Preparing Primary English Teachers in Hong Kong: Focusing on Language Assessment Literacy

Qin Xie,Siyan Tan 아시아테플 2019 The Journal of Asia TEFL Vol.16 No.2

Self-centering BRBs with composite tendons in series: Tests and structural an

Qin Xie,Zhen Zhou,Lingxin Zhang 국제구조공학회 2021 Steel and Composite Structures, An International J Vol.40 No.3

The self-centering system and yielding energy dissipation system are two main parts of self-centering buckling-restrained braces (SC-BRBs), which have important influences on brace performance. To improve the performance of the two parts, an SC-BRB with composite tendons in series (SC-BRB-CTS) is proposed by introducing a self-centering system in series that can improve the deformation capability of the brace, and the yielding energy dissipation system made of low-yield steel LYP160 with a strong energy dissipation capacity is adopted. The performance of the braces is studied by quasi-static tests, and the influence of the self-centering system in series and low-yield steel on the seismic performance of the structure is determined by nonlinear dynamic analyses and fragility analyses. The results show that the deformation capacity of the SC-BRB-CTS is approximately 44% higher than that of a traditional SC-BRB, and the collapse resistance of the structure is improved by avoiding or delaying tendon fracture. The use of LYP160 steel core plates can substantially improve the energy dissipation capacity and post-yielding bearing capacity of the brace, which is beneficial for reducing the seismic response of the structure.

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.

Anti-tumor Effects and Apoptosis Induction by Realgar Bioleaching Solution in Sarcoma-180 Cells in Vitro and Transplanted Tumors in Mice in Vivo

Xie, Qin-Jian,Cao, Xin-Li,Bai, Lu,Wu, Zheng-Rong,Ma, Ying-Ping,Li, Hong-Yu Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.6

Background: Realgar which contains arsenic components has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as an anticancer drug. However, neither Realgar nor its formula are soluble in water. As a result, high dose of Realgar has to be administered to achieve an effective blood medicine concentration, and this is associated with adverse side effects. The objective of the present study was to increase the solubility of a formula using hydrometallurgy technology as well as investigating its effects on in vitro and in vivo cell proliferation and apoptosis in Sarcoma-180 cell line. Materials and Methods: Antiproliferative activity of Realgar Bioleaching Solution (RBS) was evaluated by MTT assay. Further, effects of RBS on cell proliferation and apoptosis were studied using flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy. Kunming mice were administered RBS in vivo, where arsenic specifically targeted solid tumors. Results: The results indicated that RBS extract potently inhibited the tumor growth of Sarcoma-180 cell line in a dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy further indicated that RBS significantly induced cell apoptosis through the inhibition of cell cycle pathway in a dose-dependent manner. Further, on RBS administration to mice, arsenic was specifically targeted to solid tumor.s Conclusions: RBS could substitute for traditional Realgar or its formula to work as a potent tool in cancer treatment.

Book Review - Assessing Young Learners of English: Global and Local Perspectives, Marianne Nikolov (ed.), New York, Springer, 2016, 343 pp., $139 (US), ISBN 978-3-319-22421-3

Xie Qin 아시아영어교육학회 2016 The Journal of Asia TEFL Vol.13 No.3

Genome-wide identification and evolution of TC1/Mariner in the silkworm (Bombyx mori) genome

Li‑Qin Xie,Ping‑Lan Wang,Shen‑Hua Jiang,Ze Zhang,Hua‑Hao Zhang 한국유전학회 2018 Genes & Genomics Vol.40 No.5

TC1/Mariner transposons belong to class II transposable elements (TEs) that use DNA-mediated “cut and paste” mechanism to transpose, and they have been identified in almost all organisms. Although silkworm (Bombyx mori) has a large amount of TC1/Mariner elements, the genome wide information of this superfamily in the silkworm is unknown. In this study, we have identified 2670 TC1/Mariner (Bmmar) elements in the silkworm genome. All the TEs were classified into 22 families by means of fgclust, a tool of repetitive sequence classification, seven of which was first reported in this study. Phylogenetic and structure analyses based on the catalytic domain (DDxD/E) of transposase sequences indicated that all members of TC1/Mariner were grouped into five subgroups: Mariner, Tc1, maT, DD40D and DD41D/E. Of these five subgroups, maT rather than Mariner possessed most members of TC1/Mariner (51.23%) in the silkworm genome. In particular, phylogenetic analysis and structure analysis revealed that Bmmar15 (DD40D) formed a new basal subgroup of TC1/Mariner element in insects, which was referred to as bmori. Furthermore, we concluded that DD40D appeared to intermediate between mariner and Tc1. Finally, we estimated the insertion time for each copy of TC1/Mariner in the silkworm and found that most of members were dramatically amplified during a period from 0 to 1 mya. Moreover, the detailed functional data analysis showed that Bmmar1, Bmmar6 and Bmmar9 had EST evidence and intact transposases. These implied that TC1/Mariner might have potential transpositional activity. In conclusion, this study provides some new insights into the landscape, origin and evolution of TC1/Mariner in the insect genomes.

Sorption-enhanced reforming of tar: Influence of the preparation method of CO2 absorbent

Huaqing Xie,Weidong Zhang,Xiangnan Zhao,Hao Chen,Qingbo Yu,Qin Qin 한국화학공학회 2018 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.35 No.11

To remove tar and produce environment-friendly H2, one of the promising routes is the sorption-enhanced steam reforming (SESR) process, in which the CO2 sorbent is a key element. We prepared the CO2 sorbents with Ca12Al14O33 as carrier with various methods. Their characterizations were examined, and the sample prepared by solgel (SG) method showed the strongest CaO and Ca12Al14O33 phases and the most excellent pore structure among all the samples. Then, a thermogravimetric experiment was conducted, and the results showed that the sample prepared by sol-gel (SG) method had the best CO2 adsorption capacity and excellent long-term cyclic stability. Finally, the sorbent was used into the steam reforming experiments of tar. Under the action of the sorbent, the reforming reaction was enhanced in-situ, with the H2 yield and concentration improved obviously, and especially, H2 concentration can reach over 98.85%.

Isolation and phylogenetic analysis of hemagglutinin gene of H9N2 influenza viruses from chickens in South China from 2012 to 2013

Han-Qin Shen,Zhuan-Qiang Yan,Fan-Gui Zeng,Chang-Tao Liao,Qing-Feng Zhou,Jian-Ping Qin,Qingmei Xie,Yingzuo Bi,Feng Chen 대한수의학회 2015 Journal of Veterinary Science Vol.16 No.3

As part of our ongoing influenza surveillance program in South China, 19 field strains of H9N2 subtype avian influenza viruses (AIVs) wereisolated from dead or diseased chicken flocks in Guangdong province, South China, between 2012 and 2013. Hemagglutinin (HA) genes ofthese strains were sequenced and analyzed and phylogenic analysis showed that 12 of the 19 isolates belonged to the lineage h9.4.2.5, whilethe other seven belonged to h9.4.2.6. Specifically, we found that all of the viruses isolated in 2013 belonged to lineage h9.4.2.5. The lineageh9.4.2.5 viruses contained a PSRSSR↓GLF motif at HA cleavage site, while the lineage h9.4.2.6 viruses contained a PARSSR↓GLF at thesame position. Most of the isolates in lineage h9.4.2.5 lost one potential glycosylation site at residues 200–202, and had an additional oneat residues 295–297 in HA1. Notably, 19 isolates had an amino acid exchange (Q226L) in the receptor binding site, which indicated that theviruses had potential affinity of binding to human like receptor. The present study shows the importance of continuing surveillance of newH9N2 strains to better prepare for the next epidemic or pandemic outbreak of H9N2 AIV infections in chicken flocks.

Estrogen Receptor-α Exacerbates EGF-Inducing Airway Remodeling and Mucus Production in Bronchial Epithelium of Asthmatics

Qin Lu,Yue Junqing,Guo Mingzhou,Zhang Cong,Fang Xiaoyu,Zhang Shengding,Bai Wenxue,Liu Xiansheng,Xie Min 대한천식알레르기학회 2023 Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research Vol.15 No.5

Purpose: Although estrogen receptors (ERs) signal pathways are involved in the pathogenesis and development of asthma, their expressions and effects remain controversial. This study aimed to investigate the expressions of ERα and ERβ as well as their mechanisms in airway remodeling and mucus production in asthma. Methods: The expressions of ERα and ERβ in the airway epithelial cells of bronchial biopsies and induced sputum cells were examined by immunohistochemistry. The associations of ERs expressions with airway inflammation and remodeling were evaluated in asthmatic patients. In vitro, the regulations of ERs expressions in human bronchial epithelial cell lines were examined using western blot analysis. The epidermal growth factor (EGF)-mediated ligand-independent activation of ERα and its effect on epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) were investigated in asthmatic epithelial cells by western blot, immunofluorescent staining, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: ERα and ERβ were expressed on both bronchial epithelial cells and induced sputum cells, and the expressions showed no sex difference. Compared to controls, male asthmatic patients had higher levels of ERα on the bronchial epithelium, and there were cell-specific expressions of ERα and ERβ in induced sputum. The expression of ERα in the airway epithelium was inversely correlated to forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) % and FEV1/forced vital capacity. Severe asthmatic patients had significantly greater levels of ERα in the airway epithelium than mild-moderate patients. ERα level was positively correlated with the thickness of the subepithelial basement membrane and airway epithelium. In vitro, co-stimulation of interleukin (IL)-4 and EGF increased the expression of ERα and promoted its nuclear translocation. EGF activated the phosphorylation of ERα via extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathways. ERα knockdown alleviated EGF-mediated EMTs and mucus production in airway epithelial cells of asthma. Conclusions: ERα contributes to asthmatic airway remodeling and mucus production through the EGF-mediated ligand-independent pathway.

Accelerating Dissolution of Polyacrylamide in Offshore Oil Field

Qin Yu,Xiangguo Lu,Defu Zhang,Kun Xie 대한화학회 2015 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.36 No.10

The solubility of polyacrylamide significantly reduces the efficiency of polymer flooding in offshore oil fields, because of the low performance of polyacrylamide and the special environment. The objective of this paper is to investigate a novel approach to accelerate the dissolution of hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) by adding a co-solvent cholamine (MEA). We investigated the effects of MEA on the microstructure and the performance of HPAM. Results showed that the addition of MEA and the temperature rise greatly shortened the dissolution time of HPAM, while improved the rheological property and seepage behavior. The enhanced solubility of polyacrylamide and the performance of polymer solution can be attributed to the enlarging of the molecular clew size, the stretching of molecular chains and the lowering of the glass transition temperature of HPAM. The new approach has high practical and the economic values for applications of the polymer flooding technology in offshore oilfields with complex reservoir conditions.