Polymorphisms of Ionotropic Glutamate Receptor-Related Genes and the Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Chinese Population

Xinyan Xie,Fang Hou,Li Li,Yanlin Chen,Lingfei Liu,Xiu Luo1,Huaiting Gu,Xin Li,Jiajia Zhang,Jianhua Gong,Ranran Song 대한신경정신의학회 2019 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.16 No.5

Objective: To evaluate the association of GRIK2 and NLGN1 with autism spectrum disorder in a Chinese population. Methods: We performed spatio-temporal expression analysis of GRIK2 and NLGN1 in the developing prefrontal cortex, and examined the expression of the genes in ASD cases and healthy controls using the GSE38322 data set. Following, we performed a case-control study in a Chinese population. Results: The analysis using the publicly available expression data showed that GRIK2 and NLGN1 may have a role in the development of human brain and contribute to the risk of ASD. Later genetic analysis in the Chinese population showed that the GRIK2 rs6922753 for the T allele, TC genotype and dominant model played a significant protective role in ASD susceptibility (respectively: OR=0.840, p=0.023; OR=0.802, p=0.038; OR=0.791, p=0.020). The NLGN1 rs9855544 for the G allele and GG genotype played a significant protective role in ASD susceptibility (respectively: OR=0.844, p=0.019; OR=0.717, p=0.022). After adjusting p values, the statistical significance was lost (p>0.05). Conclusion: Our results suggested that GRIK2 rs6922753 and NLGN1 rs9855544 might not confer susceptibility to ASD in the Chinese population.

An efficient linear second order unconditionally stable direct discretization method for the phase-field crystal equation on surfaces

Li, Yibao,Luo, Chaojun,Xia, Binhu,Kim, Junseok Butterworths [etc.] 2019 Applied mathematical modelling Vol.67 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>We develop an unconditionally stable direct discretization scheme for solving the phase-field crystal equation on surfaces. The surface is discretized by using an unstructured triangular mesh. Gradient, divergence, and Laplacian operators are defined on triangular meshes. The proposed numerical method is second-order accurate in space and time. At each time step, the proposed computational scheme results in linear elliptic equations to be solved, thus it is easy to implement the algorithm. It is proved that the proposed scheme satisfies a discrete energy-dissipation law. Therefore, it is unconditionally stable. A fast and efficient biconjugate gradients stabilized solver is used to solve the resulting discrete system. Numerical experiments are conducted to demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithm.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> An efficient method for phase-field crystal equation on surfaces is proposed. </LI> <LI> The proposed scheme is second-order accurate in time and space. </LI> <LI> The unconditional stability of the proposed scheme is analytically proved. </LI> <LI> The resulting system of discrete equations is easy to implement. </LI> </UL> </P>

Development of the ASHRAE Global Thermal Comfort Database II

Fö,ldvá,ry Lič,ina, Veronika,Cheung, Toby,Zhang, Hui,de Dear, Richard,Parkinson, Thomas,Arens, Edward,Chun, Chungyoon,Schiavon, Stefano,Luo, Maohui,Brager, Gail,Li, Peixian,Kaam, Soazig Elsevier 2018 Building and environment Vol.142 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Recognizing the value of open-source research databases in advancing the art and science of HVAC, in 2014 the ASHRAE Global Thermal Comfort Database II project was launched under the leadership of University of California at Berkeley's Center for the Built Environment and The University of Sydney's Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Laboratory. The exercise began with a systematic collection and harmonization of raw data from the last two decades of thermal comfort field studies around the world. The ASHRAE Global Thermal Comfort Database II (Comfort Database), now an online, open-source database, includes approximately 81,846 complete sets of objective indoor climatic observations with accompanying “<I>right-here-right-now</I>” subjective evaluations by the building occupants who were exposed to them. The database is intended to support diverse inquiries about thermal comfort in field settings. A simple web-based interface to the database enables filtering on multiple criteria, including building typology, occupancy type, subjects' demographic variables, subjective thermal comfort states, indoor thermal environmental criteria, calculated comfort indices, environmental control criteria and outdoor meteorological information. Furthermore, a web-based interactive thermal comfort visualization tool has been developed that allows end-users to quickly and interactively explore the data.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> The scope, development, contents, and accessibility of the Comfort Database is documented. </LI> <LI> The Comfort Database II includes approximately 76,000 complete sets of thermal comfort data. </LI> <LI> The Comfort Database provides access to the collected raw data. </LI> <LI> Web-based interactive visualization tool was developed that allows end-users to interactively explore the data. </LI> </UL> </P>

Advances in CRISPR-Cas systems for RNA targeting, tracking and editing

Wang, Fei,Wang, Lianrong,Zou, Xuan,Duan, Suling,Li, Zhiqiang,Deng, Zixin,Luo, Jie,Lee, Sang Yup,Chen, Shi Elsevier 2019 BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES Vol.37 No.5

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) systems, especially type II (Cas9) systems, have been widely used in gene/genome targeting. Modifications of Cas9 enable these systems to become platforms for precise DNA manipulations. However, the utilization of CRISPR-Cas systems in RNA targeting remains preliminary. The discovery of type VI CRISPR-Cas systems (Cas13) shed light on RNA-guided RNA targeting. Cas13d, the smallest Cas13 protein, with a length of only ~930 amino acids, is a promising platform for RNA targeting compatible with viral delivery systems. Much effort has also been made to develop Cas9, Cas13a and Cas13b applications for RNA-guided RNA targeting. The discovery of new RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas systems as well as the development of RNA-targeting platforms with Cas9 and Cas13 will promote RNA-targeting technology substantially. Here, we review new advances in RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas systems as well as advances in applications of these systems in RNA targeting, tracking and editing. We also compare these Cas protein-based technologies with traditional technologies for RNA targeting, tracking and editing. Finally, we discuss remaining questions and prospects for the future.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> RNA targeting and editing are becoming increasingly important </LI> <LI> CRISPR-Cas systems are advancing for RNA targeting, tracking and editing </LI> <LI> The type VI CRISPR-Cas systems are useful for RNA-guided RNA targeting </LI> <LI> Use of Cas9 and Cas13 will advance RNA-targeting technologies </LI> </UL> </P>

Estimation of Growth Curves and Suitable Slaughter Weight of the Liangshan Pig

Luo, Jia,Lei, Huaigang,Shen, Linyuan,Yang, Runlin,Pu, Qiang,Zhu, Kangping,Li, Mingzhou,Tang, Guoqing,Li, Xuewei,Zhang, Shunhua,Zhu, Li Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2015 Animal Bioscience Vol.28 No.9

The Liangshan pig is a traditional Chinese small-sized breed; it has a relatively long feeding period and low meat production ability but superior meat quality. This study utilized three non-linear growth models (Von Bertalanffy, Gompertz, and logistic) to fit the growth curve of Liangshan pigs from an unselected, random-bred pig population and estimate the pigs most suitable slaughter weight. The growth development data at 20 time points of 275 Liangshan pigs (from birth to 250 d) were collected. To analyze the relative gene expression related to development, seven slaughter weight phases (50, 58, 66, 74, 82, 90, and 98 kg) (20 pigs per phase) were examined. We found that the Liangshan pig growth curve fit the typical S-curve well and that their growth turning point was 193.4 days at a weight of 62.5 kg, according to the best fit Von Bertalanffy model based on the goodness of fit criteria. Furthermore, we estimated that the most suitable slaughter weight was 62.5 to 74.9 kg based on the growth curve and the relative expression levels of growth-related genes.

Genome Analysis and Optimization of Caproic Acid Production of Clostridium butyricum GD1-1 Isolated from the Pit Mud of Nongxiangxing Baijiu

Li Min,Li Tao,Zheng Jia,Qiao Zongwei,Zhang Kaizheng,Luo Huibo,Zou Wei 한국미생물·생명공학회 2023 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.33 No.10

Caproic acid is a precursor substance for the synthesis of ethyl caproate, the main flavor substance of nongxiangxing baijiu liquor. In this study, Clostridium butyricum GD1-1, a strain with high caproic acid concentration (3.86 g/l), was isolated from the storage pit mud of nongxiangxing baijiu for sequencing and analysis. The strain’s genome was 3,840,048 bp in length with 4,050 open reading frames. In addition, virulence factor annotation analysis showed C. butyricum GD1-1 to be safe at the genetic level. However, the annotation results using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Automatic Annotation Server predicted a deficiency in the strain’s synthesis of alanine, methionine, and biotin. These results were confirmed by essential nutrient factor validation experiments. Furthermore, the optimized medium conditions for caproic acid concentration by strain GD1-1 were (g/l): glucose 30, NaCl 5, yeast extract 10, peptone 10, beef paste 10, sodium acetate 11, L-cysteine 0.6, biotin 0.004, starch 2, and 2.0% ethanol. The optimized fermentation conditions for caproic acid production by C. butyricum GD1-1 on a single-factor basis were: 5% inoculum volume, 35°C, pH 7, and 90% loading volume. Under optimal conditions, the caproic acid concentration of strain GD1-1 reached 5.42 g/l, which was 1.40 times higher than the initial concentration. C. butyricum GD1-1 could be further used in caproic acid production, NXXB pit mud strengthening and maintenance, and artificial pit mud preparation.

Apoptosis induction by alantolactone in breast cancer MDA-MB- 231 cells through reactive oxygen species-mediated mitochondrion-dependent pathway

Li Cui,Weiquan Bu,Jie Song,Liang Feng,Tingting Xu,Dan Liu,Wenbo Ding,Jianhua Wang,Changyang Li,Binge Ma,Yi Luo,Ziyu Jiang,Chengcheng Wang,Juan Chen,Jian Hou,Hong-mei Yan,Lei Yang,Xiao-bin Jia 대한약학회 2018 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.41 No.3

Alantolactone is a sesquiterpene lactone isolatedfrom Inula helenium L. Although alantolactone possessesanti-inflammation and apoptosis-induction activities, theunderlying mechanism of anti-cancer effect on humanbreast cancer cells remains largely unknown. In this study,we explored the possibility of alantolactone as an apoptosis-inducing cytotoxic agent using MDA-MB-231 cells asin vitro model. Alantolactone significantly induced itsapoptosis, demonstrated by cell cycle analysis, annexinV-APC/7-AAD double staining and dUTP nick end labeling. Additionally, alantolactone triggered the mitochondrial-mediated caspase cascade apoptotic pathway, whichwas confirmed by increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, loss of MMP,release of cytc from mitochondria to cytoplasm, activationof caspase 9/3, and subsequent cleavage of PARP. Z-VADFMKpartially prevented apoptosis induced by alantolactone. Alantolactone provoked the production of ROS, whileNAC (a scavenger of ROS) reversed alantolactone-mediateddepolarization of MMP and apoptosis. Alantolactonemodulated the activities of MAPKs. As expected, cotreatmentwith SB203580, SP600125 or U0126 could reducedthe apoptotic rate. Furthermore, alantolactone decreasedthe protein expressions of p-NF-kB p65 and p-STAT3,increased p-c-Jun level in a dose-dependent manner. Thesefindings suggested that alantolactone possessed anticanceractivity via ROS-mediated mitochondrial dysfunctioninvolving MAPK pathway, and had an effect on the transcriptionfactors of NF-kB, AP-1 and STAT3.

Intermedins A and B; New Metabolites from Schisandra propinqua var. intermedia

Li, Hong-Mei,Lei, Chun,Luo, Yong-Ming,Li, Xiao-Nian,Li, Xiao-Lei,Pu, Jian-Xin,Zhou, San-Yun,Li, Rong-Tao,Sun, Han-Dong 대한약학회 2008 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.31 No.6

A new dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan, intermedin A (1), and a new natural bisabolane sesquiterpenoid, intermedin B (2), were isolated from the aerial parts of Schisandra propinqua var. intermedia. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopical analysis.

Selective harmonic active tuning control method for hybrid active power filters

Luo, Zhaoxu,Liu, Yang,Li, Shengqing,Luo, Qin The Korean Institute of Power Electronics 2021 JOURNAL OF POWER ELECTRONICS Vol.21 No.6

This paper proposes a selective harmonic active tuning control method for hybrid active power filters (HAPFs). A HAPF is composed of a voltage source inverter (VSI) and an LC filter. With this method, the VSI in the HAPF is controlled as a virtual capacitance that varies with the dominant harmonic frequencies. Thus, the LC filter can be forced to be tuning at these frequencies, which significantly improves the harmonic filtering characteristic of the LC filter. Meanwhile, to enhance the filtering performance in the case of a small power grid impedance or to damp the resonances between an LC filter and the grid impedance, the harmonics in the grid source current are detected and proportionally fed back to the controller, which brings about an effect equivalent to adding a series harmonic resistance on the grid source side. The proposed control method has the advantages of a simple control structure and easy implementation. Simulation and experimental results confirm the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method.

A Kinetic Consideration on the Selective Adsorption and Molecular Recognition by Molecularly Imprinted Polymer

Li, Wuke,Li, Songjun,Luo, Gang,Ding, Kerong Korean Chemical Society 2007 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.28 No.8

This article presents an original work on kinetically studying the selective adsorption and recognition by molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP). With S-naproxen as template, the imprinted polymer was prepared. The result indicates that the prepared polymer shows a more complicated sorption toward S-naproxen than toward its enantiomer R-naproxen. The rate constant in the case of template appears to be a variable. There are also significant deviations from the idealized Langmuir model. Related information indicates that these, in logic, can be a result of biomimic structural and functional complements between imprint and the template, which makes the polymer capable of selectively recognizing the imprint species.