Gyral net: A new representation of cortical folding organization

Chen, Hanbo,Li, Yujie,Ge, Fangfei,Li, Gang,Shen, Dinggang,Liu, Tianming Elsevier 2017 Medical image analysis Vol.42 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>One distinct feature of the cerebral cortex is its convex (gyri) and concave (sulci) folding patterns. Due to the remarkable complexity and variability of gyral/sulcal shapes, it has been challenging to quantitatively model their organization patterns. Inspired by the observation that the lines of gyral crests can form a connected graph on each brain hemisphere, we propose a new representation of cortical gyri/sulci organization pattern – gyral net, which models cortical architecture from a graph perspective, starting with nodes and edges obtained from the reconstructed cortical surfaces. A novel computational framework is developed to efficiently and automatically construct gyral nets from surface meshes, and four measurements are devised to quantify the folding patterns. Using an MRI dataset for autism study as a test bed, we identified reduced local connectivity cost and increased curviness of gyral net bilaterally on the parietal lobe, occipital lobe, and temporal lobe in autistic patients. Additionally, we found that the cortical thickness and the gyral straightness of gyral joints are higher than the rest of gyral crest regions. The proposed representation offers a new tool for a comprehensive and reliable characterization of the cortical folding organization. This novel computational framework will enable large-scale analyses of cortical folding patterns in the future.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> A new representation of cortical gyri/sulci organization pattern. </LI> <LI> A novel framework to efficiently and automatically construct gyral net from mesh surface. </LI> <LI> A new tool for a comprehensive and reliable characterization of the cortical folding organization. </LI> <LI> Enable large-scale cortical folding pattern analyses in the future. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>Illustration of the concept of gyral net and gyral joint. (a) Reconstructed cortical surface color-coded by gyral altitude. (b) Extracted gyral net. (c) Zoom in view of the circled area in (b). In this paper, we propose a new representation of cortical gyri/sulci organization pattern – gyral net, which models cortical architecture from a graph perspective, starting with nodes and edges obtained from the surface reconstructions.</P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

The Synthesis and Preliminary Activity Assay In Vitro of Peptide-like Derivatives as APN Inhibitors

Li, Shao-Hua,Li, Gang,Huang, Hui-Ming,Xiong, Fang,Liu, Cheng-Mei,Tu, Guo-Gang 대한약학회 2008 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.31 No.10

Both the aminopeptidase N (APN) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) are essential metallopeptidases in the development of tumor invasion and angiogenesis. A series of novel peptide-like derivatives were designed and synthesized as antitumor agents. Their structures were confirmed by IR, MS, and $^1H$-NMR. These compounds exhibited potent inhibitory activities against APN and low activity against MMP in vitro. The derivatives with methoxy group show better activities than those with other substituted group and could be used as lead compounds for exploring new APN inhibitors in the future.

Study of a Magnetic Switch for the SG-III Energy Module

Liu Gang,Lin Fuchang,Liu Yi,Li Hua,Lee Li,Zeng Han 한국물리학회 2011 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.59 No.61

The SG-III energy module, which supplies pumping energy for Xenon (Xe) flashlamps, is one of the most important modules in large laser facilities. A two-electrode spark gap switch is used as the main discharge switch and is triggered by a Marx generator. The peak value of the output impulse generated by the Marx generator is about 180 kV, and its rise time is about 10 ns. In order to prevent the key elements (e.g., Xe flashlamps) from being damaged by the trigger impulse, a magnetic switch is used to isolate the high-voltage impulse. The design, working principle and performance of a magnetic switch based on Fe-based nanocrystals are presented in this paper. Compared with the magnetic switch employed in magnetic pulse compressors (MPCs), the magnetic switch in SGIII works under a single nanosecond impulse. It corresponds to the initial magnetization curve of the B-H curve. The parameters of the Fe-based nanocrystals are obtained by experiments. The unsaturated inductance, saturated inductance and saturation time are the key parameters of the magnetic switch in SG-III and are considered in the design. Finally, the experimental results for the magnetic switch in SG-III are presented.

Sputum Metabolomic Profiling Reveals Metabolic Pathways and Signatures Associated With Inflammatory Phenotypes in Patients With Asthma

Liu Ying,Zhang Xin,Zhang Li,Oliver Brian G,Wang Hong Guang,Liu Zhi Peng,Chen Zhi Hong,Wood Lisa,Hsu Alan Chen-Yu,Xie Min,McDonald Vanessa,Wan Hua Jing,Luo Feng Ming,Liu Dan,Li Wei Min,Wang Gang 대한천식알레르기학회 2022 Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research Vol.14 No.4

Purpose: The molecular links between metabolism and inflammation that drive different inflammatory phenotypes in asthma are poorly understood. We aimed to identify the metabolic signatures and underlying molecular pathways of different inflammatory asthma phenotypes. Methods: In the discovery set (n = 119), untargeted ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) was applied to characterize the induced sputum metabolic profiles of asthmatic patients with different inflammatory phenotypes using orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and pathway topology enrichment analysis. In the validation set (n = 114), differential metabolites were selected to perform targeted quantification. Correlations between targeted metabolites and clinical indices in asthmatic patients were analyzed. Logistic and negative binomial regression models were established to assess the association between metabolites and severe asthma exacerbations. Results: Seventy-seven differential metabolites were identified in the discovery set. Pathway topology analysis uncovered that histidine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism as well as phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis were involved in the pathogenesis of different asthma phenotypes. In the validation set, 24 targeted quantification metabolites were significantly expressed between asthma inflammatory phenotypes. Finally, adenosine 5′-monophosphate (adjusted relative risk [adj RR] = 1.000; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.000–1.000; P = 0.050), allantoin (adj RR = 1.000; 95% CI = 1.000–1.000; P = 0.043) and nicotinamide (adj RR = 1.001; 95% CI = 1.000–1.002; P = 0.021) were demonstrated to predict severe asthma exacerbation rates. Conclusions: Different inflammatory asthma phenotypes have specific metabolic profiles in induced sputum. The potential metabolic signatures may identify therapeutic targets in different inflammatory asthma phenotypes.

Characterization of an Alien Chromosome of Oryza officinalis Transferred the Genomic and Cytological Environment of Oryza sativa

Gang Li,Ming Tang,Wei Hu,Guangcun He,Hong Liu,Xuequn Liu,Rui Qin 한국식물학회 2010 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.52 No.4

Distant hybridization between rice species and their genome interactions have become the hot points of genetic research. The new formed hybrid was unstable and many of the alien chromosomes would be excluded out in the meiosis procedure. In this study, we investigated the phenomenon that the monosomic alien addition lines (MAALs) of Oryza officinalis (CC)–Oryza sativa (AA)inherited in the genomic and cytoplasmic environments of cultivated rice. In a series of backcross programs, every time the MAALs were backcrossed with the recurrent parent Hejiang19, we get a portion of the backcross progenies that were similar to the female parent MAALs in morphological characters (with rolled leaves) and chromosome constitutions (2n+1). The monosomic alien chromosome exhibited stable inheritance in the genomic and cytoplasmic environments of cultivated rice. Molecular biology and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)analyses on mitotic cells showed that the alien chromosomes in MAALs were inclined to be transferred integrated into the backcross progenies with rolled leaves and no big fragments of alien chromosomes introgressing into the chromosomes of cultivated rice. By FISH analysis on the meiotic cells, we proved that the single alien chromosome performing nonstandard meiosis and behaving like a dispensable genetic factor, which would be the cytological reasons for the stable inheritance of alien chromosomes.

Adiponectin Receptor 1 (ADIPOR1) rs1342387 Polymorphism and Risk of Cancer: a Meta-analysis

Yu, Li-Xiang,Zhou, Nan-Nan,Liu, Li-Yuan,Wang, Fei,Ma, Zhong-Bing,Li, Jie,Yu, Zhi-Gang Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.18

Many studies have indicated possible associations between a polymorphism of adiponectin receptor 1 (ADIPOR1) rs1342387 and risk of cancer, but contradictory results have been reported. The main aim of this study was to draw a reliable conclusion about the relationship between the rs1342387 polymorphism and cancer incidence, by conducting a literature search of Pubmed, Embase, Wanfang and Cochrane libraries. Eleven studies including 3, 738 cases and 4, 748 controls were identified in this meta-analysis. The ADIPOR1 rs1342387 polymorphism was associated with risk of colorectal cancer for all genetic comparison models (GG vs AA, OR: 1.44, 95%CI: 1.21-1.70; G carriers vs A carriers, OR: 1.23, 95%CI: 1.11-1.36; dominant model, OR: 1.28, 95%CI: 1.10-1.49 and recessive model, OR: 1.31, 95%CI: 1.12-1.55). Stratified by ethnicity, the rs1342387 polymorphism was significantly associated with risk of colorectal cancer in Asian ancestry for all genetic comparison models (GG vs AA, OR: 1.56, 95%CI: 1.26-1.92; G carriers vs. A carriers OR: 1.30, 95%CI: 1.18-1.43; dominant model OR: 1.31, 95%CI: 1.08-1.60 and recessive model OR: 1.44, 95%CI: 1.26-1.64), but not in Caucasian or mixed (Caucasian mainly) groups. In summary, the ADIPOR1 rs1342387 polymorphism is significantly associated with risk of colorectal cancer among individuals of Asian ancestry.

Experimental investigation of multi-layered laminated glass beams under in-plane bending

Qiang Liu,Xiaokun Huang,Gang Liu,Zhen Zhou,Gang Li 국제구조공학회 2016 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.60 No.5

Due to its relatively good safety performance and aesthetic benefits, laminated glass (LG) is increasingly being used as load-carrying members in modern buildings. This paper presents an experimental study into one applicational scenario of structural LG subjected to in-plane bending. The aim of the study is to reveal the in-plane behaviors of the LG beams made up of multi-layered glass sheets. The LG specimens respectively consisted of two, three and four plies of glass, bonded together by two prominent adhesives. A total of 26 tests were carried out. From these tests, the structural behaviors in terms of flexural stiffness, load resistance and post-breakage strength were studied in detail, whilst considering the influence of interlayer type, cross-sectional interlayer percentage and presence of shear forces. Based on the test results, analytical suggestions were made, failure modes were identified, corresponding failure mechanisms were discussed, and a rational engineering model was proposed to predict the post-breakage strength of the LG beams. The results obtained are expected to provide useful information for academic and engineering professionals in the analysis and design of LG beams bending in-plane.

Greenly Synthesized Gold-Alginate Nanocomposites Catalyst for Reducing Decoloration of Azo-Dyes

Yun Li,Gang Li,Wei Li,Feng Yang,Huihong Liu 성균관대학교(자연과학캠퍼스) 성균나노과학기술원 2015 NANO Vol.10 No.8

A green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using aqueous solution of sodium alginate (SA) has been demonstrated in this work. The SA plays the roles of both reducing and stabilizing agent. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band of UV-Vis spectrum around 532 nm confirmed the formation of AuNPs. The characterization through high resolution-transmission electron microscopic (HRTEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) infer the as-synthesized AuNPs which were spherical in shape with a face cubic crystal (FCC) structure. The results obtained from zeta potential and dynamic light scattering (DLS) suggest the good stability and narrow size distribution of the AuNPs. The size-controlled AuNPs were obtained through adjusting the reaction parameters such as the concentration of SA, pH of the reaction mixture, temperature and the time of incubation. The as-synthesized AuNPs–SA conjugates were employed to prepare AuNPs–SA beads easily based on SA high affinity toward divalent metal ions. The resulting AuNPs–SA beads function as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst in reducing decoloration of azo-dye model compounds, acidic orange 7 (AO7) and reactive orange 5 (RO5), in the presence of sodium borohydride. The reaction rate constants, estimated based on the reduction reactions followed pseudo-first-order kinetics, suggest the high catalytic activity and stability of the AuNPs–SA beads.

Nitric Oxide Synthase Expressions in ADR-induced Cardiomyopathy in Rats

( Bao Gang Liu ),( Hong Li Li ),( Hong Yan Qu ),( Bao Gui Sun ) 생화학분자생물학회 2006 BMB Reports Vol.39 No.6

miR-98 suppresses melanoma metastasis through a negative feedback loop with its target gene IL-6

Fei Li,Xin-ji Li,Li Qiao,Fei Shi,Wen Liu,You Li,Yu-ping Dang,Weijie Gu,Xiao-gang Wang,Wei Liu 생화학분자생물학회 2014 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.46 No.-

Dysregulated microRNA (miRNA) expression has a critical role in tumor development and metastasis. However, the mechanism by which miRNAs control melanoma metastasis is unknown. Here, we report reduced miR-98 expression in melanoma tissues with increasing tumor stage as well as metastasis; its expression is also negatively associated with melanoma patient survival. Furthermore, we demonstrate that miR-98 inhibits melanoma cell migration in vitro as well as metastatic tumor size in vivo. We also found that IL-6 is a target gene of miR-98, and IL-6 represses miR-98 levels via the Stat3-NF-κB-lin28B pathway. In an in vivo melanoma model, we demonstrate that miR-98 reduces melanoma metastasis and increases survival in part by reducing IL-6 levels; it also decreases Stat3 and p65 phosphorylation as well as lin28B mRNA levels. These results suggest that miR-98 inhibits melanoma metastasis in part through a novel miR-98-IL-6-negative feedback loop.