Genetic Screening for Mutations in the Chip Gene in Intracranial Aneurysm Patients of Chinese Han Nationality

Su, Li,Zhang, Yuan,Zhang, Chun-Yang,Zhang, An-Long,Mei, Xiao-Long,Zhao, Zhi-Jun,Han, Jian-Guo,Zhao, Li-Jun Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.3

We performed a case-control study to investigate whether SNPs of CHIP might affect the development of IA in Chinese Han nationality. We believe we are the first to have screened IA patients for mutations in the CHIP gene to determine the association with these variants. The study group comprised 224 Chinese Han nationality patients with at least one intracranial aneurysm and 238 unrelated healthy Han nationality controls. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood leukocytes. The entire coding regions of CHIP were genotyped by PCR amplification and DNA sequencing. Differences in genotype and allele frequencies between patients and controls were tested by the chi-square method. Genotype and allele frequencies of the SNP rs116166850 was demonstrated to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. No significant difference in genotype or allele frequencies between case and control groups was detected at the SNP. Our data do not support the hypothesis of a major role for the CHIP gene in IA development in the Chinese Han population.

Seismic analysis of bridges based on stress-dependent damping

Li Su,Yuanfeng Wang,Pengfei Li,Shengqi Mei,Kun Guo 국제구조공학회 2017 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.62 No.3

Damping value has considerable influence on the dynamic and seismic behaviors of bridges. However, currently the constant damping ratios that are prescribed by most bridge seismic design codes can’t truly represent the complicated damping character of actual structures. In this paper, a cyclic loading experiment was conducted to study the effect of stress amplitude on material damping of concrete to present an analyzing model of the material damping of concrete. Furthermore, based on the fundamental damping of structure measured under ambient vibration, combined with the presented stress-dependent material damping concrete, the seismic response of a bridge pier was calculated. Comparison between the calculated and experiment results verified the validity of the presented damping model. Finally, a modified design and analysis method for bridge was proposed based on stress-dependent damping theory, and a continuous rigid frame bridge was selected as the example to calculate the actual damping values and the dynamic response of the bridge under different earthquake intensities. The calculation results indicated that using the constant damping given by the Chinese seismic design code of bridges would overestimate the energy dissipation capacity of the bridge.

T-SPOT.TB for Detection of Tuberculosis Infection among Hematological Malignancy Patients and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients

Qin, Li-Li,Wang, Qin-Rong,Wang, Qian,Yao, Hong,Wen, Li-Jun,Wu, Li-Li,Ping, Na-Na,Xie, Jun-Dan,Chen, Mei-Yu,Chen, Su-Ning Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.12

The diagnosis of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is recommended in hematological malignancy patients and before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Guidelines for the prevention and management of infectious complications of solid organ transplantation, 2004). Compared to traditional methods such as tuberculin skin test (TST), T-SPOT.TB has been shown to be more specific. In the present study we enrolled 536 patients for whom T-SPOT.TB was performed, among which 295 patients also received the TST test. The agreement (79%) between T-SPOT.TB and TST was poor (x=0.274, P<0.001). The patients with positive T-SPOT.TB results numbered 62 (11.6%), in which only 20 (48.8%) of the 41 receiving the TST test had positive results. A majority of the patients with T-SPOT.TB positive results had some other evidence ofTB, such as TB history, clinical symptoms and an abnormal chest CT scan. Active TB was found in 9 patients, in which 2 had negative TST results. We followed up the patients and no one developed active TB. Our study suggested that the T-SPOT.TB may be more useful for screening LTBI and active TB in hematological malignancy patients and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients than the TST test.

SPON2 Promotes M1-like Macrophage Recruitment and Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis by Distinct Integrin–Rho GTPase–Hippo Pathways

Zhang, Yan-Li,Li, Qing,Yang, Xiao-Mei,Fang, Fang,Li, Jun,Wang, Ya-Hui,Yang, Qin,Zhu, Lei,Nie, Hui-Zhen,Zhang, Xue-Li,Feng, Ming-Xuan,Jiang, Shu-Heng,Tian, Guang-Ang,Hu, Li-Peng,Lee, Ho-Young,Lee, Su-J American Association for Cancer Research 2018 Cancer research Vol.78 No.9

<P>Matricellular protein SPON2 acts as an HCC suppressor and utilizes distinct signaling events to perform dual functions in HCC microenvironment.</P><P>Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) represent key regulators of the complex interplay between cancer and the immune microenvironment. Matricellular protein SPON2 is essential for recruiting lymphocytes and initiating immune responses. Recent studies have shown that SPON2 has complicated roles in cell migration and tumor progression. Here we report that, in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), SPON2 not only promotes infiltration of M1-like macrophages but also inhibits tumor metastasis. SPON2-α4β1 integrin signaling activated RhoA and Rac1, increased F-actin reorganization, and promoted M1-like macrophage recruitment. F-Actin accumulation also activated the Hippo pathway by suppressing LATS1 phosphorylation, promoting YAP nuclear translocation, and initiating downstream gene expression. However, SPON2-α5β1 integrin signaling inactivated RhoA and prevented F-actin assembly, thereby inhibiting HCC cell migration; the Hippo pathway was not noticeably involved in SPON2-mediated HCC cell migration. In HCC patients, SPON2 levels correlated positively with prognosis. Overall, our findings provide evidence that SPON2 is a critical factor in mediating the immune response against tumor cell growth and migration in HCC.</P><P><B>Significance:</B> Matricellular protein SPON2 acts as an HCC suppressor and utilizes distinct signaling events to perform dual functions in HCC microenvironment.</P><P><B>Graphical Abstract:</B> http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/78/9/2305/F1.large.jpg. <I>Cancer Res; 78(9); 2305–17. ©2018 AACR</I>.</P><P><B>Graphical Abstract</B></P><P> [Figure]</P>

Quality improvement effects of electrolyzed water on rice noodles prepared with semidry-milled rice flours

Rui Liu,Zhang-Long Yu,Yuan-Lin Sun,Li-Tao Tong,Li-Ya Liu,Li-Li Wang,Xian-Rong Zhou,Su-Mei Zhou 한국식품과학회 2021 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.30 No.6

To investigate the effects of electrolyzed watertreatment on the qualities of rice noodles prepared withsemidry- milled rice flour, pasting properties and thermalproperties of rice flour, and the cooking and texturalproperties of rice noodles were determined. Higher peakviscosity and lower melting enthalpy were observed inelectrolyzed water (EW) treated rice flour. The hardness,gumminess and chewiness of rice noodle in slightly acidicelectrolyzed water treated rice noodles with availablechlorine concentration (ACC) 20.32 mg/L were increasedsignificantly (p\0.05). The cooking loss decreased significantlyin strong acidic electrolyzed water treated noodleswith ACC 10.09 mg/L treatment (p\0.05). Theresults indicated that EW could promote the gelatinizationof rice flour, and improve the textural qualities of ricenoodles. Therefore EW was appropriate to be used in ricenoodle production.

Optimized Operation of Dual-Active-Bridge DC-DC Converters in the Soft-Switching Area with Triple-Phase-Shift Control at Light Loads

Li Jiang,Yao Sun,Mei Su,Hui Wang,Hanbing Dan 전력전자학회 2018 JOURNAL OF POWER ELECTRONICS Vol.18 No.1

It is usually difficult for dual-active-bridge (DAB) dc-dc converters to operate efficiently at light loads. This paper presents an in-depth analysis of a DAB with triple-phase-shift (TPS) control under the light load condition to overcome this problem. A kind of operating mode which is suitable for light load operation is analyzed in this paper. First, an analysis of the zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) constraints for the DAB converter has been carried out and a reasonable dead-band setting method has been proposed. Secondly, the basic operating characteristics of the converter are analyzed. Third, under the condition of satisfying the ZVS constraints, both the reactive power and the root mean square (RMS) value of the current are simultaneously minimized and a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is employed to analyze and solve this optimization problem. Lastly, both simulations and experiments are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The experimental results show that the converter can effectively achieve ZVS and improved efficiency.

Inhibition of poly(I:C)-induced inflammation by salvianolic acid A in skin keratinocytes

( Su-hyuk Yim ),( Qing-ling Zhang ),( Xue Mei Li ),( Jin Gwi Yoo ),( Dong-kyun Hong ),( Jin-hyup Lee ),( Chong Won Choi ),( Kyung Duck Park ),( Young Lee ),( Chang Deok Kim ),( Young-joon Seo ),( Jeun 대한피부과학회 2018 대한피부과학회 학술발표대회집 Vol.70 No.2

Background: Skin keratinocytes participate actively in inducing immune responses when external pathogens are introduced, thereby contributing to elimination of pathogens. However, in condition where the excessive inflammation is occurred, chronic skin disease such as psoriasis can be provoked. Objectives: We tried to screen the putative therapeutics for inflammatory skin disease, and found that salvianolic acid A (SAA) has an inhibitory effects on keratinocyte inflammatory reaction. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the effects of SAA in poly(I:C)-induced inflammatory reaction in skin keratinocytes. Methods: The keratinocytes were pretreated with SAA then stimulated with poly(I:C). Inflammatory reaction of keratinocytes, then we verified using RT-PCR, ELISA and Western blot. Results: When skin keratinocytes were pre-treated with SAA, it significantly inhibited poly(I:C)-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and CCL20. SAA inhibited poly(I:C)-induced activation of NF-κB signaling. And SAA also inhibited inflammasome activation, evidenced by decrease of IL-1β secretion. Finally, SAA markedly inhibited poly(I:C)-induced NLRP3 expression. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that SAA has an inhibitory effect on poly(I:C)-induced inflammatory reaction of keratinocytes, suggesting that SAA can be developed for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis.

A High-Efficiency Bidirectional AC/DC Topology for V2G Applications

Mei Su,Hua Li,Yao Sun,Wenjing Xiong 전력전자학회 2014 JOURNAL OF POWER ELECTRONICS Vol.14 No.5

This paper proposes a single-phase bidirectional AC/DC converter topology applied in V2G systems, which consists of an inverter and a bidirectional non-inverting buck-boost converter. This topology can operate in four modes: buck charging, boost charging, buck discharging and boost discharging with high input current quality and unity input power factor. The inverter switches at line frequency, which is different from conventional voltage source inverters. A bidirectional buck-boost converter is utilized to adapt to a wider charging voltage range. The modulation and control strategy is introduced in detail, and the switching patterns are optimized to reduce the current ripple. In addition, the semiconductor losses are analyzed. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed topology.

Facile Synthesis of Co3O4/Mildly Oxidized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes/Reduced Mildly Oxidized Graphene Oxide Ternary Composite as the Material for Supercapacitors

Mei-yu Lv,Kai-yu Liu,Yan Li,Lai Wei,Jian-jian Zhong,Geng Su 대한화학회 2014 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.35 No.5

A three-dimensional (3D) Co3O4/mildly oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (moCNTs)/reduced mildly oxidized graphene oxide (rmGO) ternary composite was prepared via a simple and green hydrolysishydrothermal approach by mixing Co(Ac)2·4H2O with moCNTs and mGO suspension in mixed ethanol/H2O. As characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, Co3O4 nanoparticles with size of 20-100 nm and moCNTs are effectively anchored in mGO. Cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge measurements were adopted to investigate the electrochemical properties of Co3O4/moCNTs/ rmGO ternary composite in 6 M KOH solution. In a potential window of 0-0.6 V vs. Hg/HgO, the composite delivers an initial specific capacitance of 492 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and the capacitance remains 592 F g−1 after 2000 cycles, while the pure Co3O4 shows obviously capacitance fading, indicating that rmGO and moCNTs greatly enhance the electrochemical performance of Co3O4.

Magnolol Inhibits LPS-induced NF-ՊB/Rel Activation by Blocking p38 Kinase in Murine Macrophages

Mei Hong Li,Gugan Kothandan,Seung Joo Cho,Pham Thi Thu Huong,Yong Hai Nan,Kun Yeong Lee,Song Yub Shin,Sung Su Yea,Young Jin Jeon 대한생리학회-대한약리학회 2010 The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology Vol.14 No.6

This study demonstrates the ability of magnolol, a hydroxylated biphenyl compound isolated from Magnolia officinalis, to inhibit LPS-induced expression of iNOS gene and activation of NF-ՊB/Rel in RAW 264.7 cells. Immunohisto-chemical staining of iNOS and Western blot analysis showed magnolol to inhibit iNOS gene expression. Reporter gene assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that magnolol inhibited NF-ՊB/Rel transcriptional activation and DNA binding, respectively. Since p38 is important in the regulation of iNOS gene expression, we investigated the possibility that magnolol to target p38 for its anti-inflammatory effects. A molecular modeling study proposed a binding position for magnolol that targets the ATP binding site of p38 kinase (3GC7). Direct interaction of magnolol and p38 was further confirmed by pull down assay using magnolol conjugated to Sepharose 4B beads. The specific p38 inhibitor SB203580 abrogated the LPS-induced NF-ՊB/Rel activation, whereas the selective MEK-1 inhibitor PD98059 did not affect the NF-ՊB/Rel. Collectively, the results of the series of experiments indicate that magnolol inhibits iNOS gene expression by blocking NF-ՊB/Rel and p38 kinase signaling.