鉤盲蛇(Ramphotyphlops braminus)捕獵四部曲
Feeding behavior is the action which animals depend on maintain livelihood. Snakes usually use the three following ways to catch their preys: winding, venom-releasing and pressing their game to death. However, previews study is rare about the feeding behavior of Ramphotyphlops braminus. This puzzles us, prompting us to do in-depth research on it. When performing an experiment, we will use the camera with infrared function to record entire experiment and the obtained data will transform the graph. Our result shows the feeding behavior of R.braminus is a new way to catch their game, and the minute process of this special way is also written down in our report. We hope that the result can let everyone be clear about Ramphotyphlops braminus of soil ecosystem status, and it is an essential contribution for building the archive of Family Typhlopidae. 攝食行為是動物賴以維生的行為。在蛇類中，常見的捕捉方式有：纏繞、 使用毒液、壓斃等三種類型。但，文獻中卻沒有任何有關於鉤盲蛇(Ramphotyphlops braminus)的捕食行為。這使我們感到疑惑，並想深入探討。在實驗進行當中，我們使用紅外線攝影機將實驗全程錄製下來，並將所得的數據轉化成圖表。而其結果顯示鉤盲蛇(Ramphotyphlops braminus)的捕食行為是一種全新的模式，這種模式的詳細過程也被我們全部收錄到報告中。我們希望做出來的結果能讓大家對鉤盲蛇(Ramphotyphlops braminus)在土壤生態系中的地位更加了解，而且對於建立盲蛇科(Typhlopidae)資料庫有實質的貢獻。
神經妙算流博村-是洪水？是山崩？
南投溪頭米堤飯店在2001 年因土石流受創，產險公司以「土石流即是山崩」為由拒絕理賠。歷經5 年的訴訟後，2007 年1 月台灣高等法院認定，土石流屬保險契約中所規範的「洪水」，並非「山崩」，判決產險公司應給付賠償金。土石流究竟是洪水？是山崩？主要因素便是土石流發生的水文因子。本文藉由博愛村的現場調查及文獻探討先作初步資料分析（preliminary analysis），了解到地文因子(physiographical factor)是土石流發生的充分條件，非必要條件；一般僅考慮雨量因子，把地文因子看作常數（忽略地文因子受水文因子歷程(course)影響），簡單易懂，但在安全與經濟考量上有待討論。使用類神經網路對已發生過的土石流事件計算土石流發生臨界曲線，並使用模糊理論計算松鶴地區其受水文因子影響的土石流發生臨界曲線，這樣的模式，考慮似乎比較周到。由「米堤飯店」的例證，更說明土石流發生的水文因子的必要性。Lemidi hotel, Xitou, Nantou because mudflows and landslides and was wounded in 2001. The Insurance Company refused to settle a claim on the position on “A landside is a debris flow”. After the lawsuit which was going through 5 years. In January, 2007, the High Court of Taiwan asserted that the adversity in the 2001 belongs to “the flood” in the norm of the insurance agreement. As the norm of the insurance agreement said, the debris flows in the land is the flood, not the “landslide”. The High Court of Taiwan judged that the Insurance Company should compensate the Lemidi Hotel. Is debris low a landslide or a flood? The main cause is the Hydrology in the happening of a debris flow. We did preliminary analysis of forms by on-the-spot investigation on Song-Ho Village and reference discussing. We realized that physiographical factor is an abundant condition for a happening of a debris flow, not the essential condition. Generally, people only consider rainfall factor. And they consider physiographical factor as not as constant (neglect the influence of hydrology factor to physiographical factor). We can understand easily in that way. Therefore, in the aspect of security and economy, there is much doubt that is needed to be discussed. People who use neural network method to calculate the curve of the debris flow happening , and used fuzzy theory to calculate the curve of the debris flow happening which is influenced by the hydrology in Song-Ho Village. In that way, we may consider more thoughtful. From the example of the Lemidi Hotel in Nantou, we can prove that how necessary the hydrology factor in the debris flow is.
超音波對星狀細胞產生神經營養因子的影響
超音波應用於臨床已行之有年，而以穿透式超音波打入腦部的想法也已提出，本實驗目的即為測試低強度間歇性超音波達到腦部受傷後治療的可能。本實驗採用星狀細胞培養模式來探討，首先以腫瘤壞死因子α(Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, TNF-α)模擬中風缺氧的狀態，並利用低強度間歇性超音波刺激星狀細胞，然後檢測其培養液中一氧化氮(nitric oxide, NO)的濃度變化，以及大腦衍生神經營養因子(Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor, BDNF)、神經膠質衍生神經營養因子(Glial-derived Neurotrophic Factor, GDNF)之mRNA 表現的情形。由實驗結果顯示，在TNF-α存在狀況下則能使NO 濃度上升，施打低強度間歇性超音波可促使NO 增加，並提升上述BDNF、GDNF 兩種蛋白質之mRNA 表現，BDNF 可幫助支持神經元生存，促使新神經元和突觸的發展及分化；GDNF 可有效提昇許多類型神經元生存率；而適當之NO 濃度可以調節神經傳遞物質釋放和腦血流，乃至於影響到記憶的產生。我們初步的結果也顯示在TNF-α存在下，超音波可以增加BDNF 及GDNF 蛋白之產生，因此本研究成果顯示低強度間歇性超音波可提供有利於神經元的環境。The ultrasound technology has been widely applied in the clinical practice for many years, such as monitoring of fetus, lithotripsy, rehabilitation after fracture, as well as the ultrasound stimulation of brain tissue, etc. The purpose of this study is to investigate the therapeutic effect of low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on the injured brain. In this study, we adopted the in vitro model of astrocyte cultures. The tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) was used to simulate the condition of ischemic stroke. We used LIPUS to stimulate the cultured astrocytes, then we ssessed the concentration of nitric oride (NO) in the culture medium. We also assessed the expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) of both brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). The results showed that NO increased after the addition of TNF- α. In addition, treatment of LIPUS increased the expression of NO, as well as the mRNA of both BDNF and GDNF. The BDNF is able to support the survival of neuron, as well as stimulate differentiation of neurons and synapses. GDNF can also increase the survival of various kinds of neurons. Furthermore, NO may regulate the secretion of neurotransmitters, increase the blood flow in the brain, as well as enhance the processing of memory. Our preliminary results also demonstrated that both BDNF and GDNF protein increased in response to LIPUS in the presence of TNF-α. Therefore, treatment with LIPUS implicated an environment favoring the protection of neurons.
超越極限的越野蟑螂車
在本研究中，我模仿蟑螂的行走方式，來製作可以在各種地形以不減速的方式前進的機器車。在偶然機會下，我觀察到，蟑螂可以順利爬越米堆，因此對蟑螂的運動方式感到興趣。我用微型網路攝影機拍攝及觀察蟑螂的行走方式。發現蟑螂在快速行走時，是以三隻腳為一組，六腳兩組交互進行前進的動作。由於三點構成一平面，使蟑螂在快速移動時，相當的平穩。我將此原理融入蟑螂車的設計，並根據這個原理，利用舊玩具四驅車改裝成「六驅車」，成功的製作出模仿六足昆蟲行走方式且可以在各種地形順利前進的機器車。為了更客觀的比較，我應用樂高積木的馬達組合，製作了一部純轉動前進的六輪傳動車，及另一部轉動兼走動的六輪蟑螂車。並利用微電腦控制兩種車維持相同的驅動速度前進(93.33 rpm)，於各種路面實地測試，證實蟑螂車越野的性能的確強很多。未來若可以將六足昆蟲行走方式的概念應用到汽車製造，車輛的越野性能必然大幅提昇。\r \r In this research, I developed a six-wheel driving vehicle simulating the movement of cockroach. The resultant motion machine can un-intermittedly run on terrains without speeding down. Occasionally, I observed that the cockroaches can crossover a heap of rice. Therefore, I was very interested in and eager to learn how cockroach runs. I recorded the movements of cockroaches by using mini web camera and analyzed the moving characteristics of cockroaches. It was discovered that the cockroach marches quickly by interchanging two groups of foot in which each group consists of three feet. As a table can be supported by three legs, the cockroach runs steadily and rapidly. I have designed a motocross vehicle based on the mechanism of the way that cockroach runs. A six-wheel driving car is constructed by modifying four-wheel driving toy cars. By simulating the motion complex of six-foot insects, the six-wheel driving car turns out to be an all-terrain vehicle. To be more objective in comparison, I built two types of six-wheel driving cars by utilizing the LEGO TECHNIC motor building set: one with regular and synchronous rotation, and the other one with eccentric shaft rotation emulating cockroach marching movement. I applied a microprocessor to control the motors in order to maintain the same driving speed (93.33 rpm) for both cars during the road test. The experimental results show that the proposed cockroach motocross car performs superiorly especially for the rugged terrain. In the future, the off-road capability of a jeep can be improved by introducing the concept of six-foot insect movement to vehicle design.
日長處理對大豆蛋白質合成的影響
日照影響花芽分化及生長試植物生理學上的重要課題,根據相關文獻指出,蛋白質類型的變化是影響開化的重要關鍵,大豆是短日照植物,分別以長日照(LD18hr/DAY)和短日照(SD6hr/DAY)處理,抽取葉片中的蛋白質以SDS-PAGE.2D-SDS-PAGE分析,SDS-PAGE的實驗姐果顯示出在分子量25.2 32.9 38.6 20.6 64.0 100.6 kDa處中的蛋白質SD比LD的量多,但是在分子量16.8kDa以下的蛋白質LD含有高濃度而自SD只有一點,我們使用2D-SDS-PAGE做進一步的分析,SD與LD分為三個區塊討論(SD1-3 LD1-3)有許多蛋白自LD1.LD3出現,但在SD1 SD3中未出現,可能有抑制花芽分化的作用,而在SD2中有多個高濃度蛋白出現,可能在花芽分化上扮演重角色,其中編號P1 P2的蛋白質有較明顯的變化,根據NCBI網站上的資料顯示,P1蛋白質與光敏素C有關,而P2蛋白質則沒有找到分子量等電點類似的蛋白質;The effects of photoeriod on floral initation and develoment is an imporant phyiological subject and have studed ve he past 70 years. Accrding to the reference, polypeptide partten plays an important rolein photoperiodic induction. Soybean s a SD(short day)plant. So we planted them with 6-h(short day,SD)and 18-h(long day,LD)photoperiods. Total proteins n leaves of soyban were extracted from the vegetable,SD and LD. And using SDS-PAGE and 2-D eloctrophoresis to analyze. 25.2,32.9,38.6,50.6,64.0,and 100.6kDa polypeptides in SDS-PAGE were always present in leavess at SD but only a little bands f the polypeptides appeared at LD. And many polypeptides whose molecular weight(Mw)is below 16.8 kDa had higher concentration at LD ad Reduced at SD. We found three different areas(SD1~3,LD1~3) and analyze them. Many proteins were found n LD1,LD3 and reduced in SD2,SD5. Possibly, these polypeptides found in LD1 and LD3 play an important role in restraining floral iniiation in soybean. Many proeins had more concentration in SD2. Probably, they play an important role in photoperiodic induction and floral initiation. We found a protein labeled P1 in SD2 and it is with molecular weight(Mw) of 36kDa at isoelectric point(pI) of5.2, and it may be related to cytochromeC. We also found protein labeled P2 in SD2 and it is with molecular weight(Mw) of 40.2kDa at isoelectric point(pI)of 5.4, and we couldn't find any protein that has the similary Mw and pI in potein database about flowering and daylength.
Eye gone V.S.eyeless決定果蠅複眼發育基因之協同作用與未知調控基因之尋覓
In this study, we try to know how ectopic eye genes: eyeless(ey), eye gone(eyg), twin of eyeless(toy), twin of eye gone(toe) act cooperatively, and look for some unknown genes which affect the function of eyg. First, through human trans gene screening, we find two human genes change the phenotype of ey>eyg into dorsal out-growth when they co-express with eyg (ey>eyg+X). It means the two genes may relate to cell proliferation. Second, by sequencing the insert genes of mutant fly which was found by EP screening, the result shows the site of the insertion is the same as effete (eff) gene. eff translated wrong proteins which differ from functional ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme may be the major cause of the mutant eye . 本研究係探討果蠅複眼異位基因eyeless(ey)、eye gone(eyg)、twin of eyeless(toy)、 twin of eye gone(toe)間的協同作用，並尋找與eyg 有交互作用的基因、突變株。藉由人類基因轉殖篩選，找到兩株人類基因轉殖株，當其與eyg 共同表現時(ey>eyg+X)，會改變ey>eyg 的複眼性狀，造成dorsal out-growth，顯示這兩個基因可能與細胞增生有關，此外，藉由EP screening 複眼發生突變的果蠅之UAS 下游基因經比對後，位置與effete（eff）部分契合，推測複眼發生突變的原因是eff 的功能發生異常，致使細胞內蛋白質代謝失常所致。
臭氧濃度與天氣因子
本實驗的觀測乃著重於觀測各定點之臭氧濃度與該地天氣因子；如溫度、相對溼度、氣壓、雲量、風速、日照強度等與之比較並控制所有可能的變因，來推測一地空氣污染的程度，並從中思考影響一地臭氧濃度變化的要素。 利用自製的熊本試紙來測量在對流層中臭氧的濃度，進而來推論出我們所設的測站附近的空氣污染程度。 由實驗了解臭氧濃度和其他天氣因子如溫度、相對溼度、風向、風速、日照強度、紫外線強度、工廠作息或交通流量等因素有著很微妙的關係。 最後，我們歸納出在做此實驗時所遇到的相關問題與解決方法。 This experimentation is about the ozone of troposphere. We try to find out how the weather elements affect the ozone consistency (for example: air temperature, relative humidity, air pressure, cloudage, wind speed, solar insolation), and to discover the relation between the ozone consistency and the air pollution. We use the test paper which is made by ourselves to measure the ozone consistency of troposphere, so that we con use the date to infer the air pollution level at the area where we conduct our tests. According to our experiment, we find out the ozone consistency and other weather elements (ex: air temperature, relative humidity, air pressure, cloudage, wind speed, solar insolation or traffic), have some delicate relations with each other. Finally, we conclude all the relative problems we face in this experiment and their solutions.
Dioscorin 對塵?造成氣管上皮細胞傷害的保護性之研究
古籍上記載山藥益肺氣，養肺陰，且最近研究報告發現山藥含有珍貴的dioscorin，其為山藥貯存養分的重要蛋白質，有抑制胰蛋白水解?之活性。而塵?糞便、屍體中的消化蛋白?會破壞呼吸道上皮細胞緊密連接處引起過敏氣喘反應。我對此甚感興趣，進而利用山藥的萃取蛋白dioscorin、塵?粗萃取蛋白及呼吸道上皮癌細胞A549，藉細胞培養、免疫螢光染色、螢光顯微攝影來實驗山藥是否真能保護上皮細胞緊密連接處。再利用膠體電泳、西方墨點法中抗體的高專一性、二抗的高靈敏度來確知我之前的實驗。另外也用ELISA 來實驗dioscorin或塵?引起A549 發炎的情況是如何。由實驗得知，dioscorin 可抑制及預防塵?引起的過敏氣喘反應；而經由ELISA 實驗發現，dioscorin 對於塵?刺激A549分泌發炎物質Eotaxin 並沒有助長或是降低的效果。It was believed that Chinese yam have benefits in treating asthma. Recently, it was found that the valuable dioscorin can be isolated from Chinese yam. The major function of dioscorin is nutrition-storage, however, it also have activities in inhibiting trypsin-like protease. This inhibitory activities trigger my interests. Because the major allergens, mites, and their stool may destroy the tight junctions of airway epithelium cells through their trypsin-protease activities. I therefore carry out an in vitro study to identify whether dioscorin can be used in protecting epithelium from the attack of mites. My results showed that dioscorin can protect the tight junctions of A549 cells from the attack of mite crude extract protein. I believed that dioscorin can be a good candidate in pharmacology application. The genetic and proteomic information are my further focus. On the other hand, we also investigated the possible activity of dioscorin in inhibiting mites-induced inflammation through using A549 as a model and employing ELISA. We found dioscorin neither inhibited nor enhanced the eotaxin being secreted from A549 under the stimulation of mites.