Molecular and Biochemical Characterization of a Novel Intracellular Low-Temperature-Active Xylanase

( Jun Pei Zhou,),( Yan Yan Dong ),( Xiang Hua Tang ),( Jun Jun Li ),( Bo Xu ),( Qian Wu ),( Ya Jie Gao ),( Lu Pan ),( Zun Xi Huang ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2012 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.22 No.4

A 990 bp full-length gene (xynAHJ2) encoding a 329- residue polypeptide (XynAHJ2) with a calculated mass of 38.4 kDa was cloned from Bacillus sp. HJ2 harbored in a saline soil. XynAHJ2 showed no signal peptide, distinct amino acid stretches of glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 10 intracellular endoxylanases, and the highest amino acid sequence identity of 65.3% with the identified GH 10 intracellular mesophilic endoxylanase iM-KRICT PX1-Ps from Paenibacillus sp. HPL-001 (ACJ06666). The recombinant enzyme (rXynAHJ2) was expressed in Escherichia coli and displayed the typical characteristics of low-temperatureactive enzyme (exhibiting optimum activity at 35 o C, 62% at 20 o C, and 38% at 10 o C; thermolability at ≥45 o C). Compared with the reported GH 10 low-temperature-active endoxylanases, which are all extracellular, rXynAHJ2 showed low amino acid sequence identities (<45%), low homology (different phylogenetic cluster), and difference of structure (decreased amount of total accessible surface area and exposed nonpolar accessible surface area). Compared with the reported GH 10 intracellular endoxylanases, which are all mesophilic and thermophilic, rXynAHJ2 has decreased numbers of arginine residues and salt bridges, and showed resistance to Ni 2+ , Ca 2+ , or EDTA at 10 mM final concentration. The above mechanism of structural adaptation for low-temperature activity of intracellular endoxylanase rXynAHJ2 is different from that of GH 10 extracellular low-temperature-active endoxylanases. This is the first report of the molecular and biochemical characterizations of a novel intracellular low-temperatureactive xylanase.

Cycle-Consistent Generative Adversarial Network: Effect on Radiation Dose Reduction and Image Quality Improvement in Ultralow-Dose CT for Evaluation of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Yan Chenggong,Lin Jie,Li Haixia,Xu Jun,Zhang Tianjing,Chen Hao,Woodruff Henry C.,Wu Guangyao,Zhang Siqi,Xu Yikai,Lambin Philippe 대한영상의학회 2021 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.22 No.6

Objective: To investigate the image quality of ultralow-dose CT (ULDCT) of the chest reconstructed using a cycle-consistent generative adversarial network (CycleGAN)-based deep learning method in the evaluation of pulmonary tuberculosis. Materials and Methods: Between June 2019 and November 2019, 103 patients (mean age, 40.8 ± 13.6 years; 61 men and 42 women) with pulmonary tuberculosis were prospectively enrolled to undergo standard-dose CT (120 kVp with automated exposure control), followed immediately by ULDCT (80 kVp and 10 mAs). The images of the two successive scans were used to train the CycleGAN framework for image-to-image translation. The denoising efficacy of the CycleGAN algorithm was compared with that of hybrid and model-based iterative reconstruction. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and Wilcoxon signedrank test were performed to compare the objective measurements and the subjective image quality scores, respectively. Results: With the optimized CycleGAN denoising model, using the ULDCT images as input, the peak signal-to-noise ratio and structural similarity index improved by 2.0 dB and 0.21, respectively. The CycleGAN-generated denoised ULDCT images typically provided satisfactory image quality for optimal visibility of anatomic structures and pathological findings, with a lower level of image noise (mean ± standard deviation [SD], 19.5 ± 3.0 Hounsfield unit [HU]) than that of the hybrid (66.3 ± 10.5 HU, p < 0.001) and a similar noise level to model-based iterative reconstruction (19.6 ± 2.6 HU, p > 0.908). The CycleGAN-generated images showed the highest contrast-to-noise ratios for the pulmonary lesions, followed by the model-based and hybrid iterative reconstruction. The mean effective radiation dose of ULDCT was 0.12 mSv with a mean 93.9% reduction compared to standard-dose CT. Conclusion: The optimized CycleGAN technique may allow the synthesis of diagnostically acceptable images from ULDCT of the chest for the evaluation of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel fluconazole analogues bearing 1,3,4-oxadiazole moiety as potent antifungal agents

Jun Liao,Fan Yang,Lei Zhang,Xiaoyun Chai,Qing-Jie Zhao,Shichong Yu,Yan Zou,Qingguo Meng,Qiuye Wu 대한약학회 2015 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.38 No.4

A novel series of fluconazole based mimicsincorporating 1,3,4-oxadiazole moiety were designed andsynthesized. All the title compounds were characterized by1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and Q-TOF-MS. Preliminary resultsrevealed that most of analogues exhibited significant antifungalactivity against seven pathogenic fungi. Compounds9g and 9k (MIC80 B 0.125 lg/mL, respectively) werefound more potent than the positive controls itraconazoleand fluconazole as broad-spectrum antifungal agents. Theobserved docking results showed that the 1,3,4-oxadiazolemoiety enhanced the affinity binding to the cytochromeP450 14a-demethylase (CYP51).

In Vitro and In Vivo Studies of Different Liposomes Containing Topotecan

Yan-Li Hao,Ying-Jie Deng,Yan Chen,Xiu-Min Wang,Hai-Jun Zhong,Xu-Bin Suo 대한약학회 2005 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.28 No.5

Optimal Tracking Performance of NCSs with Time-delay and Encoding-decoding Constraints

Jun-Wei Hu,Xi-Sheng Zhan,Jie Wu,Huai-Cheng Yan 제어·로봇·시스템학회 2020 International Journal of Control, Automation, and Vol.18 No.4

In this paper, the tracking performance of networked control systems (NCSs) under energy constraints with time-delay and encoding-decoding is studied. Through spectral factorization and partial decomposition techniques, we can obtain the explicit representation of the optimal performance. It is shown that the optimal performance is affected by non minimum phase (NMP) zeros, unstable poles and other multiple communication constraints such as time-delay, encoding-decoding and additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). At the same time, the obtained result shows that a two-parameter compensator is superior to a one-parameter compensator. In addition, it is found that time-delay, encoding-decoding and AWGN affected the tracking capability of NCSs. Finally, an example is given for verifying the correctness of the conclusions.

Engineered biomaterials for development of nucleic acid vaccines

Jun Yang,Yan Li,Shubin Jin,Jing Xu,Paul C Wang,Xing-Jie Liang,Xin Zhang 한국생체재료학회 2015 생체재료학회지 Vol.19 No.1

Nucleic acid vaccines have attracted many attentions since they have presented some superiority over traditional vaccines. However, they could only induce moderate immunogenicity. The route and formulation of nucleic acid vaccines have strong effects on the immune response and efficiency. Numerous biomaterials are used as a tool to enhance the immunogenicity of antigens. They deliver the antigens into the cells through particle- and non-particle-mediated pathway. However, challenges remain due to lack of comprehensive understanding of the actions of these biomaterials as a carrier/adjuvant. Herein, this review focuses on the evolution of biomaterials used for nucleic acid vaccines, discusses the advantages and disadvantages for gene delivery and immunostimulation of variety of structures of the biomaterials, in order to provide new thought on rational design of carrier/adjuvant and better understanding of mechanism of action in both immunostimulatory and delivery methods.

Differences in the mandibular premolar positions in Angle Class I subjects with different vertical facial types

Jun Duan,Feng Deng,Wan-Shan Li,Xue-Lei Li,Lei-Lei Zheng,Gui-Yuan Li,Yan-Jie Bai 대한치과교정학회 2015 대한치과교정학회지 Vol.45 No.4

Objective: To compare the positions of the mandibular premolars in Angle Class I subjects according to vertical facial type. The results will provide a theoretical basis for predicting effective tooth movement in orthodontic treatment. Methods: Cephalometric parameters were determined using cone-beam computed tomography in 120 Angle Class I subjects. Subjects were categorized as short, normal, and long face types according to the Frankfort mandibular angle. Parameters indicating the position of the mandibular right premolars and the mandible were also measured. Results: The angle between the mandibular first premolar axis and buccal cortex, the distance between the root apex and buccal cortex, angle of vestibularization, arc of vestibularization, and root apex maximum movable distance were significantly greater in the short face type than in the long and norm face types. The angle between the mandibular second premolar axis and buccal cortex, the distance from root apex to buccal cortex, and the arc of vestibularization were significantly greater in the short face type than in the normal face type. Conclusions: There are significant differences in the mandibular premolar positions in Class I subjects according to vertical facial type.

Novel Phage Display-Derived H5N1-Specific scFvs with Potential Use in Rapid Avian Flu Diagnosis

( Jie Wu ),( Xian Qiao Zeng ),( Hong Bin Zhang ),( Han Zhong Ni ),( Lei Pei ),( Li Rong Zou ),( Li Jun Liang ),( Xin Zhang ),( Jin Yan Lin ),( Chang Wen Ke ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2014 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.24 No.5

The highly pathogenic avian influenza A (HPAI) viruses of the H5N1 subtype infect poultry and have also been spreading to humans. Although new antiviral drugs and vaccinations can be effective, rapid detection would be more efficient to control the outbreak of infections. In this study, a phage-display library was applied to select antibody fragments for HPAI strain A/Hubei/1/2010. As a result, three clones were selected and sequenced. A hemagglutinin inhibition assay of the three scFvs revealed that none exhibited hemagglutination inhibition activity towards the H5N1 virus, yet they showed a higher binding affinity for several HPAI H5N1 strains compared with other influenza viruses. An ELISA confirmed that the HA protein was the target of the scFvs, and the results of a protein structure simulation showed that all the selected scFvs bound to the HA2 subunit of the HA protein. In conclusion, the three selected scFVs could be useful for developing a specific detection tool for the surveillance of HPAI epidemic strains.

Neuron Discharge and c-Fos Expression in the Nucleus of the Solitary Tract Following Electroacupuncture at Acupoints of the Yangming Stomach Meridian of Foot

Jun-Feng He,Jie Yan,Jiang-Shan Li,Jian-Hua Liu,Chao Wang,Xiao-Rong Chang,Ya-Ting Qu 사단법인약침학회 2013 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.6 No.2

The nucleus of the solitary tract (nucleus tractus solitarii; NTS) is a primary center for both visceral afferents and somatic afferents. Previous experiments have demonstrated that the NTS is closely connected to the stomach and acupoints in the Yangming Stomach Meridian of Foot (ST Meridian). In this study, extracellular recording and immunochemistry methods were used to analyze the discharge of neurons and c-Fos protein expression in the NTS following acupuncture at different acupoints and a nonacupoint. A total of 104 discharging neurons were detected in the NTS of 52 rats, of which 86 provided complete data. After acupuncture at Sibai (ST 2), Zusanli (ST 36), Neiting (ST 44), Quanliao (SI 18), and the nonacupoint, the neuron response rate in the NTS was 65.12%, 51.16%, 46.51%, 34.88% and 31.40% respectively. For neuron response rate, there was a significant difference among Sibai (ST 2), Zusanli (ST 36), Neiting (ST 44), Quanliao (SI 18), and the nonacupoint (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). In the other 48 rats, the number of c-Fos immunoreactive neurons in the NTS by electroacupuncture (EA) at Sibai (ST 2) group was significantly higher than that EA at other acupoints and the nonacupoint (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). EA at both Zusanli (ST 36) and Neiting (ST 44) increased c-Fos immunoreactive neurons significantly over EA at Quanliao (SI 18) and the nonacupoint (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01), while there was no difference between EA at Quanliao (SI 18) and the nonacupoint group (p > 0.05). The experiments demonstrated that the afferent convergence in NTS are different by body surface points stimulus, which suggests that the NTS might be a primary center in the central nervous system receiving acupoints stimulus from the ST Meridian.

Crack‑free TiO2 films prepared by adjusting processing parameters via liquid phase deposition technique

Jie Li,Hai‑Yan Xu,Ai‑Guo Wang,Feng‑Jun Zhang,Dao‑Sheng Sun,Won‑Chun Oh 한국세라믹학회 2020 한국세라믹학회지 Vol.57 No.2

TiO2 thin films with controllable morphology and grain size were prepared via a liquid phase deposition (LPD) technique. The effects of the processing parameters including the ( NH4)2TiF6 concentration, solution pH, and ( NH4)2TiF6:H3BO3 molar ratio on the grain size and morphology of the films were investigated. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. The results showed that the deposition parameters significantly affected the growth and nucleation velocities of the crystalline grains, which resulted in the formation of TiO2 films with different morphologies and grain sizes. The capillary stress among the grains of the film, which resulted in the cracking of the film, depended on the size of the grains. Thus, the cracking of the LPD-derived TiO2 films could be mitigated by adjusting the deposition parameters.