De novo assembled transcriptome of horned gall aphid, Schlechtendalia chinensis Bell, suggest changes in functional gene expression during host alternation

Si‐Liang Wang,Zi-Xiang YANG,Pu YANG,Chuan Xi Zhang 한국곤충학회 2016 Entomological Research Vol.46 No.5

The horned gall aphid, Schlechtendalia chinensis Bell, is the most economically valuable galling aphid. It accounts for approximately 75% of Chinese gallnut production, which is important for medical and chemical purposes. The horned gall aphid feeds on the Chinese sumac tree, Rhus chinensis, during the summer, induces galls, and overwinters on the moss Plagiomnium spp. However, the sequence information of S. chinensis is limited, and the functional gene expression changes during host alternation remain obscure. In this study, the transcriptome of the horned gall aphid was sequenced using high‐throughput sequencing technology. Approximately 49 million reads were obtained and were assembled into 99 366 transcripts and 47 400 unigenes. Annotation was performed using a BLAST search against primary databases such as NCBI nr and Swiss‐Prot, as well as enrichment analysis by GO, KOG and KEGG. Differentially expressed genes between spring and autumn migrant aphids were compared, and the expression levels of many genes related to detoxification, digestion and other functional genes were found to have changed, reflecting the adaptation ability of horned gall aphids in different seasons and hosts. Functional genes in wax biosynthesis were upregulated in spring migrant aphids. This study analyzed the expression profile difference between spring and autumn migrant aphids to approach the real functional genes change during host alternation. The transcriptome provides a basis to understanding the functional genes during gall aphid host alternation and the related physiological and molecular characteristics.

Complex roles of the stroma in the intrinsic resistance to gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer: where we are and where we are going

Chen Liang,Si Shi,Qingcai Meng,Dingkong Liang,Shunrong Ji,Bo Zhang,Yi Qin,Jin Xu,Quanxing Ni,Xianjun Yu 생화학분자생물학회 2017 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.49 No.-

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the most devastating human malignancies. The poor clinical outcome in PDAC is partly attributed to a growth-permissive tumor microenvironment. In the PDAC microenvironment, the stroma is characterized by the development of extensive fibrosis, with stromal components outnumbering pancreatic cancer cells. Each of the components within the stroma has a distinct role in conferring chemoresistance to PDAC, and intrinsic chemoresistance has further worsened this pessimistic prognosis. The nucleoside analog gemcitabine (GEM) is usually the recommended first-line chemotherapeutic agent for PDAC patients and is given alone or in combination with other agents. The mechanisms of intrinsic resistance to GEM are an active area of ongoing research. This review highlights the important role the complex structure of stroma in PDAC plays in the intrinsic resistance to GEM and discusses whether antistroma therapy improves the efficacy of GEM. The addition of antistroma therapy combined with GEM is expected to be a novel therapeutic strategy with significant survival benefits for PDAC patients.

A novel method for measuring the phase transformation temperature and enhanced coercivity in cold-rolled MnAlC<i> _x </i> (<i>x</i> = 0–5) alloys

Si, Ping-Zhan,Qian, Hui-Dong,Choi, Chul-Jin,Park, Jihoon,Ge, Hong-Liang North-Holland Pub. Co 2018 Journal of magnetism and magnetic materials Vol.451 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The temperature for phase transformation of ε → τ in Mn<SUB>54</SUB>Al<SUB>46</SUB>C<I> <SUB>x</SUB> </I> (hereafter denoted by MnAlC<I> <SUB>x</SUB> </I>, <I>x</I> = 0–5) alloys was systematically studied by using the traditional thermal analysis method and a more precise magnetic measurement method developed in this work. The effect of carbon content and cold-rolling on the magnetic properties of the MnAlC<I> <SUB>x</SUB> </I> alloys was studied. The onset temperature of massive growth of τ- from ε-phase increases with increasing carbon content in MnAlC<I> <SUB>x</SUB> </I>. The carbon content has little effect on the onset temperature of displacive growth of ε → τ but has substantial effect on the displacive growth rate at certain temperature. Pure τ-MnAlC<SUB> <I>x</I> </SUB> with varied <I>x</I> was obtained by annealing the ε-phase at optimum temperatures determined by our method. The Curie temperature of the MnAlC<SUB> <I>x</I> </SUB> decreases significantly first and then increases slightly with increasing carbon content. The coercivity and the remanent magnetization of the as-prepared τ-MnAlC<SUB> <I>x</I> </SUB> increase with increasing <I>x</I> first and become stable at <I>x </I>> 3 and <I>x</I> > 4, respectively. A cold-rolling method was introduced in this work to enhance the magnetic properties of τ-MnAlC<SUB> <I>x</I> </SUB>. The coercivity and remanent magnetization of the τ-MnAl after cold-rolling were enhanced up to 4.3 times and 3.3 times, respectively. The coercivity of the cold-rolled τ-MnAlC<SUB> <I>x</I> </SUB> decreases with increasing <I>x</I> and becomes stable when <I>x</I> > 2. The remanent magnetization and saturation magnetization of the cold-rolled τ-MnAlC<SUB> <I>x</I> </SUB> vary little with <I>x</I>.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> A method to measure the phase transformation temperature of MnAl-C is reported. </LI> <LI> A cold-rolling method is employed to enhance the magnetic properties of MnAl-C. </LI> <LI> The phase transformation temperature increases with increasing carbon content. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Divergence-free algorithms for moment-thrust-curvature analysis of arbitrary sections

Liang Chen,Si-Wei Liu,Siu-Lai Chan 국제구조공학회 2017 Steel and Composite Structures, An International J Vol.25 No.5

Moment-thrust-curvatures (M-P-Φ curves) are fundamental quantities for detailed descriptions of basic properties such as stiffness and strength of a section under axial loads required for accurate computation of the deformations of reinforced concrete or composite columns. Currently, the finite-element-based methods adopting small fibers for analyzing a section are commonly used for generating the M-P-Φ curves and they require large amounts of computational time and effort. Further, the conventional numerical procedure using the force-control method might encounter divergence problems under high compression or tension. Therefore, this paper proposes a divergence-free approach, combining the use of the displacement-control and the Quasi-Newton scheme in the incremental-iterative procedure, for generating the M-P-Φ curves of arbitrary sections. An efficient method for computing the strength from concrete components is employed, where the stress integration is executed by layerbased algorithms. For easy modeling of residual stress, cross sections of structural steel components are meshed into fibers for strength resultants. The numerical procedure is elaborated in detail with flowcharts. Finally, extensive validating examples from previously published research are given for verifying the accuracy of the proposed method.

Enhancing the magnetization of Mn₄C by heating

Si, Ping-Zhan,Qian, Hui-Dong,Ge, Hong-Liang,Park, Jihoon,Choi, Chul-Jin American Institute of Physics 2018 Applied Physics Letters Vol.112 No.19

Chinese herbal medicine for myasthenia gravis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Zhu Si-jia,Wang Rui-ting,Yu Ze-yu,Zheng Ruo-Xiang,Liang Chang-Hao,Zheng You-you,Fang Min,Han Mei,Liu Jian-ping 한국한의학연구원 2022 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.11 No.2

Background: Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a disorder of neuromuscular transmission bringing mild ocular weakness to severe generalized muscle weakness and disability. The conventional treatments have longterm side effects, and Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) have shown possible effect and safety for MG patients, but the existing evidence was not robust enough and the results were out of date. Methods: Searching for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted in 7 databases and clinical trial registries until July 2021. The Risk of Bias (ROB) 2 tool was used to assess the study quality and GRADE was used to assess the quality of whole evidence. Meta-analyses were conducted and the results were presented as risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Nineteen RCTs (1283 participants) testing 13 kinds of CHM with adequate randomization were included and six RCTs investigating Compound Huangqi were included in the meta-analyses. In addition to conventional treatment, nine CHMs reduced symptom scores of MG. Compound Huangqi plus conventional treatment (pyridostigmine bromide or prednisone or both) reduced the symptom scores compared with conventional treatment (MD=-3.56, 95%CI -4.86 to -2.26). Less adverse events happened in the CHM groups (3/247 in the CHM groups, 52/245 in the control groups, RR=0.13, 95%CI 0.06 to 0.30, 9RCTs, a total of 492 participants). The effect on quality of life was inconsistent. Conclusion: Nine CHMs could probably bring benefit for MG symptom improvement. Moderate to low certainty of evidence supported Compound Huangqi added-on conventional treatment probably bring extra benefit of improving MG symptoms. Adding CHMs could be safer than giving only conventional treatment. Study registration: The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42016032718).

Mechanical behavior of stud shear connectors embedded in HFRC

Yu-Liang He,Xu-Dong Wu,Yiqiang Xiang,Yu-Hang Wang,Li-Si Liu,Zhi-Hai He 국제구조공학회 2017 Steel and Composite Structures, An International J Vol.24 No.2

Hybrid-fiber reinforced concrete (HFRC) may provide much higher tensile and flexural strengths, tensile ductility, and flexural toughness than normal concrete (NC). HFRC slab has outstanding advantages for use as a composite bridge potential deck slab owing to higher tensile strength, ductility and crack resistance. However, there is little information on shear connector associated with HFRC slabs. To investigate the mechanical behavior of the stud shear connectors embedded in HFRC slab, 14 push-out tests (five batches) in HFRC and NC were conducted. It was found that the stud shear connector embedded in HFRC had a better ductility, higher stiffness and a slightly larger shear bearing capacity than those in NC. The experimentally obtained ultimate resistances of the stud shear connectors were also compared against the equations provided by GB50017 2003, ACI 318-112011, AISC 2011, AASHTO LRFD 2010, PCI 2004, and EN 1994-1-1 (2004), and an empirical equation to predict the ultimate shear connector resistance considering the effect of the HFRC slabs was proposed and validated by the experimental data. Curve fitting was performed to find fitting parameters for all tested specimens and idealized load-slip models were obtained for the specimens with HFRC slabs.

전시컨벤션센터의 공간적 입지결정요인에 관한 연구

박시현 ( Si Hyeon Park ),김봉석 ( Bong Seok Kim ),강종량 ( Zong Liang Jiang ) 한독경상학회 2014 經商論叢 Vol.32 No.1

본 연구는 전시컨벤션센터의 건립 시 적합한 입지결정요인을 도출하고, 도출된 입지결정요인과 건립 필요성과의 관계를 파악하고자 실시되었다. 본 연구의 목적을 달성하기 위해 문헌연구를 바탕으로 한 이론적 접근방법과 전문가 및 수요자를 대상으로 실증조사를 실시하였다. 전시컨벤션센터 건립 시 영향을 주는 입지결정요인들을 파악하기 위하여 입지결정요인과 관련한 선행연구와 전시컨벤션센터의 입지결정과 관련된 정부 정책연구인 예비타당성조사 자료(KDI, 2006·2008) 그리고 전시컨벤션센터 신·증축 심의자료(지식경제부, 2012)를 분석하였으며, 전시컨벤션센터의 공간적 입지에 영향을 주는 연구 및 심의기준에 대한 비판적 고찰을 실시하였다. 연구 목적을 달성하기 위하여 실증적 조사를 통하여 다양한 결정변수 도출, 정성적 변수와 정량적 변수의 결합, 타당하고 신뢰성 있는 입지결정변수들과 요인을 도출하고자 시도하였다. 이를 위하여 신뢰성 분석과 타당성 분석, 탐색적 요인분석과 확인적 요인분석, 그리고 다중회귀분석 등을 사용하여 전시컨벤션센터의 입지결정요인의 도출과 건립 필요성과의 관계를 고찰하였다. 연구의 결과 “주변 전시장 요인”, “지역 인프라 요인”, “전시참가 수요자 요인”, “전시 관련 지역산업 요인”, “지역경제 요인”, “지자체의 네트워크능력 요인” 등 6개의 전시컨벤션센터의 공간적 입지결정요인이 도출되었다. 이는 기존의 전시컨벤션센터 건립 분야 연구에서는 행해지지 않았던 시도로써 향후 전시컨벤션센터를 신·증축함에 있어 정부 및 지자체에서 수급분석 및 입지타당성을 결정할 수 있는 근거로 활용될 수 있을 것이다. This study aims to examine the need for an exhibition center in a local community and to identify the factors that should be taken into consideration when choosing its location. The purpose of this study achieved through literature review and empirical studies from exhibition industry stakeholders. In this study, we conduct literature review along with examination of the preliminary feasibility analysis done by the government (KDI, 2006~2012) and the construction standards of the exhibition center set by Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) in order to develop a set of factors that should be considered when choosing location for an exhibition center. In most previous studies, the center’s operation is examined without observing the features and characteristics of the exhibition center. To solve this problem, combinations of qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. Here, we also draw various location determinants from the literatures and run reliability analysis to verify the significance of each determinant. After the reliability analysis, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed. We then conduct a multiple regression analysis to examine the relationship between determinants and the necessity of the exhibition center. In this study, six factors are identified and further examined: local environment, local infrastructure, potential exhibition participants, local exhibition industry, local economy, and local government’s network. Based on the outcomes of this study, the determinants of location choice that we have identified in the study should be taken into account during local government’s decision-making process for the construction and expansion of the exhibition center.

Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Psychological Effects of Overactive Bladder in Chinese University Students

Yu Liang,Guo Wei Si,Hui Jie Hu,Zhen Wei Zhang,Cui Ping Song,Qi Feng Dou,Jian Guo Wen 대한배뇨장애요실금학회 2022 International Neurourology Journal Vol.26 No.4

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of overactive bladder (OAB) in young adults and to explore the influence of OAB on mental health. Methods: Between October 2019 and January 2020, 14,010 anonymous questionnaires were distributed to freshmen at 2 universities in Henan, China. The students came from all over the country. The questionnaire included general items and information necessary to calculate the overactive bladder symptom score, the Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score, Self-Esteem Scale (SES) score, and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) score. The relationships between the prevalence of OAB and its risk factors were evaluated. Results: The overall prevalence of OAB was 6.0%, with 4.3% of participants characterized as having dry OAB and 1.7% as having wet OAB. The prevalence of mild OAB was 5.5%, and that of moderate OAB was 0.5%; no severe OAB was observed. Higher prevalence rates of OAB were found among women, respondents with constipation, and respondents with primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) (P <0.05). Compared to healthy controls, the OAB group exhibited a higher mean SDS score (52.12±8.986 vs. 47.71±9.399, P<0.001) and mean PSQI score (5.28±2.486 vs. 4.27±2.431, P<0.001), but a lower mean SES score (27.78±3.599 vs. 29.57±4.109, P<0.001). Conclusions: OAB significantly affects the mental health of young adults. Female sex, constipation, and PNE are risk factors for OAB.

Ascorbic Acid Alleviates Pancreatic Damage Induced by Dibutyltin Dichloride (DBTC) in Rats

Xin-Liang Lu,Yan-Hua Song,Yan-Biao Fu,Jian-Min Si,Ke-Da Qian 연세대학교의과대학 2007 Yonsei medical journal Vol.48 No.6

Purpose: Because previous studies have reported depleted antioxidant capacity in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP), prevention of free radical production has gained importance in antifibrotic treatment strategies for CP. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ascorbic acid on oxidative capacity and pancreatic damage in experimental CP. Materials and Methods: CP was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by infusion of dibutyltin dichloride (DBTC) into the tail vein. Ascorbic acid was given intraperitoneally at a daily dose of 10mg/kg body weight. The treatment groups were as follows: group 1, DBTC plus intraperitoneal physiologic saline; group 2, DBTC plus intraperitoneal ascorbic acid; group 3, solvent plus intraperitoneal physiologic saline; group 4, no operation plus intraperitoneal physiologic saline. Each group contained 15 animals. Treatment was started after CP was established. After 4 weeks of treatment, serum hyaluronic acid and laminin levels were determined by radioimmunoassay, pancreatic tissue oxidative stress was analyzed, and the degree of pancreatic damage was determined. Results: Ascorbic acid treatment markedly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in pancreatic tissue (p<0.01 for both). Significant serum hyaluronic acid and laminin reductions were observed in group 2 as compared with group 1 (p<0.05). However, the serum hyaluronic acid and laminin levels remained elevated when compared with those of groups 3 and 4 (p<0.05). Histopathologic scores were also lower in animals with CP that underwent ascorbic acid-treatment (p<0.05). Conclusion: Ascorbic acid treatment alleviated the degree of oxidative stress and pancreatic damage in rat CP. Antioxidant treatment might be considered a potential option to improve the pathologic process in CP.