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.

Current state of research about acupuncture for the treatment of COVID-19: A scoping review

Chen Chen,Jie Zhan,Hao Wen,Xiaojing Wei,Lu Ding,Chenyang Tao,Cui Li,Peiming Zhang,Yuyuan Tang,Jing-chun Zeng,Li-ming Lu 한국한의학연구원 2021 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.10 No.-

Background Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), acupuncture has been widely used in the treatment of COVID-19. The research community has responded rapidly and has already published many research articles about this topic. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library as well as CNKI, Wanfang and VIP from January 1, 2020 to July 31, 2021. The dates of publication, language of publication, methodological characteristics and the key findings were analyzed separately. The data are presented as bar graphs, structured tables and figures. Results In this scoping review, 16 research articles were included: 7 case reports, 6 observational studies, 1 review, 1 RCT and 1 nonrandomized clinical trial. The majority of the articles (81.3%) were published by Chinese scholars, 12.5% articles were by scholars in the United States, and 6.3% articles were by scholars in Iran. The included studies reported that acupuncture could alleviate the symptoms of COVID-19 patients, shorten their hospitalization days, and is effective for the elderly. There were no side effects reported. The most frequent acupoints used were LI4, PC6, ST36 and KI3. They reported many obstacles in implementing acupuncture therapy for treating COVID-19 patients. Conclusion Acupuncture has a good effect for the treatment of COVID-19, but high-quality evidence support is still lacking. Coupled with the difficulties that acupuncturists experienced during the process of treatment, the promotion of acupuncture treatment for COVID-19 faces many obstacles. Background Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), acupuncture has been widely used in the treatment of COVID-19. The research community has responded rapidly and has already published many research articles about this topic. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library as well as CNKI, Wanfang and VIP from January 1, 2020 to July 31, 2021. The dates of publication, language of publication, methodological characteristics and the key findings were analyzed separately. The data are presented as bar graphs, structured tables and figures. Results In this scoping review, 16 research articles were included: 7 case reports, 6 observational studies, 1 review, 1 RCT and 1 nonrandomized clinical trial. The majority of the articles (81.3%) were published by Chinese scholars, 12.5% articles were by scholars in the United States, and 6.3% articles were by scholars in Iran. The included studies reported that acupuncture could alleviate the symptoms of COVID-19 patients, shorten their hospitalization days, and is effective for the elderly. There were no side effects reported. The most frequent acupoints used were LI4, PC6, ST36 and KI3. They reported many obstacles in implementing acupuncture therapy for treating COVID-19 patients. Conclusion Acupuncture has a good effect for the treatment of COVID-19, but high-quality evidence support is still lacking. Coupled with the difficulties that acupuncturists experienced during the process of treatment, the promotion of acupuncture treatment for COVID-19 faces many obstacles.

Purification and Characterization of Extracellular Inulinase from a Marine Yeast Pichia guilliermondii and Inulin Hydrolysis by the Purified Inulinase

Fang Gong,Tong Zhang,Jun Sheng,Jing Li,Xianghong Wang,Zhenming Chi 한국생물공학회 2008 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.13 No.5

The extracellular inulinase of the marine yeast Pichia guilliermondii strain 1 was purified to homogeneity resulting in a 7.2-fold increase in specific inulinase activity. The molecular mass of the purified enzyme was estimated to be 50.0 kDa. The op-timal pH and temperature for the purified enzyme were 6.0 and 60C, respectively. The enzyme was activated by Mn²+, Ca²+, K+, Li+, Na+, Fe³+, Fe²+, Cu²+, and Co²+, but Mg²+, Hg²+, and Ag+ inhibited activity. The enzyme was strongly inhibited by phenylmethanesulphonyl fluoride (PMSF), iodoacetic acid, EDTA, and 1, 10-phenanthroline. The Km and Vmax values of the purified inulinase for inulin were 21.1 mg/mL and 0.08 mg/min, respectively. A large number of monosaccharides were de-tected after the hydrolysis of inulin. The deduced protein sequence from the cloned P. guilliermondii strain 1 inulinase gene contained the consensus motifs R-D-P-K-V-F-W-H and W-M-N-D-P-N-G, which are conserved among the inulinases from other microorganisms.

Lanthanum zirconate based thermal barrier coatings: A review

Zhang, Jing,Guo, Xingye,Jung, Yeon-Gil,Li, Li,Knapp, James Elsevier Sequoia 2017 Surface & coatings technology Vol.323 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>This review article summarizes the latest information about the manufacturing techniques of lanthanum zirconate (La<SUB>2</SUB>Zr<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>7</SUB>, LZ) powder and La<SUB>2</SUB>Zr<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>7</SUB> based thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). Lanthanum zirconate is a promising candidate material for TBC applications, due to its lower thermal conductivity and higher thermal stability compared to other traditional TBC systems. In this work, the physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the powder and coatings are evaluated. The durability experiments of the TBCs in various thermal, mechanical, and corrosive conditions are also reviewed. In addition, theoretical studies on the powder and coatings properties are presented. Finally, future research directions of lanthanum zirconate as TBC applications are proposed.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Comprehensive review of lanthanum zirconate (La<SUB>2</SUB>Zr<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>7</SUB>) based TBCs </LI> <LI> Complete summary of the physical, thermal, mechanical properties of La<SUB>2</SUB>Zr<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>7</SUB> </LI> <LI> Thermal cycling behavior and durability of La<SUB>2</SUB>Zr<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>7</SUB> TBCs is reviewed. </LI> <LI> Property and performance comparison between La<SUB>2</SUB>Zr<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>7</SUB> and YSZ based TBCs </LI> <LI> Modeling of La<SUB>2</SUB>Zr<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>7</SUB> is also reviewed. </LI> </UL> </P>

Ideal tensile strength and shear strength of ZrO₂(111)/Ni(111) ceramic-metal Interface: A first principle study

Guo, Xingye,Zhang, Yi,Jung, Yeon-Gil,Li, Li,Knapp, James,Zhang, Jing Elsevier 2016 Materials & Design Vol.112 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The ideal mechanical strengths of ZrO<SUB>2</SUB>(111)/Ni(111) ceramic-metal (C-M) interface are calculated through simulated tensile and shear deformations using the first principles calculations. The structures of ZrO<SUB>2</SUB>(111)/Ni(111) interfaces with 1- and 3-layer Ni thicknesses are optimized and the mechanical properties are investigated. For tensile deformation in [111] direction, the Young's moduli of the 1-layer Ni and 3-layer Ni M-C models are 139.9GPa and 60.2GPa, respectively; and ultimate tensile strengths are 11.6GPa and 7.9GPa, respectively. For shear deformation in {111} ⟨110⟩ system, the shear moduli of the 1-layer Ni and 3-layer Ni M-C models are 43.9GPa and 30.4GPa, respectively; and ultimate shear strengths are 7.0GPa and 3.0GPa, respectively. For shear deformation in {111} ⟨11 2 − ⟩ system, the shear moduli of the 1-layer Ni and 3-layer Ni M-C models are 30.9GPa and 17.3GPa, respectively; and ultimate shear strengths are 6.0GPa and 1.8GPa, respectively. Overall, 1-layer Ni C-M interface models have better mechanical properties than those of 3-layer models. The observed strengths are explained by using charge distribution, electron localization function, and Bader charge transfer analyses. The results are important for designing robust thermal barrier coating through optimizing bond coat thickness.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Ideal tensile and shear strengths of ZrO2/Ni interface are calculated using DFT. </LI> <LI> Stress-strain curves of interfaces in tensile and shear deformations are calculated. </LI> <LI> 1-layer Ni interface models have higher mechanical strengths than 3-layer models. </LI> <LI> Charge density and Bader charge analyses are conducted to explain the strengths. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphic abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Pharmacological blockade of cholesterol trafficking by cepharanthine in endothelial cells suppresses angiogenesis and tumor growth

Lyu, Junfang,Yang, Eun Ju,Head, Sarah A.,Ai, Nana,Zhang, Baoyuan,Wu, Changjie,Li, Ruo-Jing,Liu, Yifan,Yang, Chen,Dang, Yongjun,Kwon, Ho Jeong,Ge, Wei,Liu, Jun O.,Shim, Joong Sup Elsevier 2017 Cancer letters Vol.409 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Cholesterol is an important modulator of membrane protein function and signaling in endothelial cells, thus making it an emerging target for anti-angiogenic agents. In this study, we employed a phenotypic screen that detects intracellular cholesterol distribution in endothelial cells (HUVEC) and identified 13 existing drugs as cholesterol trafficking inhibitors. Cepharanthine, an approved drug for anti-inflammatory and cancer management use, was amongst the candidates, which was selected for in-depth mechanistic studies to link cholesterol trafficking and angiogenesis. Cepharanthine inhibited the endolysosomal trafficking of free-cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein in HUVEC by binding to Niemann-Pick disease, type C1 (NPC1) protein and increasing the lysosomal pH. The blockade of cholesterol trafficking led to a cholesterol-dependent dissociation of mTOR from the lysosomes and inhibition of its downstream signaling. Cepharanthine inhibited angiogenesis in HUVEC and in zebrafish in a cholesterol-dependent manner. Furthermore, cepharanthine suppressed tumor growth in vivo by inhibiting angiogenesis and it enhanced the antitumor activity of the standard chemotherapy cisplatin in lung and breast cancer xenografts in mice. Altogether, these results strongly support the idea that cholesterol trafficking is a viable drug target for anti-angiogenesis and that the inhibitors identified among existing drugs, such as cepharanthine, could be potential anti-angiogenic and antitumor agents.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> A phenotypic screen identified 13 existing drugs, including cepharanthine, as cholesterol trafficking inhibitors. </LI> <LI> Cepharanthine inhibited lysosomal cholesterol trafficking by binding to NPC1 protein and increasing the lysosomal pH. </LI> <LI> The blockade of cholesterol trafficking led to a cholesterol-dependent dissociation of mTOR from the lysosomes. </LI> <LI> Cepharanthine inhibited angiogenesis in HUVEC and in zebrafish in a cholesterol-dependent manner. </LI> <LI> Cepharanthine treatment enhanced the antitumor activity of cisplatin in lung and breast cancer xenografts in mice. </LI> </UL> </P>

Tax is Involved in Up-regulation of HMGB1 Expression Levels by Interaction with C/EBP

Zhang, Chen-Guang,Wang, Hui,Niu, Zhi-Guo,Zhang, Jing-Jing,Yin, Ming-Mei,Gao, Zhi-Tao,Hu, Li-Hua Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.1

The high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein is a multifunctional cytokine-like molecule that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of tumors. In this study, real-time polymerase chain reactions and Western blot assays indicated that HMGB1 transcriptional activity and protein level are increased in $Tax^+$-T cells (TaxP). To clarify the mechanisms, a series of HMGB1 deletion reporter plasmids (pHLuc1 to pHLuc6) were transfected into $Tax^-$-T cells (TaxN, Jurkat) and $Tax^+$-T cells (TaxP). We found that promoter activity in $Tax^+$-T cells to be higher than that in $Tax^-$-T cells, indicating a significant increase in pHLuc6. Bay11-7082 (NF-${\kappa}B$ inhibitor) treatment did not block the enhancing effect. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that Tax was retained on a HMGB1 promoter fragment encompassing -1163 to -975. Bioinformatics analysis showed six characteristic cis-elements for CdxA, AP-1, AML-1a, USF, v-Myb, and C/EBP in the fragment in question. Mutation of cis-elements for C/EBP reduced significant HMGB1 promoter activity induced by Tax. These findings indicate that Tax enhances the expression of HMGB1 gene at the transcriptional level, possibly by interacting with C/EBP.

A Chaperone Function of NO CATALASE ACTIVITY1 Is Required to Maintain Catalase Activity and for Multiple Stress Responses in Arabidopsis

Li, Jing,Liu, Juntao,Wang, Guoqiang,Cha, Joon-Yung,Li, Guannan,Chen, She,Li, Zhen,Guo, Jinghua,Zhang, Caiguo,Yang, Yongqing,Kim, Woe-Yeon,Yun, Dae-Jin,Schumaker, Karen S.,Chen, Zhongzhou,Guo, Yan American Society of Plant Biologists 2015 The Plant cell Vol.27 No.3

<P>Arabidopsis protein NCA1 interacts with catalases in the cytosol and increases catalase activity through maintaining catalase folding state, which is required for stress responses.</P><P>Catalases are key regulators of reactive oxygen species homeostasis in plant cells. However, the regulation of catalase activity is not well understood. In this study, we isolated an <I>Arabidopsis thaliana</I> mutant, <I>no catalase activity1-3</I> (<I>nca1-3</I>) that is hypersensitive to many abiotic stress treatments. The mutated gene was identified by map-based cloning as NCA1, which encodes a protein containing an N-terminal RING-finger domain and a C-terminal tetratricopeptide repeat-like helical domain. NCA1 interacts with and increases catalase activity maximally in a 240-kD complex in planta. In vitro, NCA1 interacts with CATALASE2 (CAT2) in a 1:1 molar ratio, and the NCA1 C terminus is essential for this interaction. CAT2 activity increased 10-fold in the presence of NCA1, and zinc ion binding of the NCA1 N terminus is required for this increase. NCA1 has chaperone protein activity that may maintain the folding of catalase in a functional state. NCA1 is a cytosol-located protein. Expression of <I>NCA1</I> in the mitochondrion of the <I>nca1-3</I> mutant does not rescue the abiotic stress phenotypes of the mutant, while expression in the cytosol or peroxisome does. Our results suggest that NCA1 is essential for catalase activity.</P>

Kinetics and Modeling for Extraction of Chrysin from Oroxylum indicum Seeds

Li Zhou,Ting Jing,Peipei Zhang,Liqin Zhang,Shaona Cai,Tingting Liu,Huihui Fan,Guangde Yang,Rong Lin,Jiye Zhang 한국식품과학회 2015 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.24 No.6

Research on extraction of chrysin is crucial for theoretical purposes and for food industrial bioprocesses. Optimization and kinetics of chrysin extraction from seeds of Oroxylum indicum (L.) Vent. were analyzed using agitated solid-liquid extractions with ethanol and water mixtures. The influence of extraction process parameters was investigated. Optimized conditions for chrysin extraction were a 0.2 mole fraction of ethanol as an extraction solvent, a temperature of 318 K, an agitation speed 1,400 rpm, and a solid to solvent ratio of 1:30. The extraction kinetic behavior of chrysin followed first order kinetics. The kinetic expression developed by Spiro and Siddique was used and the model was in agreement with experimental results. The diffusion coefficient ranged from 1.38×10−11 to 19.43×10−11 m2·s−1 and the activation energy for extraction kinetics was 21.85 kJ·mol−1.

Genetic diversity of two Tibetan macaque (Macaca thibetana) populations from Guizhou and Yunnan in China based on mitochondrial DNA D-loop sequences

Li-Jing Zhong,Ming-Wang Zhang,Yong-Fang Yao,Qing-Yong Ni,Jun Mu,Chong-Qing Li,Huai-Liang Xu 한국유전학회 2013 Genes & Genomics Vol.35 No.2

Tibetan macaque (Macaca thibetana), an endangered species endemic to China, is categorized as a Category II species under the Chinese Wild Animal Protection Law and listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. To further assess genetic diversity and population structure within this species,populations, revealing that variations occured among populations mainly. Further analysis demonstrated that significant genetic differentiation (Fst = 0.83628, P\0.01) and poor gene flow (Nm\1) had occurred among these four populations. On the phylogenetic tree and haplotype network plot, 22 haplotypes cluster together according to their geographical origins, exhibiting an obvious phylogeographic pattern. We speculate that the significant genetic differentiation among these macaque populations might result from long-term geographic barrier and human activity. In particular,Yangtze River probably play a vital role in population differentiation of Tibetan macaques. we sequenced 477 bp of mitochondrial DNA control region in 30 Tibetan macaques from the Guizhou (GZ) and Yunnan (YN) of China and conducted population genetic analysis, along with 15 previously described haplotype sequences representing 55 individuals from Sichuan (SC)and Anhui (AH). 87 polymorphic sites were detected in the alignment of 45 sequences and defined 22 haplotypes, of which 9 were newly identified. Haplotype diversity (h),nucleotide diversity (p) and average number of nucleotide differences (K) is 0.911 ± 0.015, 0.06090 ± 0.00126 and 28.32, respectively, indicating higher genetic diversity in the whole Tibetan macaque population. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) partitioned the total variation into 83.63 % among populations and 16.37 % within populations, revealing that variations occured among populationsmainly. Further analysis demonstrated that significantgenetic differentiation (Fst = 0.83628, P\0.01) andpoor gene flow (Nm\1) had occurred among these fourpopulations. On the phylogenetic tree and haplotype networkplot, 22 haplotypes cluster together according to their geographicalorigins, exhibiting an obvious phylogeographicpattern. We speculate that the significant genetic differentiationamong these macaque populations might result fromlong-term geographic barrier and human activity. In particular,Yangtze River probably play a vital role in populationdifferentiation of Tibetan macaques.