White-Matter Hyperintensities and Lacunar Infarcts Are Associated with an Increased Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease in the Elderly in China

Shuai Ye,Shuyang Dong,Jun Tan,Le Chen,Hai Yang,Yang Chen,Zeyan Peng,Yingchao Huo,Juan Liu,Mingshan Tang,Yafei Li,Huadong Zhou,Yong Tao 대한신경과학회 2019 Journal of Clinical Neurology Vol.15 No.1

Background and Purpose This study investigated the contribution of white-matter hyperintensities (WMH) and lacunar infarcts (LI) to the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in an elderly cohort in China. Methods Older adults who were initially cognitively normal were examined with MRI at baseline, and followed for 5 years. WMH were classified as mild, moderate, or severe, and LI were classified into a few LI (1 to 3) or many LI (≥4). Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination and the Activities of Daily Living scale. Results Among the 2,626 subjects, 357 developed AD by the end of the 5-year follow-up period. After adjusting for age and other potential confounders, having only WMH, having only LI, and having both WMH and LI were associated with an increased risk of developing AD compared with having neither WMH nor LI. Moderate and severe WMH were associated with an increased risk of developing AD compared with no WMH. Furthermore, patients with many LI had an increased risk of developing AD compared with no LI. Conclusions Having moderate or severe WMH and many LI were associated with an increased risk of developing AD, with this being particularly striking when both WMH and LI were present.

Manganese-based spinel adsorbents for lithium recovery from aqueous solutions by electrochemical technique

Honglong Zhan,Yingjun Qiao,Zhiqiang Qian,Jun Li,Zhijian Wu,Xiaogang Hao,Zhong Liu 한국공업화학회 2022 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.114 No.-

The manganese-based spinel adsorbent (HMO) refers to lithium-ion adsorbents derived from the spinellithium manganese oxide (LMO). Two types of lithium ions extraction composite films composed of HMO(HMn2O4 and H1.6Mn1.6O4) are successfully prepared by the blade coating method. Based on the excellentLi+ selectivity of HMO and the outstanding conductivity of conductive carbon black (C), HMO/C films arecarried out to extract lithium by electrochemically switched ion exchange (ESIX) technique. HMO has acertain adsorption capacity for Li+ when the Li+ concentration is close to the actual brine, and the adsorptioncapacity of HMn2O4 and H1.6Mn1.6O4 is 24.56 mg/g and 34.40 mg/g, respectively. HMO showed goodselectivity for Li+ in multiple metal ions solution. The capacity of HMn2O4 and H1.6Mn1.6O4 keep 80% and86% of the initial values after 5 cycles, respectively. The inherent different lithium occupied leads to thedifference of electrical-adsorption abilities between HMn2O4 and H1.6Mn1.6O4. H1.6Mn1.6O4 has a broadapplication prospect in lithium extraction from salt lake brine due to its lower application voltage, largeadsorption capacity and superior stability.

Effect of carbon black on properties of 0–3 piezoelectric ceramic/cement composites

Huang Shifeng,Li Xue,Liu Futian,Chang Jun,Xu Dongyu,Cheng Xin 한국물리학회 2009 Current Applied Physics Vol.9 No.6

0–3 cement-based piezoelectric composites were fabricated using sulphoaluminate cement and piezoelectric ceramic [0.08Pb(Li1/4Nb3/4)O3 . 0.47PbTiO3 . 0.45PbZrO3] [P(LN)ZT] as raw materials by compressing technique. The influences of carbon black content on the piezoelectric and dielectric properties, electric conductivity and impedance were investigated. The results indicate that the piezoelectric strain constant d33 and piezoelectric voltage constant g33 of the composites increase gradually with a suitable carbon black addition. When the carbon black content is 0.3 wt%, both of the piezoelectric strain constant d33 and piezoelectric voltage constant g33 of the composite exist the maximum value, which are 17.45 pC N-1 and 36.3 mV m N-1, respectively. As the carbon black content increases, the dielectric constant εr, dielectric loss tanδ and electric conductivity σ of the composites all increase, while the impedance decreases. In the frequency range tested, the more the carbon black content, the higher the εr value. The planar electromechanical coupling coefficient Kp, the thickness electromechanical coupling coefficient Kt and the mechanical quality factor Qm are almost unaffected by the carbon black content.

Preparation of lithium-doped NaV6O15 thin film cathodes with high cycling performance in SIBs

Xu Hai-Yan,Ruan Jun Hai,Liu Fang Lin,Li Dong-Cai,Zhang Feng-Jun,Wang Ai-Guo,Sun Dao-Sheng,오원춘 한국세라믹학회 2022 한국세라믹학회지 Vol.59 No.3

Lithium ions-doped NaV6O15 thin films have been prepared using a simple low temperature liquid phase deposition method and subsequent annealing process. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), scanning elec- tron microscopy (SEM), and photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) have been used to study the structural and physicochemical characteristics of the NaV6O15 film. The films were grown on the FTO conductive glass and used directly as an electrode of sodium ion batteries. The prepared lithium ions-doped NaV6O15 thin film electrodes showed an excellent cycling stability and discharge capacity, which may be attributed to the stability of the Li+ embedded into the gap between the V–O layers to maintain the structure and its stable β-phase structure transformed after the first cycle. The cycling stability greatly improved with increasing annealing temperature, while the discharge capacity decreased. The capacities of the film electrodes annealed at 400 °C and 450 °C maintained above 97% after 100 cycles. The lithium-doped NaV6O15 underwent a phase transition dur- ing the first charge/discharge cycle. The new transformed phase has perfect crystal structure stability undergoing insertion and deinsertion of Na+. Therefore, the lithium-doped NaV6O15 thin film possesses good cycling stability and is expected to be a promising thin film cathode for sodium-ion batteries.

Sustained electron tunneling at unbiased metal-insulator-semiconductor triboelectric contacts

Liu, Jun,Miao, Mengmeng,Jiang, Keren,Khan, Faheem,Goswami, Ankur,McGee, Ryan,Li, Zhi,Nguyen, Lan,Hu, Zhiyu,Lee, Jungchul,Cadien, Ken,Thundat, Thomas Elsevier 2018 Nano energy Vol.48 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Generating sufficient current density for powering electronic devices remains as one of the critical challenges of mechanical energy harvesting techniques based on piezo and triboelectricity, mainly due to the high impedance of the insulating material systems. Here we report on producing sustainable tunneling current using an unbiased, triboelectrically charged metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) point contact system, consisting of p-type silicon, silicon oxide and a metal tip. The native thin oxide (~ 1.6 nm) on the silicon surface provides a natural pathway for quantum mechanical tunneling of the triboelectrically generated electrons into the silicon substrate. Lateral back and forth sliding motion of the tip, irrespective of the direction of motion, generates a constant direct current (d.c.) with very high current density. The measured current shows an exponential decay with the thickness of oxide layer deposited with atomic layer deposition (ALD), confirming the quantum mechanical tunneling mechanism. It is proposed that the contact potential difference enhanced by triboelectric charging provides potential difference between metal point contact and the substrate. With single metallic micro probe sliding on a moderately doped p-type silicon, an open circuit voltage (<I>V</I> <SUB>oc</SUB>) of 300–400 mV and a short-circuit direct current (<I>I</I> <SUB>sc</SUB>) of 3–5 μA (a corresponding high current density, <I>J</I>, in the order of 1–10 A/m<SUP>2</SUP>) have been observed. It is predicted from conductive-atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) experiment that the theoretical <I>J</I> can be as high as 10<SUP>4</SUP> A/m<SUP>2</SUP>. This new concept has the potential as a green energy harvesting technique where a broad range of material candidates and device configurations could be used.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Quantum mechanical tunneling at triboelectrically charged interface through ultrathin oxide layer is demonstrated. </LI> <LI> Tribo-tunneling is found to be a universal phenomenon in MIS frictional contact system. </LI> <LI> High current density <I>J</I> of 5 A/m<SUP>2</SUP> is experimentally measured in doped silicon materials at macroscale. </LI> <LI> Ultrahigh C-AFM <I>J</I> of 10<SUP>4</SUP> A/m<SUP>2</SUP> is observed due to the nano-size probe-induced high electric field. </LI> <LI> This method can be used as cost-effective triboelectric DC current generator, due to easily available silicon wafers with native oxide. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

A large-area free-standing graphene oxide multilayer membrane with high stability for nanofiltration applications

Chen, Long,Li, Yanhui,Chen, Lina,Li, Na,Dong, Chenglong,Chen, Qiong,Liu, Beibei,Ai, Qing,Si, Pengchao,Feng, Jinkui,Zhang, Lin,Suhr, Jonghwan,Lou, Jun,Ci, Lijie Elsevier 2018 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL -LAUSANNE- Vol.345 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>A flexible and free-standing graphene oxide and nylon 6 (GO@nylon 6) multilayer nanofiltration membrane was prepared by a layer-by-layer assembly process. The combination of electrospinning and electrospraying technique was employed, which can facilely prepare large-area membrane with size of 20 × 30 cm. The mechanical stability of multilayer membrane has enhanced significantly due to the tightly locked structure achieved by nylon 6 nanofibers network. The novel GO@nylon 6–13 multilayer nanofiltration membrane demonstrated a pure water flux up to 11.15 L m<SUP>−2</SUP> h<SUP>−1</SUP> bar<SUP>−1</SUP>, while keeping high organic dye rejection rate (>95% for methylene blue, and >99% for methyl orange). The rejections rate of the Na<SUB>2</SUB>SO<SUB>4</SUB>, NaCl, CuSO<SUB>4</SUB>, and Pb(NO<SUB>3</SUB>)<SUB>2</SUB> were 56.5%, 27.6%, 36.7%, and 18.9%, respectively. Furthermore, GO@nylon 6–13 multilayer nanofiltration membrane also demonstrated a high flux of some common organic solvents (8.4, 5.3, and 0.8 L m<SUP>−2</SUP> h<SUP>−1</SUP> bar<SUP>−1</SUP> for methanol, ethanol, and NMP, respectively), showing excellent chemical stability for separation process in those solvents.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Large-area GO@nylon 6 multilayer nanofiltration membrane was prepared. </LI> <LI> The multilayer structure enhances the mechanical stability. </LI> <LI> The multilayer membrane demonstrates a high water flux. </LI> <LI> The multilayer membrane shows high rejection rate for organic dyes. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>Photograph and cross-section SEM image of GO@nylon 6 multilayer nanofiltration membrane, the inset shows the water contact angle.</P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Microstructure evolution and enhanced vacuum tribological performance of Ni-doped WS₂ composite coating

Xu, Shu-Sheng,Weng, Li-Jun,Liu, Yu-Zhen,Kang, Kyeong-Hee,Kim, Chang-Lae,Kim, Dae-Eun Elsevier Sequoia 2017 Surface & coatings technology Vol.325 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Ni-doped WS<SUB>2</SUB> composite coatings with various Ni contents were co-deposited using a radio frequency sputtering system on silicon wafer and AISI 440C stainless steel substrates. The microstructural characteristics of the WS<SUB>2</SUB>-Ni composite coatings and their tribological properties in vacuum were assessed. During introduction of Ni dopant in the WS<SUB>2</SUB>-Ni composite coating the sulfur/tungsten (S/W) ratio in the coating increased due to reduced preferential resputtering of sulfur atoms in the growing coating. The microstructure of the WS<SUB>2</SUB>-Ni composite coating varied from a fine columnar structure for Ni content equal to or less than 7.7at.% to a featureless structure as the Ni content increased further. The Ni dopant inhibited the growth of the coarse columnar WS<SUB>2</SUB> platelets which was accompanied by nanocrystallization and amorphization of the composite coating structure. WS<SUB>2</SUB>-Ni composite coatings with fine columnar structure exhibited relatively low hardness but showed a high tendency to form a lubricating transfer layer. It also demonstrated low brittleness and prolonged wear life in vacuum condition compared to coatings with dense featureless structure. The variation in tribological performance between the composite coatings resulted from the different wear mechanisms associated with their distinct microstructures.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Microstructure of WS<SUB>2</SUB> coating was modified by incorporating Ni as a dopant. </LI> <LI> The introduction of Ni increased the S/W ratio of the WS<SUB>2</SUB> composite coating. </LI> <LI> High Ni content in the WS<SUB>2</SUB> coating led to high brittleness and low wear resistance. </LI> <LI> WS<SUB>2</SUB>–5at.% Ni coating showed 5 times longer wear life than pure WS<SUB>2</SUB> film in vacuum. </LI> <LI> Superior tribological properties were attributed to transfer layer and high hardness. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Pharmacological blockade of cholesterol trafficking by cepharanthine in endothelial cells suppresses angiogenesis and tumor growth

Lyu, Junfang,Yang, Eun Ju,Head, Sarah A.,Ai, Nana,Zhang, Baoyuan,Wu, Changjie,Li, Ruo-Jing,Liu, Yifan,Yang, Chen,Dang, Yongjun,Kwon, Ho Jeong,Ge, Wei,Liu, Jun O.,Shim, Joong Sup Elsevier 2017 Cancer letters Vol.409 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Cholesterol is an important modulator of membrane protein function and signaling in endothelial cells, thus making it an emerging target for anti-angiogenic agents. In this study, we employed a phenotypic screen that detects intracellular cholesterol distribution in endothelial cells (HUVEC) and identified 13 existing drugs as cholesterol trafficking inhibitors. Cepharanthine, an approved drug for anti-inflammatory and cancer management use, was amongst the candidates, which was selected for in-depth mechanistic studies to link cholesterol trafficking and angiogenesis. Cepharanthine inhibited the endolysosomal trafficking of free-cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein in HUVEC by binding to Niemann-Pick disease, type C1 (NPC1) protein and increasing the lysosomal pH. The blockade of cholesterol trafficking led to a cholesterol-dependent dissociation of mTOR from the lysosomes and inhibition of its downstream signaling. Cepharanthine inhibited angiogenesis in HUVEC and in zebrafish in a cholesterol-dependent manner. Furthermore, cepharanthine suppressed tumor growth in vivo by inhibiting angiogenesis and it enhanced the antitumor activity of the standard chemotherapy cisplatin in lung and breast cancer xenografts in mice. Altogether, these results strongly support the idea that cholesterol trafficking is a viable drug target for anti-angiogenesis and that the inhibitors identified among existing drugs, such as cepharanthine, could be potential anti-angiogenic and antitumor agents.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> A phenotypic screen identified 13 existing drugs, including cepharanthine, as cholesterol trafficking inhibitors. </LI> <LI> Cepharanthine inhibited lysosomal cholesterol trafficking by binding to NPC1 protein and increasing the lysosomal pH. </LI> <LI> The blockade of cholesterol trafficking led to a cholesterol-dependent dissociation of mTOR from the lysosomes. </LI> <LI> Cepharanthine inhibited angiogenesis in HUVEC and in zebrafish in a cholesterol-dependent manner. </LI> <LI> Cepharanthine treatment enhanced the antitumor activity of cisplatin in lung and breast cancer xenografts in mice. </LI> </UL> </P>

Characterization and function of a short peptidoglycan recognition protein from the Chinese oak silkworm, Antheraea pernyi

Li-Shang Dai,Cen Qian, LeiWang,Guo-Qing Wei,Qiu-Ning Liu,Yu Sun,Cong-Fen Zhang,Jun Li,Dong-Ran Liu,Bao-Jian Zhu,Chao-Liang Liu 한국응용곤충학회 2015 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.18 No.4

Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) are conserved proteins in animals from insects to mammals and play an important role in immune response by recognizing peptidoglycan on microbial surfaces. In this study, a PGRP gene from Antheraea pernyi, named Ap-PGRP-A, was isolated and characterized. Sequence analysis revealed that the full-length cDNA of Ap-PGRP-A was 961 bp, containing a 40 bp 5′-untranslated sequence, a 339 bp 3′-untranslated region and an open reading frame of 582 bp. This gene encoded a putative protein of 193 amino acid residues. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Ap-PGRP-A had the closest protein sequence similarity to Antheraea mylitta PGRP. The recombinant protein was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli cells and a rabbit anti-Ap-PGRP-A antibody was also prepared. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis showed that Ap-PGRP-A was extensively expressed in the fat body, midgut, hemocyte,malpighian tubule and epidermis of A. pernyi, especially in the fat body and midgut. The expression levels of Ap-PGRP-A were significantly up-regulated by three types of microorganisms, and Ap-PGRP-A expression was more sensitive in response to the Gram-negative bacterium E. coli than the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis or the fungus Beauveria bassiana. These data indicate that Ap-PGRP-A may play a role in the innate immune responses of A. pernyi.

The comparison and optimization of zirconia, alumina, and zirconia-alumina supported PtSnIn trimetallic catalysts for propane dehydrogenation reaction

Liu-Liu Long,Ke Xia,Wan-Zhong Lang,Li-Ling Shen,Qiang Yang,Xi Yan,Ya-Jun Guo 한국공업화학회 2017 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.51 No.-

The zirconia, alumina, and zirconia-alumina (xZr-Al) supported PtSnIn catalysts were prepared andcomparatively studied for propane dehydrogenation reaction. The structure–function relationships ofthe resultant catalysts are well elucidated upon several state-of-art physico-chemical characterizations. The results show that xZr-Al used as support for trimetallic PtSnIn catalysts exhibits the significantcatalytic performances. The PtSnIn/08Zr-Al catalyst has the highest Pt dispersion accompanied with thesmallest average Pt particles, and it presents the initial propane conversion and propylene selectivityabove 55.0% and 98.0% respectively. The initial propane conversions afterfive reaction–regenerationcycles are all above 55.0% and only decrease little ( 3%).