Meteorological driven factors of population growth in brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), in rice paddies

Xiao‐Zhen Li,Yi ZOU,Hai-Yan YANG,Hai-Jun XIAO,Jian-Guo WANG 한국곤충학회 2017 Entomological Research Vol.47 No.5

Growth of brown planthopper (BPH) (Nilaparvata lugens Stål) in rice paddies is mainly driven by meteorological factors under similar management practices. By analyzing field investigation and meteorological data collected from 2008 to 2013 in Nanchang, China, we show that BPH population densities and monthly growth rates (BGR) changed greatly from May to October, and these changes were closely associated with meteorological factors. Stepwise regression and path analysis indicated average speed of winds (AW) in June and lowest temperature (LT) in July were the first factors entering analysis, which interpreted 46.20% and 31.90% of their influences on BGR. While highest temperature (HT) in August and average temperature (AT) in September were the most important factors affecting BGR, but their direct path coefficients were all smaller than their corresponding indirect path coefficients. In October, relative humidity (RH), AW and number of raining days (RD) had significant effects on BGR. According to the sum of each meteorological factor entering stepwise regression analysis sequences, we found AW had the utmost effect on BPH growth, followed by AT and RH, but LT and RD least. The work demonstrate dynamic meteorological factors driving BPH growth and outbreak in rice paddies, which would facilitate the development of durable approaches for forecasting and controlling this destructive rice pest.

The effects of codon usage on the formation of secondary structures of nucleocapsid protein of peste des petits ruminants virus

Xiao‑xia Ma,Yi‑ning Wang,Xiao‑an Cao,Xue‑rui Li,Yong‑sheng Liu,Jian‑hua Zhou,Xue‑peng Cai 한국유전학회 2018 Genes & Genomics Vol.40 No.9

The nucleocapsid (N) protein of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) with a conserved amino acid usage pattern plays an important role in viral replication. The primary objective of this study was to estimate roles of synonymous codon usages of PPRV N gene and tRNA abundances of host in the formation of secondary structure of N protein. The potential effects of synonymous codon usages of N gene and tRNA abundances of host on shaping different folding units (α-helix, β-strand and the coil) in N protein were estimated, based on the information about the modeling secondary structure of PPRV N protein. The synonymous codon usage bias was found in different folding units in PPRV N protein. To better understand the role of translation speed caused by variant tRNA abundances in shaping the specific folding unit in N protein, we modeled the changing trends of tRNA abundance at the transition boundaries from one folding unit to another folding unit (β-strand → coil, coil → β-strand, α-helix → coil, coil → α-helix). The obvious fluctuations of tRNA abundance were identified at the two transition boundaries (β-strand → coil and coil → β-strand) in PPRV N protein. Our findings suggested that viral synonymous codon usage bias and cellular tRNA abundance variation might have potential effects on the formation of secondary structure of PPRV N protein.

In-pile tritium release behavior and the post-irradiation experiments of Li4SiO4 fabricated by melting process

Zhao Linjie,Yang Mao,Xiao Chengjian,Gong Yu,Ran Guangming,Chen Xiaojun,Li Jiamao,Yue Lei,Chen Chao,Hou Jingwei,Wang Heyi,Long Xinggui,Peng Shuming 한국원자력학회 2024 Nuclear Engineering and Technology Vol.56 No.1

Understanding the tritium release and retention behavior of candidate tritium breeder materials is crucial for breeder blanket design. Recently, a melt spraying process was developed to prepare Li4SiO4 pebbles, which were subsequently subjected to the in-pile tritium production and extraction platform in China Mianyang Research Reactor (CMRR) to investigate their in-situ tritium release behavior and irradiation performance. The results demonstrate that HT is the main tritium release form, and adding hydrogen to the purge gas reduces tritium retention while increasing the HT percent in the purge gas. Post-irradiation experiments reveal that the irradiated pebbles darken in color and their grains swell, but the mechanical properties remain largely unchanged. It is concluded that the tritium residence time of Li4SiO4 made by melt spraying method at 467 ◦C is approximately 23.34 h. High-density Li4SiO4 pebbles exhibit tritium release at relatively low temperatures (<600 ◦C) that is mainly controlled by bulk diffusion. The diffusion coefficient at 525 ◦C and 550 ◦C is 1.19 × 10 11 cm2/s and 5.34 × 10 11 cm2/s, respectively, with corresponding tritium residence times of 21.3 hours and 4.7 hours.

Performance optimization of flexible a-Si:H solar cells with nanotextured plasmonic substrate by tuning the thickness of oxide spacer layer

Xiao, Huapeng,Wang, Jun,Huang, Hongtao,Lu, Linfeng,Lin, Qingfeng,Fan, Zhiyong,Chen, Xiaoyuan,Jeong, Chaehwan,Zhu, Xufei,Li, Dongdong Elsevier 2015 Nano energy Vol.11 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Plasmonic thin film solar cells deposited on periodically textured photonic crystal substrates have been extensively studied since the substantially enhanced light absorption. The reduction of parasitic absorption losses in the metal and spacer layers becomes one of the key issues to achieve high efficiency solar cells. Herein, plasmonic amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) flexible thin film solar cells with different thickness of oxide spacer layers are systematically investigated. An increase of the spacer layer thickness leads to an evolution in surface morphology of AZO and final devices. More intriguingly, the increase of spacer layer thickness reduces the absorption in Ag layer while induces more absorption in spacer layer. The highest light absorption in silicon layer is observed as applying 100nm spacer layer, which is further verified by electrical measurements. Our observations demonstrate a versatile and convenient route towards rational design of light harvesting nanostructure for high performance plasmonic solar cells based on a broad range of materials.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Amorphous silicon thin film solar cells are constructed on patterned substrates. </LI> <LI> The devices properties are studied as a function of spacer layer thickness. </LI> <LI> An increase of spacer layer thickness reduces the absorption loss of Ag layer. </LI> <LI> The device with 100nm spacer layer confines more incident light in silicon layer. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Realizing highly efficient multicolor tunable emissions from Tb³⁺ and Eu³⁺ co-doped CaGd₂(WO₄)₄ phosphors via energy transfer by single ultraviolet excitation for lighting and display applications

Huang, Xiaoyong,Li, Bin,Du, Peng,Guo, Heng,Cao, Renping,Yu, Jae Su,Wang, Kai,Sun, Xiao Wei Elsevier 2018 Dyes and pigments Vol.151 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>In this paper, we reported on multicolor emission tuning in Tb<SUP>3+</SUP> and Eu<SUP>3+</SUP> co-doped CaGd<SUB>2</SUB>(WO<SUB>4</SUB>)<SUB>4</SUB> phosphors prepared by a traditional high-temperature solid-state reaction. Upon 380 nm ultraviolet excitation, the emission color of CaGd<SUB>2</SUB>(WO<SUB>4</SUB>)<SUB>4</SUB>:Tb<SUP>3+</SUP>,Eu<SUP>3+</SUP> phosphors can be readily tuned from green to yellow, orange and finally to pure red through varying the concentration ratio of Eu<SUP>3+</SUP> and Tb<SUP>3+</SUP> ions. The energy transfer mechanism from Tb<SUP>3+</SUP> to Eu<SUP>3+</SUP> was systematically investigated by photoluminescence spectra, luminescence decay times, and time-resolved spectra. The internal quantum efficiencies of these phosphors were measured, and their thermal stability was also studied. A prototype white light-emitting diode (LED) device was fabricated by using an ultraviolet chip combined with a blend of blue-emitting BaMgAl<SUB>10</SUB>O<SUB>l7</SUB>:Eu<SUP>2+</SUP> phosphors, green-emitting BaSrSiO<SUB>4</SUB>:Eu<SUP>2+</SUP> phosphors, and red-emitting CaGd<SUB>2</SUB>(WO<SUB>4</SUB>)<SUB>4</SUB>:50%Tb<SUP>3+</SUP>,50%Eu<SUP>3+</SUP> phosphors. All the results indicate that the CaGd<SUB>2</SUB>(WO<SUB>4</SUB>)<SUB>4</SUB>:Tb<SUP>3+</SUP>,Eu<SUP>3+</SUP> has great potential application in lighting and displays.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> CaGd<SUB>2</SUB>(WO<SUB>4</SUB>)<SUB>4</SUB>:Tb<SUP>3+</SUP>,Eu<SUP>3+</SUP> showed efficient energy-transfer from Tb<SUP>3+</SUP> to Eu<SUP>3+</SUP>. </LI> <LI> CaGd<SUB>2</SUB>(WO<SUB>4</SUB>)<SUB>4</SUB>:Tb<SUP>3+</SUP>,Eu<SUP>3+</SUP> exhibited tunable color emission under 380 nm excitation. </LI> <LI> The energy-transfer mechanism was studied in detail. </LI> <LI> Quantum efficiency and thermal stability were investigated. </LI> <LI> The proof-of-concept LED lamps were fabricated by employing phosphors and UV LEDs. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Parkinson’s Disease with Fatigue: Clinical Characteristics and Potential Mechanisms Relevant to α-Synuclein Oligomer

Li-Jun Zuo,Shu-Yang Yu,Fang Wang,Yanghui Xia,Ying-Shan Piao,Yang Du,Teng-Hong Lian,Rui-Dan Wang,Qiu-Jin Yu,Ya-Jie Wang,Xiao-Min Wang,Piu Chan,Sheng-Di Chen,Yongjun Wang,Wei Zhang 대한신경과학회 2016 Journal of Clinical Neurology Vol.12 No.2

Background and Purpose The aim of this study was to identify the clinical characteristics and potential mechanisms relevant to pathological proteins in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients who experience fatigue. Methods PD patients (n=102) were evaluated using a fatigue severity scale and scales for motor and nonmotor symptoms. The levels of three pathological proteins—α-synuclein oligomer, β-amyloid (Aβ)1-42, and tau—were measured in 102 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from these PD patients. Linear regression analyses were performed between fatigue score and the CSF levels of the above-listed pathological proteins in PD patients. Results The frequency of fatigue in the PD patients was 62.75%. The fatigue group had worse motor symptoms and anxiety, depression, and autonomic dysfunction. The CSF level of α-synuclein oligomer was higher and that of Aβ1-42 was lower in the fatigue group than in the non-fatigue group. In multiple linear regression analyses, fatigue severity was significantly and positively correlated with the α-synuclein oligomer level in the CSF of PD patients, after adjusting for confounders. Conclusions PD patients experience a high frequency of fatigue. PD patients with fatigue have worse motor and part nonmotor symptoms. Fatigue in PD patients is associated with an increased α-synuclein oligomer level in the CSF

Bioremediation of Coastal Saline-Alkali Marshy Soil by the Irrigation with Pulp & Paper Wastewater

LI Jia-liang,LU Zhao-hua,TIAN Jia-yi,WANG Lin,LI Peng-hui,XIAO Zhong-feng 대전대학교 환경문제연구소 2009 환경문제연구소 논문집 Vol.13 No.-

Based on the importance of coastal saline-alkali soil remediation in Yellow River Delta, China, the Cl-、Na+ transferring tendency in soil and the saline-alkali soil eco-remediation effects were researched by measuring soil Cl-、Na+ 、soluble salt、soil respire rate and dry biomass weight of reed, etc. periodically. The results shows: the concentration of irrigated soil Cl-、Na+ and soluble salt were decreased 57.7-70%、45.7-47.1% and 53.2-59.7%, respectively, and soil salt decreasing level were little influenced by the hydraulic load, inundation depth varies in some degree, but it was influenced by dry-wet alternative irrigating mode The concentration of soil total nitrogen、organic mass、microbial respire rate, and the reed biomass above ground were increased averagely to 2.17、1.20、1.46 and 1.34 multiple respectively afterirrigation with wastewater, which have complex remediation effects on the coastal saline-alkali wetland, but there are some differences among the different irrigating crafts.

Neutrophil Count and the Inflammation-based Glasgow Prognostic Score Predict Survival in Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer Receiving First-line Chemotherapy

Li, Qing-Qing,Lu, Zhi-Hao,Yang, Li,Lu, Ming,Zhang, Xiao-Tian,Li, Jian,Zhou, Jun,Wang, Xi-Cheng,Gong, Ji-Fang,Gao, Jing,Li, Jie,Li, Yan,Shen, Lin Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.2

Purpose: To explore the value of systemic inflammatory markers as independent prognostic factors and the extent these markers improve prognostic classification for patients with inoperable advanced or metastatic gastric cancer (GC) receiving palliative chemotherapy. Methods: We studied the prognostic value of systemic inflammatory factors such as circulating white blood cell count and its components as well as that combined to form inflammation-based prognostic scores (Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), Prognostic Index (PI) and Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI)) in 384 patients with inoperable advanced or metastatic gastric cancer (GC) receiving first-line chemotherapy. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine the impact of inflammatory markers on overall survival (OS). Results: Univariate analysis revealed that an elevated white blood cell, neutrophil and/or platelet count, a decreased lymphocyte count, a low serum albumin concentration, and high CRP concentration, as well as elevated NLR/PLR, GPS, PI, PNI were significant predictors of shorter OS. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that only elevated neutrophil count (HR 3.696, p=0.003) and higher GPS (HR 1.621, p=0.01) were independent predictors of poor OS. Conclusion: This study demonstrated elevated pretreatment neutrophil count and high GPS to be independent predictors of shorter OS in inoperable advanced or metastatic GC patients treated with first-line chemotherapy. Upon validation of these data in independent studies, stratification of patients using these markers in future clinical trials is recommended.

Cinnamaldehyde Derivatives Inhibit Coxsackievirus B3-Induced Viral Myocarditis

( Xiao-qiang Li ),( Xiao-xiao Liu ),( Xue-ying Wang ),( Yan-hua Xie ),( Qian Yang ),( Xin-xin Liu ),( Yuan-yuan Ding ),( Wei Cao ),( Si-wang Wang ) 한국응용약물학회 2017 Biomolecules & Therapeutics(구 응용약물학회지) Vol.25 No.3

The chemical property of cinnamaldehyde is unstable in vivo, although early experiments have shown its obvious therapeutic effects on viral myocarditis (VMC). To overcome this problem, we used cinnamaldehyde as a leading compound to synthesize derivatives. Five derivatives of cinnamaldehyde were synthesized: 4-methylcinnamaldehyde (1), 4-chlorocinnamaldehyde (2), 4-methoxycinnamaldehyde (3), α-bromo-4-methylcinnamaldehyde (4), and α-bromo-4-chlorocinnamaldehyde (5). Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and HeLa cells infected by coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) were used to evaluate their antiviral and cytotoxic effects. In vivo BALB/c mice were infected with CVB3 for establishing VMC models. Among the derivatives, compound 4 and 5 inhibited the CVB3 in HeLa cells with the half-maximal inhibitory concentrations values of 11.38 ± 2.22 μM and 2.12 ± 0.37 μM, respectively. The 50% toxic concentrations of compound 4 and 5-treated cells were 39-fold and 87-fold higher than in the cinnamaldehyde group. Compound 4 and 5 effectively reduced the viral titers and cardiac pathological changes in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, compound 4 and 5 significantly inhibited the secretion, mRNA and protein expressions of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in CVB3-infected cardiomyocytes, indicating that brominated cinnamaldehyde not only improved the anti-vital activities for VMC, but also had potent anti-inflammatory effects in cardiomyocytes induced by CVB3.

No Association Between the USP7 Gene Polymorphisms and Colorectal Cancer in the Chinese Han Population

Li, Xin,Wang, Yang,Li, Xing-Wang,Liu, Bao-Cheng,Zhao, Qing-Zhu,Li, Wei-Dong,Chen, Shi-Qing,Huang, Xiao-Ye,Yang, Feng-Ping,Wang, Quan,Wang, Jin-Fen,Xiao, Yan-Zeng,Xu, Yi-Feng,Feng, Guo-Yin,Peng, Zhi-Ha Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.5

Colorectal cancer (CRC), now the third most common cancer across the world, is known to aggregate in families. USP7 is a very important protein with an important role in regulating the p53 pathway, which is critical for genomic stability and tumor suppression. We here genotyped eight SNPs within the USP7 gene and conducted a case-control study in 312 CRC patients and 270 healthy subjects in the Chinese Han population. No significant associations were found for any single SNP and CRC risk. Our data eliminate USP7 as a potential candidate gene towards for CRC in the Han Chinese population.