Microstructure and property evolution of diamond-like carbon films co-doped by Al and Ti with different ratios

Zhou, Yong,Guo, Peng,Sun, Lili,Liu, Linlin,Xu, Xiaowei,Li, Wenxian,Li, Xiaowei,Lee, Kwang-Ryeol,Wang, Aiying Elsevier Sequoia 2019 Surface & coatings technology Vol.361 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films with weak carbide metal Al and carbide metal Ti co-doping (Al/Ti-DLC) were prepared by a hybrid ion beam deposition system. The atomic ratios of doped Al to Ti were tailored via designing the special Al/Ti combined sputtering target. The composition, microstructure, roughness, residual stress, hardness, toughness, and tribological behaviors of the deposited films were systematically evaluated to explore the dependence of structural properties on Al/Ti ratios. Results indicated that the high-throughput preparation of DLC films with different Al/Ti atomic ratios was achieved by tailoring the sputtering target and process parameters without the difference in both the film thickness and total Al/Ti content. With the Al/Ti ratios in the films decreased from 8.8 to 3.0, the residual stress, hardness, and toughness of Al/Ti-DLC films increased obviously, originating from the increased fraction of titanium carbide and the reduced Al content. However, the coefficient of friction and wear rate with decreasing the Al/Ti ratio were obviously improved, which was related with the transformation of underlying friction mechanism from the sliding interface graphitization to dangling bond-passivation. The present results not only suggest a high-throughput method to fabricate co-doped DLC films, but also promote the scientific understanding and engineering application of DLC films with high performance.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Ti/Al co-doped diamond-like carbon films were fabricated by a hybrid ion beam method. </LI> <LI> Different Al/Ti ratios were successfully achieved at one time using designed target. </LI> <LI> Al/Ti ratios had no effect on the chemical state of co-doped Ti and Al atoms. </LI> <LI> The mechanical and tribological properties were strongly dependent on Ti/Al ratios. </LI> <LI> Different friction mechanisms were observed with Al/Ti ratios ranged from 8.8 to 3.0. </LI> </UL> </P>

Application of O-RADS US combined with MV-Flow to diagnose ovarian-adnexal tumors

Linlin Ruan,Hui Liu,Hong Xiang,Yongkang Ni,Yuling Feng,Huili Zhou,Mengtong Qi 대한초음파의학회 2024 ULTRASONOGRAPHY Vol.43 No.1

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the application of Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System Ultrasound (O-RADS US) combined with MV-Flow (Samsung Medison Co., Ltd.) to diagnose ovarian-adnexal masses.Methods: A total of 112 ovarian-adnexal masses (81 benign and 31 malignant) from 105 consecutive patients were analyzed. The O-RADS US and vascular index from MV-Flow (VI^MV) were measured and compared with the reference standard. O-RADS US and MV-Flow were tested for consistency.Results: Receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn for O-RADS US, MV-Flow, and their combination. The combined methods had the largest area under the curve (0.955), followed by O-RADS US (0.929) and MV-Flow (0.923). A mass was considered malignant when the O-RADS US classification was 5 and VI^MV was ≥7.15. With this definition, MV-Flow had the highest sensitivity (87.10%), with consistent findings for the combined diagnostic methods and O-RADS US (83.87%). The specificity of the combined diagnostic methods (93.83%) was higher than that of MV-Flow (91.36%). O-RADS US had the lowest specificity (90.12%). The combined diagnostic methods had the highest coincidence rate (91.07%), and MV-Flow (90.18%) had a significantly higher coincidence rate than O-RADS US (88.39%). Both O-RADS US and MV-Flow showed good consistency among different physicians (former kappa, 0.974; latter intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC], 0.986). MV-Flow had a high consistency for the same physician (ICC, 1).Conclusion: O-RADS US and MV-Flow exhibited good diagnostic efficacy, and their combined diagnostic efficacy was higher than that of each individually. O-RADS US and MV-Flow can improve the diagnosis of benign and malignant ovarian-adnexal masses. Purpose: This study aimed to explore the application of Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System Ultrasound (O-RADS US) combined with MV-Flow (Samsung Medison Co., Ltd.) to diagnose ovarian-adnexal masses. Methods: A total of 112 ovarian-adnexal masses (81 benign and 31 malignant) from 105 consecutive patients were analyzed. The O-RADS US and vascular index from MV-Flow (VIMV) were measured and compared with the reference standard. O-RADS US and MV-Flow were tested for consistency. Results: Receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn for O-RADS US, MV-Flow, and their combination. The combined methods had the largest area under the curve (0.955), followed by O-RADS US (0.929) and MV-Flow (0.923). A mass was considered malignant when the O-RADS US classification was 5 and VIMV was ≥7.15. With this definition, MV-Flow had the highest sensitivity (87.10%), with consistent findings for the combined diagnostic methods and O-RADS US (83.87%). The specificity of the combined diagnostic methods (93.83%) was higher than that of MV-Flow (91.36%). O-RADS US had the lowest specificity (90.12%). The combined diagnostic methods had the highest coincidence rate (91.07%), and MV-Flow (90.18%) had a significantly higher coincidence rate than O-RADS US (88.39%). Both O-RADS US and MV-Flow showed good consistency among different physicians (former kappa, 0.974; latter intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC], 0.986). MV-Flow had a high consistency for the same physician (ICC, 1). Conclusion: O-RADS US and MV-Flow exhibited good diagnostic efficacy, and their combined diagnostic efficacy was higher than that of each individually. O-RADS US and MV-Flow can improve the diagnosis of benign and malignant ovarian-adnexal masses.

circ_SPEF2 Regulates the Balance of Treg Cells by Regulating miR-16-5p/BACH2 in Lymphoma and Participates in the Immune Response

Zhou Jie,Xu Min,Chen ZhaoZhao,Huang LinLin,Wu ZhuoLin,Huang ZhongPei,Liu Lin 한국조직공학과 재생의학회 2023 조직공학과 재생의학 Vol.20 No.7

BACKGROUND: This study aims to explore the potential mechanism of action of the newly discovered hsa_- circ_0128899 (circSPEF2) in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). METHODS: circSPEF2, miR-16-5p and BTB and CNC homologue 2 (BACH2) expression patterns in DLBCL patients and cell lines were studied by RT-qPCR. The biological function of circSPEF2 in vitro and in vivo was investigated by function acquisition experiments. The proliferation activity of lymphoma cells was detected by MTT. Bax, Caspase-3, and Bcl-2 were determined by Western Blot. Apoptosis and the ratio of CD4 to Treg of immune cells in the co-culture system were analyzed by flow cytometry. The mechanism of action of circSPEF2 in DLBCL progression was further investigated by RIP and dual luciferase reporter experiments. RESULTS: circSPEF2 was a circRNA with abnormally down-regulated expression in DLBCL. Increasing circSPEF2 expression inhibited the proliferative activity and induced apoptosis of lymphoma cells in vitro and in vivo, as well as increased CD4?T cells and decreased Treg cell proportion of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Mechanically, circSPEF2 was bound to miR-16-5p expression, while BACH2 was targeted by miR-16-5p. circSPEF2 overexpressionmediated effects on lymphoma progression were reversible by upregulating miR-16-5p or downregulating BACH2. CONCLUSIONS: circSPEF2 can influence DLBCL progression by managing cellular proliferation and apoptosis and the proportion of immune cells Treg and CD4 through the miR-16-5p/BACH2 axis.

Granulation of Activated Sludge in a Continuous Flow Airlift Reactor by Strong Drag Force

Dandan Zhou,Mengyuan Liu,Jun Wang,Shuangshi Dong,Ning Cui,Linlin Gao 한국생물공학회 2013 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.18 No.2

Most aerobic granule cultivation has been based on the sequencing batch reactor (SBR) and then the factors that affect aerobic granulations were developed in the SBR. However, little work has been done to cultivate aerobic granules in a continuous-flow bioreactor with simple structure that is realistic for engineering. This work is the first to cultivate aerobic granules in a continuous flow airlift fluidized bed reactor (CAFB) possesses a very simple structure and without settling time and starvation time controlling. The configuration of CAFB was the simplest continuous-flow aerobic granular bioreactor reported by now. The majority of granules could be formatted in the CAFB after 12 days cultivation. The effluent COD concentration maintained at 50 ± 10 mg/L for the variable COD loading rate of 3.5 g COD/L/d and 4.8 g COD/L/d, which confirmed that the CAFB performed good anti-shock abilities. CAFB performed good nitrification ability, however, little denitrification was found under the operating conditions of this study. The shear stress acting on the solid phase were hundreds of times stronger in the CAFB than in the SBR at the same aeration strength. It seems CAFB is very efficient for granulation due to the strong shear-force exertion,which is promising for continuous-flow aerobic granular bioreactor. Protein, positive to the hydrophobicity, was predominant in extracellular polymeric substances in the granules, and favored the granules formation in the CAFB combined with the polysaccharides. However, filamentous bulking always happened in 35 days operation of the CAFB, thus further study on the stability of this bioreactor is urgently necessary.

NEDD4 Regulated Pyroptosis Occurred from Co-infection between Influenza A Virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae

You Jiangzhou,Zhou Linlin,San Xudong,Li Hailing,Li Mingyuan,Wang Baoning 한국미생물학회 2023 The journal of microbiology Vol.61 No.8

Co-infection of respiratory tract viruses and bacteria often result in excess mortality, especially pneumonia caused by influenza viruses and Streptococcus pneumoniae. However, the synergistic mechanisms remain poorly understood. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a clearer understanding of the molecular basis of the interaction between influenza virus and Streptococcus pneumonia. Here, we developed the BALB/c mouse model and the A549 cell model to investigate inflammation and pyroptotic cell death during co-infection. Co-infection significantly activated the NLRP3 inflammasome and induced pyroptotic cell death, correlated with excess mortality. The E3 ubiquitin ligase NEDD4 interacted with both NLRP3 and GSDMD, the executor of pyroptosis. NEDD4 negatively regulated NLRP3 while positively regulating GSDMD, thereby modulating inflammation and pyroptotic cell death. Our findings suggest that NEDD4 may play a crucial role in regulating the GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis signaling pathway. Targeting NEDD4 represents a promising approach to mitigate excess mortality during influenza pandemics by suppressing synergistic inflammation during co-infection of influenza A virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Pituitary P62 deficiency leads to female infertility by impairing luteinizing hormone production

Li Xing,Zhou Ling,Peng Guiliang,Liao Mingyu,Zhang Linlin,Hu Hua,Long Ling,Tang Xuefeng,Qu Hua,Shao Jiaqing,Zheng Hongting,Long Min 생화학분자생물학회 2021 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.53 No.-

P62 is a protein adaptor for various metabolic processes. Mice that lack p62 develop adult-onset obesity. However, investigations on p62 in reproductive dysfunction are rare. In the present study, we explored the effect of p62 on the reproductive system. P62 deficiency-induced reproductive dysfunction occurred at a young age (8 week old). Young systemic p62 knockout (p62 -/- ) and pituitary-specific p62 knockout (p62 flox/flox αGSU cre ) mice both presented a normal metabolic state, whereas they displayed infertility phenotypes (attenuated breeding success rates, impaired folliculogenesis and ovulation, etc.) with decreased luteinizing hormone (LH) expression and production. Consistently, in an infertility model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pituitary p62 mRNA was positively correlated with LH levels. Mechanistically, p62 -/- pituitary RNA sequencing showed a significant downregulation of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway. In vitro experiments using the pituitary gonadotroph cell line LβT2 and siRNA/shRNA/plasmid confirmed that p62 modulated LH synthesis and secretion via mitochondrial OXPHOS function, especially Ndufa2, a component molecule of mitochondrial complex I, as verified by Seahorse and rescue tests. After screening OXPHOS markers, Ndufa2 was found to positively regulate LH production in LβT2 cells. Furthermore, the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-stimulating test in p62 flox/flox αGSU cre mice and LβT2 cells illustrated that p62 is a modulator of the GnRH-LH axis, which is dependent on intracellular calcium and ATP. These findings demonstrated that p62 deficiency in the pituitary impaired LH production via mitochondrial OXPHOS signaling and led to female infertility, thus providing the GnRH-p62-OXPHOS(Ndufa2)-Ca 2+ /ATP-LH pathway in gonadotropic cells as a new theoretical basis for investigating female reproductive dysfunction.

Pt, Ag and Au Nanoparticles on hollow carbon spheres as cathode ORR

Yuhan Jiang,Linlin Guan,Yangjing Jiao,Chunxin Yu,Fang Zhao,Xiaowei Zhou,Zhu Liu 대한금속·재료학회 2024 ELECTRONIC MATERIALS LETTERS Vol.20 No.2

Hollow carbon spheres (HCS) have been employed as supporting materials for Pt, Ag, and Au nanoparticles (NPs) in theoxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The NPs Pt, Ag, and Au have been hydrothermally coated on HCS uniformly. The diameterof the Pt, Ag and Au NPs ranges between 11 and 32 nm, with the loading of 4.58, 4.73, and 4.07 wt.%, respectively. Itis found that Pt, Ag, and Au/HCS exhibit stable catalytic activity after 5000 CV scanning and follow a four-electron routein the ORR. Among them, Tafel plots show that Ag/HCS has the fastest kinetic rates and Pt/HCS has the largest eff ectiveactive area from CV curve. Hence HCS provides a stable supportive material for Pt, Ag, Au nanoparticle catalysts in theORR due to its nanopores structure and large surface area.

Serum calcium is a novel parameter to assess metabolic syndrome in endometrial carcinoma

Yanying Lin,Jingyi Zhou,Linlin Cao,Juan Hao,Lijun Zhao,Jianliu Wang,Qi Xu 대한부인종양학회 2019 Journal of Gynecologic Oncology Vol.30 No.1

Objectives: To investigate the distribution of serum calcium and the relationship between serum calcium and serum metabolic parameters in endometrial carcinoma (EC) patients. Methods: Retrospective assessment of patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer from Peking University People's Hospital from 2004 to 2009. Clinical characteristics as well as pretreatment serum calcium, albumin, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), serum triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and total cholesterol (TC) value were extracted from patient records. Serum calcium was corrected for albumin. Unpaired t test and analysis of covariance were used to compare serum calcium among categorical variables. Simple correlation analyses and partial correlation analyses were used to assess the associations between serum calcium and continuous variables. Results: Two-hundred twenty patients were included in this study. After adjusting for confounders, postmenopausal patients had higher total serum calcium (p=0.002) and albumin-corrected serum calcium (p=0.012) than premenopausal patients, endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (EEC) patients had higher total serum calcium than nonendometrioid endometrial carcinoma (NEEC) patients (p=0.037). Significant positive correlations were found between total serum calcium and FPG (p=0.017), TG (p=0.043), HDL (p=0.042), LDL (p<0.001), and TC (p<0.001) after adjusting for multiple variables, and the corrected serum calcium showed no significant correlation with metabolic parameters. Conclusion: Total serum calcium might be a more sensitive parameter for metabolic syndrome in endometrioid endometrial cancer patients than lipids.

The Interlaminar Mechanical and Impact Properties of Fibre Metal Laminates Reinforced with Graphene

Fanglin Cong,Shuo Wang,Linlin,Meng Cao,Zehui Jia,Zhiqiang Zhou,Xu Cui 한국섬유공학회 2022 Fibers and polymers Vol.23 No.5

Glass fibre aluminium laminate (Glare) is widely used in various fields because of its excellent performance. However, its properties can be further enhanced by adding nanofillers, such as graphene, to the matrix. Graphene is a costeffectivetoughening agent because of its excellent specific strength, economy and good compatibility. The interlaminarmechanical and dynamic impact properties of Glare were improved by uniformly dispersed graphene (0, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5 and1.0 wt%). The interlaminar mechanical properties (short beam shear and single lap test) of the graphene-modified (0.5 wt%)Glare were increased by 42.24 % and 25.65 %, respectively, compared with the pure epoxy resin matrix. At a graphenecontent of 1.0 wt%, the Charpy impact energy and strength increased by 163.58 % and 126.33 %, respectively, and reachedthe maximum value. The microscopic images and schematic diagrams illustrated the toughening mechanism of graphene,including the enhancement of the aluminium/resin and fibre/resin interfaces and the performance of the resin matrix. Thetoughening of the resin matrix was achieved through the formation of a mechanical linkage between the graphene and thematrix, which indicated that more time and energy would be required to destroy it.

Further Results about the Normal Family of Meromorphic Functions and Shared Sets

Qi, Jianming,Zhang, Guowei,Zhou, Linlin Department of Mathematics 2012 Kyungpook mathematical journal Vol.52 No.1

Let $\mathcal{F}$ be a family of meromorphic functions in a domain D, and let $k$, $n({\geq}2)$ be two positive integers, and let $S=\{a_1,a_2,{\ldots},a_n\}$, where $a_1$, $a_2$, ${\ldots}$, $a_n$ are distinct finite complex numbers. If for each $f{\in}\mathcal{F}$, all zeros of $f$ have multiplicity at least $k+1$, $f$ and $G(f)$ share the set $S$ in $D$, where $G(f)=P(f^{(k)})+H(f)$ is a differential polynomial of $f$, then$\mathcal{F}$ is normal in $D$.