Optimized Assembly of Micro-/Meso-/Macroporous Carbon for Li–S Batteries

Qiong Tang,Heqin Li,Min Zuo,Jing Zhang,Yiqin Huang,Peiwen Bai,Jiaqi Xu,Kuan Zhou 성균관대학교(자연과학캠퍼스) 성균나노과학기술원 2017 NANO Vol.12 No.2

In order to explore the effect of hierarchical porous carbon on the performances of Li–S batteries, we synthesized three kinds of micro-/meso-/macroporous carbon materials with different pore properties by facile hard-template method. Different from the majority of reports on porous carbon ensuing large specific surface area (SSA) and total pore volume, it was found that in the case of identically high sulfur content, the pore size distribution substantially influences the performances of Li–S batteries rather than the SSA and total pore volume. Furthermore, in the assembly of micro-/meso-/macropores, the micropore volume ratio to the total pore volume is dominant to the capabilities of batteries. Among the samples, the porous carbon carbonized with the precursor of sucrose at 950℃ presents the highest initial discharge specific capacity of 1327 mAh/g and retention of 630 mAh/g over 100 cycles at 0.2C rate along with the best rate capability. This sample possesses the largest micropore volume ratio of 47.54% but a medium SSA of 1217 m2 /g and inferior total pore volume of 0.54 cm3 /g. The abundant micropores effectively improve the conductivity of dispersed sulfur particles, inhibit the loss of sulfur series and enable the cathode to exhibit superior electrochemical performances.

Current state of research about acupuncture for the treatment of COVID-19: A scoping review

Chen Chen,Jie Zhan,Hao Wen,Xiaojing Wei,Lu Ding,Chenyang Tao,Cui Li,Peiming Zhang,Yuyuan Tang,Jing-chun Zeng,Li-ming Lu 한국한의학연구원 2021 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.10 No.-

Background Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), acupuncture has been widely used in the treatment of COVID-19. The research community has responded rapidly and has already published many research articles about this topic. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library as well as CNKI, Wanfang and VIP from January 1, 2020 to July 31, 2021. The dates of publication, language of publication, methodological characteristics and the key findings were analyzed separately. The data are presented as bar graphs, structured tables and figures. Results In this scoping review, 16 research articles were included: 7 case reports, 6 observational studies, 1 review, 1 RCT and 1 nonrandomized clinical trial. The majority of the articles (81.3%) were published by Chinese scholars, 12.5% articles were by scholars in the United States, and 6.3% articles were by scholars in Iran. The included studies reported that acupuncture could alleviate the symptoms of COVID-19 patients, shorten their hospitalization days, and is effective for the elderly. There were no side effects reported. The most frequent acupoints used were LI4, PC6, ST36 and KI3. They reported many obstacles in implementing acupuncture therapy for treating COVID-19 patients. Conclusion Acupuncture has a good effect for the treatment of COVID-19, but high-quality evidence support is still lacking. Coupled with the difficulties that acupuncturists experienced during the process of treatment, the promotion of acupuncture treatment for COVID-19 faces many obstacles. Background Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), acupuncture has been widely used in the treatment of COVID-19. The research community has responded rapidly and has already published many research articles about this topic. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library as well as CNKI, Wanfang and VIP from January 1, 2020 to July 31, 2021. The dates of publication, language of publication, methodological characteristics and the key findings were analyzed separately. The data are presented as bar graphs, structured tables and figures. Results In this scoping review, 16 research articles were included: 7 case reports, 6 observational studies, 1 review, 1 RCT and 1 nonrandomized clinical trial. The majority of the articles (81.3%) were published by Chinese scholars, 12.5% articles were by scholars in the United States, and 6.3% articles were by scholars in Iran. The included studies reported that acupuncture could alleviate the symptoms of COVID-19 patients, shorten their hospitalization days, and is effective for the elderly. There were no side effects reported. The most frequent acupoints used were LI4, PC6, ST36 and KI3. They reported many obstacles in implementing acupuncture therapy for treating COVID-19 patients. Conclusion Acupuncture has a good effect for the treatment of COVID-19, but high-quality evidence support is still lacking. Coupled with the difficulties that acupuncturists experienced during the process of treatment, the promotion of acupuncture treatment for COVID-19 faces many obstacles.

Purification and Characterization of Extracellular Inulinase from a Marine Yeast Pichia guilliermondii and Inulin Hydrolysis by the Purified Inulinase

Fang Gong,Tong Zhang,Jun Sheng,Jing Li,Xianghong Wang,Zhenming Chi 한국생물공학회 2008 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.13 No.5

The extracellular inulinase of the marine yeast Pichia guilliermondii strain 1 was purified to homogeneity resulting in a 7.2-fold increase in specific inulinase activity. The molecular mass of the purified enzyme was estimated to be 50.0 kDa. The op-timal pH and temperature for the purified enzyme were 6.0 and 60C, respectively. The enzyme was activated by Mn²+, Ca²+, K+, Li+, Na+, Fe³+, Fe²+, Cu²+, and Co²+, but Mg²+, Hg²+, and Ag+ inhibited activity. The enzyme was strongly inhibited by phenylmethanesulphonyl fluoride (PMSF), iodoacetic acid, EDTA, and 1, 10-phenanthroline. The Km and Vmax values of the purified inulinase for inulin were 21.1 mg/mL and 0.08 mg/min, respectively. A large number of monosaccharides were de-tected after the hydrolysis of inulin. The deduced protein sequence from the cloned P. guilliermondii strain 1 inulinase gene contained the consensus motifs R-D-P-K-V-F-W-H and W-M-N-D-P-N-G, which are conserved among the inulinases from other microorganisms.

Lanthanum zirconate based thermal barrier coatings: A review

Zhang, Jing,Guo, Xingye,Jung, Yeon-Gil,Li, Li,Knapp, James Elsevier Sequoia 2017 Surface & coatings technology Vol.323 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>This review article summarizes the latest information about the manufacturing techniques of lanthanum zirconate (La<SUB>2</SUB>Zr<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>7</SUB>, LZ) powder and La<SUB>2</SUB>Zr<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>7</SUB> based thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). Lanthanum zirconate is a promising candidate material for TBC applications, due to its lower thermal conductivity and higher thermal stability compared to other traditional TBC systems. In this work, the physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the powder and coatings are evaluated. The durability experiments of the TBCs in various thermal, mechanical, and corrosive conditions are also reviewed. In addition, theoretical studies on the powder and coatings properties are presented. Finally, future research directions of lanthanum zirconate as TBC applications are proposed.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Comprehensive review of lanthanum zirconate (La<SUB>2</SUB>Zr<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>7</SUB>) based TBCs </LI> <LI> Complete summary of the physical, thermal, mechanical properties of La<SUB>2</SUB>Zr<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>7</SUB> </LI> <LI> Thermal cycling behavior and durability of La<SUB>2</SUB>Zr<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>7</SUB> TBCs is reviewed. </LI> <LI> Property and performance comparison between La<SUB>2</SUB>Zr<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>7</SUB> and YSZ based TBCs </LI> <LI> Modeling of La<SUB>2</SUB>Zr<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>7</SUB> is also reviewed. </LI> </UL> </P>

Ideal tensile strength and shear strength of ZrO₂(111)/Ni(111) ceramic-metal Interface: A first principle study

Guo, Xingye,Zhang, Yi,Jung, Yeon-Gil,Li, Li,Knapp, James,Zhang, Jing Elsevier 2016 Materials & Design Vol.112 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The ideal mechanical strengths of ZrO<SUB>2</SUB>(111)/Ni(111) ceramic-metal (C-M) interface are calculated through simulated tensile and shear deformations using the first principles calculations. The structures of ZrO<SUB>2</SUB>(111)/Ni(111) interfaces with 1- and 3-layer Ni thicknesses are optimized and the mechanical properties are investigated. For tensile deformation in [111] direction, the Young's moduli of the 1-layer Ni and 3-layer Ni M-C models are 139.9GPa and 60.2GPa, respectively; and ultimate tensile strengths are 11.6GPa and 7.9GPa, respectively. For shear deformation in {111} ⟨110⟩ system, the shear moduli of the 1-layer Ni and 3-layer Ni M-C models are 43.9GPa and 30.4GPa, respectively; and ultimate shear strengths are 7.0GPa and 3.0GPa, respectively. For shear deformation in {111} ⟨11 2 − ⟩ system, the shear moduli of the 1-layer Ni and 3-layer Ni M-C models are 30.9GPa and 17.3GPa, respectively; and ultimate shear strengths are 6.0GPa and 1.8GPa, respectively. Overall, 1-layer Ni C-M interface models have better mechanical properties than those of 3-layer models. The observed strengths are explained by using charge distribution, electron localization function, and Bader charge transfer analyses. The results are important for designing robust thermal barrier coating through optimizing bond coat thickness.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Ideal tensile and shear strengths of ZrO2/Ni interface are calculated using DFT. </LI> <LI> Stress-strain curves of interfaces in tensile and shear deformations are calculated. </LI> <LI> 1-layer Ni interface models have higher mechanical strengths than 3-layer models. </LI> <LI> Charge density and Bader charge analyses are conducted to explain the strengths. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphic abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Pharmacological blockade of cholesterol trafficking by cepharanthine in endothelial cells suppresses angiogenesis and tumor growth

Lyu, Junfang,Yang, Eun Ju,Head, Sarah A.,Ai, Nana,Zhang, Baoyuan,Wu, Changjie,Li, Ruo-Jing,Liu, Yifan,Yang, Chen,Dang, Yongjun,Kwon, Ho Jeong,Ge, Wei,Liu, Jun O.,Shim, Joong Sup Elsevier 2017 Cancer letters Vol.409 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Cholesterol is an important modulator of membrane protein function and signaling in endothelial cells, thus making it an emerging target for anti-angiogenic agents. In this study, we employed a phenotypic screen that detects intracellular cholesterol distribution in endothelial cells (HUVEC) and identified 13 existing drugs as cholesterol trafficking inhibitors. Cepharanthine, an approved drug for anti-inflammatory and cancer management use, was amongst the candidates, which was selected for in-depth mechanistic studies to link cholesterol trafficking and angiogenesis. Cepharanthine inhibited the endolysosomal trafficking of free-cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein in HUVEC by binding to Niemann-Pick disease, type C1 (NPC1) protein and increasing the lysosomal pH. The blockade of cholesterol trafficking led to a cholesterol-dependent dissociation of mTOR from the lysosomes and inhibition of its downstream signaling. Cepharanthine inhibited angiogenesis in HUVEC and in zebrafish in a cholesterol-dependent manner. Furthermore, cepharanthine suppressed tumor growth in vivo by inhibiting angiogenesis and it enhanced the antitumor activity of the standard chemotherapy cisplatin in lung and breast cancer xenografts in mice. Altogether, these results strongly support the idea that cholesterol trafficking is a viable drug target for anti-angiogenesis and that the inhibitors identified among existing drugs, such as cepharanthine, could be potential anti-angiogenic and antitumor agents.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> A phenotypic screen identified 13 existing drugs, including cepharanthine, as cholesterol trafficking inhibitors. </LI> <LI> Cepharanthine inhibited lysosomal cholesterol trafficking by binding to NPC1 protein and increasing the lysosomal pH. </LI> <LI> The blockade of cholesterol trafficking led to a cholesterol-dependent dissociation of mTOR from the lysosomes. </LI> <LI> Cepharanthine inhibited angiogenesis in HUVEC and in zebrafish in a cholesterol-dependent manner. </LI> <LI> Cepharanthine treatment enhanced the antitumor activity of cisplatin in lung and breast cancer xenografts in mice. </LI> </UL> </P>

Investment Climate Analysis of China and South Korea: Based on Grading Method

Jing LI(Jing LI),Xin Yu XU(Xin Yu XU),Jie XU(Jie XU),Shuai SU(Shuai SU),Fan ZHANG(Fan ZHANG) 한국4차산업학회 2022 4차산업연구 Vol.2 No.2

Purpose - This study analyzes the investment environment of South Korea by using the rating scale of Robert B Stobaugh, Jr, and draws conclusion implication. Research design, data, and methodology - The study conducted a survey on according to the political stability, capital repatriation, foreign ownership allowed, discrimination and controls, foreign vs domestic businesses, currency stability, willingness to grant tariff protection, availability of local capital, and annual inflation for last 5 years. The score of these eight aspects will be given based on the current situation in South Korea and the sum of the scores will be calculated. Result - China-Korea economic and trade relations are in a stage of transformation and upgrading, and the level of economic and trade cooperation in various fields is reaching a new level. It is hoped that Chinese enterprises will grasp business opportunities, strengthen research and analysis of the Korea market and achieve mutually beneficial cooperation. Conclusion - The investment environment of South Korea is superior according to the political stability, capital repatriation, foreign ownership allowed, discrimination and controls, foreign vs domestic businesses, currency stability, willingness to grant tariff protection, availability of local capital, and annual inflation for last 5 years.

Fotemustine, Teniposide and Dexamethasone in Treating Patients with CNS Lymphoma

Wu, Jing-Jing,Wang, Xin-Hua,Li, Ling,Li, Xin,Zhang, Lei,Sun, Zhen-Chang,Fu, Xiao-Rui,Ma, Wang,Chang, Yu,Zhang, Xu-Dong,Han, Li-Juan,Zhang, Ming-Zhi Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.11

Purpose: We developed and evaluated a regimen including fotemustine, teniposide and dexamethasone (FTD) for treating patients with central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma based on pharmacokinetic properties of individual agents and in combination. Patients and Methods: In a comparison study, 8 patients with primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) and 8 with secondary CNS lymphoma (SCNSL) were treated with FTD (comprising fotemustine 100 mg/m2, 1h infusion, day 1; teniposide 60 mg/m2, >0.5 h infusion, on day 2, 3, 4; dexamethasone 40 mg, 1h infusion, on day 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5; and methotrexate 12 mg, cytosine arabinoside 50 mg plus dexamethasone 5 mg intrathecally, on day 2 and 7). Cycles were repeated every 3 weeks. After response assessment, patients received whole brain radiotherapy. Results: Of the 8 PCNSL patients, 4 (50%) achieved CR and 3 (38%) PR, an overall response rate of 88%. Four patients (50%) were in continuing remission at the end of this study after a median follow-up of 30 months (range 10 to 56 months). Of the 8 SCNSL patients the overall response rate was 63% (CR+PR: 38%+25%). All responses were achievable with predictable toxicity mainly reflecting reversible myelosuppression. Conclusion: This study suggests that FTD could be an effective treatment for CNS lymphoma, and is worthy of further evaluation.

SERS study of surface plasmon resonance induced carrier movement in Au@Cu₂O core-shell nanoparticles

Chen, Lei,Zhang, Fan,Deng, Xin-Yu,Xue, Xiangxin,Wang, Li,Sun, Yantao,Feng, Jing-Dong,Zhang, Yongjun,Wang, Yaxin,Jung, Young Mee Elsevier 2018 Spectrochimica acta. Part A, Molecular and biomole Vol.189 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>A plasmon induced carrier movement enhanced mechanism of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) was investigated using a charge-transfer (CT) enhancement mechanism. Here, we designed a strategy to study SERS in Au@Cu<SUB>2</SUB>O nanoshell nanoparticles with different shell thicknesses. Among the plasmonically coupled nanostructures, Au spheres with Cu<SUB>2</SUB>O shells have been of special interest due to their ultrastrong electromagnetic fields and controllable carrier transfer properties, which are useful for SERS. Au@Cu<SUB>2</SUB>O nanoshell nanoparticles (NPs) with shell thicknesses of 48–56nm are synthesized that exhibit high SERS activity. This high activity originates from plasmonic-induced carrier transfer from Au@Cu<SUB>2</SUB>O to 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (MBA). The CT transition from the valence band (VB) of Cu<SUB>2</SUB>O to the second excited π-π* transition of MBA, and is of b<SUB>2</SUB> electronic symmetry, which was enhanced significantly. The Herzberg-Teller selection rules were employed to predict the observed enhanced b<SUB>2</SUB> symmetry modes. The system constructed in this study combines the long-range electromagnetic effect of Au NPs, localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of the Au@Cu<SUB>2</SUB>O nanoshell, and the CT contribution to assist in understanding the SERS mechanism based on LSPR-induced carrier movement in metal/semiconductor nanocomposites.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> We designed a shell-dependent Au@Cu<SUB>2</SUB>O nanoshell for SERS study. </LI> <LI> SERS contribution enables us to understand the possible enhancement of hybrid nanostructures. </LI> <LI> LSPR-induced carrier movement in Au@Cu<SUB>2</SUB>O nanocomposites. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical Abstract</B></P> <P>We designed the shell-dependent Au@Cu<SUB>2</SUB>O core-shell nanoparticles (NPs) for SERS study. For the electron-hole pairs in the Cu<SUB>2</SUB>O, the plasmon induced resonant energy transfer from Au to the Cu<SUB>2</SUB>O and the direct electron transfer simultaneously which can be observed from the SERS intensity.</P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Overexpression of NDRG2 Can Inhibit Neuroblastoma Cell Proliferation through Negative Regulation by CYR61

Zhang, Zhi-Guo,Li, Gang,Feng, Da-Yun,Zhang, Jian,Zhang, Jing,Qin, Huai-Zhou,Ma, Lian-Ting,Gao, Guo-Dong,Wu, Lin Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.1

Several recent studies have showed that the n-myc downstream regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) is a new tumor suppressor gene, and that it plays an important role in tumor suppression in several cancers or cancer cell lines. However, few studies focused on its function in neuroblastoma cells. In the present investigation, we demonstrated that NDRG2 overexpression inhibited their proliferation. Using a cDNA microarray, we found that overexpression of NDRG2 inhibited the expression of cysteine-rich protein 61 (CYR61), a proliferation related gene. From our research, CYR61 may partially hinder NDRG2-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation. Overexpression of NDRG2 resulted in accumulation of cells in the G1 phase, which was accompanied by upregulation of p21 and p27 and downregulation of CDK4 and cyclin D1. Taken together, these data indicate that NDRG2 inhibits the proliferation of neuroblastoma cells partially through suppression of CYR61. Our findings offer novel insights into the physiological roles of NDRG2 in neuroblastoma cell proliferation, and NDRG2 may prove to be effective candidate for the treatment of children with neuroblastoma.