Synthesis and Solution Properties of Zwitterionic Copolymer of Acrylamide with 3-[(2-Acrylamido)dimethylammonio]propanesulfonate

Hui Xiao,Jing Hu,Shuailin Jin,Rui Hai Li 대한화학회 2013 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.34 No.9

A novel zwitterionic monomer 3-[(2-acrylamido)dimethylammonio]propanesulfonate (DMADAS) was designed and synthesized in this study. Then it was polymerized with acrylamide (AM) by free radical polymerization in 0.5 mol/L NaCl solution with ammonium persulfate ((NH4)2S2O8) and sodium sulfate (NaHSO3) as initiator. The structure and composition of DMADAS and acrylamide-3-[(2-acrylamido)- dimethylammonio]propanesulfonate copolymer (P-AM-DMADAS) were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, 1H NMR and elemental analyses. Isoelectric point (IEP) of P-AM-DMADAS was tested by nanoparticle size and potential analyzer. Solution properties of copolymer were studied by reduced viscosity. Antipolyelectrolyte behavior was observed and was found to be enhanced with increasing DMADAS content in copolymer. The results showed that the viscosity of P-AM-DMADAS is 5.472 dl/g in pure water. Electrolyte was added, which weakened the mutual attraction between sulfonic acid group and quaternary ammonium group. The conformation became loose, which led to the increase of reduced viscosity. The ability of monovalent and divalent cation influencing the viscosity of zwitterionic copolymer obeyed the following sequence: Li+ < Na+ < K+, Mg2+ < Ca2+ < Ba2+, and that of anion is in the order: Cl− < Br− < I−, CO3 2− > SO3 2− ≈ SO4 2−.

User-expected price-based demand response algorithm for a home-to-grid system

Li, Xiao Hui,Hong, Seung Ho Elsevier 2014 ENERGY Vol.64 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Demand response algorithms can cut peak energy use, driving energy conservation and enabling renewable energy sources, as well as reducing greenhouse-gas emissions. The use of these technologies is becoming increasingly popular, especially in smart-grid scenarios. We describe a home-to-grid demand response algorithm, which introduces a UEP (“user-expected price”) as an indicator of differential pricing in dynamic domestic electricity tariffs, and exploits the modern smart-grid infrastructure to respond to these dynamic pricing structures. By comparing the UEP with real-time utility price data, the algorithm can discriminate high-price hours and low-price hours, and automatically schedule the operation of home appliances, as well as control an energy-storage system to store surplus energy during low-price hours for consumption during high-price hours. The algorithm uses an exponential smoothing model to predict the required energy of appliances, and uses Bayes' theorem to calculate the probability that appliances will demand power at a given time based on historic energy-usage data. Simulation results using pricing structures from the Ameren Illinois power company show that the proposed algorithm can significantly reduce or even eliminate peak-hour energy consumption, leading to a reduction in the overall domestic energy costs of up to 39%.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Introduce a UEP (“user-expected price”) as an indicator of differential pricing in dynamic domestic electricity tariffs. </LI> <LI> Discriminate high-price hours and low-price hours, and automatically schedule the operation of home appliances. </LI> <LI> Control an energy-storage system to store surplus energy during low-price hours for consumption during high-price hours. </LI> <LI> Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can significantly reduce or even eliminate peak-hour energy consumption. </LI> </UL> </P>

Phthalocyanines as medicinal photosensitizers: Developments in the last five years

Li, Xingshu,Zheng, Bing-De,Peng, Xiao-Hui,Li, Song-Zi,Ying, Jia-Wen,Zhao, Yuanyuan,Huang, Jian-Dong,Yoon, Juyoung Elsevier 2019 Coordination Chemistry Reviews Vol.379 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Owing to their high extinction coefficients, long absorption wavelengths, and modification tunable photophysical and photochemical properties, phthalocyanines (Pcs) have been widely used as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Advances made in the past five years on the development of Pcs as medicinal photosensitizers are reviewed and the main design considerations for medicinal applications of these substances are discussed.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Recent progresses made in the development of phthalocyanines for photodynamic therapy are outlined. </LI> <LI> Representative water-soluble phthalocyanines are presented. </LI> <LI> Main targeting strategies are discussed. </LI> <LI> Future challenges are also presented. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

SPON2 Promotes M1-like Macrophage Recruitment and Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis by Distinct Integrin–Rho GTPase–Hippo Pathways

Zhang, Yan-Li,Li, Qing,Yang, Xiao-Mei,Fang, Fang,Li, Jun,Wang, Ya-Hui,Yang, Qin,Zhu, Lei,Nie, Hui-Zhen,Zhang, Xue-Li,Feng, Ming-Xuan,Jiang, Shu-Heng,Tian, Guang-Ang,Hu, Li-Peng,Lee, Ho-Young,Lee, Su-J American Association for Cancer Research 2018 Cancer research Vol.78 No.9

<P>Matricellular protein SPON2 acts as an HCC suppressor and utilizes distinct signaling events to perform dual functions in HCC microenvironment.</P><P>Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) represent key regulators of the complex interplay between cancer and the immune microenvironment. Matricellular protein SPON2 is essential for recruiting lymphocytes and initiating immune responses. Recent studies have shown that SPON2 has complicated roles in cell migration and tumor progression. Here we report that, in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), SPON2 not only promotes infiltration of M1-like macrophages but also inhibits tumor metastasis. SPON2-α4β1 integrin signaling activated RhoA and Rac1, increased F-actin reorganization, and promoted M1-like macrophage recruitment. F-Actin accumulation also activated the Hippo pathway by suppressing LATS1 phosphorylation, promoting YAP nuclear translocation, and initiating downstream gene expression. However, SPON2-α5β1 integrin signaling inactivated RhoA and prevented F-actin assembly, thereby inhibiting HCC cell migration; the Hippo pathway was not noticeably involved in SPON2-mediated HCC cell migration. In HCC patients, SPON2 levels correlated positively with prognosis. Overall, our findings provide evidence that SPON2 is a critical factor in mediating the immune response against tumor cell growth and migration in HCC.</P><P><B>Significance:</B> Matricellular protein SPON2 acts as an HCC suppressor and utilizes distinct signaling events to perform dual functions in HCC microenvironment.</P><P><B>Graphical Abstract:</B> http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/78/9/2305/F1.large.jpg. <I>Cancer Res; 78(9); 2305–17. ©2018 AACR</I>.</P><P><B>Graphical Abstract</B></P><P> [Figure]</P>

Radiosensitivity Enhancement by Arsenic Trioxide in Conjunction with Hyperthermia in the EC-1 Esophageal Carcinoma Cell Line

Cui, Yan-Hui,Liang, Hai-Jun,Zhang, Qing-Qin,Li, Si-Qing,Li, Xiao-Rui,Huo, Xiao-Qing,Yang, Qing-Hui,Li, Wei-Wei,Gu, Jian-Fa,Hua, Qin-Liang,Lu, Ping,Miao, Zhan-Hui Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.4

Objective: To explore the effect on radiosensitivity of arsenic trioxide ($As_20_3$) in conjunction with hyperthermia on the esophageal carcinoma EC-1 cell line. Method: Inhibition of EC-1 cell proliferation at different concentrations of $As_20_3$ was assessed using the methyl thiazolyl blue colorimetric method (MTT method), with calculation of $IC_{50}$ value and choice of 20% of the $IC_{50}$ as the experimental drug concentration. Blank control, $As_20_3$, hyperthermia, radiotherapy group, $As_20_3$ + hyperthermia, $As_20_3$ + radiotherapy, hyperthermia + radiotherapy and $As_20_3$ + hyperthermia + radiotherapy groups were established, and the cell survival fraction (SF) was calculated from flat panel colony forming analysis, and fitted by the 'multitarget click mathematical model'. Flow cytometry (FCM) was used to detect changes in cell apoptosis and the cell cycle. Results: $As_20_3$ exerted inhibitory effects on proliferation of esophageal carcinoma EC-1 cells, with an $IC_{50}$ of 18.7 ${\mu}mol/L$. After joint therapy of $As_20_3$ + hyperthermia + radiotherapy, the results of FCM showed that cells could be arrested in the $G_2$/M phase, and as the ratio of cells in $G_0/G_1$ and S phases decreased, cell death became more pronounced. Conclusion: $As_20_3$ and hyperthermia exert radiosensitivity effects on esophageal carcinoma EC-1 cells, with synergy in combination. Mechanistically, $As_20_3$ and hyperthermia mainly influence the cell cycle distribution of EC-1 esophageal carcinoma cells, decreasing the repair of sublethal damage and inducing apoptosis, thereby enhancing the killing effects of radioactive rays.

Properties of an AlGaN/AlN Distributed-Bragg-reflector Structure

Li-Li Zhang,Zhan-Hui Liu,Xiao-Gu Huang,Qing-Fang Li,Rong Zhang,Zi-Li Xie,Xiang-Qian Xiu 한국물리학회 2014 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.65 No.7

An AlGaN/AlN distributed-Bragg-reflector (DBR) structure with a high Al content was grown byusing plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PA-MBE). The properties of the sample were characterizedby using the transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution X-ray diffraction, atomicforce microscopy, and reflectivity spectrum measurements. The reciprocal space mapping analysisindicated that the strain in the AlGaN layers was partially relaxed. The morphology of the DBRexhibited a surface covered by grains (average size of about 130 nm), and the surface roughness wasabout 2 nm. The spectral measurements showed that the DBR structure presented a peak reflectivityof 68.8% at the center wavelength of 247 nm, which indicated that this DBR structure couldwork in the deep solar-blind UV region with acceptable reflectivity. However, the optical propertiesof the DBR structure were deteriorated by the fluctuation of the Al composition, non-uniformity ofthe layer thickness, the blurry, rough interface in the DBR structure, and so on.

Synthesis and Solution Properties of Zwitterionic Copolymer of Acrylamide with 3-[(2-Acrylamido)dimethylammonio]propanesulfonate

Xiao, Hui,Hu, Jing,Jin, Shuailin,Li, Rui Hai Korean Chemical Society 2013 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.34 No.9

A novel zwitterionic monomer 3-[(2-acrylamido)dimethylammonio]propanesulfonate (DMADAS) was designed and synthesized in this study. Then it was polymerized with acrylamide (AM) by free radical polymerization in 0.5 mol/L NaCl solution with ammonium persulfate ($(NH_4)_2S_2O_8$) and sodium sulfate ($NaHSO_3$) as initiator. The structure and composition of DMADAS and acrylamide-3-[(2-acrylamido)-dimethylammonio]propanesulfonate copolymer (P-AM-DMADAS) were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, $^1H$ NMR and elemental analyses. Isoelectric point (IEP) of P-AM-DMADAS was tested by nanoparticle size and potential analyzer. Solution properties of copolymer were studied by reduced viscosity. Antipolyelectrolyte behavior was observed and was found to be enhanced with increasing DMADAS content in copolymer. The results showed that the viscosity of P-AM-DMADAS is 5.472 dl/g in pure water. Electrolyte was added, which weakened the mutual attraction between sulfonic acid group and quaternary ammonium group. The conformation became loose, which led to the increase of reduced viscosity. The ability of monovalent and divalent cation influencing the viscosity of zwitterionic copolymer obeyed the following sequence: $Li^+$ < $Na^+$ < $K^+$, $Mg^{2+}$ < $Ca^{2+}$ < $Ba^{2+}$, and that of anion is in the order: $Cl^-$ < $Br^-$ < $I^-$, $CO{_3}^{2-}$ > $SO{_3}^{2-}{\approx}SO{_4}^{2-}$.

Identification of QTLs associated with heat tolerance at the heading and flowering stage in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Li, Mao-mao,Li, Xia,Yu, Li-qin,Wu, Jin-wen,Li, Hui,Liu, Jin,Ma, Xiao-ding,Jo, Su-min,Park, Dong-Soo,Song, Youchun,Shin, Dongjin,Han, Long-zhi Springer-Verlag 2018 Euphytica Vol.214 No.4

Chinese herbal injections for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A narrative review

Xiao-Bin Zhu,Meng Guo,Zhi-Hui Zhang,Li-Hua Sun,Lei Liu,Li-Juan Zhou,Chun-Lei Shan,Yi Yang,Lian-Di Kan,Liu-Cheng Li 한국한의학연구원 2021 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.10 No.4

Background The outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused more than 180 million infections and 3.9 million deaths. To date, emerging clinical evidence has shown the synergetic benefits of Chinese herbal injections in treating this contagious respiratory disease. This review aims to summarize and analyze the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal injections in the therapy of COVID-19. Methods The literature from 3 electronic databases, PubMed, CNKI, and Web of Science, were searched using the search terms “COVID-19”, “SARS-CoV-2”, “traditional Chinese medicine”, “herb”, “herbal”, and “injection”. Then the identified articles were comprehensively evaluated. Results Limited data demonstrated that Chinese herbal injections could significantly improve the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients, especially in combination with conventional treatment strategies. The benefits of which were mainly associated with the relief of symptoms, prevention of secondary infection, regulation of inflammation and immune function. There was also evidence showing the inhibitory effects on SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro. Nevertheless, available real-world data suggested the increased risk of adverse event. Furthermore, the defects of existing researches and the insights for discovering novel antiviral drugs were prospectively discussed. Conclusion Evidence-based advances revealed that Chinese herbal injections such as XueBiJing injection and ShenMai injection, exerted potent effects against COVID-19. Further laboratory researches and clinical evaluation are needed to gather scientific evidence on the efficacy and safety.

Synthesis of Phosphorous Phenanthrene/L-Tryptophan Flame Retardant for Enhanced Flame Retardancy of Epoxy Resins

Li Li,Fenglin Hua,Hui Xi,Jing Yang,Ting Xiao,Rui Zuo,Xueqing Xu,Zhiwang Yang,Ziqiang Lei 한국고분자학회 2022 Macromolecular Research Vol.30 No.12

A new type of phosphorus-containing intrinsic flame retardant was prepared with L-tryptophan (L-Trp) and 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphorbenzophenanthrene- 10-oxide (DOPO) as the main components. The Schiff base from the reaction of 1,4-terephthalaldehyde and L-tryptophan provides active sites, and then the phosphorous compound, DOPO, is successfully introduced into the Schiff base to synthesize L-Trp-DOPO flame retardant. The intrinsic flame retardant property of LTrp- DOPO comes from the reaction of carbonyl groups and the epoxy groups in epoxy resin (EP) matrix. The prepared L-Trp-DOPO flame retardant can efficiently improve the flame retardancy and smoke suppression of the base material of EP. Cone calorimetric test (CCT) of EP/L-Trp-DOPO composite material was carried out. The data showed that the peak heat release rate (pk-HRR) value was reduced by 50.8% (from 1459 kW/m2 to 717 kW/m2), the THR value reduced by 78.3%, and the limiting oxygen index (LOI) value was increased by 24%. The addition of new flame retardant greatly reduced the release of toxic CO gas. The flame retardant mechanism was explored, and it can be found that after thermal decomposition of L-Trp- DOPO a dense carbon layer can be produced to isolate the fire source. In addition, during the combustion process, L-Trp-DOPO will produce phosphorus-containing free radicals which will quench the active free radicals in the gas phase and dilute the combustible gas. The prepared L-Trp-DOPO flame retardant has a flame retardant effect in both the condensed phase and the gas phase during the combustion process.