Catalytic synthesis and enhanced Curie temperature of ε-Fe₃N@C nanostructure synthesized in a tetraethylenepentamine solution

Li, Yong,Pan, Desheng,Li, Da,Feng, Yang,Choi, C.J.,Liu, Wei,Zhang, Zhidong Elsevier 2018 Journal of magnetism and magnetic materials Vol.465 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>ε-Fe<SUB>3</SUB>N@C nanocrystals without oxidation are one-pot synthesized by using the iron(II) acetylacetonate and tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) as Fe and N precursors under a low temperature (533 K) in the presence of a small quantity of Pt atoms as the co-catalyst. The ε-Fe<SUB>3</SUB>N@C nanoparticles with a core-shell structure are nearly spherical and have a wide particle size distribution of 100–500 nm in diameter. Fe nanoparticles obtained by reduction of Fe<SUP>2+</SUP> with TEPA are an effective catalyzer for decomposing TEPA to produce N and C atoms at a temperature much lower than the boiling point of TEPA. The diffusion of N atoms into Fe nanoparticles for the formation of ε-Fe<SUB>3</SUB>N@C is proposed, based on the results obtained by kinetically controlling the synthetic temperature and surfactants. The ε-Fe<SUB>3</SUB>N@C nanoparticles have an excellent saturation magnetization of 135.5 emu/g at room temperature. A significantly enhanced Curie temperature (T<SUB>C</SUB>) of 614 K is reached in the present ε-Fe<SUB>3</SUB>N@C nanoparticles, which is much higher than the T<SUB>C</SUB> values in the previously reported ε-Fe<SUB>3</SUB>N<SUB>x</SUB>.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Tetraethylenepentamine is proposed as a new N source to synthesize Fe nitride. </LI> <LI> Core-shelled ε-Fe<SUB>3</SUB>N@C nanoparticles are one-pot synthesized at 260 °C. </LI> <LI> Curie temperature of ε-Fe<SUB>3</SUB>N is significantly enhanced to 614 K. </LI> <LI> ε-Fe<SUB>3</SUB>N@C shows a high saturation magnetization of 135.5 emu/g at 300 K. </LI> </UL> </P>

C₂H <i>N</i> = 1 − 0 and N₂H⁺<i>J</i> = 1 − 0 observations of <i>Planck</i> Galactic cold clumps

Liu, X.-C.,Wu, Y.,Zhang, C.,Liu, T.,Yuan, J.,Qin, S.-L.,Ju, B.-G.,Li, L.-X. EDP Sciences 2019 Astronomy and astrophysics Vol.622 No.-

<P>A survey of C2H <I>N</I> = 1 − 0 and N2H<SUP>+</SUP><I>J</I> = 1 − 0 toward <I>Planck</I> Galactic cold clumps (PGCCs) was performed using the Purple Mountain Observatory’s 13.7 m telescope. C2H and N2H<SUP>+</SUP> were chosen to study the chemical evolutionary states of PGCCs. Among 121 observed molecular cores associated with PGCCs, 71 and 58 are detected with C2H <I>N</I> = 1 − 0 and N2H<SUP>+</SUP><I>J</I> = 1 − 0, respectively. The detected lines of most sources can be fitted with a single component with compatible <I>V</I>LSR and line widths, which confirms that these PGCC cores are very cold (with gas temperatures 9-21 K) and quiescent while still dominanted by turbulence. The ratio between the column densities of C2H and N2H<SUP>+</SUP> (<I>N</I>(C2H)/<I>N</I>(N2H<SUP>+</SUP>)) is found to be a good tracer for the evolutionary states of PGCC cores. Gas-grain chemical model can reproduce the decreasing trend of <I>N</I>(C2H)/<I>N</I>(N2H<SUP>+</SUP>) as a function of time. The cores with the lowest abundances of N2H<SUP>+</SUP> (<I>X</I>[N2H<SUP>+</SUP>] < 10<SUP>−10</SUP>) are the youngest, and have nearly constant abundances of C2H. In evolved cores with <I>X</I>[N2H<SUP>+</SUP>] ~10<SUP>−9</SUP>, abundances of C2H drop quickly as the exhaustion of carbon atoms. Although these PGCC cores are in different evolutionary states, they are all quite young (< 5 × 10<SUP>5</SUP> yr) with <I>N</I>(C2H) > <I>N</I>(N2H<SUP>+</SUP>). Mapping observations are carried out toward 20 PGCC cores. The PGCC cores in Cepheus have lower <I>N</I>(C2H)/<I>N</I>(N2H<SUP>+</SUP>) and larger line widths compared with those in Taurus. This implies that PGCC cores in Taurus are less chemically evolved than those in Cepheus.</P>

c-Cbl-Mediated Neddylation Antagonizes Ubiquitination and Degradation of the TGF-β Type II Receptor

Zuo, W.,Huang, F.,Chiang, Y.,Li, M.,Du, J.,Ding, Y.,Zhang, T.,Lee, H.,Jeong, L.,Chen, Y.,Deng, H.,Feng, X.H.,Luo, S.,Gao, C.,Chen, Y.G. Cell Press 2013 Molecular cell Vol.49 No.3

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is a potent antiproliferative factor in multiple types of cells. Deregulation of TGF-β signaling is associated with the development of many cancers, including leukemia, though the molecular mechanisms are largely unclear. Here, we show that Casitas B-lineage lymphoma (c-Cbl), a known proto-oncogene encoding an ubiquitin E3 ligase, promotes TGF-β signaling by neddylating and stabilizing the type II receptor (TβRII). Knockout of c-Cbl decreases the TβRII protein level and desensitizes hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells to TGF-β stimulation, while c-Cbl overexpression stabilizes TβRII and sensitizes leukemia cells to TGF-β. c-Cbl conjugates neural precursor cell-expressed, developmentally downregulated 8 (NEDD8), a ubiquitin-like protein, to TβRII at Lys556 and Lys567. Neddylation of TβRII promotes its endocytosis to EEA1-positive early endosomes while preventing its endocytosis to caveolin-positive compartments, therefore inhibiting TβRII ubiquitination and degradation. We have also identified a neddylation-activity-defective c-Cbl mutation from leukemia patients, implying a link between aberrant TβRII neddylation and leukemia development.

Feeding Soy Protein Concentrates with Low and High Isoflavones Alters 9 and 18 Weeks Serum Isoflavones and Inflammatory Protein Levels in Lean and Obese Zucker Rats

Wei Li,Nathan C. Twaddle,Beverly Spray,Bernice Nounamo,Behjatolah Monzavi-Karbassi,Reza Hakkak 한국식품영양과학회 2023 Journal of medicinal food Vol.26 No.2

Soy's anti-inflammatory properties contribute to the health benefits of soy foods. This study was designed to investigate the bioavailability of soy isoflavones and whether the isoflavone content of soy protein concentrate diet would affect serum inflammatory proteins in an obese (fa/fa) Zucker rat model. Six-week-old male lean (L) and obese (O) Zucker rats were fed a casein control diet (C), soy protein concentrate with low isoflavones (SPC-LIF), or soy protein concentrate with high isoflavones (SPC-HIF) (7 rats/dietary group) before being killed at 9 and 18 weeks. Serum samples were analyzed for isoflavones and inflammatory proteins. At both time points, serum total (aglycone + conjugates) genistein, daidzein, and equol concentrations were significantly higher in L-SPC-HIF and O-SPC-HIF groups compared with L-SPC-LIF and O-SPC-LIF groups, respectively, and were not detectable in either L-C or O-C groups. At week 9, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration was significantly lower in O-SPC-HIF group compared with O-C and O-SPC-LIF group, whereas proteins tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels did not differ between any groups. At week 18, serum CRP levels in both O-SPC-HIF and O-SPC-LIF groups were significantly lower compared with the O-C group. TNF-α level was higher in the O-SPC-LIF group compared with both O-C and O-SPC-HIF groups, whereas IL-6 levels were not different between any groups. Taken together, feeding Zucker rats SPC-LIF and SPC-HIF diets led to different serum isoflavone concentrations in both L and O Zucker rats and altered CRP and TNF-α levels in obese Zucker rats compared with controls.

Annihilation rate of heavy ⁰⁻⁺ quarkonium in relativistic Salpeter method

Kim, C.S.,Lee, Taekoon,Wang, Guo-Li Elsevier 2005 Physics letters: B Vol.606 No.3

<P><B>Abstract</B></P><P>Two-photon and two-gluon annihilation rates of <SUB>ηc</SUB>, ηc′, <SUB>ηb</SUB> and ηb′ are estimated in the relativistic Salpeter method. By solving the full Salpeter equation with a well defined relativistic wave function, we estimate <SUB>M<SUB>ηc</SUB></SUB>=2.979±0.432 GeV, <SUB>Mηc′</SUB>=3.566±0.437 GeV, <SUB>M<SUB>ηb</SUB></SUB>=9.364±1.120 GeV and <SUB>Mηb′</SUB>=9.941±1.112 GeV. We calculated the transition amplitude using the Mandelstam formalism and estimate the decay widths: Γ(<SUB>ηc</SUB>→2γ)=7.14±0.95 keV, Γ(ηc′→2γ)=4.44±0.48 keV, Γ(<SUB>ηb</SUB>→2γ)=0.384±0.047 keV and Γ(ηb′→2γ)=0.191±0.025 keV. We also give estimates of total widths by the two-gluon decay rates: <SUB>Γtot</SUB>(<SUB>ηc</SUB>)=19.6±2.6 MeV, <SUB>Γtot</SUB>(ηc′)=12.1±1.3 MeV, <SUB>Γtot</SUB>(<SUB>ηb</SUB>)=6.98±0.85 MeV and <SUB>Γtot</SUB>(<SUB>ηb</SUB>)=3.47±0.45 MeV.</P>

Quest for Missing Proteins: Update 2015 on Chromosome-Centric Human Proteome Project

Horvatovich, Pé,ter,Lundberg, Emma K.,Chen, Yu-Ju,Sung, Ting-Yi,He, Fuchu,Nice, Edouard C.,Goode, Robert J.,Yu, Simon,Ranganathan, Shoba,Baker, Mark S.,Domont, Gilberto B.,Velasquez, Erika,Li, D American Chemical Society 2015 Journal of Proteome Research Vol.14 No.9

<P>This paper summarizes the recent activities of the Chromosome-Centric Human Proteome Project (C-HPP) consortium, which develops new technologies to identify yet-to-be annotated proteins (termed “missing proteins”) in biological samples that lack sufficient experimental evidence at the protein level for confident protein identification. The C-HPP also aims to identify new protein forms that may be caused by genetic variability, post-translational modifications, and alternative splicing. Proteogenomic data integration forms the basis of the C-HPP’s activities; therefore, we have summarized some of the key approaches and their roles in the project. We present new analytical technologies that improve the chemical space and lower detection limits coupled to bioinformatics tools and some publicly available resources that can be used to improve data analysis or support the development of analytical assays. Most of this paper’s content has been compiled from posters, slides, and discussions presented in the series of C-HPP workshops held during 2014. All data (posters, presentations) used are available at the C-HPP Wiki (<uri xlink:href='http://c-hpp.webhosting.rug.nl/' xlink:type='simple'>http://c-hpp.webhosting.rug.nl/</uri>) and in the Supporting Information.</P><P><B>Graphic Abstract</B> <IMG SRC='http://pubs.acs.org/appl/literatum/publisher/achs/journals/content/jprobs/2015/jprobs.2015.14.issue-9/pr5013009/production/images/medium/pr-2014-013009_0005.gif'></P><P><A href='http://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/pr5013009'>ACS Electronic Supporting Info</A></P>

Assessment of Achilles enthesitis in the spondyloarthropathies by colour Doppler energy ultrasound in the context of the ‘??enthesis organ’??

Li, C-A,Kim, HO,Lee, SY,Lee, S-I Informa UK Ltd 2010 Scandinavian journal of rheumatology Vol.39 No.2

<P><B>Objectives:</B> To identify the characteristic features of Achilles enthesitis of the spondyloarthropathies (SpA) detectable by colour Doppler energy ultrasound (CDEU) in the context of the ‘??enthesis organ’??.</P><P><B>Methods:</B> Seventy patients with SpA and 15 healthy subjects were clinically evaluated and underwent CDEU examination of the Achilles entheses. The CDEU images were evaluated according to five distinctive CDEU features of enthesitis in the context of the enthesis organ.</P><P><B>Results:</B> Fifty-six of the 70 SpA patients (80%) showed at least one abnormal finding of the enthesitis on CDEU examination, affecting 91 of 140 Achilles entheses examined (65%). Only 22 of 140 Achilles entheses (15.7%) showed abnormal vascularization in the peri-sesamoidal and periosteal areas or in the area of enthesis fibrocartilage. In addition, 67 (47.9%) and 18 (12.9%) of 140 Achilles entheses examined showed cortical bone irregularities and erosions, respectively, at areas of the periosteal and the enthesis fibrocartilage. Sixteen (88.9%) of 18 clinically detected Achilles enthesitis and six (75%) of eight Achilles entheses with swelling on clinical examination presented corresponding abnormalities on CDEU examination. The Doppler twinkling artefact (TA) was observed consistently in all normal entheses and completely disappeared upon stabilization of the probe application. The C-reactive protein (CRP) level was higher in the patients with cortical bone erosion than in those without erosion.</P><P><B>Conclusions:</B> This study demonstrates the characteristic features of enthesitis detectable by CDEU in the context of the enthesis organ and shows a good correlation with clinical as well as with laboratory findings.</P>

Effect of Alcohol Fermented Feed on Lactating Performance, Blood Metabolites, Milk Fatty Acid Profile and Cholesterol Content in Holstein Lactating Cows

Li, X.Z.,Park, B.K.,Yan, C.G.,Choi, J.G.,Ahn, J.S.,Shin, J.S. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2012 Animal Bioscience Vol.25 No.11

A feeding experiment with 40 lactating Holstein cows and 4 dietary treatments was conducted to investigate supplementation with different levels of alcohol fermented feed to the TMR on lactating performance, blood metabolites, milk fatty acid profile and cholesterol concentration of blood and milk. Forty Holstein lactating cows ($106{\pm}24$ d post-partum; mean${\pm}$SD) were distributed into four groups and randomly assigned to one of four treatments with each containing 10 cows per treatment. The treatment supplemented with TMR (DM basis) as the control (CON), and CON mixed with alcohol-fermented feeds (AFF) at a level of 5%, 10% and 15% of the TMR as T1, T2 and T3, respectively. Dry matter intake and milk yield were not affected by supplementation of AFF. An increased 4% FCM in the milk occurred in cows fed T3 diet compared with CON, while T1 and T2 diets decreased 4% FCM in a dose dependent manner. Supplementation of AFF increased the concentration of albumin, total protein (TP), ammonia, and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol in serum compared with CON. In contrast, supplementation with AFF clearly decreased concentration of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and total cholesterol (TC) compare with CON. AFF supplementation increased the proportion of C18:1n9 and C18:2n6 compared to CON. A decrease in the concentration of saturated fatty acid (SFA) for T1, T2 and T3 resulted in an increased unsaturated fatty acid (USFA) to SFA ratio compared to CON. Concentration of cholesterol in milk fat was reduced in proportion to the supplemental level of AFF. Feeding a diet supplemented with a moderate level AFF to lactating cows could be a way to alter the feed efficiency and fatty acid profile of milk by increasing potentially human consumer healthy fatty acid without detrimental effects on feed intake and milk production. A substantially decreased cholesterol proportion in milk induced by supplementation AFF suggests that alcohol fermented feed may improve milk cholesterol levels without any negative effects in lactating cows.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid in Rumen Fluid and Milk Fat, and Methane Emission of Lactating Goats Fed a Soybean Oil-based Diet Supplemented with Sodium Bicarbonate and Monensin

Li, X.Z.,Yan, C.G.,Long, R.J.,Jin, G.L.,Shine Khuu, J.,Ji, B.J.,Choi, S.H.,Lee, H.G.,Song, Man K. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2009 Animal Bioscience Vol.22 No.11

A metabolic study was conducted with four ruminally-cannulated lactating goats (Saanen, 29 weeks lactation, 65${\pm}$5 kg) in a 4${\times}$4 Latin square design with 4 dietary treatments. The goats were fed a basal mixed diet consisting of 80% concentrate and 20% chopped rye grass hay (DM basis, CON). The goats were also fed the CON diet supplemented with soybean oil at a 5% level of the concentrate (SO), the SO diet supplemented with 0.5% of sodium bicarbonate (SO-B) or the SO-B diet supplemented with 30 ppm monensin (SO-BM). The goats were housed in individual pen and the study was conducted for 8 weeks. An increased molar proportion of propionate (C3) was observed at 1 h (p<0.003) and 6 h (p<0.029) post-feeding from all the supplemented diets. Calculated methane emission was markedly decreased prior to morning feeding (p<0.01), and at 1 h (p<0.05) and 6 h post-feeding (p<0.05) in goats fed the supplemented diets. All the supplements increased (p<0.0001) cis9, trans11-CLA content in rumen fluid. Concentrations of both cis9, trans11-CLA (p<0.0001) and trans10, cis12-CLA (p<0.026) were also increased in the milk fat of lactating goats fed the supplemented diets. The SO-B and SO-BM diets further increased CLA content in goat milk compared to the SO diet. All supplements increased unsaturated (UFA, p<0.002), monounsaturated (MUFA, p<0.002) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (p<0.014) and reduced SFA to UFA ratio (p<0.023). The concentration of MUFA was even greater (p<0.002) for SO-BM than for the SO-B diet. In conclusion, feeding soybean oil (5% of concentrate) to lactating goats was a useful way to improve milk fat and to improve fatty acid profile in the milk by increasing potentially healthy fatty acids such as CLA. Supplementation of sodium bicarbonate or sodium bicarbonate with monensin to the soybean oil-based diet increased CLA content further in goat milk. Supplementation of soybean oil may be an effective method to reduce methane emission in lactating goats.

Polymorphisms in the Promoter Region of the Chinese Bovine PPARGC1A Gene

Li, M.J.,Liu, M.,Liu, D.,Lan, X.Y.,Lei, C.Z.,Yang, D.Y.,Chen, H. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2013 Animal Bioscience Vol.26 No.4

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha protein, encoded by the PPARGC1A gene, plays an important role in energy homeostasis. The genetic variations within the PPARGC1A gene promoter region were scanned in 808 Chinese native bovines belonging to three cattle breeds and yaks. A total of 6 SNPs and one 4 bp insertion variation in the promoter region of the bovine PPARGC1A gene were identified: SNP -259 T>A, -301_-298insCTTT, -915 A>G, -1175 T>G, -1590 C>T, -1665 C>T and -1690 G>A, which are in the binding sites of some important transcription factors: sex-determining region Y (SRY), myeloid-specific zinc finger-1 (MZF-1) and octamer factor 1(Oct-1). It is expected that these polymorphisms may regulate PPARGC1A gene transcription and might have consequences at a regulatory level.