Study of H2O adsorption on sulfides surfaces and thermokinetic analysis

Cuihua Zhao,Jian-Hua Chen,Xianhao Long,Jin Guo 한국공업화학회 2014 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.20 No.2

Adsorption of water on mineral surfaces was studied using density functional theory andmicrocalorimetry technique. The calculation results show that galena and molybdenite are hydrophobic,while pyrite and sphalerite is hydrophilic. Thermokinetic analysis shows that the heat of adsorption is indecreasing order of pyrite, sphalerite, galena and molybdenite, which is in good agreement with thecalculation results. The adsorption kinetics parameters of hydrophobic galena and molybdenite surfacesare close, while those of hydrophilic pyrite and sphalerite surfaces are very different. The adsorption rateof water on the sphalerite surface is larger than that of water on the pyrite surface.

Analysis of cytosine methylation status in potato by methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphisms under low-temperature stress

Cuihua Xin,Ruikun Hou,Fei Wu,Yibo Zhao,Huanhuan Xiao,Wantong Si,Md Emran Ali,Lu Cai,Jiangbo Guo 한국식물학회 2015 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.58 No.6

China is the leading producer of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) in the world. However, low-temperature stress can severely restrict the yield and quality of potato crops in that country. We used methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphisms (MSAPs) to analyze how such stress might alter the status of cytosine methylation in potato cultivar ‘Atlantic’. Over 2400 loci were identified and assessed for DNA methylation in chilling-treated and control plants. The level of cytosine methylation increased from 37.71% to 56.51% after 48 h of treatment but then decreased to 42.14% after 60 h of chilling. Stress-induced changes in the banding patterns of DNA methylation primarily resulted from full methylation of CG (internal cytosine of 5’-CCGG-3’) on double DNA strands. We sequenced 78 polymorphic DNA fragments and blasted them against NCBI. Expression patterns of 4 genes were then assessed via semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The expression patterns of genes related to chilling stress appeared to be regulated by the methylation or demethylation status in potato.

Study on SO4 2-/ZrO2-MoO3 in the integrative transformation of cottonseed oil deodorizing distillate

Cuihua Li,Yuexia Zhao,Bin Dai 한국공업화학회 2012 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.18 No.1

With the integrative transformation of non a-tocopherols, glycerides, free fatty acids, and methyl alcohol in cottonseed oil deodorizing distillate as the target reaction, we prepared highly catalytic SO42/ZrO2-MoO3 solid acid catalyst by precipitation–wet impregnation. The optimal conditions for catalyst preparation were then determined by varying sulfuric acid concentration, MoO3 loading factor,calcination temperature, and calcination time. The structure of SO42-/ZrO2-MoO3 solid acid catalyst was then examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller measurements, scanning electron microscopy, and other methods. Results show that the MoO3 loading factor (percentage weight ratio of MoO3 to ZrO2), impregnation concentration of sulfuric acid, and calcination temperature were the most important factors that influenced catalytic activity. The optimal conditions for catalyst preparation were an MoO3 loading factor of 20%, a sulfuric acid impregnation concentration of 0.75 mol/L, a calcination temperature of 550 8C, and a calcination time of 6 h. The obtained catalyst exhibited the highest catalytic activity under these conditions.

Identification and expression analysis of the bZIP and WRKY gene families during anthocyanins biosynthesis in Lagerstroemia indica L

Gu Cuihua,Hong Sidan,Wang Jie,Shang Linxue,Zhang Guozhe,Zhao Yu,Ma Qingqing,Ma Dandan 한국원예학회 2024 Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology Vol.65 No.1

Lagerstroemia indica is a summer ornamental fl owering tree, belonging to the Lythraceae family. Its fl ower color is a key ornamental characteristic. Recent research indicates that WRKY and bZIP transcription factors play important role in f l ower color formation. Based on the transcriptome database of L. indica , this study identifi ed 85 LibZIPs and 61 LiWRKYs from the L. indica transcriptome database and analyzed their expression profi les using qRT-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis divided LibZIPs into 11 subfamilies and LiWRKYs into six subfamilies. Nine LibZIPs and four LiWRKYs were found to have higher expression in colored samples compared to the white sample. LibZIP31 , LibZIP65 , LibZIP34 , LiWRKY16 , LiWRKY25 , LiWRKY40 , and LiWRKY67 may play important roles in fl ower color formation in L. indica . These results provide valuable information for further functional analysis of the bZIP and WRKY genes families in L. indica and help clarify their roles in fl ower color formation.

Composite varistors based on epoxy resin/La_0.8Sr_0.2MnO₃

Yang, Xinsheng,Kim, Hern,Yang, Liqin,Cheng, Cuihua,Zhao, Yong SAGE Publications 2014 Journal of composite materials Vol.48 No.6

<P>Polymer/perovskite manganese oxide (epoxy resin/La<SUB>0.8</SUB>Sr<SUB>0.2</SUB>MnO<SUB>3</SUB>) composites are prepared using bonded method. There is no reaction between La<SUB>0.8</SUB>Sr<SUB>0.2</SUB>MnO<SUB>3</SUB> and the polymer. The nonlinear current–voltage property is significantly affected by the content of polymer. The resistivity and nonlinear coefficient increase with the increase of polymer content. The resistivity of the composites is 5–9 orders of magnitude higher than that of the sintering ceramics. The nonlinear electrical behavior is an intrinsic property. Compared with conventional sintered ceramic varistors, the polymer/manganese oxide composite varistors have greater nonlinear coefficient above 45.</P>

Photoelectrochemical and Charge Transfer Properties of SnS/TiO2 Heterostructure Nanotube Arrays

Yongfang Jia,Feng Yang,Fanggong Cai,Cuihua Cheng,Yong Zhao 대한금속·재료학회 2013 ELECTRONIC MATERIALS LETTERS Vol.9 No.3

SnS/TiO2 heterostructure nanotube arrays (NTAs) were synthesized through a successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction process. The photoelectrochemical (PEC) property of SnS/TiO2 heterostructure NTAs was evaluated in liquid junction PEC solar cells. The results revealed that SnS/TiO2 heterostructure NTAs exhibited PEC property with an open-circuit voltage of 1.08 V, a short-circuit current density of 1.55 mA/cm2, and a conversion efficiency of 0.75% under 1 sun illumination. These values are higher than those of pristine SnS nanoparticles and TiO2 NTAs. Surface photovoltage spectroscopy and phase spectroscopy measurements were conducted to verify the formation of heterojunction and probe charge transfer between SnS and TiO2NTAs. The PEC property and surface photovoltaic response enhancement of SnS/TiO2 heterostructure NTAs can be attributed to the enhanced electron-hole separation due to the effect of interfacial electric field in SnS/TiO2 heterostructure NTAs.

Discovery and validation of PURA as a transcription target of 20(S)-protopanaxadiol: Implications for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction

Feiyan Chen,Wenjing Zhang,Shuyi Xu,Hantao Zhang,Lin Chen,Cuihua Chen,Zhu Zhu,Yunan Zhao 고려인삼학회 2023 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.47 No.5

Background: 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (PPD), a ginsenoside metabolite, has prominent benefits for thecentral nervous system, especially in improving learning and memory. However, its transcriptionaltargets in brain tissue remain unknown. Methods: In this study, we first used mass spectrometry-based drug affinity responsive target stability(DARTS) to identify the potential proteins of ginsenosides and intersected them with the transcriptionfactor library. Second, the transcription factor PURA was confirmed as a target of PPD by biolayerinterferometry (BLI) and molecular docking. Next, the effect of PPD on the transcriptional levels of targetgenes of PURA in brain tissues was determined by qRT-PCR. Finally, bioinformatics analysis was used toanalyze the potential biological features of these target proteins. Results: The results showed three overlapping transcription factors between the proteomics of DARTSand transcription factor library. BLI analysis further showed that PPD had a higher direct interaction withPURA than parent ginsenosides. Subsequently, BLI kinetic analysis, molecular docking, and mutations inkey amino acids of PURA indicated that PPD specifically bound to PURA. The results of qRT-PCR showedthat PPD could increase the transcription levels of PURA target genes in brain. Finally, bioinformaticsanalysis showed that these target proteins were involved in learning and memory function. Conclusion: The above-mentioned findings indicate that PURA is a transcription target of PPD in brain,and PPD upregulate the transcription levels of target genes related to cognitive dysfunction by bindingPURA, which could provide a chemical and biological basis for the study of treating cognitive impairmentby targeting PURA.

Protein target identification of ginsenosides in skeletal muscle tissues: discovery of natural small-molecule activators of muscle-type creatine kinase

Chen, Feiyan,Zhu, Kexuan,Chen, Lin,Ouyang, Liufeng,Chen, Cuihua,Gu, Ling,Jiang, Yucui,Wang, Zhongli,Lin, Zixuan,Zhang, Qiang,Shao, Xiao,Dai, Jianguo,Zhao, Yunan The Korean Society of Ginseng 2020 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.44 No.3

Background: Ginseng effectively reduces fatigue in both animal models and clinical trials. However, the mechanism of action is not completely understood, and its molecular targets remain largely unknown. Methods: By screening for proteins that interact with the primary components of ginseng (ginsenosides) in an affinity chromatography assay, we have identified muscle-type creatine kinase (CK-MM) as a potential target in skeletal muscle tissues. Results: Biolayer interferometry analysis showed that ginsenoside metabolites, instead of parent ginsenosides, had direct interaction with recombinant human CK-MM. Subsequently, 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (PPD), which is a ginsenoside metabolite and displayed the strongest interaction with CK-MM in the study, was selected as a representative to confirm direct binding and its biological importance. Biolayer interferometry kinetics analysis and isothermal titration calorimetry assay demonstrated that PPD specifically bound to human CK-MM. Moreover, the mutation of key amino acids predicted by molecular docking decreased the affinity between PPD and CK-MM. The direct binding activated CK-MM activity in vitro and in vivo, which increased the levels of tissue phosphocreatine and strengthened the function of the creatine kinase/phosphocreatine system in skeletal muscle, thus buffering cellular ATP, delaying exercise-induced lactate accumulation, and improving exercise performance in mice. Conclusion: Our results suggest a cellular target and an initiating molecular event by which ginseng reduces fatigue. All these findings indicate PPD as a small molecular activator of CK-MM, which can help in further developing better CK-MM activators based on the dammarane-type triterpenoid structure.

Protein target identifi cation of ginsenosides in skeletal muscle tissues: discovery of natural smallmolecule activators of muscle-type creatine kinase

Feiyan Chen,Kexuan Zhu,Lin Chen,Liufeng Ouyang,Cuihua Chen,Ling Gu,Yucui Jiang,Zhongli Wang,Zixuan Lin,Qiang Zhang,Xiao Shao,Jianguo Dai,Yunan Zhao 고려인삼학회 2020 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.44 No.3

Background: Ginseng effectively reduces fatigue in both animal models and clinical trials. However, themechanism of action is not completely understood, and its molecular targets remain largely unknown. Methods: By screening for proteins that interact with the primary components of ginseng (ginsenosides)in an affinity chromatography assay, we have identified muscle-type creatine kinase (CK-MM) as a potentialtarget in skeletal muscle tissues. Results: Biolayer interferometry analysis showed that ginsenoside metabolites, instead of parent ginsenosides,had direct interaction with recombinant human CK-MM. Subsequently, 20(S)-protopanaxadiol(PPD), which is a ginsenoside metabolite and displayed the strongest interaction with CK-MM in thestudy, was selected as a representative to confirm direct binding and its biological importance. Biolayerinterferometry kinetics analysis and isothermal titration calorimetry assay demonstrated that PPDspecifically bound to human CK-MM. Moreover, the mutation of key amino acids predicted by moleculardocking decreased the affinity between PPD and CK-MM. The direct binding activated CK-MM activityin vitro and in vivo, which increased the levels of tissue phosphocreatine and strengthened the functionof the creatine kinase/phosphocreatine system in skeletal muscle, thus buffering cellular ATP, delayingexercise-induced lactate accumulation, and improving exercise performance in mice. Conclusion: Our results suggest a cellular target and an initiating molecular event by which ginsengreduces fatigue. All these findings indicate PPD as a small molecular activator of CK-MM, which can helpin further developing better CK-MM activators based on the dammarane-type triterpenoid structure.

Target engagement of ginsenosides in mild cognitive impairment using mass spectrometry-based drug affinity responsive target stability

Zhu, Zhu,Li, Ruimei,Qin, Wei,Zhang, Hantao,Cheng, Yao,Chen, Feiyan,Chen, Cuihua,Chen, Lin,Zhao, Yunan The Korean Society of Ginseng 2022 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.46 No.6

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transitional condition between normality and dementia. Ginseng is known to have effects on attenuating cognitive deficits in neurogenerative diseases. Ginsenosides are the main bioactive component of ginseng, and their protein targets have not been fully understood. Furthermore, no thorough analysis is reported in ginsenoside-related protein targets in MCI. Methods: The candidate protein targets of ginsenosides in brain tissues were identified by drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) coupled with label-free liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. Network pharmacology approach was used to collect the therapeutic targets for MCI. Based on the above-mentioned overlapping targets, we built up a proteineprotein interaction (PPI) network in STRING database and conducted gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis. Finally, we assessed the effects of ginseng total saponins (GTS) and different ginsenosides on mitochondrial function by measuring the activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex and performing molecular docking. Results: We screened 2526 MCI-related protein targets by databases and 349 ginsenoside-related protein targets by DARTS. On the basis of these 81 overlapping genes, enrichment analysis showed the mitochondria played an important role in GTS-mediated MCI pharmacological process. Mitochondrial function analysis showed GTS, protopanaxatriol (PPT), and Rd increased the activities of complex I in a dose-dependent manner. Molecular docking also predicted the docking pockets between PPT or Rd and mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I. Conclusion: This study indicated that ginsenosides might alleviate MCI by targeting respiratory chain complex I and regulating mitochondrial function, supporting ginseng's therapeutic application in cognitive deficits.