A Clean Hydroprocessing of Jatropha Oil into Biofuels over a High Performance Ni-HPW/CNT Catalyst

Xiaosong Yang,Xiaoming Li,Jing Liu,Long Rong 성균관대학교(자연과학캠퍼스) 성균나노과학기술원 2017 NANO Vol.12 No.12

The nickel (Ni) and phosphotungstic acid (HPW) supported on carbon nanotubes (CNT) were prepared by impregnation method for hydroprocessing of Jatropha oil. The Ni-HPW/CNT catalyst was characterized by XRD, XPS, FT-IR, N2 adsorption-desorption, SEM, NH3-TPD, and TGA. The effects of reaction parameters, such as reaction temperature (280–400 ℃), time-on-stream (0–100 h), types of support, the amount of added HPW, and coking deposition were investigated. The cracking performance was evaluated by gas chromatography (GC). The yield of C15–C18 alkanes was 88.5 wt.%, Iso/n ratio was 0.8 and conversion was 97.7% at 320 ℃, 3.0MPa and 1.0/h over the Ni-HPW/CNT catalyst, while the yield of < C15 alkanes reached 51.9 wt.% at 400 ℃. The distribution of products could be adjusted by reaction temperature. The cracking performance was elevated by the addition of HPW and the electrical conductivity. The C15–C18 alkanes were further cracked through two cracking circulations. Meanwhile, the catalyst was used without sulfurization and the cracking process was green.

Biophysical Regulation of Cell Behavior—Cross Talk between Substrate Stiffness and Nanotopography

Yang, Yong,Wang, Kai,Gu, Xiaosong,Leong, Kam W. Elsevier Science B.V. Amsterdam 2017 Engineering Vol.3 No.1

<P>The stiffness and nanotopographical characteristics of the extracellular matrix (ECM) influence numerous developmental, physiological, and pathological processes <I>in vivo</I>. These biophysical cues have therefore been applied to modulate almost all aspects of cell behavior, from cell adhesion and spreading to proliferation and differentiation. Delineation of the biophysical modulation of cell behavior is critical to the rational design of new biomaterials, implants, and medical devices. The effects of stiffness and topographical cues on cell behavior have previously been reviewed, respectively; however, the interwoven effects of stiffness and nanotopographical cues on cell behavior have not been well described, despite similarities in phenotypic manifestations. Herein, we first review the effects of substrate stiffness and nanotopography on cell behavior, and then focus on intracellular transmission of the biophysical signals from integrins to nucleus. Attempts are made to connect extracellular regulation of cell behavior with the biophysical cues. We then discuss the challenges in dissecting the biophysical regulation of cell behavior and in translating the mechanistic understanding of these cues to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.</P>

MiR-200c-3p inhibits LPS-induced M1 polarization of BV2 cells by targeting RIP2

Zhao Lei,Liu Xiaosong,Yang Jiankai,Wang Xiaoliang,Liu Xiaomeng,Wu Jianliang,Li Chen,Xu Donggang,Hu Yuhua 한국유전학회 2022 Genes & Genomics Vol.44 No.4

Background: Microglia are important immune cells, which can be induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into M1 phenotype that express pro-inflammatory cytokines. Some studies have shown that microRNAs play critical roles in microglial activation. Objective: This study was designed to investigate the role of miR-200c-3p in regulating inflammatory responses of LPS-treated BV2 cells. Methods: The expression of miR-200c-3p in BV2 cells was detected by real-time PCR. Receptor-interacting protein 2 (RIP2) was predicted as a target gene of miR-200c-3p. Their relationship was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The function of miR-200c-3p and RIP2 in microglial polarization and NF-κB signaling was further evaluated. Results: LPS treatment reduced miR-200c-3p expression in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner in BV2 cells. LPS treatment increased the expression of M1 phenotype markers inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and major histocompatibility complex class (MHC)-II, promoted the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and enhanced the nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) p65. Reversely, miR-200c-3p mimics down-regulated the levels of these inflammatory factors. Furthermore, RIP2 was identified to be a direct target of miR-200c-3p. RIP2 knockdown had a similar effect to miR-200c-3p mimics. Overexpression of RIP2 eliminated the inhibitory effect of miR-200c-3p on LPS-induced M1 polarization and NF-κB activation in BV2 cells. Conclusions: MiR-200c-3p mimics suppressed LPS-induced microglial M1 polarization and NF-κB activation by targeting RIP2. MiR-200c-3p/RIP2 might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of neuroinflammation-associated diseases.

Allylpyrocatechol ameliorates sepsis-induced lung injury via SIRT1-mediated suppression of p65 and nucleocytoplasmic translocation of HMGB1

Mu Yanfei,Mu Xiaosong,Yang Yan,Zhou Yanhong 대한독성 유전단백체 학회 2021 Molecular & cellular toxicology Vol.17 No.4

Background Sepsis is a deadly clinical condition. Allylpyrocatechol is bioactive flavonoid that has shown promising anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. The effects of allylpyrocatechol on sepsis-induced lung injury have not been fully established. Objective This study investigated the effects of allylpyrocatechol in a mouse model of sepsis-induced lung injury. Results RAW264.7 macrophages were used for in vitro studies. A mouse model of sepsis was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The PaO2/FiO2 ratio was measured in conjunction with lung tissue histology, and edema was determined by the wet:dry tissue ratio. ELISA was performed to analyze levels of IL-6, TNF-α, NOx, and HMGB1. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured to determine lipid peroxidation status. Protein expression was investigated via Western blotting analyses. Molecular docking studies were done to study the affinity of SIRT1 with Allylpyrocatechol. It was observed that Allylpyrocatechol inhibited the production of HMGB1 and suppressed pro-inflammatory responses in macrophages treated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro, and in CLP sepsis mice in vivo. Moreover, it ameliorated the reduction of SIRT1 levels in both LPS-treated macrophages and CLP mice, alleviated sepsis-induced lung edema, reduced lipid peroxidation, improved lung tissue histology findings, reduced mortality, and improved the PaO2/FiO2 ratio in CLP mice. Allylpyrocatechol caused significant reductions in serum levels of IL-6, nitric oxide, TNF-α, and HMGB1, as well as nuclear translocation of inducible nitric oxide synthase, SIRT1, and HMGB1 in lungs of CLP mice. Molecular docking analysis suggested affinity of SIRT1 with Allylpyrocatechol. Conclusion The findings suggest that Allylpyrocatechol protects mice against lung injury via SIRT1-mediated suppression of HMGB1 nuclear translocation and p-p65 activation. Background Sepsis is a deadly clinical condition. Allylpyrocatechol is bioactive flavonoid that has shown promising anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. The effects of allylpyrocatechol on sepsis-induced lung injury have not been fully established. Objective This study investigated the effects of allylpyrocatechol in a mouse model of sepsis-induced lung injury. Results RAW264.7 macrophages were used for in vitro studies. A mouse model of sepsis was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The PaO2/FiO2 ratio was measured in conjunction with lung tissue histology, and edema was determined by the wet:dry tissue ratio. ELISA was performed to analyze levels of IL-6, TNF-α, NOx, and HMGB1. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured to determine lipid peroxidation status. Protein expression was investigated via Western blotting analyses. Molecular docking studies were done to study the affinity of SIRT1 with Allylpyrocatechol. It was observed that Allylpyrocatechol inhibited the production of HMGB1 and suppressed pro-inflammatory responses in macrophages treated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro, and in CLP sepsis mice in vivo. Moreover, it ameliorated the reduction of SIRT1 levels in both LPS-treated macrophages and CLP mice, alleviated sepsis-induced lung edema, reduced lipid peroxidation, improved lung tissue histology findings, reduced mortality, and improved the PaO2/FiO2 ratio in CLP mice. Allylpyrocatechol caused significant reductions in serum levels of IL-6, nitric oxide, TNF-α, and HMGB1, as well as nuclear translocation of inducible nitric oxide synthase, SIRT1, and HMGB1 in lungs of CLP mice. Molecular docking analysis suggested affinity of SIRT1 with Allylpyrocatechol. Conclusion The findings suggest that Allylpyrocatechol protects mice against lung injury via SIRT1-mediated suppression of HMGB1 nuclear translocation and p-p65 activation.

Toward Earth system prediction

박종연,Charles A. Stock,John P. Dunne,Xiaosong Yang,Anthony Rosati 한국기상학회 2019 한국기상학회 학술대회 논문집 Vol.2019 No.10

Protective Effect of Resveratrol against Pseudorabies Virus-induced Reproductive Failure in a Mouse Model

Dingding Su,Shusong Wu,Jing Guo,Xiaosong Wu,Qing Yang,Xingyao Xiong 한국식품과학회 2016 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.25 No.suppl1

Resveratrol (RES), a natural polyphenol that is abundant in grapes, exerts anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and antiviral bioactive effects. Protective effects of RES against pseudorabies virus (PrV)- induced reproductive failure were investigated in a mice model. Injection of PrV partially induced stillbirth and abortion, and caused poor growth of progeny. Treatment with RES attenuated the reproductive failure induced by the virus with recovery of the serum progesterone level. RES improved the growth performance of newborn mice. RES can attenuate the reproductive failure induced by PrV in mice.

An OSSE Study for Deep Argo Array using the GFDL Ensemble Coupled Data Assimilation System

장유순,Shaoqing Zhang,Anthony Rosati,Gabriel A. Vecchi,Xiaosong Yang 한국해양과학기술원 2018 Ocean science journal Vol.53 No.2

An observing system simulation experiment (OSSE) using an ensemble coupled data assimilation system was designed to investigate the impact of deep ocean Argo profile assimilation in a biased numerical climate system. Based on the modern Argo observational array and an artificial extension to full depth, “observations” drawn from one coupled general circulation model (CM2.0) were assimilated into another model (CM2.1). Our results showed that coupled data assimilation with simultaneous atmospheric and oceanic constraints plays a significant role in preventing deep ocean drift. However, the extension of the Argo array to full depth did not significantly improve the quality of the oceanic climate estimation within the bias magnitude in the twin experiment. Even in the “identical” twin experiment for the deep Argo array from the same model (CM2.1) with the assimilation model, no significant changes were shown in the deep ocean, such as in the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation and the Antarctic bottom water cell. The small ensemble spread and corresponding weak constraints by the deep Argo profiles with medium spatial and temporal resolution may explain why the deep Argo profiles did not improve the deep ocean features in the assimilation system. Additional studies using different assimilation methods with improved spatial and temporal resolution of the deep Argo array are necessary in order to more thoroughly understand the impact of the deep Argo array on the assimilation system.

Seasonal to multiannual marine ecosystem prediction with a global Earth system model

Park, Jong-Yeon,Stock, Charles A.,Dunne, John P.,Yang, Xiaosong,Rosati, Anthony American Association for the Advancement of Scienc 2019 Science Vol.365 No.6450

<P><B>Predicting marine futures</B></P><P>The ability to predict how climate variations will affect marine ecosystems would allow better economic and ecosystem planning and management. Park <I>et al.</I> found that a global Earth system model skillfully predicted seasonal to multiannual ocean chlorophyll fluctuations in many regions. This could allow annual fish catches in some regions to be forecast 2 to 3 years in advance.</P><P><I>Science</I>, this issue p. 284</P><P>Climate variations have a profound impact on marine ecosystems and the communities that depend upon them. Anticipating ecosystem shifts using global Earth system models (ESMs) could enable communities to adapt to climate fluctuations and contribute to long-term ecosystem resilience. We show that newly developed ESM-based marine biogeochemical predictions can skillfully predict satellite-derived seasonal to multiannual chlorophyll fluctuations in many regions. Prediction skill arises primarily from successfully simulating the chlorophyll response to the El Niño–Southern Oscillation and capturing the winter reemergence of subsurface nutrient anomalies in the extratropics, which subsequently affect spring and summer chlorophyll concentrations. Further investigations suggest that interannual fish-catch variations in selected large marine ecosystems can be anticipated from predicted chlorophyll and sea surface temperature anomalies. This result, together with high predictability for other marine-resource–relevant biogeochemical properties (e.g., oxygen, primary production), suggests a role for ESM-based marine biogeochemical predictions in dynamic marine resource management efforts.</P>

An OSSE Study for Deep Argo Array using the GFDL Ensemble Coupled Data Assimilation System

Chang, You-Soon,Zhang, Shaoqing,Rosati, Anthony,Vecchi, Gabriel A.,Yang, Xiaosong Korean Ocean Research & Development Institute and 2018 OCEAN SCIENCE JOURNAL Vol.53 No.2

An observing system simulation experiment (OSSE) using an ensemble coupled data assimilation system was designed to investigate the impact of deep ocean Argo profile assimilation in a biased numerical climate system. Based on the modern Argo observational array and an artificial extension to full depth, 'observations' drawn from one coupled general circulation model (CM2.0) were assimilated into another model (CM2.1). Our results showed that coupled data assimilation with simultaneous atmospheric and oceanic constraints plays a significant role in preventing deep ocean drift. However, the extension of the Argo array to full depth did not significantly improve the quality of the oceanic climate estimation within the bias magnitude in the twin experiment. Even in the 'identical' twin experiment for the deep Argo array from the same model (CM2.1) with the assimilation model, no significant changes were shown in the deep ocean, such as in the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation and the Antarctic bottom water cell. The small ensemble spread and corresponding weak constraints by the deep Argo profiles with medium spatial and temporal resolution may explain why the deep Argo profiles did not improve the deep ocean features in the assimilation system. Additional studies using different assimilation methods with improved spatial and temporal resolution of the deep Argo array are necessary in order to more thoroughly understand the impact of the deep Argo array on the assimilation system.

RNA sequencing reveals lncRNA-mediated non-mendelian inheritance of feather growth change in chickens

Qiu Mohan,Yu Chunlin,Zhu Shiliang,Liu Siyang,Peng Han,Xiong Xia,Chen Jialei,Jiang Xiaosong,Du Huarui,Li Qingyun,Zhang Zengrong,Yang Chaowu 한국유전학회 2022 Genes & Genomics Vol.44 No.11

Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an essential role in biological processes. However, the expression patterns of lncRNAs that regulate the non-Mendelian inheritance feather phenotypes remain unknown. Objective: This study aimed to compare the expression profiles of lncRNAs in the follicles of the late-feathering cocks (LC) and late-feathering hens (LH) that followed genetic rules and the early-feathering hen (EH) and early-feathering cock (EC) that did not conform to the genetic laws. Methods: We performed RNA sequencing and investigated the differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) between the early- and late-feathering chickens, which function by cis-acting or participate in the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. Results: A total of 53 upregulated and 43 downregulated lncRNAs were identified in EC vs. LC, and 58 upregulated and 109 downregulated lncRNAs were identified in EH vs. LH. The target mRNAs regulated by lncRNAs in cis were enriched in the pentose phosphate pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway and Jak-STAT signaling pathway in EC vs. LC and were associated with the TGF-β signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, p53 signaling pathway and Jak-STAT signaling pathway in EH vs. LH. In addition, the lncRNA-mediated ceRNA regulatory pathways of hair follicle formation were mainly enriched in the TGF-β signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, melanogenesis, and calcium signaling pathways. The levels of ENSGALG00000047626 were significantly higher in the late-feathering chickens than in the early-feathering chickens, which regulated the expression of SSTR2 by gga-miR-1649-5p. Conclusion: This study provides a novel molecular mechanism of lncRNA's response to the feather rate that does not conform to the genetic laws in chickens.