Aetiology and Progression of Construction Disputes towards a Predictive Model

Peipei Wang,Lihan Zhang,Kun Wang,Peter Fenn 대한토목학회 2021 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.25 No.4

Construction projects are at risk of dispute. Dispute prevention is thus expected to avoid that cost. This paper aims to establish a model predicting the occurrence of disputes and identifying strategies regarding resource allocation in dispute avoidance. Factors in the model were identified by a literature review and conceptualised into aetiology and progression of dispute formation based on an analogy with epidemiological investigations. The model structure was established upon this analogy, validated against Bradford Hill criteria, and then quantified by conducting a Bayesian network analysis with samples returned from a questionnaire survey. The model shows high accuracy rates with both complete and incomplete input data. Finally, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to simulate the results of potential management measures available to be taken. This predictive model not only serves the prediction function but also traces back to factors causing disputes, and hence can be used to assist decision making before and during a construction process. At the centre of the model sits the causal mechanism investigation, but the existing methods only shed lights on correlational research without causal consideration. This paper devised an epidemiological investigation which covers from causal proposition to causal examination and contributes greatly to model establishment.

Establishment and Application of Target Gene Disruption System in Saccharomyces boulardii

Longjiang Wang,Hui Sun,Jie Zhang,Qing Liu,Tiantian Wang,Peipei Chen,Hongmei Li,Yihong Xiao,Fangkun Wang,Xiaomin Zhao 한국생물공학회 2015 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.20 No.1

Saccharomyces boulardii is the best knownprobiotic yeast, widely used as a therapeutic agent for thetreatment or prevention of diarrhea and intestine disorders. In the present work, we established a target gene disruptionsystem for S. boulardii based on the Cre-loxP system usedfor S. cerevisiae and other fungi by screening out selectionmarkers, working out the transformation method, andconstructing essential plasmids for S. boulardii. Theestablished system was successfully applied to the URA3gene disruption and created an ura3 null mutant strain ofS. boulardii. The system can be used for PCR mediatedgene disruption, cloning mediated gene disruption, andreintroduction of the deleted gene back to the mutant. Allthe introduced exogenous DNAs in the gene disruptionprocedures were removed from the final mutant strainexcept the two 34 bp loxP pieces left in deleted gene loci.

Dose-Response Relationship between Alanine Aminotransferase Levels within the Reference Interval and Metabolic Syndrome in Chinese Adults

Peipei Wu,Shumei Wang,Qicai Chen,Lili Chen,Pengpeng Zhang,Juan Xiao,Xiaoxiao Chen,Meng Liu 연세대학교의과대학 2017 Yonsei medical journal Vol.58 No.1

Purpose: Elevation in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels is a biomarker for metabolic syndrome (MS); however, the relationshiphas not been fully investigated within the reference interval of ALT levels. Our objective was to explore the relationship between serum ALT levels within the reference interval and MS in Chinese adults. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 16028 adults, who attended routine health check-ups at Shengli OilfieldCentral Hospital from January 2006 to March 2012. The reference interval of serum ALT level was defined as less than 40 U/L. Logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline were used to evaluate the association of ALT with MS. Results: The prevalence of MS in the total population was 13.7% (6.4% for females and 18.4% for males). Multiple logistic regressionshowed that ALT levels were positively associated with MS after adjustment for potential confounding factors. The odds ratio of MS in the top quartile was 4.830 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.980–7.829] in females and 3.168 (95% CI: 2.649–3.790) in males, compared with the ALT levels in the bottom quartile. The restricted cubic spline models revealed a positive non-linear dose-response relationship between ALT levels and the risk of MS in women (p for nonlinearity was 0.0327), but a positive linear dose-response relationship in men (p for nonlinearity was 0.0659). Conclusion: Serum ALT levels within the reference interval are positively associated with MS in a dose-response manner. ElevatedALT levels, even within the reference interval, may reflect early dysmetabolic changes.

Dynamic Metro Stations Importance Evaluation Based on Network Topology and Real-Time Passenger Flows

Peipei Peng,Zhao Liu,Jianhua Guo,Chao Wang 대한토목학회 2023 KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering Vol.27 No.10

Identifying the importance of metro stations is crucial for enhancing the efficiency and safety of the urban rail transit system. This study proposes an integrated approach to evaluate the importance of metro stations based on jointly the static metro network topology and the dynamic real-time passenger flows. The static characteristics of metro stations are reflected through node degree and clustering coefficient of metro network topology based on the complex network theory. The dynamic characteristics of metro stations are assessed using the passenger flow time series, which were modeled using the autoregressive integrated moving average plus autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity model (i.e., ARIMA+GARCH model). By combining the static and dynamic characteristics of metro stations, a comprehensive index is proposed to quantify the importance of metro stations. The integrated approach is tested using metro network and passenger flow data collected from Suzhou, China. The resultsindicate that compared with the topology analysis, the passenger flows could strengthen the importance of transfer stations and their neighboring stations. Especially for the loop lines that formed by the intersection of two or more lines within the network, the importance index of metro stations within these loop lines is inversely proportional to the number of stations in the loop. It indicates that as a metro network continues to expand with the addition of new lines and stations, this is a high likelihood of increased concentration of importance with the network. The concentration of importance in the metro network can be attributed to the emergence of highly connected loop lines that facilitate efficient movement of passengers.

Intensity modulation of the population of atomic excited states by using near-infrared femtosecond laser pulses

Xin Peipei,Wang Hanmu 한국물리학회 2021 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.78 No.9

We have theoretically investigated the modulation structures of the excited-state population of an argon atom exposed to a linearly polarized 800-nm laser pulse in the tunneling region. The numerical result identifies a nearly opposite phase modulation structure between the low-lying n = 4–7 states and over all higher n > 7 states. This phase-dependent alternating population phenomenon is found to be related to the periodic channel-closing effect that results from ac-Stark-shifted multiphoton resonances. Moreover, the angular momentum states attributed to different parities have a similar alternating effect, which confirms a multiphoton process in the tunneling region. We introduce a mechanism of two-photon Λ-type Raman transitions involving Rydberg and continuum states with a simultaneous redistribution of states to account successfully for this observed out-of-phase angular momentum state population.

Epigenetic inactivation of ACAT1 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition of clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Han Peipei,Wu Shu,Li Limei,Li Danping,Zhao Jun,Zhang Haishan,Wang Yifang,Zhong Xuemin,Zhang Zhe,Li Ping,Matskova Liudmila,Zhou Xiaoying 한국유전학회 2022 Genes & Genomics Vol.44 No.4

Background: Acetyl-CoA acyltransferase 1 (ACAT1) is a key enzyme catalyzing the production of mitochondrial ketone bodies. We have shown that ACAT1 is down-regulated in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) previously. Objective: To investigate the reasons for downregulation of ACAT1 in KIRC and explore the underlying mechanisms involved in metastatic inhibition regulated by ACAT1. Methods: The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was queried for meta-analysis of ACAT1 mRNA expression in KIRC. The UALCAN website was used to compare the methylation levels of the ACAT1 promoter region in KIRC and normal tissues. RT-qPCR was used to quantitate ACAT1 transcription levels. The GCBI and Tarbase V.8 databases were used to predict miRNAs that may target the mRNA of ACAT1. The correlation between mRNA expression of ACAT1, MMP7 (matrix metallopeptidase 7), CDH1 (E-cadherin), EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule), and VIM (vimentin) was analyzed. Extracellular MMP7 protein was quantitated using an ELISA assay. Results: The methylation level of the ACAT1 promoter region in KIRC was significantly higher than that in the normal kidney tissues. The ACAT1 mRNA expression in the KIRC cell lines was restored after treatment with 5-aza-dC (p < 0.05). MiR-21-5p is a conserved microRNA targeting ACAT1. It is expressed at a significantly higher level in KIRC than in normal tissues (p < 0.001). MiR-21-5p miRNA expression negatively correlates with ACAT1 mRNA expression. The expression of miR-21-5p is higher at the T3-T4 stages and in the histologic grades G3-G4. Patients with high miR-21-5p expression tended to have lower overall survival, suggesting that miR-21-5p could serve as a potentially valuable diagnostic biomarker for KIRC (AUC = 0.957; p < 0.001). A mimetic of miR-21-5p inhibited the expression of ACAT1 mRNA and protein. In addition, ACAT1 mRNA expression positively correlates with CDH1 and EpCAM but is negatively correlated with VIM. Overexpression of ACAT1 suppresses the secretion of MMP7 in KIRC cells. Conclusion: Expression of ACAT1 in KIRC is controlled at two levels, firstly by the hypermethylation of the ACAT1 promoter region and secondly by overexpression of miR-21-5p. Downregulation of ACAT1 expression correlates with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

Antimicrobial Aflatoxins from the Marine-Derived Fungus Aspergillus flavus 092008

Hui Wang,Wei-Ming Zhu,Zhenyu Lu,Hai-Jun Qu,Peipei Liu,Chengdu Miao,Tonghan Zhu,Jing Li,Kui Hong 대한약학회 2012 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.35 No.8

A new aflatoxin, aflatoxin B2b (1), together with six known compounds, were isolated from the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus flavus 092008 endogenous with the mangrove plant Hibiscus tiliaceus (Malvaceae). The structure of 1 was determined by the spectroscopic and chemical methods. Compound 1 exhibited a moderate antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Enterobacter aerogenes, with MIC values of 22.5, 1.7 and 1.1 μM, respectively. Compound 1 also showed a weak cytotoxicity against A549, K562 and L-02 cell lines, with IC50 values of 8.1, 2.0 and 4.2 μM, respectively. The results showed that hydration and hydrogenation of Δ8-double bond significantly reduces the cytotoxicity of aflatoxins, while the esterification at C-8 increases the cytotoxicity.

Proteomic analysis of Cry1Ac and Cry2Aa binding proteins in brush border membrane vesicles of the Chilo suppressalis midgut

Lin Qiu,Peipei Wang,Boyao Zhang,Lang Liu,Xiaoping Wang,Chaoliang Lei,Yongjun Lin,Weihua Ma 한국응용곤충학회 2017 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.20 No.4

Transgenic rice expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry1Ac and Cry2Aa toxins have proven resistant to lepidopteran pests in China, including the striped stem borer, Chilo suppressalis. Identifying the molecular mechanisms through which Cry toxins affect insect pests is essential, both for understanding the nature of their toxicity, and for assessing the potential for the development of resistance to such toxins. In this study, both onedimensional gel electrophoresis (1-DE), combined ligand blots and mass spectrometry, were used to identify proteins binding to the Cry1Ac and Cry2Aa toxins in brush border membrane vesicles (BBMVs) of the C. suppressalis larvae midgut. Aminopeptidase-N (APN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cadherin-like (CAD), ATP-binding cassette transporter subfamily C1 protein (ABCC1), actin, ATPase, alpha amylase, and heat shock protein cognate (HSPC), were detected in Cry1Ac binding bands, and APN, actin, ATPase and HSPC were identified as Cry2Aa potential binding proteins. The novel potential binding protein, delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase, was also detected in both Cry1Ac and Cry2Aa binding bands. This is the first study to comprehensively identify the proteins that bind to Cry1Ac and Cry2Aa toxins in C. suppressalis.

Inactivation of epithelial sodium ion channel molecules serves as effective diagnostic biomarkers in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Zheng Qian,Wang Yifang,Zhao Ran,Han Peipei,Zhao Jun,Li Limei,Zhou Xiaohui,Li Ping,Mo Yingxi,Pan Xinli,Luo Wenqi,Zhou Xiaoying 한국유전학회 2023 Genes & Genomics Vol.45 No.7

Background Non-voltage-gated sodium channel, also known as the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), formed by heteromeric complexes consisting of SCNN1A, SCNN1B, and SCNN1G, is responsible for maintaining sodium ion and body fluid homeostasis in epithelial cells. However, no systematic study of SCNN1 family members has been conducted in renal clear cell carcinoma (ccRCC) to date. Objective To investigate the abnormal expression of SCNN1 family in ccRCC and its potential correlation with clinical parameters. Methods The transcription and protein expression levels of SCNN1 family members in ccRCC were analyzed based on the TCGA database, and were confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining assays, respectively. The area under curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of SCNN1 family members for ccRCC patients. Results The mRNA and protein expression of SCNN1 family members was significantly downregulated in ccRCC compared with normal kidney tissues, which might be due to DNA hypermethylation in the promoter region. It is worth noting that the AUC of SCNN1A, SCNN1B, and SCNN1G were 0.965, 0.979, and 0.988 based on the TCGA database (p < 0.0001), respectively. The diagnostic value was even higher when combing these three members together (AUC = 0.997, p < 0.0001). Intriguingly, the mRNA level of SCNN1A was significantly lower in females compared with males, while SCNN1B and SCNN1G were increased with the progression of ccRCC and remarkably associated with a worse outcome for patients. Conclusion The aberrantly decrease of SCNN1 family members might serve as valuable biomarkers for the diagnosis of ccRCC.

Laboratory Investigations on Geotechnical Characteristics of Albumen Treated Loess Soil

Chia Zarei,Fangtong Wang,Pu Qiu,Peipei Fang,Yong Liu 대한토목학회 2022 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.26 No.2

An environmental improvement method using albumen, which is convenient, cost-effective, rapid and environmentally friendly, has been used for soil stabilization. In this research, the improvement influence of albumen added in various percentages to loess soil was investigated. Atterberg limits and compaction test were performed to study the influence of albumen on the soil. In addition, oedometer test and compression and extension triaxial tests were conducted to analyze geotechnical characteristics of the soil after treatment. From an engineering perspective, compression and extension strength of soils stabilized with 2% albumen at confining pressure of 200 kPa were 1.47 and 0.122 times larger than that of untreated soils, respectively. In all treated specimens, secant deformation modulus versus albumen content displayed higher values than untreated specimens, it means that deformability of treated specimens is less than untreated soil. In undrained compression test maximum pore water pressure decreased in treating specimens. Also, pore water pressure in extension triaxial test changed from negative to a positive value when treating the specimen with 2% albumen at confining pressure of 200 kPa. Treated specimens are shown more stable structure in comparison with untreated specimens. The behavior of the specimens changed to be more dilative, especially, in treating specimens with 2% albumen. Furthermore, settlement of the treated specimens decreased compared with untreated specimens. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images presented less porous and denser soil structure on the surface of treated specimens. Albumen additive can be implemented as a soil stabilizer in geotechnical projects.