Fabrication of highly efficient coatable polarizer from tolane-based smectic reactive mesogen

He, Rui,Oh, Enche,Ye, Yang,Wen, Pushan,Jeong, Kwang-Un,Lee, Seung Hee,Li, Xiang-Dan,Lee, Myong-Hoon Elsevier 2019 Polymer Vol.176 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>This work is aimed to fabricate ultra-thin coatable polarizers on a single substrate based on “host-guest” effect between highly ordered smectic reactive mesogen (RM) and dichroic dye. We designed and synthesized a new tolane-based RM with a highly ordered smectic A phase at room temperature. Polymerizable “host-guest” mixture was formulated from the host RM, dichroic dye and additives, then spin-coated on a single substrate having an alignment layer. Subsequent in-situ photopolymerization by UV irradiation successfully resulted in a coatable polarizer with good polarizing properties. The fabricated coatable polarizer showed a dichroic ratio (DR) of 16.4 and a degree of polarization (DOP) of 99.3% with the thickness of 4 μm. The resulting coatable polarizer possessed a considerable solvent resistance, good thermal stability and robust mechanical properties. Moreover, we prepared a TN-mode LC cell by using the prepared coatable polarizers inside the cell (in-cell), in which the coatable polarizers acted as a polarizer and an alignment layer, simultaneously. The resulting TN cell with in-cell polarizers exhibited a decent electro-optical behavior. We believe that the coatable polarizer proposed in this study possesses practical application potential in ultra-thin LCDs or flexible OLEDs.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Reactive mesogen with smectic A phase was synthesized for coatable polarizer. </LI> <LI> Coatable polarizer was fabricated on a single substrate by “host-guest” method. </LI> <LI> Coatable polarizer exhibits considerable optical property and excellent stability. </LI> <LI> LCD with in-cell structure was demonstrated by using the prepared coatable polarizer. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

In-situ photocrosslinked hydroxide conductive membranes based on photosensitive poly(arylene ether sulfone) block copolymers for anion exchange membrane fuel cells

He, Rui,Wen, Pushan,Zhang, Hai-Ning,Guan, Shumeng,Xie, Guangyong,Li, Li-Zhong,Lee, Myong-Hoon,Li, Xiang-Dan Elsevier 2018 Journal of membrane science Vol.556 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>A series of photocrosslinkable multi-block poly(arylene ether sulfone) copolymers containing various block lengths of hydrophilic segments were synthesized. For comparison, a series of random poly(arylene ether) copolymers were also synthesized. The anion exchange membranes(AEMs) were fabricated and in-situ photocrosslinking was carried out by UV irradiation in a swollen state. The microphase-separated morphologies of the multi-block membranes were characterized by SAXS and TEM experiments, and the membrane properties were investigated by measuring ion exchange capacity (IEC), water uptake, water swelling ratio, ionic conductivity, methanol permeability and alkaline stability. IECs and water uptakes of the crosslinked multi-block membranes were in the range of 1.11–1.42 meq g<SUP>−1</SUP> and 14.36–31.01% at 20 °C, respectively. The hydroxide conductivity was in the range of 11.38–25.00 mS cm<SUP>−1</SUP> at 20 °C, and showed a maximum value of 178.77 mS cm<SUP>−1</SUP> at 100 °C. The multi-block membranes exhibited low methanol permeability (2.75 × 10<SUP>−7</SUP> cm<SUP>2</SUP> s<SUP>−1</SUP>) at room temperature, which is one order of magnitude lower than that of Nafion® 117 (23.8 × 10<SUP>−7</SUP> cm<SUP>2</SUP> s<SUP>−1</SUP>). The crosslinked membranes showed excellent dimensional stability and alkaline stability with only a slight decrease in ionic conductivity. All the multi-block membranes showed superior properties compared to their corresponding random copolymers.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Multi-block poly(arylene ether sulfone) copolymers were synthesized for AEMs. </LI> <LI> <I>In-situ</I> photo-crosslinking was carried out by UV irradiation in hydrated states. </LI> <LI> The block copolymers exhibited hydrophilic/hydrophobic phase separated morphology. </LI> <LI> The block copolymers showed superior properties compare to the random copolymers. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Sulphonated Reduced Graphene Oxide: A High Performance Anode Material for Lithium Ion Battery

Haibo Li,Rui Niu,Sen Liang,Yulong Ma,Min Luo,Jin Li,Lijun He 성균관대학교(자연과학캠퍼스) 성균나노과학기술원 2015 NANO Vol.10 No.4

In this work, the sulfonated reduced graphene oxide (SRGO) was synthesized and proposed as an enhanced anode material for lithium ion battery (LIB). The result shows that the SRGO has an improved battery performance (i.e., ~341.7 mAh/g and ~190.6 mAh/g corresponds to SRGO and RGO at the 100th cycle with a current density of 200 mA/g) and superior cycling stability compared with pristine reduced graphene oxide (RGO). These are attributed to the improved specific surface area (448.35 m2 /g) and conductivity (2.5 x 10-4 S/m). Further, the SRGO exhibits good rate capability and excellent energy density at various current densities ranging from 50 mAh/g to 2000 mAh/g, suggesting that SRGO could be a promising anode material for high capacity LIB.

Syntheses and characterizations of high refractive index and low birefringence polyimides containing spirobifluorene in the side chain

Wen, Pushan,He, Rui,Li, Xiang-Dan,Lee, Myong-Hoon Elsevier 2017 Polymer Vol.117 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Two new diamine monomers having a spirobifluorene structure were synthesized through four steps, and polymerized with three different dianhydrides (PMDA, CBDA and 6FDA) to obtain six polyimides with spirobifluorene structure in the side chain. All the resulting polyimides displayed excellent thermal stability and high glass transition temperature. These polyimides synthesized from CBDA and 6FDA showed good solubility in typical organic solvents such as NMP, DMF and DMSO. Transparent and flexible cast films can be obtained from soluble polyimides or poly(amic acid) solution. The transmittance of polyimide films was higher than 90% in the visible wavelength range (higher than 80% in case of polyimide containing PMDA). The refractive indices of the result polyimides were found to be in the range from 1.6343 to 1.7007, which is higher than that of normal polymers. In addition, the optical birefringences of these polyimides were extremely low (0.0005–0.0014). The high refractive index and low birefringence of these polyimides as well as other descent physical and thermal properties would offer them possible applications in high performance optical materials such as flexible substrates.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Novel polyimides containing 9,9’-spirobifluorene unit in the side chain were synthesized. </LI> <LI> The polyimides exhibit high thermal stability (T5 > 420 °C) with excellent optical properties such as high transparency (>90% at 400 nm), high refractive index (1.6342–1.7007) and low birefringence (0.0005–0.0014). </LI> <LI> The resulting polymer materials could be promising candidates for advanced optical applications. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>Novel polyimides containing 9,9′-spirobifluorene unit in the side chain, which exhibit high transparency, high refractive index and low birefringence, have been developed as promising candidates for advanced optical applications.</P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Sorafenib Continuation after First Disease Progression Could Reduce Disease Flares and Provide Survival Benefits in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: a Pilot Retrospective Study

Fu, Si-Rui,Zhang, Ying-Qiang,Li, Yong,Hu, Bao-Shan,He, Xu,Huang, Jian-Wen,Zhan, Mei-Xiao,Lu, Li-Gong,Li, Jia-Ping Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.7

Background: Sorafenib is a promising drug for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, treatment may be discontinued for multiple reasons, such as progressive disease, adverse events, or the cost of treatment. The consequences of sorafenib discontinuation and continuation are uncertain. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 88 HCC patients treated with sorafenib from July 2007 to January 2013. Overall survival (OS), post-disease progression overall survival (pOS), and time to disease progression (TTP) were compared for survival analysis. Cox proportional hazard regression was performed to assess the effect of important factors on OS in the overall patient population and on pOS in patients who continued sorafenib treatment. Results: Sorafenib was discontinued and continued in 24 and 64 patients, respectively. The median OS (355 vs 517 days respectively; p=0.015) and median post-PD OS (260 vs 317 days, respectively; p=0.020) were statistically different between the discontinuation and continuation groups. Neither the median time to first PD nor the time to second PD were significantly different between the 2 groups. In the discontinuation group, 3 of the 24 patients (12.5%) suffered disease outbreaks. In Cox proportional hazard regression analysis after correction for confounding factors, BCLC stage (p=0.002) and PD site (p=0.024) were significantly correlated with pOS in patients who continued sorafenib treatment. Conclusions: Sorafenib discontinuation may cause HCC flares or outbreaks. It is advisable to continue sorafenib treatment after first PD, particularly in patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B disease or only intrahepatic PD.

AT1 Receptor Modulator Attenuates the Hypercholesterolemia-Induced Impairment of the Myocardial Ischemic Post-Conditioning Benefits

Yun-Wei Li,Yan-Ming Li,Yan Hon,Qi-Lin Wan,Rui-Li He,Zhi-Zhong Wang,Cui-Hua Zhao 대한심장학회 2017 Korean Circulation Journal Vol.47 No.2

Background and Objectives: Ischemic post-conditioning (PostC) has been demonstrated as a novel strategy to harness nature’s protection against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). Hypercholesterolemia (HC) has been reported to block the effect of PostC on the heart. Angiotensin II type-1 (AT1) modulators have shown benefits in myocardial ischemia. The present study investigates the effect of a novel inhibitor of AT1, azilsartan in PostC of the heart of normocholesterolemic (NC) and HC rats. Materials and Methods: HC was induced by the administration of high-fat diet to the animals for eight weeks. Isolated Langendorff’s perfused NC and HC rat hearts were exposed to global ischemia for 30 min and reperfusion for 120 min. I/R-injury had been assessed by cardiac hemodynamic parameters, myocardial infarct size, release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha troponin I, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, nitrite in coronary effluent, thiobarbituric acid reactive species, a reduced form of glutathione, superoxide anion, and left ventricle collagen content in normal and HC rat hearts. Results: Azilsartan post-treatment and six episodes of PostC (10 sec each) afforded cardioprotection against I/R-injury in normal rat hearts. PostC protection against I/R-injury was abolished in HC rat hearts. Azilsartan prevented the HC-mediated impairment of the beneficial effects of PostC in I/R-induced myocardial injury, which was inhibited by L-N5-(1-Iminoethyl)ornithinehydrochloride, a potent inhibitor of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Conclusion: Azilsartan treatment has attenuated the HC-induced impairment of beneficial effects of PostC in I/R-injury of rat hearts, by specifically modulating eNOS. Azilsartan may be explored further in I/R-myocardial injury, both in NC and HC conditions, with or without PostC.

Tenascin-C Produced by Oxidized LDL-Stimulated Macrophages Increases Foam Cell Formation through Toll-like Receptor-4

Rui Liu,Lihua Zhang,Yong He,Bo Li,Jun Liu,Yingang Ren,Wei Han,Xing Wang 한국분자세포생물학회 2012 Molecules and cells Vol.34 No.1

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease in which both innate and adaptive immunity are involved. Although there have been major advances in the involve-ment of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and CD36 in the initiation and development of this disease, detailed mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we show that tenascin-C (TN-C) can stimulate foam cell formation and this can be inhibited by a TLR4-blocking antibody or CD36 gene silencing. Our results identify TN-C-TLR4 activation as a common molecular mechanism in oxLDL-stimulated foam cell formation and atherosclerosis. In addition, CD36 is the major scavenger receptor responsible for the TN-C-mediated foam cell formation. Taken together, we have identified that TN-C produced by oxLDL-stimulated macrophages increases foam cell formation through TLR4 and scavenger receptor CD36.

Biphasic effects of TGFβ1 on BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells

( Rui Dong Li ),( Zhong Liang Deng ),( Ning Hu ),( Xi Liang ),( Bo Liu ),( Jin Yong Luo ),( Liang Chen ),( Liang Jun Yin ),( Xiao Ji Luo ),( Wei Shui ),( Tong Chuan He ),( Wei Huang ) 생화학분자생물학회(구 한국생화학분자생물학회) 2012 BMB Reports Vol.45 No.9

We have found that the previously uncharacterized bone morphogenetic protein-9 (BMP9) is one of the most osteogenic factors. However, it is unclear if BMP9 cross-talks with TGFβ1 during osteogenic differentiation. Using the recombinant BMP9 adenovirus, we find that low concentration of rhTGFβ1 synergistically induces alkaline phosphatase activity in BMP9-transduced C3H10T1/2 cells and produces more pronounced matrix mineralization. However, higher concentrations of TGFβ1 inhibit BMP9-induced osteogenic activity. Real-time PCR and Western blotting indicate that BMP9 in combination with low dose of TGFβ1 potentiates the expression of later osteogenic markers osteopontin, osteocalcin and collagen type 1 (COL1a2), while higher concentrations of TGFβ1 decrease the expression of osteopontin and osteocalcin but not COL1a2. Cell cycle analysis reveals that TGFβ1 inhibits C3H10T1/2 proliferation in BMP9-induced osteogenesis and restricts the cells in G0/G1 phase. Our findings strongly suggest that TGFβ1 may exert a biphasic effect on BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. [BMB Reports 2012; 45(9): 509-514]

Detection and Verification of Sibutramine Adulterated in Herbal Slimming Supplements Using Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Li Zhang,Rui Feng,Ruisi He,Qi Liang 대한화학회 2018 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.39 No.4

Sibutramine, a drug for weight loss, has been implicated in numerous deaths in recent years and has been sold to the public in adulterated herbal slimming supplements. In order to efficiently detect and verify the existence of sibutramine in samples, it was essential to develop a mass spectrometry method for detecting sibutramine, the drug described in this study. Sibutramine was extracted from herbal material matrixes by sonication. Separation was achieved via liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis was conducted by electrospray ionization triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometry in the multiple reaction monitoring mode (MRM). The main fragmentation pathways were proposed and verified by Isotopic labeling of sibutramine hydrochloride. These pathways involved the rearrangement of hydrogen, methyl migration and an unstable multi‐membered‐ring transition structure. We found four high‐abundance fragment ions and created a method to verify the presence of sibutramine in herbal slimming supplements using MRM. This verification method offers high quality data with high sensitivity, low limits of detection and clear, easily interpretable results that are well suited for the verification of sibutramine hydrochloride in herbal slimming supplements of complex mixtures.

Evaluation of suitable qRT-PCR normalization genes for various citrus rootstocks

He Wen,Xie Rui,Li Huan,Wang Yan,Chen Qing,Lin Yuanxiu,Zhang Yunting,Luo Ya,Zhang Yong,Tang Haoru,Wang Xiaorong 한국식물생명공학회 2022 Plant biotechnology reports Vol.16 No.1

Citrus rootstock can modify plant growth and enhance stress resistance. There are many genotypes and species used as citrus rootstocks. Although multiple citrus rootstocks whole genome sequence and transcriptome databases have previously been published, no suitable internal reference genes have been investigated for standardization of gene expression via quantitative real-time PCR. Here we reported the first systematic and comprehensive analysis of reference genes for quantitative real- time PCR standardization in various citrus rootstocks. The expression stability of ten candidate reference genes in diverse sample subsets of flooding, drought, alkaline and cold treatments was evaluated using four statistical algorithms, geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and ΔCt method. The results demonstrated that the expression stability of reference genes varied under different experimental conditions. In addition, normalization of gene expression of 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase 3 (NCED 3), involved in abscisic acid biosynthesis, was conducted to further confirm the reliability of the reference genes. Overall, EF-1α, DIM 1, GAPC and UBC expressed much more stably. ACTIN and GAPDH were not recommended for normalization in given experimental conditions due to low stability. Our main contribution was to identify reference genes with suitable and stable expression in citrus rootstocks varied across selected experimental conditions. Furthermore, these results will provide valuable information for future research on citrus rootstocks.