Quantitative Peptidomics Study Reveals That a Wound-Induced Peptide from PR-1 Regulates Immune Signaling in Tomato

Chen, Ying-Lan,Lee, Chi-Ying,Cheng, Kai-Tan,Chang, Wei-Hung,Huang, Rong-Nan,Nam, Hong Gil,Chen, Yet-Ran American Society of Plant Biologists 2014 The Plant cell Vol.26 No.10

<P>CAPE1, a conserved peptide elicitor derived from tomato PR-1, was induced by wounding and found to regulate immune responses against biological threats. As PR-1 is highly conserved across many organisms and the putative peptide from AtPR1 was also found to be bioactive in <I>Arabidopsis</I>, the results suggest that this peptide may be useful for enhancing resistance to stress in other plant species.</P><P>Many important cell-to-cell communication events in multicellular organisms are mediated by peptides, but only a few peptides have been identified in plants. In an attempt to address the difficulties in identifying plant signaling peptides, we developed a novel peptidomics approach and used this approach to discover defense signaling peptides in plants. In addition to the canonical peptide systemin, several novel peptides were confidently identified in tomato (<I>Solanum lycopersicum</I>) and quantified to be induced by both wounding and methyl jasmonate (MeJA). A wounding or wounding plus MeJA-induced peptide derived from the pathogenesis-related protein 1 (PR-1) family was found to induce significant antipathogen and minor antiherbivore responses in tomato. This study highlights a role for PR-1 in immune signaling and suggests the potential application of plant endogenous peptides in efforts to defeat biological threats in crop production. As PR-1 is highly conserved across many organisms and the putative peptide from At-PR1 was also found to be bioactive in <I>Arabidopsis thaliana</I>, our results suggest that this peptide may be useful for enhancing resistance to stress in other plant species.</P>

Safety and Efficacy of Adalimumab for Patients With Moderate to Severe Crohn`s Disease: The Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (TSIBD) Study

( Chen Wang Chang ),( Shu Chen Wei ),( Jen Wei Chou ),( Tzu Chi Hsu ),( Chiao Hsiung Chuang ),( Ching Pin Lin ),( Wen Hung Hsu ),( Hsu Heng Yen ),( Jen Kou Lin ),( Yi Jen Fang ),( Horng Yuan Wang ),( 대한장연구학회 2014 Intestinal Research Vol.12 No.4

Background/Aims: Only moderate to severe Crohn`s Disease (CD) patients without a satisfactory conventional therapy effect are eligible to get reimbursement from the National Health Insurance of Taiwan for using adalimumab. These are more stringent criteria than in many Western countries and Japan and Korea. We aim to explore the efficacy of using adalimumab in CD patients under such stringent criteria. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted in nine medical centers in Taiwan and we collected the results of CD patients receiving adalimumab from Sep 2009 to Mar 2014. The clinical characteristics, response measured by CDAI (Crohn`s Disease Activity Index), adverse events and survival status were recorded and analyzed. CR-70, CR-100, and CR-150 were defined as attaining a CDAI decrease of 70, 100 or 150 points compared with baseline. Results: A total of 103 CD patient records were used in this study. Sixty percent of these patients received combination therapy of adalimumab together with immunomodulators. CR-70 was 68.7%, 74.5% and 88.4% after week 4, 8 and 12 of treatment, respectively. The steroid-free rate, complications and survival were 47.6%, 9.7% and 99% of patients, respectively. In considering the mucosal healing, only 25% patients achieve mucosal healing after treatment for 6 to12 months. Surgery was still needed in 16.5% of patients. Combination treatment of adalimumab with immunomodulators further decreased the level of CDAI at week 8 when compared with the monotherapy. Conclusions: Even under the stringent criteria for using adalimumab, the response rate was comparable to those without stringent criteria. (Intest Res 2014;12:287-292)

Dynamic System Identification Using a Recurrent Compensatory Fuzzy Neural Network

Chi-Yung Lee,Cheng-Jian Lin,Cheng-Hung Chen,Chun-Lung Chang 대한전기학회 2008 International Journal of Control, Automation, and Vol.6 No.5

This study presents a recurrent compensatory fuzzy neural network (RCFNN) for dynamic system identification. The proposed RCFNN uses a compensatory fuzzy reasoning method, and has feedback connections added to the rule layer of the RCFNN. The compensatory fuzzy reasoning method can make the fuzzy logic system more effective, and the additional feedback connections can solve temporal problems as well. Moreover, an online learning algorithm is demonstrated to automatically construct the RCFNN. The RCFNN initially contains no rules. The rules are created and adapted as online learning proceeds via simultaneous structure and parameter learning. Structure learning is based on the measure of degree and parameter learning is based on the gradient descent algorithm. The simulation results from identifying dynamic systems demonstrate that the convergence speed of the proposed method exceeds that of conventional methods. Moreover, the number of adjustable parameters of the proposed method is less than the other recurrent methods.

Prognostic Factors in Adult Patients with Solid Cancers and Bone Marrow Metastases

Hung, Yu-Shin,Chou, Wen-Chi,Chen, Tai-Di,Chen, Tse-Ching,Wang, Po-Nan,Chang, Hung,Hsu, Hung-Chih,Shen, Wen-Chi,Cheng, Wei-Hong,Chen, Jen-Shi Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.1

Background: Solid cancers with bone marrow metastases are rare but lethal. This study aimed to identify clinical factors predictive of survival in adult patients with solid cancers and bone marrow metastases. Methods: A total of 83 patients were enrolled consecutively between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2012. Bone marrow metastases were confirmed by biopsies. Patient clinical features and laboratory data were analyzed for associations. Results: The median age of the patients was 54 years (range, 23-88 years), and 58% were male. The 3 most common primary tumor locations were the stomach (32 patients, 39%), prostate (16 patients, 19%), and lungs (12 patients, 15%). The median overall survival was 49 days (range, 3-1423 days). Patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 1, cancers of prostate origin, platelet counts over 50,000/ml, and undergoing antitumor therapies had a significantly better prognosis in the multivariate analysis. The median survival times were 173 and 33 days for patients with 2-3 more favorable parameters (n=24) and those with 0-1 (n=69), respectively (hazard ratio 0.30; 95% CI 0.17-0.52, p<0.001). Conclusions: Solid cancers with bone marrow metastases are dismal and incurable diseases. Understanding prognostic factors to these diseases helps medical personnel to provide appropriate treatments and better inform patients about outcomes. Antitumor therapies may improve outcomes in selected patient cohorts.

Phylogenetics and Biogeography of the Phalaenopsis violacea (Orchidaceae) Species Complex Based on Nuclear and Plastid DNA

Chi-Chu Tsai,Chiou-Rong Sheue,Chih-Hsiung Chen,Chang-Hung Chou 한국식물학회 2010 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.53 No.6

The Phalaenopsis violacea complex includes two species: P. violacea Witte and Phalaenopsis bellina (Rchb.f.) E. A. Christ. However, three forms of P. violacea have been found in different areas, including Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula, and Mentawai Island. The phylogenetic tree inferred from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS)region of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA), the trnL intron,and the atpB-rbcL spacer of plastid DNA were used to clarify the phylogenetics and biogeography of the P. violacea complex. Analyses of the trnL intron sequences and of the atpB-rbcL spacer did not allow for apparent discrimination among these three species of the P. violacea complex. Based on the phylogenetic tree inferred from the ITS sequence, P. bellina cannot be separated from populations of P. violacea, with the exception of the population distributed on Mentawai Is., Indonesia. Based on morphological characteristics, P. violacea distributed on Mentawai Is. has a long and roundish rachis and is separate from the other groups of the P. violacea complex described by Christenson (Timber, Portland, OR, 2001). Therefore,the results of this study show a trend that supports the conclusion that the population of the P. violacea complex on Mentawai Is. is a separate species from P. violacea. Based on the biogeography of the P. violacea complex,Mentawai plants of this complex might be descended from those on the Sumatra/Malay Peninsula.

Seasonal yeast compositions in Forcipomyia taiwana (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

Hung-Wei Chen,Jui-Yu Chou,Chung-Chi Lin,Yu-Der Wen,Wei-Lung Wang 한국응용곤충학회 2016 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.19 No.2

Forcipomyia taiwana, a biting midge, is one of the most annoying blood-sucking pests in Taiwan. The larvae of Forcipomyia species feed primarily on algae, and the adults feed on nectar for nutrition. After mating with male adults, females bite humans and digest blood for the formation and development of their eggs. The bites often cause human itching, swelling, skin lesion and even fatal shock. Harassment from this biting pest has become a serious problem and has influenced the quality of outdoor recreational activities. Thus, it is necessary to understand the ecology of F. taiwana to develop an effective control strategy. This study showed the seasonal variation of yeast compositions in the interior of F. taiwana. Furthermore, we found that Aureobasidium spp. appeared the most during collection times and these yeasts are able to decompose the cellulose, a major component in the cell wall of algae and Oomycete fungi. These fungi infect a broad range of host and have adverse effect on fitness of the biting midges. Thus, Aureobasidium spp. play a crucial role in the defense system of F. taiwana against pathogens. The study provides useful information that could be used in the development of biocontrol strategy in the future.

Molecular Cloning and Characterization of NCED3 Gene from Lilies

Hung Chi Chen,Wan Hsing Cheng,Chou Tou Shii 한국원예학회 2006 한국원예학회 기타간행물 Vol.- No.-

Altered Auditory P300 Performance in Parents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Offspring

Mei Hung Chi,Ching-Lin Chu,I Hui Lee,Yi-Ting Hsieh,Ko Chin Chen,Po See Chen,Yen Kuang Yang 대한정신약물학회 2019 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.17 No.4

Objective: Altered event-related potential (ERP) performances have been noted in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients and reflect neurocognitive dysfunction. Whether these ERP alterations and correlated dysfunctions exist in healthy parents with ADHD offspring is worth exploring. Methods: Thirteen healthy parents with ADHD offspring and thirteen healthy controls matched for age, sex and years of education were recruited. The auditory oddball paradigm was used to evaluate the P300 wave complex of the ERP, and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and continuous performance test were used to measure neurocognitive performance. Results: Healthy parents with ADHD offspring had significantly longer auditory P300 latency at Fz than control group. However, no significant differences were found in cognitive performance. Conclusion: The presence of a subtle alteration in electro-neurophysiological activity without explicit neurocognitive dysfunction suggests potential candidate of biological marker for parents with ADHD offspring.

A retrospective analysis of 20-year data of the surgical management of ulcerative colitis patients in Taiwan: a study of Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

( Chun-chi Lin ),( Shu-chen Wei ),( Been-ren Lin ),( Wen-sy-tsai ),( Jinn-shiun Chen ),( Tzu-chi Hsu ),( Wei-chen Lin ),( Tien-yu Huang ),( Te-hsin Chao ),( Hung-hsin Lin ),( Jau-min Wong ),( Jen-kou 대한장연구학회 2016 Intestinal Research Vol.14 No.3

Background/Aims: With the recent progress in medical treatment, surgery still plays a necessary and important role in treating ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. In this study, we analyzed the surgical results and outcomes of UC in Taiwan in the recent 20 years, via a multi-center study through the collaboration of Taiwan Society of IBD. Methods: A retrospective analysis of surgery data of UC patients from January 1, 1995, through December 31, 2014, in 6 Taiwan major medical centers was conducted. The patients’ demographic data, indications for surgery, and outcome details were recorded and analyzed. Results: The data of 87 UC patients who received surgical treatment were recorded. The median post-operative follow-up duration was 51.1 months and ranged from 0.4 to 300 months. The mean age at UC diagnosis was 45.3±16.0 years and that at operation was 48.5±15.2 years. The 3 leading indications for surgical intervention were uncontrolled bleeding (16.1%), perforation (13.8%), and intractability (12.6%). In total, 27.6% of surgeries were performed in an emergency setting. Total or subtotal colectomy with rectal preservation (41.4%) was the most common operation. There were 6 mortalities, all due to sepsis. Emergency operation and low pre-operative albumin level were significantly associated with poor survival (P =0.013 and 0.034, respectively). Conclusions: In the past 20 years, there was no significant change in the indications for surgery in UC patients. Emergency surgeries and low pre-operative albumin level were associated with poor survival. Therefore, an optimal timing of elective surgery for people with poorly controlled UC is paramount.

다수제적 혼합선거제도 하에서의 투표행태에 대한 다차원 분석

( Chia Hung Tsai ),( Lu Huei Chen ),( Chao Chi Lin ),( Su Feng Cheng ) 한국선거학회 2011 선거연구 Vol.1 No.2

혼합선거제도는 영국의 전통적 소선거구제와 비례제 양자 모두의 좋은 점을 제공한다고 언급된다. 학자들은 후보자와 정당들이 이러한 선거 규칙에 어떻게 반응하는지 고찰해 왔으며, 이 제도 하에서는 상이한 유인 요인이 존재한다고 주장해 왔다. 두 개의 서로 다른 층 간의 상호작용 또한 연구의 대상이 되어 왔다. 본 논문은 소선거구제에서의 투표 행태가 정당의 명성에 의해 영향 받는 정도를 평가해 보고자 하는데, 이는 소선거구 선거 결과와 비례대표 선거 결과 간의 차이에 의해서 측정된다. 대부분의 유권자가 비례대표 표를 던질 때 자신들의 선호를 따르며, 소선거구 표를 던질 때는 현직자를 고려할 것이라고 우리는 가정한다. 한국, 대만, 그리고 일본에서의 투표 행태를 비교함으로써, 사회적 배경, 정치적 태도, 쟁점에 대한 의견 등이 투표 행태에 미치는 상대적 영향력을 이들 세 국가에 걸쳐서 평가할 수 있다. 분석에 사용되는 자료는 선거제도 비교연구(CSES) 2차조사 (2001-2006), 21세기 전국적 장기 설문조사 자료 (JES 3차), 대만의 선거 및 민주화 연구 자료 (TEDS 2008L)이며, 이를 통해 각기 한국의 2004년 총선, 대만의 2008년 의회선거, 그리고 일본의 총선을 고찰한다. It is said that mixed-member systems offer the best of both the traditional British single-member district system (SMD) and proportional representation systems (PR). Scholars have examined how candidates and parties respond to the electoral rule, arguing that there are different incentives for them. The interaction between the two tiers is also investigated. This paper attempts to assess the extent to which voting behavior in the SMD districts would be influenced by party reputation measured by the difference between the SMD and PR voting results. We assume that most voters follow their preferences when they cast their PR votes, but that they consider the incumbents when they cast their SMD ballots. Comparing voting behavior in Korea, Taiwan, and Japan, we are able to assess the relative effect of social backgrounds, political predispositions, and issue opinions on voting behavior across three countries. We use CSES Module 2 (2001-2006) data, the Nation-wide Longitudinal Survey Study on Voting Behavior in the 21st Century (JES III) data, and Taiwan`s Election and Democratization Study (TEDS 2008L) data to examine voting behavior in the 2004 National Assembly election of Korea, the 2008 legislative election of Taiwan, and the 2005 general election of Japan respectively.