Structure and Performance Characteristics of Saturated Iron-core Superconducting Fault Current Limiter

Niu, Xiaoye,Chen, Zhili,Wang, Haizhen,Chen, Zhifu,Zhang, Lifeng,Niu, Guojun,Hong, Hui,Xin, Ying 대한전기학회 2014 The Journal of International Council on Electrical Vol.4 No.2

Superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) is a kind of short-circuit current limiting device for power grid. It's a new application of superconducting technology on power equipments. Saturated Iron-core Superconducting fault current limiter (SISFCL) is one of many types of SFCL. It takes the advantage that no quenching occurs in superconducting wires during fault current limiting process. The immediately reacting and fast recovering are also its main characteristics. The structure and function of SISFCL is similar to that of traditional transformer and current limiting reactor respectively. Based on mature technologies on design and manufacture of iron core and windings of transformers, SISFCL could be made at the same voltage level as traditional transformers. But there are also significant differences between them. SISFCL will offer an effective solution to limit short-circuit current in future HV or EHV power systems because of its peculiar structures and properties. In this paper, we introduce the structure and characteristics of the SISFCL developed by Innopower. It may help readers to understand SISFCL and its enormous application value for power grids.

Health-related Quality of Life in Women with Breast Cancer: a Literature-based Review of Psychometric Properties of Breast Cancer-specific Measures

Niu, Hui-Yan,Niu, Chun-Ying,Wang, Jia-He,Zhang, Yi,He, Ping Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.8

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women in the world. Health-related quality of life (HRQL) at treatment endpoint in cancer clinical trials is widely considered to be increasingly important. The aim of this review was to provide a literature-based assessment of the validity, reliability and responsiveness of breast cancer-specific HRQL instruments in women breast cancer patients. Materials and Methods: The databases consulted were Medline, PubMed, and Embase. The inclusion criteria required studies to: (1) involve use of HRQL measures; (2) cover women with breast cancer under standard treatment (surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy); (3) involve the validity, reliability, or responsiveness of HRQL; (4) deal with validation of breast cancer-specific HRQL instruments. Results: A total of 16 studies were identified through the literature search that met the 4 inclusion criteria. Some seven instruments were assessed among these 16 studies: EORTC QLQ-BR23, FACT-B, FACT-ES, HFRDIS, LSQ-32, QLICP-BR, and SLDS-BC. EORTC QLQ-BR23, FACT-B, LSQ-32, QLICP-BR, and SLDS-BC are more general breast cancer-specific HRQL instruments. FACT-EB is the endocrine subscale combined with FACT-B in order to measure the side effects and putative benefits of hormonal treatment administered in breast cancer patients. HFRDIS is the HRQL measure focusing on hot flash concerns. Conclusions: This paper provides an overall understanding on the currently available breast cancer-specific HRQL instruments in women breast cancer patients.

Fermented cottonseed meal improves production performance and reduces fat deposition in broiler chickens

Niu Jun Li,Wei Lian Qing,Luo Yuan Qing,Yang Wen Ting,Lu Qi Cheng,Zheng Xin Xia,Niu Yu Jie,Sheng Wen,Cheng Hong,Zhang Wen Ju,Nie Cun Xi 아세아·태평양축산학회 2021 Animal Bioscience Vol.34 No.4

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of fermented cottonseed meal (FCSM) on growth performance, carcass traits, and fat deposition in white-feather broiler chickens. Methods: A total of 480 male one-day-old white-feather broiler chickens were selected randomly and divided into four groups with six replicates of 20 chickens in each. The experimental chickens were fed diets including 3%, 6%, or 9% FCSM fermented by Candida tropicalis until 42 days old. In the experiment, the chickens of the control group were fed soybean meal. Results: FCSM supplementation linearly decreased the feed conversion ratio from d 15 to 21 and d 36 to 42, respectively (p<0.05). The percentage of carcass and semi-eviscerate increased in response to dietary FCSM supplementation at d 21 (p<0.05). The percentage of eviscerated and semi-eviscerate of 3FCSM was higher than that in other groups at d 35 (p<0.05). At the age of 42 d, the percentage of carcass increased in a quadratic way among increasing FCSM in diets (p<0.05). The subcutaneous fat thickness linearly decreased with the increasing levels of FCSM at d 21 (p<0.05). Gompertz and Logistic functions provided a better fit on abdominal fat and subcutaneous fat, respectively. The best fitted equation predicted that the maximum growth rate of abdominal fat weight and subcutaneous fat thickness occurred at d 28. FCSM had no significant effects on the shape of growth curve of abdominal fat weight and subcutaneous fat thickness, but reduced the height of the curve. Birds receiving the 6FCSM diet for 21 d had smaller adipocyte surface and lower serum glucose as well as triglyceride concentration. Conclusion: FCSM is beneficial for broiler chickens as it positively affects their growth and carcass in addition to altering their fat deposition. Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of fermented cottonseed meal (FCSM) on growth performance, carcass traits, and fat deposition in white-feather broiler chickens.Methods: A total of 480 male one-day-old white-feather broiler chickens were selected randomly and divided into four groups with six replicates of 20 chickens in each. The experimental chickens were fed diets including 3%, 6%, or 9% FCSM fermented by <i>Candida tropicalis</i> until 42 days old. In the experiment, the chickens of the control group were fed soybean meal.Results: FCSM supplementation linearly decreased the feed conversion ratio from d 15 to 21 and d 36 to 42, respectively (p<0.05). The percentage of carcass and semi-eviscerate increased in response to dietary FCSM supplementation at d 21 (p<0.05). The percentage of eviscerated and semi-eviscerate of 3FCSM was higher than that in other groups at d 35 (p<0.05). At the age of 42 d, the percentage of carcass increased in a quadratic way among increasing FCSM in diets (p<0.05). The subcutaneous fat thickness linearly decreased with the increasing levels of FCSM at d 21 (p<0.05). Gompertz and Logistic functions provided a better fit on abdominal fat and subcutaneous fat, respectively. The best fitted equation predicted that the maximum growth rate of abdominal fat weight and subcutaneous fat thickness occurred at d 28. FCSM had no significant effects on the shape of growth curve of abdominal fat weight and subcutaneous fat thickness, but reduced the height of the curve. Birds receiving the 6FCSM diet for 21 d had smaller adipocyte surface and lower serum glucose as well as triglyceride concentration.Conclusion: FCSM is beneficial for broiler chickens as it positively affects their growth and carcass in addition to altering their fat deposition.

Everything is miracle

Niu Liyan 한국콘텐츠학회 2022 ICCC International Digital Design Invitation Exhib Vol.2022 No.12

No Association Between MTHFR A1298C Gene Polymorphism and Head and Neck Cancer Risk: A Meta-analysis Based on 9,952 Subjects

Niu, Yu-Ming,Shen, Ming,Li, Hui,Ni, Xiao-Bing,Zhou, Juan,Zeng, Xian-Tao,Leng, Wei-Dong,Wu, Ming-Yue Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.8

Objective: Findings for associations between the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) A1298C gene polymorphism and head and neck cancer risk have been conflicting. We therefore performed a meta-analysis to derive a more precise relationship. Methods: Ten published case-control studies were collected and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the association between MTHFR A1298C polymorphism and head and neck cancer risk. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias assessment also were performed to guarantee the statistical power. Results: Overall, no significant association between MTHFR A1298C polymorphism and head and neck cancer risk was found in this meta-analysis (C vs. A: OR=1.04, 95%CI=0.87-1.25, P=0.668, Pheterogeneity<0.001; CC vs. AA: OR=1.07, 95%CI=0.70-1.65, P=0.748, $P_{heterogeneity}<0.001$; AC vs. AA: OR=1.06, 95%CI=0.88-1.27, P=0.565, $P_{heterogeneity}<0.001$; CC+AC vs. AA: OR=1.06, 95%CI=0.86-1.30, P=0.571, $P_{heterogeneity}<0.001$; CC vs. AA+AC: OR=1.02, 95%CI=0.69-1.52, P=0.910, $P_{heterogeneity}<0.001$). Similar results were also been found in succeeding analysis of HWE and stratified analysis of ethnicity. Conclusion: In conclusion, our meta-analysis demonstrates that MTHFR A1298C polymorphism may not be a risk factor for developing head and neck cancer.

Nitric Oxide-induced Protein S-nitrosylation Causes Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Accelerates Post-ovulatory Aging of Oocytes in Cattle

Niu, Ying-Jie,Zhou, Dongjie,Zhou, Wenjun,Nie, Zheng-Wen,Kim, Ju-Yeon,Oh, YoungJin,Lee, So-Rim,Cui, Xiang-Shun The Korean Society of Animal Reproduction and Biot 2020 한국동물생명공학회지 Vol.35 No.1

Nitric oxide (NO)-induced protein S-nitrosylation triggers mitochondrial dysfunction and was related to cell senescence. However, the exact mechanism of these damages is not clear. In the present study, to investigate the relationship between in vitro aging and NO-induced protein S-nitrosylation, oocytes were treated with sodium nitroprusside dihydrate (SNP), and the resultant S-nitrosylated proteins were detected through biotin-switch assay. The results showed that levels of protein S-nitroso thiols (SNO)s and expression of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) increased, while activity and function of mitochondria were impaired during oocyte aging. Addition of SNP, a NO donor, to the oocyte culture led to accelerated oocyte aging, increased mitochondrial dysfunction and damage, apoptosis, ATP deficiency, and enhanced ROS production. These results suggested that the increased NO signal during oocyte aging in vitro, accelerated oocyte degradation due to increased protein S-nitrosylation, and ROS-related redox signaling.

Recent advance of single atom-based photocatalysts for energy conversion and environmental purification

Niu Yaling,Yue Chengcai,Li Shuqi,Che Guangbo,Su Nan,Dong Hongjun,Li Chunmei 한국탄소학회 2023 Carbon Letters Vol.33 No.4

Developing the high-performance semiconductor photocatalytic materials is an eternal topic under the background of the current energy and environment requirements. In recent years, single-atom photocatalysts (SAPCs) have been brought a lot of attention in energy conversion and environmental purification because of their unique characteristics and properties, including the unique coordination patterns, outstanding atomic utilization, quantum confinement effects, high catalytic activity, etc. Hence, this critical review focuses on the summarized various synthetic methods and the recent important applications of SAPCs, including photocatalytic H2 evolution (PHE) from water splitting, photocatalytic CO2 reduction, photodegradation of organic pollutants, etc. The prospects and challenges for future research topics of SAPCs with excellent activity and stability for various photocatalytic applications are prospected at the end of this review. We sincerely expect that this critical review can promote deep-level insight into the SAPCs subject for the future significant applications in other fields.

Alternative Messenger RNA Splicing of Autophagic Gene Beclin 1 in Human B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells

Niu, Yu-Na,Liu, Qing-Qing,Zhang, Su-Ping,Yuan, Na,Cao, Yan,Cai, Jin-Yang,Lin, Wei-Wei,Xu, Fei,Wang, Zhi-Jian,Chen, Bo,Wang, Jian-Rong Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.5

Beclin 1 is a key factor for initiation and regulation of autophagy, which is a cellular catabolic process involved in tumorigenesis. To investigate the role of alternative splicing of Beclin1 in the regulation of autophagy in leukemia cells, Beclin1 mRNA from 6 different types of cell lines and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 2 healthy volunteers was reversely transcribed, subcloned, and screened for alternative splicing. New transcript variants were analyzed by DNA sequencing. A transcript variant of Beclin 1 gene carrying a deletion of exon 11, which encoded a C-terminal truncation of Beclin 1 isoform, was found. The alternative isoform was assessed by bioinformatics, immunoblotting and subcellular localization. The results showed that this variable transcript is generated by alternative 3' splicing, and its translational product displayed a reduced activity in induction of autophagy by starvation, indicating that the spliced isoform might function as a dominant negative modulator of autophagy. Our findings suggest that the alternative splicing of Beclin 1 might play important roles in leukemogenesis regulated by autophagy.

Asymmetries in the Production of English Relative Clauses by Mandarin Chinese-speaking Learners

Niu, Honglei 한국중앙영어영문학회 2018 영어영문학연구 Vol.60 No.3

This study examined Mandarin Chinese-speaking learners’ production of English RCs to probe whether they show the same asymmetry patterns as native English speakers do. The study reduplicated Kim & O’Grady’s (2016) elicited production task and focused on comparing subject relatives with indirect object relatives and comparing direct object relatives with oblique relatives. Forty college students participants were divided into two groups depending on their proficiency and the results showed that it was much easier for MC-speaking learners to produce subject relatives than indirect object relatives. However, it was difficult for them to produce both direct object and oblique relative clauses, especially for the low intermediate proficiency group. Furthermore, oblique relative clauses were more challenging for both L2 groups. The results almost conformed to Kim & O’Grady’s (2016) findings: native English speakers were more likely to produce subject relatives than indirect object relatives and both direct object and oblique relatives were difficult for children (not adults) to produce.

Effect of A- and B-site doping on the low-temperature dielectric and impedance properties of BaTiO3-based ceramics

Niu Ruifeng,Wang Depeng,Cui Liqi,Wang Weitian 한국물리학회 2023 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.83 No.6

In this work, two series of BaTiO3-based ceramics, Ba1-xSrxTiO3 (x=0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8) and BaTi1-xTaxO3 (x=0.03, 0.06, 0.075, 0.09, 0.1), were synthesized by using standard solid-state reaction method. Frequency-dependent dielectric and impedance properties were investigated in low temperature range of 300–100 K. The changes in dielectric properties of Ba1-xSrxTiO3 are believed to originate from the phase transition due to the diferent A-site Sr2+ doping concentration. The local electron-pinned defect-dipole efect is responsible for the enhancement of dielectric constant observed in B-site Ta5+ doped BaTi1-xTaxO3 ceramics. The complex impedance analysis was used to discern the temperature and frequency dependence of grains and grain boundaries responses. The results suggest the application of A- and B-site doped BaTiO3 ceramics in the feld of dielectric devices at low temperatures.