Structural and nanomechanical properties of a-plane ZnO thin films deposited under different oxygen partial pressures

Sheng-Rui Jian,Hou-Guang Chen,Guo-Ju Chen,Jason S.C. Jang,Jenh-Yih Juang 한국물리학회 2012 Current Applied Physics Vol.12 No.3

The effects of O2 partial pressure during RF magnetron sputtering on the structural and nanomechanical properties of a-plane ZnO thin films were investigated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and nanoindentation techniques. The XRD and the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) selected area diffraction results indicate that the epitaxial relationship between ZnO thin films and Al2O3 substrates is ZnO ð1120Þ//Al2O3 ð1102Þ. The average values of the hardness and Young’s modulus of the a-plane ZnO films were found to decrease with increasing oxygen partial pressure. The cross-sectional TEM revealing the localized plastic deformation of ZnO thin films beneath the Berkovich indenter, indicating the prominent role played by the threading dislocations in the film deformation behavior. At higher indentation loadings, the sapphire substrate exhibits extensive deformation with narrow slip bands appearing on {0001} plane. However, no evidence of pressure-induced phase transformation, as well as cracking and/or delamination phenomena at the filmesubstrate interface was observed.

Long Term Outcomes and Prognostic Factors of N₀ Stage Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: a Single Institutional Experience with 610 Patients

Sun, Jian-Da,Chen, Chuang-Zhen,Chen, Jian-Zhou,Li, Dong-Sheng,Chen, Zhi-Jian,Zhou, Ming-Zhen,Li, De-Rui Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.5

Treatment responses of $N_0$ stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma were firstly analyzed comprehensively to evaluate long term outcomes of patients and identify prognostic factors. A total of 610 patients with $N_0$ NPC, undergoing definitive radiotherapy to their primary lesion and prophylactic radiation to upper neck, were reviewed retrospectively. Concomitant chemotherapy was administrated to 65 out of the 610. Survival rates of the patients were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by log-rank test. Prognostic factors were identified by the Cox regression model. The study revealed the 5-year and 10-year overall, disease-free, disease-specific, local failure-free, regional failure-free, locoregional failure-free and distant metastasis-free survival rates to be 78.7% and 66.8%, 68.8% and 55.8%, 79.9% and 70.4%, 81.2% and 72.5%, 95.8% and 91.8%, 78.3% and 68.5%, 88.5% and 85.5%, respectively. There were 192 patients experiencing failure (31.5%) after radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Of these, local recurrence, regional relapse and distant metastases as the first event of failure occurred in 100 (100/610, 16.4%), 15(15/610, 2.5%) and 52 (52/610, 8.5%), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that T stage was the only independent prognostic factor for patients with $N_0$ NPC (P=0.000). Late T stage (P=0.000), male (P=0.039) and anemia (P=0.007) were independently unfavorable factors predicting disease-free survival. After treatment, satisfactory outcome wasgenerally achieved in patients with $N_0$ NPC. Local recurrence represented the predominant mode of treatment failure, while T stage was the only independent prognostic factor for overall survival. Late T stage, male gender, and anemia independently predicted lower possibility of the disease-free survival.

Applying the statistical experimental method to evaluate the process conditions of TiO_2 nanotube arrays by anodization method

Rui Liu,Ching-Shieh Hsieh,Wein-Duo Yang,Liang-Sheng Qiang,Jian-Fu Wu 한국물리학회 2011 Current Applied Physics Vol.11 No.6

Vertically oriented TiO_2 nanotube arrays were successfully produced by the anodization technique in NH_4F/H_3PO_4 electrolyte. The structure and morphology were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD)and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). It is found that TiO_2 nanotube arrays annealed at 500 ℃ containing 100% anatase phase and entirely converted into rutile at 800 ℃. The response surface methodology (RSM) and Box-Behnken design were applied to find the optimal factor conditions in production of TiO_2 nanotube arrays. Based on the results in preliminary experiments, we selected anodization time, anodization voltage and NH4F concentration as the key factors to investigate their effects on responses. The regression models were built by fitting the experimental results with a second-order polynomial. By using the regression models, the optimal factor conditions were obtained as follows: anodization time of 300 min; anodization voltage of 15.39 V; NH_4F concentration of 0.50 M. Corresponding to the optimal factor conditions, the predicted average length and diameter of nanotube array were 1429 nm and 33 nm, respectively. Confirmation experiments using the optimized conditions were performed: TiO_2 nanotube arrays were obtained with an average tube length of 1420 nm and average tube diameter of 36 nm. The experimental results are in good agreement with the predicted results.

Adenoviral Vector Mediates High Expression Levels of Human Lactoferrin in the Milk of Rabbits

( Zeng Sheng Han ),( Qing Wang Li ),( Zhi Ying Zhang ),( Yong Sheng Yu ),( Bo Xiao ),( Shu Yun Wu ),( Zhong Liang Jiang ),( Hong Wei Zhao ),( Rui Zhao ),( Jian Li ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2008 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.18 No.1

The limitations in current technology for generating transgenic animals, such as the time and the expense, hampered its extensive use in recombinant protein production for therapeutic purpose. In this report, we present a simple and less expensive alternative by directly infusing a recombinant adenovirus vector carrying human lactoferrin cDNA into rabbit mammary glands. The milk serum was collected from the infected mammary gland 48 h post-infection and subjected to a 10% SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. An 80-kDa protein was visualized after viral vector infection. With this method, we obtained a high level of expressed human lactoferrin of up to 2.3 mg/ml in the milk. Taken together, the method is useful for the transient high-level expression recombinant proteins, and the approach established here is probably one of the most economical and efficient ways for large-scale production of recombinant proteins of biopharmaceutical interest.

Field Emission from TiO2/Ti Nanotube Array Films Modified with Carbon Nanotubes

Cheng-Wei Wang,Rui-Sheng Guo,Jian-Biao Chen,Yan Li,Jian Wang,Wei-Min Liu 한국물리학회 2009 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.55 No.6

Well-aligned TiO2/Ti nanotube array films were synthesized by using anodic oxidation of titanium in 0.5-wt% HF and were modified with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) assembled by using catalyzed chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at 650 ˚C. The morphology and the quality of the films were assessed with field emission scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectrometry (325 nm). The field emission characteristics of such TiO2/Ti nanostructures were investigated before and after being modified with CNTs. The results show that the TiO2/Ti nanotube arrays possess a moderate turn-on electric field of 7.4 V/µm, a field emission current density of 2.7 mA/cm2 at 23 V/µm. It is noteworthy that the turn-on field of the TiO2/Ti nanotube arrays modified with CNTs is decreased significantly to 1.3 V/µm, and the emission current density is increased to 10 mA/cm2 at 5.6 V/µm. This novel structure shows high emission efficiency as a field emitter. Well-aligned TiO2/Ti nanotube array films were synthesized by using anodic oxidation of titanium in 0.5-wt% HF and were modified with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) assembled by using catalyzed chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at 650 ˚C. The morphology and the quality of the films were assessed with field emission scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectrometry (325 nm). The field emission characteristics of such TiO2/Ti nanostructures were investigated before and after being modified with CNTs. The results show that the TiO2/Ti nanotube arrays possess a moderate turn-on electric field of 7.4 V/µm, a field emission current density of 2.7 mA/cm2 at 23 V/µm. It is noteworthy that the turn-on field of the TiO2/Ti nanotube arrays modified with CNTs is decreased significantly to 1.3 V/µm, and the emission current density is increased to 10 mA/cm2 at 5.6 V/µm. This novel structure shows high emission efficiency as a field emitter.

Meta-analysis of Gene Expression Data Identifies Causal Genes for Prostate Cancer

Wang, Xiang-Yang,Hao, Jian-Wei,Zhou, Rui-Jin,Zhang, Xiang-Sheng,Yan, Tian-Zhong,Ding, De-Gang,Shan, Lei Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.1

Prostate cancer is a leading cause of death in male populations across the globe. With the advent of gene expression arrays, many microarray studies have been conducted in prostate cancer, but the results have varied across different studies. To better understand the genetic and biologic mechanisms of prostate cancer, we conducted a meta-analysis of two studies on prostate cancer. Eight key genes were identified to be differentially expressed with progression. After gene co-expression analysis based on data from the GEO database, we obtained a co-expressed gene list which included 725 genes. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that these genes are involved in actin filament-based processes, locomotion and cell morphogenesis. Further analysis of the gene list should provide important clues for developing new prognostic markers and therapeutic targets.

The role of miRNA‑155 in monocrotaline‑induced pulmonary arterial hypertension through c‑Fos/NLRP3/caspase‑1

Shou‑Dong Chai,Zhen‑Kun Li,Rui Liu,Tao Liu,Ming‑Feng Dong,Pei‑Zhe Tang,Jian‑Tang Wang,Sheng‑Jun Ma 대한독성 유전단백체 학회 2020 Molecular & cellular toxicology Vol.16 No.3

Background Nisoldipine can effectively suppress pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation and c-Fos expression. Objective To identify the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effects in monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), focusing on the c-Fos/NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway. Results In a mice model of monocrotaline-induced PAH, miRNA-155 expression was increased. In an in vitro model, overexpression of miRNA-155 promoted inflammation and induced c-Fos, NLRP3, and caspase-1 protein expression. The inhibition of c-Fos reduced the effects of miRNA-155 on inflammation in an in vitro model of monocrotaline-induced PAH. The inhibition of NLRP3 reduced the effects of miRNA-155 on inflammation in an in vitro model of monocrotaline-induced PAH. Conclusions miRNA-155 increased inflammation in monocrotaline-induced PAH through c-Fos/NLRP3/caspase-1.

The effects of codon usage on the formation of secondary structures of nucleocapsid protein of peste des petits ruminants virus

Xiao‑xia Ma,Yi‑ning Wang,Xiao‑an Cao,Xue‑rui Li,Yong‑sheng Liu,Jian‑hua Zhou,Xue‑peng Cai 한국유전학회 2018 Genes & Genomics Vol.40 No.9

The nucleocapsid (N) protein of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) with a conserved amino acid usage pattern plays an important role in viral replication. The primary objective of this study was to estimate roles of synonymous codon usages of PPRV N gene and tRNA abundances of host in the formation of secondary structure of N protein. The potential effects of synonymous codon usages of N gene and tRNA abundances of host on shaping different folding units (α-helix, β-strand and the coil) in N protein were estimated, based on the information about the modeling secondary structure of PPRV N protein. The synonymous codon usage bias was found in different folding units in PPRV N protein. To better understand the role of translation speed caused by variant tRNA abundances in shaping the specific folding unit in N protein, we modeled the changing trends of tRNA abundance at the transition boundaries from one folding unit to another folding unit (β-strand → coil, coil → β-strand, α-helix → coil, coil → α-helix). The obvious fluctuations of tRNA abundance were identified at the two transition boundaries (β-strand → coil and coil → β-strand) in PPRV N protein. Our findings suggested that viral synonymous codon usage bias and cellular tRNA abundance variation might have potential effects on the formation of secondary structure of PPRV N protein.

ZNF488 Enhances the Invasion and Tumorigenesis in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Via the Wnt Signaling Pathway Involving Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition

Dan Zong,Li Yin,Qian Zhong,Wen-jie Guo,Jian-hua Xu,Ning Jiang,Zhi-rui Lin,Man-zhi Li,Ping Han,Lin Xu,Xia He,Mu-sheng Zeng 대한암학회 2016 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.48 No.1

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the function of Zinc finger protein 488 (ZNF488) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Materials and Methods The endogenous expression of ZNF488 in NPC tissues, normal nasopharyngeal epithelium tissues and NPC cell lines were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. ZNF488 over-expressing and knock-down NPC cell line models were estab- lished through retroviral vector pMSCV mediated over-expression and small interfering RNA (siRNA) mediated knock-down. The invasion and migration capacities were evaluated by wound healing and transwell invasion assays in ZNF488 over-expressing and control cell lines. Soft-agar colony formation and a xenograft experiment were performed to study tumorigenic ability in vitro and in vivo. Immunofluorescence and western blotting analysis were used to examine protein changes followed by ZNF488 over-expression. Microarray analysis was performed to explore gene expression profilings, while luciferase reporter assay to evaluate the transcriptive activity of Tcf/Lef. Results ZNF488 was over-expressed in NPC tissues compared with normal tissues, especially higher in 5-8F and S18, which are well-established high metastatic NPC clones. Functional studies indicate that over-expression of ZNF488 provokes invasion, whereas knock-down of ZNF488 alleviates invasive capability. Moreover, over-expression of ZNF488 promotes NPC tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo. Our data further show that over-expression of ZNF488 induces epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) by activating the WNT/β -catenin signaling pathway. Conclusion Our data strongly suggest that ZNF488 acts as an oncogene, promoting invasion and tumorigenesis by activating the Wnt/β -catenin pathway to induce EMT in NPC.

Three methods for studying coupled vibration in a multi flexible disk rotor system

YiJui Chiu,Xiao-Yun Li,Yi-Cheng Chen,Sheng-Rui Jian,Chia-Hao Yang,I-Hsiang Lin 대한기계학회 2017 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.31 No.11

This paper improved and developed Shaft-disk-blade (SDB) rotor system based on the previous studies of the authors in the last decade from Yang and Huang (2005) to Chiu et al. (2017). This paper also explored blade-bending, disk-transverse, and shaft-torsion coupling vibration of a multi flexible disk rotor system. Unlike the previous studies of the authors, this paper adopted three methods: (a) Assumed mode method (AMM), (b) Finite element method (FEM), and (c) experimental method. The first approach is the main method, and the two other methods are complementary. Results generated from the three methods were then compared and analyzed. Based on the previous definition of the authors, a flexible disk rotor system displays three types of coupling vibrations: Inter-blade, SDB, and diskblade modes. The system changes the rules of natural frequencies and mode shapes. This paper presents several interesting results. First, the author determined the change rules of the mode shapes and natural frequencies using the AMM, FEM (including three kinds of software), and the experimental method. Second, numerical calculation results also revealed that two phenomena regarding the distance of disk and flexible disk would be affected by the natural frequencies. Third, the experimental results would be explored in this paper. Last, the flexible disk could affect the system instability in the case study of rotation effects.