Effects of Work-function Variation on Performance of Junctionless and Inversion-mode Dual-metal Gate Nanowire Transistors

Liang Dai,Weifeng Lü,Mi Lin 대한전자공학회 2020 Journal of semiconductor technology and science Vol.20 No.4

This study compares junctionless (JL) and inversion-mode (IM) dual-metal gate (DMG) nanowire transistors in terms of their performance fluctuations caused by work-function variation (WFV) through computer-aided-design simulation, To the best of our knowledge, this is the first of such an investigation. From the variability of the performance parameters, including the threshold voltage (VTH), transconductance (gm), saturation current (Isat), and subthreshold slope (SS), we observe that IM devices have stronger immunity to WFV than JL devices in terms of VTH and SS, whereas JL devices perform better in terms of Isat and gm from the relative fluctuation perspective. Moreover, the impact of WFV is found to become more severe as the ratio of the metal gate near the source to the entire metal gate decreases. In summary, our study can serve as a reference for optimizing the distribution of the two metals in the design of JL and IM DMG nanowire transistors.

Cytosolic escape of mitochondrial DNA triggers cGAS-STING-NLRP3 axis-dependent nucleus pulposus cell pyroptosis

Zhang Weifeng,Li Gaocai,Luo Rongjin,Lei Jie,Song Yu,Wang Bingjin,Ma Liang,Liao Zhiwei,Ke Wencan,Liu Hui,Hua Wenbin,Zhao Kangcheng,Feng Xiaobo,Wu Xinghuo,Zhang Yukun,Wang Kun,Yang Cao 생화학분자생물학회 2022 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.54 No.-

Low back pain (LBP) is a major musculoskeletal disorder and the socioeconomic problem with a high prevalence that mainly involves intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, characterized by progressive nucleus pulposus (NP) cell death and the development of an inflammatory microenvironment in NP tissue. Excessively accumulated cytosolic DNA acts as a damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) that is monitored by the cGAS-STING axis to trigger the immune response in many degenerative diseases. NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent pyroptosis is a type of inflammatory programmed death that promotes a chronic inflammatory response and tissue degeneration. However, the relationship between the cGAS-STING axis and NLRP3 inflammasome-induced pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration remains unclear. Here, we used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histopathology to demonstrate that cGAS, STING, and NLRP3 are associated with the degree of IVD degeneration. Oxidative stress induced cGAS-STING axis activation and NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis in a STING-dependent manner in human NP cells. Interestingly, the canonical morphological and functional characteristics of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening with the cytosolic escape of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were observed in human NP cells under oxidative stress. Furthermore, the administration of a specific pharmacological inhibitor of mPTP and self-mtDNA cytosolic leakage effectively reduced NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptotic NP cell death and microenvironmental inflammation in vitro and degenerative progression in a rat disc needle puncture model. Collectively, these data highlight the critical roles of the cGAS-STING-NLRP3 axis and pyroptosis in the progression of IVD degeneration and provide promising therapeutic approaches for discogenic LBP.

Ion-Imprinted Polymers Modified Sensor for Electrochemical Detection of Cu2+

Zhuolin An,Weifeng Liu,Qi Liang,Guang Yan,Lei Qin,Lin Chen,Meiling Wang,Yongzhen Yang,Xuguang Liu 성균관대학교(자연과학캠퍼스) 성균나노과학기술원 2018 NANO Vol.13 No.12

An electrochemical sensor (Cu2+-IIPs/GCE) was developed for detection of Cu2+ in water. Cu2+-IIPs/GCE was prepared by dispersing Cu2+ imprinted polymers (Cu2+-IIPs) on a preprocessed glassy carbon electrode. Cu2+-IIPs were synthesized on the surface of modified carbon spheres by ion imprinting technology. The electrochemical performance of Cu2+-IIPs/GCE was evaluated by differential pulse voltammetry method. The response of Cu2+-IIPs/GCE to Cu2+ was linear in 1.0 x 10 -5 mol/L to 1.0 x 10 -3 mol/L. The detection limit was 5.99 x 10 -6 mol/L (S/N = 3). The current response value of Cu2+-IIPs/GCE was 2.14 times that of the nonimprinted electrode. These results suggest that Cu2+-IIPs/GCE can detect the concentration of Cu2+ in water, providing a new way for heavy metal ions adsorption and testing.

Identification and confirmation of 14-3-3 ζ as a novel target of ginsenosides in brain tissues

Feiyan Chen,Lin Chen,Weifeng Liang,Zhengguang Zhang,Jiao Li,Wan Zheng,Zhu Zhu,Jiapeng Zhu,Yunan Zhao 고려인삼학회 2021 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.45 No.4

Background: Ginseng can help regulate brain excitability, promote learning and memory, and resist cerebral ischemia in the central nervous system. Ginsenosides are the major effective compounds of Ginseng, but their protein targets in the brain have not been determined. Methods: We screened proteins that interact with the main components of ginseng (ginsenosides) by affinity chromatography and identified the 14-3-3 ζ protein as a potential target of ginsenosides in brain tissues. Results: Biolayer interferometry (BLI) analysis showed that 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (PPD), a ginseng saponin metabolite, exhibited the highest direct interaction to the 14-3-3 ζ protein. Subsequently, BLI kinetics analysis and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) assay showed that PPD specifically bound to the 14-3-3 ζ protein. The cocrystal structure of the 14-3-3 ζ protein-PPD complex showed that the main interactions occurred between the residues R56, R127, and Y128 of the 14-3-3 ζ protein and a portion of PPD. Moreover, mutating any of the above residues resulted in a significant decrease of affinity between PPD and the 14-3-3 ζ protein. Conclusion: Our results indicate the 14-3-3 ζ protein is the target of PPD, a ginsenoside metabolite. Crystallographic and mutagenesis studies suggest a direct interaction between PPD and the 14-3-3 ζ protein. This finding can help in the development of small-molecular compounds that bind to the 14-3-3 ζ protein on the basis of the structure of dammarane-type triterpenoid.

Integrated expression and general optimisation method of bucket shape line of backhoe hydraulic excavator

Haoran Sun,Zhigui Ren,Junli Wang,Weifeng Wei,Yongyong Liang,Minghao Feng 대한기계학회 2021 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.35 No.6

The bucket shape of a hydraulic excavator influences its excavating performance and is determined by its shape line. In this study, the inner surface line projected on the symmetrical plane of the bucket was adopted as the bucket shape line, and the value ranges of the main parameters for the shape line were investigated. By considering the centre of the arc at the bucket bottom as the origin, the Cartesian coordinate system was established, and the integrated equation of the bucket line was derived based on the geometric constraints related to the shape line. A general optimisation model of the bucket line was established using the integrated equation. The effects of four design variables on the optimisation goal were determined using the bucket of a 21 T excavator as an example, and the optimal shape line of the bucket was obtained using a genetic algorithm. The results indicated that the cutting angle decreased by 9.92 % in comparison with that before optimisation, which was beneficial in decreasing the digging resistance. Additionally, the aspect ratio decreased by 5.75 %, thereby reducing the bucket weight. Thus, the integrated expression and the optimisation of shape lines provide a general method and theoretical basis for optimising the bucket shape.

A Meta-Analysis of the Accuracy of Prostate Cancer Studies Which Use Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy as a Diagnostic Tool

Peng Wang,You-min Guo,Min Liu,Yong-qian Qiang,Xiao-juan Guo,Yi-li Zhang,Xiao-Yi Duan,Qiu-Juan Zhang,Weifeng Liang 대한영상의학회 2008 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.9 No.5

Objective: We aimed to do a meta-analysis of the existing literature to assess the accuracy of prostate cancer studies which use magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) as a diagnostic tool. Materials and Methods: Prospectively, independent, blind studies were selected from the Cochrane library, Pubmed, and other network databases. The criteria for inclusion and exclusion in this study referenced the criteria of diagnostic research published by the Cochrane center. The statistical analysis was adopted by using Meta-Test version 6.0. Using the homogeneity test, a statistical effect model was chosen to calculate different pooled weighted values of sensitivity, specificity, and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves method was used to assess the results. Results: We chose two cut-off values (0.75 and 0.86) as the diagnostic criteria for discriminating between benign and malignant. In the first diagnostic criterion, the pooled weighted sensitivity, specificity, and corresponding 95% CI (expressed as area under curve [AUC]) were 0.82 (0.73, 0.89), 0.68 (0.58, 0.76), and 83.4% (74.97, 91.83). In the second criterion, the pooled weighted sensitivity, specificity, and corresponding 95% CI were 0.64 (0.55, 0.72), 0.86 (0.79, 0.91) and 82.7% (68.73, 96.68). Conclusion: As a new method in the diagnostic of prostate cancer, MRS has a better applied value compared to other common modalities. Ultimately, large scale RCT randomized controlled trial studies are necessary to assess its clinical value. Objective: We aimed to do a meta-analysis of the existing literature to assess the accuracy of prostate cancer studies which use magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) as a diagnostic tool. Materials and Methods: Prospectively, independent, blind studies were selected from the Cochrane library, Pubmed, and other network databases. The criteria for inclusion and exclusion in this study referenced the criteria of diagnostic research published by the Cochrane center. The statistical analysis was adopted by using Meta-Test version 6.0. Using the homogeneity test, a statistical effect model was chosen to calculate different pooled weighted values of sensitivity, specificity, and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves method was used to assess the results. Results: We chose two cut-off values (0.75 and 0.86) as the diagnostic criteria for discriminating between benign and malignant. In the first diagnostic criterion, the pooled weighted sensitivity, specificity, and corresponding 95% CI (expressed as area under curve [AUC]) were 0.82 (0.73, 0.89), 0.68 (0.58, 0.76), and 83.4% (74.97, 91.83). In the second criterion, the pooled weighted sensitivity, specificity, and corresponding 95% CI were 0.64 (0.55, 0.72), 0.86 (0.79, 0.91) and 82.7% (68.73, 96.68). Conclusion: As a new method in the diagnostic of prostate cancer, MRS has a better applied value compared to other common modalities. Ultimately, large scale RCT randomized controlled trial studies are necessary to assess its clinical value.