CO2 Adsorption on the B12N12 Nanocage Encapsulated with Alkali Metals: A Density Functional Study

Haiyan Zhu,Qiyan Zhang,Qinfu Zhao,He Zhao,Yifan Feng,Bingbing Suo,Huixian Han,Qi Song,Yawei Li,Wenli Zou,Haiyan Zhu 성균관대학교(자연과학캠퍼스) 성균나노과학기술원 2019 NANO Vol.14 No.3

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been carried out to study the capacity of the B12N12 nanocage encapsulated with alkali metals (Li, Na, K) for the CO2 adsorption and activation. It is found that after encapsulating alkali metals, the alkali metal atoms are closer to one side of clusters instead of exactly lying at the center, and a considerable charge transfers from the inner alkali metal atoms to the B12N12 cage. Besides, the HOMO–LUMO gap (HLG) values of Li@B12N12, Na@B12N12 and K@B12N12 are decreased to about 6 eV, being much smaller than that of the pristine B12N12. Although the geometry structure parameters and the energy differences of M06-2X are slightly different from the ones of ωB97X-D, some identical results of two kinds of functional can be obtained. CO2 can be adsorbed chemically and physically on majority bonds of all the clusters, except for some bonds with large change in bond length and bond indices. The encapsulation of alkali-metal atoms may enhance the physical and chemical adsorption of CO2 on the surface of the clusters, in which Na@B12N12 and K@B12N12 are the most powerful physical and chemical adsorbent for CO2, respectively.

Synchronous immobilization and conversion of polysulfides on a VO₂-VN binary host targeting high sulfur load Li-S batteries

Song, Yingze,Zhao, Wen,Kong, Long,Zhang, Li,Zhu, Xingyu,Shao, Yuanlong,Ding, Feng,Zhang, Qiang,Sun, Jingyu,Liu, Zhongfan The Royal Society of Chemistry 2018 ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Vol.11 No.9

<P>Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are deemed as one of the most promising next-generation energy storage systems. However, their practical application is hindered by existing drawbacks such as poor cycling life and low Coulombic efficiency due to the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). We herein present an <I>in situ</I> constructed VO2-VN binary host which combines the merits of ultrafast anchoring (VO2) with electronic conducting (VN) to accomplish smooth immobilization-diffusion-conversion of LiPSs. Such synchronous advantages have effectively alleviated the polysulfide shuttling, promoted the redox kinetics, and hence improved the electrochemical performance of Li-S batteries. As a result, the sulfur cathode based on the VO2-VN/graphene host exhibited an impressive rate capability with ∼1105 and 935 mA h g<SUP>−1</SUP> at 1C and 2C, respectively, and maintained long-term cyclability with a low capacity decay of 0.06% per cycle within 800 cycles at 2C. More remarkably, favorable cyclic stability can be attained with a high sulfur loading (13.2 mg cm<SUP>−2</SUP>). Even at an elevated temperature (50 °C), the cathodes still delivered superior rate capacity. Our work emphasizes the importance of immobilization-diffusion-conversion of LiPSs toward the rational design of high-load and long-life Li-S batteries.</P>

Vanadium Dioxide-Graphene Composite with Ultrafast Anchoring Behavior of Polysulfides for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Song, Yingze,Zhao, Wen,Zhu, Xingyu,Zhang, Li,Li, Qiucheng,Ding, Feng,Liu, Zhongfan,Sun, Jingyu American Chemical Society 2018 ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES Vol.10 No.18

<P>The lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery has been deemed as one of the most promising energy-storage systems owing to its high energy density, low cost, and environmental benignancy. However, the capacity decay and kinetic sluggishness stemming from polysulfide shuttle effects have by far posed a great challenge to practical performance. We herein demonstrate the employment of low-cost, wet-chemistry-derived VO<SUB>2</SUB> nanobelts as the effective host additives for the graphene-based sulfur cathode. The VO<SUB>2</SUB> nanobelts displayed an ultrafast anchoring behavior of polysulfides, managing to completely decolor the polysulfide solution in 50 s. Such a fast and strong anchoring ability of VO<SUB>2</SUB> was further investigated and verified by experimental and theoretical investigations. Benefitting from the synergistic effect exerted by VO<SUB>2</SUB> in terms of chemical confinement and catalytic conversion of polysulfides, the Li-S batteries incorporating VO<SUB>2</SUB> and graphene manifested excellent cycling and rate performances. Notably, the batteries delivered an initial discharge capacity of 1405 mAh g<SUP>-1</SUP> when cycling at 0.2 C, showed an advanced rate performance of ∼830 mAh g<SUP>-1</SUP> at 2 C, and maintained a stable cycling performance at high current densities of 1, 2, and 5 C over 200 cycles, paving a practical route toward cost-effective and environmentally benign cathode design for high-energy Li-S batteries.</P> [FIG OMISSION]</BR>

Steel Bridge Construction of Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge

Wen-bo Gao,Quan-ke Su,Jin-wen Zhang,Hong-bing Xie,Feng Wen,Fang Li,Ji-zhu Liu 한국강구조학회 2020 International Journal of Steel Structures Vol.20 No.5

The 55-km-long Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge (HZMB) is the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge, connecting Hong Kong with Zhuhai and Macao at the mouth of the Pearl River Estuary in China, comprising 22.9-km-long steel bridges. HZMB is the leading steel bridge in China, with top-level manufacturing and installation technology. This paper outlines the steel bridge construction experiences of HZMB to provide comparisons for the construction of other long sea-crossing steel bridges at home or abroad. The main considerations of construction constraints, scheme selection, structural and aesthetic design of HZMB are presented, and the following points related to new strategies in the steel bridge construction of HZMB are elaborated: (1) construction quality assurance, (2) automatic manufacturing technology, (3) large segment off shore installation, (4) eco-friendly paint (content limitation of volatile organic compounds) and new multifunctional inspection gantry, and (5) Guss Mastic Asphalt steel deck pavement system. The successful implementation of those strategies shows that the steel bridge construction of HZMB promotes improvement in the overall construction and management level of the Chinese bridge industry. The advanced experience of HZMB has opened up broad prospects for the design and construction of off shore bridge engineering in China.

Molecular characterization and functional analysis of two trehalose transporter genes in the cabbage beetle, Colaphellus bowringi

Li Jia-Xu,Cao Zhen,Guo Shuang,Tian Zhong,Liu Wen,Zhu Fen,Wang Xiao-Ping 한국응용곤충학회 2020 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.23 No.3

The trehalose, major blood sugar in insects, enhances stress resistance of diapausing individuals in adverse environment and provides an energy source for reproduction. Trehalose transporters (TRETs) play an important role in transport of trehalose from trehalose-producing tissues, e.g. fat body, to trehalose-consuming tissues. Although studies have shown that trehalose contributes to diapause and reproduction, the function of TRETs in these processes remains unclear. In this work, we cloned two TRET genes, TRET1a and TRET1b, from the cabbage beetle Colaphellus bowringi, which is capable of entering reproductive diapause under long-day conditions. We also analyzed the expression profiles of these two genes and investigated their potential roles in diapause and reproduction. The results suggested that both TRET1a and TRET1b belong to sugar-transporter and major facilitator superfamilies. Interestingly, TRET1a was highly expressed in the fat bodies of diapause-destined (DD) females but TRET1b was predominantly expressed in the ovaries of non-diapause-destined (NDD) females. Hormonal induction indicated that juvenile hormone induced TRET1b but repressed TRET1a at transcriptional levels. Methoprene-tolerant and Krüppel homolog 1 mediated the JH-suppressed TRET1a expression but were not involved in the regulation of TRET1b expression by JH. RNAi of TRET1a in DD females elevated the trehalose content in the fat bodies and suppressed the expression of a couple of genes related to stress resistance, which is a critical diapause trait. Knockdown of TRET1b in NDD females reduced the trehalose content in the ovaries but had no apparent effect on the ovary development and yolk deposition. These data suggest that TRET1a and TRET1b could regulate the trehalose content in specific tissues and may play potential roles in reproductive diapause in the females of C. bowringi. Introduction Diapause is a survival strategy for many insects in adapting to adverse environmental conditions (Tauber and Tauber, 1976; Tougeron, 2019). Diapause is a dynamic successive process that consists of diapause induction, preparation, initiation, maintenance, termination, and post-diapause quiescence (Kostal, 2006). Insects accumulate enormous nutrients such as sugars and lipids to enter diapause during diapause preparation phase (Hahn and Denlinger, 2007, 2011). The trehalose is the major hemolymph sugar in insects. The sugar not only provides source of energy but also protects proteins and cellular membranes from dehydration, desiccation, heat, cold, and oxidation (Elbein et al., 2003; Li et al., 2002; Richards et al., 2002; Wyatt and Kalf, 1957; Yancey, 2005; Zhu et al., 2008). Therefore, trehalose can play roles in reproduction and diapause by mediating energy supply and stress tolerance, respectively (Kamei et al., 2011; Lu et al., 2019; Xu et al., 2009).

XPD Lys751Gln and Asp312Asn Polymorphisms and Susceptibility to Skin Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of 17 Case-control Studies

Zhu, Hai-Li,Bao, Ji-Ming,Lin, Pei-Xin,Li, Wen-Xia,Zou, Zhen-Ning,Huang, Ye-En,Chen, Qing,Shen, Hong Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.16

Background: Numerous studies have explored the influence of XPD Lys751Gln and/or Asp312Asn polymorphisms on skin cancer susceptibility. However, the results remain inconclusive. To derive a more precise estimation, we conducted a comprehensive search to identify all available published studies and performed a meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: Electronic literature searches of the PubMed, CBM and CNKI databases were performed up to March 2014. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were applied to assess the strength of associations. Results: Seventeen case-control studies were included with a total sample size of 6, 113 cases and 11, 074 controls for the XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism, and 10 studies (3, 840cases and 7, 637 controls) for the XPD Asp312Asn polymorphism were pooled for analysis. Overall, no significant associations were found between the XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism and skin cancer risk in any genetic model. On stratified analysis by tumor type, XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism was not associated with increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer, but was significantly related with increased risk of cutaneous melanoma (Gln/Gln vs Lys/Lys: OR=1.15, 95%CI=1.02-1.29, p=0.023; dominant model: OR=1.09, 95%CI=1.01-1.18, p=0.036). For the XPD Asp312Asn polymorphism, no significant association with skin cancer risk was observed in overall or subgroup analyses. Conclusions: The present meta-analysis suggests that the XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism may contribute to the risk of cutaneous melanoma from currently available evidence. Further investigations are needed to obtain more insight into possible roles of these two polymorphisms in skin carcinogenesis.

Overexpression of rice phosphate transporter gene OsPT2 enhances nitrogen fixation and ammonium assimilation in transgenic soybean under phosphorus deficiency

Wen-Li Zhu,Li-Fei Yang,Shouping Yang,Jun-Yi Gai,Yue-Lin Zhu 한국식물학회 2016 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.59 No.2

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the major factors that limit legume nodulation and nitrogen (N) fixation, and thus legume productivity. In our previous study, we showed that three T2 transgenic soybean lines overexpressing rice phosphate transporter gene OsPT2 showed enhanced tolerance to low P stress. This study aimed to determine whether OsPT2 overexpression would increase N2 fixation and ammonium assimilation in three T3 homozygous transgenic lines (HTLs) under P deficiency in pot culture. Under low inorganic phosphate (Pi) conditions, the P accumulation, total N and total ureide concentrations were significantly higher in the T3 HTLs than in the wild type (WT) plants. Further, the T3 HTLs showed significantly better plant growth performance and nodule development than the WT plants under low-Pi conditions. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that the expression levels of GmENOD40-1, GmENOD40-2 (two early nodulin genes), and GmLba (one leghemoglobin gene) were significantly increased in T3 HTLs under P deficiency at 24 and 32 d after inoculation (DAI). The increased transcript levels of GmGS1β1 and GmGS1β2 (two cytosolic glutamine synthetase genes) in the T3 HTLs were consistent with the increase in glutamine synthetase (GS, EC 6.3.1.2) activity at 32 DAI. Our results indicated that the overexpression of OsPT2 in T3 HTLs enhances N2 fixation and ammonium assimilation activity under low P stress.

Malignant Transformation Rate and P53, and P16 Expression in Teratomatous Skin of Ovarian Mature Cystic Teratoma

Zhu, Hai-Li,Zou, Zhen-Ning,Lin, Pei-Xin,Li, Wen-Xia,Huang, Ye-En,Shi, Xiao-Xin,Shen, Hong Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.3

Objective: To investigate the incidence of malignant transformation and P53 and P16 expression in teratomatous skin of ovarian mature cystic teratoma. Materials and Methods: Data on ovarian teratoma specimens in nearly 10 years were reviewed. P53 and P16 expression were detected by immunohistochemistry in 25 cases of teratomatous skin of ovarian mature cystic teratoma, 20 cases of squamous cell carcinoma and 2 cases of squamous cell carcinoma originated from teratomatous skin. Results: Of 1913 cases of ovarian mature cystic teratoma in nearly 10 years, only two cases of squamous cell carcinoma were found in teratomatous skin, with malignant transformation rate of 0.1045%. P53 expression was detected in 2 cases squamous cell carcinoma originated from teratomatous skin and P16 overexpression in one. There were no expressions of P53 and P16 in 25 cases of teratomatous skin of ovarian mature cystic teratoma. Of 20 cases of squamous cell carcinoma P53 overexpression (positive rate of 55%) was detected in 11 cases, P16 overexpression (positive rate of 35%) in 7 cases. The positive rates of P53 and P16 expression in squamous cell carcinomas were significantly higher than that in the teratomatous skins (p< 0.001, p= 0.002). Conclusions: There was low risk of malignant transformation in teratomatous skin of ovarian mature cystic teratoma which can be explained by lower P53 and P16 expressionin teratomas than that in squamous cell carcinoma.

Risk Factors for Early Recurrence of HBV-related Hepatocellular Carcinoma Meeting Milan Criteria after Curative Resection

Zhu, Wen-Jiang,Huang, Chu-Ying,Li, Chuan,Peng, Wei,Wen, Tian-Fu,Yan, Lv-Nan,Li, Bo,Wang, Wen-Tao,Xu, Ming-Qing,Yang, Jia-Yin,Jiang, Li Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.12

Background: The prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after curative resection varies greatly. Few studies had investigated the risk factors for early recurrence (recurrence-free time ${\leq}$ 1 year) of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCCs meeting Milan criteria. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the 224 patients with HCC meeting Milan criteria who underwent curative liver resection in our center between February 2007 and March 2012. The overall survival (OS) rate, recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate and risk factors for early recurrence were analyzed. Results: After a median follow-up of 33.3 months, HCC reoccurred in 105 of 224 patients and 32 died during the period. The 1-, 3- and 5-year OS rates were 97.3%, 81.6% and 75.6% respectively, and the 1-, 3- and 5-year RFS rates were 73.2%, 53.7% and 41.6%. Cox regression showed alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) > 800 ng/ml (HR 2.538, 95% CI 1.464-4.401, P=0.001), multiple tumors (HR 2.286, 95% CI 1.123-4.246, P=0.009) and microvascular invasion (HR 2.518, 95% CI 1.475-4.298, P=0.001) to be associated with early recurrence (recurrence-free time ${\leq}$ 1-year) of HCC meeting Milan criteria. Conclusions: AFP > 800 ng/ml, multiple tumors and microvascular invasion are independent risk factors affecting early postoperative recurrence of HCC. In addition resection appears capable of replacing liver transplantation in some situations with safety and a better outcome.

Pseudonocardia rhizophila sp. nov., a novel actinomycete isolated from a rhizosphere soil

Li, Jie,Zhao, Guo-Zhen,Huang, Hai-Yu,Zhu, Wen-Yong,Lee, Jae-Chan,Kim, Chang-Jin,Xu, Li-Hua,Zhang, Li-Xin,Li, Wen-Jun Springer-Verlag 2010 Antonie van Leeuwenhoek Vol.98 No.1