Broad-specificity amino acid racemase, a novel non-antibiotic selectable marker for transgenic plants

Yi‑Chia Kuan,Venkatesan Thiruvengadam,Jia‑Shin Lin,Jia‑Hsin Liu,Tsan‑Jan Chen,Hsin‑Mao Wu,Wen‑Ching Wang,Liang‑Jwu Chen 한국식물생명공학회 2018 Plant biotechnology reports Vol.12 No.1

The broad-specificity amino acid racemase (Bsar) from Pseudomonas putida catalyzes the racemization of various amino acids, offering a flexible and feasible platform to develop a new non-antibiotic selectable marker system for plant transformation. In the present study, we demonstrated that a Bsar variant, Bsar-R174K, that is useful as a selectable marker gene in Arabidopsis and rice that were susceptible to l-lysine and D-alanine. The introduction of wild-type Bsar, Bsar-R174K or Bsar-R174A into E. coli lysine or asparagine auxotrophs was able to rescue the growth of these microorganisms in minimal media supplemented with selectable amino acid enantiomers. The transformation of Arabidopsis with Bsar or Bsar variants based on d-alanine selection revealed that Bsar-R174K had the greatest efficiency (2.40%), superior to kanamycin selectionbased transformation (1.10%). Whereas, l-lysine-based selection exhibited lower efficiency for Bsar-R174K (0.17%). The progenies of selected Bsar-R174K transgenic Arabidopsis revealed normal growth properties. In addition, Bsar-R174K transgenic rice was obtained on l-lysine medium with an efficiency of 0.9%, and the progenies of the transgenic rice revealed morphologically normal phenotypes comparable with their wild-type counterparts. This study presents the first report of broad range amino acid racemase Bsar-R174K as a non-antibiotic selectable marker system applied in transgenic plants.

Reinforcing Techniques and Property Evaluations of Electromagnetic Shielding Effective Fabrics Based on Polypropylene-coated Carbon Fibers

Jan-Yi Lin,Mei-Chen Lin,Yan-Yu Lin,Ting An Lin,Chen-Hung Huang,Ching-Wen Lou,Jia-Horng Lin 한국섬유공학회 2021 Fibers and polymers Vol.22 No.3

In this study, the coating process is employed on metal wire to help improve the friction resistant property ofcarbon fibers, thereby provides more application feasibility. The yarn coating technique for reinforcement and woven fabricprocess are used to produce carbon/stainless steel/polyester/polypropylene/acrylic (CSPPA) woven fabrics that arecharacterized with softness and a light weight. The constituent coated yarns exhibit good conductivity after being coated witha PP layer, and likewise strengthen the woven fabrics in terms of mechanical behavior of tensile strength, elongation, bendingtorsion, creep resistance, and wear-resistant properties. The test results indicate that in the woven process, samples retaingood morphology. Due to PP sheath, the tensile strength of woven fabrics increases from 23 MPa to 42 MPa. Although thelamination layer numbers does not improve the EMI SE of woven fabrics, the EMI SE still reaches over 40 dB. Themanufacturing design proposed in this study provides an innovative finishing for carbon fibers without affecting the intrinsicproperties, and provides a greater range of application for carbon fibers.

Synthesis of mesoporous SiO2 xerogel/chitosan mixed-matrix membranes for butanol dehydration

Yi-Feng Lin,Chang-Yu Wu,Ting-Yu Liu,Kun-Yi Andrew Lin,Kuo-Lun Tung,Tsair-Wang Chung 한국공업화학회 2018 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.57 No.-

Novel mesoporous SiO2 xerogel/chitosan (CS) mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) were successfully prepared by incorporating sol–gel synthesized SiO2 xerogels into glutaraldehyde (GA) cross-linked CS membranes. The effects of the SiO2 doping amount and the feed temperature on the performance of the separation of butanol and water was also investigated in this study. The 0.25 wt% SiO2 xerogel/CS MMMs possessed the best pervaporation performance and the largest PSI value of 1102 kg/m2h with a permeate flux of 736 g/m2h (Permeability of 3.25 × 10−5 g m m−2 h −1 Pa−1) and a separation factor of 1498 at a feed temperature of 50 °C. This PSI value is not only comparable but also exceeds that of other membranes reported in the literature. The separation factor and the flux of the SiO2 xerogel/CS MMMs in this study clearly exceed the upper limit of the previously reported MMMs. As a result, the as-prepared novel SiO2 xerogel/CS MMMs showed an improved performance during the butanol and water separation process, which raises the possibility of future pervaporation applications using this novel SiO2 xerogel/CS MMMs.

Courage Store II

( Lin Rui-lin ),( He Xin-hua ),( Chen Guan-ting ),( Chen Jia-ling ),( Jua Wei-ting ),( Lin Yen-chun ),( Yuan Zheng-xing ),( Lin Yi-ru ) 한국기초조형학회 2018 한국기초조형학회 작품집 Vol.2018 No.2

Effects of Codeine on Esophageal Peristalsis in Patients With Ineffective Esophageal Motility: Studies Using High-resolution Manometry

Wei-Yi Lei,Tso-Tsai Liu,Wei-Chuan Chang,Chih-Hsun Yi,Jui-Sheng Hung,Ming-Wun Wong,Shu-Wei Liang,Lin Lin,Chien-Lin Chen 대한소화기 기능성질환∙운동학회 2024 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.30 No.1

Background/AimsThis study aims to evaluate the effects of acute codeine administration on primary and secondary esophageal peristalsis in patients with ineffective esophageal motility (IEM). MethodsEighteen IEM patients (8 women; mean age 37.8 years, range 23-64 years) were enrolled in the study. The patients underwent high-resolution manometry exams, consisting of 10 single wet swallows, multiple rapid swallows, and ten 20 mL rapid air injections to trigger secondary peristalsis. All participants completed 2 separate sessions, including acute administration of codeine (60 mg) and placebo, in a randomized order. ResultsCodeine significantly increased the distal contractile integral (566 ± 81 mmHg∙s∙cm vs 247 ± 36 mmHg∙s∙cm, P = 0.001) and shortened distal latency (5.7 ± 0.2 seconds vs 6.5 ± 0.1 seconds, P < 0.001) for primary peristalsis compared with these parameters after placebo treatment. The mean total break length decreased significantly after codeine treatment compared with the length after placebo (P = 0.003). Codeine significantly increased esophagogastric junction-contractile integral (P = 0.028) but did not change the 4-second integrated relaxation pressure (P = 0.794). Codeine significantly decreased the frequency of weak (P = 0.039) and failed contractions (P = 0.009), resulting in increased frequency of normal primary peristalsis (P < 0.136). No significant differences in the ratio of impaired multiple rapid swallows inhibition and parameters of secondary peristalsis were detected. ConclusionsIn IEM patients, acute administration of codeine increases contraction vigor and reduces distal latency of primary esophageal peristalsis, but has no effect on secondary peristalsis. Future studies are required to further elucidate clinical relevance of these findings, especially in the setting of gastroesophageal reflux disease with IEM.

Transient Hiatal Separation During Straight Leg Raise Can Predict Reflux Burden in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Patients With Ineffective Esophageal Motility

Wei-Yi Lei,Shu-Wei Liang,Taher Omari,Wei-Chuan Chang,Ming-Wun Wong,Jui-Sheng Hung,Chih-Hsun Yi,Tso-Tsai Liu,Lin Lin,C Prakash Gyawali,Chien-Lin Chen 대한소화기 기능성질환∙운동학회 2022 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.28 No.4

Background/Aims Straight leg raise (SLR) can be utilized to evaluate the integrity of the esophagogastric junction during high-resolution manometry (HRM). We aim to assess the value of transient hiatal separation during SLR in symptomatic reflux patients. Methods Consecutive reflux patients undergoing esophageal HRM and pH monitoring were included. Transient hiatal separation was defined by a ≥ 1 cm separation between the lower esophageal sphincter and crural diaphragm during SLR. We compared esophageal motor patterns and reflux monitoring parameters between patients with normal, transiently abnormal and consistently abnormal esophagogastric junction morphology during SLR. Results Of 85 (56.3% female, mean age: 46.7 ± 12.3 years) completed SLR, esophagogastric junction morphology was normal in 31 (36.5%), transient hiatal separation in 19 (22.3%), and consistently hiatal hernia in 35 (41.2%). The values of total acid exposure time (P = 0.016), longest acid reflux episodes (P = 0.024), and DeMeester scores (P = 0.016) were higher in hiatal hernia compared to patients with non-transient hiatal separation, but there were no differences between those with and without transient hiatal separation. Within ineffective esophageal motility, the presence of transient hiatal separation during SLR significantly associated with a higher total acid exposure time (P = 0.014), higher DeMeester scores (P = 0.019), higher total acid reflux events (P = 0.037), and higher longest acid reflux episodes (P = 0.006). Conclusion Our work suggests that SLR may have value as a provocative test during HRM, and future outcome studies are warranted to elucidate the clinical relevance of motor abnormalities depicted from SLR.

Enhancing Cross-Cultural Adaptation Skills of International Chinese Language Teachers

Zhang Lin(Lin Zhang),Sun Yi(Yi Sun) 아시아사회과학학회 2023 Jornal of Asia Social Science Vol.10 No.2

Since 2004, China National Office for Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language began dispatching international Chinese language teachers to countries in need around the world, the teachers have made important contributions to international Chinese language education and cultural communication. International Chinese language teachers are bound to face various discomfort and difficulties when working and living in a cultural environment different from their own, which affects both their teaching and personal life. This paper attempts to analyze the internal and external factors that affect the teachers’ cross-cultural adaptability, as well as the deficiencies in pre-job training for international Chinese language teachers, to find the existing problems and make suggestions to solve them.

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

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

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

Fabrication of a Biodegradable Multi-layered Polyvinyl Alcohol Stent

Mei-Chen Lin,Ching-Wen Lou,Jan-Yi Lin,Ting An Lin,Yueh-Sheng Chen,Jia-Horng Lin 한국섬유공학회 2018 Fibers and polymers Vol.19 No.8

This study aims to develop biodegradable vascular stents that prevent permanent damage caused by rejection of the immune system of the human body. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) yarns are twisted to enhance their strength. The twisted yarns are braided and then coated with chitosan (CS). The CS-coated PVA vascular stents are chemically crosslinked with genipin (GP) to improve their flexibility and biodegradability. Their morphological characteristics are also observed using a stereoscopic microscope, and their properties are evaluated through scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, bending test, biodegradability test, drug release measurement, and MTT assay. Results reveal that wet PVA-CS-GP vascular stents coated with multiple CS layers can maintain a tubular structure when they are bent. After crosslinking is performed, the compressive strength of the PVA-CS-GP stents is 17.04 times higher than that of pure PVA. The weight loss rate of the PVA-CS-GP vascular stents as <3 % after 30 days. The PVA-CS-GP vascular stents composed of 0.10 % heparin sodium show a good drug release effect. Biological activity test indicates that these stents exhibit good proliferation, and our structural model verifies that they are good vascular stents.

Polyester/Polylactic Acid/Stainless Steel Composite Bone Scaffolds Made by Electrochemical Treatment: Process Design and Property Evaluations

Mei-Chen Lin,Ching-Wen Lou,Jan-Yi Lin,Ting An Lin,Shih-Peng Wen,Jia-Horng Lin 한국섬유공학회 2019 Fibers and polymers Vol.20 No.2

This study combines and twists 75D polyester (PET) multi-filaments and polylactic acid (PLA) multi-filaments with twist coefficients of 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 to form 150D PET/PLA plied yarns. The 0.08-mm-diameter stainless steel (SS) fibers are made into SS braids with a 60-tooth braid gear and a take-up gear with 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100 teeth. PET/PLA plied yarn and SS braids are then combined and electrochemically treated with an electric current of 100, 200, 300, 400, or 500 mA at 60 ℃ for 24 hours, forming the PET/PLA/SS composite bone scaffolds. PET/PLA/SS composite bone scaffolds are observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscope (EDS), and tested for weight increase rate and biocompatibility. The experiment results show that the optimal twist coefficient for PET/PLA plied yarn is 4 and the optimal tooth number on the take-up gear for SS braids is 80. SEM observation result shows that hydroxyapatite (HA) deposits on the surface of PET/PLA/SS composite bone scaffolds and attaches to the PET/PLA plied yarns. Finally, regardless of electric currents, all PET/PLA/SS composite bone scaffolds possess good biocompatibility.