Comparative transcriptome analysis of Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) and discovery of genes involved in starch biosynthesis

Kou Meng,Su Zai-Xing,Zhang Yun-Gang,Li Qiang 한국식물생명공학회 2020 Plant biotechnology reports Vol.14 No.6

Sweetpotato, Ipomoea batatas L., Convolvulaceae, rich in starch, is a major staple economically important root crop world wide. Limited functional genomics resources and whole genome studies could be improved through the development of next-generation sequencing technologies. Illumina sequencing of three sweetpotato varieties, Xushu 18, Xu 781 and Xushu 25, including de novo transcriptome assembly, functional annotation, and diferential expression of potential starch biosyn thesis-related genes are described. A total of 2508, 1807 and 3169 Mb clean reads were generated for Xushu 18, Xu 781 and Xushu 25, and were assembled into 32,112, 35,788 and 36,955 unigenes with an average length of 787, 802 and 824 bp, respectively. BLAST against the NCBI non-redundant protein, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and the Gene Ontology (GO) databases have classifed these unigenes into functional categories for understanding gene functions and regulation pathways. The proportion of up-regulated DEGs was lower than that of the down-regulated DEGs among three sweetpotato cultivars. The similar proportion of the up/down-regulated gene number was presented between Xushu 25 and one of its parents (Xushu18 and Xu 781). Moreover, 14 unigenes related to starch biosynthesis in Xushu 18 and Xu 781were searched out from the transcriptome sequencing data. Furthermore, gene expression of these genes in storage root during diferent developing stages was also investigated, 6 types of gene expression patterns were summarized. The novel sequence dataset developed in this study will be helpful for the further genetic characterization and studies of starch biosynthesis in sweetpotato.

Facile synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) and N-CDs/NiO composite as an efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction

Kou Xiaoli,Xin Xin,Zhang Yan,Meng Long-Yue 한국탄소학회 2021 Carbon Letters Vol.31 No.4

Nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs), derived from the biomass (anthocyanin), are the novel additive to the nanocarbon materials, which is expected to bring a wide spectrum of novel applications. Moreover, metallic oxides are emerging for their unique potential for electrocatalysis. Herein, we report the synthesis of N-CDs for the selective detection of Fe3+ with a limit of detection of 2.57 μM in the range of 5–60 μM using ethylenediamine and H2O2 by a hydrothermal method. The obtained N-CDs displayed a spherical morphology with a particle size range of 2–7 nm and emitted blue luminescence at 394 nm under excitation at 319 nm. Meanwhile, we have demonstrated the fabrication of cost-efcient electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in an alkaline medium, employing N-CDs. Owing to the successful incorporation of N-CDs into NiO nanospheres, the resulting N-CDs/NiO with large surface areas, fast charge transfer, and increased conductivity vastly improved the catalytic activity. Remarkably, the optimal of N-CDs/NiO composite requires the overpotential of only 380 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a relatively low Tafel slope of 57.96 mV dec−1 compared with pure NiO. These results open up a facile route for the application of N-CDs and ofer prospects for CD-metal hybrids as high OER catalysts in electrochemical energy devices.

Ampelopsin-induced Autophagy Alleviates Muscle Atrophy Caused by Aging in SAMP8 Mice through Activating PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway

Dandan Chen,Ying Zhang,Meng Zhang,Xianjuan Kou 아시아건강운동학회 2022 Journal of Asian Society for Health & Exercise Vol.4 No.2

Design and parameter optimization of high-power coupling mechanisms

Xueli Liu,Hang Meng,Yang Li,Suya Kou,Zhanglei An,Chong Zhang 전력전자학회 2024 JOURNAL OF POWER ELECTRONICS Vol.24 No.3

To ensure the efficient operation of high-power (30 kw) wireless power transmission, this paper proposes a parallel doublelayer rectangular coil with rounded corners that improves the transmission effi ciency through parameter optimization. Finally, an experimental platform is established to verify the accuracy of the parameter optimization. The transmission efficiency of the optimized coil is increased from 82.5 to 91.3% when the transmission distance is 150 mm, and the transmission efficiency is increased by 15.8% and 30% when the unidirectional and bidirectional offset distances are 100 mm, respectively. In addition, two shielding methods, expanding shielding and vertical shielding, are proposed. Experimental results show that these two shielding methods can effectively reduce the edge effect of the traditional shielding structure and improve the transmission characteristics and electromagnetic safety.

Surface plasmon resonance-enhanced solar-driven photocatalytic performance from Ag nanoparticles-decorated Ti3+ self-doped porous black TiO2 pillars

Guo Zhou,Haiyan Meng,Yan Cao,Xuejun Kou,Shuxiang Duan,Leilei Fan,Ming Xiao,Fangzhou Zhou,Zhenzi Li,Zipeng Xing 한국공업화학회 2018 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.64 No.-

The tiny Ag nanoparticles-uniformly decorated Ti3+ self-doped porous black TiO2 pillars (Ag-TPBTPs) are prepared, which show obvious surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and extend the photoresponse to visible light and near-infrared region (∼1500 nm). The Ag-TPBTPs exhibit excellent solar-driven photocatalytic activities by mineralizing of high-toxic 2,4-dichlorophenol (∼99%), which is three times higher than that of the pristine TiO2. The remarkable solar-driven photocatalytic performance can be ascribed to the porous pillars structure offering more surface active sites, the self-doped Ti3+ and SPR effect of Ag nanoparticles improving the utilization of solar light, and enhancing the spatial separation efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers.

Discussion on Reasonable Clear Spacing of Twin-Tunnels in Weak Surrounding Rock: Analytical Solution and Numerical Analysis

Fangyin Wu,Chuan He,Hao Kou,Bo Wang,Wei Meng,Hailong Meng,Deping Guo 대한토목학회 2022 KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering Vol.26 No.5

Due to the limitations of the terrain and other reasons, twin-tunnels with small clear spacing are becoming more and more common. The reasonable clear spacing of twin-tunnels in weak surrounding rock is an urgent problem. In this paper, based on pressure-arch theory (PAT), the method used to calculate the loosening pressure on the surrounding rock of twin-tunnels under three cases was derived by considering the additional disturbance of the excavation on the middle rock pillar through the amplification factors of the sliding angles, k1 and k2. Taking the weak surrounding rock as an example, we discussed the effect of the clear spacing variation on the loosening pressure of the surrounding rock, and obtained the dangerous clear spacing of twin-tunnels. The accuracy and applicability of this approach were verified by the in-site data that were measured. Considering the limitation of the pressure-arch theory on a deep-buried tunnel under high geo-stress, based on the Jiuzhai valley-Mianyang highway in China, the reasonable clear spacing of twin-tunnels in weak surrounding rock at different buried depths, i.e., 400 m − 1,600 m, is discussed using the numerical simulation method. The analytical solution indicated that the loosening pressure of the inner side of the first tunnel was greater than the one of the second due to the amplification factors of the sliding angles, k1 and k2. The in-site data showed that in the weak surrounding rock mass, when k1 and k2 are taken as 1.15 and 1.3, respectively, the loosening pressure distribution law is closest to the actual situation.

Involvement of Nuclear Factor Kappa B in High-Fat Diet-Related Pancreatic Fibrosis in Rats

( Ming Xian Yan ),( Hong Bo Ren ),( Yi Kou ),( Min Meng ),( Yan Qing Li ) 대한소화기학회 2012 Gut and Liver Vol.6 No.3

Background/Aims: High-fat diets contribute to pancreatic fibrogenesis, but the pathogenesis remains unclear. This study investigated the role of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in high-fat diet-induced pancreatic fi brosis in rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were fed a high-fat diet or standard normal chow for 20 weeks. Pancreatic fibrosis was determined by Sirius red staining. Immunohistochemical staining, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to identify NF-κB-associated genes or protein expressions. Results: Infl ammation, fat deposition, pancreatic stellate cell activation and fi brosis were observed in the pancreases of the high-fat diet group. NF-κB subunit p65 (NF-κB/ p65) expression was localized to the nucleus, and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) was over-expressed. Pancreatic gene expression levels of NF-κB/p65, ICAM-1 and tumor necrosis factor α were all elevated signifi cantly in rats fed a high-fat diet compared with control rats. Western blotting also revealed signifi cantly increased levels of ICAM-1 and nuclear NF-κB/p65 in rats fed high-fat diets comparison with control rats. Conclusions: NF-κB is involved in high-fat diet-related pancreatic fi brosis. (Gut Liver 2012;6:381-387)

Integrated Analysis Method of Thin-Walled Turbine Blade Precise Machining

Hui Wang,Lijiang Huang,Chao Yao,Meng Kou,Wenyu Wang,Bohao Huang,Weizhen Zheng 한국정밀공학회 2015 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol. No.

Conventional turbine blade machining technology has to face some challenges on production efficiency, quality and environmental impact. So a new machining technical solution for thin-walled turbine blade is presented. Technical problems associated with the precise machining of turbine blade are discussed in detail. On the basis of analysis with existing demerits, we propose a new fixture optimization and precise machining schema for turbine blade. In the proposed technical methodology, geometric locating tolerance analysis and FEM based structural deformation prediction methods are integrated into one framework to improve the machining performance of thin-walled turbine blade. An automatic machining station of turbine blade is also developed. Promising technical capability of this system is demonstrated and validated by real machining experiments.

An integrated strategy for extraction and pre-concentration of four astragalosides from Radix Astragali by a formulated surfactant aqueous system

Suixin Wang,Jiao Jiao,Xinyu Wang,Qingyan Gai,Ping Kou,Wenjing Xu,Meng Luo,Chunjian Zhao,Yu-Jie Fu 한국공업화학회 2019 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.70 No.-

Integrated and environmentally friendly methods for extraction and enrichment of natural products havegained increasing interests. The proposed preparation process provides the possibility that extractionand pre-concentration for astragalosides from Radix Astragali roots can be conducted with the surfactantaqueous system in one single procedure. The formulated surfactant system composing of 2% TX-114 assurfactant and 0.03% (w/v) of Gemini 16-5-16 as co-surfactant showed higher extraction efficiency withultrasonic-assisted method and four astragalosides could be enriched by the cloud point phenomenon ofsurfactant. This work represents a valuable alternative for the eco-friendly extraction and enrichment ofsecondary metabolites from plants.

The Beneficial Effects of Electroacupuncture at PC6 Acupoints (Neiguan) on Myocardial Ischemia in ASIC3 / mice

Ying-Wang,Yi-guo Chen,Wan-shuang Zhao,Di Li,Ya-han Xu,Meng-di Li,Jin Chen,Zhi-jun Kou,Qi-ge Wang,Nsoa dimitri Joseph 사단법인약침학회 2018 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.11 No.3

This study aims to investigate the possible mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) at PC6to improve myocardial ischemia (MI) by regulating the cardiac transient outward potassiumcurrent channel (Ito). According to the random number table, the mice were dividedinto six groups of six mice each: control group, MI group, PC6, LU7 (Lieque-point), ST36(Zusanli-point), and nonacupoint group. Mice in the control group were injected with saline(20 mg/kg, 24 hours interval), and the other ASIC3 / mice were injected subcutaneouslytwice with isoproterenol (ISO) (20 mg/kg, 24 hours interval). In thepreexperiment, 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, and 30 mg/kg of ISO were used, andthe results showed that 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg of ISO both could induce acute MI, butshorter duration of sustained MI. On the other hand, an injection of 30 mg/kg can makethe mice experience arrhythmia or die immediately, and EA was operated at PC6, LU7,ST36 acupoints, and nonacupoint in the mice of PC6, LU7, ST36, and nonacupoint groups,respectively, after injecting twice. Then Western blotting techniques (Western Blot) wereused to analyze the protein expressions of Kv1.4, Kv4.2, Kv4.3, and KchIP2. The results ofthis experiment showed that the protein expressions of Kv1.4, Kv4.2, Kv4.3, and KChIP2 inMI group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.01). Comparedwith MI group, the results of PC6, LU7, and ST36 groups obviously increased (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the expressions of PC6 group were higher than LU7 group and ST36 group(p < 0.05). And electrocardiogram’s T-waves showed obvious pathological changes inthe MI group compared to the control group (p < 0.01). After EA, the abnormal T-waves voltage of ECG in PC6, LU7, and ST36 groups was improved (p < 0.05). In addition, therate change of PC6 group was larger than that of both LU7 and ST36 groups (p < 0.05). But the T-waves voltage of the nonacupoint group was not significantly different than thatof the MI group (p > 0.05).