An MRTF-A–ZEB1–IRF9 axis contributes to fibroblast–myofibroblast transition and renal fibrosis

Zhao Qianwen,Shao Tinghui,Zhu Yuwen,Zong Gengjie,Zhang Junjie,Tang Shifan,Lin Yanshan,Ma Hongzhen,Jiang Zhifan,Xu Yong,Wu Xiaoyan,Zhang Tao 생화학분자생물학회 2023 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.55 No.-

Myofibroblasts, characterized by the expression of the matricellular protein periostin (Postn), mediate the profibrogenic response during tissue repair and remodeling. Previous studies have demonstrated that systemic deficiency in myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) attenuates renal fibrosis in mice. In the present study, we investigated the myofibroblast-specific role of MRTF-A in renal fibrosis and the underlying mechanism. We report that myofibroblast-specific deletion of MRTF-A, achieved through crossbreeding Mrtfa-flox mice with Postn-CreERT2 mice, led to amelioration of renal fibrosis. RNA-seq identified zinc finger E-Box binding homeobox 1 (Zeb1) as a downstream target of MRTF-A in renal fibroblasts. MRTF-A interacts with TEA domain transcription factor 1 (TEAD1) to bind to the Zeb1 promoter and activate Zeb1 transcription. Zeb1 knockdown retarded the fibroblast–myofibroblast transition (FMyT) in vitro and dampened renal fibrosis in mice. Transcriptomic assays showed that Zeb1 might contribute to FMyT by repressing the transcription of interferon regulatory factor 9 (IRF9). IRF9 knockdown overcame the effect of Zeb1 depletion and promoted FMyT, whereas IRF9 overexpression antagonized TGF-β-induced FMyT. In conclusion, our data unveil a novel MRTF-A–Zeb1–IRF9 axis that can potentially contribute to fibroblast–myofibroblast transition and renal fibrosis. Screening for small-molecule compounds that target this axis may yield therapeutic options for the mollification of renal fibrosis.

Developing the Framework of Tacit Knowledge Externalization in International Construction Projects

Qianwen Zhou,Xiaopeng Deng,Bon-Gang Hwang,Xianbo Zhao,Na Zhang 대한토목학회 2022 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.26 No.9

Although tacit knowledge management has gained increasing attention in international construction projects, little effort has been devoted to the externalization of tacit knowledge for project managers and members. This research aims to explore various factors that affect the process of tacit knowledge externalization (TKE) in international construction projects and analyze the influencing mechanism and degree of these factors on the externalization effect. Based on the comprehensive literature review and in-depth investigations, a theoretical model and ten hypotheses were established. Then, data collected from 302 respondents were used to test the model and hypotheses. The results indicated that the differences among project members (i.e., culture distance and knowledge distance) reduce members’ willingness to convert tacit knowledge, which negatively impacts the externalization effect. Furthermore, organizational management (i.e., organizational climate and incentive mechanism) plays an active role in increasing members’ externalization willingness. Incentive mechanism and information technology are beneficial to increasing the coding level of knowledge, which positively impacts the externalization effect. Moreover, a strong willingness to convert tacit knowledge helps enhance the coding level of knowledge, thereby improving the effect of TKE. This study advances previous research by developing a framework for TKE in international construction projects, thereby offering recommendations for project managers and members to promote the externalization process.

Identification of native charge-transfer status of p-aminothiolphenol adsorbed on noble metallic substrates by surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy

Li, Qianwen,Wang, Yanan,Li, Yali,Park, Yeonju,Chen, Yujing,Wang, Xu,Zhao, Bing,Ruan, Weidong,Jung, Young Mee Elsevier 2018 Spectrochimica acta. Part A, Molecular and biomole Vol.204 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>p-Aminothiophenol (PATP) is a preferred molecule in research on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) because of its unique characteristics of high spectral activity, easily induced charge-transfer (CT), and sensitivity to molecular structural changes. However, some aspects are still unclear, such as the initial steady state of PATP on noble metallic substrates without strong additional excitation with incident and/or induced electromagnetic radiation. Information about the initial steady state, especially the intrinsic CT state, is of great importance to elucidate the dynamic processes of CT and/or molecular structural changes under additional excitation. To investigate the native state of an adsorbed molecule, a suitable probe method that does not disrupt the native state of the whole system, including both molecules and substrates, is required. SERS is not applied in this context because of its use of high-energy visible and near-infrared light. Herein, a low-energy probe method, surface-enhanced infrared-absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy, is employed as a suitable method for studying the native adsorption state of PATP on silver nanoisland films. The molecular structure and adsorption state were investigated. The intrinsic CT state received particular attention by analyzing the CT-related vibration of B<SUB>2</SUB> modes. Using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), transmission SEIRA and reflection SEIRA spectroscopy, we explained why the relative intensities of some bands were different under different conditions. A quasi-standing orientation of PATP adsorbed on the substrates was also confirmed. More importantly, we demonstrated that there is no perceptible CT between PATP and silver nanoisland films; in contrast, CT generally occurs in a disruptive manner in SERS. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and the selection rules for infrared (IR) transmission and reflection-absorption spectroscopy were used to analyze the spectra throughout the paper. SEIRA proved to be an effective technique to explore the native adsorption state of molecules without the excessive external disturbance induced by excitation. The results are very important in providing insight into molecules in surface-interface chemistry, enhanced spectroscopy and photoelectronics.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> The native state of PATP was investigated when adsorbed on silver substrates. </LI> <LI> FTIR and SEIRA allow a probe method with less interference on surfaces. </LI> <LI> The intrinsic charge-transfer state was analyzed through the vibration modes of B<SUB>2</SUB>. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical Abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Fabrication of novel compound SERS substrates composed of silver nanoparticles and porous gold nanoclusters: A study on enrichment detection of urea

Li, Yali,Li, Qianwen,Sun, Chengbin,Jin, Sila,Park, Yeonju,Zhou, Tieli,Wang, Xu,Zhao, Bing,Ruan, Weidong,Jung, Young Mee Elsevier 2018 APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE - Vol.427 No.2

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>A new type of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate was fabricated through the layer-by-layer self-assembly of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs, av. 45nm in diameter) and porous gold nanoclusters/nanoparticles (AuNPs, av. 143nm in diameter). The development of the porosity of the AuNPs was investigated, and successful SERS applications of the porous AuNPs were also examined. As compared with AgNP films, the enhancement factor of Ag-Au compound substrates is increased 6 times at the concentration of 10<SUP>−6</SUP> M. This additional enhancement contributes to the trace-amount-detection of target molecules enormously. The contribution is generated through the increase of the usable surface area arising from the nanoscale pores distributed three-dimensionally in the porous AuNPs, which enrich the adsorption sites and hot spots for the adsorption of probe molecules, making the developed nanofilms highly sensitive SERS substrates. The substrates were used for the detection of a physiological metabolite of urea molecules. The results reached to a very low concentration of 1mM and exhibited good quantitative character over the physiological concentration range (1∼20mM) under mimicking biophysical conditions. These results show that the prepared substrate has great potential in the ultrasensitive SERS-based detection and in SERS-based biosensors.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> A new type of SERS substrate, consisting of silver nanoparticles and porous gold nanoparticles was fabricated. </LI> <LI> An additional enhancement contribution generated from the porous characteristic of gold nanoparticles. </LI> <LI> The substrates were used for the detection of a physiological metabolite of urea molecules. </LI> <LI> The results exhibited good quantitative character over all the physiological concentration range (1∼20 mM). </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

A reagent-assisted method in SERS detection of methyl salicylate

Li, Yali,Li, Qianwen,Wang, Yanan,Oh, Joohee,Jin, Sila,Park, Yeonju,Zhou, Tieli,Zhao, Bing,Ruan, Weidong,Jung, Young Mee Elsevier 2018 Spectrochimica acta. Part A, Molecular and biomole Vol.195 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>With the explosive application of methyl salicylate (MS) molecules in food and cosmetics, the further detection of MS molecules becomes particularly important. Here we investigated the detection of MS molecules based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) in a novel molecule/assistant/metal system constructed with MS, 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene) bis (benzoic acid) and Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs). The minimum detection concentration is 10<SUP>−4</SUP> M. To explore the function of assisted reagent, we also referred another system without assistant molecules. The result demonstrates that SERS signals were not acquired, which proves that the assistant molecules are critical for the capture of MS molecules. Two possible mechanisms of MS/assistant/AgNPs system were speculated through two patterns of hydrogen bonds. The linker molecules acted as the role of the bridge between metallic substrates and target molecules through the molecular recognition. This strategy is very beneficial to the expanding of MS detection techniques and other hydrogen bond based coupling detections with SERS.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> A novel molecule/assistant/metal system was constructed to achieve the SERS detection of methyl salicylate. </LI> <LI> The intermolecular hydrogen bond was employed as the driving force to accomplish the assembly. </LI> <LI> The obstacle of non-adsorption of target molecules on substrates was solved through the hydrogen-bond-based assembly method. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical Abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Study on the Kinetic Characteristics of Microbubbles in Cross-Shaped Flow Focusing Microchannels

Ding Weibing,Yang Qianwen,Zhao Yaohui,Wang Zhaohui,Chen Jie,Wang Hongxia 한국화학공학회 2024 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.41 No.1

To study the mechanism of microbubbles generation in cross-shaped microchannels, numerical simulations of gas–liquid two-phase fl ow in microchannels are carried out in this paper using the volume of fl uid method (VOF). By varying the twophase fl ow rate, three diff erent fl ow regimes were obtained, including dripping regime, slugging regime and threading regime, and the relationship between the two-phase fl ow rate and the fl ow state was plotted. Meanwhile, the phase interface, pressure and velocity of microbubbles in three diff erent fl ow regimes were studied, and the evolution of the gas–liquid interface in microbubbles formation was analyzed. It is found that the microbubbles diameter decreases and the frequency increases as the viscosity of the continuous phase gradually increases. As the wall contact angle decreases, the adhesion of the liquid phase to the wall at the channel interaction increases and the microbubbles diameter increases. The increase in interfacial tension greatly increases the cohesion between molecules on the surface of the gas fl ow, making it diffi cult to achieve force equilibrium, which leads to a reduction in the shear stress required to dominate the interface to break the tip of the gas fl ow and slower bubbles formation, resulting in a larger microbubbles diameter.

Quantitative Detection of Corroded Reinforced Concrete of Different Sizes Based on SMFL

Mao Yang,Jianting Zhou,Qingyuan Zhao,Qianwen Xia,Hong Zhang,Lifeng Wang 대한토목학회 2022 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.26 No.1

In order to solve the problem of quantitative detection of corroded reinforced concrete of different sizes, the quantitative detection experiment based on spontaneous magnetic flux leakage (SMFL) was carried out in batches. Electrochemical corrosion of 27 reinforced concrete specimens was carried out, and the SMFL signals of reinforcement were obtained by magnetic detection equipment. Four-dimensional magnetic indicators M1-M4 that can characterize the corrosion degree of the specimens were defined. The influence of different sizes on the magnetic indicators were analyzed. It is concluded that the thicknesses of the concrete covers affect the magnetic indicators by affecting the lift-off heights z. The influence of diameter of the rebars on the quantitative detection can be eliminated by describing the corrosion degree with the average cross-section loss rate α. The influence of length of the rebars on quantitative detection is not clear yet. Finally, Support Vector Machine (SVM) was introduced to establish a classification model of corrosion classes and magnetic indicators. Using the model to predict the corrosion classes of the specimens can achieve a high classification accuracy. The research provides a new method for the quantitative detection of steel corrosion.