Impact of electrolyte additives (alkali metal salts) on the capacitive behavior of NiO-based capacitors

Yong Zhang,Lizhen Wang,Aiqin Zhang,Yanhua Song,Xiaofeng Li,Xingbing Wu,Peipei Du,Lv Yan 한국화학공학회 2011 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.28 No.2

To improve the specific capacitance and energy density of electrochemical capacitor, nanostructured NiO was prepared by high temperature solid-state method as electrode material. The crystal structure and morphology of as-parepared NiO samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurement was applied to investigate the specific capacitance of the NiO electrode. Furthermore,a novel mixed electrolyte consisting of NaOH, KOH, LiOH and Li_2CO_3 was prepared for the NiO capacitor,and the component and concentration of the four different electrolytes was examined by orthogonal test. The results showed that the NiO sample has cubic structure with nano-size particles, and the optimal composition of the electrolyte was: NaOH 2 mol L^(−1), KOH 3 mol L^(−1), LiOH 0.05 mol L^(−1), and Li_2CO_3 0.05 mol L^−1. At a scan rate of 10 mV s^(−1), the fabricated capacitor exhibits excellent electrochemical capacitive performance, while the specific capacitance and the energy density were 239 F g^(−1) and 85 Wh kg^(−1), which was higher than one-component electrolyte.

Biochar-supported nZVI (nZVI/BC) for contaminant removal from soil and water: A critical review

Wang, Shengsen,Zhao, Mingyue,Zhou, Min,Li, Yuncong C.,Wang, Jun,Gao, Bin,Sato, Shinjiro,Feng, Ke,Yin, Weiqin,Igalavithana, Avanthi Deshani,Oleszczuk, Patryk,Wang, Xiaozhi,Ok, Yong Sik Elsevier 2019 Journal of hazardous materials Vol.373 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The promising characteristics of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) have not been fully exploited owing to intrinsic limitations. Carbon-enriched biochar (BC) has been widely used to overcome the limitations of nZVI and improve its reaction with environmental pollutants. This work reviews the preparation of nZVI/BC nanocomposites; the effects of BC as a supporting matrix on the nZVI crystallite size, dispersion, and oxidation and electron transfer capacity; and its interaction mechanisms with contaminants. The literature review suggests that the properties and preparation conditions of BC (e.g., pore structure, functional groups, feedstock composition, and pyrogenic temperature) play important roles in the manipulation of nZVI properties. This review discusses the interactions of nZVI/BC composites with heavy metals, nitrates, and organic compounds in soil and water. Overall, BC contributes to the removal of contaminants because it can attenuate contaminants on the surface of nZVI/BC; it also enhances electron transfer from nZVI to target contaminants owing to its good electrical conductivity and improves the crystallite size and dispersion of nZVI. This review is intended to provide insights into methods of optimizing nZVI/BC synthesis and maximizing the efficiency of nZVI in environmental cleanup.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Aggregation and passivation of nZVI can be alleviated by surfactants and doping methods. </LI> <LI> BC hinders corrosion and improves the dispersion and electron transfer of nZVI. </LI> <LI> Properties of nZVI depend on those of the BC, feedstock and pyrogenic temperature. </LI> <LI> BC enhances electron transfer from nZVI to the contaminants due to the presence of quinone and graphene moieties. </LI> <LI> nZVI/BC shows strong ability to remove HMs, nitrates, and organic contaminants in soil and water. </LI> </UL> </P>

Microstructure and property evolution of diamond-like carbon films co-doped by Al and Ti with different ratios

Zhou, Yong,Guo, Peng,Sun, Lili,Liu, Linlin,Xu, Xiaowei,Li, Wenxian,Li, Xiaowei,Lee, Kwang-Ryeol,Wang, Aiying Elsevier Sequoia 2019 Surface & coatings technology Vol.361 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films with weak carbide metal Al and carbide metal Ti co-doping (Al/Ti-DLC) were prepared by a hybrid ion beam deposition system. The atomic ratios of doped Al to Ti were tailored via designing the special Al/Ti combined sputtering target. The composition, microstructure, roughness, residual stress, hardness, toughness, and tribological behaviors of the deposited films were systematically evaluated to explore the dependence of structural properties on Al/Ti ratios. Results indicated that the high-throughput preparation of DLC films with different Al/Ti atomic ratios was achieved by tailoring the sputtering target and process parameters without the difference in both the film thickness and total Al/Ti content. With the Al/Ti ratios in the films decreased from 8.8 to 3.0, the residual stress, hardness, and toughness of Al/Ti-DLC films increased obviously, originating from the increased fraction of titanium carbide and the reduced Al content. However, the coefficient of friction and wear rate with decreasing the Al/Ti ratio were obviously improved, which was related with the transformation of underlying friction mechanism from the sliding interface graphitization to dangling bond-passivation. The present results not only suggest a high-throughput method to fabricate co-doped DLC films, but also promote the scientific understanding and engineering application of DLC films with high performance.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Ti/Al co-doped diamond-like carbon films were fabricated by a hybrid ion beam method. </LI> <LI> Different Al/Ti ratios were successfully achieved at one time using designed target. </LI> <LI> Al/Ti ratios had no effect on the chemical state of co-doped Ti and Al atoms. </LI> <LI> The mechanical and tribological properties were strongly dependent on Ti/Al ratios. </LI> <LI> Different friction mechanisms were observed with Al/Ti ratios ranged from 8.8 to 3.0. </LI> </UL> </P>

Release dynamics of As, Co, and Mo in a biochar treated soil under pre-definite redox conditions

El-Naggar, Ali,Shaheen, Sabry M.,Hseu, Zeng-Yei,Wang, Shan-Li,Ok, Yong Sik,Rinklebe, Jö,rg Elsevier 2019 The Science of the total environment Vol.657 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>This study assessed the impact of pre-definite redox potential (E<SUB>H</SUB>) on the release dynamics and distribution of As, Co, and Mo between the dissolved and colloidal phases as well as their potential mobility and phytoavailability in the sediment phase of a mining soil treated with rice hull biochar (BC). The experiment was conducted from controlled moderately-reducing to oxidizing conditions using an automated biogeochemical microcosm system. Arsenic and Mo were more abundant in the dissolved phase due to their predominant in potential mobile fractions, while Co was more abundant in the colloidal phase due to its association with Fe-(hydr)oxides. Biochar increased the dissolved and colloidal concentrations of As, the dissolved concentration of Co, and the colloidal concentration of Mo under oxidizing condition. On the other hand, the application of BC decreased the dissolved concentration of Mo and the colloidal concentration of Co in the first redox cycle under reducing-acidic condition, due to lower pH values, and chemistry of sulfide-sulfate and Fe/Mn oxides. The phytoavailability of As and Co were higher than their potential mobility in the sediment phase, while the same trend was not discerned for Mo. The potential mobility and phytoavailability of As and Co were high under oxic-acidic conditions. The potential mobility and phytoavailability of Mo might be increased under oxic condition due to the dissolution of Fe and Mn oxides under lower pH conditions, especially in the BC treated soil. Application of such rice hull BC to soil might stimulate the release of As, Co, and Mo under flooding conditions, which might increase the environmental and health risks in such wetland ecosystems.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> The E<SUB>H</SUB> showed a converse relation with pH in biochar treated and non-treated soils. </LI> <LI> Arsenic and Mo were abundant in the dissolved phase, but Co in the colloidal phase. </LI> <LI> Biochar increased the dissolved As and Co under oxidizing conditions. </LI> <LI> Biochar decreased the dissolved Mo under acidic conditions in the first redox cycle. </LI> <LI> Potential mobility and phytoavailability were higher under low pH and high E<SUB>H</SUB>. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Screening of key miRNAs related with the differentiation of subcutaneous adipocytes and the validation of miR-133a-3p functional significance in goats

Li Xin,Zhang Hao,Wang Yong,Li Yanyan,Wang Youli,Zhu Jiangjiang,Lin Yaqiu 아세아·태평양축산학회 2023 Animal Bioscience Vol.36 No.1

Objective: Adipocyte differentiation is regulated by a variety of functional genes and noncoding RNAs. However, the role of miRNAs in lipid deposition of goat white adipose tissue is still unclear. Therefore, this study revealed the miRNA expression profile in goat subcutaneous adipocytes by sRNA-seq. Methods: The miRNA expressed in goat subcutaneous preadipocytes and the mature adipocytes were sequenced by sRNA-seq. The differentially expressed miRNAs (DEm) were screened and gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia for genes and genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function combined with oil red O staining, Bodipy staining, and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were utilized to determine the effect of miR-133a-3p on adipocyte differentiation. Results: A total of 218 DEm were screened out. The target genes of these DEm were significantly enriched in GO items such as biological regulation and in KEGG terms such as FAK signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway. qPCR verified that the expression trend of miRNA was consistent with miRNA-seq. The gain-of-function or loss-of-function of miR-133a-3p showed that it promoted or inhibited the accumulation of lipid droplets, and CCAAT enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα) and C/EBPβ were extremely significantly up-regulated or down-regulated respectively (p<0.01), the loss-of-function also led to a significant down-regulation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) (p<0.01). Conclusion: This study successfully identified miRNAs expression patterns in goat subcutaneous adipocytes, and functional identification indicates that miR-133a-3p is a positive regulator of the differentiation process of goat subcutaneous adipocytes. Our results lay the foundation for the molecular mechanism of lipid deposition in meat-source goats from the perspective of miRNA.

Clinical Significance of Upregulation of mir-196a-5p in Gastric Cancer and Enriched KEGG Pathway Analysis of Target Genes

Li, Hai-Long,Xie, Shou-Pin,Yang, Ya-Li,Cheng, Ying-Xia,Zhang, Ying,Wang, Jing,Wang, Yong,Liu, Da-Long,Chen, Zhao-Feng,Zhou, Yong-Ning,Wu, Hong-Yan Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.5

Background: miRNAs are relatively recently discovered cancer biomarkers which have important implications for cancer early diagnosis, treatment and estimation of prognosis. Here we focussed on expression of mir-196a-5p in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines so as to analyse its significance for clinicopathologic characteristics and generate enriched KEGG pathways clustered by target genes for exploring its potential roles as a biomarker in gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: The expression of mir-196a-5p in poorly, moderate and well differentiated gastric cancer cell lines compared with GES-1 was detected by RT-qPCR, and the expression of mir-196a-5p in gastric cancer tissues comparing with adjacent non cancer tissues of 58 cases were also assessed by RT-qPCR. Subsequently, an analysis of clinical significance of mir-196a-5p in gastric cancer and enriched KEGG pathways was executed based on the miRWalk prediction database combined with bioinformatics tools DAVID 6.7 and Mirfocus 3.0. Results: RT-qPCR showed that mir-196a-5p was up-regulated in 6 poorly and moderate differentiated gastric cancer cell lines SGC-7901, MKN-45, MKN-28, MGC-803, BGC-823, HGC-27 compared with GES-1, but down-regulated in the highly differentiated gastric cancer cell line AGS. Clinical data indicated mir-196a-5p to beup-regulated in gastric cancer tissues (47/58). Overexpression of mir-196a-5p was associated with more extensive degree of lymph node metastasis and clinical stage (P < 0.05; x2 test). Enriched KEGG pathway analyses of predicted and validated targets in miRWalk combined with DAVID 6.7 and Mirfocus 3.0 showed that the targeted genes regulated by mir-196a-5p were involved in malignancy associated biology. Conclusions: Overexpression of mir-196a-5p is associated with lymph node metastasis and clinical stage, and enriched KEGG pathway analyses showed that targeted genes regulated by mir-196a-5p may contribute to tumorgenesis, suggesting roles as an oncogenic miRNA biomarker in gastric cancer.

Effect of TLR4 and B7-H1 on Immune Escape of Urothelial Bladder Cancer and its Clinical Significance

Wang, Yong-Hua,Cao, Yan-Wei,Yang, Xue-Cheng,Niu, Hai-Tao,Sun, Li-Jiang,Wang, Xin-Sheng,Liu, Jing Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.3

Background/Aim: Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and B7-H1, both normally expressed restricted to immune cells, are found to be aberrantly expressed in a majority of human tumors and may play important roles in regulation of tumor immunity. It has been shown that urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) patients can manifest tumoral immune escape which may be a potential critical factor in tumor pathogenesis and progression. However, so far, the mechanisms of UBC-related immune escape have not been clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TLR4 and B7-H1 on immune escape of UBC. Methods: Bladder cancer T24 cells were pre-incubated with LPS and co-cultured with tumor specific CTLs. CTL cytotoxicity and apoptosis rates were measured by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The effects of an ERK inhibitor on B7-H1 expression and CTL cytotoxicity against T24 cells were also evaluated. In addition, TLR4, B7-H1 and PD-1 protein expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in 60 UBC specimens and 10 normal urothelia. Results: TLR4 activation protected T24 cells from CTL killing via B7-H1 overexpression. However PD98059, an inhibitor of ERK, enhanced CTL killing of T24 cells by reducing B7-H1 expression. TLR4 expression was generally decreased in UBC specimens, while B7-H1 and PD-1 were greatly overexpressed. Moreover, expression of both B7-H1 and PD-1 was significantly associated with UICC stage and WHO grade classification. Conclusions: TLR4 and B7-H1 may contribute to immune escape of UBC. Targeting B7-H1 or the ERK pathway may offer new immunotherapy strategies for bladder cancer.

Genetic diversity of two Tibetan macaque (Macaca thibetana) populations from Guizhou and Yunnan in China based on mitochondrial DNA D-loop sequences

Li-Jing Zhong,Ming-Wang Zhang,Yong-Fang Yao,Qing-Yong Ni,Jun Mu,Chong-Qing Li,Huai-Liang Xu 한국유전학회 2013 Genes & Genomics Vol.35 No.2

Tibetan macaque (Macaca thibetana), an endangered species endemic to China, is categorized as a Category II species under the Chinese Wild Animal Protection Law and listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. To further assess genetic diversity and population structure within this species,populations, revealing that variations occured among populations mainly. Further analysis demonstrated that significant genetic differentiation (Fst = 0.83628, P\0.01) and poor gene flow (Nm\1) had occurred among these four populations. On the phylogenetic tree and haplotype network plot, 22 haplotypes cluster together according to their geographical origins, exhibiting an obvious phylogeographic pattern. We speculate that the significant genetic differentiation among these macaque populations might result from long-term geographic barrier and human activity. In particular,Yangtze River probably play a vital role in population differentiation of Tibetan macaques. we sequenced 477 bp of mitochondrial DNA control region in 30 Tibetan macaques from the Guizhou (GZ) and Yunnan (YN) of China and conducted population genetic analysis, along with 15 previously described haplotype sequences representing 55 individuals from Sichuan (SC)and Anhui (AH). 87 polymorphic sites were detected in the alignment of 45 sequences and defined 22 haplotypes, of which 9 were newly identified. Haplotype diversity (h),nucleotide diversity (p) and average number of nucleotide differences (K) is 0.911 ± 0.015, 0.06090 ± 0.00126 and 28.32, respectively, indicating higher genetic diversity in the whole Tibetan macaque population. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) partitioned the total variation into 83.63 % among populations and 16.37 % within populations, revealing that variations occured among populationsmainly. Further analysis demonstrated that significantgenetic differentiation (Fst = 0.83628, P\0.01) andpoor gene flow (Nm\1) had occurred among these fourpopulations. On the phylogenetic tree and haplotype networkplot, 22 haplotypes cluster together according to their geographicalorigins, exhibiting an obvious phylogeographicpattern. We speculate that the significant genetic differentiationamong these macaque populations might result fromlong-term geographic barrier and human activity. In particular,Yangtze River probably play a vital role in populationdifferentiation of Tibetan macaques.

Nanostructured gold films for SERS by block copolymer-templated galvanic displacement reactions.

Wang, Yong,Becker, Michael,Wang, Li,Liu, Jinquan,Scholz, Roland,Peng, Juan,Gö,sele, Ulrich,Christiansen, Silke,Kim, Dong Ha,Steinhart, Martin American Chemical Society 2009 Nano letters Vol.9 No.6

<P>Up to now, little effort has been made to exploit large-area high-throughput patterning by block copolymer (BCP) lithography to generate nanostructured substrates with periods well below 100 nm for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). We show that simple BCP-templated galvanic displacement reactions yield dense arrays of mushroom-shaped gold nanopillars with a period of 50 nm. The nanoporous BCP films used as templates were obtained by swelling-induced reconstruction of reverse micelle monolayers deposited on silicon wafers. Coupling of adjacent mushroom caps almost impinging on each other combined with their strong local curvature results in a high spatial density of hot spots in the narrow gaps between them. Thus, substrates characterized by high SERS efficiencies are obtained.</P>

Curcumin Inhibits MHCC97H Liver Cancer Cells by Activating ROS/TLR-4/Caspase Signaling Pathway

Li, Pei-Min,Li, Yu-Liang,Liu, Bin,Wang, Wu-Jie,Wang, Yong-Zheng,Li, Zheng Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.5

Curcumin can inhibit proliferation of liver cancer cells by inducing apoptosis, but the specific signaling pathways involved are not completely clear. Here, we report that curcumin inhibited proliferation of MHCC97H liver cancer cells by induction of apoptosis in a concentration dependent manner via stimulating intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Also, we showed that increased intracellular ROS formation activated the TLR-4/MyD-88 signaling pathway, resulting in activation of caspase-8 and caspase-3, which eventually led to apoptosis in MHCC97H cells. These results showed that as an prooxidant, curcumin exerts anti-cancer effects by inducing apoptosis via the TLR-4/MyD-88 signaling pathway.