Submicron-Size Patterning on the Sapphire Substrate Prepared by Nanosphere Lithography and Nanoimprint Lithography Techniques

Chun-Ming Chang,Ming-Hua Shiao,Donyau Chiang,Chin-Tien Yang,Mao-Jung Huang,Wen-Jeng Hsueh 대한금속·재료학회 2013 METALS AND MATERIALS International Vol.19 No.4

In this paper, we demonstrate and compare the formation of ordered etching masks for submicron-size patterned sapphire substrates through use of the nanosphere lithography and nanoimprint lithography methods. The metal honeycomb network structure and the polymer pillar protrusion structure were obtained from these two methods. Subsequently, the inductively-coupled-plasma reactive ion etching technique was applied to etch the sapphire substrates, and the etchant mixture gases of boron trichloride and argon with the flow rate ratio of 1 to 6 were introduced into the etchant chamber. Two types of submicron -pattern structures were obtained on the sapphire substrate surface after the etching processes were completed. One type of sapphire substrate was the submicron hole array structure and another type was the submicron cone array structure. The working pressure had a considerable effect on the shape geometry and etching rate, and the possible mechanism is discussed.

Impact of Peri-Operative Anemia and Blood Transfusions in Patients with Gastric Cancer Receiving Gastrectomy

Chang, Chih-Chun,Sun, Jen-Tang,Chen, Jing-Yuan,Chen, Yi-Ting,Li, Pei-Yu,Lee, Tai-Chen,Su, Ming-Jang,Wu, Jiann-Ming,Yen, Tzung-Hai,Chu, Fang-Yeh Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.3

Background: Potential disadvantages of blood transfusion during curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer have been reported, and the role of peri-operative transfusions remains to be ascertained. Thus, the aim of our study was to survey its impact in patients with gastric cancer undergoinging gastrectomy. Materials and Methods: Clinical data of patients receiving curative gastrectomy at Far Eastern Memorial Hospital were obtained. Findings for pre-operative anemia states, pre-, peri- and post-operative transfusion of red blood cell (RBC) products as well as post-operative complication events were collected for univariate analysis. Results: A total of 116 patients with gastric cancer received gastrectomy at Far Eastern Memorial Hospital from 2011 to 2014. Both pre-operative and intra- and post-operative transfusion of RBC products were markedly associated with post-operative infectious events (OR: 3.70, 95% CI: 1.43-9.58, P=0.002; OR: 8.20, 95% CI: 3.11-22.62, P<0.001, respectively). In addition, peri- and post-operative RBC transfusion was significantly associated with prolonged hospital stay from admission to discharge (OR: 8.66, 95% CI: 1.73-83.00, P=0.002) and post-operative acute renal failure (OR: 19.69, 95% CI: 2.66-854.56, P<0.001). Also, the overall survival was seemingly decreased by peri-operative RBC transfusion in our gastric cancer cases (P=0.078). Conclusions: Our survey indicated that peri-operative RBC transfusion could increase the risk of infectious events and acute renal failure post curative gastrectomy as well as worsen the overall survival in gastric cancer cases. Hence, unnecessary blood transfusion before, during and after curative gastrectomy should be avoided in patients with gastric cancer.

Induction of Forkhead Class box O3a and apoptosis by a standardized ginsenoside formulation, KG-135, is potentiated by autophagy blockade in A549 human lung cancer cells

Chih-Jung Yao,Jyh-Ming Chow,Shuang-En Chuang,Chia-Lun Chang,Ming-De Yan,Hsin-Lun Lee,I-Chun Lai,Pei-Chun Lin,Gi-Ming Lai 고려인삼학회 2017 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.41 No.3

Background: KG-135, a standardized formulation enriched with Rk1, Rg3, and Rg5 ginsenosides, has been shown to inhibit various types of cancer cells; however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we explored its effects in A549 human lung cancer cells to investigate the induction of Forkhead Class box O3a (FOXO3a) and autophagy. Methods: Cell viability was determined by sulforhodamine B staining. Apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were analyzed using flow cytometry. The changes of protein levels were determined using Western blot analysis. Autophagy induction was monitored by the formation of acidic vesicular organelles stained with acridine orange. Results: KG-135 effectively arrested the cells in G1 phase with limited apoptosis. Accordingly, a decrease of cyclin-dependent kinase-4, cyclin-dependent kinase-6, cyclin D1, and phospho-retinoblastoma protein, and an increase of p27 and p18 proteins were observed. Intriguingly, KG-135 increased the tumor suppressor FOXO3a and induced the accumulation of autophagy hallmark LC3-II and acidic vesicular organelles without an increase of the upstream marker Beclin-1. Unconventionally, the autophagy adaptor protein p62 (sequestosome 1) was increased rather than decreased. Blockade of autophagy by hydroxychloroquine dramatically potentiated KG-135-induced FOXO3a and its downstream (FasL) ligand accompanied by the cleavage of caspase-8. Meanwhile, the decrease of Bcl-2 and survivin, as well as the cleavage of caspase-9, were also drastically enhanced, resulting in massive apoptosis. Conclusion: Besides arresting the cells in G1 phase, KG-135 increased FOXO3a and induced an unconventional autophagy in A549 cells. Both the KG-135-activated extrinsic FOXO3a/FasL/caspase-8 and intrinsic caspase-9 apoptotic pathways were potentiated by blockade of autophagy. Combination of KG- 135 and autophagy inhibitor may be a novel strategy as an integrative treatment for cancers.

Induction of Forkhead Class box O3a and apoptosis by a standardized ginsenoside formulation, KG-135, is potentiated by autophagy blockade in A549 human lung cancer cells

Yao, Chih-Jung,Chow, Jyh-Ming,Chuang, Shuang-En,Chang, Chia-Lun,Yan, Ming-De,Lee, Hsin-Lun,Lai, I-Chun,Lin, Pei-Chun,Lai, Gi-Ming The Korean Society of Ginseng 2017 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.41 No.3

Background: KG-135, a standardized formulation enriched with Rk1, Rg3, and Rg5 ginsenosides, has been shown to inhibit various types of cancer cells; however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we explored its effects in A549 human lung cancer cells to investigate the induction of Forkhead Class box O3a (FOXO3a) and autophagy. Methods: Cell viability was determined by sulforhodamine B staining. Apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were analyzed using flow cytometry. The changes of protein levels were determined using Western blot analysis. Autophagy induction was monitored by the formation of acidic vesicular organelles stained with acridine orange. Results: KG-135 effectively arrested the cells in G1 phase with limited apoptosis. Accordingly, a decrease of cyclin-dependent kinase-4, cyclin-dependent kinase-6, cyclin D1, and phospho-retinoblastoma protein, and an increase of p27 and p18 proteins were observed. Intriguingly, KG-135 increased the tumor suppressor FOXO3a and induced the accumulation of autophagy hallmark LC3-II and acidic vesicular organelles without an increase of the upstream marker Beclin-1. Unconventionally, the autophagy adaptor protein p62 (sequestosome 1) was increased rather than decreased. Blockade of autophagy by hydroxychloroquine dramatically potentiated KG-135-induced FOXO3a and its downstream (FasL) ligand accompanied by the cleavage of caspase-8. Meanwhile, the decrease of Bcl-2 and survivin, as well as the cleavage of caspase-9, were also drastically enhanced, resulting in massive apoptosis. Conclusion: Besides arresting the cells in G1 phase, KG-135 increased FOXO3a and induced an unconventional autophagy in A549 cells. Both the KG-135-activated extrinsic FOXO3a/FasL/caspase-8 and intrinsic caspase-9 apoptotic pathways were potentiated by blockade of autophagy. Combination of KG-135 and autophagy inhibitor may be a novel strategy as an integrative treatment for cancers.

Prediction of the Duration to Next Admission for an Acute Affective Episode in Patients with Bipolar I Disorder

Pao-Huan Chen(Pao-Huan Chen),Chun-Ming Shih(Chun-Ming Shih),Chi-Kang Chang(Chi-Kang Chang),Chia-Pei Lin(Chia-Pei Lin),Yung-Han Chang(Yung-Han Chang),Hsin-Chien Lee(Hsin-Chien Lee),El-Wui Loh(El-Wui Lo 대한정신약물학회 2023 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.21 No.2

Objective: Predicting disease relapse and early intervention could reduce symptom severity. We attempted to identify potential indicators that predict the duration to next admission for an acute affective episode in patients with bipolar I disorder. Methods: We mathematically defined the duration to next psychiatric admission and performed single-variate regressions using historical data of 101 patients with bipolar I disorder to screen for potential variables for further multivariate regressions. Results: Age of onset, total psychiatric admissions, length of lithium use, and carbamazepine use during the psychiatric hospitalization contributed to the next psychiatric admission duration positively. The all-in-one found that hyperlipidemia during the psychiatric hospitalization demonstrated a negative contribution to the duration to next psychiatric admission; the last duration to psychiatric admission, lithium and carbamazepine uses during the psychiatric hospitalization, and heart rate on the discharge day positively contributed to the duration to next admission. Conclusion: We identified essential variables that may predict the duration of bipolar I patients’ next psychiatric admission. The correlation of a faster heartbeat and a normal lipid profile in delaying the next onset highlights the importance of managing these parameters when treating bipolar I disorder.

Antioxidative and Hepatoprotective Effects of Magnolol on Acetaminophen-induced Liver Damage in Rats

Yung-Hsiang Chen,Feng-Yen Lin,Po-Len Liu,Yi-Tsau Huang,Jen-Hwey Chiu,Yi-Chun Chang,Kee-Ming Man,Chuang-Ye Hong,Yen-Yi Ho,Ming-Tsung Lai 대한약학회 2009 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.32 No.2

Acute liver failure (ALF), an often fatal condition characterized by massive hepatocyte necrosis, is frequently caused by drug poisoning, particularly with acetaminophen (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol/APAP). Hepatocyte necrosis is consecutive to glutathione (GSH) depletion and mitochondrial damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction. Magnolol, one major phenolic constituent of Magnolia officinalis, have been known to exhibit potent antioxidative activity. In this study, the anti-hepatotoxic activity of magnolol on APAP-induced toxicity in the Sprague-Dawley rat liver was examined. After evaluating the changes of several biochemical parameters in serum, the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were elevated by APAP (500 mg/kg) intraperitoneal administration (8 and 24 h) and reduced by treatment with magnolol (0.5 h after APAP administration; 0.01, 0.1, and 1 μg/kg). Histological changes around the hepatic central vein, lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance/TBARS), and GSH depletion in liver tissue induced by APAP were also recovered by magnolol treatment. The data show that oxidative stress followed by lipid peroxidation may play a very important role in the pathogenesis of APAP-induced hepatic injury; treatment with lipid-soluble antioxidant, magnolol, exerts anti-hepatotoxic activity. Our study points out the potential interest of magnolol in the treatment of toxic ALF.

Creatine Kinase (CK)-MB-to-Total-CK Ratio: a Laboratory Indicator for Primary Cancer Screening

Chang, Chih-Chun,Liou, Ching-Biau,Su, Ming-Jang,Lee, Yi-Chen,Liang, Chai-Ting,Ho, Jung-Li,Tsai, Huang-Wen,Yen, Tzung-Hai,Chu, Fang-Yeh Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.15

Background: For the determination of creatine kinase (CK)-MB, the immunoinhibition method is utilized most commonly. However, the estimated CK-MB activity may be influenced by the presence of CK isoenzymes in some conditions like cancer. Thus, a CK-MB-to-total-CK ratio more than 1.0 could be found in such a situation. The study aimed to explore the relationship of cancer to high CK-MB-to-total-CK ratio. Materials and Methods: From January 2011 to December 2014, laboratory data on all CK-MB and total CK test requests were extracted at Far Eastern Memorial Hospital (88,415 requests). Patients with a CK-MB-to-total-CK ratio more than 1.0 were registered in this study. Clinical data including tumor location, tumor TNM stage and metastatic status were also collected. Results: A total of 846 patients were identified with a CK-MB-to-total-CK ratio more than 1.0. Of these, 339 (40.1%) were diagnosed with malignancies. The mean CK-MB-to-total-CK ratio was significantly higher in malignancy than in non-malignancy ($1.35{\pm}0.28$ vs $1.25{\pm}0.23$, p<0.001) groups. The most frequent malignancy with a CK-MB-to-total-CK ratio more than 1.0 was colorectal cancer ($1.42{\pm}0.28$, 16.5%, n=56), followed by lung cancer ($1.38{\pm}0.24$, 15.9%, n=54) and hepatocellular carcinoma (14.5%, n=49). Higher CK-MB-to-total-CK ratios in hematological malignancies ($1.44{\pm}0.41$)were also noted. Additionally, the CK-MB-to-total-CK ratio was markedly higher in advanced stage malignancy than in early stage ($1.37{\pm}0.26$ vs. $1.29{\pm}0.31$, p=0.014) and significantly higher in liver metastasis than in non-liver metastasis ($1.48{\pm}0.30$ vs. $1.30{\pm}0.21$, p<0.001). Conclusions: The CK-MB-to-total-CK ratio is an easily available indicator and could be clinically utilized as a primary screening tool for cancer. Higher ratio of CK-MB-to-total-CK was specifically associated with certain malignancies, like colorectal cancer, lung cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as some cancer-associated status factors such as advanced stage and liver metastasis.

Reversible Data Hiding Scheme for BTC-compressed Images Based on Histogram Shifting

Chun-Chi Lo,Yu-Chen Hu,Wu-Lin Chen,Chang-Ming Wu 보안공학연구지원센터 2014 International Journal of Security and Its Applicat Vol.8 No.2

Photocatalytic Effect for TiO<SUB>2</SUB>/ACF Composite Electrochemically Prepared with TNB Electrolyte

Ming-Liang Chen,Chang-Sung Lim,Won-Chun Oh 한국탄소학회 2007 Carbon Letters Vol.8 No.3

[ TiO2 ]ACF composites were prepared by the electrochemical method with Titanium (IV) n-butoxide (TNB) electrolyte under different electrochemical operation time. The BET surface area for TiO2/ACF composites decrease with the increase of electrochemical operation time. There is a single crystal structure which is anatase in all of the samples from the data of XRD. The SEM micrphotographs of TiO2/ACF composites show that the TiO2 particles were well mixed with the ACF. There are O and P with strong C and Ti peaks in all samples from EDX results, and it also shows that a decrease of the C content with a increasing of Ti content with increasing of the electrochemical operation time in the over all composites. DSC cures show that the exothermic peak of all composites at 560℃ represents the transformation heat of amorphous parts to anatase phase and the discontinuous grain growth of the transformed anatase particles. Finally, the excellent photoactivity of TiO2/ACF composites (especially, ACFT10) could be attributed that the decrease of concentration of MB can be concluded to be much faster for the adsorption by ACF than for photocatalytic decomposition by TiO2.

Influence of Pinewood Nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, on the Growth of Endoparasitic Fungus Esteya vermicola

Chun Yan Wang(왕춘연),Chung Ha Lee(이청하),Mi Ra Lee(이미라),Beom Sik Yun(윤범식),Lei Liu(유뢰),Zhen Wang(왕젠),Zhe Ming Fang(방철명),Dong Liang Zhang(장동량),Zheng Li(이정),Chang Keun Sung(성창근) 한국생명과학회 2010 생명과학회지 Vol.20 No.5

본 논문은 선충 포식성 곰팡이에 대한 선충의 영향을 조사한 연구로, 소나무 기생곰팡이인 E. vermicola에 미치는 소나무 선충의 영향을 체계적으로 분석하였다. 선충 대사물과 선충 균질액 모두 E. vermicola의 성장을 빠르게 촉진하였으나, 선충 대사물이 선충 균질액보다 약간 높은 효과를 보였다. 또한 소나무 선충이 생성하는 휘발성 물질이 E. vermicola 성장에 미치는 영향을 분석하는 새로운 실험방법을 개발하였다. 본 연구결과에 따르면, 선충의 휘발성 물질은 E. vermicola에 아무런 영향을 끼치지 않는다는 재현성 있는 결과를 도출하였다. 본 연구는 소나무 선충의 생물학적인 조절인자로서 E. vermicola을 적용할 수 있는 정보를 제공할 수 있을 것이다. The influence of nematodes on nematophagous fungi has seldom been investigated. In the present study, the influence of pinewood nematode on its endoparasitic fungus, Esteya vermicola, was investigated systemically. Although both nematodal metabolite and nematodal homogenate could stimulate and speed up the growth of E. vermicola, the impact of nematodal metabolite was slightly higher than that of nematodal homogenate. In addition, a method was developed to investigate the influence of volatiles, discharged by pinewood nematodes in their metabolic process, on the growth of E. vermicola. Reproductive results were given and confirmed that nematodal volatiles have no influence on the cell growth of E. vermicola. This study may provide information for the application of E. vermicola as biological control agent of pinewood nematode.