A sigma class glutathione S-transferase gene regulated by the CncC pathway is required for phytochemical tolerance in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum

Gao Shan-shan,Li Dong-yu,Huo Zhuang-kun,Zhang Yong-lei,Cao Yi-zhuo,Tan Yue-yao,Guo Xin-long,Zhang Jia-hao,Zhang Kun-peng,Li Rui-min 한국응용곤충학회 2022 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.25 No.4

Insect glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) play a crucial role in the detoxification of exogenous compounds, especially insecticides and plant allelochemicals. A sigma class GST gene, TcGSTS7, mediates the response to eugenol in Tribolium castaneum. However, the mechanism underlying this effect remains largely unknown. In this study, TcGSTS7, which exhibits a structural motif and domain organization characteristic of GSTs, was cloned from the T. castaneum genome. Spatiotemporal expression analysis revealed that TcGSTS7 was most highly expressed at the late larva stage and was mainly expressed in the fat body and epidermis of larvae and adults, suggesting that TcGSTS7 may play a potential role in the protection against toxic xenobiotics in T. castaneum. Furthermore, the expression of TcGSTS7 was significantly induced after exposure to eugenol, while RNA inter ference (RNAi) targeting TcGSTS7 enhanced the sensitivity of the beetle to eugenol, indicating that TcGSTS7 is involved in the tolerance of T. castaneum to this insecticide. Interestingly, the depletion of TcCncC, which encodes a transcription factor of the CncC pathway that has been associated with the regulation of detoxification-related genes in insects, led to a reduction in the TcGSTS7 transcript level following exposure to eugenol, which suggests that TcGSTS7 acts downstream of the CncC pathway. Combined, these results indicated that TcGSTS7 partici pates in the tolerance of T. castaneum to phytochemicals in a CncC pathway-dependent manner. These findings have implications for the development of novel drugs for use in pest control.

Voltage balance evaluation strategy for DC-port faults in centralized aircraft ground power unit based on three-level neutral point clamped cascaded converter

Peng, Xu,Yu, Le,Gong, Kaiyue,Liu, Xiaohan,Yang, Guolong,Xu, Jiangjun,Zhou, Chao,Gao, Lixia,Zhu, Xinyu The Korean Institute of Power Electronics 2021 JOURNAL OF POWER ELECTRONICS Vol.21 No.8

An aircraft ground power unit (GPU) can replace the auxiliary power unit (APU) in an aircraft while the aircraft is parked at an airport. Therefore, the problems associated with the oil consumption and air pollution of the APU are solved. However, the GPU is faced with challenges in terms of utilization, power quality, and fault tolerance. Thus, a novel centralized aircraft GPU based on a three-level neutral point clamped cascaded converter (3LNPC-CC) is introduced in this paper to improve utilization and power quality. Furthermore, an evaluation voltage balance strategy is proposed for the DC-port fault tolerance of the 3LNPC-CC. In addition, both the modulation of the phase shift pulse width modulation (PSPWM) and the control of the double closed loop are used in the 3LNPC-CC. A simulation platform including the control, modulation, and fault tolerance of the system is established to verify the feasibility and performance of the proposed GPU. In particular, it is used to evaluate the voltage balance strategy for DC-port faults. Moreover, a prototype of the GPU and relevant experiments are completed to verify the correctness and feasibility of the system and the strategy.

Hot Deformation Behaviors and Process Parameters Optimization of Low-Density High-Strength Fe–Mn–Al–C Alloy Steel

Peng Wan,Huixiang Yu,Feng Li,Pengfei Gao,Lei Zhang,Zhengzhi Zhao 대한금속·재료학회 2022 METALS AND MATERIALS International Vol.28 No.10

The hot deformation behavior of low-density high-strength Fe–Mn–Al–C alloy steel at T = 900-1150 °C and ̇ = 0.01-10 s−1was studied by the Gleeble-3500 thermo-mechanical simulator. The rheological stress curve characteristics of the steel wereanalyzed through experimental data, and a physical constitutive model considering strain coupling was established. At thesame time, the finite element software DEFORM was used to calculate the critical damage value of the steel, and the influenceof T and ̇ on the maximum damage value was considered. By introducing the dimensionless parameter Zener–Hollomon, thecritical damage model was established. Finally, the workability of the steel was evaluated by using the intuitive processingmap technology. The results indicated that Fe–Mn–Al–C alloy steel is a positive strain rate-sensitive and a negative temperature-sensitive material, and the constitutive model considering physical parameters can well predict the rheological stress ofthe steel during hot deformation (R = 0.997). The critical damage factor of Fe–Mn–Al–C alloy steel varies with the changeof T and ̇ , and the range is 0.359-0.535. At the same time, the critical damage factor is more sensitive to ̇ . At a constantT, the damage factor decreases with the increase of ̇ . Based on the Prasad instability criterion, the dynamic material modelprocessing map and the microstructure verification after thermal compression, the rheological instability characteristics ofthe steel are mainly mechanical instability and local plastic flow, and the stable deformation area is mainly characterized bydynamic recrystallization. The optimal hot working process window of the steel is 975-1050 °C/0.01-0.032 s−1.

Reinforcement of Waterborne Polyurethane Films with Poly(acrylic acid)-Modified Palygorskite Fibers

Yu Mao,Lingli Ni,Changyou Yang,Peng Cai,Weigang Du,Xiaoyan Gao 한국섬유공학회 2020 Fibers and polymers Vol.21 No.9

Palygorskite (PAL) is a natural fibrous clay mineral which attracted tremendous attention as reinforcing agent topolymers. In this paper, a facile and environmental friendly modification process of PAL by poly acrylic acid (PAA) via insitupolymerization in PAL/water gel has been reported. The effects of PAA modified PAL (PAA-PAL) on the mechanical andthermal properties of waterborne polyurethane (WPU) nanocomposites have been investigated. Scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM) demonstrated that the dispersion of PAL has improved dramatically after PAA modification. Tensile testsshowed that PAA-PAL has a significant reinforcement effect on WPU matrix. Addition of 10 wt% PAA-PAL, the tensilestrength and the Young’s modulus of WPU composites increased 235 % and 388 %, respectively. Furthermore, the thermalstability of WPU also has been distinctly improved via addition of PAA-PAL.

A20 ameliorates disc degeneration by suppressing mTOR/BNIP3 axis-mediated mitophagy

Peng Xin,Zhang Cong,Gao Jia-Wei,Wang Feng,Bao Jun-Ping,Zhou Zhi-Min,Sun Rui,Ji Hang-Yu,VLF Cabral,Wu Xiao-Tao 한국유전학회 2023 Genes & Genomics Vol.45 No.5

Background The pathological mechanism of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is an unanswered question that we are committed to exploring. A20 is an anti-inflammatory protein of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and plays a protective role in intervertebral disc degeneration. Objective This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanism by which A20 attenuates disc degeneration. Methods The proteins of interest were measured by immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, ELISA assay, and immunohistochemical technique to conduct related experiments. Immunofluorescence assays and mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1) were used to assess mitophagy and mitochondrial fitness, respectively. Results Here, we demonstrated that A20 promoted mitophagy, attenuated pyroptosis, and inhibited the degradation of the extracellular matrix, consequently significantly ameliorating disc degeneration. Mechanistically, A20 reduces pyroptosis and further suppresses cellular mTOR activity. On the one hand, A20-induced mTOR inhibition triggers BNIP3-mediated mitophagy to ensure mitochondrial fitness under LPS stimulation, as a result of mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction induced by LPS. On the other hand, A20-induced mTOR inhibition reduces the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and the generation of Mitochondrial ROS. Conclusion The study revealed that A20 promotes BNIP3-mediated mitophagy by suppressing mTOR pathway activation against LPS-induced pyroptosis.

Effect of a Mangosteen Dietary Supplement on Human Immune Function: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Yu-Ping Tang,Peng-Gao Li,Miwako Kondo,Hong-Ping Ji,Yan Kou,Boxin Ou 한국식품영양과학회 2009 Journal of medicinal food Vol.12 No.4

The effect of a mangosteen product containing multivitamins and essential minerals was tested on immune function and well-being in healthy adults. A randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 59 healthy human subjects (40–60 years old). Changes from baseline immune function were measured after a 30-day consumption of the mangosteen product and the placebo. The subjects' self-appraisal of their health status was also surveyed. A xanthone-rich mangosteen product intake increased mean values for peripheral T-helper cell frequency (P=.020) and reduced the serum C-reactive protein concentration (P=.014). Increases in peripheral CD4/CD8 double-positive (DP) T-cell frequency and serum complement C3, C4, and interleukin (IL)-1α concentrations were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the placebo group (DP, P=.038; C3, P=.017; C4, P=.031; IL-1α, P=.006). At the end of study, serum IL-1α and IL-1β concentrations in the study group were significantly higher than that in the placebo group (IL-1α, P=.033; IL-1β, P=.04). Furthermore, more participants in the experimental group reported greatly improved overall health status compared with participants receiving placebo (P=.001). The results indicated that the intake of an antioxidant-rich product significantly enhanced immune responses and improved the subject's self-appraisal on his or her overall health status.

Reciprocating magnetorheological polishing method for borosilicate glass surface smoothness

Peng Zhang,Yu Zhen Dong,Hyoung Jin Choi,Chul-Hee Lee,Yong-Sheng Gao 한국공업화학회 2020 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.84 No.-

A new reciprocating magnetorheological (MR) method for polishing aflat borosilicate glass surface isproposed. A reciprocating MR polishing tester was designed to polish borosilicate glass, in whichsupplying MR polishingfluid uniformly could yield aflatter surface on the workpiece. The MR polishingfluid was prepared according to specific test requirements and the rheological properties andprecipitation rate were measured. The mechanism for polishing borosilicate glass was evaluated furtherby analyzing the surface morphology and surface profile. The transparency of the glass surface wasenhanced with an improvement of surface quality with pre-processing and reciprocating MR polishingprocess. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the reciprocating MR polishing method, whichcould be used for polishing borosilicate glass.

The facile preparation of Cu–Zn–Al oxide composite catalysts with high stability and performance for the production of dimethyl ether using modified aluminum alkoxide

Peng Wanga,Wei Huang,GuangZhi Zhang,Zhi-hua Gao,Yu Tang,Kai Sun,XiaoYu Zhang 한국공업화학회 2015 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.26 No.-

Modified aluminum alkoxide prepared by alcoholysis was used as an aluminum source in the complete liquid-phase technology for the preparation of slurry catalysts. The use of the modified aluminum alkoxide afforded control over the rate of the hydrolysis/condensation reactions during the preparation of the catalyst precursors, thereby generating catalysts with a fine nano-structured active metal and metallic oxide particles. Four types of Cu–Zn–Al (molar ratio is 2:1:4) catalysts were prepared using different procedures. These catalysts were tested for CO hydrogenation at 553 K, 4.0 MPa and H2/ CO = 1.0 in a kettle with a mechanical agitator. The results indicated that the activity of the catalysts was greatly dependent on the rate of the hydrolysis/condensation reactions, and the catalyst with the best catalytic performance was obtained by controlling the hydrolysis/alcoholysis rate during catalyst synthesis by pre-alcoholysis of AIP as the aluminum source, over which the CO conversion and dimethyl ether selectivity could reach 62.6% and 62.5%, respectively.

Case Study On The Seismic Design Strategy For Post-Quake Functional Buildings In China

Peng Liu,Xue Li,Yu Cheng,Xiaoyu Gao,Jinai Zhang,Yongbin Liu Council on Tall Building and Urban Habitat Korea 2023 International journal of high-rise buildings Vol.12 No.3

In response to China's "Regulations on the Management of Earthquake Resistance of Building Constructions" on the provision of eight types of important buildings to maintain functional after fortified earthquakes occur, "Guidelines for Seismic Design of post-quake functional buildings (Draft for Review)" distinguishes Class I and Class II buildings, and gives the performance objectives and seismic verification requirements for design earthquakes and severe earthquakes respectively. In this paper, a hospital and a school building are selected as examples to design according to the requirements of fortification of Intensity 8 and 7 respectively. Two design strategies, the seismic isolation scheme and energy dissipation scheme, are considered which are evaluated through elastic-plastic dynamic time-history analysis to meet the requirement of post-quake functional buildings. The results show that the seismic isolation design can meet the requirements in the above cases, and the energy dissipation scheme is difficult to meet the requirements of the "Guidelines" on floor acceleration in some cases, for which the scheme shall be made valid through the seismic resilience assessment. The research in this paper can provide a reference for designers to choose schemes for post-quake functional buildings.

Knockdown of HMGN5 Expression by RNA Interference Induces Cell Cycle Arrest in Human Lung Cancer Cells

Chen, Peng,Wang, Xiu-Li,Ma, Zhong-Sen,Xu, Zhong,Jia, Bo,Ren, Jin,Hu, Yu-Xin,Zhang, Qing-Hua,Ma, Tian-Gang,Yan, Bing-Di,Yan, Qing-Zhu,Li, Yan-Lei,Li, Zhen,Yu, Jin-Yan,Gao, Rong,Fan, Na,Li, Bo,Yang, Jun Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.7

HMGN5 is a typical member of the HMGN (high mobility group nucleosome-binding protein) family which may function as a nucleosomal binding and transcriptional activating protein. Overexpression of HMGN5 has been observed in several human tumors but its role in tumorigenesis has not been fully clarified. To investigate its significance for human lung cancer progression, we successfully constructed a shRNA expression lentiviral vector in which sense and antisense sequences targeting the human HMGN5 were linked with a 9-nucleotide loop. Inhibitory effects of siRNA on endogenous HMGN5 gene expression and protein synthesis were demonstrated via real-time RT-PCR and western blotting. We found HMGN5 silencing to significantly inhibit A549 and H1299 cell proliferation assessed by MTT, BrdU incorporation and colony formation assays. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis showed that specific knockdown of HMGN5 slowed down the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase and decreased the populations of A549 and H1299 cells at the S and G2/M phases. Taken together, these results suggest that HMGN5 is directly involved in regulation cell proliferation in A549 and H1299 cells by influencing signaling pathways involved in cell cycle progression. Thus, our finding suggests that targeting HMGN5 may be an effective strategy for human lung cancer treatment.