Synthesis, characterization, and visible light induced photoactivity of tourmaline-N-TiO2 composite for photooxidation of ethylene

Jing-Hua Tzeng,Chih-Huang Weng,Yu-Hao Lin,Shang-Ming Huang,Li-Ting Yen,Jin Anotai,Yao-Tung Lin 한국공업화학회 2019 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.80 No.-

A novel visible light driven tourmaline-nitrogen-doped-TiO2 composite (S-N-TiO2) was prepared using afacile impregnation and sol gel method and its photocatalytic reaction scheme with ethylene wasproposed. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the presence of TiO2 in the form of anatase phase. Scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrometer mapping showed that the TiO2particles were deposited and dispersed on the surface of tourmaline. Under visible light irradiation, the SN-TiO2 catalyst containing 4 wt.% tourmaline has higher photocatalytic activity for the oxidation ofethylene than pure TiO2 and N-doped-TiO2 (N-TiO2). This enhanced activity could be not only attributedto the narrowed band gap in visible light driven N-TiO2, but also improved by the spontaneous electricfield of tourmaline which was applied to restrain the recombination of the electron–hole pairs. Thephotogenerated electrons from N-TiO2 were induced by electricfield to react with ethylene, and theleaving photogenerated holes also formed the reactive species. The photocatalytic activity of S-N-TiO2 ismuch affected by synthesis conditions. This novel S-N-TiO2 photocatalyst has a promising perspective inthe gas treatment for air pollution control and horticultural product industries.

The delamination of carbon fiber reinforced composites during cutting by flexible linear shaped charge

Jing Sun,Zhiguo Ma,Zhifeng Zhang,Fei Weng,Rong Chen 대한기계학회 2020 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.34 No.4

The delamination is a typical phenomenon when the carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRC) undergoes blasting impact loading and the delamination will reduce both the strength and stiffness of the laminates, which can lead to catastrophic consequences while used as rocket skin. In this paper, the response of CFRC laminate is cut by flexible linear shaped charge (FLSC) and the delamination behavior of the CFRC is analyzed and discussed. The displacement interferometer system for any reflector (DISAR) is used to monitor the velocity of characteristic points of the laminate subjected to FLSC. Finite element analysis has been conducted to explain the mechanisms of delamination. Based on the numerical simulation, the influences of structural design parameters on the delamination effect of the CFRC after cutting are investigated. The results show that a large number of debris are produced at the center of the explosion and a small amount of large debris is produced at weakening groove on both sides. The delamination effect is greatly affected by the inter-laminar tensile strength and thickness of composite laminate, but it is not significantly affected by the linear density of the FLSC and stand-off.

Smads, p38 and ERK1,2 are involved in BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation of C3H10T1,2 mesenchymal stem cells

( Dao Jing Xu ),( Ying Ze Zhao ),( Jin Wang ),( Juan Wen He ),( Ya Guang Weng ),( Jin Yong Luo ) 생화학분자생물학회 (구 한국생화학분자생물학회) 2012 BMB Reports Vol.45 No.4

Although previous studies have demonstrated that BMP9 is highly capable of inducing osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, the molecular mechanism involved remains to be fully elucidated. In this study, we showed that BMP9 simultaneously promotes the activation of Smad1/5/8, p38 and ERK1/2 in C3H10T1/2 cells. Knockdown of Smad4 with RNA interference reduced nuclear translocation of Smad1/5/8, and disrupted BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation. BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation was blocked by p38 inhibitor SB203580, whereas enhanced by ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059. SB203580 decreased BMP9-activated Smads singling, and yet PD98059 stimulated Smads singling in C3H10T1/2 cells. The effects of inhibitor were reproduced with adenovirus expressing siRNA targeted p38 and ERK1/2, respectively. Taken together, our findings revealed that Smads, p38 and ERK1/2 are involved in BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation. Also, it is noteworthy that p38 and ERK1/2 may play opposing regulatory roles in mediating BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 cells. [BMB reports 2012; 45(4): 247-252]

Study on the drinking vessel in the stone hall image of Yuhong Tomb in Taiyuan, China

翁晓燕(XiaoYan Weng),钱婧(Jing Qian) Korea Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences 2023 Journal of Global Arts Studies (JGAS) Vol.1 No.1

[Background] The tomb of Yuhong of Sui Dynasty was excavated in Wangguo Village, Taiyuan City in 1999 by archaeologists from Shanxi Province. The only remaining burial equipment was the marble hall made of white marble. The stone hall was a wood-like three-open intermittent hill-top hall, consisting of a long flat square base, a central wall panel and a mountain top. Both inside and outside the stone hall are carved and painted, composed of 54 single images, rich in pattern content. The figures, costumes, utensils, Musical Instruments, dances, flowers and trees in the images are all related to Persia and Central Asian countries, and are also of great significance to the study of the Silk Road and the ancient East-West cultural exchanges.[Objective]This study aims to explore the wine vessels depicted in the stone chamber images of the Yuhong Tomb in Taiyuan, with a focus on analyzing their cultural and artistic value. Through the study of the wine vessel images, the research seeks to reveal the artistic fusion in the cultural exchange along the Silk Road.[Method]The study utilizes image analysis and comparison with historical literature to categorize and analyze the wine vessels depicted in the stone chamber of the Yuhong Tomb in detail, with particular attention to the origins and evolution of wine vessel types such as Rhyton, Poluo, and tall-footed cups. It emphasizes their cultural significance and stylistic features. [Results]The findings indicate that these wine vessels integrate artistic elements from Persia, Sogdiana, Rome, and indigenous Chinese culture, reflecting the significant role of the Silk Road in promoting artistic exchange and traditional absorption between different cultures.[Conclusion]The study demonstrates that the wine vessels depicted in the stone chamber images of the Yuhong Tomb are not only artistic works but also evidence of cultural exchange. These discoveries are crucial for understanding the cultural interactions along the Silk Road and the contributions to China's rich cultural heritage. 【背景】山西省考古工作者隋代虞弘墓于1999 年在太原市王郭村被发掘,其葬具仅存为汉白玉材质石堂,该石堂外观呈仿木构三开间 歇山顶式殿堂建筑,由长扁方体底座、中部墙板和歇山顶三大部分组成。石堂四周内外皆为雕绘,由五十四幅单体图像组合而成,图案内容丰富,图像中的人物形象、服饰、器皿、乐器、舞蹈以及花草树木等,均于波斯与中亚诸国相关,对研究丝绸之路与古代东西文化交流也有极重要的意义。【目的】本研究旨在探讨太原虞弘墓石堂图像中的酒器,重点分析其文化和艺术价值。通过对酒器图像的研究,揭示丝绸之路文化交流中的艺术融合。【方法】研究采用图像分析和历史文献比对,对虞弘墓中石堂图像中的酒器进行详细分类和风格分析,特别关注Rhyton、Poluo 和高脚杯等类型的酒器起源与演变,强调了它们的文化意义和风格特征。【结果】结果显示,这些酒器融合了波斯、粟特、罗马和中国本土的艺术元素,反映了丝绸之路在促进不同文化间艺术交流和传统吸收中的重要作用。【结论】研究表明,虞弘墓石堂图像中的酒器不仅是艺术作品,也是文化交流的见证。这些发现对于理解丝绸之路上的文化互动以及对中国丰富文化遗产的贡献至关重要。

Endoscopic internal drainage with double pigtail stents for upper gastrointestinal anastomotic leaks: suitable for all cases?

Bin Chet Toh,Jingli Chong,Baldwin PM Yeung,Chin Hong Lim,Eugene KW Lim,Weng Hoong Chan,Jeremy TH Tan 대한소화기내시경학회 2022 Clinical Endoscopy Vol.55 No.3

Background/Aims: Surgeons and endoscopists have started to use endoscopically inserted double pigtail stents (DPTs) in the managementof upper gastrointestinal (UGI) leaks, including UGI anastomotic leaks. We investigated our own experiences in this patient population. Methods: From March 2017 to June 2020, 12 patients had endoscopic internal drainage of a radiologically proven anastomotic leak afterUGI surgery in two tertiary UGI centers. The primary outcome measure was the time to removal of the DPTs after anastomotichealing. The secondary outcome measure was early oral feeding after DPT insertion. Results: Eight of the 12 patients (67%) required only one DPT, whereas four (33%) required two DPTs. The median duration of drainagewas 42 days. Two patients required surgery due to inadequate control of sepsis. Of the remaining 10 patients, nine did not require achange in DPT before anastomotic healing. Nine patients were allowed oral fluids within the 1st week and a soft diet in the 2nd week. One patient was allowed clear oral feeds on the 8th day after DPT insertion. Conclusions: Endoscopic internal drainage is becoming an established minimally invasive technique for controlling anastomotic leakafter UGI surgery. It allows for early oral nutritional feeding and minimizes discomfort from conventional external drainage.

Differential Response of Two Contrasting Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Genotypes to Drought Stress

Asad Rehman,Jinyang Weng,Pengli Li,Jing Yu,Saeed ur Rahman,Muhammad Khalid,Iftikhar Hussain Shah,Shazma Gulzar,Liying Chang,Qingliang Niu 한국식물학회 2023 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.66 No.6

The present study aims to gain insights into the response mechanisms of drought stress tolerance among two contrasting melon (Cucumis melo L.) genotypes. Drought stress was imposed by polyethylene glycol (10%) for 7 days and various physiochemical and molecular characteristics were analyzed on different days of drought stress treatment. Results revealed that the drought-sensitive genotype (MG-II) was significantly affected by drought stress, as evidenced from the elevation in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde content (MDA), and electrolyte leakage (EC). Furthermore, drought stress significantly hindered the vegetative growth, chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthetic pigments, and leaf gas exchange characteristics of MG-II genotypes. In contrast, the drought-resistant genotype (MG-I) exhibited a robust response to drought stress, characterized by marked upregulation in the antioxidant enzyme genes and activities, which in turn resulted in a decrease in oxidative damage and improved vegetative growth and photosynthetic functions. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the oxidative damage triggered by drought stress was more severe in the MG-II genotype, which exhibited an irregular chloroplast shape compared to the MG-I. These findings may potentially enhance our comprehension of coping strategies involved in drought stress tolerance and provide materials for future melon breeding and molecular studies.

Improving the Capture-range Problem in Phase-diversity Phase Retrieval for Laser-wavefront Measurement Using Geometrical-optics Initial Estimates

Li Jie Li,Wen Bo Jing,Wen Shen,Yue Weng,Bing Kun Huang,Xuan Feng 한국광학회 2022 Current Optics and Photonics Vol.6 No.5

To overcome the capture-range problem in phase-diversity phase retrieval (PDPR), a geometricaloptics initial-estimate method is proposed to avoid a local minimum and to improve the accuracy of laser-wavefront measurement. We calculate the low-order aberrations through the geometrical-optics model, which is based on the two spot images in the propagation path of the laser, and provide it as a starting guess for the PDPR algorithm. Simulations show that this improves the accuracy of wavefront recovery by 62.17% compared to other initial values, and the iteration time with our method is reduced by 28.96%. That is, this approach can solve the capture-range problem.

Towards a Dialogic Approach: Crisis Communications and Public Reactions in the World’s Most Densely Populated City to Tackle COVID-19

Juliana Qi Xuan Yuncg,Angus Weng Hin Cheong,Athena I No Seng,Kim Jing Li 충남대학교 아시아여론연구소 2020 Asian journal for public opinion research Vol.8 No.3

Macao, a special administrative region of China, has been able to maintain the records of zero deaths and keep confirmed cases under 50 since the outbreak of COVID-19 for more than half a year as of July 2020, despite being the world’s most densely populated city. The current paper utilizes the dialogic public relations theory to analyze the situation using both literature review on how the various government actions and strategies during the pandemic were corresponding to the theory, and a quantitative random digital dialing (RDD) telephone survey, with a sample of 502 Macao residents aged 18 or above, to study the public reactions towards the government pandemic prevention actions. Survey results show a high level of public satisfaction towards epidemic prevention performance, as well as some forms of collaborative information re-dissemination behavior in social media platforms. Literature review and analysis from dialogic theory found that spirit of mutual equality, collaboration with local community, immediacy of presence in crisis time, engagements with stakeholders through maximum media channels and networks, supportiveness to public with both useful information and practical social support like subsidy program, as well as commitment to transparent and genuine communication, are all the dialogic communications strategies that describe what the Macao government has done in the crisis of COVID-19. The dialogic strategies that could be learned from the Macao government may be used as a reference for similar urbanized and densely populated cities in other territories.

Evaluation of porcine urine-derived cells as nuclei donor for somatic cell nuclear transfer

Yu-Ting Zhang,Wang Yao,Meng-Jia Chai,Wen-Jing Liu,Yan Liu,Zhong-Hua Liu,Xiao-Gang Weng 대한수의학회 2022 Journal of Veterinary Science Vol.23 No.2

Background: Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is used widely in cloning, stem cell research, and regenerative medicine. The type of donor cells is a key factor affecting the SCNT efficiency. Objectives: This study examined whether urine-derived somatic cells could be used as donors for SCNT in pigs. Methods: The viability of cells isolated from urine was assessed using trypan blue and propidium iodide staining. The H3K9me3/H3K27me3 level of the cells was analyzed by immunofluorescence. The in vitro developmental ability of SCNT embryos was evaluated by the blastocyst rate and the expression levels of the core pluripotency factor. Blastocyst cell apoptosis was examined using a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling assay. The in vivo developmental ability of SCNT embryos was evaluated after embryo transfer. Results: Most sow urine-derived cells were viable and could be cultured and propagated easily. On the other hand, most of the somatic cells isolated from the boar urine exhibited poor cellular activity. The in vitro development efficiency between the embryos produced by SCNT using porcine embryonic fibroblasts (PEFs) and urine-derived cells were similar. Moreover, The H3K9me3 in SCNT embryos produced from sow urine-derived cells and PEFs at the four-cell stage showed similar intensity. The levels of Oct4, Nanog, and Sox2 expression in blastocysts were similar in the two groups. Furthermore, there is a similar apoptotic level of cloned embryos produced by the two types of cells. Finally, the full-term development ability of the cloned embryos was evaluated, and the cloned fetuses from the urine-derived cells showed absorption. Conclusions: Sow urine-derived cells could be used to produce SCNT embryos.

The mechanism of mesna in protection from cisplatin-induced ovarian damage in female rats

Xiaohuan Li,Shu Yang,Xiangyang Lv,Haimei Sun,Jing Weng,Yuanjing Liang,Deshan Zhou 대한부인종양학회 2013 Journal of Gynecologic Oncology Vol.24 No.2

Objective: Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of cancers in clinic; but it often induces adverse effects on ovarian functions such as reduced fertility and premature menopause. Mesna could attenuate the cisplatin-induced ovarian damages; however, the underlying mechanism is still unknown. This study aimed to figure out the underlying mechanism of the protection of mesna for ovaries against cisplatin therapy in cancers. Methods: We performed female adult Sprague-Dawley rats into normal saline control (NS), low-dose cisplatin (CL), high-dose cisplatin (CH), CL plus mesna (CL+M), and CH plus mesna (CH+M) groups and detected anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)-positive follicle, oxidative stress status and anti-oxidative capability in ovaries. Results: AMH-positive follicles were significantly decreased after cisplatin administration, which was significantly reversed when mesna was co-administered with cisplatin. The end product of lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde (MDA), was significantly increased, but the anti-oxidative enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) were significantly decreased in cisplatin groups when compared with NS group. In contrast, after co-administration of cisplatin with mesna, MDA was significantly decreased whereas the activity of SOD and the concentration of GSH were increased. Moreover, mesna did not decrease the anti-tumor property of cisplatin in HePG2 cell lines. Conclusion: Cisplatin damages the granulosa cells by oxidative stress to deplete the ovarian reserve and mesna could protect ovarian reserve through anti-oxidation. These results might highlight the mechanism of the protection of mesna for ovarian reserve and open an avenue for the application of mesna as a protective additive in cisplatin chemotherapy in clinical practise.