Anatomical Adaptations of the Xerophilous Medicinal Plant, Capparis spinosa, to Drought Conditions

Lu Gan,Chunyu Zhang,Yongtai Yin,Zhiwei Lin,Yongwei Huang,Jun Xiang,Chunhua Fu,Maoteng Li 한국원예학회 2013 Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology Vol.54 No.2

Capparis spinosa is a plant that grows in dry and arid environments. As far as can be ascertained, no comprehensive studies on how the leaf, stem and root structures adapt to drought conditions have been published to date. In this paper, a study into the anatomical adaptations of the leaf, stem and root of C. spinosa to drought environments was conducted using in vitro cultured seedlings as control. The results showed that C. spinosa could change its leaf, stem, and root structures when adapting to drought conditions. The plant growing under drought conditions possessed an enlarged transit region between the stem and root where the xylem and fibro-vascular system had increased in order to enhance water absorption and storage capacity. The leaf, stem and root of C. spinosa under drought conditions were better developed than those under normal in vitro culture conditions. The leaf possessed uniform mesophyll cells and three or four layers of palisade mesophyll cells on both sides of the mature leaves. The stomata were evenly distributed across both sides of the leaf, and they remained open continually during the day throughout the summer growing period, especially those on the lower leaf surface. The xylem in the stem was extremely well developed with wide vessels and much thicker cortical layers. All these characteristics can enhance the adaptability of C. spinosa and enable it to survive in extremely dry and arid areas.

Thyroid Hormone Reference Intervals among Healthy Individuals In Lanzhou, China

Yan Lu,Wen-Xia Zhang,De-Hong Li,Lian-Hua Wei,Yu-Jun Zhang,Fu-Na Shi,Shen Zhou 대한내분비학회 2023 Endocrinology and metabolism Vol.38 No.3

Background: The common reference intervals (RIs) for thyroid hormones currently used in China are provided by equipment manufacturers. This study aimed to establish thyroid hormone RIs in the population of Lanzhou, a city in the subplateau region of northwest China, and compare them with previous reports and manufacturer-provided values. Methods: In total, 3,123 individuals (1,680 men, 1,443 women) from Lanzhou, an iodine-adequate area of China, perceived ashealthy were selected. The Abbott Architect analyzer was used to determine the serum concentration of thyroid hormones. The 95%RI was estimated using the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles as the lower and upper reference limits, respectively. Results: The serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total triiodothyronine (TT3), antithyroglobulin (ATG) antibody,and antithyroid peroxidase (ATPO) antibody levels were significantly correlated with sex (P<0.05). TSH, total thyroxine (TT4), andATPO levels were significantly correlated with age (P<0.05). The serum levels of TSH, ATG, and ATPO in men were significantlylower than in women; in contrast, the serum TT3 level was significantly higher in men than in women (P<0.05). Serum TSH, TT3,TT4, and ATG levels differed across age groups (P<0.05), but no such variation was observed for ATG levels (P>0.05). The established RIs of TSH, ATG, and ATPO in this study differed between sexes (P<0.05). The thyroid hormone RIs established herein wereinconsistent with the manufacturer-provided values. Conclusion: The RIs of thyroid hormones in the healthy population of Lanzhou were inconsistent with those in the manufacturer’smanual. Validated sex-specific values are required for diagnosing thyroid diseases.

Stability and electronic properties of CuAlO2 (112 0) surfaces

Cheng-Lu Jiang,Qi-Jun Liu,Fu-Sheng Liu,Zheng-Tang Liu 한국물리학회 2017 Current Applied Physics Vol.17 No.2

We have studied the stability and electronic properties of CuAlO2 ð112 『 0Þ surfaces using the firstprinciples calculations. The structural parameters, band structures, surface energies, work functions, densities of states and charge densities of CuAlO2 ð112 『 0Þ surfaces have been investigated. The calculated results show that five layers are needed to maintain convergence. After the formation of surfaces, the bandgaps of stable surfaces decrease, the covalency between Cu and O atoms in surfaces increases, and the positive charge layer in the fisrt layer appears.

A novel pattern recognition protein of the Chinese oak silkmoth, Antheraea pernyi, is involved in the pro-PO activating system

Xia Lu Wan,Zhang Jing Hai,Ying Chen,You Lei Ma,Wen Jun Zou,Guo Yuan Ding,Wei Li,Ming Yi Zhao,Chun Fu Wu 생화학분자생물학회(구 한국생화학분자생물학회) 2013 BMB Reports Vol.46 No.7

Analysis of Volatile Compounds of Jasmine Scented Tea during the Orthodox Manufacturing Process Using HS-SPME/GC-MS

Jian Lu,De-Jun Fu,Dong-Fen Wu,Yu Liu,Yao-Ping Luo 한국차학회 2015 한국차학회지 Vol.- No.S

Volatile components of jasmine-scented tea during the orthodox manufacturing process were extracted using Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and the major flavor compounds were identified by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/Retention indices (GC-MS/RI). The major volatile compounds extracted by SDE could also be obtained by HS-SPME, which appears more suitable for extraction of aromatic compounds, for its advantages of simplicity and convenience. The GC-MS chromatograms of tea samples showed that the aromatic constituents of jasmine tea had been identified in composition after 1st scenting, which contained 6 apparently high peaks representing linalool, benzyl acetate, α-farnesene, (Z)-3-hexenyl benzoate, methyl anthranilate, and indole. According to the change of peak area of major volatile compounds, (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate and (Z)-3-hexenyl butyrate with green grass aroma reduced by 71.13% and 63.10% respectively in jasmine tea product, while 7 compounds with favorable flowery fruity aroma-benzyl acetate, (Z)-3-hexenyl benzoate, linalool, benzyl alcohol, α-farnesene, methyl anthranilate and indole- increased by 17.84%, 28.33 times, 32.49%, 1.70 times, 6.67 times, 11.84 times and 21.48 times respectively, comparing to the base tea. Besides, nerolidol (fruity-flowery) and germacrene D (woody), not detected in the base tea also gradually increased. The quality grade of jasmine tea was potentially correlated to the ratio of peak area of the 9 favorable compounds to that of the 2 grass compounds. After 1st scenting, the peak areas of compounds from jasmine flower increased by 1.81×105-18.24×105, and decreased by 36.14%-69.95% after the 1st drying. The peak areas of some components detected in both the base tea and jasmine flowers, like (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate and methyl salicylate, increased by 9.05%-57.60% of those of the base tea after 1st scenting, and lost more than 100% after the 1st drying, while the increased peak areas of some other components both detected, like α-farnesene and indole, were more than peak areas of the base tea, with 30%- 95% loss after the 1st drying. The content change tendency of volatiles during 2nd scenting and the 2nd drying were consistent with those during 1st scenting and the 1st drying. After raising fragrance, the contents of some low boiling point volatiles and compounds not detected in the base tea increased.

The mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) protects against osteoarthritis

Zhou Zhibin,Lu Jiajia,Yang Mei,Cai Jiao,Fu Qiang,Ma Jun,Zhu Lei 생화학분자생물학회 2022 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.54 No.-

The mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) is a mitochondrial-to-nuclear signaling pathway that is activated to maintain mitochondrial function when there is an accumulation of misfolded proteins within mitochondria. Mitochondrial function is essential for chondrocyte homeostasis, and mitochondrial dysfunction is a characteristic of osteoarthritis (OA). However, the role of the UPRmt in OA remains unclear. In the present study, the level of the UPRmt was examined in primary mouse chondrocytes subjected to different stresses and in the articular cartilage of OA model mice and OA patients. The relationship between UPRmt activation and OA progression was studied. The UPRmt was induced in primary mouse chondrocytes subjected to diverse stresses and in the cartilage of OA mice. Enhancement of the UPRmt with nicotinamide riboside (NR) significantly improved mitochondrial function, reduced chondrocyte death, attenuated OA pain, and ameliorated OA progression, and the protective effects decreased significantly in chondrocyte-specific Atf5 knockout (ATF5f/fCol2a1-CreERT2) mice. UPRmt induction was also identified in the articular cartilage of OA patients and was associated with reduced chondrocyte death, less severe hip pain, and lower levels of inflammation in synovial fluid. These findings identify the induction of the UPRmt in primary mouse chondrocytes exposed to pathological stresses and in the articular cartilage of OA model mice and OA patients. Enhancement of the UPRmt ameliorates OA progression, suggesting that the UPRmt exerts a protective effect against OA and may be a potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategy for OA.

A Genetically Engineered Pseudomonas fluorescens Strain Possesses Dual Activity Against Phytopathogenic Fungi and Insects

( Wen Wei Lu ),( Wei Qiong Zhang ),( Yan Bai ),( Ying Ying Fu ),( Jun Chen ),( Xiao Lu Geng ),( Yu Jing Wang ),( Ming Xiao ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2010 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.20 No.2

A comparative experimental study on the cross-plane thermal conductivities of nano-constructed Sb2Te3/(Cu, Ag, Au, Pt) thermoelectric multilayer thin films

Yang Gang,Pan Jiahui,Fu Xuecheng,Hu Zhiyu,Wang Ying,Wu Zhimao,Mu Erzhen,Yan Xue-Jun,Lu Ming-Hui 나노기술연구협의회 2018 Nano Convergence Vol.5 No.22

Thermoelectric multilayer thin films used in nanoscale energy conversion have been receiving increasing attention in both academic research and industrial applications. Thermal transport across multilayer interface plays a key role in improving thermoelectric conversion efficiency. In this study, the cross-plane thermal conductivities of nano-constructed Sb2Te3/(Cu, Ag, Au, Pt) thermoelectric multilayer thin films have been measured using time-domain thermoreflectance method. The interface morphology features of multilayer thin film samples were characterized by using scanning and transmission electron microscopes. The effects of interface microstructure on the cross-plane thermal conductivities of the multilayer thin films have been extensively examined and the thermal transfer mechanism has been explored. The results indicated that electron–phonon coupling occurred at the semiconductor/metal interface that strongly affected the cross-plane thermal conductivity. By appropriately optimizing the period thickness of the metal layer, the cross-plane thermal conductivity can be effectively reduced, thereby improving the thermoelectric conversion efficiency. This work presents both experimental and theoretical understanding of the thermal transport properties of Sb2Te3/metal multilayer thin film junctions with important implications for exploring a novel approach to improving the thermoelectric conversion efficiency. Introduction Thermoelectric multilayer thin films used in nanoscale energy conversion have been receiving increasing attention in both academic research and industrial applications. Thermal transport across multilayer interface plays a key role in improving thermoelectric conversion efficiency. In this study, the cross-plane thermal conductivities of nano-constructed Sb2Te3/(Cu, Ag, Au, Pt) thermoelectric multilayer thin films have been measured using time-domain thermoreflectance method. The interface morphology features of multilayer thin film samples were characterized by using scanning and transmission electron microscopes. The effects of interface microstructure on the cross-plane thermal conductivities of the multilayer thin films have been extensively examined and the thermal transfer mechanism has been explored. The results indicated that electron–phonon coupling occurred at the semiconductor/metal interface that strongly affected the cross-plane thermal conductivity. By appropriately optimizing the period thickness of the metal layer, the cross-plane thermal conductivity can be effectively reduced, thereby improving the thermoelectric conversion efficiency. This work presents both experimental and theoretical understanding of the thermal transport properties of Sb2Te3/metal multilayer thin film junctions with important implications for exploring a novel approach to improving the thermoelectric conversion efficiency. Introduction

An Integrated Nomogram Combining Clinical Factors and Microtubule-Associated Protein 1 Light Chain 3B Expression to Predict Postoperative Prognosis in Patients with Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Liang Chen,Hongyuan Fu,Tongyu Lu,Jianye Cai,Wei Liu,Jia Yao,Jinliang Liang,Hui Zhao,Jiebin Zhang,Jun Zheng,Yingcai Zhang,Yang Yang 대한암학회 2020 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.52 No.2

Purpose Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B) serves as a key component of autophagy, which is associated with the progression of carcinoma. Yet, it is still unclear whether LC3B is also an independent risk factor for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). We aim to explore the predictive value of LC3B on prognosis of ICC, and to establish a novel and available nomogram to predict relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) for these patients after curative-intent hepatectomy. Materials and Methods From August 2004 to March 2017, 105 ICC patients were eligibly enrolled in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. Preoperative clinical information of enrolled patients was collected. Expression LC3B in the ICC specimen was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results The 5-year RFS and OS in this cohort were 15.7% and 29.6%, respectively. On multivariate Cox regression analysis, independent risk factors for 5-year OS were cancer antigen 125, microvascular invasion, LC3B expression and lymph node metastasis. Except for the above 4 factors, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and tumor differentiation were independent factors for 5-year RFS. The area under the curve of nomograms for OS and RFS were 0.820 and 0.747, respectively. Conclusion The nomograms based on LC3B can be considered as effective models to predict postoperative survival for ICC patients.

Association of CAST Gene Polymorphisms with Carcass and Meat Quality Traits in Chinese Commercial Cattle Herds

Li, Jiao,Zhang, Lu-Pei,Gan, Qian-Fu,Li, Jun-Ya,Gao, Hui-Jiang,Yuan, Zheng-Rong,Gao, Xue,Chen, Jin-Bao,Xu, Shang-Zhong Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2010 Animal Bioscience Vol.23 No.11

Calpastatin (CAST), an endogenous inhibitor of the calpains, plays an important role in post-mortem tenderization of meat. The objectives of this study were to investigate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the bovine CAST gene and association with carcass and meat quality traits. A total of 212 cattle from commercial herds were tested in this study including 2 pure introduced breeds, 4 cross populations, and 3 pure Chinese native breeds. Five SNPs were identified at position 2959 (A/G), 2870 (G/A), 3088 (C/T), 3029 (G/A) and 2857 (C/T) in the CAST gene (GenBank Accession No. AF159246). Allele frequencies of SNP2959 and SNP2870 were 0.701 (A) and 0.462 (A), respectively. A general linear model was used to evaluate the associations between the two markers and 7 traits. The results showed that both SNP2959 and SNP2870 were significantly (p<0.01) associated with the Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), while they had no significant association with the other 6 traits in the whole population. However, in Chinese native pure breeds, only SNP2870 had significant association with WBSF (p<0.05). The simultaneous analysis of two-marker genotype effects indicated animals containing the A/G haplotype (A for SNP2959 and G for SNP2870) tended to have lower shear force than those containing the G/A haplotype, and, especially, animals homozygous for the A/G haplotype had approximately 2 kg lower shear force than those homozygous for the G/A haplotype (p<0.01). These results suggested that both markers may be effective for the marker-assisted selection of meat quality traits in Chinese commercial herds, especially SNP2870 which can be used for Chinese native cattle.