Molecular Beam Epitaxy of Highly Crystalline Monolayer Molybdenum Disulfide on Hexagonal Boron Nitride

Fu, Deyi,Zhao, Xiaoxu,Zhang, Yu-Yang,Li, Linjun,Xu, Hai,Jang, A-Rang,Yoon, Seong In,Song, Peng,Poh, Sock Mui,Ren, Tianhua,Ding, Zijing,Fu, Wei,Shin, Tae Joo,Shin, Hyeon Suk,Pantelides, Sokrates T.,Zho American Chemical Society 2017 JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY - Vol.139 No.27

<P>Atomically thin molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a direct-band-gap semiconductor, is promising for applications in electronics and optoelectronics, but the scalable synthesis of highly crystalline film remains challenging. Here we report the successful epitaxial growth of a continuous, uniform, highly crystalline monolayer MoS2 film on hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) by molecular beam epitaxy. Atomic force microscopy and electron microscopy studies reveal that MoS2 grown on h-BN primarily consists of two types of nucleation grains (0 aligned and 60 degrees antialigned domains). By adopting a high growth temperature and ultralow precursor flux, the formation of 60 degrees antialigned grains is largely suppressed. The resulting perfectly aligned grains merge seamlessly into a highly crystalline film. Large-scale monolayer MoS2 film can be grown on a 2 in. h-BN/sapphire wafer, for which surface morphology and Raman mapping confirm good spatial uniformity. Our study represents a significant step in the scalable synthesis of highly crystalline MoS2 films on atomically flat surfaces and paves the way to large-scale applications.</P>

Effects of Multiple-target Anti-microRNA Antisense Oligodeoxyribonucleotides on Proliferation and Migration of Gastric Cancer Cells

Xu, Ling,Dai, Wei-Qi,Xu, Xuan-Fu,Wang, Fan,He, Lei,Guo, Chuan-Yong Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.7

Backgrounds: To investigate the inhibiting effects of multi-target anti-microRNA antisense oligonucleotide (MTg-AMOs) on proliferation and migration of human gastric cancer cells. Methods: Single anti-microRNA antisense oligonucleotides (AMOs) and MTg-AMOs for miR-221, 21, and 106a were designed and transfected into SGC7901, a gastric cancer cell line, to target the activity of these miRNAs. Their expression was analyzed using stem-loop RT-PCR and effects of MTg-AMOs on human gastric cancer cells were determined using the following two assay methods: CCK8 for cell proliferation and transwells for migration. Results: In the CCK-8 cell proliferation assay, $0.6{\mu}mol/L$ was selected as the preferred concentration of MTg-AMOs and incubation time was 72 hours. Under these experimental conditions, MTg-AMOs demonstrated better suppression of the expression of miR-221, miR-106a, miR-21 in gastric cancer cells than that of single AMOs (P = 0.014, 0.024; 0.038, respectively). Migration activity was also clearly decreased as compared to those in randomized and blank control groups ($28{\pm}4$ Vs $54{\pm}3$, P <0.01; $28{\pm}4$ Vs $59{\pm}4$, P < 0.01). Conclusions: MTg-AMOs can specifically inhibit the expression of multiple miRNAs, and effectively antagonize proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells promoted by oncomirs.

Safety and Efficacy of Sequential Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization and Portal Vein Embolization prior to Major Hepatectomy for Patients with HCC

Xu, Chuan,Lv, Peng-Hua,Huang, Xin-En,Wang, Shu-Xiang,Sun, Ling,Wang, Fu-An,Wang, Li-Fu Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.2

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of sequential transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and portal vein embolization (PVE) before major hepatectomy for patients with hepatocellur carcinoma (HCC). Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, data were collected from patients who underwent sequential TACE and PVE prior to major hemihepactectomy. Liver volumes were measured by computed tomography volumetry before TACE, and preoperation to assess degree of future remnant liver (FRL) hypertrophy and to check whether intro- or extrohepatic metastasis existed. Liver function was monitored by biochemistry after TACE, prior to and after major hepatectomy. Results: Mean average FRL volume increased 32.3-71.4% (mean 55.4%) compared with preoperative FRL volume. After TACE, liver enzymes were elevated, but returned to normal in four weeks. During PVE and resection, no patient had intro- or extrohepatic metastasis. Conclusion: Sequential TACE and PVE is an effective method to improve resection opportunity, expand the scope of surgical resection, and greatly reduce postoperative intra- and extrahepatic metastasis.

Drainage Alone or Combined with Anti-tumor Therapy for Treatment of Obstructive Jaundice Caused by Recurrence and Metastasis after Primary Tumor Resection

Xu, Chuan,Huang, Xin-En,Wang, Shu-Xiang,Lv, Peng-Hua,Sun, Ling,Wang, Fu-An,Wang, Li-Fu Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.6

Aim: To compare drainage alone or combined with anti-tumor therapy for treatment of obstructive jaundice caused by recurrence and metastasis after primary tumor resection. Materials and Methods: We collect 42 patients with obstructive jaundice caused by recurrence and metastasis after tumor resection from January 2008 - August 2012, for which percutaneous transhepatic catheter drainage (pTCD)/percutaneous transhepatic biliary stenting (pTBS) were performed. In 25 patients drainage was combined with anti-tumor treatment, antineoplastic therapy including intra/postprodure local treatment and postoperative systemic chemotherapy, the other 17 undergoing drainage only. We assessed the two kinds of treatment with regard to patient prognosis. Results: Both treatments demonstrated good effects in reducing bilirubin levels in the short term and promoting liver function. The time to reobstruction was 125 days in the combined group and 89 days in the drainage only group; the mean survival times were 185 and 128 days, the differences being significant. Conclusions: Interventional drainage in the treatment of the obstructive jaundice caused by recurrence and metastasis after tumor resection can decrease bilirubin level quickly in a short term and promote the liver function recovery. Combined treatment prolongs the survival time and period before reobstruction as compared to drainage only.

Preparation and In Vivo Evaluation of Huperzine A-Loaded PLGA Microspheres

FU XU-DONG,GAO YONG-LIANG,PING QI-LENG,Ren Tang The Pharmaceutical Society of Korea 2005 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.28 No.9

Huperzine A-loaded microspheres composed of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) were prepared by an O/w emulsion solvent evaporation method. The characterization of the microspheres such as drug loading, size, shape and release profile was described. The in vitro release in the initial 7 days was nearly linear with $10\%$ released per day. Thereafter drug release rate became slow gradually and about $90\%$ drug released at day 21. The in vitro release rate determined by dialysis bag method had a good correlation with the in vivo release rate. Huperzine A aqueous solution was intramuscularly injected (i.m.) at 0.4mg/kg and microspheres were intra­muscularly injected at 8.4 mg eq huperzine A/kg in rats. The maxium plasma concentration $(C_{max})$ after i.m. microspheres was only $32\%$ of that after i.m. solution. Drug in plasma could be detectd until day 14 and about $5\%$ of administered dose was residued at the injection site at day 14. The relative bioavailability of huperzine A microspheres over a period of 14 days was $94.7\%$. Inhibition of acyecholinesterase activity (AchE) in rat's cortex, hippocampus and striatum could sustain for about 14 days. In conclusion, huperzine A-loaded microspheres possessed a prolonged and complete drug release with significant inhibition of AchE for 2 weeks in rats.

Assembly of micro/nanomaterials into complex, three-dimensional architectures by compressive buckling

Xu, Sheng,Yan, Zheng,Jang, Kyung-In,Huang, Wen,Fu, Haoran,Kim, Jeonghyun,Wei, Zijun,Flavin, Matthew,McCracken, Joselle,Wang, Renhan,Badea, Adina,Liu, Yuhao,Xiao, Dongqing,Zhou, Guoyan,Lee, Jungwoo,Chu American Association for the Advancement of Scienc 2015 Science Vol.347 No.6218

<P><B>Popping materials and devices from 2D into 3D</B></P><P>Curved, thin, flexible complex three-dimensional (3D) structures can be very hard to manufacture at small length scales. Xu <I>et al.</I> develop an ingenious design strategy for the microfabrication of complex geometric 3D mesostructures that derive from the out-of-plane buckling of an originally planar structural layout (see the Perspective by Ye and Tsukruk). Finite element analysis of the mechanics makes it possible to design the two 2D patterns, which is then attached to a previously strained substrate at a number of points. Relaxing of the substrate causes the patterned material to bend and buckle, leading to its 3D shape.</P><P><I>Science</I>, this issue p. 154; see also p. 130</P><P>Complex three-dimensional (3D) structures in biology (e.g., cytoskeletal webs, neural circuits, and vasculature networks) form naturally to provide essential functions in even the most basic forms of life. Compelling opportunities exist for analogous 3D architectures in human-made devices, but design options are constrained by existing capabilities in materials growth and assembly. We report routes to previously inaccessible classes of 3D constructs in advanced materials, including device-grade silicon. The schemes involve geometric transformation of 2D micro/nanostructures into extended 3D layouts by compressive buckling. Demonstrations include experimental and theoretical studies of more than 40 representative geometries, from single and multiple helices, toroids, and conical spirals to structures that resemble spherical baskets, cuboid cages, starbursts, flowers, scaffolds, fences, and frameworks, each with single- and/or multiple-level configurations.</P>

Preparation and In Vivo Evaluation of Huperzine A-Loaded PLGA Microspheres

XU-DONG FU,YONG-LIANG GAO,QI-NENG PING,Tang Ren 대한약학회 2005 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.28 No.9

Huperzine A-loaded microspheres composed of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) were prepared by an O/W emulsion solvent evaporation method. The characterization of the microspheres such as drug loading, size, shape and release profile was described. The in vitro release in the initial 7 days was nearly linear with 10% released per day. Thereafter drug release rate became slow gradually and about 90% drug released at day 21. The in vitro release rate determined by dialysis bag method had a good correlation with the in vivo release rate. Huperzine A aqueous solution was intramuscularly injected (i.m.) at 0.4 mg/kg and microspheres were intramuscularly injected at 8.4 mg eq huperzine A/kg in rats. The maxium plasma concentration (Cmax ) after i.m. microspheres was only 32% of that after i.m. solution. Drug in plasma could be detectd until day 14 and about 8% of administered dose was residued at the injection site at day 14. The relative bioavailability of huperzine A microspheres over a period of 14 days was 94.7%. Inhibition of acyecholinesterase activity (AchE) in rat’s cortex, hippocampus and striatum could sustain for about 14 days. In conclusion, huperzine A-loaded microspheres possessed a prolonged and complete drug release with significant inhibition of AchE for 2 weeks in rats.

An Efficient Synthesis of Substituted Furans by Cupric Halide-Mediated Intramolecular Halocyclization of 2-(1-Alkynyl)-2-alken-1-ones

Fu, Wei-Jun,Xu, Feng-Juan,Guo, Wen-Bo,Zhu, Mei,Xu, Chen Korean Chemical Society 2013 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.34 No.3

An efficient synthesis of 3-halofurans by the intramolecular cyclization of 2-(1-alkynyl)-2-alken-1-ones with cupric halide has been developed. A broad range of 3-chloro- and 3-bromofuran derivatives could be obtained in the present method in moderate to good yields. The 3-halofuran derivatives are potential synthetic intermediates for amplification of molecular complexity.

Improvement of Anti-CD36 Antibody Detection via Monoclonal Antibody Immobilization of Platelet Antigens Assay by Using Selected Monoclonal Antibodies

Xu Xiuzhang,Chen Dawei,Ye Xin,Xia Wenjie,Shao Yuan,Deng Jing,Chen Yangkai,Ding Haoqiang,Liu Jing,Xu Yaori,Santoso Sentot,Fu Yongshui 대한진단검사의학회 2023 Annals of Laboratory Medicine Vol.43 No.1

Antibodies against human CD36 are responsible for several immune-mediated disorders. The detection of anti-CD36 antibodies using the standard monoclonal antibody (mAb) immobilization of platelet antigens (MAIPA) assay is hampered by a high frequency of false-negative results, most likely due to competitive inhibition of the mAb used as the capture antibody. We generated a panel of mouse mAbs against CD36 and seven hybridomas (GZ-3, GZ-13, GZ-70, GZ-143, GZ-413, GZ-507, and GZ-608), which were selected for MAIPA assays, as they reacted with mouse and human CD36. Fourteen anti-CD36 sera were assayed; all of which showed a positive reaction in a PakPlus (Immucor GTI Diagnostics, Inc., Waukesha, WI, USA) ELISA-based screening (optical density: 0.257–2.292). When the reference anti-CD36 mAb FA6-152 was used in the MAIPA assay, only 6/14 (42.9%) sera displayed a positive reaction. In contrast, anti-CD36 antibodies were detected in 13/14 (92.9%) sera when GZ-70 and GZ-608 mAbs were used. This significant improvement resulted in the identification of anti-CD36 antibodies by an antigen capture assay. Since patient’s platelets possibly carrying rare native antigens are used, this method will facilitate the identification of new platelet antibodies against CD36 that are involved in immune-mediated thrombocytopenia and other diseases, such as transfusion-related acute lung injury.

An efficient protocol for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of the biofuel plant Jatropha curcas by optimizing kanamycin concentration and duration of delayed selection

Qiantang Fu,Chaoqiong Li,Mingyong Tang,Yan-Bin Tao,Bang-Zhen Pan,Lu Zhang,Longjian Niu,Huiying He,Xiulan Wang,Zeng-Fu Xu 한국식물생명공학회 2015 Plant biotechnology reports Vol.9 No.6

Jatropha curcas is considered a potential biodiesel feedstock crop. Currently, the value of J. curcas is limited because its seed yield is generally low. Transgenic modification is a promising approach to improve the seed yield of J. curcas. Although Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of J. curcas has been pursued for several years, the transformation efficiency remains unsatisfying. Therefore, a highly efficient and simple Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation method for J. curcas should be developed. We examined and optimized several key factors that affect genetic transformation of J. curcas in this study. The results showed that the EHA105 strain was superior to the other three Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains for infecting J. curcas cotyledons, and the supplementation of 100 mM acetosyringone slightly increased the transient transformation frequency. Use of the appropriate inoculation method, optimal kanamycin concentration and appropriate duration of delayed selection also improved the efficiency of stable genetic transformation of J. curcas. The percentage of b-glucuronidase positive J. curcas shoots reached as high as 56.0 %, and 1.70 transformants per explant were obtained with this protocol. Furthermore, we optimized the root-inducing medium to achieve a rooting rate of 84.9 %. Stable integration of the T-DNA into the genomes of putative transgenic lines was confirmed by PCR and Southern blot analysis. Using this improved protocol, a large number of transgenic J. curcas plantlets can be routinely obtained within approximately 4 months. The detailed information provided here for each step of J. curcas transformation should enable successful implementation of this transgenic technology in other laboratories.