Influences of Bridge Group on Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Resins

Liu Yuan,Zhao Jun,Liu Ai-Qin,Liu Xiao-Qing,Luo Jun 한국고분자학회 2020 폴리머 Vol.44 No.4

In order to obtain thermosetting epoxy resin, it is the prerequisite condition that the epoxy precursor must contain at least two epoxy groups. Thus, bridge group is needed to link the epoxy groups, and naturally, the chemical structure of the bridge group may also influence the thermomechanical performances of the cured epoxy resin. However, literature about the effects of bridge group on properties of cured epoxy is seldom published. To fill the gap, three model epoxy monomers containing different bridge groups have been synthesized from 4,4"-dihydroxydiphenyl, 1,1-bis(4- hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane and bisphenol A in this work. After chemical structure confirmation, all of the monomers are cured by methylhexahydrophthalic anhydride (HMMPA), and the properties of the obtained cured network are evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic thermomechanical analysis (DMA), tensile test and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that bulky bridge group can effectively increase the glass transition temperature, enhance the tensile strength, and enlarge elongation at break of the cured epoxy resin.

Predictive Value of Exercise Blood Pressure Changes for Orthostatic Hypotension in Patients With Parkinson’s Disease

Yi Qin,Zhao-hui Jin,Zhen-ying Zhang,Ke-ke Chen,Xin Yu,Hong-jiao Yan,Rui-dan Wang,Yuan Su,Ai-xian Liu,Jia-ning Xi,Bo-yan Fang 대한신경과학회 2023 Journal of Clinical Neurology Vol.19 No.1

Background and Purpose Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is common in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Early recognition OH is required with sensitive assessments. The purpose of this study was to determine whether blood pressure (BP) changes during exercise can predict the occurrence of OH in PD. Methods This prospective cohort study included 80 consecutive patients with PD. All patients agreed to participate in a baseline evaluation and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). According to the initial active standing test (AST), those without OH (PD-nonOH) at baseline had their AST results followed up for 6 months. The main outcome was defined as whether patients without OH at baseline would develop OH after 6 months. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify the relevant variables. A nomogram was constructed based on clinical features and identified variables. The concordance index (C-index) and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the accuracy and predictive ability of the nomogram, respectively. Results CPET results indicated that peak load, peak heart rate, heart rate recovery at 1 min, and systolic BP change (ΔSBP) were lower in those with OH than in the PD-nonOH group (p<0.05) at baseline. Logistic regression analysis indicated that peak load and ΔSBP during CPET had significant effects on OH (p<0.05). Age, sex, peak load, and ΔSBP were used to construct the nomogram model (C-index=0.761). The prediction model had an AUC of 0.782 (95% confidence interval=0.649–0.889) and a specificity and sensitivity of 70.0% and 81.8%, respectively. Conclusions This study has identified predictive factors for OH development in patients with PD. CPET could be used as a complementary examination to identify patients at a high risk of OH.

The Dynamic Relationship between the NFT Index and Macroeconomic Factors in Korea

Ke-Qin Liu,Ai-Lian Bian 한국무역연구원 2023 무역연구 Vol.19 No.3

Purpose – This study attempts to analyze the dynamic relationship between the NFT index and macroeconomic factors, and make effective suggestions using research methods in the field of management finance. Design/Methodology/Approach – The study sample was from January 2020 to March 2023. The variables used in the analysis were based on monthly time series data, measured on the basis of the Metaverse–NFT Index (MVNX) index released by Wavebridge Limited in Korea to reflect the growth trend of the NFT market, money supply, US dollar–won exchange rate, gross domestic product, consumer price index, and other macroeconomic indicators. The analytical tools in this study included a unit root test based on the VAR model, the Johansen cointegration Test, Granger causality test, impulse response analysis, and variance decomposition. These methods are very effective in analyzing time series data. Findings – The results of the analysis show that macroeconomic factors, such as money supply, exchange rate, GDP, and consumer price index are important sources of information in predicting the NFT index. Research Implications – The results of this study are expected to provide practical information for NFT users, virtual asset trading platforms, investors, and policymakers related to NFT ecology. Furthermore, this study’s findings are of great significance, being the first global study to explore the relationship between NFTs and macroeconomic factors.

Association of Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A_2 with Characteristics of Vulnerable Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaques

Yu-Sheng Liu,Qing-Hua Lu,Xiao-Bo Hu,Hong-Zhuan Li,Wei-Dong Jiang,Xin Wang,Hao Lin,Ai-Qiong Qin,Yong-Mei Wang,Tong Zhao,Zhao-Qiang Dong,Mei Zhang 연세대학교의과대학 2011 Yonsei medical journal Vol.52 No.6

Purpose: Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA_2) is an inflammatory enzyme expressed in atherosclerotic plaques. We investigated the association of circulating Lp-PLA_2 with characteristics of vulnerable coronary atherosclerotic plaques. Materials and Methods: We recruited 113 patients with either unstable angina (UA, n=59) and stable angina (SA, n=54) by coronary angiography. Thirty-six healthy subjects served as controls. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) was used to evaluate the characteristics of coronary atherosclerotic plaque, and serum Lp-PLA2 concentration was measured as well. Results: Lp-PLA_2 concentration was significantly higher in both UA and SA patients [(396±36) μg/L and (321±39) μg/L, respectively]compared with the controls [(127±49) μg/L, p<0.01], and higher in UA than SA group. IVUS findings showed that remodeling index (RI) (0.91±0.15 vs. 0.85±0.11, p=0.005) and eccentricity index (EI) (0.73±0.16 vs. 0.65±0.22, p=0.039) were larger in UA than in SA group, and fibrous caps were thicker in SA than UA group [(0.91±0.23) mm vs. (0.63±0.21) mm, p=0.032]. Moreover, Lp-PLA_2 correlated positively with EI (r=0.439, p<0.01) and RI (r=0.592, p<0.05) in UA group. There was an inverse relationship between Lp-PLA_2 and fibrous cap thickness in both UA (r=-0.587, p<0.001) and SA (r=-0.318, p<0.05) groups. The independent risk factors in UA group were Lp-PLA_2 (OR=1.055, 95% CI: 1.03-1.08, p=0.013), LDL-cholesterol (OR=0.032, 95% CI: 0.00-0.05, p=0.041) and fibrous cap thickness (OR=0.008, 95% CI: 0.00-0.45, p=0.019). Lp-PLA_2 was strongly associated with both EI and fibrous cap thickness in both groups. Conclusion: Serum level of Lp-PLA_2 is associated with both eccentricity index and fibrous cap thickness in both UA and SA groups. Elevated levels of circulating Lp-PLA_2 might to be a strong risk factor and more serious for unstable angina than stable angina.

Active control of amplitude and phase of high-power RF systems in EAST ICRF heating experiments

Zhu Guanghui,Liu Lunan,Mao Yuzhou,Zhang Xinjun,Guo Yaoyao,Ai Lin,Jiang Runhao,Qin Chengming,Zhang Wei,Yang Hua,Yuan Shuai,Wang Lei,Ju Songqing,Wang Yongsheng,Sun Xuan,Yang Zhida,Wang Jinxin,Cheng Yan 한국원자력학회 2023 Nuclear Engineering and Technology Vol.55 No.2

The EAST ICRF system operating space has been extended in power and phase control with a low-level RF system for the new double-strap antenna. Then the multi-step power and periodic phase scanning experiment were conducted in L-mode plasma, respectively. In the power scanning experiment, the stored energy, radiation power, plasma impedance and the antenna's temperature all have positive responses during the short ramp-ups of PL;ICRF. The core ion temperature increased from 1 keV to 1.5 keV and the core heating area expanded from jZj 5 cmto jZj 10 cm during the injection of ICRF waves. In the phasing scanning experiment, in addition to the same conclusions as the previous relatively phasing scanning experiment, the superposition effect of the fluctuation of stored energy, radiation power and neutron yield caused by phasing change with dual antenna, resulting in the amplitude and phase shift, was also observed. The active control of RF output facilitates the precise control of plasma profiles and greatly benefits future experimental exploration.

A Clinical Study on Juheli (Recombinant Human Interleukin - 11) in the Second Prevention of Chemotherapy Induced Thrombocytopenia

Xiao, Yang,Liu, Jun,Huang, Xin-En,Guo, Jian-Xiong,Fu, Peng-Chao,Huang, Xiao-Hong,Zhou, Juan,Ye, Ai-Qin Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.2

Objective: to investigate the effect and side effects of recombinant human interleukin - 11 (rhIL - 11, in Chinese Juheli, produced by Qi Lu Biotechnology CO., LTD) in the second prevention of chemotherapy induced thrombocytopenia (CIT). Methods: Cancer patients with CIT were recruited and were treated with rhIL - 11 (treatment phase, TP), and in the following cycle, all these patients administered with rhIL - 11 24 hours immediately after chemotherapy (preventive treatment phase, PTP). Duration and severity of thrombocytopenia between two phases were compared. Results: for patients in TP or PTP, nadir values of platelet were ($29.28{\pm}20.08){\times}10^9/L$ and ($45.24{\pm}19.66){\times}10^9/L$, duration of thrombocytopenia in TP and PTP was ($11.52{\pm}4.33$) and ($8.20{\pm}+2.77$)days, recovery time was ($19.40{\pm}3.89$)and ($13.44{\pm}3.02$)days, duration of rhIL - 11 administration was ($10.68{\pm}2.46$)and ($6.28{\pm}1.77$)days, number of patients needing platelet infusion was 16and4 respectively, all differences were statistically significant (p value were 0.007, 0.002, 0.000, 0.000, 0.034 respectively). For TP and PTP, number of patients with hemorrhage was 8 and 4, duration of bleeding was ($5.00{\pm}0.82$) and ($4.50{\pm}0.71$) days respectively, with no statistically significant difference. Adverse reactions mainly included fever, edema, arrhythmia, joint pain, fatigue, skin rash, headache, dizziness, etc., all were not statistically significant between TP and PTP. Conclusion: rhIL - 11 could be well tolerated and is effective that could reduce the duration, severity of CIT, platelet transfusion, and incidence of bleeding, as well as shorten the recovery time, duration of rhIL - 11 administration. Thus, rhIL - 11 could be commended in the second prevention of CIT for patients with cancer.

OsHSF7 gene in rice, Oryza sativa L., encodes a transcription factor that functions as a high temperature receptive and responsive factor

( Jin Ge Liu ),( Qiu Lin Qin ),( Zhen Zhang ),( Ri He Peng ),( Ai Sheng Xiong ),( Jian Min Chen ),( Quan Hong Yao ) 생화학분자생물학회 2009 BMB Reports Vol.42 No.1

Low-dose Radiation Induces Antitumor Effects and Erythrocyte System Hormesis

Yu, Hong-Sheng,Liu, Zi-Min,Yu, Xiao-Yun,Song, Ai-Qin,Liu, Ning,Wang, Hao Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.7

Objective: Low dose radiation may stimulate the growth and development of animals, increase life span, enhance fertility, and downgrade the incidence of tumor occurrence.The aim of this study was to investigate the antitumor effect and hormesis in an erythrocyte system induced by low-dose radiation. Methods: Kunming strain male mice were subcutaneously implanted with S180 sarcoma cells in the right inguen as an experimental in situ animal model. Six hours before implantation, the mice were given 75mGy whole body X-ray radiation. Tumor growth was observed 5 days later, and the tumor volume was calculated every other day. Fifteen days later, all mice were killed to measure the tumor weight, and to observe necrotic areas and tumor-infiltration-lymphoreticular cells (TILs). At the same time, erythrocyte immune function and the level of 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid (2,3-DPG) were determined. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of EPO and VEGFR of tumor tissues. Results: The mice pre-exposed to low dose radiation had a lower tumor formation rate than those without low dose radiation (P < 0.05). The tumor growth slowed down significantly in mice pre-exposed to low dose radiation; the average tumor weight in mice pre-exposed to low dose radiation was lighter too (P < 0.05). The tumor necrosis areas were larger and TILs were more in the radiation group than those of the group without radiation. The erythrocyte immune function, the level of 2,3-DPG in the low dose radiation group were higher than those of the group without radiation (P < 0.05). After irradiation the expression of EPO of tumor tissues in LDR group decreased with time. LDR-24h, LDR-48h and LDR-72h groups were all statistically significantly different from sham-irradiation group. The expression of VEGFR also decreased, and LDR-24h group was the lowest (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Low dose radiation could markedly increase the anti-tumor ability of the organism and improve the erythrocyte immune function and the ability of carrying $O_2$. Low-dose total body irradiation, within a certain period of time, can decrease the expression of hypoxia factor EPO and VEGFR, which may improve the situation of tumor hypoxia and radiosensitivity of tumor itself.

Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy Versus Radiotherapy Alone for Locoregionally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Yu, Hong-Sheng,Wang, Xin,Song, Ai-Qin,Liu, Ning,Zhang, Wei,Yu, Li Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.8

Objective: To compare the clinical effects of concurrent radiochemotherapy with those of radiotherapy in treating locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (Stage III~IVa). Methods: A total of 95 patients suffering from nasopharyngeal carcinoma (Stage III~IVa) were divided into two groups: concurrent radiochemotherapy (Group CCRT, n=49) and radiotherapy (Group RT, n=46). The two groups were both delivered conventional fractionated radiotherapy, while Group CCRT also received three cycles of PF (DDP+5-Fu) or PLF (DDP+5-Fu+CF) chemotherapy. Results: The complete remission rate and total remission rate of Group CCRT were higher than those of Group RT ($X^2$=4.72~7.19, P<0.05). The one-year overall survival (OS) rate calculated by the life table method, was also higher than that of Group RT ($X^2$=4.24, P<0.05) as well as the 3-year OS rate, nasopharyngeal control rate and cervical lymph nodes' control rate ($X^2$=4.28~4.40, P<0.05). In addition, the 5-year OS and metastasis-free rates of Group CCRT were higher than those of Group RT and the differences were of statistical importance ($X^2$=3.96~8.26, P<0.05). However, acute toxicity was also obviously higher, the difference in gastrointestinal reactions being statistically significant ($X^2$=11.70, P<0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that concurrent radiochemotherapy could improve the remission rate, overall survival rate and locally control rate. The toxicity of concurrent radiochemotherapy could be tolerated by the patients.

Aberrant Expression of E-cadherin in Lung Tissues of Patients with Probable Lung Cancer

Yuan, Yu-Lin,Wang, Yu-Ming,Liu, Hua,Qin, Gui-Fang,Tang, Ai-Guo,Duan, Yong Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.10

Introduction: This study assessed the relationship of E-cadherin mRNA and protein expression with the diagnosis of lung cancer with the aim of providing an auxiliary diagnostic method. Methods: Semi-quantitative nested RT-PCR and western blotting were applied to detect E-cadherin mRNA transcripts and protein, respectively, in 30 cases of diagnostic lung cancer, 30 cases of clinically suspected patients with lung cancer and 30 cases of other disease. Immunohistochemical staining was also used to detect E-cadherin. Results: Remarkably decreased levels of relative E-cadherin mRNA value and increased E-cadherin protein negativity were observed in probable lung cancer, when compared with possible lung cancer and others. With a threshold of 1.45, relative E-cadherin mRNA value showed a sensitivity of 90% and a specifity of 83% for the diagnosis of lung cancer. The combination of decreased relative E-cadherin mRNA value and negative E-cadherin protein increased the specificity and sensitivity. Conclusion: These data suggest that Chinese patients with diagnostic lung cancer have similar decreased levels of relative E-cadherin mRNA and E-cadherin protein value in the lung cancer tissues as in lung cancer patients in other countries. Measurement of relative E-cadherin mRNA and protein values in lung cancer tissues has potential for lung cancer diagnosis.