Experimental Study on Shear Behavior of BFRP-reinforced Recycled Aggregate Concrete Deep Beams without Stirrups

Hua-xin Liu,Jian-Wei Yang,Xue-zhi Wang,Ding-Jie Han 대한토목학회 2017 KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering Vol.21 No.6

This paper describes an experimental investigation to evaluate the shear performance of basalt Fiber-reinforced Polymer (BFRP)- reinforced recycled aggregate concrete deep beams without stirrups. A total of 13 beams were tested under four-point loading until failure: nine were reinforced with BFRP bars, and four were reinforced with steel bars. The parameters of this experiment included the shear-span-to-depth ratio (a/d), reinforcement ratio of the longitudinal bar (ρ), sectional effective depth (d) and compressive strength of the recycled concrete ( ). The shear behavior of the beams was described in terms of the crack type, failure mode, shear strength and load-deformation relationship. The effects of the experimental variables on shear capacities and deflections of the tested beams were also investigated. The experimental results showed that the shear capacity of BFRP-reinforced beams was smaller than that of steel-reinforced beams. Additionally, the deformation of BFRP-reinforced beams was larger than that of steel-reinforced ones. The shear capacity of BFRP-reinforced recycled concrete beams without stirrups showed a linear relationship with the sectional effective depth d and was proportional to (d/a)4/3, (ρ)1/5 and ( )1/3. Meanwhile, four existing codes were used to predict the shear strength of test beams and the CSA806-02 gave the better results.

Sputum Metabolomic Profiling Reveals Metabolic Pathways and Signatures Associated With Inflammatory Phenotypes in Patients With Asthma

Liu Ying,Zhang Xin,Zhang Li,Oliver Brian G,Wang Hong Guang,Liu Zhi Peng,Chen Zhi Hong,Wood Lisa,Hsu Alan Chen-Yu,Xie Min,McDonald Vanessa,Wan Hua Jing,Luo Feng Ming,Liu Dan,Li Wei Min,Wang Gang 대한천식알레르기학회 2022 Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research Vol.14 No.4

Purpose: The molecular links between metabolism and inflammation that drive different inflammatory phenotypes in asthma are poorly understood. We aimed to identify the metabolic signatures and underlying molecular pathways of different inflammatory asthma phenotypes. Methods: In the discovery set (n = 119), untargeted ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) was applied to characterize the induced sputum metabolic profiles of asthmatic patients with different inflammatory phenotypes using orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and pathway topology enrichment analysis. In the validation set (n = 114), differential metabolites were selected to perform targeted quantification. Correlations between targeted metabolites and clinical indices in asthmatic patients were analyzed. Logistic and negative binomial regression models were established to assess the association between metabolites and severe asthma exacerbations. Results: Seventy-seven differential metabolites were identified in the discovery set. Pathway topology analysis uncovered that histidine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism as well as phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis were involved in the pathogenesis of different asthma phenotypes. In the validation set, 24 targeted quantification metabolites were significantly expressed between asthma inflammatory phenotypes. Finally, adenosine 5′-monophosphate (adjusted relative risk [adj RR] = 1.000; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.000–1.000; P = 0.050), allantoin (adj RR = 1.000; 95% CI = 1.000–1.000; P = 0.043) and nicotinamide (adj RR = 1.001; 95% CI = 1.000–1.002; P = 0.021) were demonstrated to predict severe asthma exacerbation rates. Conclusions: Different inflammatory asthma phenotypes have specific metabolic profiles in induced sputum. The potential metabolic signatures may identify therapeutic targets in different inflammatory asthma phenotypes.

Identification and Mapping of a Thermo-Sensitive Genic Self-Incompatibility Gene in Maize

Xin Ge Lin,Hui Ling Xie,Zhang Ying Xi,Yan Min Hu,Guang Yuan Zhao,Liu Jing Duan,Zong You Hao,Zong Hua Liu,Ji Hua Tang 한국유전학회 2009 Genes & Genomics Vol.31 No.3

In this study, we describe a novel ecological self-incompatibility (SI) line HE97 in maize. The main environmental factors influencing the inbred line characteristics were identified through field sowing trials during a two-year study period (2001 and 2002). The results showed that daily minimum temperature had the greatest effect on floral morphology and breeding system of the SI line. In staminate floret differentiation, when the daily minimum temperature exceeded 24℃, the line exhibited complete self-compatibility; however SI was observed when the daily minimum temperature was below 20℃. Therefore, we characterized the line as exhibiting thermo-sensitive genic self-incompatibility (TGSI). A set of F2 and F2:3 populations, derived from the inbred lines HE97 and Z58, were evaluated for two years to elucidate the TGSI line patterns of inheritance. Classical genetic analyses and QTL mapping results revealed that HE97 self-incompatibility was governed by a single allele, named here as tgsi1. The tgsi1 gene was mapped to chromosome 2 between SSR markers nc131 and bnlg1633, with a distance of 2.40 cM from nc131 and 2.44 cM from bnlg1633.

Indole-3-propionic acid inhibits gut dysbiosis and endotoxin leakage to attenuate steatohepatitis in rats

Ze-Hua Zhao,Feng-Zhi Xin,Yaqian Xue,Zhimin Hu,Yamei Han,Fengguang Ma,Da Zhou,Xiao-Lin Liu,Aoyuan Cui,Zhengshuai Liu,Yuxiao Liu,Jing Gao,Qin Pan,Yu Li,Jian-Gao Fan 생화학분자생물학회 2019 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.51 No.-

Microbial metabolites have emerged as critical components that mediate the metabolic effects of the gut microbiota. Here, we show that indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), a tryptophan metabolite produced by gut bacteria, is a potent anti-non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) microbial metabolite. Here, we demonstrate that administration of IPA modulates the microbiota composition in the gut and inhibits microbial dysbiosis in rats fed a high-fat diet. IPA induces the expression of tight junction proteins, such as ZO-1 and Occludin, and maintains intestinal epithelium homeostasis, leading to a reduction in plasma endotoxin levels. Interestingly, IPA inhibits NF-κB signaling and reduces the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6, in response to endotoxin in macrophages to repress hepatic inflammation and liver injury. Moreover, IPA is sufficient to inhibit the expression of fibrogenic and collagen genes and attenuate diet-induced NASH phenotypes. The beneficial effects of IPA on the liver are likely mediated through inhibiting the production of endotoxin in the gut. These findings suggest a protective role of IPA in the control of metabolism and uncover the gut microbiome and liver cross-talk in regulating the intestinal microenvironment and liver pathology via a novel dietary nutrient metabolite. IPA may provide a new therapeutic strategy for treating NASH.

D-Galactose Induces a Mitochondrial Complex I Deficiency in Mouse Skeletal Muscle: Potential Benefits of Nutrient Combination in Ameliorating Muscle Impairment

Liao Chang,Xin Liu,Jing Liu,Hua Li,Yanshen Yang,Jia Liu,Zihao Guo,Ke Xiao,Chen Zhang,Jiankang Liu,Xi Zhao-Wilson,Jiangang Long 한국식품영양과학회 2014 Journal of medicinal food Vol.17 No.3

Accumulating research has shown that chronic D-galactose (D-gal) exposure induces symptoms similar to natural aging in animals. Therefore, rodents chronically exposed to D-gal are increasingly used as a model for aging and delay-of-aging pharmacological research. Mitochondrial dysfunction is thought to play a vital role in aging and age-related diseases; however, whether mitochondrial dysfunction plays a significant role in mice exposed to D-gal remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated cognitive dysfunction, locomotor activity, and mitochondrial dysfunction involved in D-gal exposure in mice. We found that D-gal exposure (125 mg/kg/day, 8 weeks) resulted in a serious impairment in grip strength in mice, whereas spatial memory and locomotor coordination remained intact. Interestingly, muscular mitochondrial complex I deficiency occurred in the skeletal muscle of mice exposed to D-gal. Mitochondrial ultrastructure abnormality was implicated as a contributing factor in D-gal-induced muscular impairment. Moreover, three combinations (A, B, and C) of nutrients applied in this study effectively reversed D-gal-induced muscular impairment. Nutrient formulas B and C were especially effective in reversing complex I dysfunction in both skeletal muscle and heart muscle. These findings suggest the following: (1) chronic exposure to D-gal first results in specific muscular impairment in mice, rather than causing general, premature aging; (2) poor skeletal muscle strength induced by D-gal might be due to the mitochondrial dysfunction caused by complex I deficiency; and (3) the nutrient complexes applied in the study attenuated the skeletal muscle impairment, most likely by improving mitochondrial function.

Low Expression of the FoxO4 Gene may Contribute to the Phenomenon of EMT in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Xu, Ming-Ming,Mao, Guo-Xin,Liu, Jian,Li, Jian-Chao,Huang, Hua,Liu, Yi-Fei,Liu, Jun-Hua Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.9

Because of its importance in tumor invasion and metastasis, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has become a research focus in the field of cancer. Recently, evidence has been presented that FoxO4 might be involved in EMT. Our study aimed to detect the expression of FoxO4, E-cadherin and vimentin in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). We also investigated clinical features and their correlations with the markers. In our study, FoxO4, E-cadherin and vimentin were assessed by immunohistochemistry in a tissue microarray (TMA) containing 150 cases of NSCLC. In addition, the expression level of FoxO4 protein was determined by Western blotting. The percentages of FoxO4, E-cadherin and vimentin positive expression in NSCLCs were 42.7%, 38.7% and 55.3%, respectively. Immunoreactivity of FoxO4 was low in NSCLC when compared with paired normal lung tissues. There were significant correlations between FoxO4 and TNM stage (P<0.001), histological differentiation (P=0.004) and lymph node metastasis (P<0.001), but no significant links with age (P=0.323), gender (P=0.410), tumor size (P=0.084), smoking status (P=0.721) and histological type (P=0.281). Our study showed that low expression of FoxO4 correlated with decreased expression of E-cadherin and elevated expression of vimentin. Cox regression analysis indicated FoxO4 to be an independent prognostic factor in NSCLC (P=0.046). These data suggested that FoxO4 might inhibit the process of EMT in NSCLC, and might therefore be a target for therapy.

Flatness Measurement of a Mosaic Focal Plane by using a Coaxial Multispectral Laser

Liu Chang-hua,Guo Ning-Xin,Wang Jian-Li,Chen Tao,Wu Zhi-Yong,Cheng Xue 한국물리학회 2020 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.77 No.8

The wide-field telescope will be an important tool in the discovery and birth of new theories of astronomy in future. The detectors in this kind of telescope mostly adopt a mosaic focal plane array. The focal depth of a large-F-number optical system is very small, and the flatness of the mosaic detector should be less than half the focal depth. In this paper, a new flatness measurement and data processing method is developed. A flatness measurement platform composed of a high-precision gantry platform and a coaxial multispectral displacement meter was built. The flatness of a single detector was measured under uncooled and cooled working conditions, and data processing was conducted, in which the root mean square (RMS) and the peak–valley (PV) values of the cooled detector were 0.0017 mm and 0.0112 mm, respectively. Next, a 2 × 6 mosaic model of the focal plane with a dimension of 148.5 mm × 168.5 mm was built using a metal detector model. The measurement platform was used to measure the flatness of the mosaic focal plane. According to the measurement results, the preliminary installation and mosaic adjustment were completed. The final RMS and PV values of the mosaic focal plane are 0.009 mm and 0.0808 mm, respectively. The experimental results show that the measurement and the data processing method can accurately reflect surface information on the detectors. This suggests that the method has great potential for use in ensuring the accuracy of wide-field telescope equipment in all applicable research areas.

Inhibition of Tumor Growth in Vitro by a Combination of Extracts from Rosa Roxburghii Tratt and Fagopyrum Cymosum

Liu, Wei,Li, Su-Yi,Huang, Xin-En,Cui, Jiu-Jie,Zhao, Ting,Zhang, Hua Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.5

Objective: Traditional Chinese herbal medicines have a very long history. Rosa roxburghii Tratt and Fagopyrum cymosum are two examples of plants which are reputed to have benefits in improving immune responses, enhancing digestive ability and demonstrating anti-aging effects. Some evidence indicates that herbal medicine soups containing extracts from the two in combination have efficacy in treating malignant tumors. However, the underlying mechanisms are far from well understood. The present study was therefore undertaken to evaluate anticancer effects and explore molecular mechanisms in vitro. Methods: Proliferation and apoptosis were assessed with three carcinoma cell lines (human esophageal squamous carcinoma CaEs-17, human gastric carcinoma SGC-7901 and pulmonary carcinoma A549) by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively, after exposure to extract from Rosa roxburghii Tratt (CL) and extract from Fagopyrum cymosum (FR). $IC_{30}$ of CL and FR were obtained by MTT assay. Tumor cells were divided into four groups : control with no exposure to CL or FR; CL with $IC_{30}$ CL; FR with $IC_{30}$ FR; CL+FR group with 1/2 ($IC_{30}$ CL + $IC_{30}$ FR). RT-PCR and Western blot analysis were used to detect the expression of Ki-67, Bax and Bcl-2 at mRNA and protein levels. Results: Compared with the CL or FR groups, the combination of CL+FR showed significant inhibition of cell growth and increase in apoptosis; the mRNA and protein expression levels of Ki-67 and Bcl-2 in CL+FR group were all greatly decreased, while the expression of Bax was markedly increased. Conclusions: These results indicate that the synergistic antitumor effects of combination of CL and FR are related to inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis.

<i>Arcticibacter pallidicorallinus</i> sp. nov. isolated from glacier ice

Liu, Qing,Kim, Song-gun,Liu, Hong-can,Xin, Yu-hua,Zhou, Yu-guang International Union of Microbiological Societies 2014 International journal of systematic and evolutiona Vol.64 No.7

<P>A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped bacterium (strain Hh36<SUP>T</SUP>) was isolated from the No. 1 glacier in Xinjiang, north-west China. Colonies of strain Hh36<SUP>T</SUP> were pink, convex and round on PYG medium plates. Strain Hh36<SUP>T</SUP> was able to grow at 4–30 °C and pH 6.0–8.0. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain Hh36<SUP>T</SUP> was related to members of the genus <I>Arcticibacter</I>. The major cellular fatty acids of the novel strain were iso-C<SUB>15 : 0</SUB>, summed feature 3 (C<SUB>16 : 1</SUB>ω6<I>c</I> and/or C<SUB>16 : 1</SUB>ω7<I>c</I>) and iso-C<SUB>17 : 0</SUB> 3-OH. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 44.0 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic analysis, strain Hh36<SUP>T</SUP> is considered to represent a novel species of the genus <I>Arcticibacter</I>, for which the name <I>Arcticibacter</I> <I>pallidicorallinus</I> sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Hh36<SUP>T</SUP> ( = CGMCC 1.9313<SUP>T</SUP> = KCTC 32542<SUP>T</SUP>).</P>

MRAS Genetic Variation is Associated with Atherothrombotic Stroke in the Han Chinese Population

Hua Liu,Xiao Qin Huang,Min Yang,Xun Ming Ji,Xin Du,Jian Zheng 대한신경과학회 2013 Journal of Clinical Neurology Vol.9 No.4

Background and Purpose Atherothrombotic cerebral infarction [atherothrombotic stroke (ATS)] shares common risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms with coronary artery disease (CAD), and both diseases appear to have common susceptibility loci. The muscle RAS oncogene homolog gene (MRAS) has been identified as a susceptibility locus for CAD and is implicated in atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to elucidate whether the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes of MRAS are associated with increased risk of ATS in a population of Han Chinese. Methods A case-controlled association study was conducted in which only patients with ATS (identified as a major subtype in the Korean modification of the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment classification) were enrolled. Subgroup analyses were carried out to determine whether the effect of the MRAS polymorphism was specific to age and gender among the subjects. Results In total, 194 ATS and 186 control subjects were included in the present study. Two tagging SNPs were identified in MRAS (rs40593 and rs3755751). A multivariate regression analysis revealed a positive association between rs40593 and ATS under dominant and additive models after adjustment for covariates. Subgroup analyses revealed that there were no gender differences with respect to allele or genotype frequencies between the groups. The AG genotype for rs40593(p=0.028), the CT genotype for rs3755751 (p=0.036), and G-allele carriers (AG plus GG) for rs40593 (p=0.015) exhibited a significant protective effect among those aged ≥45 years. For the haplotype analysis, ATS subjects aged ≥45 years had a higher frequency of the ACAC haplotype (76.0%) than the controls (68.1%; p<0.05); that haplotype was associated with an increased risk of ATS. Conclusions The obtained data suggest a positive association between MRAS and ATS among the Han Chinese. Further studies should be performed with larger sample and among different ethnic populations, and gene-gene or gene-environment interactions should be considered.