Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences, 1975
Comparisons of the stimulation of normal lymphocytes and lymphoma cells by tetrameric concanavali... more Comparisons of the stimulation of normal lymphocytes and lymphoma cells by tetrameric concanavalin A (Con A) and dimeric succinyl-Con A suggest that both stimulatory and inhibitory signals operate to modulate mitogenesis. Synergistic effects can be obtained for the stimulatory event using lectins, phorbol esters, and calcium ionophores, all of which are independently mitogenic for lymphocytes. The inhibitory effects of high doses of Con A could be mimicked by the simultaneous addition of the phorbol ester and Con A under conditions in which both reagents are optimally mitogenic when used alone. No inhibition of stimulation was found, however, when succinyl-Con A was used with phorbol ester under the same conditions. Moreover, when lymphocytes were cultured with Con A in the presence of succinyl-Con A, the inhibitory effect of the native lectin was seen at lower doses than in the absence of the derivative. These observations suggest that the stimulatory and inhibitory portions of the dose-response curve can be manipulated independently and may be mediated by two distinct signals. It is likely the signal for the inhibition of cell proliferation is regulated by the same cell surface modulating assembly that controls the mobility of cell surface receptors.
ABSTRACT Supercapacitors have been emerged as an important energy storage device, owing to their ... more ABSTRACT Supercapacitors have been emerged as an important energy storage device, owing to their high power density, excellent cycle ability, fast charge-discharge processes and low self-discharging. In this work, we have developed a facile soft-templated hydrothermal procedure to produce hollow mesoporous carbon spheres, which can deliver a relatively high capacitance (~190 F/g) and an energy density of ~26.38 Wh/kg at the discharging current of 1 A/g. The hollow cavity and micropore volume are shown to be the main factors that contribute to the good capacitive behavior.
It is important to distinguish gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) from other gastrointestina... more It is important to distinguish gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) from other gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors (GIMTs), because of the malignant potential of GISTs and the availability of molecular targeted therapy. GISTs represent the most common subgroup of GIMTs, and rarely occur in the colon and rectum. The first objective of our retrospective study was to reclassify colorectal mesenchymal tumors, from files collected over 20 years, to determine if, based on immunohistologic features, the lesions were truly GISTs. The second objective was to identify the relationship between clinicopathologic features and prognostic factors of GISTs in the colon and rectum. We evaluated all cases of colorectal mesenchymal tumor identified from the database of the Department of Surgical Pathology at Taichung Veterans General Hospital for the period 1983-2001. For 25 patients, clinical data, and information about tumor characteristics, surgical procedures, and survival outcomes, were obtained and analyzed. Histopathologic evaluations, and appropriate immunohistochemical markers, were used to distinguish between various GIMT subtypes. The relationship between KIT expression and clinicopathologic features was investigated. The following variables were significantly associated with different CD117 results: symptomatic presentation, location, gross features, tumor size, mitotic count, cellularity, and type of surgery. Only 18 tumors were identified as GISTs. For these, the following variables were significantly associated (by univariate analysis) with increased lethality: tumor size (p = 0.049); mitotic count (p = 0.019); nuclear atypia (p = 0.019); and tumor necrosis (p = 0.045). However, only mitotic activity showed a significant difference in the survival analysis (p = 0.0304; log-rank test). Two clinicopathologically different categories were identified from our colorectal mesenchymal tumors: intramural GISTs and polypoid submucosal leiomyomas. Our study suggests that GIST is a better categorization than smooth muscle tumor because of the malignant potential. Prognosis is strictly related to the number of mitoses. However, tumor size, nuclear atypia and tumor necrosis are probably also significant predictive factors of lethality. Future studies with DNA analysis and larger patient numbers are essential to evaluate the prognostic significance of our findings.
ABSTRACT Effects of the sintering temperature on the microstructure and electrical properties of ... more ABSTRACT Effects of the sintering temperature on the microstructure and electrical properties of (Ba0.90Ca0.10)(Ti0.85Zr0.15)O3 (BCTZ) lead-free piezoelectric ceramics have been studied, where these ceramics were prepared by the conventional oxide-mixed method at varied sintering temperatures from 1300 °C to 1500 °C. These BCTZ ceramics exhibits a phase transition from a rhombohedral phase to the coexistence of rhombohedral and tetragonal phases with an increase of sintering temperature. With an increase of sintering temperature, their relative density and average grain size gradually increase, and electrical properties are improved greatly. These BCTZ ceramics sintered at ∼1440 °C have optimum electrical properties: d33 ∼ 442 pC/N and kp ∼ 48.9%, making it a promising material for lead-free piezoelectric ceramics.
A popular theory in the stem cell field is that &... more A popular theory in the stem cell field is that 'regeneration recapitulates development', or that adult stem cells function similarly to embryonic ones. In a recent Nature article, Lepper et al. questioned this approach, highlighting the differences in requirements for Pax7 during myogenesis for embryonic, juvenile and adult muscle.
The present study examined whether transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in combinatio... more The present study examined whether transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in combination with exercise would have synergistic effects leading to functional recovery that is greater than exercise alone. Sprague-Dawley rats received a sciatic nerve transection and were divided into four groups: denervated (control), denervated + exercise (control+Ex), denervated + MSC transplantation (MSC), and denervated + MSC transplantation + exercise (MSC+Ex). A volume of 1 x 105 of MSCs was injected into the lesion site in the MSC-treated groups, and culture medium in the control animals. Twelve hours after surgery, a swimming exercise regime was begun: 30 minutes/day for seven days in the MSC+Ex and control+Ex groups. Functional assessments including sciatic function index (SFI), vertical locomotor activity (VA), ankle activity (AA), and electrophysiological studies were performed to monitor the functional recovery. Histological analysis was performed to assess nerve continuity and myelination. No significant differences in SFI, VA, AA and electrophysiological studies were found between the MSC+Ex and control+Ex groups. Also, a morphological study revealed prominent axonal degeneration in the injured nerves of all animals. The results revealed that any synergistic effect of MSC transplantation on functional recovery of swimming exercise-treated transected nerve that may have existed was negligible.
Progressive ankylosis (Ank and the human homolog, ANKH) is a transmembrane protein which regulate... more Progressive ankylosis (Ank and the human homolog, ANKH) is a transmembrane protein which regulates transport of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi). ank/ank mice with a mutated ank gene, have calcification and bone ankylosis of the affected joints. In the course of studying these mutant mice, we found that they have microcytosis. These mutant mice have lower mean red blood cell volume (MCV) and lower hemoglobin content in red cells (mean corpuscular hemoglobin, MCH) than normal mice. Using quantitative real-time PCR analysis, we showed that Ank was expressed in the E/Meg bipotent precursor, BFU-E, CFU-E, but there was no Ank expression in the hemoglobinizing erythroblasts. Stable ANKH transfectants in K562 cells highly expressed two immature erythroid cell markers, E-cadherin and endoglin. Enhanced Erythropoietin (Epo) expression and downregulation of SHP-1 were detected in these transfectants. Consequently, the autocrine Epo-EpoR signaling pathway was activated, as evidenced by higher p-Tyr JAK2, p-Tyr EpoR and p-Tyr STAT5B in the ANKH transfectants. Our results revealed a novel function of ANKH in the promotion of early erythroid differentiation in K562 cells. We also showed that ank/ank mice have lower serum levels of Epo than the normal littermates, and this is the likely cause of microcytosis in these mutant mice.
Regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins inhibit chemokine signaling by desensitizing G pr... more Regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins inhibit chemokine signaling by desensitizing G protein-coupled receptor signals. This study was undertaken to determine the mechanisms by which RGS13 promotes the generation of pathogenic autoantibodies in germinal centers (GCs), using BXD2-Rgs13-/- mice. Confocal and light microscopy imaging techniques were used to determine the location of cells that express RGS13 and activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) in the mouse spleen, and the number of plasmablasts. The levels of GC and plasma cell program transcripts in GC B cells were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Differential interleukin-17 (IL-17)-mediated expression of RGS13 in GC versus non-GC B cells was analyzed using A20 and 70Z/3 B cells. In the spleens of BXD2 mice, RGS13 was mainly expressed by GC B cells and was stimulated by IL-17 but not IL-21. IL-17 up-regulated RGS13 in A20 GC cells but not 70Z/3 non-GC B cells. BXD2- Rgs13-/- mice exhibited smaller GCs and lower AID levels, suggesting lower somatic hypermutation and affinity maturation. However, GC B cells from BXD2- Rgs13-/- mice showed increased levels of IgMbright plasmablasts, up-regulation of the genes encoding plasma program, including interferon regulatory factor 4, B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein 1, and X-box binding protein 1 and the p-CREB target genes Fosb and Obf1, and down-regulation of the GC program genes Aid, Pax5, and Bach2 compared to BXD2 mice. BXD2-Rgs13-/- mice had lower titers of IgG autoantibodies and IgG deposits in the glomeruli, suggesting reduced autoantibody pathogenicity. RGS13 deficiency is associated with a reduction in GC program genes and the exit of fewer pathogenic IgM plasmablasts in BXD2 mice. Our findings indicate that prolonged GC program, mediated by up-regulation of RGS13, enhances AID expression and enables the generation of pathogenic autoantibodies in autoreactive GCs.
Enterovirus 71 (EV71), a causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease can be classified into ... more Enterovirus 71 (EV71), a causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease can be classified into three genotypes and many subtypes. The objectives of this study were to conduct a molecular epidemiological study of EV71 in the central region of Taiwan from 2002-2012 and to test the hypothesis that whether the alternative appearance of different EV71 subtypes in Taiwan is due to transmission from neighboring countries or from re-emergence of pre-existing local strains. We selected 174 EV71 isolates and used reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to amplify their VP1 region for DNA sequencing. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using Neighbor-Joining, Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian methods. We found that the major subtypes of EV71 in Taiwan were B4 for 2002 epidemic, C4 for 2004-2005 epidemic, B5 for 2008-2009 epidemic, C4 for 2010 epidemic and B5 for 2011-2012 epidemic. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the 2002 and 2008 epidemics were associated with EV71 from Malaysia and Singapore; while both 2010 and 2011-2012 epidemics originated from different regions of mainland China including Shanghai, Henan, Xiamen and Gong-Dong. Furthermore, minor strains have been identified in each epidemic and some of them were correlated with the subsequent outbreaks. Therefore, the EV71 infection in Taiwan may originate from pre-existing minor strains or from other regions in Asia including mainland China. In addition, 101 EV71 isolates were selected for the detection of new recombinant strains using the nucleotide sequences spanning the VP1-2A-2B region. No new recombinant strain was found. Analysis of clinical manifestations showed that patients infected with C4 had significantly higher rates of pharyngeal vesicles or ulcers than patients infected with B5. This is the first study demonstrating that different EV 71 genotypes may have different clinical manifestations and the association of EV71 infections between Taiwan and mainland China.
We explore BiFeO3 under tensile strain using first-principles calculations. We find that the actu... more We explore BiFeO3 under tensile strain using first-principles calculations. We find that the actual structures are more complex than what had been previously thought, and that there is a strong shear deformation type structural instability which modifies the properties. Specifically, we find that normal tensile strain leads to structural instabilities with a large induced shear deformation in (001) BiFeO3 thin films. These induced shear deformations in (001) BiFeO3 thin films under tension stabilize the (001) BiFeO3 thin films and lead to Cc and Ima2 phases that are more stable than the Pmc21 phase at high tensile strain. The induced shear deformation shifts the Cc to Ima2 phase transition towards lower tensile strain region (~1% less), prevents monoclinic tilt and oxygen octahedral tilts, and increases the ferroelectric polarization. The induced shear deformation also strongly affects the electronic structure. The results are discussed in relation to growth of BiFeO3 thin films on cubic and tetragonal substrates involving high levels of tensile strain.
International journal of clinical and experimental pathology, 2014
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a herpesvirus usually infecting B-cells but may occasionally infect T... more Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a herpesvirus usually infecting B-cells but may occasionally infect T- or natural killer (NK)-cells. EBV-associated T- or NK-cell lymphoproliferations represent a continuous spectrum of diseases ranging from asymptomatic infection, infectious mononucleosis (IM), to clonal and malignant lymphoproliferations including systemic EBV-positive T/NK-cell lymphoproliferative disease (EBV-T/NK-LPD) of childhood and hydroa-vacciniforme-like lymphoma of the skin. The clonal diseases are more prevalent in East Asia and exhibit overlapping clinical and pathological features with chronic active EBV infection. Here we report our experience on 10 cases of EBV-associated T-cell lymphoproliferation from Taiwan including five males and five females with a median age of 18 years old (range, 15-28). The most common clinical symptoms were fever, neck mass and hepatosplenomegaly. Eight of these patients showed elevated lactate dehydrogenase level and half of the patients had cytopenia. All patients had either elevated EBV antibody titers or increased serum EBV DNA levels. Five cases were clinically IM-like with polyclonal (3 cases) or clonal (2 cases) T-cell lymphoproliferation. Two patients each had chronic active EBV infection (CAEBV) and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). One patient had both CAEBV and HLH. One of the HLH patients with marrow infiltration by intra-sinusoidal large atypical lymphocytes experienced a fulminant course. In a median follow-up time of 21.5 months, seven patients were free of disease, one was alive with disease, and two died of disease in 31 and 3 months, respectively, despite chemotherapy. We confirmed a wide clinicopathological range of EVB-associated T-cell lymphoproliferation in Taiwan. Furthermore, monomorphic LPD and the single case with fulminant course as defined by Ohshima et al (Pathol Int 2018) as categories A3 and B, respectively, died of disease despite chemotherapy. Our report, the largest series in the recent decade from Taiwan, adds to the understanding of these rare diseases with variable clinical and histopathological presentations.
Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences, 1975
Comparisons of the stimulation of normal lymphocytes and lymphoma cells by tetrameric concanavali... more Comparisons of the stimulation of normal lymphocytes and lymphoma cells by tetrameric concanavalin A (Con A) and dimeric succinyl-Con A suggest that both stimulatory and inhibitory signals operate to modulate mitogenesis. Synergistic effects can be obtained for the stimulatory event using lectins, phorbol esters, and calcium ionophores, all of which are independently mitogenic for lymphocytes. The inhibitory effects of high doses of Con A could be mimicked by the simultaneous addition of the phorbol ester and Con A under conditions in which both reagents are optimally mitogenic when used alone. No inhibition of stimulation was found, however, when succinyl-Con A was used with phorbol ester under the same conditions. Moreover, when lymphocytes were cultured with Con A in the presence of succinyl-Con A, the inhibitory effect of the native lectin was seen at lower doses than in the absence of the derivative. These observations suggest that the stimulatory and inhibitory portions of the dose-response curve can be manipulated independently and may be mediated by two distinct signals. It is likely the signal for the inhibition of cell proliferation is regulated by the same cell surface modulating assembly that controls the mobility of cell surface receptors.
ABSTRACT Supercapacitors have been emerged as an important energy storage device, owing to their ... more ABSTRACT Supercapacitors have been emerged as an important energy storage device, owing to their high power density, excellent cycle ability, fast charge-discharge processes and low self-discharging. In this work, we have developed a facile soft-templated hydrothermal procedure to produce hollow mesoporous carbon spheres, which can deliver a relatively high capacitance (~190 F/g) and an energy density of ~26.38 Wh/kg at the discharging current of 1 A/g. The hollow cavity and micropore volume are shown to be the main factors that contribute to the good capacitive behavior.
It is important to distinguish gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) from other gastrointestina... more It is important to distinguish gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) from other gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors (GIMTs), because of the malignant potential of GISTs and the availability of molecular targeted therapy. GISTs represent the most common subgroup of GIMTs, and rarely occur in the colon and rectum. The first objective of our retrospective study was to reclassify colorectal mesenchymal tumors, from files collected over 20 years, to determine if, based on immunohistologic features, the lesions were truly GISTs. The second objective was to identify the relationship between clinicopathologic features and prognostic factors of GISTs in the colon and rectum. We evaluated all cases of colorectal mesenchymal tumor identified from the database of the Department of Surgical Pathology at Taichung Veterans General Hospital for the period 1983-2001. For 25 patients, clinical data, and information about tumor characteristics, surgical procedures, and survival outcomes, were obtained and analyzed. Histopathologic evaluations, and appropriate immunohistochemical markers, were used to distinguish between various GIMT subtypes. The relationship between KIT expression and clinicopathologic features was investigated. The following variables were significantly associated with different CD117 results: symptomatic presentation, location, gross features, tumor size, mitotic count, cellularity, and type of surgery. Only 18 tumors were identified as GISTs. For these, the following variables were significantly associated (by univariate analysis) with increased lethality: tumor size (p = 0.049); mitotic count (p = 0.019); nuclear atypia (p = 0.019); and tumor necrosis (p = 0.045). However, only mitotic activity showed a significant difference in the survival analysis (p = 0.0304; log-rank test). Two clinicopathologically different categories were identified from our colorectal mesenchymal tumors: intramural GISTs and polypoid submucosal leiomyomas. Our study suggests that GIST is a better categorization than smooth muscle tumor because of the malignant potential. Prognosis is strictly related to the number of mitoses. However, tumor size, nuclear atypia and tumor necrosis are probably also significant predictive factors of lethality. Future studies with DNA analysis and larger patient numbers are essential to evaluate the prognostic significance of our findings.
ABSTRACT Effects of the sintering temperature on the microstructure and electrical properties of ... more ABSTRACT Effects of the sintering temperature on the microstructure and electrical properties of (Ba0.90Ca0.10)(Ti0.85Zr0.15)O3 (BCTZ) lead-free piezoelectric ceramics have been studied, where these ceramics were prepared by the conventional oxide-mixed method at varied sintering temperatures from 1300 °C to 1500 °C. These BCTZ ceramics exhibits a phase transition from a rhombohedral phase to the coexistence of rhombohedral and tetragonal phases with an increase of sintering temperature. With an increase of sintering temperature, their relative density and average grain size gradually increase, and electrical properties are improved greatly. These BCTZ ceramics sintered at ∼1440 °C have optimum electrical properties: d33 ∼ 442 pC/N and kp ∼ 48.9%, making it a promising material for lead-free piezoelectric ceramics.
A popular theory in the stem cell field is that &... more A popular theory in the stem cell field is that 'regeneration recapitulates development', or that adult stem cells function similarly to embryonic ones. In a recent Nature article, Lepper et al. questioned this approach, highlighting the differences in requirements for Pax7 during myogenesis for embryonic, juvenile and adult muscle.
The present study examined whether transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in combinatio... more The present study examined whether transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in combination with exercise would have synergistic effects leading to functional recovery that is greater than exercise alone. Sprague-Dawley rats received a sciatic nerve transection and were divided into four groups: denervated (control), denervated + exercise (control+Ex), denervated + MSC transplantation (MSC), and denervated + MSC transplantation + exercise (MSC+Ex). A volume of 1 x 105 of MSCs was injected into the lesion site in the MSC-treated groups, and culture medium in the control animals. Twelve hours after surgery, a swimming exercise regime was begun: 30 minutes/day for seven days in the MSC+Ex and control+Ex groups. Functional assessments including sciatic function index (SFI), vertical locomotor activity (VA), ankle activity (AA), and electrophysiological studies were performed to monitor the functional recovery. Histological analysis was performed to assess nerve continuity and myelination. No significant differences in SFI, VA, AA and electrophysiological studies were found between the MSC+Ex and control+Ex groups. Also, a morphological study revealed prominent axonal degeneration in the injured nerves of all animals. The results revealed that any synergistic effect of MSC transplantation on functional recovery of swimming exercise-treated transected nerve that may have existed was negligible.
Progressive ankylosis (Ank and the human homolog, ANKH) is a transmembrane protein which regulate... more Progressive ankylosis (Ank and the human homolog, ANKH) is a transmembrane protein which regulates transport of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi). ank/ank mice with a mutated ank gene, have calcification and bone ankylosis of the affected joints. In the course of studying these mutant mice, we found that they have microcytosis. These mutant mice have lower mean red blood cell volume (MCV) and lower hemoglobin content in red cells (mean corpuscular hemoglobin, MCH) than normal mice. Using quantitative real-time PCR analysis, we showed that Ank was expressed in the E/Meg bipotent precursor, BFU-E, CFU-E, but there was no Ank expression in the hemoglobinizing erythroblasts. Stable ANKH transfectants in K562 cells highly expressed two immature erythroid cell markers, E-cadherin and endoglin. Enhanced Erythropoietin (Epo) expression and downregulation of SHP-1 were detected in these transfectants. Consequently, the autocrine Epo-EpoR signaling pathway was activated, as evidenced by higher p-Tyr JAK2, p-Tyr EpoR and p-Tyr STAT5B in the ANKH transfectants. Our results revealed a novel function of ANKH in the promotion of early erythroid differentiation in K562 cells. We also showed that ank/ank mice have lower serum levels of Epo than the normal littermates, and this is the likely cause of microcytosis in these mutant mice.
Regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins inhibit chemokine signaling by desensitizing G pr... more Regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins inhibit chemokine signaling by desensitizing G protein-coupled receptor signals. This study was undertaken to determine the mechanisms by which RGS13 promotes the generation of pathogenic autoantibodies in germinal centers (GCs), using BXD2-Rgs13-/- mice. Confocal and light microscopy imaging techniques were used to determine the location of cells that express RGS13 and activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) in the mouse spleen, and the number of plasmablasts. The levels of GC and plasma cell program transcripts in GC B cells were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Differential interleukin-17 (IL-17)-mediated expression of RGS13 in GC versus non-GC B cells was analyzed using A20 and 70Z/3 B cells. In the spleens of BXD2 mice, RGS13 was mainly expressed by GC B cells and was stimulated by IL-17 but not IL-21. IL-17 up-regulated RGS13 in A20 GC cells but not 70Z/3 non-GC B cells. BXD2- Rgs13-/- mice exhibited smaller GCs and lower AID levels, suggesting lower somatic hypermutation and affinity maturation. However, GC B cells from BXD2- Rgs13-/- mice showed increased levels of IgMbright plasmablasts, up-regulation of the genes encoding plasma program, including interferon regulatory factor 4, B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein 1, and X-box binding protein 1 and the p-CREB target genes Fosb and Obf1, and down-regulation of the GC program genes Aid, Pax5, and Bach2 compared to BXD2 mice. BXD2-Rgs13-/- mice had lower titers of IgG autoantibodies and IgG deposits in the glomeruli, suggesting reduced autoantibody pathogenicity. RGS13 deficiency is associated with a reduction in GC program genes and the exit of fewer pathogenic IgM plasmablasts in BXD2 mice. Our findings indicate that prolonged GC program, mediated by up-regulation of RGS13, enhances AID expression and enables the generation of pathogenic autoantibodies in autoreactive GCs.
Enterovirus 71 (EV71), a causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease can be classified into ... more Enterovirus 71 (EV71), a causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease can be classified into three genotypes and many subtypes. The objectives of this study were to conduct a molecular epidemiological study of EV71 in the central region of Taiwan from 2002-2012 and to test the hypothesis that whether the alternative appearance of different EV71 subtypes in Taiwan is due to transmission from neighboring countries or from re-emergence of pre-existing local strains. We selected 174 EV71 isolates and used reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to amplify their VP1 region for DNA sequencing. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using Neighbor-Joining, Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian methods. We found that the major subtypes of EV71 in Taiwan were B4 for 2002 epidemic, C4 for 2004-2005 epidemic, B5 for 2008-2009 epidemic, C4 for 2010 epidemic and B5 for 2011-2012 epidemic. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the 2002 and 2008 epidemics were associated with EV71 from Malaysia and Singapore; while both 2010 and 2011-2012 epidemics originated from different regions of mainland China including Shanghai, Henan, Xiamen and Gong-Dong. Furthermore, minor strains have been identified in each epidemic and some of them were correlated with the subsequent outbreaks. Therefore, the EV71 infection in Taiwan may originate from pre-existing minor strains or from other regions in Asia including mainland China. In addition, 101 EV71 isolates were selected for the detection of new recombinant strains using the nucleotide sequences spanning the VP1-2A-2B region. No new recombinant strain was found. Analysis of clinical manifestations showed that patients infected with C4 had significantly higher rates of pharyngeal vesicles or ulcers than patients infected with B5. This is the first study demonstrating that different EV 71 genotypes may have different clinical manifestations and the association of EV71 infections between Taiwan and mainland China.
We explore BiFeO3 under tensile strain using first-principles calculations. We find that the actu... more We explore BiFeO3 under tensile strain using first-principles calculations. We find that the actual structures are more complex than what had been previously thought, and that there is a strong shear deformation type structural instability which modifies the properties. Specifically, we find that normal tensile strain leads to structural instabilities with a large induced shear deformation in (001) BiFeO3 thin films. These induced shear deformations in (001) BiFeO3 thin films under tension stabilize the (001) BiFeO3 thin films and lead to Cc and Ima2 phases that are more stable than the Pmc21 phase at high tensile strain. The induced shear deformation shifts the Cc to Ima2 phase transition towards lower tensile strain region (~1% less), prevents monoclinic tilt and oxygen octahedral tilts, and increases the ferroelectric polarization. The induced shear deformation also strongly affects the electronic structure. The results are discussed in relation to growth of BiFeO3 thin films on cubic and tetragonal substrates involving high levels of tensile strain.
International journal of clinical and experimental pathology, 2014
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a herpesvirus usually infecting B-cells but may occasionally infect T... more Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a herpesvirus usually infecting B-cells but may occasionally infect T- or natural killer (NK)-cells. EBV-associated T- or NK-cell lymphoproliferations represent a continuous spectrum of diseases ranging from asymptomatic infection, infectious mononucleosis (IM), to clonal and malignant lymphoproliferations including systemic EBV-positive T/NK-cell lymphoproliferative disease (EBV-T/NK-LPD) of childhood and hydroa-vacciniforme-like lymphoma of the skin. The clonal diseases are more prevalent in East Asia and exhibit overlapping clinical and pathological features with chronic active EBV infection. Here we report our experience on 10 cases of EBV-associated T-cell lymphoproliferation from Taiwan including five males and five females with a median age of 18 years old (range, 15-28). The most common clinical symptoms were fever, neck mass and hepatosplenomegaly. Eight of these patients showed elevated lactate dehydrogenase level and half of the patients had cytopenia. All patients had either elevated EBV antibody titers or increased serum EBV DNA levels. Five cases were clinically IM-like with polyclonal (3 cases) or clonal (2 cases) T-cell lymphoproliferation. Two patients each had chronic active EBV infection (CAEBV) and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). One patient had both CAEBV and HLH. One of the HLH patients with marrow infiltration by intra-sinusoidal large atypical lymphocytes experienced a fulminant course. In a median follow-up time of 21.5 months, seven patients were free of disease, one was alive with disease, and two died of disease in 31 and 3 months, respectively, despite chemotherapy. We confirmed a wide clinicopathological range of EVB-associated T-cell lymphoproliferation in Taiwan. Furthermore, monomorphic LPD and the single case with fulminant course as defined by Ohshima et al (Pathol Int 2018) as categories A3 and B, respectively, died of disease despite chemotherapy. Our report, the largest series in the recent decade from Taiwan, adds to the understanding of these rare diseases with variable clinical and histopathological presentations.
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