Co3(PO4)2-Coated LiV3O8 as Positive Materials for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

Ling-Ling Xie,Li-Qin You,Xiao-Yu Cao,Chao-Feng Zhang,Da-Wei Song,Ling-Bo Qu 대한금속·재료학회 2012 ELECTRONIC MATERIALS LETTERS Vol.8 No.4

Co3(PO4)2-coated LiV3O8 has been successfully synthesized and used as positive material for rechargeable lithium batteries by a facile liquid phase method. The as-prepared powders were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and the galvanostatic discharge/charge experiments. As-prepared Co3(PO4)2-coated LiV3O8 forms a good layered structure with a poor cyrstallinity. SEM reveals that Co3(PO4)2-coated LiV3O8 has uniform particle distribution and reduced particle size when compared with bare one. The Co3(PO4)2 coating layer is about 33 - 59 nm forming a continuous lumps attached to LiV3O8 particle surface. Co3(PO4)2-coated LiV3O8 electrode shows increased capacity and more stable cycling. The first and 35th discharge capacities of the Co3(PO4)2-coated LiV3O8electrode are 322.8 mAh g−1 and 235.7 mAh g−1 in the range of 4.0 - 1.8 V at a current rate of 30 mA g−1, respectively. The improved electrochemical performance is assigned to the greatly reduced LiV3O8 particle with uniform morphology. Co3(PO4)2-coating further benefits the phase transitions of LiV3O8 during discharge/charge while preventing parasite reactions between electrode surface and electrolyte.

Overexpression of Hiwi Promotes Growth of Human Breast Cancer Cells

Wang, Da-Wei,Wang, Zhao-Hui,Wang, Ling-Ling,Song, Yang,Zhang, Gui-Zhen Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.18

The Piwi subfamily comprises two argonaute (Ago) family proteins, which are defined by the presence of PAZ and Piwi domains, with well known roles in RNA silencing. Hiwi, a human Piwi subfamily member, has been shown to play essential roles in stem cell self-renewal and gametogenesis. Recently, accumulating reports have indicated that abnormal hiwi expression is associated with poorer prognosis of multiple types of human cancers, including examples in the breast. However, little is known about details of the oncogenic role of hiwi in breast cancers. In present study, we confirmed overexpression of hiwi in breast cancer specimens and breast cancer cell lines at both mRNA and protein levels. Thus both RT-qPCR and Western blot data revealed significantly higher hiwi in intratumor than peritumor specimens, overexpression being associated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis and histological grade. Hiwi overexpression was also identified in breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, and gain-of-function and loss-of-function strategies were adopted to identify the role of hiwi in the MCF-7 cell growth. Results demonstrated that hiwi expression in MCF-7 cells was significantly up- or down-regulated by the two strategies. We next evaluated the influence of hiwi overexpression or knockdown on the growth of breast cancer cells. Both cell count and colony formation assays confirmed promoting roles of hiwi in MCF-7 cells, which could be inhibited by hiwi specific blockage by siRNAs. In summary, the present study confirmed overexpression of hiwi in breast cancer specimens and breast cancer cell lines, and provided e vidence of promotion by hiwi of cell growth. The results imply an oncogenic role of hiwi in breast cancers.

Pokemon Inhibits Transforming Growth Factor β-Smad4-Related Cell Proliferation Arrest in Breast Cancer through Specificity Protein 1

Ling Chen,Jing Zhong,Jiang-Hua Liu,Duan-Fang Liao,Ying-Ying Shen,Xiao-Lin Zhong,Xiao Xiao,Wen-Jun Ding,Xiu-Da Peng,Wei Xiong,Xu-Yu Zu 한국유방암학회 2019 Journal of breast cancer Vol.22 No.1

Purpose: Pokemon, also known as ZBTB7A, belongs to the POZ and Krüppel (POK) family of transcription repressors and is implicated in tumor progression as a key proto-oncogene. This present study aimed at determining the mechanism by which Pokemon inhibits transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)-Smad4 pathway-dependent proliferation arrest of breast cancer cells via specificity protein 1 (SP1). Methods: Over-expressing plasmid or small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection was used to regulate Pokemon levels. The EdU incorporation assay, MTS assay, and clone formation were used to identify the inhibitory effect of Pokemon siRNA on cell proliferation. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay confirmed that Pokemon deletion inhibited the expression of proliferation-associated genes. The dual-luciferase reporter assay, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and co-immunoprecipitation assay were used to analyze binding between Pokemon, Smad4, and SP1. Results: Pokemon deletion induced proliferation arrest of breast cancer cells and inhibited the expression of proliferation-associated genes, especially Smad4. Pokemon bound with SP1 to interdict Smad4 promoter activity. Information on clinical samples was obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas data, in which the Pokemon mRNA levels showed a negative correlation with Smad4 levels in different subtypes of breast cancer in two independent datasets. Conclusion: We demonstrated that Pokemon binds to SP1 to down-regulate Smad4 expression, thereby promoting proliferation of breast cancer cells. This suggests that Pokemon is a potential TGFβ-signaling participant in breast cancer progression.

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Flower-like and Plate-like CuO Nanopowder and Their Photocatalytic Activity for Polluted Lake Water

Ling Xu,Hai-Yan Xu,Feng Wang,Feng-Jun Zhang,Ze-Da Meng,Wei Zhao,오원춘 한국세라믹학회 2012 한국세라믹학회지 Vol.49 No.2

Flower-like and plate-like CuO nanopowder has been successfully synthesized using a facile microwave-assisted synthetic route. The morphology and size of the final products strongly depended on microwave power. The phase, structures and morphologies of the as-prepared products were investigated in detail by BET surface area analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, the chemical oxygen demand of polluted lake water was employed for characterization of these new photocatalysts. The results showed correlations between the morphology of CuO micro-crystals and their catalytic properties.

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Flower-like and Plate-like CuO Nanopowder and Their Photocatalytic Activity for Polluted Lake Water

Xu, Ling,Xu, Hai-Yan,Wang, Feng,Zhang, Feng-Jun,Meng, Ze-Da,Zhao, Wei,Oh, Won-Chun The Korean Ceramic Society 2012 한국세라믹학회지 Vol.49 No.2

Flower-like and plate-like CuO nanopowder has been successfully synthesized using a facile microwave-assisted synthetic route. The morphology and size of the final products strongly depended on microwave power. The phase, structures and morphologies of the as-prepared products were investigated in detail by BET surface area analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, the chemical oxygen demand of polluted lake water was employed for characterization of these new photocatalysts. The results showed correlations between the morphology of CuO micro-crystals and their catalytic properties.

Genomic Sequence Analysis and Organization of BmKαTx11 and BmKαTx15 from Buthus martensii Karsch: Molecular Evolution of α-toxin genes

Xiu Ling Xu,Zhi Jian Cao,Ji Qun Sheng,Wen Lan Wu,Feng Luo,Yong Gang Sha,Xin Mao,Hui Liu,Da He Jiang,Wen Xin Li 한국생활환경학회 2005 BMB Reports Vol.38 No.4

E-Selectin S128R Polymorphism is Associated with Cancer Risk: a Meta-analysis

Cheng, Da-Ye,Hao, Yi-Wen,Zhou, Wen-Ling,Ma, Yi-Ran Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.7

Background: Genetic factors have been shown to play an important role in the development of cancers. However, individual studies may fail to completely demonstrate complicated genetic relationships because of small sample size. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the association of E-selectin Ser128Arg (S128R) with cancer risk. Materials and Methods: A literature search in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Science Direct, SpringerLink, EBSCO, Wanfang, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases was carried out to identify studies of the association between E-selectin S128R polymorphism and cancer risk. The odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were used to assess the strength of association. Results: A total of eight studies involving 1,675 cancer cases and 2,285 controls were included in the meta-analysis. In overall populations, S128R polymorphism seemed to be associated with cancer risk (Arg allele vs Ser allele: OR=1.65, 95%CI =1.33-2.04, p<0.01; Arg/Arg+Arg/Ser vs Ser/Ser: OR=1.87, 95%CI =1.48-2.36, p<0.01; Arg/Ser vs Ser/Ser: OR=1.80, 95%CI =1.51-2.14, p<0.01). Similarly, subgroup analysis by ethnicity and source of control also revealed that this polymorphism was related to cancer risk. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis revealed that there was association between the E-selectin S128R polymorphism and the risk of cancer. Further large and well-designed studies are needed to confirm this association.

Excess trehalose and glucose affects chitin metabolism in brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens)

Qi-Da Shen,Meng-Meng Yang,Guo-Qiang Xie,Hui-JuanWang,Lu Zhang,Ling-Yu Qiu,Shi-GuiWang,Bin Tang 한국응용곤충학회 2017 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.20 No.2

Trehalose is a non-reducing disaccharide that is hydrolyzed by trehalase to yield two glucose molecules. Trehalase is the first enzyme involved in the chitin biosynthesis pathway, and it plays a pivotal role in insect growth and molting. In this study, Nilaparvata lugens, an economically important rice pest in Southeast Asia, was injectedwith trehalose or glucose to investigate their effects on chitin metabolism. Excess trehalose and glucose significantly increased the rate of deformity (molting and/or wing deformities) and mortality in N. lugens. Trehalose, glycogen, and glucose contents were also significantly decreased in N. lugens treated with trehalose or glucose. Chitin content and the expression of NlHK, NlUAP, NlG6PI1, NlGFAT, NlGNPNA, NlPGM1, NlPGM2, NlCHS1, NlCHS1a, NlCHS1b, NlCht3, NlCht4, NlCht6, and NlCht7 were significantly decreased, whereas the expression of NlCht2, NlIDGF, and NlENGase was significantly increased in treated insects. Furthermore, a significant increase in the expression of NlTRE1-1, NlTRE2, and NlTPS1 and a decrease, in the expression of NlTPS2 were observed. Results of this study suggested that excess trehalose and glucose could affect chitin metabolism by regulating the expression of pivotal genes to decrease the chitin content, resulting in the inability of N. lugens to complete its molting process.

High Expression of Bcl-2 Protein Predicts Favorable Outcome in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: Evidence from a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Zhao, Xian-Da,He, Yu-Yu,Gao, Jun,Zhao, Chen,Zhang, Ling-Lin,Tian, Jing-Yuan,Chen, Hong-Lei Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.20

Background: The prognostic value of Bcl-2 protein expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is under debate. We therefore systematically reviewed the evidence for Bcl-2 protein effects on NSCLC survival to elucidate this issue. Materials and Methods: An electronic search in Pubmed and Embase complemented by manual searches in article references were conducted to identify eligible studies to evaluate the association between Bcl-2 protein expression and overall survival (OS) as well as disease free survival (DFS) of NSCLC patients. Combined hazard ratios (HRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were pooled using the random-effects model. Results: A total of 50 trials (including 52 cohorts) encompassing 7,765 patients were pooled in the meta-analysis regarding Bcl-2 expression and OS of NSCLC patients. High expression of Bcl-2 protein had a favorable impact (HR=0.76, 95%CI=0.67-0.86). In the group of Bcl-2 expression and DFS, 11 studies including 2,634 patients were included. The synthesized result indicated high expression of Bcl-2 protein might predict good DFS (HR=0.85, 95%CI=0.75-0.95). Conclusions: Our present meta-analysis demonstrated favorable prognostic values of Bcl-2 expression in patients with NSCLC. Further prospective trails are welcomed to validate the utility of assessing Bcl-2 in NSCLC patient management.

Demethylation of CpG islands in the 5` upstream regions mediates the expression of the human testis-specific gene MAGEB16 and its mouse homolog Mageb16

( Yun Qiang Liu ),( Mei Ling Wang ),( Si Yuan Jiang ),( Yong Jie Lu ),( Da Chang Tao ),( Yuan Yang ),( Yong Xin Ma ),( Si Zhong Zhang ) 생화학분자생물학회 2014 BMB Reports Vol.47 No.2

Tissue-specific gene expression is regulated by epigenetic modification involving trans-acting factors. Here, we identified that the human MAGEB16 gene and its mouse homolog, Mageb16, are only expressed in the testis. To investigate the mechanism governing their expression, the promoter methy-lation status of these genes was examined in different samples. Two CpG islands (CGIs) in the 5` upstream region of MAGEB16 were highly demethylated in human testes, whereas they were methylated in cells without MAGEB16 expression. Similarly, the CGI in Mageb16 was hypomethylated in mouse testes but hypermethylated in other tissues and cells without Mageb16 expression. Additionally, the expression of these genes could be activated by treatment with the demethylation agent 5`-aza-2`- deoxycytidine (5`-aza-CdR). Luciferase assays revealed that both gene promoter activities were inhibited by methylation of the CGI regions. Therefore, we propose that the testis-specific expression of MAGEB16 and Mageb16 is regulated by the methylation status of their promoter regions. [BMB Reports 2014; 47(2): 86-91]