Timosaponin B-Ⅱ Inhibits Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Induction by Lipopolysaccharide in BV2 Cells

Wen-Quan Lu,Wan-Sheng Chen,Yan Qiu,Tie-Jun Li,Xia Tao,Lian-Na Sun 대한약학회 2009 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.32 No.9

It was reported that the total polysaccharides extracts from Anemarrhenae asphodeloides Bge(Liliaceae, rhizome) could inhibit inflammatory responses in various models. In the present study, the effects of Timosaponin B-II, a purified extract from A. asphodeloidesb, on the expressions of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6, the activity of NF-κB and the activation of signal pathway related to NF-κB were explored in vitro. Timosaponin B-Ⅱ significantly attenuated increase of these cytokines on both mRNA and protein levels from LPS-stimulated BV2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The reporter gene assay also showed that the activation of NF-κB induced by LPS was inhibited by pre-treatment with Timosaponin B-Ⅱ. Moreover, western blot results showed that the activation of p38, JNK and P65 had been decreased. These results suggest that both NF-κB signal pathway and MAPK pathway were involved in the inhibitory effects of Timosaponin B-II on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

An analysis for Chinese airport efficiency using weighted variables and adopting CFPR

Wen Lu,Sung Hoon PARK,Tianci HUANG,Gi-tae YEO 한국해운물류학회 2019 The Asian journal of shipping and Logistics Vol.35 No.4

The demands of air services in China have increased significantly in the past 免w decades due to rapid economic growth. Unsurprisingly, huge pressure has been placed on Chinese airports by the increasing demand for air transportation. Hence, it is meaningful to analyze the efficiency of Chinese airports as well as to determine which factors are most vital to improve airport efficiency. To do so, a widely used methodology, the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), which is used for measuring efficiency in multiple areas, has been adopted. By means of the DEA method, the efficiency of 27 Chinese airports during the period from 2014 to 2018 was identified. Nine variables, including six input and three output variables, have been identified. Notably, the integration of the fuzzy MCDM method and the DEA approach proved to be optimal for developing a solid and reliable analysis. Therefore, an integrated CFPR/DEA-Window-AR model was developed to evaluate the airport efficiency of Chinese airports. In addition, a comparison of efficiency levels with and without defined criteria weights was conducted. The results proved that considering weights using the CFPR approach is both practical and reliable.

MEAN-FIELD BACKWARD STOCHASTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS ON MARKOV CHAINS

Lu, Wen,Ren, Yong Korean Mathematical Society 2017 대한수학회보 Vol.54 No.1

In this paper, we deal with a class of mean-field backward stochastic differential equations (BSDEs) related to finite state, continuous time Markov chains. We obtain the existence and uniqueness theorem and a comparison theorem for solutions of one-dimensional mean-field BSDEs under Lipschitz condition.

Deflection prediction for reinforced concrete deep beams

Wen-Yao Lu,Shyh-Jiann Hwang,Ing-Jaung Lin 사단법인 한국계산역학회 2010 Computers and Concrete, An International Journal Vol.7 No.1

A simplified method, developed from the softened strut-and-tie model, for determining the mid-span deflection of deep beams at ultimate state is proposed. The mid-span deflection and shear strength predictions of the proposed model are compared with the experimental data collected from 70 simply supported reinforced concrete deep beams, loaded with concentrated loads located at a distance a from an end reaction. The comparison shows that the proposed model can accurately predict the mid-span deflection and shear strength of deep beams with different shear span-to-depth ratios, different concrete strengths, and different horizontal and vertical hoops.

Calculation of Failure Probability of Caisson Breakwater Considering Correlation between Variables

Lu Wen Qie,최병호,Shi Leng Xie 대한토목학회 2009 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.13 No.1

In the general stochastic space, an asymptotic approximation of failure probability with random variables is presented in this paper. The extended Hasofer-Lind method for reliability index, together with asymptotic approximations of failure probability with correlated variables, is used in the reliability analysis for anti-sliding and anti-overturning of a caisson breakwater. The probability of failure modes of breakwater are carried out for an existing caisson breakwater at Qinhuangdao, China, and the accuracy of calculation result are also validated by comparing with the Level III method. It is shown that the probability of failure calculated by assuming independence of variables is less than that considering correlation among variables.

Behavior of reinforced concrete corbels

Lu, Wen-Yao,Lin, Ing-Jaung Techno-Press 2009 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.33 No.3

Test results of thirteen reinforced concrete corbels with shear span-to-depth ratio greater than unity are reported. The main variables studied were compressive strength of concrete, shear span-to-depth ratio and parameter of vertical stirrups. The test results indicate that the shear strengths of corbels increase with an increase in compressive strength of concrete and parameter of vertical stirrups. The shear strengths of corbels also increase with a decrease in shear span-to-depth ratio. The smaller the shear span-to-depth ratio of corbel, the larger the stiffness and the shear strength of corbel are. The higher the concrete strength of corbel, the higher the stiffness and the shear strength of corbel are. The larger the parameter of vertical stirrups, the larger the stiffness and the shear strength of corbel are. The softened strut-and-tie model for determining the shear strengths of reinforced concrete corbels is modified appropriately in this paper. The shear strengths predicted by the proposed model and the approach of ACI Code are compared with available test results. The comparison shows that the proposed model can predict more accurately the shear strengths of reinforced concrete corbels than the approach of ACI Code.

MEAN-FIELD BACKWARD STOCHASTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS ON MARKOV CHAINS

Wen Lu,Yong Ren 대한수학회 2017 대한수학회보 Vol.54 No.1

In this paper, we deal with a class of mean-field backward stochastic differential equations (BSDEs) related to finite state, continuous time Markov chains. We obtain the existence and uniqueness theorem and a comparison theorem for solutions of one-dimensional mean-field BSDEs under Lipschitz condition.

REFLECTED BSDE DRIVEN BY A LEVY PROCESS WITH STOCHASTIC LIPSCHITZ COEFFICIENT

Wen Lu 한국전산응용수학회 2010 Journal of applied mathematics & informatics Vol.28 No.5

In this paper, we deal with a class of one-dimensional re°ected backward stochastic differential equations driven by a Brownian motion and the martingales of Teugels associated with an independent Levy process having a stochastic Lipschitz coefficient. We derive the existence and uniqueness of solutions for these equations via Snell envelope and the fixed point theorem.

Connection Analysis of Container Ports of the Bohai Rim Economic Circle (BREC)

Wen LU,Sung Hoon PARK,Siwei LIU,Tae Hyun NAM,Gi-tae YEO 한국해운물류학회 2018 The Asian journal of shipping and Logistics Vol.34 No.2

The Bohai Rim Economic Circle (BREC) is an emerging economic area that has been developing rapidly and has benefited from support from the Chinese government; however, due to the unique geographic location and the late start of development, the cargo volumes and capacities of the ports in the Northern Region are comparatively smaller than the Yangtze River Delta, and the Pearl River Delta. To resolve this issue, one effective strategy is to create additional connections with ports and container ports of nearby countries. Consequently, a Social Network Analysis (SNA), including degree centrality, betweenness centrality, and hub and authority centrality, was used to analyze the route networks of the top three ports (ports of Tianjin, Qingdao, and Dalian) of BREC. A list of ports that are highly influential to these three ports in building additional connections to obtain higher cargo volumes is provided.

Network Connection Strategy for Small and Medium-sized Ports (SMPs)

Wen LU,Sung Hoon PARK,Jae Gyuen OH,Gi-tae YEO 한국해운물류학회 2018 The Asian journal of shipping and Logistics Vol.34 No.1

Small and medium-sized ports (SMPs) have been challenged by inadequate capacity and trade volume due to the worldwide economic boom. One of the strategies used to solve this problem is creating new routes with applicable nearby ports. However, the correct and influential ports to connect with must be identified. Hence, we used Social Network Analysis (SNA), including degree centrality, betweenness centrality, and eigenvector centrality, to analyze the maritime container transportation route network of the Port of Incheon in South Korea. Five ports were finalized as candidates after combining the SNA method, local political policies, and the port’s current connection status.