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.

Pharmacological blockade of cholesterol trafficking by cepharanthine in endothelial cells suppresses angiogenesis and tumor growth

Lyu, Junfang,Yang, Eun Ju,Head, Sarah A.,Ai, Nana,Zhang, Baoyuan,Wu, Changjie,Li, Ruo-Jing,Liu, Yifan,Yang, Chen,Dang, Yongjun,Kwon, Ho Jeong,Ge, Wei,Liu, Jun O.,Shim, Joong Sup Elsevier 2017 Cancer letters Vol.409 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Cholesterol is an important modulator of membrane protein function and signaling in endothelial cells, thus making it an emerging target for anti-angiogenic agents. In this study, we employed a phenotypic screen that detects intracellular cholesterol distribution in endothelial cells (HUVEC) and identified 13 existing drugs as cholesterol trafficking inhibitors. Cepharanthine, an approved drug for anti-inflammatory and cancer management use, was amongst the candidates, which was selected for in-depth mechanistic studies to link cholesterol trafficking and angiogenesis. Cepharanthine inhibited the endolysosomal trafficking of free-cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein in HUVEC by binding to Niemann-Pick disease, type C1 (NPC1) protein and increasing the lysosomal pH. The blockade of cholesterol trafficking led to a cholesterol-dependent dissociation of mTOR from the lysosomes and inhibition of its downstream signaling. Cepharanthine inhibited angiogenesis in HUVEC and in zebrafish in a cholesterol-dependent manner. Furthermore, cepharanthine suppressed tumor growth in vivo by inhibiting angiogenesis and it enhanced the antitumor activity of the standard chemotherapy cisplatin in lung and breast cancer xenografts in mice. Altogether, these results strongly support the idea that cholesterol trafficking is a viable drug target for anti-angiogenesis and that the inhibitors identified among existing drugs, such as cepharanthine, could be potential anti-angiogenic and antitumor agents.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> A phenotypic screen identified 13 existing drugs, including cepharanthine, as cholesterol trafficking inhibitors. </LI> <LI> Cepharanthine inhibited lysosomal cholesterol trafficking by binding to NPC1 protein and increasing the lysosomal pH. </LI> <LI> The blockade of cholesterol trafficking led to a cholesterol-dependent dissociation of mTOR from the lysosomes. </LI> <LI> Cepharanthine inhibited angiogenesis in HUVEC and in zebrafish in a cholesterol-dependent manner. </LI> <LI> Cepharanthine treatment enhanced the antitumor activity of cisplatin in lung and breast cancer xenografts in mice. </LI> </UL> </P>

Cholesteryl naphthalimide-based gelators: Their applications in the multiply visual sensing of CO₂ based on an anion-induced strategy

Zhang, Xin,Li, Haimiao,Mu, Huifang,Liu, Yifan,Guan, Yanan,Yoon, Juyoung,Yu, Haitao Elsevier 2017 Dyes and pigments Vol.147 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Several cholesteryl naphthalimide-derived compounds have been sythesized and developed as CO<SUB>2</SUB> sensors. The derivatives, incorporating ether chains, were found to be capable of gelating various organic solvents, due to the modulation of the hydrophilicity/hydrophobility properties of them. The resulting organogels were well characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), FT-IR spectroscopy, concentration- and temperature-dependent <SUP>1</SUP>H NMR spectra, and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). These gelators can be applied as fluorescent sensors for CO<SUB>2</SUB> in DMSO solutions via the anion-triggered strategy. Furthermore, the resulting organogelation systems in DMSO could also provide visual sensing means for CO<SUB>2</SUB> via the reversible solution-to-gel transition. Particularly, the re-gelation of DMSO induced by CO<SUB>2</SUB> bubbling could be directly observed without the aid of the heating-and-cooling operation. And the reversible sensing process could be repeated several times with the excellent chemical stability of the gelation system after the repeated stimuli of fluoride anion, CO<SUB>2</SUB> and N<SUB>2</SUB> with heating. These investigations indicate the developed organogelators own the applicable potential in the CO<SUB>2</SUB> detection.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Two new cholesteryl naphthalimide-based organogelators are developed for CO<SUB>2</SUB> sensing based on an anion-induced strategy. </LI> <LI> Sensors <B>1b</B> and <B>1c</B> exhibited optically ratiometric detection effects for CO<SUB>2</SUB> in solution with relatively low detection limits. </LI> <LI> Gelator <B>1c</B> can provide a visual sensing means for CO<SUB>2</SUB> directly via solution-gel transition. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

The Heterogeneity of Ovomucoid-Specific IgE Idiotype Is Associated With Egg Allergy Symptom Severity

Li Liuxu,Zhang Bei,Li Yifan,Huang Lunhui,Li Shaoshen,Liu Dandan,Yu Yang,Li Huiqiang 대한천식알레르기학회 2023 Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research Vol.15 No.1

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated egg allergy presents as one of the most common food allergies. The level of specific IgE (sIgE) antibody is widely used as an important in vitro diagnostic indicator. However, sIgE antibody levels are often inconsistent with the clinical manifestations of patients. The heterogeneity of egg-specific IgE idiotypes (sIgE-IDs) may help reflect clinical egg allergy severity. Eight peptides were synthesized, corresponding to the linear epitopes of ovomucoid (OVM). The sIgE-IDs of egg-allergic patients were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Fresh peripheral blood was collected from patients with different heterogeneity strength of sIgE-ID, and egg extract was used as a stimulus to the basophil activation test (BAT). RBL-2H3 cells were sensitized with serum with different strength of sIgE-ID heterogeneity and the release rate of β-hexosaminidase was calculated. Among 75 patients with egg allergy, 24% had sIgE for all epitopes and 85% had sIgE for at least one epitope. Analysis of individual patients revealed differences in epitope recognition patterns among the patients, that is, heterogeneity in sIgE-ID. More importantly, the number of IgE-positive peptides had a strong correlation with allergic symptoms in egg-allergic patients (r = 0.706). BAT and RBL-2H3 cell degranulation confirmed that higher sIgE-ID heterogeneity strength was more effective in inducing effector cell responses. Our results suggest that the greater the heterogeneity strength of OVM-sIgE-ID, the more severe the allergic symptoms.

Zygomaticotemporal suture maturation evaluation in Chinese population using cone-beam computed tomography images

Yifan Li,Ruomei Li,Jiajun Shi,Yuhua Shan,Zhenqi Chen 대한치과교정학회 2023 대한치과교정학회지 Vol.53 No.4

Experimental and numerical analysis of mixed mode I/III fracture of sandstone using three point bending specimens

Yifan Li,Shiming Dong,Martyn J. Pavier 국제구조공학회 2020 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.76 No.6

In this work the mixed mode I/III fracture of sandstone has been studied experimentally and numerically. The experimental work used three-point bending specimens containing pre-existing cracks, machined at various inclination angles so as to achieve varying proportions of mode I to mode III loading. Dimensionless stress intensity factors were calculated using the extended finite element method (XFEM) for and compared with existing results from literature calculated using conventional finite element method. A total of 28 samples were used to conduct the fracture test with 4 specimens for each of 7 different inclination angles. The fracture load and the geometry of the fracture surface were obtained for different mode mixities. Prediction of the fracture loads and the geometry of the fracture surface were made using XFEM coupled with a cohesive zone model (CZM) and showed a good comparison with the experimental results.

Inhalation of panaxadiol alleviates lung infl ammation via inhibiting TNFA/ TNFAR and IL7/IL7R signaling between macrophages and epithelial cells

Yifan Wang,Hao Wei,Zhen Song,Liqun Jiang,Mi Zhang,Xiao Lu,Wei Li,Yuqing Zhao,Lei Wu,Shuxian Li,Huijuan Shen,Qiang Shu,Yicheng Xie 고려인삼학회 2024 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.48 No.1

Background: Lung inflammation occurs in many lung diseases, but has limited effective therapeutics. Ginseng andits derivatives have anti-inflammatory effects, but their unstable physicochemical and metabolic propertieshinder their application in the treatment. Panaxadiol (PD) is a stable saponin among ginsenosides. Inhalationadministration may solve these issues, and the specific mechanism of action needs to be studied. Methods: A mouse model of lung inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an in vitro macrophageinflammation model, and a coculture model of epithelial cells and macrophages were used to study the effectsand mechanisms of inhalation delivery of PD. Pathology and molecular assessments were used to evaluate efficacy. Transcriptome sequencing was used to screen the mechanism and target. Finally, the efficacy andmechanism were verified in a human BALF cell model. Results: Inhaled PD reduced LPS-induced lung inflammation in mice in a dose-dependent manner, includinginflammatory cell infiltration, lung tissue pathology, and inflammatory factor expression. Meanwhile, the dose ofinhalation was much lower than that of intragastric administration under the same therapeutic effect, which maybe related to its higher bioavailability and superior pharmacokinetic parameters. Using transcriptome analysisand verification by a coculture model of macrophage and epithelial cells, we found that PD may act by inhibitingTNFA/TNFAR and IL7/IL7R signaling to reduce macrophage inflammatory factor-induced epithelial apoptosisand promote proliferation. Conclusion: PD inhalation alleviates lung inflammation and pathology by inhibiting TNFA/TNFAR and IL7/IL7Rsignaling between macrophages and epithelial cells. PD may be a novel drug for the clinical treatment of lunginflammation.

Effects of fireworks on air quality in the main urban area of Nanchong City during the spring festival of 2014-2019

Yifan Qian,Xu Yuan,Wen Dou,Jian Hu,Jie Xia,Danyu Li,Qing Zheng,Ping Zhang,Qiumei Quan,Yunxiang Li 대한환경공학회 2023 Environmental Engineering Research Vol.28 No.2

The sources and variation trend of ambient air pollutants, the duration of pollution process and the conditions for decontamination were analyzed in this essay based on the ambient air pollutants data, PM<SUB>2.5</SUB> source analysis data and meteorological factors in Nanchong City during 2014 to 2019. The results indicated that the concentrated discharge of fireworks on New Year’s Eve was the main reason for the sharp deterioration of the ambient air quality. PM<SUB>2.5</SUB> and PM<SUB>10</SUB> concentrations increased significantly after fireworks were set off, and the peak value appeared at about 02:00 on the Lunar New Year’s Day, but the value of PM<SUB>2.5</SUB>/PM<SUB>10</SUB> did not change significantly. The concentration of SO₂ in gaseous pollutants was slightly affected by fireworks, while NO₂, CO and O₃ were not affected basically. Having been affected by fireworks, the concentrations and percentages of K⁺, Cl⁻ and Mg<SUP>2+</SUP> of the water-solubility ions in PM<SUB>2.5</SUB> significantly increased at the 0.01 level. Meanwhile, the concentrations and percentages of the metal elements, including Cu, Pb, Mg, Al, K and Ba, significantly increased at the 0.05 level. Restricted to the topography and meteorological factors, the duration of the pollution was prolonged.

Experimental Studies on Shear Behavior of Sand-Suction Caisson Wall Interface under Variable Normal Load and Penetration Rate

Yifan Li,Dayong Li,Yuqi Wu,Yukun Zhang 대한토목학회 2023 KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering Vol.27 No.7

Shear characteristics of the interface between sand and the suction caisson wall play animportant role in determining the friction resistance along the suction caisson wall. In thisstudy, a variable normal load (VNL) reflecting the effects of the penetration depth andinstallation rate of a suction caisson is applied using the torsional interface shear apparatus toexamine the interface shear behavior. Results show that the interface friction coefficientdecreases with the increase of the normal stress and shearing rate until reaching a criticalvalue. When the friction coefficient reaches the critical value, the friction coefficient changeslittle with the increase of normal stress. The variation of the friction coefficient caused by theseepage flow and penetration rate should be considered for calculating the frictional forcealong the caisson wall. Given the same shearing rate, the normalized efficiency parameter ofthe interface under the VNL is higher than that obtained under the CNL. The suctioncalculated based on the test results of this study is in good agreement with that from the Tenbyproject, indicating that our findings are reliable and beneficial to analyze the installationprocess of the suction caisson.

The Response of Plant Photosynthesis and Stomatal Conductance to Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) based on Leaf Factors Analyzing

Yifan Li,Yujie Wang,Bin Wang,Yunqi Wang,Weiqing Yu 한국식물학회 2019 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.62 No.2

The effects of particles on the photosynthesis ofvegetation, which is a sink for fine particulate matter (PM2.5)deposition, are still not well understood. Here, we carried outindoor measurements to evaluate the variation dynamics ofnet photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance of fourplant species with different leaf characteristics under differentPM2.5 levels. Then tree leaves were sampled and the grooveproportion, leaf trichome density, stomatal density and stomatalsize were quantitatively studied by scanning electron microscopy(SEM). The stomatal conductance of the 4 species had aclose positive correlation with photosynthetic rate. Netphotosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance declined overtime at elevated PM2.5, and the rate of the decline becamemore rapid with higher concentration of PM2.5. The inhibitingeffect might be caused by the closure of the stomata and thedecrease of stomatal conductance, which was proved by thereduction of the stomatal size of under the condition of PM2.5pollution. Leaf trichome and groove seemed to show aprotective role for plants from PM2.5 exposure and be responsiblefor the difference of photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductanceunder the condition of PM2.5 pollution. The higher grooveproportion and the presence of trichomes on the leaf surfacein Neolitsea aurata and Lindera kwangtungensis absorbedsome particulate matters and buffered the effect of PM2.5pollution on stomata.