OPE molecular junction as a hydrogen gas sensor

Jian-Guo Xin,Chuan-Lu Yang,Mei-Shan Wang,Xiao-Guang Ma 한국물리학회 2018 Current Applied Physics Vol.18 No.3

Oligo(phenylene ethynylene) (OPE) molecular junction has been suggested as a H2 molecule sensor based on calculations using the first principles of density–functional theory and non-equilibrium Green's function. The electronic transport properties of the OPE molecule between two Au electrodes with or without adsorbed H2 molecules are investigated. Results show that the adsorbed H2 molecule significantly changes the characteristics of the current–voltage curve of the OPE molecular junction. The pure OPE molecular junction exhibits a significant negative differential resistance, but this kind of phenomenon will disappear or weaken after hydrogen molecules are adsorbed. The conductance of the junction also obviously decreases in the bias range of [−0.4, 0.4] V after adsorbing H2 molecules. These effects can be used to design a H2 molecule sensor.

Brain Metabolic Network Redistribution in Patients with White Matter Hyperintensities on MRI Analyzed with an Individualized Index Derived from 18F-FDG-PET/MRI

Ma Jie,Hua Xu-Yun,Zheng Mou-Xiong,Wu Jia-Jia,Huo Bei-Bei,Xing Xiang-Xin,Gao Xin,Zhang Han,Xu Jian-Guang 대한영상의학회 2022 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.23 No.10

Objective: Whether metabolic redistribution occurs in patients with white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is unknown. This study aimed 1) to propose a measure of the brain metabolic network for an individual patient and preliminarily apply it to identify impaired metabolic networks in patients with WMHs, and 2) to explore the clinical and imaging features of metabolic redistribution in patients with WMHs. Materials and Methods: This study included 50 patients with WMHs and 70 healthy controls (HCs) who underwent 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/MRI. Various global property parameters according to graph theory and an individual parameter of brain metabolic network called “individual contribution index” were obtained. Parameter values were compared between the WMH and HC groups. The performance of the parameters in discriminating between the two groups was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The correlation between the individual contribution index and Fazekas score was assessed, and the interaction between age and individual contribution index was determined. A generalized linear model was fitted with the individual contribution index as the dependent variable and the mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean) of nodes in the whole-brain network or seven classic functional networks as independent variables to determine their association. Results: The means ± standard deviations of the individual contribution index were (0.697 ± 10.9) x 10-3 and (0.0967 ± 0.0545) x 10-3 in the WMH and HC groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The AUC of the individual contribution index was 0.864 (95% confidence interval, 0.785–0.943). A positive correlation was identified between the individual contribution index and the Fazekas scores in patients with WMHs (r = 0.57, p < 0.001). Age and individual contribution index demonstrated a significant interaction effect on the Fazekas score. A significant direct association was observed between the individual contribution index and the SUVmean of the limbic network (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The individual contribution index may demonstrate the redistribution of the brain metabolic network in patients with WMHs.

Experiment and bearing capacity analyses of dual-lintel column joints in Chinese traditional style buildings

Jian-yang Xue,Linlin Ma,Zhanjing Wu,Lei Zhai,Xin Zhang 국제구조공학회 2018 Steel and Composite Structures, An International J Vol.28 No.5

This paper presents experiment and bearing capacity analyses of steel dual-lintel column (SDC) joints in Chinese traditional style buildings. Two SDC interior joints and two SDC exterior joints, which consisted of dual box-section lintels, circular column and square column, were designed and tested under low cyclic loading. The force transferring mechanisms at the panel zone of SDC joints were proposed. And also, the load-strain curves at the panel zone, failure modes, hysteretic loops and skeleton curves of the joints were analyzed. It is shown that the typical failure modes of the joints are shear buckling at bottom panel zone, bending failure at middle panel zone, welds fracturing at the panel zone, and tension failure of base metal in the heat-affected zone of the joints. The ultimate bearing capacity of SDC joints appears to decrease with the increment of axial compression ratio. However, the bearing capacities of exterior joints are lower than those of interior joints at the same axial compression ratio. In order to predict the formulas of the bending capacity at the middle panel zone and the shear capacity at the bottom panel zone, the calculation model and the stress state of the element at the panel zone of SDC joints were studied. As the calculated values showed good agreements with the test results, the proposed formulas can be reliably applied to the analysis and design of SDC joints in Chinese traditional style buildings.

CircularRNA_104670 plays a critical role in intervertebral disc degeneration by functioning as a ceRNA

Jian Son,Hong-Li Wang,Ke-Han Song,Zhi-Wen Ding,Hai-Lian Wang,Xiao-Sheng Ma,Fei-Zhou Lu,Xin-Lei Xia,Ying-Wei Wang,Fei-Zou,Jian-Yuan Jiang 생화학분자생물학회 2018 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.50 No.-

This study was carried out to explore the roles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Differentially expressed circRNAs in IDD and normal NP tissues were identified based on the results of microarray analysis. Bioinformatics techniques were employed to predict the direct interactions of selected circRNAs, microRNAs (miR), and mRNAs. CircRNA_104670 was selected as the target circRNA due to its large multiplier expression in IDD tissues. After luciferase reporter and EGFP/RFP reporter assays, we confirmed that circRNA_104670 directly bound to miR-17-3p, while MMP-2 was the direct target of miR-17-3p. The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that circRNA_104670 and miR-17-3p had good diagnostic significance for IDD (AUC circRNA_104670 = 0.96; AUC miRNA-17-3p = 0.91). A significant correlation was detected between the Pfirrmann grade and expression of circRNA_104670 (r = 0.63; p = 0.00) and miR-17-3p (r = −0.62; p = 0.00). Flow-cytometric analysis and the MTT assay showed that interfering with circRNA_104670 using small interfering RNA (siRNA) inhibited NP cell apoptosis (p < 0.01), and this inhibition was reduced by interfering with miR-17-3p. Interfering with circRNA_104670 suppressed MMP-2 expression and increased extracellular matrix (ECM) formation, which were also reduced by interfering with miR-17-3p. Finally, an MRI evaluation showed that circRNA_104670 inhibition mice had a lower IDD grade compared with control mice (p < 0.01), whereas circRNA_104670 and miRNA-17-3p inhibition mice had a higher IDD grade compared with circRNA_104670 inhibition mice (p < 0.05). CircRNA_104670 is highly expressed in the NP tissues of IDD and acts as a ceRNA during NP degradation.

Immune Reconstitution of CD4⁺T Cells after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and its Correlation with Invasive Fungal Infection in Patients with Hematological Malignancies

Peng, Xin-Guo,Dong, Yan,Zhang, Ting-Ting,Wang, Kai,Ma, Yin-Jian Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.8

Objective: To explore the immune reconstitution of $CD4^+T$ cells after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT) and its relationship with invasive fungal infection (IFI) in patients with hematological malignancies. Materials and Methods: Forty-seven patients with hematological malignancies undergoing Allo-HSCT in Binzhou Medical University Hospital from February, 2010 to October, 2014 were selected. At 1, 2 and 3 months after transplantation, the immune subpopulations and concentration of cytokines were assessed respectively using flow cytometry (FCM) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The incidence of IFI after transplantation and its correlation with immune reconstitution of $CD4^+T$ cells were investigated. Results: The number of $CD4^+T$ cells and immune subpopulations increased progressively after transplantation as time went on, but the subpopulation cell count 3 months after transplantation was still significantly lower than in the control group (p<0.01). In comparison to the control group, the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10 after transplantation rose evidently (p<0.01), while that of transforming growth factor-${beta}$ (TGF-${beta}$) was decreased (p<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference level of interferon-${\gamma}$ (IFN-${\gamma}$) (p>0.05). The incidence of IFI was 19.2% (9/47), and multivariate logistic regression revealed that IFI might be related to Th17 cell count (p<0.05), instead of Th1, Th2 and Treg cell counts as well as IL-6, IL-10, TGF-${beta}$ and IFN-${\gamma}$ levels (p>0.05). Conclusions: After Allo-HSCT, the immune reconstitution of $CD4^+T$ cells is delayed and Th17 cell count decreases obviously, which may be related to occurrence of IFI.

Multidisciplinary Collaborative Therapy for 30 Children with Orbital Rhabdomyosarcoma

Ge, Xin,Huang, Dong-Sheng,Shi, Ji-Tong,Ma, Jian-Min Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.8

Objective: To explore clinical experience and propose new ideas for treating children diagnosed with orbital rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data for30 patients (16 males and 14 females, with a median age of 6.2 years) with primary orbital RMS who were enrolled in the Department of Eye Oncology and Pediatrics of our hospital from November 2004 to December 2012. International Rhabdomyosarcoma Organization Staging Standards indicated that among the 30 patients, 4 cases were in phase II, 20 were in phase III, and 6 were in phase IV. All patients underwent a multidisciplinary collaborative model of comprehensive treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, external radiotherapy, $^{125}I$ radioactive particle implantation, and autologous peripheral blood stem-cell transplantation). Results: Follow-up was conducted until March 2013, with a median follow-up time of 47.2 months (5 to 95 months), and 7 deaths occurred. The 2-year estimated survival rate reached 86.1%, the ${\geq}3$-year estimated survival rate was 77%, and the 5-year estimated survival rate was 70.6%. Conclusions: The multidisciplinary collaborative model can be a safe and effective approach to the comprehensive treatment of children with orbital RMS. It has clinical significance in improving the tumor remission rate.

Association Between MDM2 SNP309 T>G and Risk of Gastric Cancer: A Meta-analysis

Tian, Xin,Tian, Ye,Ma, Ping,Sui, Cheng-Guang,Meng, Fan-Dong,Li, Yan,Fu, Li-Ye,Jiang, Tao,Wang, Yang,Ji, Fu-Jian,Fang, Xue-Dong,Jiang, You-Hong Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.3

Background: As a negative regulator of P53, MDM2 plays an important role in carcinogenesis; a polymorphism in its promoter region. SNP309 T>G, is known to increase the expression of MDM2, thus being considered related to higher susceptibility to neoplasia. However, no agreement has been achieved regarding its effects on gastric cancer. Methods: The present systematic meta-analysis was performed based on comprehensive literature search from Pubmed, Web of science and CBM databases. Results: It was suggested from 6 independent studies that the GG genotype is associated with a significantly increased risk of gastric cancer (Recessive: OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.08-1.91, P = 0.013), and subgroup analysis also confirmed the relationship (English publications-recessive model: OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.10-1.91, P = 0.009; Studies in China-recessive model: OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.08-2.30, P = 0.017). No publication bias was detected. Conclusion: The meta-analysis indicated a significant inverse association between GG genotype carriage and elevated risk of gastric cancer. However, more studies and detailed information are needed to fully address the topic.

Anti-tumor Effects and Apoptosis Induction by Realgar Bioleaching Solution in Sarcoma-180 Cells in Vitro and Transplanted Tumors in Mice in Vivo

Xie, Qin-Jian,Cao, Xin-Li,Bai, Lu,Wu, Zheng-Rong,Ma, Ying-Ping,Li, Hong-Yu Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.6

Background: Realgar which contains arsenic components has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as an anticancer drug. However, neither Realgar nor its formula are soluble in water. As a result, high dose of Realgar has to be administered to achieve an effective blood medicine concentration, and this is associated with adverse side effects. The objective of the present study was to increase the solubility of a formula using hydrometallurgy technology as well as investigating its effects on in vitro and in vivo cell proliferation and apoptosis in Sarcoma-180 cell line. Materials and Methods: Antiproliferative activity of Realgar Bioleaching Solution (RBS) was evaluated by MTT assay. Further, effects of RBS on cell proliferation and apoptosis were studied using flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy. Kunming mice were administered RBS in vivo, where arsenic specifically targeted solid tumors. Results: The results indicated that RBS extract potently inhibited the tumor growth of Sarcoma-180 cell line in a dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy further indicated that RBS significantly induced cell apoptosis through the inhibition of cell cycle pathway in a dose-dependent manner. Further, on RBS administration to mice, arsenic was specifically targeted to solid tumor.s Conclusions: RBS could substitute for traditional Realgar or its formula to work as a potent tool in cancer treatment.

Different Catabolism Pathways Triggered by Various Methylxanthines in Caffeine-Tolerant Bacterium Pseudomonas putida CT25 Isolated from Tea Garden Soil

( Yi-xiao Ma ),( Xiao-han Wu ),( Hui-shi Wu ),( Zhan-bo Dong ),( Jian-hui Ye ),( Xin-qiang Zheng ),( Yue-rong Liang ),( Jian-liang Lu ) 한국미생물생명공학회(구 한국산업미생물학회) 2018 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.28 No.7

The degradation efficiency and catabolism pathways of the different methylxanthines (MXs) in isolated caffeine-tolerant strain Pseudomonas putida CT25 were comprehensively studied. The results showed that the degradation efficiency of various MXs varied with the number and position of the methyl groups on the molecule (i.e., xanthine > 7-methylxanthine ≈ theobromine > caffeine > theophylline > 1-methylxanthine). Multiple MX catabolism pathways coexisted in strain CT25, and a different pathway would be triggered by various MXs. Demethylation dominated in the degradation of N-7-methylated MXs (such as 7- methylxanthine, theobromine, and caffeine), where C-8 oxidation was the major pathway in the catabolism of 1-methylxanthine, whereas demethylation and C-8 oxidation are likely both involved in the degradation of theophylline. Enzymes responsible for MX degradation were located inside the cell. Both cell culture and cell-free enzyme assays revealed that N-1 demethylation might be a rate-limiting step for the catabolism of the MXs. Surprisingly, accumulation of uric acid was observed in a cell-free reaction system, which might be attributed to the lack of activity of uricase, a cytochrome c-coupled membrane integral enzyme.

Molecular cloning and expression analysis of the first two key genes through 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway from Pyropia haitanensis(Bangiales, Rhodophyta)

Yu Du,Jian Guan,Ruijun Xu,Xin Liu,Weijie Shen,Yafeng Ma,Yuan He,Songdong Shen 한국조류학회I 2017 ALGAE Vol.32 No.4

Pyropia haitanensis (T. J. Chang et B. F. Zheng) N. Kikuchi et M. Miyata is one of the most commercially usefulmacroalgae cultivated in southeastern China. In red algae, the biosynthesis of terpenoids through 2-C-methyl-Derythritol4-phosphate (MEP) pathway can produce a direct influence on the synthesis of many biologically importantmetabolites. In this study, two genes of cDNAs, 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase (DXS) and 1-deoxy-Dxylulose-5-phosphatereductase (DXR), which encoding the first two rate-limiting enzymes among MEP pathway werecloned from P. haitanensis. The cDNAs of P. haitanensis DXS (PhDXS) and DXR (PhDXR) both contained complete openreading frames encoding polypeptides of 764 and 426 amino acids residues, separately. The expression analysis showedthat PhDXS was significant differently expressed between leafy thallus and conchocelis as PhDXR been non-significant. Additionally, expression of PhDXR and its downstream gene geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase were both inhibitedby fosmidomycin significantly. Meanwhile, we constructed types of phylogenetic trees through different algae and higherplants DXS and DXR encoding amino acid sequences, as a result we found tree clustering consequences basically in linewith the "Cavalier-Smith endosymbiotic theory." Whereupon, we speculated that in red algae, there existed only completeMEP pathway to meet needs of terpenoids synthesis for themselves; Terpenoids synthesis of red algae derivativesthrough mevalonate pathway came from two or more times endosymbiosis of heterotrophic eukaryotic parasitifer. Thisstudy demonstrated that PhDXS and PhDXR could play significant roles in terpenoids biosynthesis at molecular levels. Meanwhile, as nuclear genes among MEP pathway, PhDXS and PhDXR could provide a new way of thinking to researchthe problem of chromalveolata biological evolution.