Numerical Modelling of Reinforced Concrete Slender Walls Subjected to Coupled Axial Tension-Flexure

Xiaowei Cheng,Haoyou Zhang 한국콘크리트학회 2021 International Journal of Concrete Structures and M Vol.15 No.5

Under strong earthquakes, reinforced concrete (RC) walls in high-rise buildings, particularly in wall piers that form part of a coupled or core wall system, may experience coupled axial tension-flexure loading. In this study, a detailed finite element model was developed in VecTor2 to provide an effective tool for the further investigation of the seismic behaviour of RC walls subjected to axial tension and cyclic lateral loading. The model was verified using experimental data from recent RC wall tests under axial tension and cyclic lateral loading, and results showed that the model can accurately capture the overall response of RC walls. Additional analyses were conducted using the developed model to investigate the effect of key design parameters on the peak strength, ultimate deformation capacity and plastic hinge length of RC walls under axial tension and cyclic lateral loading. On the basis of the analysis results, useful information were provided when designing or assessing the seismic behaviour of RC slender walls under coupled axial tension-flexure loading.

Down-regulation of PTTG1 suppresses PDGF-BB-induced proliferation, migration and extracellular matrix production of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) by regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

Cheng Guodong,Liu Xiaowei,Li Ping,Li Yan 대한독성 유전단백체 학회 2021 Molecular & cellular toxicology Vol.17 No.4

Backgrounds To investigate the biological functions and the molecular mechanisms of PTTG1 in PDGF-BB-induced ASMCs. Objectives QPCR and western blotting were used to detect PTTG1 levels in PDGF-BB-induced ASMCs. MTT, BrdU incorporation, cell apoptosis and cell invasion assays were performed to evaluate the effect of PTTG1 on cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis, respectively. Western blotting was also used to assess the extracellular matrix and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway components in PDGF-BB-induced ASMCs. Results PTTG1 was highly expressed in PDGF-BB-induced ASMCs. The depletion of PTTG1 suppressed the proliferation and motility of PDGF-BB-induced ASMCs. The data further showed that PTTG1 ablation stimulated cell apoptosis, and inhibited the production of extracellular matrix by PDGF-BB-induced ASMCs. Mechanically, PTTG1 depletion inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting proliferation, motility, and extracellular matrix production. Conclusions PTTG1 could serve as a promising molecular target for the treatment of asthma. Backgrounds To investigate the biological functions and the molecular mechanisms of PTTG1 in PDGF-BB-induced ASMCs. Objectives QPCR and western blotting were used to detect PTTG1 levels in PDGF-BB-induced ASMCs. MTT, BrdU incorporation, cell apoptosis and cell invasion assays were performed to evaluate the effect of PTTG1 on cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis, respectively. Western blotting was also used to assess the extracellular matrix and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway components in PDGF-BB-induced ASMCs. Results PTTG1 was highly expressed in PDGF-BB-induced ASMCs. The depletion of PTTG1 suppressed the proliferation and motility of PDGF-BB-induced ASMCs. The data further showed that PTTG1 ablation stimulated cell apoptosis, and inhibited the production of extracellular matrix by PDGF-BB-induced ASMCs. Mechanically, PTTG1 depletion inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting proliferation, motility, and extracellular matrix production. Conclusions PTTG1 could serve as a promising molecular target for the treatment of asthma.

EMOJIS AND BRAND SELF-REPRESENTATION: A TEXT ANALYTICS APPROACH

Xiaowei Wang,,Mingming Cheng,Shanshi Li,Ruochen Jiang 글로벌지식마케팅경영학회 2020 Global Marketing Conference Vol.2020 No.11

Understanding users’ negative emotions and continuous usage intention in short video apps indulging

Xusen Cheng,Xiaowei Su,Alex Zarifis,Jian Mou 한국지능정보시스템학회 2022 한국지능정보시스템학회 학술대회논문집 Vol.2022 No.6

Short video use is booming in China, gradually changing people’s living habits and the way they get information. However, excessive addiction to watching short videos will also bring some negative emotions to individuals, and may affect users’ intention to continue using them, which previous studies rarely focused on. In this paper, we develop a conceptual theoretical model that shows how the negative effects of overuse of short videos create negative emotions for users. These negative emotions reduce the willingness of a user to continue using short video applications. This model contributes to the literature by combining flow theory with the illusion control theory and applying it to the field of human-computer interaction.

The critical time of avian leukosis virus subgroup J-mediated immunosuppression during early stage infection in specific pathogen-free chickens

Feng Wang,Xiaowei Wang,Hongbo Chen,Jianzhu Liu,Ziqiang Cheng 대한수의학회 2011 JOURNAL OF VETERINARY SCIENCE Vol.12 No.3

The critical time of avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J)-mediated immunosuppression was determined by body weight, relative immune organ weight, histopathology, and presence of group specific antigen and antibodies in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens. CD4^+ and CD8^+ cell activity in the spleen, total and differential leukocyte counts in blood, and viral RNA levels in spleen were measured. Significant growth suppression was observed in the two ALV-J-infected groups. A strong immune response by infected groups was present in spleen at 2-weeks-of-age, but after 4-weeks-of-age, the response decreased quickly. The thymus and bursa showed persistent immunosuppression until 4-weeks-of-age. Proliferation of fibroblasts and dendritic cells were observed in immune organs at 4- and 5-weeks-of-age. However, the granulocyte cell number was markedly lower in the infected groups than in the control group. In group 1 (day 1 infection) CD4^+ cells increased during the second week but significantly decreased during the fourth week, while group 2 (day 7 infection) showed the opposite effect. Viral RNA increased significantly by the fourth week. These data identify 3∼4 weeks post-infection as the key time at which the ALV-J virus exerts its immunosuppressive effects on the host.

Epidemiological Characteristics of Norovirus Outbreaks in Shenyang from 2017 to 2021

Qi Ying,Dong Xinxin,Cheng Xiaowei,Xu Han,Wang Jin,Wang Bing,Chen Ye,Sun Baijun,Zhang Linlin,Yao Yan 한국미생물학회 2023 The journal of microbiology Vol.61 No.4

Norovirus is one of the leading causes of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. This study aimed to identify the epidemiological characteristics of norovirus outbreaks and to provide evidence for public health entities. Specimens and epidemiological survey data were collected to determine if there were differences in the attack rate of norovirus in terms of the year, season, transmission route, exposure setting, and region and to determine whether there were relationships between the reporting interval, the number of illnesses in a single outbreak and the duration of the outbreak. Norovirus outbreaks were reported throughout the year, with seasonal characteristics (i.e., high rates in spring and winter). Among all regions in Shenyang with the exception of Huanggu and Liaozhong, norovirus outbreaks had been reported, and the primary genotype was GII.2[P16]. Vomiting was the most common symptom. The main places of occurrence were childcare institutions and schools. The person-to-person route was the main transmission route. The median duration of norovirus was 3 days (IQR [interquartile range]: 2–6 days), the median reporting interval was 2 days (IQR: 1–4 days), the median number of illnesses in a single outbreak was 16 (IQR: 10–25); there was a positive correlation between these parameters. Norovirus surveillance and genotyping studies still need to be further strengthened to increase knowledge regarding the pathogens and their variant characteristics, to better characterize the patterns of norovirus outbreaks and to provide information for outbreak prevention. Norovirus outbreaks should be detected, reported and handled early. Public health entities and the government should develop corresponding measures for different seasons, transmission routes, exposure settings, and regions.

NB-UVB Induces Melanocytic Differentiation of Human Hair Follicle Neural Crest Stem Cells

( Dake Dong ),( Shujun Chen ),( Cheng Feng ),( Huizi Xiong ),( Xiaowei Xu ) 대한피부과학회 2020 Annals of Dermatology Vol.32 No.4

Background: Phototherapy is an important method to treat vitiligo. However, it is unclear how phototherapy affects melanocyte precursors and skin neural crest stem cells. Objective: To investigate the underlying mechanisms of narrow- band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) induced melanocyte lineage differentiated from human scalp-derived neural crest stem cells (HS-NCSCs). Methods: HS-NCSCs were expanded from scalp hair follicles. The c-Kit^-/CD57^- HS-NCSCs were isolated by cell sorting. Different doses of NB-UVB were used to irradiate these HS-NCSCs. Cell ultrastructure was examined by transmission electron microscope. Melanocyte marker expression was analyzed by Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot. Cell proliferation and migration were also evaluated. Results: The c-Kit^-/CD57^- HS-NCSCs expressed embryonic NCSC biomarkers. NB-UVB at a dose of 100 mJ of NB-UVB had little effect on the cell proliferation of differentiated melanocytes from c-Kit^-/CD57^- HS-NCSCs, while 700 mJ inhibited cell proliferation significantly. The dendritic processes of differentiated melanocytes increased after radiation. The tyrosinase and Melanocortin 1 receptor (Mc1R) expression of differentiated melanocytes increased after NB-UVB exposure. The effect of NB-UVB on tyrosinase expression was modulated by signaling inhibitors H89 and PD98059 as well as Mc1R level in the cells. The migration ability of differentiated melanocytes was enhanced under 100 mJ exposure. Conclusion: These data demonstrate that NB-UVB facilitates melanocytic differentiation of the HSNCSCs and enhances migration of these cells. Mc1R and cAMP pathway play a critical role in NB-UVB induced melanocytic differentiation. (Ann Dermatol 32(4) 289∼297, 2020)

Inductances Evaluation of a Squirrel-Cage Induction Motor with Curved Dynamic Eccentricity

Qiang Lv,Xiaohua Bao,Yigang He,Yong Fang,Xiaowei Cheng 대한전기학회 2014 Journal of Electrical Engineering & Technology Vol.9 No.5

Eccentricity faults more or less exist in all rotating electrical machines. This paper establishes a more precise model of dynamic eccentricity (DE) in electrical machines named as curved dynamic eccentricity. It is a kind of axial unequal eccentricity which has not been investigated in detail so far but occurs in large electrical machines. The inductances of a large three-phase squirrel-cage induction machine (SCIM) under different levels of curved DE conditions are evaluated using winding function approach (WFA). These inductances include the stator self and mutual inductances, rotor self and mutual inductances, and mutual inductances between stator phases and rotor loops. A comparison is made between the calculation results under curved DE and the corresponding pure DE conditions. It indicates that the eccentricity condition will be more terrible than the monitored eccentricity based on the conventional pure DE model.

One-pot synthesis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural directly from cottonseed hull biomass using chromium (III) chloride in ionic liquid

Shui Wang,Yixin Qu,Yizhen Du,Ping Zhang,Xiaowei Cheng 한국화학공학회 2014 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.31 No.12

We studied the direct synthesis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) from cottonseed hull biomass underacid condition in one-pot. The influence of HCl dosage, reaction temperature and time, CrCl3·6H2O amount, and cotton-seed hull loading on the yield of 5-HMF was investigated. As a result, a 5-HMF yield up to 51% was obtained using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl) catalyzed with chromium (III) chloride at 130 oC for 2 h. The [Bmim]Cl/CrCl3·6H2O/HCl system was found to have high activity and selectivity for the dehydration of cellulose into 5-hydroxy-methylfurfural. This work provides a low cost, environment-friendly and energy-efficient process to directly convertraw biomass into bio-fuels and chemicals.

Catalytic conversion of cellulose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural over chromium trichloride in ionic liquid

Shui Wang,Jidong Wang,Yizhen Du,Wenqian Zhang,Xiaowei Cheng 한국화학공학회 2014 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.31 No.10

An efficient method for converting cellulose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) using an inexpen-sive ionic liquid tetrabutylammonium chloride (TBAC) and relatively low-toxicity catalyst of chromium (III) trichloride(CrCl3·6H2O) was developed. The effects of hydrochloric acid loading, catalyst dosage, reaction temperature and timeon the yield of 5-HMF were surveyed to achieve optimal reaction conditions. A 5-HMF yield of 43.7% was obtainedwithin 90 min at 140 oC using oil-bath heating. Glucose and starch were also investigated as feedstock to produce 5-HMF in TBAC/CrCl3·6H2O system, in which the 5-HMF yield was considerable. After 5-HMF was extracted, TBAC/CrCl3 ·6H2Ocould be used for several runs.