Advanced glycation end products promote meniscal calcification by activating the mTOR-ATF4 positive feedback loop

Yang Sheng,Xie JiaJun,Pan ZhiJie,Guan HongMei,Tu YueSheng,Ye YuanJian,Huang ShouBin,Fu ShiQiang,Li KangXian,Huang ZhiWei,Li XiaoQi,Shi ZhanJun,Li Le,Zhang Yang 생화학분자생물학회 2024 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.56 No.-

The meniscus is vital for maintaining knee homeostasis and function. Meniscal calcification is one of the earliest radiological indicators of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and meniscal calcification is associated with alterations in biomechanical properties. Meniscal calcification originates from a biochemical process similar to vascular calcification. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and their receptors (RAGEs) reportedly play critical roles in vascular calcification. Herein, we investigated whether targeting AGE-RAGE is a potential treatment for meniscal calcification. In our study, we demonstrated that AGE-RAGE promotes the osteogenesis of meniscal cells and exacerbates meniscal calcification. Mechanistically, AGE-RAGE activates mTOR and simultaneously promotes ATF4 accumulation, thereby facilitating the ATF4-mTOR positive feedback loop that enhances the osteogenic capacity of meniscal cells. In this regard, mTOR inhibits ATF4 degradation by reducing its ubiquitination, while ATF4 activates mTOR by increasing arginine uptake. Our findings substantiate the unique role of AGE-RAGE in the meniscus and reveal the role of the ATF4-mTOR positive feedback loop during the osteogenesis of meniscal cells; these results provide potential therapeutic targets for KOA.

Joint Deployment and Trajectory Optimization in UAV-Assisted Vehicular Edge Computing Networks

Zhiwei Wu,Zilin Yang,Chao Yang,Jixu Lin,Yi Liu,Xin Chen 한국통신학회 2022 Journal of communications and networks Vol.24 No.1

As the general mobile edge computing (MEC)scheme cannot adequately handle the emergency communicationrequirements in vehicular networks, unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV)-assisted vehicular edge computing networks (VECNs) areenvisioned as the reliable and cost-efficient paradigm for themobility and flexibility of UAVs. UAVs can perform as thetemporary base stations to provide edge services for road vehicleswith heavy traffic. However, it takes a long time and huge energyconsumption for the UAV to fly from the stay charging stationto the mission areas disorderly. In this paper, we design a predispatchUAV-assisted VECNs system to cope with the demandof vehicles in multiple traffic jams. We propose an optimalUAV flight trajectory algorithm based on the traffic situationawareness. The cloud computing center (CCC) server predictsthe real-time traffic conditions, and assigns UAVs to differentmission areas periodically. Then, a flight trajectory optimizationproblem is formulated to minimize the cost of UAVs, while boththe UAV flying and turning energy costs are mainly considered. Inaddition, we propose a deep reinforcement learning(DRL)-basedenergy efficiency autonomous deployment strategy, to obtain theoptimal hovering position of UAV at each assigned mission area. Simulation results demonstrate that our proposed method canobtain an optimal flight path and deployment of UAV with lowerenergy consumption.

Targeting the IL-1β/IL-1Ra pathways for the aggregation of human islet amyloid polypeptide in an ex vivo organ culture system of the intervertebral disc

Cao Yang,Xinghuo Wu,Zhiwei Liao,Kun Wang,Wenbin Hua,Xianzhe Liu,Yu Song,Yukun Zhang,Shuhua Yang 생화학분자생물학회 2019 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.51 No.-

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is characterized by excessive apoptosis of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and hyperactive extracellular matrix (ECM) catabolism. Our previous studies revealed the relationship between human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) and NP cell apoptosis. However, the role of hIAPP aggregates in IDD has not yet been investigated. This study aimed to determine whether the accumulation of hIAPP aggregates promotes IDD progression. The aggregation of hIAPP increased in human NP tissues during IDD. The deposition of hIAPP aggravated the compression-induced IDD that promoted NP cell apoptosis and ECM degradation via IL-1β/IL-1Ra signaling in an ex vivo rat disc model. Moreover, neutralizing IL-1β augmented the protective effects of hIAPP overexpression by decreasing hIAPP aggregation in human NP cells. These results suggest that the aggregation of hIAPP promotes NP cell apoptosis and ECM degradation ex vivo and in vitro by disrupting the balance of IL-1β/IL-1Ra signaling.

An Investigation into Water Lubrication Performance of UHMWPE Reinforced with Oriented Polyester Fiber of Different Densities

Yang He,Zhiwei Guo,Wu Ouyang,Chengqing Yuan 한국섬유공학회 2022 Fibers and polymers Vol.23 No.6

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has great potential in the field of water-lubricatedbearings. However, water-lubricated bearing made of pure UHMWPE produce significant heat and undergo physical damageunder low speed and heavy load conditions. These performance issues can be improved by reinforcement with fibers thathave excellent complementary properties to UHMWPE. Polyester fibers (PETFs) have high compressive strength and wearresistance, and corresponding oriented-fiber-reinforced-composites (OFRCs) wherein PETF acts as reinforcement show evenbetter mechanical and tribological properties. In this study, the influence of PETF density on UHMWPE was investigated bysystematic testing of different OFRCs. The results show that the optimal fiber density of composites with PETF orientedalong the axial direction was between 1.1 wt% and 2.2 wt%, and that for heavy loads, performance deteriorated withincreasing fiber density. Compared with UHMWPE, OFRCs with the optimal fiber density obtained from this study reducedfriction coefficient by up to 25.93 % and wear volume by 22.67 %, respectively. Considering the low cost, high durability,and relatively low content (<2.2 wt%) necessary for enhanced properties, reinforcement with oriented PETF is a viableapproach to enhance water lubrication performance of UHMWPE.

Study on Power Control Methodology of the Accelerator Driven Sub-critical Reactor System

YuXin Yang,Zhiwei Zhou,Ting He,Zhenlong Wu,Donghai Li 제어로봇시스템학회 2017 제어로봇시스템학회 국제학술대회 논문집 Vol.2017 No.10

The Accelerator Driven sub-critical reactor System (ADS) is an innovative system for the utilization of nuclear energy, for which the strategy of power control is different from the current critical reactor. In this paper, the physical model of the sub-critical reactor core of ADS was built according to the point space-time neutron kinetics equations with delayed neutrons produced by precursor nuclides of one equivalent group. The linear approximation of equations was done near the steady working point, based on which, the kinetic neutronics and thermal characteristics of ADS were analyzed, and the strategy of power control system of the sub-critical reactor core of ADS was studied. A constant power control system was designed by means of the Proportion-Integral Derivative (PID) controller and the Linear Active Disturbance Rejection Controller (LADRC). The controllers were tuned in the linearized model and then tested in the actual nonlinear model by means of Matlab/Simulink. The results show, that for both methods, the control system can avoid the disturbances induced by the external neutron source intensity or the reactivity, and make the power constant with little over shoot and short settling time, and the control effect of LADRC is better than PID.

Synthesize Polymeric Manganese Porphyrin with CuI/N,N-Dimethyl Glycine Acid Catalytic System and High-Efficiency Aerobic Catalytic Oxidation of Cyclic Ketones

Junhui Zhu,Zhiwei Tan,Weijun Yang 한국고분자학회 2017 Macromolecular Research Vol.25 No.8

A series of conjugated metalloporphyrin polymers (MPP-AMnPs) were synthesized by using inexpensive, environmentally friendly and high-efficiency CuI/N,N-dimethyl glycine as catalytic system, and 5,10,15,20-mesotetra(4-aminophenyl) porphyrin manganese and p-dibromobenzene as building blocks. Scanning electron microscopy, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms and scanning electron microscopy indicated that the polymers had large surface areas and homogeneous microporous structures. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the polymers had remarkable thermostability. The catalytic performance of MPP-AMnP was tested by oxidizing cyclic ketones with dioxygen as oxidant. The conversion was high in a mild environment in l,2-dichloroethane solvent at 60 °C. Moreover, MPPAMnP remained stable in the reaction process and highly catalytically active after ten successive recycles.

Networked Control for Delta Operator Systems Subject to Actuator Saturation

Ling Zhao,Zhiwei Li,Hongjiu Yang,Zhixin Liu 제어·로봇·시스템학회 2014 International Journal of Control, Automation, and Vol.12 No.6

In this paper, the problems of networked control for delta operator systems with actuator saturation are considered. Ellipsoids are used to estimate the domain of attraction for the networked control systems with actuator saturation. A condition for the networked control system is derived in terms of an auxiliary feedback matrix for determining if a given ellipsoid is contractive invariant. Discussions on the networked control systems performance optimization on expansion of the domain of attraction are presented. A numerical example on one-link PMW-controlled joint driven by pneumatic muscles is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the developed techniques.

Dynamic changes of yak (Bos grunniens) gut microbiota during growth revealed by polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and metagenomics

Yuanyang Nie,Zhiwei Zhou,Jiuqiang Guan,Baixue Xia,Xiaolin Luo,Yang Yang,Yu Fu,Qun Sun 아세아·태평양축산학회 2017 Animal Bioscience Vol.30 No.7

Objective: To understand the dynamic structure, function, and influence on nutrient metabolism in hosts, it was crucial to assess the genetic potential of gut microbial community in yaks of different ages. Methods: The denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) profiles and Illumina-based metagenomic sequencing on colon contents of 15 semi-domestic yaks were investigated. Unweighted pairwise grouping method with mathematical averages (UPGMA) clustering and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to analyze the DGGE fingerprint. The Illumina sequences were assembled, predicted to genes and functionally annotated, and then classified by querying protein sequences of the genes against the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) database. Results: Metagenomic sequencing showed that more than 85% of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequences belonged to the phylum Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, indicating that the family Ruminococcaceae (46.5%), Rikenellaceae (11.3%), Lachnospiraceae (10.0%), and Bacteroidaceae (6.3%) were dominant gut microbes. Over 50% of non-rRNA gene sequences represented the metabolic pathways of amino acids (14.4%), proteins (12.3%), sugars (11.9%), nucleotides (6.8%), lipids (1.7%), xenobiotics (1.4%), coenzymes, and vitamins (3.6%). Gene functional classification showed that most of enzyme-coding genes were related to cellulose digestion and amino acids metabolic pathways. Conclusion: Yaks’ age had a substantial effect on gut microbial composition. Comparative metagenomics of gut microbiota in 0.5-, 1.5-, and 2.5-year-old yaks revealed that the abundance of the class Clostridia, Bacteroidia, and Lentisphaeria, as well as the phylum Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Lentisphaerae, Tenericutes, and Cyanobacteria, varied more greatly during yaks’ growth, especially in young animals (0.5 and 1.5 years old). Gut microbes, including Bacteroides, Clostridium, and Lentisphaeria, make a contribution to the energy metabolism and synthesis of amino acid, which are essential to the normal growth of yaks.

Synthesis of heteroatom and metallic compound self-co-doped porous carbon derived from swine manure for supercapacitor electrodes and lead ion adsorbents

Liyuan Qin,Yang Wua,Zhiwei Hou,Shihui Zhang,Enchen Jiang 한국공업화학회 2021 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.102 No.-

Swine manure activated carbon (SMAC) with self-co-doped metallic compounds and heteroatoms wasprepared by combining KOH activation with pyrolysis. The structure, electrochemical performance andadsorption of SMACs prepared with various activation temperatures, activation times, alkali-carbonratios and pickling steps were investigated. A hierarchical pore structure existed in all the SMACs, whichshowed excellent and significantly different properties, including a specific capacitance of 278 F/g, and ahigh SSA of 2321 m2/g (SMACHF), which retained 100% of its capacitance after 10,000 cycles at 5 A/g and aPb2+ adsorption capacity of 211.8 mg/g at room temperature (SMACNON). The SMACs contained heteroatomfunctional groups and Si, Ca and Mg compounds, which did not produce pseudocapacitors but didincrease the Pb2+ adsorption capacity and electrochemical cycling stability. The Pb2+ adsorption capacitiesof SMACNON, SMACPHF and SMACHF corresponded to the effect of the functional group content ratherthan the effect of the SSA. These porous carbons were derived from inexpensive swine manure, combinesuitable porosity with metallic elements and heteroatom doping, and have promising uses in multifunctionalapplications.

The Effect of miR-361-3p Targeting TRAF6 on Apoptosis of Multiple Myeloma Cells

( Zhen Fan ),( Zhiwei Wu ),( Bo Yang ) 한국미생물생명공학회(구 한국산업미생물학회) 2021 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.31 No.2

microRNA-361-3p (miR-361-3p) is involved in the carcinogenesis of oral cancer and pancreatic catheter adenocarcinoma, and has anti-carcinogenic effects on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its effect on multiple myeloma (MM) is less reported. Here, we found that upregulating the expression of miR-361-3p inhibited MM cell viability and promoted MM apoptosis. We measured expressions of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and miR-361-3p in MM cells and detected the viability, colony formation rate, and apoptosis of MM cells. In addition, we measured expressions of apoptosis-related genes Bcl-2, Bax, and Cleaved caspase-3 (C caspase-3). The binding site between miR-361-3p and TRAF6 was predicted by TargetScan. Our results showed that miR-361-3p was low expressed in the plasma of MM patients and cell lines, while its overexpression inhibited viability and colony formation of MM cells and increased the cell apoptosis. Furthermore, TRAF6, which was predicted to be a target gene of miR-361-3p, was highexpressed in the plasma of patients and cell lines with MM. Rescue experiments demonstrated that the effect of TRAF6 on MM cells was opposite to that of miR-361-3p. Upregulation of miR-361-3p induced apoptosis and inhibited the proliferation of MM cells through targeting TRAF6, suggesting that miR-361-3p might be a potential target for MM therapy.