Experimental Study of the Bulge Deformation of Anti-Seepage Geomembranes over Non-Fine Concrete

Ke Gu,Yiming Shu,Xinxin Liu,Wenlong Mao,Zhen Zhang 대한토목학회 2020 KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering Vol.24 No.9

This study investigates the bulge deformation mechanics of geomembranes that are interacting with non-fine concrete cushions. We conducted 3D scanning of non-fine concrete specimens and further analyzed the depth-to-width ratios for non-fine concrete specimen surfaces. Then, stress distribution characteristics between the geomembrane and the non-fine concrete contact surface under diverse normal pressures were measured using a thin-film pressure transducer. It was observed that the contact surface between the geomembrane and the non-fine concrete expanded when the normal pressure increased, and the stress growth rate decreased as the area of the high-stress regions increased. Combining the relationship that was formed by the sags of the non-fine concrete surface soil with the stress distribution on the contact surface, the maximum bulge depth and the highest strain were determined following the formation of geomembrane bulge under various normal pressures. Moreover, ultrahigh strain, but not fracture, developed on the geomembrane during the experiment. Based on air bulking tests, it was demonstrated that the geomembrane had enormously high yield strength, which plays a critical role in the improvement of both the safety and the reliability of geomembranes that are mounted on non-fine concrete cushions.

A novel prismatic-shaped isolation platform with tunable negative stiffness and enhanced quasi-zero stiffness effect

Ke Ke,Jing Bian,Xu-Hong Zhou,Michael C.H. Yam,Yu-Hang Wang,Zi Gu,Miaojun Sun 국제구조공학회 2023 Smart Structures and Systems, An International Jou Vol.31 No.3

A passive prismatic-shaped isolation platform (PIP) is proposed to realize enhanced quasi-zero stiffness (QZS) effect. The design concept uses a horizontal spring to produce a tunable negative stiffness and installs oblique springs inside the cells of the prismatic structure to provide a tunable positive stiffness. Therefore, the QZS effect can be achieved by combining the negative stiffness and the positive stiffness. To this aim, firstly, the mathematical modeling and the static analysis are conducted to demonstrate this idea and provide the design basis. Further, with the parametric study and the optimal design of the PIP, the enhanced QZS effect is achieved with widened QZS range and stable property. Moreover, the dynamic analysis is conducted to investigate the vibration isolation performance of the proposed PIP. The analysis results show that the widened QZS property can be achieved with the optimal designed structural parameters, and the proposed PIP has an excellent vibration isolation performance in the ultra-low frequency due to the enlarged QZS range. Compared with the traditional QZS isolator, the PIP shows better performance with a broader isolation frequency range and stable property under the large excitation amplitude.

A Parametric Method of Linear Functional Observers for Linear Timevarying Systems

Da-Ke Gu,Long-Wen Liu,Guang-Ren Duan 제어·로봇·시스템학회 2019 International Journal of Control, Automation, and Vol.17 No.3

This paper considers the design of a Luenberger observer to estimate the linear multiple states functionalfor linear time-varying (LTV) systems. Based on the solutions to a type of full actuated homogeneous generalizedSylvester matrix equations and the conditions for the existence of observers for LTV systems, general parametricsolutions to Luenberger functional observers are established. With the proposed approach, the functional observerscan be achieved at desired convergence rate of the observation error, and also without any particular transformationfor LTV systems. Finally, a numerical example shows the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed parametricdesign method for the functional observers in LTV systems.

Activating transcription factor 4 aggravates angiotensin II-induced cell dysfunction in human vascular aortic smooth muscle cells via transcriptionally activating fibroblast growth factor 21

Ke Tao,Ming Li,Xuefeng Gu,Ming Wang,Tianwei Qian,Lijun Hu,Jiang Li 대한약리학회 2022 The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology Vol.26 No.5

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening disorder worldwide. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) was shown to display a high level in the plasma of patients with AAA; however, its detailed functions underlying AAA pathogenesis are unclear. An in vitro AAA model was established in human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) by angiotensin II (Ang-II) stimulation. Cell counting kit-8, wound healing, and Transwell assays were utilized for measuring cell proliferation and migration. RT-qPCR was used for detecting mRNA expression of FGF21 and activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4). Western blotting was utilized for assessing protein levels of FGF21, ATF4, and markers for the contractile phenotype of HASMCs. ChIP and luciferase reporter assays were implemented for identifying the binding relation between AFT4 and FGF21 promoters. FGF21 and ATF4 were both upregulated in Ang-II-treated HASMCs. Knocking down FGF21 attenuated Ang-IIinduced proliferation, migration, and phenotype switch of HASMCs. ATF4 activated FGF21 transcription by binding to its promoter. FGF21 overexpression reversed AFT4 silencing-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and phenotype switch. ATF4 transcriptionally upregulates FGF21 to promote the proliferation, migration, and phenotype switch of Ang-II-treated HASMCs.

로즈마리(Rosmarinus officinalis L.) 극성별 용매 추출물의 생리활성 검증

이커(Ke Li),양경희(Kyeong Hee Yang),궈루(Lu Guo),추이정웨이(Zhengwei Cui),손병구(Beung Gu Son),강점순(Jum Soon Kang),이용재(Yong Jae Lee),박영훈(Young Hoon Park),제병일(Beong Il Je),최영환(Young Whan Choi) 한국생명과학회 2019 생명과학회지 Vol.29 No.1

로즈마리(Rosmarinus officinalis L.)는 식품소재로서 널리 사용되고 있으며 다양한 생리활성이 보고되어 있다. 그러나 극성이 다른 용매 추출물의 상호작용과 생리활성에 관한 연구는 잘 정립되어서 보고되지 않았다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 로즈마리 분말을 hexane, EtOAc, MeOH 그리고 95%, 70%, 50% 또는 25% EtOH 및 물로 추출한 다음, 각각의 용매 추출물의 항산화, 항비만, 항 α-glucosidase 활성 및 미백효과 등을 조사하기 위해 수행되었다. 로즈마리 추출물의 항산화 및 tyrosinase 저해 효과는 비교적 극성이 높은 50% EtOH, 25% EtOH 및 증류수 추출물이 가장 효과가 좋았다. 그러나 α-glucosidase 활성억제는 EtOH의 농도가 높은 50~95%와 MeOH 추출물에서 효과가 가장 좋았다. 지방세포의 분화억제는 70% EtOH로 처리시에 가장 효과가 좋았으며, EtOH의 농도가 70%보다 증가하거나 감소하였을 경우에는 농도에 비례하여 감소하였다. 본 실험의 결과 최적의 추출용매는 항산화, tyrosinase 저해, α-glucosidase 활성억제 및 지방세포의 분화 억제 등의 질환에 따라서 차이가 있었다. 이러한 추출용매를 고려하면 추출용매에 따라서 최적의 생리활성 성분의 종류와 함량이 차이가 있고 이로 인하여 생리활성효과도 달라진 것으로 생각된다. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is widely used as a food material. Although various physiological activities of rosemary have been reported, there have been no studies on the physiological activity of solvent extracts with different polarities. Rosemary extracts were obtained by extraction of dried powder using 0%, 25%, 50%, 70%, and 95% ethanol (EtOH) in distilled water, methanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane. As these ratios of EtOH are generally chosen by default and scarcely optimized, we investigated the impact of the composition of EtOH in distilled water on extract-related characteristics, such as DPPH free radical scavenging and α-glucosidase inhibition, on the differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes and inhibition of tyrosinase. Adipogenesis inhibition was highest at 70% EtOH. DPPH scavenging activity and inhibition of tyrosinase activity were reduced with 50% EtOH in water. However, inhibition of α-glucosidase activity was higher in 50% EtOH in water. The best solvents in terms of DPPH scavenging activity, inhibition of tyrosinase and α-glucosidase, and differentiation of adipocytes obtained with different concentrations of EtOH, although a lower similar activities were found with 50% ethanol. Considering the extraction solvents, a ratio of EtOH in water gives different content and constituents of compounds. These differences will give activities inhibition of adipogenesis, tyrosinase, α-glucosidase activity, and DPPH scavenging activity.

Profiles of Bacillus spp. Isolated from the Rhizosphere of Suaeda glauca and Their Potential to Promote Plant Growth and Suppress Fungal Phytopathogens

( Ping Lu ),( Ke Jiang ),( Ya-qiao Hao ),( Wan-ying Chu ),( Yu-dong Xu ),( Jia-yao Yang ),( Jia-le Chen ),( Guo-hong Zeng ),( Zhou-hang Gu ),( Hong-xin Zhao ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2021 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.31 No.9

Members of the genus Bacillus are known to play an important role in promoting plant growth and protecting plants against phytopathogenic microorganisms. In this study, 21 isolates of Bacillus spp. were obtained from the root micro-ecosystem of Suaeda glauca. Analysis of the 16S rRNA genes indicated that the isolates belong to the species Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus velezensis, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus aryabhattai and Brevibacterium frigoritolerans. One of the interesting findings of this study is that the four strains B1, B5, B16 and B21 are dominant in rhizosphere soil. Based on gyrA, gyrB, and rpoB gene analyses, B1, B5, and B21 were identified as B. amyloliquefaciens and B16 was identified as B. velezensis. Estimation of antifungal activity showed that the isolate B1 had a significant inhibitory effect on Fusarium verticillioides, B5 and B16 on Colletotrichum capsici (syd.) Butl, and B21 on Rhizoctonia cerealis van der Hoeven. The four strains grew well in medium with 1-10% NaCl, a pH value of 5-8, and promoted the growth of Arabidopsis thaliana. Our results indicate that these strains may be promising agents for the biocontrol and promotion of plant growth and further study of the relevant bacteria will provide a useful reference for the development of microbial resources.

Activation of TLR7-mediated autophagy increases epileptic susceptibility via reduced KIF5A-dependent GABAA receptor transport in a murine model

Liu Jing,Ke Pingyang,Guo Haokun,Gu Juan,Liu Yanling,Tian Xin,Wang Xuefeng,Xiao Fei 생화학분자생물학회 2023 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.55 No.-

The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis are poorly understood but are considered to actively involve an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission. Excessive activation of autophagy, a cellular pathway that leads to the removal of proteins, is known to aggravate the disease. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 is an innate immune receptor that regulates autophagy in infectious and noninfectious diseases. However, the relationship between TLR7, autophagy, and synaptic transmission during epileptogenesis remains unclear. We found that TLR7 was activated in neurons in the early stage of epileptogenesis. TLR7 knockout significantly suppressed seizure susceptibility and neuronal excitability. Furthermore, activation of TLR7 induced autophagy and decreased the expression of kinesin family member 5 A (KIF5A), which influenced interactions with γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR)-associated protein and GABAARβ2/3, thus producing abnormal GABAAR-mediated postsynaptic transmission. Our results indicated that TLR7 is an important factor in regulating epileptogenesis, suggesting a possible therapeutic target for epilepsy.

Synthesis and Characterization of pH and Temperature Sensitive Hydrogel Based on Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), Poly(ε-caprolactone), Methylacrylic Acid, and Methoxyl Poly(ethylene glycol)

Xu Xu,Jia Song,Ke Wang,YingChun Gu,Feng Luo,XiaoHai Tang,Ping Xie,ZhiYong Qian 한국고분자학회 2013 Macromolecular Research Vol.21 No.8

In this paper, a novel biodegradable and pH/thermo-sensitive hydrogel based on poly(ε-caprolactone),methoxyl poly(ethylene glycol), methylacrylic acid and N-isopropylacrylamide was prepared by UV-initiated free radical polymerization. The hydrogels were characterized by Fourier transforms infrared ray. The thermal responsibility was investigated with the help of differential scanning calorimetry. Swelling behavior in aqueous medium with different pH value was studied in detail. When the pH value of the aqueous medium was increased from 1.2 to 7.2,the swelling ratio of the hydrogels increased accordingly. The morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and the hydrolytic degradation behavior in different aqueous media (pH 1.2 and pH 7.2) was also investigated in detail. The prepared biodegradable pH/thermo-sensitive hydrogel based on poly(ε-caprolactone), methoxyl poly(ethylene glycol), methylacrylic acid and N-isopropylacrylamide hold great promise in the development of a smart drug delivery system.

Modeling and Verification of a Contactless Air Film Conveyor Using a Viscous Traction Principle

Wei Zhong,Xiaoyu Gu,Ke Xu,Fanghua Liu,Xin Li,Toshiharu Kagawa 한국정밀공학회 2017 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol.18 No.12

Many industries require contactless transport of delicate or clean products such as silicon wafers, flat foodstuffs and freshly painted objects. In this study, a contactless air film conveyor for flat objects is introduced. The object is supported by a thin film formed between the object and the conveyor surface and transported by viscous traction which is generated by controlled airflow underneath the object. Experiments are conducted to investigate the film pressure distribution and viscous force. The results show that the film pressure is symmetrically distributed along the direction perpendicular to the airflow in the actuating cells and non-symmetrically distributed along the airflow direction. The viscous force decreases as the increase of gap thickness. A simplified model is established to help understand and characterize the viscous force. The calculated results show a good agreement with the experimental data. It is revealed that the viscous force is the resultant of an actuating force in the pocket and side areas and a drag force from airflow across the dam area. Simulation and experiments are conducted using a PID controller for one dimension position control and position tracking. The results verify the effectiveness of the theoretical modeling and control method.

동충하초균주로 발효한 감초의 주요성분 함량 변화 및 NO 생성 억제 효과

왕자옥(Ziyu Wang),이매(Mei Li),이커(Ke Li),손병구(Beung Gu Son),강점순(Jum Soon Kang),이용재(Yong Jae Lee),박영훈(Young Hoon Park),김선태(Sun Tae Kim),정재철(Jae-Chul Jung),이영근(Young Guen Lee),최영환(Young Whan Choi) 한국생명과학회 2017 생명과학회지 Vol.27 No.1

약용식물의 발효는 새로운 식품의 소재 개발이 가능하나, 발효 균주는 대부분 이스트, 유산균, 박테리아 등이 이용되고 있다. 본 연구에서는 감초와 번데기 단독 또는 감초에 발효원인 번데기를 20%와 50%로 첨가한 혼합물의 배지에 눈꽃 동충하초(Paecilomyces tenuipes)와 밀리타리스 동충하초(Cordyceps militaris)를 이용하여 고체배양방법을 확립하였다. 동충하초 발효물을 식품소재로 개발하기 위하여 식용 가능한 용매인 에탄올 95%, 70%, 50%, 25% 및 물로서 추출한 다음 동충하초로부터 생성된 cordycepin과 감초의 지표성분인 liquiritin, liquiritigenin과 glycirrhizin의 함량 및 NO생성 억제효과를 조사하였다. Cordycepin함량은 감초에 번데기를 50%로 혼합한 배지에 밀리타리스 동충하초 균주을 접종하여 발효한 발효물을 70% EtOH추출하였을 경우에 가장 많았으며, 번데기를 첨가하지 않은 밀리타리스 동충하초 발효물 추출물보다 함량이 33배 정도 증가하였다. 또한 추출용매의 극성이 70% EtOH보다 높거나 낮아지면 감소하는 경향이었으며, 특히 발효원으로서 번데기의 첨가는 cordycepin의 함량을 현저하게 증가시켰다. Liquiritin의 함량은 발효하지 않은 감초보다 눈꽃 동충하초와 밀리타리스 동충하초로 발효한 모든 추출물에서 감소하였다. Liquiritigenin의 함량은 눈꽃 동충하초로 발효한 추출물이 밀리타리스 동충하초 발효 추출물보다 현저히 증가하였으나, 밀리타리스 동충하초 균쥬의 발효 추출물은 발효하지 않은 감초추출물과 거의 차이가 없었으며, 두 균주 모두 번데기의 첨가량이 증가할수록 liquiritigenin의 함량이 감소하는 경향이었다. 감초에 번데기의 첨가량 또는 추출 용매의 극성이 증가하면 liquiritin과 glycyrrhizin의 함량은 현저히 감소하였다. 이상의 결과로부터, cordycepin 함량은 C. militaris 균주로 liquiritigenin은 P. tenuipes로 발효시에 현저하게 증가하였으나, liquiritin과 glycyrrhizin은 감소하였다. 감초를 동충하초로 발효시에 번데기의 첨가는 주요 성분의 변화를 현저하게 유도하였다. 동충하초 발효 추출물은 NO생성 억제효과가 증가하였으며, 고극성 용매추출물에서 그 효과가 현저하였다. 감초의 발효시에 생성된 cordycepin과 liquiritin, liquiritigenin 및 glycyrrhizin의 함량은 발효원으로서 첨가되는 번데기, 추출용매의 극성, 발효 균주의 종류 등에 따라서 현저한 차이가 있었다. 이러한 결과는 동충하초 균주를 이용한 기능성 식품 소재를 개발하기 위한 기초 자료로서 활용이 가능할 것으로 기대된다. Traditional Korean fermented herbal plants are potential sources of new food that promote health, but they are still produced by yeast, fungi or bacteria fermentation. In the present work, mushroom (Paecilomyces tenuipes and Cordyceps militaris) fungal dongchunghacho were used to fermented Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer (licorice) or mixed with pupa. The pupa were tested as solid substrates for the production of corcycepin, liquiritin, and liquiritigenin. The fermented substrates were analyzed the content of cordycepin, liquiritin, liquiritigenin, and glycirrhizin productivity and inhibitory activity of NO. The cordycepin content of 70% EtOH extract from the fermented mixture of licorice and 50% pupa with C. militaris increased maximum at 33 times. Pupa was very excellent for the production of cordycepin. The liquiritin content was decreased in all the assays inoculated with P. tenuipes and C. militaris dongchunghachos. The liquiritigenin content was higher when fermented with P. tenuipes than C. militaris. The addition of pupa significantly reduced the liquiritin content and glycyrrhizin production. As a result, the liquiritigenin content increased in fermented P. tenuipes and C. militaris, and liquiritin and glycyrrhizin decreased. The inhibition of NO production in the different ethanolic extracts fermented with licorice and pupa was also significantly increased and higher than that of a nonfermented extract in higher polar solvent extracts. The contents of cordycepin and biological active compounds were altered in accordance with the concentration of pupa and fungi. This study provides basic data for use in developing dongchunghacho fungi as a functional food resource.