A moment-matching robust collaborative optimization method

Fenfen Xiong,Gaorong Sun,Ying Xiong,Shuxing Yang 대한기계학회 2014 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.28 No.4

Robust collaborative optimization (RCO) is a widely used approach to design multidisciplinary system under uncertainty. In most ofthe existing RCO frameworks, the mean of the state variable is considered as auxiliary design variable and the implicit uncertainty propagationmethod is employed for estimating their uncertainties (interval or standard deviation), which are then used to calculate uncertaintiesin the ending performances. However, as repeated calculation of the global sensitivity equations (GSE) is demanded during the optimizationprocess of the existing approaches, it is typically very cumbersome or even impossible to obtain GSE for many practical engineeringproblems due to the non-smoothness and discontinuity of the black-box-type analysis models. To address this issue, a new RCOmethod is proposed in this paper, in which the standard deviation of the state variable is introduced as auxiliary design variable in additionto the mean. Accordingly, interdisciplinary compatibility constraint on the standard deviation of state variable is added to enhancethe design compatibility between various disciplines. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through two mathematicalexamples. The results generated by the conventional robust all-in-one (RAIO) approach are used as benchmarks for comparison. Ourstudy shows that the optimal solutions produced by the proposed RCO method are highly close to those of RAIO while exhibiting goodinterdisciplinary compatibility.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Alterations in Resting Heart Rate Variability: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Fenfen Ge,Minlan Yuan,Ying Li,Wei Zhang 대한신경정신의학회 2020 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.17 No.1

Objective: The functions of both the central and peripheral autonomic nervous system, indexed by heart rate variability (HRV), are affected by psychology and physiology. This review summarizes the results of studies comparing the evaluation of HRV parameters between individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and healthy controls. Methods: Eligible studies (n=499) were identified through literature searches of the EMBASE, Medline, PubMed and Web of Science databases. Nineteen studies met our inclusion criteria. A random effects model was used, and standardized mean differences for high-frequency HRV(HF-HRV), low-frequency HRV(LF-HRV) and the root mean square of successive R-R interval differences (RMSSD) were calculated. Results: Significant effects were found for HF-HRV [p<0.0001, Z=4.18; Hedges’g=-1.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) (-2.32, -0.84); k=14] and RMSSD [p<0.00001, Z=4.80; Hedges’g=-1.96, 95% CI (-2.76, -1.16); k=9] relative to healthy controls. Considerable heterogeneity was revealed, but the main effects for HF-HRV and RMSSD were robust in subsequent meta-regression and subgroup analyses. Conclusion: Given the relationships among low vagal state, inflammation, and alterations in brain structure and function, including executive function and emotion regulation, reduced HRV may be regarded as an endophenotype in PTSD research.

A double weighted stochastic response surface method for reliability analysis

Fenfen Xiong 대한기계학회 2012 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.26 No.8

The weighted stochastic response surface method (WSRSM) has been demonstrated to be effective in improving the accuracy of the estimation of statistical moments and probability of failure (PoF) upon the stochastic response surface method (SRSM). However, it has been noticed that the weighting method in WSRSM may have little and sometimes negative impact on PoF estimation especially in the cases of low PoF. To mitigate this issue, a new double weighted SRSM (DWSRSM) is proposed that the weights of sample points are determined based on their importance not only to regression but also to PoF estimation. Specifically, relatively larger weights are assigned to points closer to the failure surface, which significantly accounts for the accuracy of PoF estimation. Comparative studies show that DWSRSM outperforms WSRSM producing more accurate PoF estimation without incurring additional function evaluations. An application of DWSRSM to the rocket design further demonstrates its effectiveness for PoF estimation.

Polysaccharide from the Seeds of Plantago asiatica L. Protect Against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Liver Injury

Fenfen Li,Danfei Huang,Shaoping Nie,Mingyong Xie 한국식품영양과학회 2019 Journal of medicinal food Vol.22 No.10

Previous studies have proven that polysaccharide obtained from the seeds of Plantago asiatica L. (PLCP) could induce maturation of murine dendritic cells, promote defecation, and possess antioxidant activity in vitro. However, the effect of PLCP on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver injury in mice has been rarely reported. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of PLCP on LPS-induced liver injury. Mice were pretreated orally with different dose of PLCP for 3 weeks. On day 22, they were injected intraperitoneally with LPS and sacrificed 12 h later. The results showed that PLCP inhibited the excessive production of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-2, and IL-1β in mouse serum and liver. PLCP also improved glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity activities in mouse liver. In addition, PLCP inhibited nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2 expression, and increased metallothionein production in mouse liver. Consequently, PLCP may possess protective effects on inflammatory associated liver injury.

The Emerging Importance of Mitochondria in White Adipocytes: Neither Last nor Least

Juan Cai,Fenfen Wang,Mengle Shao 대한내분비학회 2023 Endocrinology and metabolism Vol.38 No.5

The growing recognition of mitochondria’s crucial role in the regulation of white adipose tissue remodeling and energy balance underscores its significance. The marked metabolic diversity of mitochondria provides the molecular and cellular foundation for enabling adipose tissue plasticity in response to various metabolic cues. Effective control of mitochondrial function at the cellular level, not only in thermogenic brown and beige adipocytes but also in energy-storing white adipocytes, exerts a profound influence on adipose homeostasis. Furthermore, mitochondria play a pivotal role in intercellular communication within adipose tissue via production of metabolites with signaling properties. A more comprehensive understanding of mitochondrial regulation within white adipocytes will empower the development of targeted and efficacious strategies to enhance adipose function, leading to advancements in overall metabolic health.

Patterns of Depression and Resilience in Children and Adolescents Exposed to an Earthquake: A Latent Profile Analysis

Yue Wang,Fenfen Ge,Mentong Wan,Jun Zhang 대한신경정신의학회 2021 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.18 No.6

Objective Depression and resilience are different psychological outcomes caused by experiencing traumatic events. We aimed to 1) explore heterogeneity patterns of co-occurrence between depression symptoms and resilience among children and adolescents exposed to an earthquake and 2) assess covariates (trauma exposure, sex, age, ethnicity, and sleep quality) in identifying the best fitting solution. Methods Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to examine patterns of self-reported depression and resilience in an epidemiological sample of 2,887 Chinese youth survivors 1 year after the Lushan earthquake. Results A suitable 3-class model were identified, which are mild depression/high resilience (65.0%), severe depression/high resilience (22.1%), and severe depression/low resilience (12.9%). Trauma exposure, demographic characteristics and sleep state can be used to identify the different latent classes. Conclusion Our results contribute to understanding the heterogeneous coexisting patterns of depression and resilience and provide suggestions for identifying high-risk youth survivors and offering effective interventions.

Effects of Supercritical CO2 Treatment on Color, Lipid Oxidation, Heme Iron, Non-Heme Iron and Metmyoglobin Contents in Ground Pork

Shirong Huang,Min Tang,Fenfen Chen,Shengnan Zhao,Dongfang Chen 한국축산식품학회 2024 한국축산식품학회지 Vol.44 No.2

The color, lipid oxidation, heme iron (HI) and non-heme iron (NHI) contents, metmyoglobin content and Soret band of myoglobin of ground pork subjected to supercritical CO2 treatment under different conditions, or to heat treatment (40℃, 2 h) and subsequent storage at 4℃ were evaluated during 9-day period. Supercritical CO2 treatment significantly increased CIE L* and CIE b* values of ground pork during subsequent storage, while the HI content was slightly affected. In general, CIE a* value and metmyoglobin content were decreased. Supercritical CO2 treatment for 2 h could increase the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) value, while treatment for 1 h or less had no effect. The NHI content could be increased only after treatment at above 40℃ or 17.2 MPa for 2 h. The Soret band of myoglobin was shifted to longer wavelength. Increasing treatment temperature from 35℃ to 45℃ could increase CIE L*, CIE a*, CIE b* and TBARS values, HI and NHI contents of the ground pork, while decreasing metmyoglobin content. As the treatment pressure increased from 13.8 MPa to 20.7 MPa, CIE b* and TBARS values were decreased, while the NHI and metmyoglobin contents were increased. However, the other parameters were unchanged. Extending exposure time from 0.5 h to 2 h could increase CIE L*, CIE b* and TBARS values, HI contents, while decreasing CIE a* value and metmyoglobin content. Correlation analysis showed that the TBARS value was significantly and negatively correlated with the HI content or metmyoglobin content in samples treated at 40℃ or above for 2 h.

Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) protects against cystic pulmonary fibrosis associated‑inflammation through inhibition of NF‑κB and MAPK singnaling

Jinli Wang,Hongyang Zhao,Fenfen Xu,Piaopiao Zhang,Yuan Zheng,Nan Jia 한국유전학회 2019 Genes & Genomics Vol.41 No.9

Background Cystic pulmonary fibrosis (CF) affects mostly the lung of the newborns. Chronic infection and inflammation become the major causes of morbidity and mortality in CF. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms causing CF still remain unclear. Methods ELISA assay was used to examine the expression of HE4 and pro-inflammatory cytokines in W126VA4 cells supernatant fluid. qRT-PCR was applicable to determine the mRNA level of HE4, α-SMA, collagen 1, MMP2, MMP9 and various interleukins. Immunofluorescent assay was used to test the expression of HE4 in WI-26 VA4 cells. Major elements of MAPK and NF-κB signals pathways were examined by western blot. Results We found higher expression of HE4 in CF patients serum and lung biopsy. Interestingly, HE4 expression was positively correlated with fibrosis markers expression. In addition,HE4 overexpression increased inflammatory cytokines secretion and fibrosis markers expression in WI-26 VA4 cells. And NF-κB pathways were responsible for elevated inflammation. In addition, HE4/MAPK/MMPs signaling cascades destroyed the normal extracellular matrix (ECM) and promoted fibrosis. Conclusions Overall, we first identified that HE4 promoted CF-associated inflammation. Additionally, NF-κB and MAPK signalings were further validated to be responsible for CF-associated inflammation and ECM destruction. Characterization of lumacaftor/ivacaftor in CF-associated inflammation may provide a novel insight into clinical CF treatment.

Hepatitis C Virus Nonstructural 5A Protein (HCV-NS5A) Inhibits Hepatocyte Apoptosis through the NF-κb/miR-503/bcl-2 Pathway

Zhengyuan Xie,Zhihua Xiao,Fenfen Wang 한국분자세포생물학회 2017 Molecules and cells Vol.40 No.3

The nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) encoded by the human hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA genome is a multifunctional phosphoprotein. To analyse the influence of NS5A on apoptosis, we established an Hep-NS5A cell line (HepG2 cells that stably express NS5A) and induced apoptosis using tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-. We utilised the MTT assay to detect cell viability, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot to analyse gene and protein expres-sion, and a luciferase reporter gene experiment to investigate the targeted regulatory relationship. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to identify the combination of NF-B and miR-503. We found that overexpression of NS5A inhibited TNF--induced hepatocellular apoptosis via regulating miR-503 expression. The cell viability of the TNF- induced Hep-mock cells was significantly less than the viability of the TNF- induced Hep-NS5A cells, which demonstrates that NS5A inhibited TNF--induced HepG2 cell apoptosis. Under TNF- treatment, miR-503 expression was decreased and cell viability and B-cell lymphoma 2 (bcl-2) expression were increased in the Hep-NS5A cells. Moreover, the luciferase reporter gene experiment verified that bcl-2 was a direct target of miR-503, NS5A inhibited TNF--induced NF-B activation and NF-B regulated miR-503 transcription by combining with the miR-503 promoter. After the Hep-NS5A cells were transfected with miR-503 mimics, the data indicated that the mimics could reverse TNF--induced cell apoptosis and blc-2 expression. Collectively, our findings suggest a possible molecular mechanism that may contribute to HCV treatment in which NS5A inhibits NF-B activation to decrease miR-503 expression and increase bcl-2 expression, which leads to a decrease in hepatocellular apoptosis.

Identification of cyst wall proteins of the hypotrich ciliate Euplotes encysticus using a proteomics approach

Bangzheng Wang,Tao Niu,Muhammad Zeeshan Bhatti,Fenfen Chen,Lin Wu,Jiwu Chen 한국미생물학회 2017 The journal of microbiology Vol.55 No.7

Euplotes encysticus is a species of Hypotrich ciliates, which form cyst wall by secreting the special substances on encounter of adverse environment. It has critical significance to study the component and mechanism underlying resting cyst, during resisting unfavorable conditions in dormancy induction. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of cyst wall proteins of Euplotes encysticus by using biochemical methods. Therefore, protein extracts were separated by SDSPAGE, identified and analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS and Bioinformatics tools. We detected 42 cyst wall proteins, 26 were functional proteins and 16 proteins consist of unknown function; which is consistent with cyst wall specificity. These results partially revealed the components of resting cyst wall formed after the cells differentiation of Euplotes encysticus. In addition, our data suggested that the function of cyst wall proteins are more likely involved in the mechanical protection, signal transduction, material transport, protein degradation and energy metabolism to survival, with potentially importance implications in the molecular mechanism of eukaryocyte dormancy under stress condition.