Association of Polymorphisms in Stress-Related TNFα and NPY Genes with the Metabolic Syndrome in Han and Hui Ethnic Groups

Bu, De-Yun,Ji, Wen-Wu,Bai, Dan,Zhou, Jian,Li, Hai-Xia,Yang, Hui-Fang Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.14

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of complicated disorders caused by the interactive influencing factors of heredity and environment, which predisposes to many cnacers. Results from epidemic research indicate that stress is tightly related to the pathogenesis of MS and neoplasia. This paper aims to investigate the association between psychological stress and MS with respect to the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF${\alpha}$) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) genes in the Han and Hui ethnic groups. Methods: All subjects for this case-control study matched strict enrollment criteria (nationality, gender and age) and lived in the city of Wu Zhong of Ningxia Province in China. The enrolled group contained 102 matched pairs of Hui ethnic individuals and 98 matched pairs of Han ethnic individuals. Enrolled subjects completed the general Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90). The TNF${\alpha}$-308G/A variant and NPYrs16147 polymorphism were detected in case (81 males, 119 females) and control (81 males, 119 females) groups by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Results: Nine factors of the SCL-90 were found to be statistically different (p<0.05) between case and control groups. The homozygous mutant genotype (AA) and the mutant allele (A) of the TNF${\alpha}$-308G/A gene were less frequently observed in the control population compared to the case group. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) in "Allele" for MS was 2.28 (1.47-3.53), p=0.0001, while "OR" was 1.11 (0.83-1.47), p=0.15, for the NPYrs16147 gene polymorphism. Conclusions: Psychological stress has been positively associated with MS. A previous study from our group suggested there were differences in the level of psychological stress between Hui and Han ethnic groups. Furthermore, we found that the stress-related TNF${\alpha}$ gene was associated with MS for both Han and Hui ethnic groups. In contrast, NPY may be a possible contributor to MS and associated cancer for the Han ethnic group.

Theoretical and experimental study of robustness based design of single-layer grid structures

Hui Wu,Cheng Zhang,Bo-qing Gao,Jun Ye 국제구조공학회 2014 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.52 No.1

Structural robustness refers to the ability of a structure to avoid disproportionate consequences to the original cause. Currently attentions focus on the concepts of structural robustness, and discussions onmethods of robustness based structural design are rare. Firstly, taking basis in robust H∞ control theory,structural robustness is assessed by H∞ norm of the system transfer function. Then using the SIMP material model, robustness based design of grid structures is formulated as a continuum topology optimization problem, where the relative density of each element and structural robustness are considered as the design variable and the optimization objective respectively. Generalized elitist genetic algorithm is used to solve the optimization problem. As examples, robustness configurations of plane stress model and the rectangular hyperbolic shell model were obtained by robustness based structural design. Finally, two models of single-layer grid structures were designed by conventional and robustness based method respectively. Different interference scenarios were simulated by static and impact experiments, and robustness of the models were analyzed and compared. The results show that the H∞ structural robustness index can indicate whether the structural response is proportional to the original cause. Robustness based structural design improves structural robustness effectively, and it can provide a conceptual design in the initial stage of structural design.

A novel approach to fabricate carbon sphere intercalated holey graphene electrode for high energy density electrochemical capacitors

Wu, Shuxing,Hui, Kwan San,Hui, Kwun Nam,Yun, Je Moon,Kim, Kwang Ho Elsevier 2017 Chemical engineering journal Vol.317 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Desirable porous structure and huge ion-accessible surface area are crucial for rapid electronic and ionic pathway electrodes in high-performance graphene-based electrochemical capacitors. However, graphene nanosheets tend to aggregate and restack because of van der Waals interaction among graphene sheets, resulting in the loss of ion-accessible surface area and unsatisfactory electrochemical performance. To resolve this daunting challenge, a novel approach is developed for the self-assembly of holey graphene sheets intercalated with carbon spheres (H-GCS) to obtain freestanding electrodes by using a simple vacuum filtration approach and a subsequent KOH activation process. Through the introduction of carbon spheres as spacers, the restacking of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets during the filtration process is mitigated efficiently. Pores on rGO sheets produced by subsequent KOH activation also provide rapid ionic diffusion kinetics and high ion-accessible electrochemical surface area, both of which favor the formation of electric double-layer capacitance. Furthermore, a higher degree of graphitization of CSs in H-GCS thin film improves the electrical conductivity of the H-GCS electrode. The H-GCS electrode exhibits 207.1Fg<SUP>−1</SUP> of specific capacitance at a current density of 1Ag<SUP>−1</SUP> in 6MKOH aqueous electrolyte. Moreover, the symmetric electrochemical capacitor assembled with H-GCS electrodes and organic electrolyte is capable of delivering a maximum energy density of 29.5Whkg<SUP>−1</SUP> and a power density of 22.6kWkg<SUP>−1</SUP>.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Self-assembly of holey graphene sheets intercalates with carbon spheres. </LI> <LI> The film electrode exhibits 207.1Fg<SUP>−1</SUP> of specific capacitance. </LI> <LI> Maximum specific energy and power of 29.5Whkg<SUP>−1</SUP> and 22.6kWkg<SUP>−1</SUP> are achieved. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

High Mobility Group Box 1 Protein Is Methylated and Transported to Cytoplasm in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Wu, Fei,Zhao, Zuo-Hui,Ding, Sen-Tai,Wu, Hai-Hu,Lu, Jia-Ju Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.10

Background: The high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein is a widespread nuclear protein present in most cell types. It typically locates in the nucleus and functions as a nuclear cofactor in transcription regulation. However, HMGB1 can also localize in the cytoplasm and be released into extracellular matrix, where it plays critical roles in carcinogenesis and inflammation. However, it remains elusive whether HMGB1 is relocated to cytoplasm in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Methods: Nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins were extracted by different protocols from 20 ccRCC samples and corresponding adjacent renal tissues. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to identify the expression of HMGB1 in ccRCC. To elucidate the potential mechanism of HMGB1 cytoplasmic translocation, HMGB1 proteins were enriched by immunoprecipitation and analyzed by mass spectrometry (MS). Results: The HMGB1 protein was overexpressed and partially localized in cytoplasm in ccRCC samples (12/20, 60%, p<0.05). Immunohistochemistry results indicated that ccRCC of high nuclear grade possess more HMGB1 relocation than those with low grade (p<0.05). Methylation of HMGB1 at lysine 112 in ccRCC was detected by MS. Bioinformatics analysis showed that post-translational modification might affect the binding ability to DNA and mediate its translocation. Conclusion: Relocation of HMGB1 to cytoplasm was confirmed in ccRCC. Methylation of HMGB1 at lysine 112 might the redistribution of this cofactor protein.

Territorial Issues on the East China Sea A Chinese Position

Hui Wu,Dan Zhang (사) 이준국제법연구원 2010 Journal of East Asia and International Law Vol.3 No.1

There are several issues of dispute between China and Japan regarding the East China Sea. Among these issues, the maritime delimitation issue, the territorial sovereignty dispute over the Diaoyu Islands (also known as Senkaku Islands in Japanese), the resource development issue, and the divergent perspectives on the legal status of the Oki-no-Tori Shima (called Chong Zhiniao Rock in Chinese) may be typical yet important ones. These issues are of different levels and categories, which need to be resolved through different ways.

Comparison of single-drop microextraction with microvolume pipette extraction directly coupled with capillary electrophoresis for extraction and separation of tricyclic antidepressant drugs

Hui-Fen Wu,Suresh Kumar Kailasa,Ja-Yi Yan,Chen-Che Chin,Hsin-Yi Ku 한국공업화학회 2014 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.20 No.4

This paper describes the use of single-drop microextraction and micro-volume pipette extraction coupled with capillary electrophoresis for the analysis of five antidepressant drugs (nortriptyline, imipramine, trimeprazine, promethazine, and iminodibenzyl). The five antidepressant drugs are well separated by using micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography with SDS and organic modifiers. The best extraction was achieved within 10 min and effectively separated within 15 min by using ammonium acetate buffer at 28 kV. This method shows good reproducibility, with RSD values ranging from 4.3 to 8.7%. The LODs values were found to be 0.4 and 1.0 mg mL-1 for SDME-CE and 0.15 and 0.5 mg mL-1 for MVPE-CE. These methods are simple, rapid, sensitive and efficient for the extraction, separation and detection of tricyclic antidepressant drugs.

SEARCH FOR PULSED γ-RAY EMISSION FROM GLOBULAR CLUSTER M28

Wu, J. H. K.,Hui, C. Y.,Wu, E. M. H.,Kong, A. K. H.,Huang, R. H. H.,Tam, P. H. T.,Takata, J.,Cheng, K. S. IOP Publishing 2013 ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL LETTERS - Vol.765 No.2

<P>Using the data from the Large Area Telescope on board the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, we have searched for gamma-ray pulsations from the direction of the globular cluster M28 (NGC 6626). We report the discovery of a signal with a frequency consistent with that of the energetic millisecond pulsar (MSP) PSR B1821-24 in M28. A weighted H-test test statistic of 28.8 is attained, which corresponds to a chance probability of similar to 10(-5) (4.3 sigma detection). With a phase-resolved analysis, the pulsed component is found to contribute similar to 25% of the total observed gamma-ray emission from the cluster. However, the unpulsed level provides a constraint for the underlying MSP population and the fundamental plane relations for the scenario of inverse Compton scattering. Follow-up timing observations in radio/X-ray are encouraged to further investigate this periodic signal candidate.</P>

Diagnostic Performance of 68Gallium Labelled Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Staging the Prostate Cancer with Intermediate or High Risk Prior to Radical Prostatectomy:

Hui Wu,Ting Xu,Xiao Wang,Yong-Bo Yu,Zhong-Yuan Fan,Dan-Xia Li,Lei Luo,Xue-Cheng Yang,Wei Jiao,Hai-Tao Niu 대한남성과학회 2020 The World Journal of Men's Health Vol.38 No.2

Purpose: To compare the diagnostic efficiency of 68Gallium labelled prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography (68Ga-PSMA PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for staging the lymph node metastases (LNMs) in the prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: A broad search of scientific databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Database, and Chinese Biomedicine Literature Database (updated prior to November 1st, 2018) was conducted systematically by two reviewers. In this paper, we evaluated the methodological quality of each included article independently and performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to reveal the summary of the diagnostic performance of 68Ga-PSMA PET and MRI in properly identifying LNMs of intermediate- and/or high-risk prostate cancer.Results: Thirteen eligible articles comprising 1,597 patients were included. For LNMs detection, the pooled sensitivity and specificity of 68Ga-PSMA PET were 0.65 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.49–0.79) and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.88–0.97), respectively, while the corresponding values of MRI were 0.41 (95% CI: 0.26–0.57) and 0.92 (95% CI: 0.86–0.95). The area under the symmetric receiver-operating characteristic (SROC) curve for 68Ga-PSMA PET and MRI were 0.92 and 0.83, respectively. Conclusions: In intermediate- or high-risk pre-treatment prostate cancer, 68Ga-PSMA PET had a higher sensitivity and a slightly different specificity in probing the LNMs when comparing with MRI. Moreover, the area under the SROC curve indicated that 68Ga-PSMA PET was a more effective weapon for predicting the LNMs prior to radical surgery.

Theoretical and experimental study of robustness based design of single-layer grid structures

Wu, Hui,Zhang, Cheng,Gao, Bo-Qing,Ye, Jun Techno-Press 2014 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.52 No.1

Structural robustness refers to the ability of a structure to avoid disproportionate consequences to the original cause. Currently attentions focus on the concepts of structural robustness, and discussions on methods of robustness based structural design are rare. Firstly, taking basis in robust $H_{\infty}$ control theory, structural robustness is assessed by $H_{\infty}$ norm of the system transfer function. Then using the SIMP material model, robustness based design of grid structures is formulated as a continuum topology optimization problem, where the relative density of each element and structural robustness are considered as the design variable and the optimization objective respectively. Generalized elitist genetic algorithm is used to solve the optimization problem. As examples, robustness configurations of plane stress model and the rectangular hyperbolic shell model were obtained by robustness based structural design. Finally, two models of single-layer grid structures were designed by conventional and robustness based method respectively. Different interference scenarios were simulated by static and impact experiments, and robustness of the models were analyzed and compared. The results show that the $H_{\infty}$ structural robustness index can indicate whether the structural response is proportional to the original cause. Robustness based structural design improves structural robustness effectively, and it can provide a conceptual design in the initial stage of structural design.

Characterization of Sn-doped CuO thin films prepared by a sol–gel method

Wu, J.,Hui, K. S.,Hui, K. N.,Li, L.,Chun, H. H.,Cho, Y. R. Springer Science + Business Media 2016 Journal of materials science. Materials in electro Vol.27 No.2

<P>This study examined the influence of the Sn doping concentration on the structural, electrical and optical properties of Sn-doped copper oxide (Sn:CuO) thin films synthesized on glass substrates using a facile sol-gel method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, scanning electron microscopy, Hall Effect measurements, and UV-visible spectroscopy. The carrier concentration, Hall mobility and resistivity of the Sn:CuO films were 9.14 x 10(15)-1.08 x 10(16) cm(-3), 6.14-10.5 cm(2)/Vs and 47.4-77.5 a'broken vertical bar cm, respectively. The crystallite size of the films decreased with increasing Sn content from 84.1 to 61.8 nm. The band gap trended downward from 2.0 to 1.95 eV with increasing Sn doping content. The results showed that SnO2 doping strongly affects the structural, electrical and optical properties of the films.</P>