Voluntary running depreciates the requirement of Ca²⁺-stimulated cAMP signaling in synaptic potentiation and memory formation

Zheng, Fei,Zhang, Ming,Ding, Qi,Sethna, Ferzin,Yan, Lily,Moon, Changjong,Yang, Miyoung,Wang, Hongbing Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press 2016 Learning & Memory Vol.23 No.8

<P>Mental health and cognitive functions are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Although having active lifestyle with physical exercise improves learning and memory, how it interacts with the specific key molecular regulators of synaptic plasticity is largely unknown. Here, we examined the effects of voluntary running on long-term potentiation (LTP) and memory formation in mice lacking type 1 adenylyl cyclase (AC1), a neurospecific synaptic enzyme that contributes to Ca2+-stimulated cAMP production. Following 1 mo of voluntary running-wheel exercise, the impaired LTP and object recognition memory in AC1 knockout (KO) mice were significantly attenuated. Running up-regulated exon II mRNA level of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), though it failed to increase exon I and IV mRNAs in the hippocampus of AC1 KO mice. Intrahippocampal infusion of recombinant BDNF was sufficient to rescue LTP and object recognition memory defects in AC1 KO mice. Therefore, voluntary running and exogenous BDNF application overcome the defective Ca2+-stimulated cAMP signaling. Our results also demonstrate that alteration in Ca2+-stimulated cAMP can affect the molecular outcome of physical exercise.</P>

Evolution of mitochondrial energy metabolism genes associated with hydrothermal vent adaption of Alvinocaridid shrimps

Zhengfei Wang,Daizhen Zhang,Xuejia Shi,Linxia Sun,Yuze Bai,Bo-Ping Tang 한국유전학회 2017 Genes & Genomics Vol.39 No.12

Most of Alvinocaridid shrimps live in hydrothermal vents, where is a wicked environment with highly toxic chemistry, hypoxia, acidic pH, and sulfide deposits. In order to adapt to this environment, change in energy metabolism may be one of the primary factors. However, the genetic basis of energy metabolism underlying this environment remains unexplored. Here, we present the first systematic investigation of mitochondrial genes in Alvinocarididae. The analysis demonstrated that ATP6, ND4 and ND6 were subjected to strong positive selection leading to last common ancestors of Alvinocarididae, and ATP8, ND5, COX1 and COX2 were determined to have undergone positive selection in the interior lineages of Alvinocarididae. Considering that about 95% of ATP is supplied by mitochondria via oxidative phosphorylation, and body detoxification process associated with cytochrome c. Positive selection in these genes suggested that Alvinocaridid shrimps might have acquired an enhanced capacity for energy metabolism and detoxification in extreme hydrothermal vent field.

Comparative transcriptome analysis in the hepatopancreas of Helice tientsinensis exposed to the toxic metal cadmium

Zhengfei Wang,Dan Tang,Linxia Sun,Xueling Shi,Ruobing Liu,Huayun Guo,Bo-Ping Tang 한국유전학회 2019 Genes & Genomics Vol.41 No.4

Background The mudflat crab Helice tientsinensis is one of the most commercially valuable species for crabmeat production due to its delicious taste. These crabs are mainly found in coastal wetland where they are seriously threatened by toxic heavy metal pollution. In crustaceans, the hepatopancreas is an important organ for detoxification, and metal toxic substances can be converted to non-toxic or less toxic compounds in this organ. Objective To develop a better understanding of the molecular response of H. tientsinensis to the toxic metal cadmium (Cd) and provide a molecular basis for the toxic metal tolerance of H. tientsinensis. Methods In this study, we performed comparative hepatopancreas transcriptome analysis between H. tientsinensis unexposed (as control) and exposed to the toxic metal Cd for 48 h. Results We identified 1089 Cd stress significantly-upregulated and 1560 Cd stress significantly-downregulated unigenes. Functional categorization and annotation of these differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) demonstrated that the response to Cd stress in the hepatopancreas of H. tientsinensis mainly involves “antioxidant activity”, “detoxification”, “toxin degradation activity” and “immune system process”. In addition, five genes (ABCC1, NDUFAF5, ASTL, DES1, CYP27A) were identified as possible major targets for toxic metal tolerance. Conclusion This is the first time reporting that the response of H. tientsinensis to Cd exposure at the transcriptome level, and it lays the foundation for understanding the molecular mechanisms of the response of H. tientsinensis to environmental toxic metal stress.

Honeycomb-like Periodic Porous LaFeO₃ Thin Film Chemiresistors with Enhanced Gas-Sensing Performances

Dai, Zhengfei,Lee, Chul-Soon,Kim, Bo-Young,Kwak, Chang-Hoon,Yoon, Ji-Wook,Jeong, Hyun-Mook,Lee, Jong-Heun American Chemical Society 2014 ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES Vol.6 No.18

<P>The use of composite materials and polynary compounds is a promising strategy to promote conductometric sensor performances. The perovskite oxides provide various compositional combinations between different oxides for tuning gas-sensing reaction and endowing rich oxygen deficiencies for preferable gas adsorption. Herein, a sacrificial colloidal template approach is exploited to fabricate crystalline ternary LaFeO<SUB>3</SUB> perovskite porous thin films, by transferring a La<SUP>3+</SUP>–Fe<SUP>3+</SUP> hybrid solution-dipped template onto a substrate and sequent heat treatment. The honeycomb-like LaFeO<SUB>3</SUB> film consisted of monolayer periodic pore (size: ∼ 500 nm) array can be successfully in situ synthesized in a homogeneous layout with a single phase of perovskite. This periodic porous LaFeO<SUB>3</SUB> film with p-type semiconductivity exhibits a high gas response, fast response (∼4 s), trace detection capacity (50 ppb), and favorable ethanol selectivity from similar acetone. It exhibits enhanced sensing performances compared to those of a binary n-type Fe<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>3</SUB> film and a nontemplated dense LaFeO<SUB>3</SUB> film. In addition, a five-axe spiderweb diagram is introduced to make a feasible evaluation of the optimal practical work condition, comprehensively regarding the response/recovery rate, gas response, selectivity and operating temperature. The enhanced ethanol sensing mechanism of honeycomb-like LaFeO<SUB>3</SUB> periodic porous film is also addressed. This novel and facile route to fabricate well-ordered porous LaFeO<SUB>3</SUB> thin film can also be applied to many fields to obtain special performances, such as solar cells, ion conductors, gas separation, piezoelectricity, and self-powered sensing device system.</P><P><B>Graphic Abstract</B> <IMG SRC='http://pubs.acs.org/appl/literatum/publisher/achs/journals/content/aamick/2014/aamick.2014.6.issue-18/am504386q/production/images/medium/am-2014-04386q_0008.gif'></P><P><A href='http://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/am504386q'>ACS Electronic Supporting Info</A></P>

The biocompatibility and mechanical properties of plasma sprayed zirconia coated abutment

Huang, Zhengfei,Wang, Zhifeng,Yin, Kaifeng,Li, Chuanhua,Guo, Meihua,Lan, Jing The Korean Academy of Prosthodonitics 2020 The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics Vol.12 No.3

PURPOSE. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance and reliability of plasma sprayed nanostructured zirconia (NSZ) coating. MATERIALS AND METHODS. This study consisted of three areas of analysis: (1) Mechanical property: surface roughness of NSZ coating and bond strength between NSZ coating and titanium specimens were measured, and the microstructure of bonding interface was also observed by scanning election microscope (SEM). (2) Biocompatibility: hemolysis tests, cell proliferation tests, and rat subcutaneous implant test were conducted to evaluate the biocompatibility of NSZ coating. (3) Mechanical compatibility: fracture and artificial aging tests were performed to measure the mechanical compatibility of NSZ-coated titanium abutments. RESULTS. In the mechanical study, 400 ㎛ thick NSZ coatings had the highest bond strength (71.22 ± 1.02 MPa), and a compact transition layer could be observed. In addition, NSZ coating showed excellent biocompatibility in both hemolysis tests and cell proliferation tests. In subcutaneous implant test, NSZ-coated plates showed similar inflammation elimination and fibrous tissue formation processes with that of titanium specimens. Regarding fatigue tests, all NSZ-coated abutments survived in the five-year fatigue test and showed sufficient fracture strength (407.65-663.7 N) for incisor teeth. CONCLUSION. In this study, the plasmasprayed NSZ-coated titanium abutments presented sufficient fracture strength and biocompatibility, and it was demonstrated that plasma spray was a reliable method to prepare high-quality zirconia coating.

Sensorless Control of Double-Sided Linear Switched Reluctance Machines with Eccentricities

Qianlong Wang,Zhengfei Wu,Wei Jiang 전력전자학회 2019 JOURNAL OF POWER ELECTRONICS Vol.19 No.5

The Double-sided Linear Switched Reluctance Machine (DLSRM) suffers from complex eccentricities in practical operations. A novel sensorless control method for a DLSRM with eccentricities is developed in this paper. The influences of eccentricities on the machine inductance characteristics and the estimated positions in sensorless control systems are discussed. A new position index, which is independent of eccentricities, is proposed according to an analysis of a DLSRM equivalent magnetic circuit. On the basis of this position index, the starting and low-velocity operation of eccentric DLSRMs are achieved. Experimental results obtained in the laboratory validate the proposed method.

Research and implementation of good agricultural practice for traditional Chinese medicinal materials in Jilin Province, China

Changtian Li,Zhengfei Yan,Lianxue Zhang,Yu Li 고려인삼학회 2014 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.38 No.4

Jilin Province is one of the principal production bases of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in Chinawith its typical preponderance in TCM resources, research and development power, and industrializationcapacity. The province has 2,790 species of TCM materials in total. Over 20% of the TCM materials incommon use are from Jilin Province. The province has established 36 good agricultural practice bases for22 typical TCMs. The overall situation, in terms of collection, processing, and preparation, and theimplementation of good agricultural practice of TCM materials in Jilin Province are summarized.

Sensorless Control of Double-Sided Linear Switched Reluctance Machines with Eccentricities

Wang, Qianlong,Wu, Zhengfei,Jiang, Wei The Korean Institute of Power Electronics 2019 JOURNAL OF POWER ELECTRONICS Vol.19 No.5

The Double-sided Linear Switched Reluctance Machine (DLSRM) suffers from complex eccentricities in practical operations. A novel sensorless control method for a DLSRM with eccentricities is developed in this paper. The influences of eccentricities on the machine inductance characteristics and the estimated positions in sensorless control systems are discussed. A new position index, which is independent of eccentricities, is proposed according to an analysis of a DLSRM equivalent magnetic circuit. On the basis of this position index, the starting and low-velocity operation of eccentric DLSRMs are achieved. Experimental results obtained in the laboratory validate the proposed method.

Highly discriminative and sensitive detection of volatile organic compounds for monitoring indoor air quality using pure and Au-loaded 2D In₂O₃ inverse opal thin films

Lee, Chul-Soon,Dai, Zhengfei,Kim, Do Hong,Li, Hua-Yao,Jo, Young-Moo,Kim, Bo-Young,Byun, Hyung-Gi,Hwang, Insung,Lee, Jong-Heun Elsevier 2018 Sensors and actuators. B Chemical Vol.273 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The lack of gas selectivity in oxide semiconductor chemiresistors has long been an obstacle to realizing discriminative detection of indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with different health impacts. A simple and reliable algorithm to discriminate between critically harmful aromatic VOCs (benzene, xylene, and toluene) and less harmful ethanol is suggested by the simple combination of sensor signals from pure In<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>3</SUB> and Au-loaded In<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>3</SUB> 2D inverse opal (IO) thin films prepared by heat-treating the precursor-dipped self-assembled polystyrene templates and Au deposition. The Au-loaded In<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>3</SUB> IO sensor showed unprecedentedly high responses to 5 ppm ethanol (resistance ratio = 1640.2) and comparably high responses to 5 ppm benzene, <I>p-</I>xylene, and toluene (resistance ratio range of 674.5–1012.9). Such high gas responses were attributed to the periodically porous and thus highly gas-accessible structures, while the clear discrimination between aromatic VOCs and ethanol was achieved by tuning gas selectivity through systematic control of the size, morphology, and loading concentration of Au nano-catalysts. The results of this study can be used for reliable and precise monitoring of indoor air pollutants.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Discriminative detection of indoor pollutant gases using Au-In<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>3</SUB> 2D Inverse Opals. </LI> <LI> Selective and sensitive detection of ethanol using In<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>3</SUB> 2D Inverse Opals. </LI> <LI> Ultrahigh response (resistance ratio = ∼1000) of Au-In<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>3</SUB> sensor to 5 ppm <I>p</I>-xylene. </LI> <LI> A simple and reliable algorithm for gas selectivity using two-sensor array. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Research and implementation of good agricultural practice for traditional Chinese medicinal materials in Jilin Province, China

Li, Changtian,Yan, Zhengfei,Zhang, Lianxue,Li, Yu The Korean Society of Ginseng 2014 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.38 No.4

Jilin Province is one of the principal production bases of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in China with its typical preponderance in TCM resources, research and development power, and industrialization capacity. The province has 2,790 species of TCM materials in total. Over 20% of the TCM materials in common use are from Jilin Province. The province has established 36 good agricultural practice bases for 22 typical TCMs. The overall situation, in terms of collection, processing, and preparation, and the implementation of good agricultural practice of TCM materials in Jilin Province are summarized.