Aqueous processing of Li1.075Nb0.625Ti0.45O3 green tapes

Shaochun Li,Yongjuan Geng,Qilong Zhang,Hui Yang 한양대학교 세라믹연구소 2011 Journal of Ceramic Processing Research Vol.12 No.2

An aqueous tape casting of Li1.075Nb0.625Ti0.45O3 (LNT) ceramics was developed using PCA-NH4 as dispersant, PVA as binder and EG as plasticizer. Flexible, defect-free and smooth tapes of LNT were successfully produced. The study focused on obtaining the optimum slurry formulations and on the effects of the processing parameters such as the stability, the rheology on the properties on the tape characteristics. Surface properties of LNT powders in the aqueous suspensions are distinctly influenced by PCA-NH4. The zeta potential measurement showed that the isoelectric point (IEP) of LNT powders in the absence of dispersant corresponds to a pH value of 3.7. The zeta potential values (absolute values) increased with the amount of dispersant and up to its maximum near pH 9-10. The rheology measurements of all the slurries investigated showed the desired shear thinning behavior, indicating that the LNT slurry was homogenous and well stabilized. An optimum formulation for the tape was investigated and it was shown that a high solid loading (50 wt%) would lead to a high relative green density (46.7%). Homogenous, smooth, and defect-free green tapes were successfully obtained by an appropriate slurry formula.

Evidence for the medicinal value of Squama Manitis (pangolin scale): A systematic review

Xinyao Jin,Hui Zi Chua,Keyi Wang,Nan Li,Wenke Zheng,Wentai Pang,Fengwen Yang,Bo Pang,Mingyan Zhang,Junhua Zhang 한국한의학연구원 2021 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.10 No.1

Background: Squama Manitis (pangolin scale) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. However, its efficacy has not been systematically reviewed. This review aims to fill the gap. Methods: We searched six electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), WanFang Database and SinoMed from inception to May 1, 2020. Search terms included “pangolin”, “Squama Manitis”, “Manis crassicaudata”, “Manis javanica”, “Malayan pangolins”, “Manis pentadactyla”, “Ling Li”, “Chuan Shan Jia”, “Shan Jia”, “Pao Jia Zhu”, “Jia Pian” and “Pao Shan Jia”. The Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB) assessment tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) were used to evaluate the risk of bias of the included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and case control studies (CCSs). Results: After screening, 15 articles that met the inclusion criteria were finally included. There were 4 randomized controlled trials, 1 case control study, 3 case series and 7 case reports. A total of 15 different diseases were reported in these studies, thus the data could not be merged to generate powerful results. Two RCTs suggested that Squama Manitis combined with herbal decoction or antibiotics could bring additional benifit for treating postpartum hypogalactia and mesenteric lymphadenitis. However, this result was not reliable due to low methodological quality and irrational outcomes. The other two RCTs generated negative results. All the non-RCTs did not add any valuable evidence to the efficacy of Squama Manitis beacause of small samples, incomplete records, non-standardized outcome detection. In general, currently available evidence cannot support the clinical use of Squama Manitis. Conclusion: There is no reliable evidence that Squama Manitis has special medicinal value. The removal of Squama Manitis from Pharmacopoeia is rational.

High-performance solid-state flexible supercapacitor based on reduced graphene oxide/hierarchical core-shell Ag nanowire@NiAl layered double hydroxide film electrode

Li, Lei,Hui, Kwan San,Hui, Kwun Nam,Zhang, Tengfei,Fu, Jianjian,Cho, Young-Rae Elsevier 2018 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL -LAUSANNE- Vol.348 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>All-solid-state flexible supercapacitor (AFSC) is a promising energy storage device due to its high flexibility, security, and environmental friendliness. However, high electrical resistance and low specific capacitance of electrodes limit its application for potential portable electronic devices. In this study, we design a novel hybrid film electrode composed of reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/silver nanowire (Ag NW)@nickel aluminum layered double hydroxide (NiAl LDH; herein, GAL) possessing high electrochemical performance by using hydrothermal and vacuum filtration techniques. The Ag NW@NiAl LDH (AL) composites with hierarchical core-shell structure are utilized to increase electroactive surface area and improve electrical conductivity, while the rGO nanosheets serve as a prominent carbon material with outstanding electrical conductivity and mechanical flexibility. The freestanding GAL electrode shows high specific capacitance of 1148 F g<SUP>−1</SUP> at 1 A g<SUP>−1</SUP> compared with rGO/NiAl LDH (GL) of 765.2 F g<SUP>−1</SUP> at 1 A g<SUP>−1</SUP>. Furthermore, the bind-free symmetric AFSC device is successfully prepared using GAL hybrid film as electrodes and PVA-KOH as solid-state gel electrolyte. The GAL//GAL AFSC device delivers a superior specific capacitance of 127.2 F g<SUP>−1</SUP> at 1 A g<SUP>−1</SUP>, a high energy density of 35.75 mWh cm<SUP>−3</SUP> at a power density of 1.01 W cm<SUP>−3</SUP>, and great cycling ability of 83.2% over 10,000 cycles at 5 A g<SUP>−1</SUP>. This study introduces a novel design of flexible electrode structure for advanced energy storage applications.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> A well-designed rGO/Ag NW@NiAl-LDH (GAL) hybrid film was prepared. </LI> <LI> The Ag NWs improved the conductivity of the hybrid film. </LI> <LI> The GAL electrode shows high specific capacitance of 1148 F g<SUP>−1</SUP>. </LI> <LI> The flexible device displays high energy density of 35.75 mWh cm<SUP>−3</SUP>. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Development of the ASHRAE Global Thermal Comfort Database II

Fö,ldvá,ry Lič,ina, Veronika,Cheung, Toby,Zhang, Hui,de Dear, Richard,Parkinson, Thomas,Arens, Edward,Chun, Chungyoon,Schiavon, Stefano,Luo, Maohui,Brager, Gail,Li, Peixian,Kaam, Soazig Elsevier 2018 Building and environment Vol.142 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Recognizing the value of open-source research databases in advancing the art and science of HVAC, in 2014 the ASHRAE Global Thermal Comfort Database II project was launched under the leadership of University of California at Berkeley's Center for the Built Environment and The University of Sydney's Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Laboratory. The exercise began with a systematic collection and harmonization of raw data from the last two decades of thermal comfort field studies around the world. The ASHRAE Global Thermal Comfort Database II (Comfort Database), now an online, open-source database, includes approximately 81,846 complete sets of objective indoor climatic observations with accompanying “<I>right-here-right-now</I>” subjective evaluations by the building occupants who were exposed to them. The database is intended to support diverse inquiries about thermal comfort in field settings. A simple web-based interface to the database enables filtering on multiple criteria, including building typology, occupancy type, subjects' demographic variables, subjective thermal comfort states, indoor thermal environmental criteria, calculated comfort indices, environmental control criteria and outdoor meteorological information. Furthermore, a web-based interactive thermal comfort visualization tool has been developed that allows end-users to quickly and interactively explore the data.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> The scope, development, contents, and accessibility of the Comfort Database is documented. </LI> <LI> The Comfort Database II includes approximately 76,000 complete sets of thermal comfort data. </LI> <LI> The Comfort Database provides access to the collected raw data. </LI> <LI> Web-based interactive visualization tool was developed that allows end-users to interactively explore the data. </LI> </UL> </P>

SPON2 Promotes M1-like Macrophage Recruitment and Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis by Distinct Integrin–Rho GTPase–Hippo Pathways

Zhang, Yan-Li,Li, Qing,Yang, Xiao-Mei,Fang, Fang,Li, Jun,Wang, Ya-Hui,Yang, Qin,Zhu, Lei,Nie, Hui-Zhen,Zhang, Xue-Li,Feng, Ming-Xuan,Jiang, Shu-Heng,Tian, Guang-Ang,Hu, Li-Peng,Lee, Ho-Young,Lee, Su-J American Association for Cancer Research 2018 Cancer research Vol.78 No.9

<P>Matricellular protein SPON2 acts as an HCC suppressor and utilizes distinct signaling events to perform dual functions in HCC microenvironment.</P><P>Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) represent key regulators of the complex interplay between cancer and the immune microenvironment. Matricellular protein SPON2 is essential for recruiting lymphocytes and initiating immune responses. Recent studies have shown that SPON2 has complicated roles in cell migration and tumor progression. Here we report that, in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), SPON2 not only promotes infiltration of M1-like macrophages but also inhibits tumor metastasis. SPON2-α4β1 integrin signaling activated RhoA and Rac1, increased F-actin reorganization, and promoted M1-like macrophage recruitment. F-Actin accumulation also activated the Hippo pathway by suppressing LATS1 phosphorylation, promoting YAP nuclear translocation, and initiating downstream gene expression. However, SPON2-α5β1 integrin signaling inactivated RhoA and prevented F-actin assembly, thereby inhibiting HCC cell migration; the Hippo pathway was not noticeably involved in SPON2-mediated HCC cell migration. In HCC patients, SPON2 levels correlated positively with prognosis. Overall, our findings provide evidence that SPON2 is a critical factor in mediating the immune response against tumor cell growth and migration in HCC.</P><P><B>Significance:</B> Matricellular protein SPON2 acts as an HCC suppressor and utilizes distinct signaling events to perform dual functions in HCC microenvironment.</P><P><B>Graphical Abstract:</B> http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/78/9/2305/F1.large.jpg. <I>Cancer Res; 78(9); 2305–17. ©2018 AACR</I>.</P><P><B>Graphical Abstract</B></P><P> [Figure]</P>

Properties of an AlGaN/AlN Distributed-Bragg-reflector Structure

Li-Li Zhang,Zhan-Hui Liu,Xiao-Gu Huang,Qing-Fang Li,Rong Zhang,Zi-Li Xie,Xiang-Qian Xiu 한국물리학회 2014 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.65 No.7

An AlGaN/AlN distributed-Bragg-reflector (DBR) structure with a high Al content was grown byusing plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PA-MBE). The properties of the sample were characterizedby using the transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution X-ray diffraction, atomicforce microscopy, and reflectivity spectrum measurements. The reciprocal space mapping analysisindicated that the strain in the AlGaN layers was partially relaxed. The morphology of the DBRexhibited a surface covered by grains (average size of about 130 nm), and the surface roughness wasabout 2 nm. The spectral measurements showed that the DBR structure presented a peak reflectivityof 68.8% at the center wavelength of 247 nm, which indicated that this DBR structure couldwork in the deep solar-blind UV region with acceptable reflectivity. However, the optical propertiesof the DBR structure were deteriorated by the fluctuation of the Al composition, non-uniformity ofthe layer thickness, the blurry, rough interface in the DBR structure, and so on.

Dietary maifanite supplementation did not affect the apparent total tract digestibility of calcium and phosphorus in growing pigs

Li Li Bai,Dong Xu Ming,Shu Ren Dong,Zhong Yue Yang,Wen Hui Wang,Shuai Zhang,Xiang Shu Piao,Ling Liu,Fenglai Wang 아세아·태평양축산학회 2018 Animal Bioscience Vol.31 No.2

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary maifanite supplementation and fecal collection method on the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) and blood parameters in growing pigs. Methods: Thirty-six growing barrows (Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire; 27.0±2.6 kg) were allotted to six dietary treatments with 6 pigs per treatment according to body weight in a completely randomized design. The experimental treatments were: i) Low Ca+cornstarch (2.25%), ii) Low Ca+maifanite (2.25%), iii) Medium Ca+cornstarch (1.42%), iv) Medium Ca+maifanite (1.42%), v) High Ca+cornstarch (0.64%), and vi) High Ca+maifanite (0.64%). Feces were collected by the total collection (TC) and indicator method (IM). At the beginning and the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected from each pig. Results: For the TC method, there were no difference in Ca intake, fecal Ca output, Ca retention and the ATTD of Ca between cornstarch and maifanite diets at the same dietary Ca level. However, urinary Ca excretion was lower (p = 0.01) in pigs fed low Ca diets without maifanite supplementation compared with other dietary treatments. Dietary maifanite supplementation had no effect on the P metabolism in growing pigs. For the IM method, there was no difference in Ca digestibility between cornstarch and maifanite diets at the same dietary Ca level. The ATTD of P was greater (p<0.01) in pigs fed the high Ca diet with maifanite supplementation compared with the high Ca diet with cornstarch treatment. Dietary inclusion of maifanite had no effect on blood parameters in growing pigs. Conclusion: Dietary maifanite supplementation had no effect on the ATTD of Ca and P and serum parameters in growing pigs. The IM resulted in lower digestibility values than the TC method.

Clinical Efficacy of Bevacizumab Concomitant with Pemetrexed in Patients with Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Zhang, Yu-Mei,Li, Yong-Qiang,Liu, Zhi-Hui,Liao, Xiao-Li,Liang, Rong,Lin, Yan,Yuan, Chun-Ling,Liao, Si-Na,Liang, Chao-Yong,Li, Qian,Li, Le-Qun Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.8

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of bevacizumab concomitant with pemetrexed in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials and Methods: A total of 72 patients were randomly divided into a combination group (pemetrexed+bevacizumab, n=36) and a pemetrexed group (n=36) and assessed for disease control (CR+PR+SD) after 4-cycles of first-line GP chemotherapy (gemcitabine+cisplatin). Clinical efficacy, progression-free survival time (PFS), overall survival time (OS), overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR) and rate of adverse responses between two groups were observed and compared. Results: ORR and DCR were 27.8% and 83.4% in combination group, and 16.7% and 69.5% in the pemetrexed group, respectively, but there were no significant differences (P>0.05). PFS in combination group and pemetrexed group were 4.6 months and 3.9 months respectively (P=0.09), whereas OS in the combination group was 14 months, evidently higher than in the pemetrexed group (11 months, P=0.004). Adverse responses in both groups included high blood pressure, bleeding, thrombocytopenia, anemia, elevated transaminase, diarrhea, vomiting and proteinuria, but there were no significant differences (P>0.05). Conclusions: Bevacizumab concomitant with pemetrexed has better clinical efficacy and safety, giving rise to prolonged survival time in patients with advanced NSCLC.

Antibacterial Constituents from Fruit Bodies of Ascomyce Bulgaria inquinans

Zhang Peng,Li Xian,Li Ning,Xu Jing,Li Zhan-Lin,Wang Yi,Wang Jin-Hui The Pharmaceutical Society of Korea 2005 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.28 No.8

Two ergosterins and two triterpenoids were isolated from the dried fruit bodies of Ascomyce Bulgaria inquinans. By means of chemical (hydrolysis) and spectroscopic methods (NMR, EIMS), their structures were established as betuinic acid (1), cerevisterol (2), (24R)ergosta-7, $22E­diene-3\beta,\;5\alpha,\;6\beta-triol-3-O-palmitate$ (3) and ursolic acid (4). Compound 3 is a new compound.

Two New Natural Products from the Fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla with Inhibitory Effects on Nitric Oxide Production in Lipopolysaccharide- Activated RAW264.7 Macrophage Cells

Zhang Jun Qing,Duan Jin Ao,Wang Yong,Li Yong Hui,Lai Wei Yong,Li Hai Long,Pei Li Xia 대한약학회 2012 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.35 No.12

Chemical investigation of the fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla led to an isolation of the two new natural products, 9-hydroxy epinootkatol (1) and (S)-2-pentanol-2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), in addition to the nine known compounds, pinocembrin (3), tectochrysin (4), izalpinin (5), nookatone (6), yakuchinone A (7), protocatechuic acid (8), β-sitosterol (9), daucosterol (10) and β-sitosterol palmitate (11). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of physicochemical constants and NMR spectral data analysis. The effects of the isolated components on nitric oxide production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages were examined. The two new natural compounds showed inhibitory activities with IC50 values of 21.8 and 32.8 μg/mL, respectively.