study
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Yu-Chao Hsu, Ming-Li Hsieh, Shu-Han Tsao, Tzu-Chi Teng, I-Hung Shao, Yu Chen, and Yen-Te Kang
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Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Enucleation ,Prostatic Hyperplasia ,Risk Factors ,Prostate ,Clinical endpoint ,medicine ,Humans ,laser prostatectomy ,Original Research ,Retrospective Studies ,Transurethral resection of the prostate ,clot retention ,Urinary retention ,business.industry ,Transurethral Resection of Prostate ,Retrospective cohort study ,General Medicine ,Hyperplasia ,medicine.disease ,Confidence interval ,Surgery ,hematuria ,Treatment Outcome ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Clinical Interventions in Aging ,Laser Therapy ,Geriatrics and Gerontology ,medicine.symptom ,Emergency Service, Hospital ,business - Abstract
Tzu-Chi Teng,1,2 I-Hung Shao,1,2 Yu-Chao Hsu,1,2 Yu Chen,1,2 Shu-Han Tsao,1,2 Yen-Te Kang,1,2 Ming-Li Hsieh1,2 1Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, 33302, Taiwan; 2College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, 33302, TaiwanCorrespondence: Ming-Li Hsieh; I-Hung ShaoDivision of Urology, Department of Surgery, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 5, Fuxing Street, Guishan District, Taoyuan City, 333423, TaiwanTel +886 975 365 568; +886 975 361311Fax +886-3-3274541Email h0810@cgmh.org.tw; b8902068@cgmh.org.twPurpose: Transurethral procedures, including transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and laser prostatectomy, are often linked to emergency room (ER) visits for postoperative bleeding. Although some studies have been conducted, the risk factors associated with these ER visits are not completely understood. This retrospective cohort study identified potential risk factors associated with ER visits for postoperative bleeding.Patients and Methods: Preoperative assessment data and operational and postoperational parameters recorded at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan between December 2015 and January 2017 for patients who underwent elective transurethral procedures were analyzed to identify potential risk factors. The primary endpoint was ER visits for gross hematuria within three months following operation, and the secondary endpoint was ER visits for blood clot-induced urinary retention (clot retention) within three months following operation.Results: A total of 665 patients who underwent elective transurethral procedures were enrolled. The transurethral procedures included monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (M-TURP), bipolar TURP (B-TURP), greenlight photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP), thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) and thulium laser transurethral vaporesection of the prostate (ThuVARP). Regarding ER visits for clot retention within three months, multivariable logistic regression revealed significantly lower rates of clot retention in patients who received B-TURP than in those who underwent ThuVARP (AOR, 0.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.04â 0.82, p = 0.027). Moreover, significantly higher clot retention was observed in patients who underwent two or more rounds of manual irrigation (AOR, 9.51; 95% CI, 1.66â 54.43, p = 0.011).Conclusion: Multiple manual irrigations shortly after operation can be considered a novel predictor of postoperative clot retention-related ER visits. Among the transurethral procedures, ThuVARP was associated with a higher risk of clot retention-related ER visits than was B-TURP.Keywords: transurethral resection of prostate, laser prostatectomy, hematuria, clot retention
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- 2021
35. Enhanced solar cell performance of Cu2ZnSnSe4 thin films through structural control by using selenide stacked nanolayers in a non-toxic selenium atmosphere
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Fang-I Lai, Yu-Chao Hsu, Shou-Yi Kuo, and Jui-Fu Yang
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Materials science ,Photoluminescence ,Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy ,Energy Engineering and Power Technology ,02 engineering and technology ,010402 general chemistry ,01 natural sciences ,law.invention ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,symbols.namesake ,law ,Selenide ,Solar cell ,Thin film ,Double layer (biology) ,Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment ,business.industry ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,0104 chemical sciences ,Dielectric spectroscopy ,Fuel Technology ,chemistry ,symbols ,Optoelectronics ,0210 nano-technology ,business ,Raman spectroscopy - Abstract
A double layer distribution can be observed in Cu2SnZnSe4 (CZTSe) thin films prepared via the selenization of metallic precursors. The double layer structure may cause the back contact of Mo substrates with absorber layers to degrade, thereby suppressing the performance of solar cells. Hence, to eliminate the problematic structure, we reduced the loss of SnSex during the selenization of precursors by modifying the laminated structures of the precursors formed by the deposition of CuxSe and ZnxSn1−x. In addition, the effects of different laminated structures on the thin-film properties of CZTSe were studied through X-ray diffraction analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, secondary-ion mass spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that the changes in the laminated structures help in reducing the loss of SnSex and in promoting the reactions between ZnSe and Cu–Sn–Se. As a result, the drawbacks of CZTSe thin films, such as the double layer distribution and existence of air holes, can be addressed. Furthermore, changes in the crystal structures are also noted. Photoluminescence results reveal that signals indicative of ZnSe-related defects were weakened and the band-tail effects became insignificant. Moreover, the internal resistance and quality of the interface in CZTSe solar cells were investigated through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results prove that the improvement of the double-layer distribution of absorber layers leads to high photoelectric conversion efficiency. Therefore, we modified the laminated structures of precursors to eliminate the distribution of absorber layers, which considerably improved the photoelectric conversion efficiency (from 2.9% to 5.67%).
- Published
- 2021
36. Antireflection layer of <scp>ZnO</scp> nanorod embedded in <scp>PDMS</scp> film for enhancing omnidirectional photovoltaic performance of <scp>CIGS</scp> photovoltaic cell
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Yu-Chao Hsu, Ming-Yang Hsieh, Shou-Yi Kuo, Fang-I Lai, and Jui-Fu Yang
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Fuel Technology ,Materials science ,Nuclear Energy and Engineering ,Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment ,business.industry ,Photovoltaic system ,Energy Engineering and Power Technology ,Optoelectronics ,Nanorod ,Omnidirectional antenna ,business ,Copper indium gallium selenide solar cells ,Layer (electronics) - Published
- 2020
37. Detection of
- Author
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Po-Chih, Chang, Ming-Li, Hsieh, Shih-Tsung, Huang, Hsin-Chieh, Huang, Yu-Chao, Hsu, Ching-Wei, Huang, Wei-Feng, Ding, and Yu, Chen
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Male ,Semen ,Chronic Disease ,Trichomonas vaginalis ,Humans ,Syndrome ,Pelvic Pain ,Prostatitis - Abstract
This study aims to evaluate associations between the immunochromatographic rapid test technique and
- Published
- 2022
38. Experimental Study on the Efficiency of a Hydrosuction System for Desilting Sediment from a Farm Pond
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Tung-Yang Lai, Yu-Chao Hsu, Ji-Shang Wang, Yu-Wen Su, Guei-Lin Fu, and Cheng-Yi Hung
- Abstract
Sedimentation has been a crucial problem in the management of storage in farm ponds, which cuts down the capability of ponds in aspects of irrigation, flood detention, and water retention. The Hydrosuction sediment removal system features low energy consumption and reduction of structural modifications to the existing shaft, which is an economically feasible method to remove siltation in storage areas. However, the effect of desilting might be limited due to the position of inflow orifice of siphon-type pipe which controls the scope of desilting affected area. This study aims to enhance the desilting effect of a fixed siphon system through connected a designed drainage tube.The experiments were conducted in a cubic tank with a volume of 1.0 m3. Inside the tank, a vertical square shaft with the height of 80cm connected to an outlet channel was placed, and the siphon-type pipe was arranged from the inner of the tank to the outlet channel along with the shaft with a 3.0 cm inner diameter. The tests were performed in two kinds of inflow conditions in three water heights (60, 70, 80 cm), one is constant head inflow condition for continuous inflow provided, the other is falling head inflow condition with limited inflow supply. The initially deposited depths of sediment varied from 30 or 40cm. The designed 24cm long tube which has three added upward orifices with two types of diameters (1.0, 2.0 cm) could be connected to the inflow orifice of the siphon pipe to compare the desilting effect with the original arrangement in the above flow conditions.The experimental results revealed that the effect of desilting was promoted by the connection of the designed tube to the siphon system. Besides, the efficiency of desilting was affected by the sizes of discharge orifices on the designed tube in different inflow conditions. In the constant head inflow condition, the arrangement of the connected 2cm discharge orifice tube performed better results due to the larger amount of outflow induced by the larger orifice. On the contrary, the arrangement of the connected 1cm discharge orifice tube had better desilting effect in falling head inflow condition induced by the longer time of disturbance between flow and sediment in smaller discharge. The results indicate that the capability and efficiency of sediment removal in the siphon system might be promoted by connecting an extended drainage tube with an appropriate size of upward discharge orifices.
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- 2022
39. Sustainable Cu 2 ZnSnSe 4 photovoltaic cells fabricated with a sputtered CdS buffer layer
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Fang-I Lai, Jui-Fu Yang, Yu-Chao Hsu, and Shou-Yi Kuo
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Materials science ,Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment ,business.industry ,Photovoltaic system ,engineering.material ,Condensed Matter Physics ,Buffer (optical fiber) ,Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials ,engineering ,Optoelectronics ,Kesterite ,Electrical and Electronic Engineering ,business ,Layer (electronics) - Published
- 2020
40. Enhanced omnidirectional light harvesting in dye-sensitized solar cells with periodic ZnO nanoflower photoelectrodes
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Yu-Chao Hsu, Fang-I Lai, Shou-Yi Kuo, and Jui-Fu Yang
- Subjects
Materials science ,business.industry ,Energy conversion efficiency ,02 engineering and technology ,Nanoflower ,010402 general chemistry ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,01 natural sciences ,Ray ,Light scattering ,0104 chemical sciences ,Surfaces, Coatings and Films ,Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials ,Dielectric spectroscopy ,Biomaterials ,Field emission microscopy ,Dye-sensitized solar cell ,Colloid and Surface Chemistry ,Optoelectronics ,Solar simulator ,0210 nano-technology ,business - Abstract
In this study, two-dimensional ZnO nanoflower photoelectrodes were prepared using a chemical solution method and applied to dye-sensitised solar cells. By growing ZnO nanoflowers with different lengths on the photoelectrodes, the effects of the ZnO nanoflowers on the omnidirectional light-harvesting and broadband of dye-sensitised solar cells were investigated. According to the field emission scanning electron microscope and UV–Vis-NIR measurements of the prepared ZnO nanoflowers at different lengths, it can be determined that the amount of dye adsorption and degree of light scattering are affected by the lengths of the nanoflowers. A finite difference time-domain simulation was used to verify whether the degree of light scattering was affected by the lengths of the ZnO nanoflowers. In addition, the prepared ZnO nanoflower photoelectrodes of different lengths were applied to dye-sensitised solar cells. The photoelectric element efficiency, carrier life cycle, and element characteristics under wide-angle measurements were investigated through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, the monochromic incident photon-to-electronic conversion efficiency, and a solar simulator. At high angles, the difference in efficiency of multi-directional incident light was reduced from 46% to 12%, which effectively improved the capturing characteristics of the multi-directional incident light during light scattering.
- Published
- 2020
41. Weatherability of Cu2ZnSnSe4 thin film solar cells on diverse substrates
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Yu-Chao Hsu, Fang-I Lai, Wei-Chun Chen, Shou-Yi Kuo, and Jui-Fu Yang
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Photoluminescence ,Materials science ,020209 energy ,Oxide ,02 engineering and technology ,Substrate (electronics) ,law.invention ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,law ,Solar cell ,0202 electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering ,General Materials Science ,Thin film ,integumentary system ,Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment ,business.industry ,Photovoltaic system ,food and beverages ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,Field emission microscopy ,chemistry ,biological sciences ,Optoelectronics ,0210 nano-technology ,business ,Layer (electronics) - Abstract
This paper presents a thorough investigation over characteristics and device performance of Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) thin films and CZTSe solar cells prepared on Mo substrate, and on transparent oxide layers including SnO2:F (FTO) layer, and In2O3:Sn (ITO) layer. The resultant CZTSe thin film is characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and photoluminescence (PL), and is subsequently fabricated into CZTSe solar cell. The characterization measurements have unveiled that, different substrate material can affect the diffusion of sodium and zinc, hence alters the distribution of ZnSe, surface morphology and crystalline structure of the CZTSe thin film. In comparison, FTO shows superior stability among Mo substrate and ITO substrate during high temperature fabrication process for CZTSe thin film solar cells. For weatherability test of the three CZTSe solar cells with different substrates, all of the three devices have also been exposed to damp heat damage. Test results shows the least efficiency decline on the CZTSe solar cell with FTO substrate after damp heat damage, suggesting that the CZTSe solar cell with FTO substrate is the most resistive to damp heat weathering. The CZTSe solar cell with Mo substrate can be deteriorated at Mo substrate layer and shows more drastic efficiency decrease. The comparison reflects a high potential in CZTSe solar cell for the next generation photovoltaic applications, such as see-through solar cells and building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV).
- Published
- 2020
42. Correlation of Morphology Evolution with Carrier Dynamics in InN Films Heteroepitaxially Grown by MOMBE
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Shou-Yi Kuo, Yu-Chao Hsu, Jui-Fu Yang, Fang-I Lai, Wei-Chun Chen, and Woei-Tyng Lin
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Materials science ,Phonon ,Exciton ,TP1-1185 ,02 engineering and technology ,Substrate (electronics) ,Epitaxy ,01 natural sciences ,Catalysis ,catalyst-free ,0103 physical sciences ,Physical and Theoretical Chemistry ,Electronic band structure ,QD1-999 ,Wurtzite crystal structure ,010302 applied physics ,business.industry ,InN ,Chemical technology ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,Chemistry ,Optoelectronics ,Nanorod ,Dislocation ,0210 nano-technology ,business ,nanorods - Abstract
In this study, we report the catalyst-free growth of n-type wurtzite InN, along with its optical properties and carrier dynamics of different surface dimensionalities. The self-catalyzed epitaxial growth of InN nanorods grown by metal–organic molecular-beam epitaxy on GaN/Al2O3(0001) substrates has been demonstrated. The substrate temperature is dominant in controlling the growth of nanorods. A dramatic morphological change from 2D-like to 1D nanorods occurs with decreasing growth temperature. The InN nanorods have a low dislocation density and good crystalline quality, compared with InN films. In terms of optical properties, the nanorod structure exhibits strong recombination of Mahan excitons in luminescence, and an obvious spatial correlation effect in phonon dispersion. The downward band structure at the nanorod surface leads to the photon energy-dependent lifetime being upshifted to the high-energy side.
- Published
- 2021
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43. Association of urinary ketamine and APOA1 levels with bladder dysfunction in ketamine abusers revealed via proteomics and targeted metabolite analyses
- Author
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Yu-Chao Hsu, Jo-Chuan Liu, Chia-Chun Wu, Yi-Ting Chen, Chun-Te Wu, Ya-Ju Hsieh, Jau-Song Yu, Srinivas Dash, Ming-Chyi Huang, and Chih-Ken Chen
- Subjects
Adult ,Male ,Proteomics ,0301 basic medicine ,Substance-Related Disorders ,Urology ,Bladder ,Science ,Urinary system ,Metabolite ,Urinary Bladder ,Diseases ,Urine ,Disease ,Pharmacology ,Article ,Young Adult ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Dehydronorketamine ,0302 clinical medicine ,Humans ,Medicine ,Ketamine ,Multidisciplinary ,Apolipoprotein A-I ,business.industry ,Urogenital diseases ,030104 developmental biology ,chemistry ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,Proteome ,Female ,business ,medicine.drug - Abstract
Chronic ketamine abuse is associated with bladder dysfunction and cystitis. However, the effects of ketamine abuse on the urinary proteome profile and the correlations among urinary proteins, urinary ketamine (and metabolites) and clinicopathological features of ketamine-induced bladder dysfunction remain to be established. Here, we recruited 56 ketamine abusers (KA) and 40 age-matched healthy controls (HC) and applied the iTRAQ-based proteomics approach to unravel quantitative changes in the urine proteome profile between the two groups. Many of the differentially regulated proteins are involved in the complement and coagulation cascades and/or fibrotic disease. Among them, a significant increase in APOA1 levels in KA relative to control samples (392.1 ± 59.9 ng/ml vs. 13.7 ± 32.6 ng/ml, p
- Published
- 2021
44. Omnidirectional light‐harvesting enhancement of dye‐sensitized solar cells with ZnO nanorods
- Author
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Shou-Yi Kuo, Yu-Chao Hsu, Fang-I Lai, and Jui-Fu Yang
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Dye-sensitized solar cell ,Fuel Technology ,Materials science ,Nanostructure ,Nuclear Energy and Engineering ,Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment ,business.industry ,Energy Engineering and Power Technology ,Optoelectronics ,Nanorod ,business ,Omnidirectional antenna - Published
- 2019
45. Increased Nectin-4 levels in chronic ketamine abusers and the relationship with lower urinary tract symptoms
- Author
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Po-Yu Chen, Hu-Ming Chang, Hsiang-Wei Kuo, Ming-Chyi Huang, Chiu-Ping Fang, Yu-Chao Hsu, Tung-Hsia Liu, Chun-Te Wu, and Yu-Li Liu
- Subjects
Adult ,Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Substance-Related Disorders ,Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Urinary system ,Toxicology ,Gastroenterology ,Young Adult ,Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms ,Lower urinary tract symptoms ,Nectin ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Humans ,Ketamine ,Urothelium ,media_common ,Pharmacology ,business.industry ,Addiction ,General Medicine ,Plasma levels ,medicine.disease ,Toxicity ,Female ,business ,Cell Adhesion Molecules ,Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists ,medicine.drug - Abstract
Persistent ketamine use causes susceptibility to addiction and bladder toxicity. We examined the association of lower urinary tract symptoms and levels of Nectin-4, a member of the cell adhesion molecules that is essential for maintaining the urothelium barrier in chronic ketamine abusers. We measured the plasma levels of Nectin-4 in 88 patients with ketamine dependence and 69 controls. Patients with ketamine dependence were assessed for ketamine use variables, psychological symptoms, and lower urinary tract symptoms. We found Nectin-4 levels were increased in ketamine-dependent patients compared to the controls (p < 0.0001). Patients with urinary tract symptoms exhibited lower Nectin-4 levels than those without (p = 0.021). Our results suggest an up-regulation of Nectin-4 following chronic and heavy ketamine use. Patients with ketamine dependence with a compromised upregulation of Nectin-4 are likely to have more severe urinary tract symptoms. The mechanisms underlying the involvement of Nectin-4 in ketamine addiction and bladder toxicity warrant future investigation.
- Published
- 2021
46. Improvement of Amorphous Silicon Thin-Film Photovoltaic Cells with Zinc Oxide Nanorods
- Author
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Shou-Yi Kuo, Fang-I Lai, Yu-Chao Hsu, and Jui-Fu Yang
- Subjects
Amorphous silicon ,Materials science ,Scanning electron microscope ,General Chemical Engineering ,chemistry.chemical_element ,ZnO nanorods ,02 engineering and technology ,Zinc ,anti-reflective layers ,010402 general chemistry ,01 natural sciences ,Inorganic Chemistry ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,a-Si:H thin-film photovoltaic cell ,lcsh:QD901-999 ,General Materials Science ,Thin film ,Diffractometer ,Energy conversion efficiency ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,Condensed Matter Physics ,0104 chemical sciences ,chemistry ,Chemical engineering ,Nanorod ,lcsh:Crystallography ,0210 nano-technology ,Current density - Abstract
In this study, zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NRs) were produced using a chemical solution method, which was applied to the surfaces of amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin-film photovoltaic cells as an anti-reflective layer (ARL). ZnO NRs of different lengths were grown on Si substrates by controlling the growth time. They were then analyzed using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), UV-vis spectrometer, and field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), thereby obtaining the optimal growth conditions for ZnO NRs. The optimal growth parameters were applied to the surface of a-Si:H thin-film photovoltaic cells. The results show that the short-circuit current density increased from 6.23 mA/cm2 to 8.05 mA/cm2, and the efficiency increased from 3.49% to 4.51%, an increase of approximately 29%. In addition, ZnO NRs growing on the surfaces of a-Si:H thin-film photovoltaic cells can reduce the hydrophilicity. The experimental results show that ZnO NRs have great application potential, not only for improving the conversion efficiency, but also for protecting the devices from external environmental influences.
- Published
- 2020
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47. Enhanced Conversion Efficiency of a-Si:H Thin-Film Solar Cell Using ZnO Nanorods
- Author
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Shou-Yi Kuo, Yu-Chao Hsu, Fang-I Lai, and Jui-Fu Yang
- Subjects
Amorphous silicon ,Materials science ,General Chemical Engineering ,a-Si:H thin-film solar cell ,ZnO nanorods ,02 engineering and technology ,010402 general chemistry ,01 natural sciences ,law.invention ,Inorganic Chemistry ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,law ,Solar cell ,lcsh:QD901-999 ,General Materials Science ,Spin coating ,business.industry ,Energy conversion efficiency ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,Condensed Matter Physics ,0104 chemical sciences ,chemistry ,Optoelectronics ,Nanorod ,lcsh:Crystallography ,antireflective layers ,0210 nano-technology ,business ,Current density ,Refractive index ,Layer (electronics) - Abstract
The surface reflectivity of a material will vary as light passes through interfaces with different refractive indices. Therefore, the optical loss and reflection of an optical-electronic component can be reduced by fabricating nanostructures on its surface. In the case of a solar cell, the presence of nanostructures can deliver many different advantages, such as decreasing the surface reflectivity, enhancing the light trapping, and increasing the efficiency of the carrier collection by providing a shorter diffusion distance for the photogenerated minority carriers. In this study, an approximately 50-nm thick seed layer was first prepared using spin coating. Zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO-NRs) were then grown using a chemical solution method (CSM). The ZnO-NRs were approximately 2 &mu, m in height and 100 nm in diameter. After applying them to amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) solar cells, the short-circuit current density increased from 8.03 to 9.24 mA/cm2, and the photovoltaic conversion efficiency increased by 11.24%.
- Published
- 2020
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48. Effects of Various Inhibitors on the Nucleation of Calcium Oxalate in Synthetic Urine
- Author
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Yi-Hsuan Lin, Yu-Chao Hsu, and Lie-Ding Shiau
- Subjects
crystallization ,General Chemical Engineering ,nucleation ,030232 urology & nephrology ,Calcium oxalate ,Nucleation ,chemistry.chemical_element ,02 engineering and technology ,Urine ,Inorganic Chemistry ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,0302 clinical medicine ,interfacial energy ,lcsh:QD901-999 ,medicine ,calcium oxalate ,General Materials Science ,Magnesium ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,Condensed Matter Physics ,medicine.disease ,kidney stone ,inhibition ,chemistry ,Urea ,Uric acid ,Kidney stones ,lcsh:Crystallography ,Classical nucleation theory ,0210 nano-technology ,Nuclear chemistry - Abstract
A new synthetic urine was adopted in this work to study the nucleation kinetics of calcium oxalate using a batch crystallizer for various supersaturations at 37 °, C. In the studied new synthetic urine, three additional components (urea, uric acid and creatinine) within the normal physiological ranges were added to the commonly-used synthetic urine to simulate human urine more closely. The interfacial energy for the nucleation of calcium oxalate was determined based on classical nucleation theory using the turbidity induction time measurements. The effects of various inhibitors, including magnesium, citrate, hydroxycitrate, chondroitin sulfate, and phytate, on the nucleation of calcium oxalate were investigated in detail. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the influences of these inhibitors on the preferential nucleation of the different hydrates of calcium oxalate crystals.
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
49. Experimental Study on the Hydraulic Desilting System of Dam Farm Pond
- Author
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Yu-Wen Su, Yu-Chao Hsu, Ji-Shang Wang, Yen-Chun Fang, Jui-Jen Lin, Chyan-Deng Jan, Guei-Lin Fu, and Tzu-Chieh Hung
- Abstract
Due to the effects of extreme climate, the frequency of drought has increased around the southern Taiwan in recent years. The development and utilization of water resources, especially in dry season, becomes more significant in the hillsides of southern Taiwan. Farm ponds are useful facilities for agriculture, especially in the hilly areas. In addition, farm ponds can provide the functions of water retention and detention, ground water recharge, land subsidence mitigation, water purification, ecological conservation and habitat environment. According to the results of fieldwork, about ten percentage of ponds are facing more serious sedimentation problems. Among these farm ponds, deposition in dam farm ponds may be more severe. Because the farm ponds are located on hilly areas where agriculture is active, the problem of sediment deposition is always issued. This study used an experiment model to study the feasibility of hydraulic desilting of dam farm pond. The experimental study was conducted in a tank of cube which has a volume of 1.0 m3, a stand pipe area of 0.01 m2, an inclined pipe area of 0.01 m2 and desilting pipe diameter of 0.03 m. The experimental arrangements included three positions of desilting pipes (setting0, setting1, setting3), two bottom orifice sizes (Do = 1.0 cm, 2.0 cm), three sediment deposition depths (EL = 30 cm, 40 cm, 50 cm) and three water levels (WL = 60 cm, 70 cm, 80 cm). Our study aims to figure out the most effective sediment removal ratio in the different arrangement of experiment. The inflow discharge varied from 450 to 4,000 cm3/s. The median diameter (d50) of the sediment used in experiments was 0.12 mm. According to the results of experiment, sediment removal ratio with bottom orifice of 2.0 cm is higher than bottom orifice of 1.0 cm under conditions of three different sediment deposition depths and three different water levels. The experimental results indicate that desilting pipes installed in the dam farm pond is helpful for removing sediment deposition. This study will also conduce to the promotion of conservation measures and water resources that related to farm ponds.
- Published
- 2020
50. Hazard and risk assessment of watershed in South Taiwan
- Author
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Yen-Hsiu Lin, Chih-Hsiang Hong, Ji-Shang Wang, Yu-Chao Hsu, and Yu-Wen Su
- Subjects
Watershed ,Environmental health ,Environmental science ,Risk assessment ,Hazard - Abstract
INTRODUCTIONIn 2009, the typhoon Morakot caused many multimodal sediment disasters in Taiwan. The Soil and Water Conservation Bureau invested a lot of resources in the reconstruction project. To accelerate the stability of soil in the catchment area, and reduce the possibility of secondary disasters. After a period of time, appropriate review and governance benefit assessment should be carried out. In this study, 2 major areas with heavy sediment disasters within the jurisdiction of the Tainan Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau were chose to do hazard and risk assessment.METHODSThis study collected the documents of the erosion and sediment control engineering over the years from 2009. Then, matched with the field survey, digital elevation model analysis, and using the evaluation matrix to assess the level of hazard and risk of selected major disaster areas. The row and column of the evaluation matrix including “function of structures” and “environmental condition (EC)”. Function of structures are divided into 4 levels: Nice, Good, Poor, and Bad. Environmental condition is assessed by four factors “landslide rate of watershed (%)”, “upstream channel slope (degree)”, “river erosion or siltation change (m)”, “preservation factor”. Landslide rate of watershed (LA) means the percent of landslide in the watershed. Upstream channel slope (US) means the slope of the channel from the middle to the top of watershed. River erosion or siltation change (CD) means the maximum vertical height change of river bed. Preservation Factor considered the protected targets and the preservation distance. According to the individual scores of the four factors, the weighted average is taken and divided EC into 4 levels. The hazard and risk assessment work can be done according to the evaluation results of “function of structures” and “situation of environment”.RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONIn this study, we chose two sites, i.e., Cianghuangkeng (Tainan City), Henansiang (Kaohsiung), to practice hazard and risk assessment, in 2018. 2009, typhoon Morakot caused 1.96 ha of landslide, and brought about 160,000 m3 of sediment at Cianghuangkeng. From 2009 to 2018, the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau practiced 6 erosion and sediment control engineering. According to the results of assessment, the level of function of environment is good, and the level of environmental condition is A. Therefore, the result of hazard and risk assessment is low. Cianghuangkeng has low potential for hazard and risk. In this way, the evaluation result of hazard and risk assessment in Henansiang is also low.According to the results of evaluation matrix, the potential of hazard and risk could divide into three levels: high (H), middle (M), low (L).CONCLUSIONSThis study use evaluation matrix method to assess the hazard and risk of the major disaster areas caused by the typhoon Morakot event. According to the assessment results, we can review whether the remediation strategies and directions of key disaster areas need to be revised. It will help improve related technologies, provide reference for future related governance planning strategies, and effectively promote the improvement of soil and water conservation.
- Published
- 2020
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