White-Matter Hyperintensities and Lacunar Infarcts Are Associated with an Increased Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease in the Elderly in China

Shuai Ye,Shuyang Dong,Jun Tan,Le Chen,Hai Yang,Yang Chen,Zeyan Peng,Yingchao Huo,Juan Liu,Mingshan Tang,Yafei Li,Huadong Zhou,Yong Tao 대한신경과학회 2019 Journal of Clinical Neurology Vol.15 No.1

Background and Purpose This study investigated the contribution of white-matter hyperintensities (WMH) and lacunar infarcts (LI) to the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in an elderly cohort in China. Methods Older adults who were initially cognitively normal were examined with MRI at baseline, and followed for 5 years. WMH were classified as mild, moderate, or severe, and LI were classified into a few LI (1 to 3) or many LI (≥4). Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination and the Activities of Daily Living scale. Results Among the 2,626 subjects, 357 developed AD by the end of the 5-year follow-up period. After adjusting for age and other potential confounders, having only WMH, having only LI, and having both WMH and LI were associated with an increased risk of developing AD compared with having neither WMH nor LI. Moderate and severe WMH were associated with an increased risk of developing AD compared with no WMH. Furthermore, patients with many LI had an increased risk of developing AD compared with no LI. Conclusions Having moderate or severe WMH and many LI were associated with an increased risk of developing AD, with this being particularly striking when both WMH and LI were present.

Membrane technologies for Li+/Mg2+ separation from salt-lake brines and seawater: A comprehensive review

Ye Zhang,Li Wang,Wei Sun,Yue-hua Hu,Honghu Tang 한국공업화학회 2020 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.81 No.-

Recent years have seen rapid improvement of technology and large-scale applications of lithium-ionbatteries, which leads to an increasing market demand for lithium. Since the land lithium resources arediminishing drastically, the sources of lithium extraction have shifted to the large amount of waterresources containing salt-lake brines and seawater. Among the varieties of aqueous recovery approaches,membrane technology seems to have huge development potential and good application prospect. This isbecause the membrane technologies exhibit excellent Li/Mg separation selectivity, with low energyconsumption and green process owing to no addition of chemicals. The present work reviews the latestadvances in various membrane technologies, including nanofiltration membrane, electrodialysis,membrane capacitive deionization approaches, solid electrolyte electrolysis-based technology, etc. Therecent developments in positively charged nanofiltration membrane are discussed in terms of thepreparation methods, membrane properties, and Li/Mg separation coefficient. In addition, the effects ofseveral factors on electrodialysis for lithium extraction and relevant mechanisms in both simple andactual saline systems are discussed, including applied voltage, VC/VD, and coexisting ions. Theapplications of electrodialysis with novel selective membrane involving nanofiltration membrane as wellas solid electrolyte membrane and perspectives for further investigation are proposed.

Analysis of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> cell viability, sublethal injury and death induced by synergistic combination of ultrasound and mild heat

Li, Jiao,Suo, Yuanjie,Liao, Xinyu,Ahn, Juhee,Liu, Donghong,Chen, Shiguo,Ye, Xingqian,Ding, Tian Elsevier 2017 Ultrasonics sonochemistry Vol.39 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>This study was designed to investigate the combined effects of ultrasound and mild heat on the viability of <I>S. aureus</I> in association with the cell membrane integrity and intracellular enzyme activity. Cells were treated by ultrasound under 55°C for 3, 5, 7, 10, and 15min. The dynamic changes of <I>S. aureus</I> cell viability, sublethal injury and death were evaluated using flow cytometric assay. Microscopies were applied to identify the morphological appearance, ultrastructure and topography of <I>S. aureus</I>. The results showed the membrane damage was synchronous with esterase inhibition during the exposure to sonication, leading to the immediate lethal effect. On the other hand, bacteria under the mild heat at 55°C were inactivated via a sublethal injury process. The different lethal modes were observed between sonication and mild heat treatments, which could synergistically inactivate <I>S. aureus</I>. The antibacterial value of thermo-sonication was greater than the sum of the individual treatments. The thermo-sonication combination synergistically reduced the number of sublethal cells and also resulted in severe cell damage.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> The lethal modes induced by ultrasound and mild heat were different. </LI> <LI> Two sterilization techniques were synergistic in cell inactivation. </LI> <LI> Cell viability, sublethal injury and death were distinguished by flow cytometry. </LI> <LI> Thermo-sonication treatment reduced the number of sublethal cells. </LI> <LI> Microscopies revealed <I>S. aureus</I> morphological changes and bactericidal effect. </LI> </UL> </P>

Room temperature pH-dependent ammonia gas sensors using graphene quantum dots

Chen, Wei,Li, Fushan,Ooi, Poh Choon,Ye, Yun,Kim, Tae Whan,Guo, Tailiang Elsevier 2016 Sensors and actuators. B, Chemical Vol.222 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>We report a simple solution-process route to realize ammonia (NH<SUB>3</SUB>) gas sensor based on graphene quantum dots (GQDs). Transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed that the 8–10nm GQDs were formed from multi-walled carbon nanotubes by using ultrasonication treatment. The as-fabricated gas sensor showed promising selectivity response when expose to NH<SUB>3</SUB> ambient at room temperature. It is indicated that by adjusting the pH value of the aqueous GQDs in acidic and neutral, two types of gas sensors with contrary current responses could be obtained, which might be resulted from quantum confinement, edge effects and presence of functional groups on GQDs.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> We report an NH<SUB>3</SUB> gas sensor at room temperature based on graphene quantum dots. </LI> <LI> GQDs were formed from multi-walled carbon nanotubes by ultrasonication treatment. </LI> <LI> Adjusting the pH value of the GQDs can lead to gas sensors with different behavior. </LI> <LI> Sensing mechanism might be resulted from the unique properties of GQDs. </LI> </UL> </P>

Highly stable flexible organic field-effect transistors with Parylene-C gate dielectrics on a flexible substrate

Kwon, Hyeok-jin,Ye, Heqing,An, Tae Kyu,Hong, Jisu,Park, Chan Eon,Choi, Yongseon,Shin, Seongjun,Lee, Jihoon,Kim, Se Hyun,Li, Xinlin Elsevier 2019 Organic electronics Vol.75 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Poly(chloro-p-xylene), or Parylene-C, is a polymeric insulating material that has good physical and chemical properties, such as a high dielectric strength, a pin-free surface, and good mechanical/chemical stability, but is difficult to apply to top-contact-structured OFETs since its hydrophobic and very rough surfaces hinder the growth of organic semiconductor crystals and promote the formation of interface traps. Herein, we applied a blend of PS and TIPS-PEN dissolved in 1,2,3,4 tetrahydronaphthalene to overcome these limitations of Parylene-C. To confirm the influence of this system, we analyzed the morphologies of crystals grown on Parylene-C surfaces modified by various organic and polymer materials, including methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, hexamethyldisilazane, and dimethylchlorosilane-terminated polystyrene. Our investigation showed the ability of the PS:TIPS-PEN blend system to be used to overcome the above-described limitations of Parylene-C, and to manufacture top-contact OFETs displaying stable operation under gate-bias stress. Notably, we applied Parylene-C and this blend system in practical flexible OFETs that displayed highly stable properties.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Parylene-C film fabricated by CVD methods is characterized as gate insulating materials. </LI> <LI> Bottom gate top contact OFETs on hard/flexible substrate fabricated with TIPS-PEN: PS blend system and CVD based Parylene-C are reported. </LI> <LI> Morphological structure of TIPS-PEN is investigated using the tools including CPOM, SEM, AFM and 2D-GIXD. </LI> <LI> The OFETs show the mobility of 0.32, and 0.21 cm<SUP>2</SUP>/V in hard and flexible device type with negligible hysteresis both case. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Complete genome sequence of <i>Leuconostoc citreum</i> EFEL2700, a host strain for transformation of pCB vectors

Kim, Seul-Ah,Jang, Ye-Ji,Heo, Ji Eun,Li, Ling,Moon, Jin Seok,Han, Nam Soo Elsevier 2018 Journal of biotechnology Vol.287 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P> <I>Leuconostoc citreum</I> is an important lactic acid bacterium used as a starter culture for producing kimchi, the traditional Korean fermented vegetables. An efficient host strain for plasmid transformation, <I>L. citreum</I> EFEL2700, was isolated from kimchi, and it has been frequently used for genetic engineering of <I>L. citreum</I>. In this study, we report the whole genome sequence of the strain and its genetic characteristics. Genome assembly yielded 5 contigs (1 chromosome and 4 plasmids), and the complete genome contained 1,923,830 base pairs (bp) with a G + C content of 39.0%. Average nucleotide identity analysis showed high homology (≥ 99%) to the reference strain <I>L. citreum</I> KM 20. The smallest plasmid (4.3 kbp) was used as an <I>Escherichia coli</I> shuttle vector (pCB) for heterologous gene expression, and <I>L. citreum</I> EFEL2700 showed the highest transformation efficiency, 6.7 × 10⁴ CFU μg<SUP>−1</SUP> DNA. Genetic analysis of the genome enabled the construction of primary metabolic pathway showing a typical hetero-type lactic acid fermentation. Notably, no core genes for primary metabolism were observed in plasmid 4 and it could be eliminated to create an efficient host for gene transformation. This report will facilitate the understanding and application of <I>L. citreum</I> EFEL2700 as a food-grade microbial cell factory.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> <I>L. citreum</I> EFEL2700 is an efficient host for pCB vector transformation. </LI> <LI> It has 1 chromosome and 4 plasmids with 1.92 Mb size genome and 39% G + C content. </LI> <LI> Four plasmids have no genes involved in primary metabolism, thereby sequential elimination of plasmids may result in a higher transformation efficiency. </LI> <LI> This report will facilitate the understanding and application of <I>L. citreum</I> as a food-grade microbial cell factory. </LI> </UL> </P>

Fabrication of highly efficient coatable polarizer from tolane-based smectic reactive mesogen

He, Rui,Oh, Enche,Ye, Yang,Wen, Pushan,Jeong, Kwang-Un,Lee, Seung Hee,Li, Xiang-Dan,Lee, Myong-Hoon Elsevier 2019 Polymer Vol.176 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>This work is aimed to fabricate ultra-thin coatable polarizers on a single substrate based on “host-guest” effect between highly ordered smectic reactive mesogen (RM) and dichroic dye. We designed and synthesized a new tolane-based RM with a highly ordered smectic A phase at room temperature. Polymerizable “host-guest” mixture was formulated from the host RM, dichroic dye and additives, then spin-coated on a single substrate having an alignment layer. Subsequent in-situ photopolymerization by UV irradiation successfully resulted in a coatable polarizer with good polarizing properties. The fabricated coatable polarizer showed a dichroic ratio (DR) of 16.4 and a degree of polarization (DOP) of 99.3% with the thickness of 4 μm. The resulting coatable polarizer possessed a considerable solvent resistance, good thermal stability and robust mechanical properties. Moreover, we prepared a TN-mode LC cell by using the prepared coatable polarizers inside the cell (in-cell), in which the coatable polarizers acted as a polarizer and an alignment layer, simultaneously. The resulting TN cell with in-cell polarizers exhibited a decent electro-optical behavior. We believe that the coatable polarizer proposed in this study possesses practical application potential in ultra-thin LCDs or flexible OLEDs.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Reactive mesogen with smectic A phase was synthesized for coatable polarizer. </LI> <LI> Coatable polarizer was fabricated on a single substrate by “host-guest” method. </LI> <LI> Coatable polarizer exhibits considerable optical property and excellent stability. </LI> <LI> LCD with in-cell structure was demonstrated by using the prepared coatable polarizer. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Research on Configuration Process of Nuclear Power Valve Design System based on Axiomatic Design

Li Yuan,Dai Ye,Li Kun 보안공학연구지원센터 2014 International Journal of Control and Automation Vol.7 No.10

In order to construct the design system of nuclear power valve, the axiomatic design theory is introduced in configuration process of the valve structure design. According to the functional requirement and the complex mechanical structure of the nuclear power valves, the relationship model between design parameters and functional requirements is created by using the“zigzagging”mapping. Then the design matrix can be established and the design order can be planned. After that, the complete mapping table in design process is established through decoupling to quasi-coupling design, and the valve design process according to axiomatic method is constructed. On this basis, a rapid design system is constructed by combining the structural features with the multi-characteristic optimization requirement, in which the configuration process model established by axiomatic method provides valve design in integrated system with reasonable navigation and improves the rationality and the objectivity in design development process.

Treatment of Periodontal Bone Defects with Stem Cells from Inflammatory Dental Pulp Tissues in Miniature Swine

Ye Li,Xi Nan,Tian-Yu Zhong,Tong Li,Ang Li 한국조직공학과 재생의학회 2019 조직공학과 재생의학 Vol.16 No.2

BACKGROUND: Containing a certain proportion of mesenchymal stem cells, inflammatory dental tissue showed great tissue regeneration potential in recent years. However, whether it is applicable to promote tissue regeneration in vivo remains to be elucidated. Therefore, we evaluated the feasibility of stem cells from inflammatory dental pulp tissues (DPSCs-IPs) to reconstruct periodontal defects in miniature pigs. METHODS: The autologous pig DPSCs-IPs were first cultured, appraised and loaded onto b-tricalcium phosphate (b- TCP). The compounds were then engrafted into an artificially-created periodontal defect. Three months later, the extent of periodontal regeneration was evaluated. Clinical examination, radiological examination and immunohistochemical staining were used to assess periodontal regeneration. RESULTS: The data collectively showed that DPSCs-IPs from miniature pigs expressed moderate to high levels of STRO-1 and CD146 as well as low levels of CD34 and CD45. DPSCs-IPs have osteogentic, adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation abilities. DPSCs-IPs were engrafted onto b-TCP and regenerated bone to repair periodontal defects by 3 months’ post-surgical reconstruction. CONCLUSION: Autologous DPSCs-IPs may be a feasible means of periodontal regeneration in miniature pigs.

Effective leaching and extraction of valuable metals from electrode material of spent lithium-ion batteries using mixed organic acids leachant

Yuanpeng Fu,Yaqun He,Hangchao Chen,Cuiling Ye,Qichang Lu,Rongnian Li,Weining Xie,Jie Wang 한국공업화학회 2019 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.79 No.-

The present work focuses on simultaneous recycling of Li and Co from crushed products of mixedelectrode materials using mixed organic acids, in which benzenesulfonic acid and formic acid werecooperatively used as the leaching reagents. Results show that the optimal leaching efficiency of 97% Coand 99% Li were obtained under the conditions of 1.3 mol/L benzenesulfonic acid, 1.5 mol/L formic acid, asolid to liquid (S/L) ratio of 30 g/L, and 40 min reaction time at 50 C. Meanwhile, the leaching of Li and Cofits well to logarithmic rate model with apparent activation energy of 32.7 and 47.0 kJ/mol in this givenleaching system, respectively. Besides, cobalt was directly recovered from the leach liquor as pure cobaltbenzene sulfonic with the recovery efficiency of 99%, and lithium can be entirely precipitated by addingphosphoric acid. Further, the reaction mechanism involves the leaching-hydrating-complexing model ofLiCoO2 particles was proposed based on the dissolution behavior of metals and then verified bymorphological and phase characterization (i.e. FT-IR, XRD and SEM-EDS) of the recycling product. Thewhole process is found to be effective and sustainable for recovery of Li, Co and graphite from mixedindustrial crushing product of spent LIBs.