The K+/H+ antiporter AhNHX1 improved tobacco tolerance to NaCl stress by enhancing K+ retention

Wei-Wei Zhang,Jing-Jing Meng,Jin-Yi Xing,Sha Yang,Feng Guo,Xin-Guo Li,Shu-Bo Wan 한국식물학회 2017 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.60 No.3

High salinity is the one of important factors limiting plant growth and crop production. Many NHX-type antiporters have been reported to catalyze K+/H+ exchange to mediate salt stress. This study shows that an NHX gene from Arachis hypogaea L. has an important role in K+ uptake and transport, which affects K+ accumulation and plant salt tolerance. When overexpressing AhNHX1, the growth of tobacco seedlings is improved with longer roots and a higher fresh weight than the wild type (WT) under NaCl treatment. Meanwhile, when exposed to NaCl stress, the transgenic seedlings had higher K+/H+ antiporter activity and their roots got more K+ uptake. NaCl stress could induce higher K+ accumulation in the roots, stems, and leaves of transgenic tobacco seedlings but not Na+ accumulation, thus, leading to a higher K+/Na+ ratio in the transgenic seedlings. Additionally, the AKT1, HAK1, SKOR, and KEA genes, which are involved in K+ uptake or transport, were induced by NaCl stress and kept higher expression levels in transgenic seedlings than in WT seedlings. The H+-ATPase and H+-PPase activities were also higher in transgenic seedlings than in the WT seedlings under NaCl stress. Simultaneously, overexpression of AhNHX1 increased the relative distribution of K+ in the aerial parts of the seedlings under NaCl stress. These results showed that AhNHX1 catalyzed the K+/H+ antiporter and enhanced tobacco tolerance to salt stress by increasing K+ uptake and transport.

IMPROVED HYBRID A-STAR ALGORITHM FOR PATH PLANNING IN AUTONOMOUS PARKING SYSTEM BASED ON MULTI-STAGE DYNAMIC OPTIMIZATION

Meng Tianchuang,Yang Tianhong,Huang Jin,Jin Wenrui,Zhang Wei,Jia Yifan,Wan Keqian,Xiao Gang,Yang Diange,Zhong Zhihua 한국자동차공학회 2023 International journal of automotive technology Vol.24 No.2

The recent proliferation of intelligent technologies has promoted autonomous driving. The autonomous parking system has become a popular feature in autonomous driving. Hybrid A-star algorithm is a commonly used path planning algorithm for its simplicity to deploy and the good characteristics of the generated paths in the practical engineering. To further enhance the path safety and efficiency of path planning in the autonomous parking system, this paper proposes an improved hybrid A-star algorithm through the safety-enhanced design and the efficiency-enhanced design. The safety-enhanced design integrates the Voronoi field potential into the path searching stage to take more account of path safety. The efficiency-enhanced design proposes a multi-stage dynamic optimization strategy which divides the path planning into multiple stages and performs dynamic optimization in each stage. Through simulation experiments, it is verified that the proposed improved algorithm not only generates a much safer path which stays farther from the obstacles but also significantly improves the searching efficiency in terms of time and space, merely at a finite cost of pre-processing work which can also be repeatedly utilized. We hope this paper will promote relative research on path planning in autonomous parking and serve as a reference for the practical engineering.

Analysis of the Genome Sequence of Strain GiC-126 of Gloeostereum incarnatum with Genetic Linkage Map

( Wan-zhu Jiang ),( Fang-jie Yao ),( Ming Fang ),( Li-xin Lu ),( You-min Zhang ),( Peng Wang ),( Jing-jing Meng ),( Jia Lu ),( Xiao-xu Ma ),( Qi He ),( Kai-sheng Shao ),( Asif Ali Khan ),( Yun-hui Wei 한국균학회 2021 Mycobiology Vol.49 No.4

Gloeostereum incarnatum has edible and medicinal value and was first cultivated and domesticated in China. We sequenced the G. incarnatum monokaryotic strain GiC-126 on an Illumina HiSeq X Ten system and obtained a 34.52-Mb genome assembly sequence that encoded 16,895 predicted genes. We combined the GiC-126 genome with the published genome of G. incarnatum strain CCMJ2665 to construct a genetic linkage map (GiC-126 genome) that had 10 linkage groups (LGs), and the 15 assembly sequences of CCMJ2665 were integrated into 8 LGs. We identified 1912 simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci and detected 700 genes containing 768 SSRs in the genome; 65 and 100 of them were annotated with gene ontology (GO) terms and KEGG pathways, respectively. Carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) were identified in 20 fungal genomes and annotated; among them, 144 CAZymes were annotated in the GiC-126 genome. The A mating-type locus (MAT-A) of G. incarnatum was located on scaffold885 at 38.9 cM of LG1 and was flanked by two homeodomain (HD1) genes, mip and beta-fg. Fourteen segregation distortion markers were detected in the genetic linkage map, all of which were skewed toward the parent GiC-126. They formed three segregation distortion regions (SDR1-SDR3), and 22 predictive genes were found in scaffold1920 where three segregation distortion markers were located in SDR1. In this study, we corrected and updated the genomic information of G. incarnatum. Our results will provide a theoretical basis for fine gene mapping, functional gene cloning, and genetic breeding the follow-up of G. incarnatum.

Transcriptomic analysis reveal the responses of dendritic cells to VDBP

Cao Biwei,Wen Tao,Wei Meng,Xiong Yuan,Liu Wan,Zhu Li,Zhou Jing 한국유전학회 2022 Genes & Genomics Vol.44 No.10

Background: Vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) is an essential plasma carrier protein, which plays possible roles in reproductive health, disease and so on. However, the effects of VDBP on immunity have not been fully studied and the pertinent literatures remain very limited. Objective: In this study, we introduced the exogenous VDBP into DC2.4 and established a stable DC2.4/VDBP cell line to explore the role of this gene in immunity. Methods: Dendritic cells (DCs), as the most effective antigen presenting cells (APC) found so far, are directly involved in regulating some innate immunity. In order to evaluate the biological role of VDBP in DCs, we stably overexpressed VDBP in DCs, and conducted Cell Counting Kit‑8 (CCK-8 kit) and flow cytometry to detect changes in cell function. CCK-8 kit was used to monitor the viability of DCs after gene overexpression, and flow cytometry was used to detect changes in cell cycle distribution and apoptosis. Subsequently, in order to reveal the mechanism of VDBP regulating DCs, we adopted RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Results: CCK-8 results revealed VDBP successfully inhibited viability of DCs. Besides, we found that overexpression of this gene greatly promoted apoptosis and obviously altered the cell cycle distribution of DCs in G1 and G2 phases. Moreover, RNA-seq was carried out and 151 differently expression genes (DEGs) were obtained. In addition, gene differential expression analysis showed that most of them were uniformly enriched in immunity-related pathways. Conclusion: These results indicated that VDBP greatly repressed proliferation, facilitated apoptosis and changed cell cycle in DCs via altering the expression levels of gene associated with their cellular immunity.

Kinetics of Mixing-Assisted Oxidative Desulfurization of Dibenzothiophene in Toluene Using a Phosphotungstic Acid/Hydrogen Peroxide System: Effects of Operating Conditions

de Luna, Mark Daniel G.,Wan, Meng-Wei,Golosinda, Lucille R.,Futalan, Cybelle M.,Lu, Ming-Chun ACS AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2017 ENERGY AND FUELS Vol.31 No.9

<P>Mixing-assisted oxidative desulfurization (MAOD) of model fuel that contains dibenzothiophene (DBT) using phosphotungstic acid (HPW) as a catalyst and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as an oxidant was evaluated. Characterization analysis of HPW shows that the average crystallite size is 82.39 nm, with a disintegrated structure and morphology. The effect of operating parameters, such as mixer speed (5000-10 000 rpm), tetraoctylammoniurn bromide [phase-transfer agent (PTA)]/HPW ratio (0.5:1-5:1), and temperature (25-60 degrees C), on the sulfur conversion of DBT was examined. Results show that the sulfur conversion increases with an increasing temperature and mixer speed and a lower amount of PTA. The highest sulfur removal and rate constant of 100.0% and 0.1528 min(-1), respectively, were attained under the following conditions: 1:1 ratio, 40 degrees C, and 10 000 rpm. The pseudo-first-order equation and Arrhenius equation were applied to determine the kinetic rate constant and activation energy of HPW in the oxidation of DBT in a MAOD system. High correlation coefficient values (R-2 >= 0.93) indicate that the pseudo-first-order equation has the goodness of fit in describing the experimental kinetic data. Moreover, the activation energy of HPW derived from the Arrhenius equation was 42.60 kJ/mol.</P>

The Gender-Sensitive Social Risk Factors for Internet Addiction in College Undergraduate Students

Xia Lin,Jing-yan Gu,Wan-jun Guo,Ya-jing Meng,Hui-yao Wang,Xiao-jing Li,Wei Deng,Lian-sheng Zhao,Xiao-hong Ma,Ming-li Li,Ting Chen,S,K,Cheng,Tao Li 대한신경정신의학회 2021 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.18 No.7

Objective The current study aims to explore precipitating and social risk factors for internet addiction (IA) in university undergraduate students, and to provide evidence for interventions and the early prevention of IA in different genders. Methods Four thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight college sophomores completed an online survey on their internet use-related behaviours and social risk factors. Results We found that more male (8.3%) than female students (5.4%) had moderate and severe IA. The main online activity in the moderate and severe IA groups was online gaming in males and online streaming in females. Roommates engaging in similar internetbased entertainment was a risk factor of IA only for males, while not being in a romantic relationship was a risk factor of IA for females only. Infatuation with the internet before college and adjustment problems for college life were shared risk factors for both genders in the mild and moderate IA groups. Conclusion IA was a common phenomenon in college students with shared and unique precipitating and social risk factors in males and females. The gender-sensitive risk factors for IA warranted earlier and individualized intervention and prevention strategies for IA in this population.

Aspartate Transaminase to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) and Albumin-Bilirubin Grade (ALBI) Predict Postoperative Morbidity Following Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma A Multicenter Cohort Study

( Tian Yang ),( Li-yang Sun ),( Lei Liang ),( Ya-hao Zhou ),( Wei-min Gu ),( Hong Wang ),( Ting-hao Chen ),( Yong-yi Zeng ),( Wan Yee Lau ),( Meng-chao Wu ),( Feng Shen ) 대한간학회 2020 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2020 No.1

Aims: Postoperative morbidity following hepatectomy remains high, and understanding its risk factors is important to improve perioperative outcomes. We aimed to identify the role of two non-invasive markers - albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) and aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI) - in predicting postoperative morbidity following hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: A multicenter data of patients undergoing hepatectomy for HCC at 8 centers were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into normal and high groups according to preoperative ALBI and APRI scores. ALBI and APRI’s predictive accuracy of postoperative 30-day overall and major morbidity were evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and compared with two conventional scores: Child-Pugh grade and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD). Results: In 2,301 patients, 866 (37.6%) and 400 (17.4%) were in the high ALBI and APRI groups, respectively. There were significant differences of postoperative overall morbidity between the normal and high ALBI groups (26.2% vs. 40.1%, P<0.001), as well as between the normal and high APRI groups (29.2% vs. 42.4%, P<0.001). The AUCs of the ALBI and APRI scores for predicting overall morbidity are greater than those of Child- Pugh grade and MELD score. Multivariable analyses revealed that ALBI and APRI were independent predictors of overall morbidity in both preoperative and postoperative prediction models. Similar results existed in predicting postoperative major morbidity. Conclusions: Preoperative ALBI and APRI could predict postoperative 30-day overall and major morbidity following hepatectomy for HCC before or after surgery.

Ultrasound Assisted Oxidative Desulfurization: A Definitive Screening Design Analysis

( Angelo Earvin Sy Choi ),( Susan Roces ),( Nathaniel Dugos ),( Meng-wei Wan ),( Hung-suck Park ) 한국폐기물자원순환학회(구 한국폐기물학회) 2016 한국폐기물자원순환학회 추계학술발표논문집 Vol.2016 No.-

The desulfurization of untreated petroleum oil is required in order to comply with stringent environmental regulations. Ultrasound-assisted oxidative desulfurization (UAOD) is an innovative technology for sulfur removal in order to avoid the environmental hazards associated with the combustion of sulfur compounds in raw diesel oil. In this study, diesel oil is treated through UAOD. The effects of ultrasound time (6-30 min), amplitude (20-60%), phase transfer agent (100-500mg), catalyst dosage (10-500mg), H₂O₂ concentration (30-50%v/v), organic to aqueous phase (OP:AP) ratio (50:50-90:10) and reaction temperature (30-70℃) were examined. The screening analysis used is the definitive screening design that statistically determines the parameters that have a significant effect on the oxidation of diesel oil. Results indicate that significant factors (p-value < 0.5) where ultrasound time, amplitude, catalyst dosage and reaction temperature; while the phase transfer agent, H₂O₂ concentration and OP:AP ratio were insignificant (p-value > 0.5) on the response of sulfur conversion in the untreated diesel oil. This study concludes that the essential factors to achieve deep desulfurization in diesel oil include ultrasound time, amplitude, H₂O₂ concentration and reaction temperature which are key factors in the oxidation of sulfur compounds to achieve low sulfur containing diesel oil.

Optimization and kinetics of the desulfurization of diesel fuel via high shear mixing oxidation assisted by adsorption of sulfones onto chitosan-coated bentonite

De Luna, Mark Daniel G.,Futalan, Cybelle M.,Duavis, Ayesha G.,Wan, Meng-Wei Taylor and Francis 2018 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GREEN ENERGY Vol.15 No.14

Potential Therapeutic Targets for the Primary Gallbladder Carcinoma: Estrogen Receptors

Zhang, Ling-Qiang,Zhang, Xiu-De,Xu, Jia,Wan, Yong,Qu, Kai,Zhang, Jing-Yao,Wang, Zhi-Xin,Wei, Ji-Chao,Meng, Fan-Di,Tai, Ming-Hui,Zhou, Lei,Liu, Chang Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.4

Gallbladder carcinoma, the most frequent malignant neoplasm of the biliary tract system, has always been considered to feature late clinical presentation and diagnosis, limited treatment options and an extremely poor prognosis. In recent years, while the incidence of gallbladder cancer has appeared to be on the increase, the available treatment methods have not greatly improved survival of the affected patients. Thus, exploring new therapeutic targets for this devastating disease is an urgent matter at present. Epidemical studies have demonstrated that the incidence of gallbladder carcinoma exhibits a distinct gender bias, affecting females two to three times more than males, pointing to crucial roles of estrogen. It is well known that estrogen acts on target tissues by binding to estrogen receptors (ERs), which are mainly divided into three subtypes, $ER{\alpha}$, $ER{\beta}$ and $ER{\gamma}$. $ER{\alpha}$ and $ER{\beta}$ appear to have overlapping but also unique even opposite biological effects. As important pathogenic mediators, ERs have been considered to relate to several kinds of tumors. In gallbladder carcinoma tissue, ERs have been shown to be positively expressed, and ERs expression levels are associated with differentiation and prognosis of this cancer. Nevertheless, the exact mechanisms of estrogen inducing growth of gallbladder carcinoma remain poorly understood. On the base of the current investigations, we deduce that estrogen participates in promotion of gallbladder carcinoma by influencing the formation of gallstones, stimulating angiogenesis, and promoting abnormal proliferation. Since ERs mediate the carcinogenic actions of estrogen in gallbladder, and therapy targeting ERs may provide new directions for gallbladder carcinoma. Therefore, it should be stressed that ERs are potential therapeutic targets for gallbladder carcinoma.