H<SUB>∞</SUB> Consensus for Heterogeneous Multi-agent Systems with Time-delay

Bei-Bei Wang,Yuan-Gong Sun 제어로봇시스템학회 2014 제어로봇시스템학회 국제학술대회 논문집 Vol.2014 No.10

In this paper, we consider the consensus and H∞ consensus problems of heterogeneous multi-agent systems composed of first-order and second-order integrator agents in directed networks with time-delay. Based on the graph theory and the reduced-order transformation, we first rewrite the heterogeneous multi-agent systems into the corresponding reduced-order systems. Then, we study the consensus of the heterogeneous multi-agent system with time-delay by using the linear matrix inequality method. As a result, sufficient conditions for consensus and H∞ consensus of heterogeneous multi-agent systems in terms of linear matrix inequalities are established. Finally, simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the main theoretical results.

Centromere protein U enhances the progression of bladder cancer by promoting mitochondrial ribosomal protein s28 expression

Liu, Bei-Bei,Ma, Tao,Sun, Wei,Gao, Wu-Yue,Liu, Jian-Min,Li, Li-Qiang,Li, Wen-Yong,Wang, Sheng,Guo, Yuan-Yuan The Korean Society of Pharmacology 2021 The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology Vol.25 No.2

Bladder cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Most gene mutations related to bladder cancer are dominantly acquired gene mutations and are not inherited. Previous comparative transcriptome analysis of urinary bladder cancer and control samples has revealed a set of genes that may play a role in tumor progression. Here we set out to investigate further the expression of two candidate genes, centromere protein U (CENPU) and mitochondrial ribosomal protein s28 (MRPS28) to better understand their role in bladder cancer pathogenesis. Our results confirmed that CENPU is up-regulated in human bladder cancer tissues at mRNA and protein levels. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies in T24 human urinary bladder cancer cell line revealed a hierarchical relationship between CENPU and MRPS28 in the regulation of cell viability, migration and invasion activity. CENPU expression was also up-regulated in in vivo nude mice xenograft model of bladder cancer and mice overexpressing CENPU had significantly higher tumor volume. In summary, our findings identify CENPU and MRPS28 in the molecular pathogenesis of bladder cancer and suggest that CENPU enhances the progression of bladder cancer by promoting MRPS28 expression.

L1-L2 Reading Comprehension Transferability in Factual and Inferential Tasks

Young-Sun Moon,Bei-Bei Luo 한국응용언어학회 2017 응용 언어학 Vol.33 No.1

The current study aimed to investigate the transferability of reading comprehension abilities from L1 to L2 between languages with distant orthographies. Furthermore, this study examined the degree of transferability based on different levels of tasks and different L2 proficiency groups. The scores of sixty-five Korean EFL high school students’ Trial-CSAT of English and Korean language tests were used as criteria for their level of L2 proficiency and L1 reading comprehension, in addition to a self-designed English reading test with factual and inferential tasks as L2 reading comprehension. This study has statistically analyzed the acquainted data and identified the following research findings: (1) Korean EFL students’ L1 reading comprehension ability did transfer to their English reading comprehension ability; (2) Korean EFL students’ L1 inferential reading comprehension ability was more transferable to L2 reading comprehension than their L1 factual reading comprehension ability; (3) A meaningful transferability of Korean inferential reading comprehension ability in English reading comprehension test (especially in English inferential reading tasks) was observed on the lower proficiency EFL learners, whereas no obvious transferability of Korean reading comprehension ability was found in higher proficiency EFL learners.

Molecular insights into DNA interference by CRISPR-associated nuclease-helicase Cas3

Gong, Bei,Shin, Minsang,Sun, Jiali,Jung, Che-Hun,Bolt, Edward L.,van der Oost, John,Kim, Jeong-Sun National Academy of Sciences 2014 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF Vol.111 No.46

<P><B>Significance</B></P><P>Bacteria can repel invader DNA and RNA molecules by using an adaptive immunity mechanism called clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs)-Cas. CRISPR loci in a host genome are a repository of DNA fragments obtained from previous encounters with an invader, which can be transcribed and activated into short RNA molecules (crRNA) with sequences complementary to invader DNA or RNA. In some CRISPR-Cas systems, crRNA is assembled into a targeting complex called “Cascade” that seeks invader DNA to form an R-loop that triggers recruitment of a nuclease-helicase, Cas3, to destroy invader DNA. In this study, we show atomic resolution structures of a full-length Cas3, revealing how Cas3 coordinates binding, ATP-dependent translocation, and nuclease digestion of invader DNA.</P><P>Mobile genetic elements in bacteria are neutralized by a system based on clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins. Type I CRISPR-Cas systems use a “Cascade” ribonucleoprotein complex to guide RNA specifically to complementary sequence in invader double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), a process called “interference.” After target recognition by Cascade, formation of an R-loop triggers recruitment of a Cas3 nuclease-helicase, completing the interference process by destroying the invader dsDNA. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of CRISPR interference, we analyzed crystal structures of Cas3 from the bacterium <I>Thermobaculum terrenum</I>, with and without a bound ATP analog. The structures reveal a histidine-aspartate (HD)-type nuclease domain fused to superfamily-2 (SF2) helicase domains and a distinct C-terminal domain. Binding of ATP analog at the interface of the SF2 helicase RecA-like domains rearranges a motif V with implications for the enzyme mechanism. The HD-nucleolytic site contains two metal ions that are positioned at the end of a proposed nucleic acid-binding tunnel running through the SF2 helicase structure. This structural alignment suggests a mechanism for 3′ to 5′ nucleolytic processing of the displaced strand of invader DNA that is coordinated with ATP-dependent 3′ to 5′ translocation of Cas3 along DNA. In agreement with biochemical studies, the presented Cas3 structures reveal important mechanistic details on the neutralization of genetic invaders by type I CRISPR-Cas systems.</P>

Enhanced adsorption capacity of dyes by surfactant-modified layered double hydroxides from aqueous solution

Bei Zhang,Zhihao Dong,Dejun Sun,Tao Wu,Yujiang Li 한국공업화학회 2017 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.49 No.-

The utilization of organo-modified layered double hydroxides with anionic surfactants (organo-LDHs) asadsorbents were successfully carried out to remove various synthetic dyes from aqueous solution. Intercalation of anionic surfactants changed the surface properties of MgAl-LDH from hydrophilic tohydrophobic, and a charge inversion occurred with increasing the length of surfactant chains. Suchchanges in the surface properties of the organo-LDHs were important. Experimental data shown that theSNS-modified MgAl-LDH could be used as a broad-spectrum adsorbent to effectively remove anionic,non-ionic, and cationic dyes from aqueous solution.

Effect of Matrix Metalloproteinase on Autolysis of Sea Cucumber Stichopus japonicus

Li-Ming Sun,Ting-Ting Wang,Bei-Wei Zhu,Hai-Ling Niu,Rui Zhang,Hong-Man Hou,Gong-Liang Zhang,Yoshiyuki Murata 한국식품과학회 2013 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.22 No.5

To investigate the relationship between matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) and autolysis of sea cucumber Stichopus japonicus, the dermis homogenate was incubated at 25oC to induce autolysis. EDTA Na2 and 1,10-phenanthroline were used to verify the effect of MMPs on autolysis, which was measured by soluble protein and protein pattern. Soluble protein level increased during a 6-h autolysis process. SDS-PAGE demonstrated obvious protein degradation with the concomitant occurrence of degradation products. The above two indicators could be inhibited significantly by EDTA Na2 and 1,10-phenanthroline, indicating that MMPs might play a significant role in autolysis of sea cucumber.

Purification and Characterization of Cathepsin B from the Gut of the Sea Cucumber (Stichopus japonicas)

Li-Ming Sun,Bei-Wei Zhu,Hai-tao Wu,Lei Yu,Da-Yong Zhou,Xiuping Dong,Jing-Feng Yang,Dong-Mei Li,Wen-Xiu Ye,Yoshiyuki Murata 한국식품과학회 2011 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.20 No.4

Cathepsin B from the gut of sea cucumber (Stichopus japonicas) was purified 81-fold with a 3%recovery by ammonium sulfate fractionation and a series chromatography on DEAE Sepharose CL-6B, Sephadex G-75, and TSK-Gel 3000 SWxl. The purified protein appeared as a single band on Native-PAGE but showed 2bands of 23 and 26 kDa on SDS-PAGE. The optimum activity was found at pH 5.5 and 45°C. The enzyme was stable at pH 4.5-6.0 and the thermal stability was up to 50oC. The enzyme was strongly inhibited by E-64, iodoacetic acid, and antipain, demonstrating it is a cysteine protease containing sulfhydryl groups. Cu^2+, Ni^2+, and Zn^2+ could strongly inhibit the enzyme activity. The amino acid sequences of the purified enzyme were acquired by mass spectrometer, which did not show any homology with previously described cathepsins, suggesting it may be a novel member.

Clinical Significance of Smudge Cells in Peripheral Blood Smears in Hematological Malignancies and Other Diseases

Chang, Chih-Chun,Sun, Jen-Tang,Liou, Tse-Hsuan,Kuo, Chin-Fu,Bei, Chia-Hao,Lin, Sheng-Jun,Tsai, Wei-Ting,Tan, N-Chi,Liou, Ching-Biau,Su, Ming-Jang,Yen, Tzung-Hai,Chu, Fang-Yeh Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.4

Background: It is reported that the percentage of smudge cells in the blood smear could be a prognostic indicator in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. However, the clinical significance of smudge cells in other hematological malignancies, solid tumors or non-malignant diseases is less clear. Hence, this study was conducted to survey the clinical significance of smudge cells in hematological cancers and other disorders. Materials and Methods: From January to November, 2015, the clinical data of patients who received blood examination with differential counts for clinical purpose and were found to have smudge cells in the peripheral blood film in Far Eastern Memorial Hospital were selected. The percentage of smudge cells and patient outcomes were evaluated for further univariate and survival analyses. Results: A total of 102 patients with smudge cells in their blood smears were included. Smudge cells were frequently presented in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA; n=30), infections (n=23), hematological cancers (n=23) and solid cancers (n=10). There was no relationship between the percentage of smudge cells and the patient mortality in all diseases (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.47-2.48, P=1.000) as well as the OHCA group (OR: 1.91, 95% CI: 0.38-9.60, P=0.694). It was observed that in patients with all cancers with the percentage of smudge cells less than 50% had a lower mortality rate in comparison with those who had the percentage of smudge cells of 50% or more (OR: 22.29, 95% CI: 2.38-208.80, P<0.001). Additionally, it was seemingly that patients with smudge cells of 50% or more had a lower survival rate than those with smudge cells less than 50% in all cancers with follow-up at 2-month intervals, but without statistical significance (P=0.064). Conclusions: Our survey indicated that in all cancers, those who had higher percentage of smudge cells were prone to have poor outcomes when compared with the subjects with lower percentage of smudge cells. This finding was quite different from the results of previous studies in which the race-ethnicity of most study populations was non-Asian; hence, further investigations are required. Besides, there was no apparent association of the percentage of smudge cells with patient outcomes in all diseases, including OHCA.

Mesoscale Analysis of a Heavy Rainfall Events over Hong Kong during a Pre-Rainy Season in South China

Sixiong Zhao,Naifang Bei,Jianhua Sun 한국기상학회 2006 한국기상학회 학술대회 논문집 Vol.2006 No.-

Eosinophilia in Pleural Effusions: a Speculative Negative Predictor for Malignancy

Chu, Fang-Yeh,Liou, Ching-Biau,Sun, Jen-Tang,Bei, Chia-Hao,Liou, Tse-Hsuan,Tan, N-Chi,Yu, Yun-Chieh,Chang, Chih-Chun,Yen, Tzung-Hai,Su, Ming-Jang Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.3

Background: Eosinophilic pleural effusion (EPE) is an eosinophil count more than 10% on cytology of pleural samples. Recently, it was reported that malignancy had been the most prevalent cause inducing EPE. Therefore, we conducted an analysis on the prevalence and etiology of EPE and investigated the relationship between EPE and malignancy. Materials and Methods: Data for pleural cell differential count from patients receiving thoracentesis during the period from January 2008 to December 2013 were compared with clinical data and established diagnosis of patients obtained via electronic chart review. Results: A total of 6,801 requests of pleural cytology from 3,942 patients with pleural effusion who had received thoracentesis were available at Far Eastern Memorial Hospital from 2008 to 2013, and of these subjects, 115 (2.9%) were found to have EPE. The most frequent cause of EPE was malignancy (33.0%, n=38), followed by parapneumonic effusions (27.8%, n=32), tuberculosis pleuritis (13.9%, n=16), transudate effusions (12.2%, n=14) and the presence of blood or air in pleural space (10.4%, n=12). Additionally, an inverse relationship of eosinophilia in pleural fluid was identified in patients with malignancy and EPE. The cut-off eosinophil count in pleural fluid was 15% for the most accurate discrimination between malignancy and benign disorders in patients with EPE. At the cut-off level, the sensitivity and specificity were 65.8% and 67.5%, respectively. Conclusions: Pleural fluid eosinophilia was a speculative negative predictor for malignancy, despite the fact that cancers, including lung cancers and metastatic cancers to lung, were the most leading cause of pleural fluid eosinophilia. An inverse correlation was observed between the pleural eosinophil percentage and the likelihood of malignancy in patients with EPE.