Research on Whole‑Process Tensile Behavior of Headed Studs in Steel–Concrete Composite Structures

Liang?Dong Zhuang,Hong?Bing Chen,Yuan Ma,Ran Ding 한국콘크리트학회 2021 International Journal of Concrete Structures and M Vol.15 No.4

The headed studs have been widely applied in steel–concrete composite structures as shear connectors. However, the tensile performance of headed studs is also key to the structural performance in many cases such as the semi-rigid composite joints including steel beam–concrete wall joint and steel column–base joint. Therefore, this study presents experimental and analytical study on the whole-process tensile behavior of headed studs. Tests on a total of 33 pullout specimens are first conducted. The tensile capacity and load–deformation behavior of the anchorage concrete, which dominates the structural performance of headed studs, are thoroughly analyzed. In addition, test data in the literature are collected for quantitatively evaluating the influence of embedment depth, bearing area, boundary conditions, and concrete strength on the tensile behavior of the anchorage concrete. On the basis of the influence evaluation, an analytical model represented by a piecewise function is proposed to describe the whole-process load–deformation behavior of the anchorage concrete and validated through the comparison between the predicted curves and all collected experimental results. Then the proposed model is applied to simulate the rotational behavior of the typical semi-rigid joint anchored by headed studs, which takes the contribution of the anchorage concrete into consideration, and is verified by experimental results. The research findings indicate that tensile behavior of anchorage concrete is crucial to the structural performance of semi-rigid joints, even for headed studs with large embedment depth and bearing area.

Highly efficient removal of three red dyes by adsorption onto Mg–Al-layered double hydroxide

Ran-ran Shan,Liang-guo Yan,Yan-ming Yang,Kun Yang,Shu-jun Yu,Hai-qin Yu,Bao-cun Zhu,Bin Du 한국공업화학회 2015 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.21 No.1

The Mg–Al-CO3-LDH with Mg2+/Al3+ molar ratio of 2 was prepared via coprecipitation method atconstant pH of 9–10 and used to remove three red dyes by batch adsorption method. The results showedthe Mg–Al-LDH were well crystallized and can adsorb the red dyes effectively. The optimal adsorbentdosage and contact time were 1.0 g and 60 min, respectively. Adsorbed amount hardly changed whenpH < 10. The adsorption kinetics fit the pseudo-second order kinetic models well and isothermscorrespond to Langmuir model strictly. All the relevant mechanisms were studied and manifested asanion exchange and also electrostatic attraction for CR.

Reports : IGF1 potentiates BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells through the enhancement of BMP/Smad signaling

( Liang Chen ),( Xiang Zou ),( Ran-xi Zhang ),( Chang-jun Pi ),( Nian Wu ),( Liang-jun Yin ),( Zhong-liang Deng ) 생화학분자생물학회(구 한국생화학분자생물학회) 2016 BMB Reports Vol.49 No.2

Engineered bone tissue is thought to be the ideal alternative for bone grafts in the treatment of related bone diseases. BMP9 has been demonstrated as one of the most osteogenic factors, and enhancement of BMP9-induced osteogenesis will greatly accelerate the development of bone tissue engineering. Here, we investigated the effect of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) on BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation, and unveiled a possible molecular mechanism underling this process. We found that IGF1 and BMP9 are both detectable in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Exogenous expression of IGF1 potentiates BMP9-induced alkaline phosphatase (ALP), matrix mineralization, and ectopic bone formation. Similarly, IGF1 enhances BMP9-induced endochondral ossification. Mechanistically, we found that IGF1 increases BMP9-induced activation of BMP/Smad signaling in MSCs. Our findings demonstrate that IGF1 can enhance BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation in MSCs, and that this effect may be mediated by the enhancement of the BMP/Smad signaling transduction triggered by BMP9. [BMB Reports 2016; 49(2): 122-127]

Loss of RTN3 phenocopies chronic kidney disease and results in activation of the IGF2-JAK2 pathway in proximal tubular epithelial cells

Fan Liang-Liang,Du Ran,Liu Ji-Shi,Jin Jie-Yuan,Wang Chen-Yu,Dong Yi,He Wan-Xia,Yan Ri-Qiang,Xiang Rong 생화학분자생물학회 2022 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.54 No.-

Reticulon 3 (RTN3) is an endoplasmic reticulum protein that has previously been shown to play roles in neurodegenerative diseases, but little is known about its function in the kidneys. The aim of the present study was to clarify the roles of RTN3 in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney fibrosis. In this study, RTN3 levels were measured in kidney tissues from healthy controls and CKD or kidney fibrosis patients. An RTN3-null mouse model was generated to explore the pathophysiological roles of RTN3 in the kidneys. The underlying mechanisms were studied in primary proximal tubular epithelial cells and HEK293 cells in vitro. The results showed that (1) a reduction in RTN3 in mice induces CKD and kidney fibrosis; (2) decreased RTN3 expression is found in patients with CKD; (3) RTN3 plays critical roles in regulating collagen biosynthesis and mitochondrial function; and (4) mechanistically, RTN3 regulates these phenotypes by interacting with GC-Rich Promoter Binding Protein 1 (GPBP1), which activates the IGF2-JAK2-STAT3 pathway. Our study indicates that RTN3 might play crucial roles in CKD and kidney fibrosis and that a reduction in RTN3 in the kidneys might be a risk factor for CKD and kidney fibrosis.

Splenectomy improves liver fibrosis via tumor necrosis factor superfamily 14 (LIGHT) through the JNK/TGF-β1 signaling pathway

Liang Qing-shan,Xie Jian-Gang,Yu ChaoPing,Feng ZhuSheng,Ma JingChang,Zhang Yuan,Wang Dong,Lu JianGuo,Zhuang Ran,Yin Jikai 생화학분자생물학회 2021 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.53 No.-

Splenectomy has been reported to improve liver fibrosis in patients with cirrhosis and hypersplenism. However, the mechanisms remain unclear. Tumor necrosis factor superfamily 14 (TNFSF14; also known as LIGHT) is highly expressed in the context of fibrosis and promotes disease progression in patients with fibrotic diseases such as pulmonary and skin fibrosis. Here, we determined whether splenectomy controls the production of LIGHT to improve liver fibrosis. Splenectomy reduced serum LIGHT levels in cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism and a ConA-induced liver fibrosis mouse model. Blocking LIGHT resulted in the downregulation of TGF-β1 in RAW264.7 cells. LIGHT treatment of RAW264.7 and JS1 cells in coculture regulated transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) expression through the activation of JNK signaling. Small interfering RNA-mediated silencing of lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR) in macrophages resulted in pronounced decreases in the levels of fibrosis and αSMA in JS1 cells. These results indicated that LIGHT bound to LTβR and drove liver fibrosis in vitro. Blocking TGF-β1 abolished the effect of LIGHT in vitro. Furthermore, the administration of recombinant murine LIGHT protein-induced liver fibrosis with splenectomy, while blocking LIGHT without splenectomy improved liver fibrosis in vivo, revealing that the decrease in fibrosis following splenectomy was directly related to reduced levels of LIGHT. Thus, high levels of LIGHT derived from the spleen and hepatic macrophages activate JNK signaling and lead to increased TGF-β1 production in hepatic macrophages. Splenectomy attenuates liver fibrosis by decreasing the expression of LIGHT.

Suppression of Inflammation, Osteoclastogenesis and Bone Loss by PZRAS Extract

( Liang Li ),( Young-ran Park ),( Saroj Kumar Shrestha ),( Hyoung-kwon Cho ),( Yunjo Soh ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2020 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.30 No.10

Panax ginseng has a wide range of activities including a neuroprotective effect, skin protective effects, enhanced DNA repairing, anti-diabetic activity, and protective effects against vascular inflammation. In the present study, we sought to discover the inhibitory effects of a mixture of natural products containing Panax ginseng, Ziziphus jujube, Rubi fructus, Artemisiae asiaticae and Scutellaria baicalensis (PZRAS) on osteoclastogenesis and bone remodeling, as neither the effects of a mixture containing Panax ginseng extract, nor its molecular mechanism on bone inflammation, have been clarified yet. PZRAS upregulated the levels of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSH-R) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, treatment with PZRAS decreased the production of IL-1β and TNF-α. PZRAS also inhibited osteoclast differentiation through inhibiting osteoclastspecific genes like MMP-2, 9, cathepsin K, and TRAP in RANKL-treated RAW264.7 cells. Additionally, PZRAS has inhibitory functions on the RANKL-stimulated activation of ERK and JNK, which lead to a decrease in the expression of NFATc1 and c-Fos. In an in vivo study, bone resorption induced by LPS was recovered by treatment with PZRAS in bone volume per tissue volume (BV/TV) compared to control. Furthermore, the ratio of eroded bone surface of femurs was significantly increased in LPS-treated mice compared to vehicle group, but this ratio was significantly reversed in PZRAS-treated mice. These results suggest that PZRAS could prevent or treat disorders with abnormal bone loss.

The design and synthesis of new double perovskite (Na,Li)YMg(W,Mo)O₆:Eu³⁺ red phosphors for white light-emitting diodes

Liang, Yanjie,Noh, Hyeon Mi,Ran, Weiguang,Park, Sung Heum,Choi, Byung Chun,Jeong, Jung Hyun,Kim, Kwang Ho Elsevier 2017 Journal of alloys and compounds Vol.716 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Doubly ordered double perovskites with AAʹBBʹO<SUB>6</SUB> stoichiometry are promising new host materials for Eu<SUP>3+</SUP> activator ions. In this paper, double perovskite (Na,Li)YMg(W,Mo)O<SUB>6</SUB>:Eu<SUP>3+</SUP> phosphors were synthesized by a high-temperature solid-state method and the effect of cation substitutions in this series of monoclinic-type NaYMgWO<SUB>6</SUB> compounds was investigated in order to control the photoluminescence properties. The composition modulation and structural evolution of (Na,Li)YMg(W,Mo)O<SUB>6</SUB>:Eu<SUP>3+</SUP> were studied by powder X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement. The microstructure and composition of the phosphor materials were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. All compounds' photoluminescence properties were measured, and the luminescence properties were related to the structural properties of the materials. The (Na,Li)YMg(W,Mo)O<SUB>6</SUB>:Eu<SUP>3+</SUP> phosphors emit intense red light dominated by the <SUP>5</SUP>D<SUB>0</SUB>→<SUP>7</SUP>F<SUB>2</SUB> transition at ∼618 nm, along with other characteristic transitions from Eu<SUP>3+</SUP> 4f-4f transitions when excited at ∼395 nm and ∼466 nm. The red emission intensity of Eu<SUP>3+</SUP> reaches a maximum for LiYMgW<SUB>0.9</SUB>Mo<SUB>0.1</SUB>O<SUB>6</SUB>:Eu<SUP>3+</SUP> phosphor, which exhibits high quantum efficiency and excellent thermal stability. The obtained results suggest that these new double perovskites doped with Eu<SUP>3+</SUP> are promising red phosphor candidates for white light-emitting diodes.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> New (Na,Li)YMg(W,Mo)O6:Eu3+ red phosphors have been successfully synthesized. </LI> <LI> The effect of cation substitutions in these phosphors was investigated. </LI> <LI> The phosphors show intense red emission when excited by UV and blue light. </LI> <LI> The red emission intensity reaches a maximum for LiYMgW<SUB>0.9</SUB>Mo<SUB>0.1</SUB>O<SUB>6</SUB>:Eu<SUP>3+</SUP>. </LI> <LI> These double perovskites phosphors have great potential for use in white LEDs. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Hole-filling Based on Disparity Map for DIBR

( Ran Liu ),( Hui Xie ),( Fengchun Tian ),( Yingjian Wu ),( Guoqin Tai ),( Yingchun Tan ),( Weimin Tan ),( Bole Li ),( Hengxin Chen ),( Liang Ge ) 한국인터넷정보학회 2012 KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Syst Vol.6 No.10

Due to sharp depth transition, big holes may be found in the novel view that is synthesized by depth-image-based rendering (DIBR). A hole-filling method based on disparity map is proposed. One important aspect of the method is that the disparity map of destination image is used for hole-filling, instead of the depth image of reference image. Firstly, the big hole detection based on disparity map is conducted, and the start point and the end point of the hole are recorded. Then foreground pixels and background pixels are distinguished for hole-dilating according to disparity map, so that areas with matching errors can be determined and eliminated. In addition, parallaxes of pixels in the area with holes and matching errors are changed to new values. Finally, holes are filled with background pixels from reference image according to these new parallaxes. Experimental results show that the quality of the new view after hole-filling is quite well; and geometric distortions are avoided in destination image, in contrast to the virtual view generated by depth-smoothing methods and image inpainting methods. Moreover, this method is easy for hardware implementation.

Control Over the Branched Structures of Platinum Nanocrystals for Electrocatalytic Applications

Ma, Liang,Wang, Chengming,Gong, Ming,Liao, Lingwen,Long, Ran,Wang, Jinguo,Wu, Di,Zhong, Wei,Kim, Moon J.,Chen, Yanxia,Xie, Yi,Xiong, Yujie American Chemical Society 2012 ACS NANO Vol.6 No.11

<P>Structural control of branched nanocrystals allows tuning two parameters that are critical to their catalytic activitythe surface-to-volume ratio, and the number of atomic steps, ledges, and kinks on surface. In this work, we have developed a simple synthetic system that allows tailoring the numbers of branches in Pt nanocrystals by tuning the concentration of additional HCl. In the synthesis, HCl plays triple functions in tuning branched structures <I>via</I> oxidative etching: (i) the crystallinity of seeds and nanocrystals; (ii) the number of {111} or {100} faces provided for growth sites; (iii) the supply kinetics of freshly formed Pt atoms in solution. As a result, tunable Pt branched structurestripods, tetrapods, hexapods, and octopods with identical chemical environmentcan be rationally synthesized in a single system by simply altering the etching strength. The controllability in branched structures enables to reveal that their electrocatalytic performance can be optimized by constructing complex structures. Among various branched structures, Pt octopods exhibit particularly high activity in formic acid oxidation as compared with their counterparts and commercial Pt/C catalysts. It is anticipated that this work will open a door to design more complex nanostructures and to achieve specific functions for various applications.</P><P><B>Graphic Abstract</B> <IMG SRC='http://pubs.acs.org/appl/literatum/publisher/achs/journals/content/ancac3/2012/ancac3.2012.6.issue-11/nn304237u/production/images/medium/nn-2012-04237u_0010.gif'></P><P><A href='http://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/nn304237u'>ACS Electronic Supporting Info</A></P>

An Innovative Approach to Track Moving Object based on RFID and Laser Ranging Information

( Gaoli Liang ),( Ran Liu ),( Yulu Fu ),( Hua Zhang ),( Heng Wang ),( Shafiq Ur Rehman ),( Mingming Guo ) 한국인터넷정보학회 2020 KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Syst Vol.14 No.1

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) identifies a specific object by radio signals. As the tag provides a unique ID for the purpose of identification, RFID technology effectively solves the ambiguity and occlusion problem that challenges the laser or camera-based approach. This paper proposes an approach to track a moving object based on the integration of RFID and laser ranging information using a particle filter. To be precise, we split laser scan points into different clusters which contain the potential moving objects and calculate the radial velocity of each cluster. The velocity information is compared with the radial velocity estimated from RFID phase difference. In order to achieve the positioning of the moving object, we select a number of best matching clusters to update the weights of the particle filter. To further improve the positioning accuracy, we incorporate RFID signal strength information into the particle filter using a pre-trained sensor model. The proposed approach is tested on a SCITOS service robot under different types of tags and various human velocities. The results show that fusion of signal strength and laser ranging information has significantly increased the positioning accuracy when compared to radial velocity matching-based or signal strength-based approaches. The proposed approach provides a solution for human machine interaction and object tracking, which has potential applications in many fields for example supermarkets, libraries, shopping malls, and exhibitions.