Optimized Assembly of Micro-/Meso-/Macroporous Carbon for Li–S Batteries

Qiong Tang,Heqin Li,Min Zuo,Jing Zhang,Yiqin Huang,Peiwen Bai,Jiaqi Xu,Kuan Zhou 성균관대학교(자연과학캠퍼스) 성균나노과학기술원 2017 NANO Vol.12 No.2

In order to explore the effect of hierarchical porous carbon on the performances of Li–S batteries, we synthesized three kinds of micro-/meso-/macroporous carbon materials with different pore properties by facile hard-template method. Different from the majority of reports on porous carbon ensuing large specific surface area (SSA) and total pore volume, it was found that in the case of identically high sulfur content, the pore size distribution substantially influences the performances of Li–S batteries rather than the SSA and total pore volume. Furthermore, in the assembly of micro-/meso-/macropores, the micropore volume ratio to the total pore volume is dominant to the capabilities of batteries. Among the samples, the porous carbon carbonized with the precursor of sucrose at 950℃ presents the highest initial discharge specific capacity of 1327 mAh/g and retention of 630 mAh/g over 100 cycles at 0.2C rate along with the best rate capability. This sample possesses the largest micropore volume ratio of 47.54% but a medium SSA of 1217 m2 /g and inferior total pore volume of 0.54 cm3 /g. The abundant micropores effectively improve the conductivity of dispersed sulfur particles, inhibit the loss of sulfur series and enable the cathode to exhibit superior electrochemical performances.

Perspective on Oncogenic Processes at the End of the Beginning of Cancer Genomics

Ding, Li,Bailey, Matthew H.,Porta-Pardo, Eduard,Thorsson, Vesteinn,Colaprico, Antonio,Bertrand, Denis,Gibbs, David L.,Weerasinghe, Amila,Huang, Kuan-lin,Tokheim, Collin,Corté,s-Ciriano, Isidro,J Elsevier 2018 Cell Vol.173 No.2

<P><B>Summary</B></P> <P>The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) has catalyzed systematic characterization of diverse genomic alterations underlying human cancers. At this historic junction marking the completion of genomic characterization of over 11,000 tumors from 33 cancer types, we present our current understanding of the molecular processes governing oncogenesis. We illustrate our insights into cancer through synthesis of the findings of the TCGA PanCancer Atlas project on three facets of oncogenesis: (1) somatic driver mutations, germline pathogenic variants, and their interactions in the tumor; (2) the influence of the tumor genome and epigenome on transcriptome and proteome; and (3) the relationship between tumor and the microenvironment, including implications for drugs targeting driver events and immunotherapies. These results will anchor future characterization of rare and common tumor types, primary and relapsed tumors, and cancers across ancestry groups and will guide the deployment of clinical genomic sequencing.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> An overview of PanCancer Atlas analyses on oncogenic molecular processes </LI> <LI> Germline genome affects somatic genomic landscape in a pathway-dependent fashion </LI> <LI> Genome mutations impact expression, signaling, and multi-omic profiles </LI> <LI> Mutation burdens and drivers influence immune-cell composition in microenvironment </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical Abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

A Genetic Analysis of Taoyuan Pig and Its Phylogenetic Relationship to Eurasian Pig Breeds

Kuan-Yi Li,Kuang-Ti Li,Chun-Chun Cheng,Chia-Hsuan Chen,Chien-Yi Hung,Yu-Ten Ju 아세아·태평양축산학회 2015 Animal Bioscience Vol.28 No.4

Taoyuan pig is a native Taiwan breed. According to the historical record, the breed was first introduced to Taiwan from Guangdong province, Southern China, around 1877. The breed played an important role in Taiwan’s early swine industry. It was classified as an indigenous breed in 1986. After 1987, a conserved population of Taoyuan pig was collected and reared in isolation. In this study, mitochondrial DNA sequences and 18 microsatellite markers were used to investigate maternal lineage and genetic diversity within the Taoyuan pig population. Population differentiation among Taoyuan, Asian type, and European type pig breeds was also evaluated using differentiation indices. Only one D-loop haplotype of the Taoyuan pig was found. It clustered with Lower Changjiang River Basin and Central China Type pig breeds. Based on the polymorphism of microsatellite markers, a positive fixation index value (FIS) indicates that the conserved Taoyuan population suffers from inbreeding. In addition, high FST values (>0.2105) were obtained, revealing high differentiation among these breeds. Non-metric multi-dimensional scaling showed a clear geometric structure among 7 breeds. Together these results indicate that maternally Taoyuan pig originated in the Lower Changjiang River Basin and Central China; however, since being introduced to Taiwan differentiation has occurred. In addition, Taoyuan pig has lost genetic diversity in both its mitochondrial and nuclear genomes.

A Genetic Analysis of Taoyuan Pig and Its Phylogenetic Relationship to Eurasian Pig Breeds

Li, Kuan-Yi,Li, Kuang-Ti,Cheng, Chun-Chun,Chen, Chia-Hsuan,Hung, Chien-Yi,Ju, Yu-Ten Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2015 Animal Bioscience Vol.28 No.4

Taoyuan pig is a native Taiwan breed. According to the historical record, the breed was first introduced to Taiwan from Guangdong province, Southern China, around 1877. The breed played an important role in Taiwan's early swine industry. It was classified as an indigenous breed in 1986. After 1987, a conserved population of Taoyuan pig was collected and reared in isolation. In this study, mitochondrial DNA sequences and 18 microsatellite markers were used to investigate maternal lineage and genetic diversity within the Taoyuan pig population. Population differentiation among Taoyuan, Asian type, and European type pig breeds was also evaluated using differentiation indices. Only one D-loop haplotype of the Taoyuan pig was found. It clustered with Lower Changjiang River Basin and Central China Type pig breeds. Based on the polymorphism of microsatellite markers, a positive fixation index value ($F_{IS}$) indicates that the conserved Taoyuan population suffers from inbreeding. In addition, high $F_{ST}$ values (>0.2105) were obtained, revealing high differentiation among these breeds. Non-metric multi-dimensional scaling showed a clear geometric structure among 7 breeds. Together these results indicate that maternally Taoyuan pig originated in the Lower Changjiang River Basin and Central China; however, since being introduced to Taiwan differentiation has occurred. In addition, Taoyuan pig has lost genetic diversity in both its mitochondrial and nuclear genomes.

Traditional Chinese medicine attenuates hospitalization and mortality risks in diabetic patients with carcinoma in situ in Taiwan

Tsai Li-Jen,Chung Chi-Hsiang,Lin Chien-Jung,Su Sheng-Chiang,Kuo Feng-Chih,Liu Jhih-Syuan,Chen Kuan-Chan,Ho Li-Ju,Kuo Chih-Chun,Chang Chun-Yung,Lin Ming-Hsun,Chu Nain-Feng,Lee Chien-Hsing,Hsieh Chang-H 한국한의학연구원 2022 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.11 No.2

Background: Diabetic patients are at high risk of developing cancer. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has become increasingly popular as an adjuvant treatment for patients with chronic diseases, and some studies have identified its beneficial effect in diabetic patients with cancer. The purpoes of this study was to outline the potential of TCM to attenuate hospitalization and mortality rates in diabetic patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS). Methods: A total of 6,987 diabetic subjects with CIS under TCM therapy were selected from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, along with 38,800 of 1:1 sex-, age-, and index year-matched controls without TCM therapy. Cox proportional hazard analysis was conducted to compare hospitalization and mortality rates during an average of 15 years of follow-up. Results: A total of 3,999/1,393 enrolled-subjects (28.62%/9.97%) had hospitalization/mortality, including 1,777/661 in the TCM group (25.43%/9.46%) and 2,222/732 in the control group (31.80%/10.48%). Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed a lower rate of hospitalization and mortality for subjects in the TCM group (adjusted HR=0.536; 95% CI=0.367–0.780, P<0.001; adjusted HR=0.783; 95% CI=0.574– 0.974, P = 0.022). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the cumulative risk of hospitalization and mortality in the case and control groups was significantly different (log rank, P<0.001 and P = 0.011, respectively). Conclusions: Diabetic patients with CIS under TCM therapy were associated with lower hospitalization and mortality rates compared to those without TCM therapy. Thus, TCM application may reduce the burden of national medical resources.

Astilbin alleviates sepsis-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting the expression of macrophage inhibitory factor in rats

Hong-bo Zhang,Li-chao Sun,Li-da Zhi,Qian-kuan Wen,Zhi-wei Qi,Sheng-tao Yan,Wen Li,Guo-qiang Zhang 대한약학회 2017 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.40 No.10

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory responsesyndrome caused by severe infections. Astilbin is a dihydroflavonolderivative found in many medicinal and foodplants with multiple pharmacological functions. To investigatethe effects of astilbin on sepsis-induced acute lunginjury (ALI), cecal ligation and puncture was performed onrats to establish a sepsis-induced ALI model; these ratswere then treated with astilbin at different concentrations. Lung injury scores, including lung wet/dry ratio, proteinleakage, myeloperoxidase activity, and inflammatory cellinfiltration were determined to evaluate the effects ofastilbin on sepsis-induced ALI. We found that astilbintreatment significantly attenuates sepsis-induced lunginjury and improves survival rate, lung injury scores, lungwet/dry ratio, protein leakage, myeloperoxidase activity,and inflammatory cell infiltration. Astilbin treatment alsodramatically decreased the production of inflammatorycytokines and chemokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Further, astilbin treatment inhibited the expression andproduction of macrophage inhibitory factor (MIF), whichinhibits the inflammatory response. Collectively, these datasuggest that astilbin has a protective effect against sepsisinducedALI by inhibiting MIF-mediated inflammatoryresponses. This study provides a molecular basis for astilbinas a new medical treatment for sepsis-induced ALI.

Pomelo fruit wastes are potentially valuable antioxidants, anti-inflfl ammatories, antihypertensives, and antihyperglycemics

Li-Yun Lin,Chi-Yun Huang,Kuan-Chou Chen,Robert Y. Peng 한국원예학회 2021 Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology Vol.62 No.3

Grapefruit (G) parts contain abundant phenolic acids and fl avonoids (PPNs and FLVs). The wastes created from exocarps,mesocarps (G wastes, GW) and waste blanching water (WBW) lead to a considerable loss of PPNs and FLVs. Here, weassessed Buntan (CB), Buntan Hayata (CBH), and Peiyu (CP) cultivars and observed considerable amounts of PPNs andFLVs. The ethanolic extracts of GW (GWE) and WBW contained gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, chlorogenic acid, caff eicacid, ferulic acid, coumaric acid, naringin, hesperidin, diosmin, quercetin, hesperetin, nobiletin, and tangeretin (GWC). GWEhas previously been reported to be a relatively active antioxidant, anti-infl ammatory (based on the expression of TNF-αin Raw264.7 cells), antihypertensive, and anti-hyperglycemic compound. The IC 50 values for antihyperglycemic activitywith WBW for α-amylase were as follows: CB (27.96 ± 0.03 mg/mL) < CP (28.13 ± 0.19 mg/mL) < CBH (41.60 ± 0.16 mg/mL), and those for α-glucosidase were CB (1.80 ± 0.03 mg/mL) < CP (2.97 ± 0.29 mg/mL) < CBH (9.10 ± 0.51 mg/mL). GWC upregulated Glut4 in HepG2 cells, as well as the insulin secretion capability, and intracellular levels in RIN-m5Fcells, and it downregulated DPP4 in HepG2 cells. The IC 50 values for the angiotensin-converting enzyme activity were:CBP (5.10 ± 0.02 mg/mL) < CB (7.24 ± 0.65 mg/mL) < CP (8.60 ± 2.03 mg/mL). Our results indicate that PPNs and FLVspresent in GW are worth reclaiming.

Morphology details and size distribution characteristics of single-pot-synthesized silica nanoparticles

Kuan Hoon Ngoi,Li Xiang,Jia Chyi Wong,Chin Hua Chia,Kyeong Sik Jin,Moonhor Ree 한국공업화학회 2020 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.89 No.-

A series of silica nanoparticles (SNP-1, SNP-2, SNP-3, SNP-4, SNP-5 and SNP-6) were synthesized inethanol by the hydrolysis and polycondensation reaction of tetraethoxysilane with the aids of waterinitiator and ammonia catalyst and then investigated in a comprehensive manner in terms ofmorphological structure by using synchrotron transmission small-angle X-ray scattering and grazingincidence wide-angle X-ray scattering and combined together with dynamic light scattering, scanningelectron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. They were confirmed to besuccessfully synthesized as oblate amorphous ellipsoids (Re = 9.70 56.30 nm, equatorial radius;e = 0.78 0.80, ellipsoidicity) with sharp surfaces in single unimodal and narrow size distributions. Theradial density profile details, including two-phases (i.e., less dense core and denser shell), weredetermined for thefirst time, in addition to a set of structural parameter details (radius of gyration,radius, core radius, shell thickness, and radius distribution). Larger particle was synthesized convenientlyby higher loading of ammonia solution with respect to the silane monomer. The as-synthesized silicaparticles were found to undergo two-step mass loss behaviors in heat treatment up to 500 C; thefirststeploss took place below 120 C due to removals of physically absorbed water molecules and possiblesolvent residues and the second-step loss above 180 C occurred by removals of water and ethanolbyproducts due to the post condensation reactions of hydroxy and ethoxy residues.

Effects of plant growth regulators and polyamines on bract longevity in Bougainvillea buttiana

Kuan-Hung Lin,Jui-Mei Li,Chun-Wei Wu,Yu-Sen Chang 한국원예학회 2021 Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology Vol.62 No.2

There are no reports on plant growth regulators (PGR) or polyamines being used to stimulate bract longevity in bougainvilleaspecies, yet understanding how PGR and polyamines infl uence bougainvillea bract phenology is important for fl owerprofi tability. Potted bougainvillea plants in four diff erent bract development stages based on bract diameter were pre-treatedwith salicylic acid (SA) at a concentration of 0.5 mM combined with 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA, 0.13 mM), gibberellicacid (GA, 0.29 mM), and 6-benzylaminopurine (BA, 0.22 mM) in 100 mL mixtures. Three 100 mL polyamine treatments[diamine putrescine (Put), triamine spermidine (Spd), and tetraamine spermine (Spm)] at 1 mM were also individuallysprayed on bougainvillea bracts. Control bracts were sprayed only with water. Diff erent PGR combinations and singlepolyamine treatments acted diff erently on bract longevity and endogenous 1-aminocylopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC)content, and each combination and single polyamine was not equally signifi cant in regard to coordinating a response toACC regulation. In combined chemical treatments, maximum and signifi cantly prolonged bract longevity in all stages weredetected in the SA + NAA + GA + BA treatment compared to controls and other combinations, and longevity increased asbract stage progressed. A strong synergistic interaction was observed between SA and NAA regarding bract longevity andACC levels. Moreover, Put also signifi cantly prolonged bract longevity and remarkably reduced endogenous ACC contentat all stages, this eff ect increasing as bract stage progressed compared to Spd, Spm, and controls. Therefore, the eff ects ofSA + NAA + GA + BA and single Put (1 mM) applied to bougainvillea bracts for increasing longevity in the nursery off ersinsight into re-vegetation, landscaping programs, and cultivation in gardens.

Hysteretic Behavior and Restoring Force Model of Specimens of Square Concrete-Filled CFRP-Steel Tubular Beam-Column

Kuan Peng,Yong-Bo Shao,Qing-li Wang,Yi-Fang Cao 한국강구조학회 2022 International Journal of Steel Structures Vol.22 No.2

To study the hysteretic behavior of specimens of square concrete-fi lled CFRP-steel tube under diff erent infl uencing factors, a total of 12 specimens are designed, and the failure modes and P - Δ curves are investigated from experimental test. The simulation software ABAQUS is used to build the numerical model to study P - Δ curves and deformation mode of specimens. Based upon the tri-linear model, the restoring force model of square concrete-fi lled CFRP-steel tube is proposed, and the results of the tri-linear model are compared with those of the fi nite element model. The test results reveal that P - Δ curves of specimens are plump, and all specimens demonstrate excellent hysteretic behavior. The P - Δ curves, the skeleton curves and the deformation mode of specimens are reproduced by fi nite element model. The accuracy of the simulation results is verifi ed by comparing numerical results with experimental results. In terms of the restoring force model, a satisfactory agreement is achieved by comparing predicted results of tri-linear model with fi nite element simulations.