Cloning, Expression, and Characterization of Thermostable Manganese Superoxide Dismutase from Thermoascus aurantiacus var. levisporus

Ning-Ning Song,Yan Zheng,Shi-Jin E,Duo-Chuan Li 한국미생물학회 2009 The journal of microbiology Vol.47 No.1

A superoxide dismutase (SOD) gene of Thermoascus aurantiacus var. levisporus, a thermophilic fungus, was cloned, sequenced, and expressed in Pichia pastoris and its gene product was characterized. The coding sequence predicted a 231 residues protein with a unique 35 amino acids extension at the N-terminus indicating a mitochondrial-targeting sequence. The content of Mn was 2.46 µg/mg of protein and Fe was not detected in the purified enzyme. The enzyme was found to be inhibited by NaN3, but not by KCN or H2O2. These results suggested that the SOD in Thermoascus aurantiacus var. levisporus was the manganese superoxide dismutase type. In comparison with other MnSODs, all manganese-binding sites were also conserved in the sequence (H88, H136, D222, H226). The molecular mass of a single band of the enzyme was estimated to be 21.7 kDa. The protein was expressed in tetramer form with molecular weight of 68.0 kDa. The activity of purified protein was 2,324 U/mg. The optimum temperature of the enzyme was 55°C and it exhibited maximal activity at pH 7.5. The enzyme was thermostable at 50 and 60°C and the half-life at 80°C was approximately 40 min.

miR-380-3p promotes β-casein expression by targeting α_S1-casein in goat mammary epithelial cells

Ning Song,Jun Luo,Lian Huang,Xiaoying Chen,Huimin Niu,Lu Zhu Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2023 Animal Bioscience Vol.36 No.10

Objective: α_S1-Casein is more closely associated with milk allergic reaction than other milk protein components. microRNA (miRNA) is a class of small non-coding RNAs that modulate multiple biological progresses by the target gene. However, the post-transcriptional regulation of α_S1-casein expression by miRNA in ruminants remains unclear. This study aims to explore the regulatory roles of miR-380-3p on α_S1-casein synthesis in goat mammary epithelial cells (GMEC). Methods: α_S1-Casein gene and miR-380-3p expression was measured in dairy goat mammary gland by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). miR-380-3p overexpression and knockdown were performed by miR-380-3p mimic or inhibitor in GMEC. The effect of miR-380-3p on α_S1-casein synthesis was detected by qRT-PCR, western blot, luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays in GMEC. Results: Compared with middle-lactation period, α_S1-casein gene expression is increased, while miR-380-3p expression is decreased during peak-lactation of dairy goats. miR-380-3p reduces α_S1-casein abundance by targeting the 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) of α_S1-casein mRNA in GMEC. miR-380-3p enhances β-casein expression and signal transducer and activator of transcription 5a (STAT5a) activity. Moreover, miR-380-3p promotes β-casein abundance through target gene α_S1-casein, and activates β-casein transcription by enhancing the binding of STAT5 to β-casein gene promoter region. Conclusion: miR-380-3p decreases α_S1-casein expression and increases β-casein expression by targeting α_S1-casein in GMEC, which supplies a novel strategy for reducing milk allergic potential and building up milk quality in ruminants.

Synthesis and Characterization of KTiNbO5 Nano-particles by Novel Polymerizable Complex Method

Ning-ning Wang,Yun-xiang Lan,Jie He,Rui Dong,Jin-song Hu 대한화학회 2013 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.34 No.9

The layered KTiNbO5 was successfully synthesized with titanium(IV) isopropoxide and niobium oxalate by a novel polymerized complex (PC) method. The morphology and structure of the as-prepared sample was characterized by means of High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope, powder X-ray diffraction, and Laser Raman Spectroscopy. The spectral response characteristic was recorded by using UV-vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy. Results show that KTiNbO5 as-prepared by PC method presents an uniform morphology of nano-particles, the mean particle sizes is ca. 28 nm corresponding to the (002), and the crystal structure can be well indexed to the orthorhombic phase. The sample as-prepared by PC method has higher band gap energy than that of the sample prepared by a solid-state reaction method due to the quantum size effect.

Research on the Relationship Between Serum Levels of Inflammatory Cytokines and Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Song, Xiao-Yun,Zhou, Shi-Jie,Xiao, Ning,Li, Yun-Song,Zhen, De-Zhi,Su, Chong-Yu,Liu, Zhi-Dong Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.8

Aims: This study was conducted to evaluate the levels of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6, IL-8 and VEGF in serum of patients with non- small cell lung cancer, for assessing their possible diagnostic and prognostic roles. Methods: We enrolled 48 patients newly diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer and 40 healthy controls. TNF- ${\alpha}$, IL-6 and IL-8 levels were measured in the serum of all the subjects with specific radioimmunoassay kits, while EGF was analyzed by sandwich enzyme immunoassay techniques. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed between lung cancer patients and the control group regarding the values of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6, IL-8 and VEGF in serum. Moreover, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-8 and VEGF levels were higher in patients with advanced stages compared to early stages. In addition, higher serum levels of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6, IL-8 and VEGF were found in smokers than in non-smokers, both in patients and controls. Conclusion: Serum levels of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6, IL-8 and VEGF were all elevated in lung cancer patients, suggesting that inflammatory cytokines could be jointly used as a screening tool. Though TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-8 and VEGF levels were related to advanced disease, long-term survival studies of NSCLC patients should be performed to confirm whether they can act as biomarkers of advanced disease. In addition, smoking would be an important contributor to the processes of inflammation and lung cancer.

Synthesis and Characterization of KTiNbO₅ Nano-particles by Novel Polymerizable Complex Method

Wang, Ning-Ning,Lan, Yun-Xiang,He, Jie,Dong, Rui,Hu, Jin-Song Korean Chemical Society 2013 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.34 No.9

The layered $KTiNbO_5$ was successfully synthesized with titanium(IV) isopropoxide and niobium oxalate by a novel polymerized complex (PC) method. The morphology and structure of the as-prepared sample was characterized by means of High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope, powder X-ray diffraction, and Laser Raman Spectroscopy. The spectral response characteristic was recorded by using UV-vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy. Results show that $KTiNbO_5$ as-prepared by PC method presents an uniform morphology of nano-particles, the mean particle sizes is ca. 28 nm corresponding to the (002), and the crystal structure can be well indexed to the orthorhombic phase. The sample as-prepared by PC method has higher band gap energy than that of the sample prepared by a solid-state reaction method due to the quantum size effect.

Position estimation and control of SMA actuators based on electrical resistance measurement

Song, Gangbing,Ma, Ning,Lee, Ho-Jun Techno-Press 2007 Smart Structures and Systems, An International Jou Vol.3 No.2

As a functional material, shape memory alloy (SMA) has attracted much attention and research effort to explore its unique properties and its applications in the past few decades. Some of its properties, in particular the electrical resistance (ER) based self-sensing property of SMA, have not been fully studied. Electrical resistance of an SMA wire varies during its phase transformation. This variation is an inherent property of the SMA wire, although it is highly nonlinear with hysteresis. The relationship between the displacement and the electrical resistance of an SMA wire is deterministic and repeatable to some degree, therefore enabling the self-sensing ability of the SMA. The potential of this self-sensing ability has not received sufficient exploration so far, and even the previous studies in literature lack generality. This paper concerns the utilization of the self-sensing property of a spring-biased Nickel-Titanium (Nitinol) SMA actuator for two applications: ER feedback position control of an SMA actuator without a position sensor, and estimation of the opening of a SMA actuated valve. The use of the self-sensing property eliminates the need for a position sensor, therefore reducing the cost and size of an SMA actuator assembly. Two experimental apparatuses are fabricated to facilitate the two proposed applications, respectively. Based on open-loop testing results, the curve fitting technique is used to represent the nonlinear relationships between the displacement and the electrical resistance of the two SMA wire actuators. Using the mathematical models of the two SMA actuators, respectively, a proportional plus derivative controller is designed for control of the SMA wire actuator using only electrical resistance feedback. Consequently, the opening of the SMA actuated valve can be estimated without using an extra sensor.

Famine exposure in early life and type 2 diabetes in adulthood: findings from prospective studies in China

Ning Feng,Zhao Jing,Zhang Lei,Wang Weijing,Sun Xiaohui,Song Xin,Zhang Yanlei,Xin Hualei,Gao Weiguo,Gao Ruqin,Zhang Dongfeng,Pang Zengchang 한국영양학회 2023 Nutrition Research and Practice Vol.17 No.4

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study examined the relationship between famine exposure in early life and the risk of type 2 diabetes in adulthood during the 1959–1961 Chinese Famine. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 3,418 individuals aged 35–74 years free of diabetes from two studies in 2006 and 2009 were followed up prospectively in 2009 and 2012, respectively. Famine exposure was classified as unexposed (individuals born in 1962–1978), fetal exposed (individuals born in 1959–1961), child exposed (individuals born in 1949–1958), and adolescent/adult exposed (born in 1931–1948). A logistic regression model was used to assess the relationship between famine exposure and diabetes after adjustment for potential covariates. RESULTS: During a three-year follow-up, the age-adjusted incidence rates of type 2 diabetes were 5.7%, 14.5%, 12.7%, and 17.8% in unexposed, fetal-exposed, child-exposed, and adolescent/adult-exposed groups, respectively (P < 0.01). Relative to the unexposed group, the relative risks (95% confidence inter val) for diabetes were 2.15 (1.29–3.60), 1.53 (0.93– 2.51), and 1.65 (0.75–3.63) in the fetal-exposed, child-exposed, and adolescent/adult-exposed groups, after controlling for potential covariates. The interactions between famine exposure and obesity, education level, and family histor y of diabetes were not obser ved, except for the urbanization type. Individuals living in rural areas with fetal and childhood famine exposure were at a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, with relative risks of 8.79 (1.82–42.54) and 2.33 (1.17–4.65), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that famine exposure in early life is an independent predictor of type 2 diabetes, particularly in women. Early identification and inter vention may help prevent diabetes in later life.

Design and Implementation of a Miniature Intelligent Vehicle Test Platform

Ning Li,Guangming Xiong,Weilong Song,Jianwei Gong,Huiyan Chen 보안공학연구지원센터 2013 International Journal of Smart Home Vol.7 No.5

Association between Glutathione S-Transferase T1, M1, and P1 Genotypes and the Risk of Colorectal Cancer

Ning Cong,Lisheng Liu,Ying Xie,Wenbo Shao,Jinlong Song 대한의학회 2014 Journal of Korean medical science Vol.29 No.11

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are enzymes which play an important role in theneutralization of toxic compounds and eradication of electrophilic carcinogens. Geneticpolymorphisms within the genes encoding for GSTs may therefore cause variations in theirenzyme activity, which may in turn influence the interindividual susceptibility to cancers. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between genetic polymorphisms ofGSTT1, GSTM1, and GSTP1 and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in 264 cases and 317controls in a Chinese population. Genotyping was performed by using multiplex PCR (forGSTT1 and GSTM1) and PCR-RFLP (for GSTP1) methods. The association between thepolymorphic genotypes and CRC risk was evaluated by deriving odds ratios (ORs) and 95%confidence intervals (CIs) using unconditional logistic regression analysis. Our resultsshowed that individuals with GSTT1 and GSTM1 null genotypes exhibited a higher risk ofCRC (GSTT1, OR,1.66; 95% CI, 1.20-2.31, P = 0.003; GSTM1, OR,1.57; 95% CI,1.13-2.18, P = 0.007), while no association was observed for GSTP1 (Pheterozygous = 0.790 or Pvariant= 0.261). Furthermore, individuals who simultaneously carried the null genotypes forboth GSTT1 and GSTM1 showed a stronger risk association (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.33-2.85;P < 0.001). In conclusion, the GSTT1 and GSTM1 polymorphisms, but not GSTP1, maymodulate the CRC risk among Chinese.

Design and control of a proof-of-concept active jet engine intake using shape memory alloy actuators

Song, Gangbing,Ma, Ning,Li, Luyu,Penney, Nick,Barr, Todd,Lee, Ho-Jun,Arnold, Steve Techno-Press 2011 Smart Structures and Systems, An International Jou Vol.7 No.1

It has been shown in the literature that active adjustment of the intake area of a jet engine has potential to improve its fuel efficiency. This paper presents the design and control of a novel proof-of-concept active jet engine intake using Nickel-Titanium (Ni-Ti or Nitinol) shape memory alloy (SMA) wire actuators. The Nitinol SMA material is used in this research due to its advantages of high power-to-weight ratio and electrical resistive actuation. The Nitinol SMA material can be fabricated into a variety of shapes, such as strips, foils, rods and wires. In this paper, SMA wires are used due to its ability to generate a large strain: up to 6% for repeated operations. The proposed proof-of-concept engine intake employs overlapping leaves in a concentric configuration. Each leaf is mounted on a supporting bar than can rotate. The supporting bars are actuated by an SMA wire actuator in a ring configuration. Electrical resistive heating is used to actuate the SMA wire actuator and rotate the supporting bars. To enable feedback control, a laser range sensor is used to detect the movement of a leaf and therefore the radius of the intake area. Due to the hysteresis, an inherent nonlinear phenomenon associated with SMAs, a nonlinear robust controller is used to control the SMA actuators. The control design uses the sliding-mode approach and can compensate the nonlinearities associated with the SMA actuator. A proof-of-concept model is fabricated and its feedback control experiments show that the intake area can be precisely controlled using the SMA wire actuator and has the ability to reduce the area up to 25%. The experiments demonstrate the feasibility of engine intake area control using an SMA wire actuator under the proposed design.