Mapping Quantitative Trait Loci for Leaf and Heading-related Traits in Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinesis)

Yu Ge,Nirala Ramchiary,Tao Wang,Cui Liang,Na Wang,Zhe Wang,최수련,임용표,Zhong Yun Piao 한국원예학회 2011 Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology Vol.52 No.5

The inheritance of leaf and heading-related traits in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) are poorly understood since only a handful of studies of these traits are available till date. In this study, QTL mapping was done for seven leaf and heading related traits that includes gross weight, number of non-wrapper leaves, head weight, head length, head width,head length/head width ratio, and the number of head-forming leaves in 139 F3 families derived from a cross between two diverse Chinese cabbage lines, ‘501’ with small head and ‘601’ with large head. A total of 27 QTL spread over the nine linkage groups were identified for seven leaf and head-related traits, many of which showed major effects clustered in A2, A4,A6, and A8. The results provided a better understanding of the genetic factors controlling leaf and head-related traits in Chinese cabbage.

Association of Visit-to-Visit Variability of Blood Pressure with Cardiovascular Disease among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Cohort Study

Zhe-Bin Yu,Die Li,Xue-Yu Chen,Pei-Wen Zheng,Hong-Bo Lin,Meng-Ling Tang,Ming-Juan Jin,Jian-Bing Wang,Kun Chen 대한당뇨병학회 2019 Diabetes and Metabolism Journal Vol.43 No.3

Background: Increasing evidence has shown that visit-to-visit variability (VVV) of blood pressure (BP) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of VVV of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) on the risk of CVD among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in China. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 10,163 T2DM patients who were not previously diagnosed with CVD from January 2008 to December 2012 in Ningbo, China. The VVV of BP was calculated using five metrics, including standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), variation independent of mean, average real variability, and successive variability (SV) of measurements, obtained over a 24-month measurement period. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by Cox proportional hazards regression models for the associations of variability in BP with risk of CVD. Results: A total of 894 CVD events were observed during a median follow-up of 49.5 months. The hazard ratio in the highest quintile of SD of SBP was 1.24 (95% CI, 1.01 to 1.52) compared with patients in the lowest quintile. The association between higher VVV of DBP and risk of CVD was not consistent across different metrics and sensitivity analyses. Conclusion: Higher VVV of SBP was associated with an increased risk of CVD, irrespective of the mean SBP level. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Development and linkage mapping of unigene-derived microsatellite markers in <i>Brassica rapa</i> L.

Ge, Yu,Ramchiary, Nirala,Wang, Tao,Liang, Cui,Wang, Na,Wang, Zhe,Choi, Su-Ryun,Lim, Yong Pyo,Piao, Zhong Yun Japanese Society of Breeding 2011 Breeding science Vol.61 No.2

<P><I>Brassica rapa</I> plants are highly important as vegetables, sources of oilseeds and fodder crop. Here, we developed 450 unigene derived microsatellite (UGMS) markers in <I>B. rapa</I> using unigenes downloaded from the National Center for Biotechnology Information database. Of the 450 UGMS primer pairs, 428 (95.1%) produced repeatable and reliable amplifications of expected size in at least one parental line of <I>B. rapa</I>, and 70 UGMS markers gave 72 polymorphic loci between the two contrasting parental lines. Cross-species transferability analysis of these 70 polymorphic UGMS markers in five other cultivated <I>Brassica</I> species showed varying transferability rates ranging from 82.9% in <I>B. nigra</I> to 97.1% in <I>B. juncea</I> and <I>B. napus</I>, and overall 53 UGMS markers amplified targets in all five species. The <I>B. rapa</I> linkage map was constructed using the 72 UGMS polymorphic loci and 154 previously developed SSRs. The newly developed UGMS markers and linkage map in this study would help in future studies to better understand the organization and evolution of <I>Brassica</I> genomes with respect to unigenes, in addition to mapping, tagging and cloning of economically important trait QTL/gene(s) and marker-assisted breeding in <I>Brassica</I> crops.</P>

Inhibition of MicroRNA-92a Improved Erectile Dysfunction in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats via Suppressing Oxidative Stress and Endothelial Dysfunction

Tang Zhe,Song Jingyu,Yu Zhe,Cui Kai,Ruan Yajun,Liu Yang,Wang Tao,Wang Shaogang,Liu Jihong,Yang Jun 대한남성과학회 2023 The World Journal of Men's Health Vol.41 No.1

Purpose: To determine whether microRNA could be a therapy target of erectile dysfunction (ED) and the underlying mecha-nisms. Materials and Methods: Eight-week-old fasting male SD rats were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin to construct diabetic rat models. Diabetic ED rats were treated with miRNA-92a inhibitor. The cavernous nerves were electrically stimu-lated to measure the intracavernous pressure and mean arterial pressure of rats in each group. After the detection, the penile cavernous tissues are properly stored for subsequent experiments. Rat aortic endothelial cells were used in in vitro studies. Results: The expression of miR-92a was significantly increased in the corpus cavernosum of Streptozocin (STZ)-induced di- abetic rats and injection of miR-92a antagomir into the corpus cavernosum of diabetic rats significantly increased eNOS/NO/ cGMP signaling pathway activities, cavernous endothelial cell proliferation, endothelial cell-cell junction protein expression and decreased the levels of oxidative stress. These changes restored erectile function in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Moreover, in vitro study demonstrated that the miR-92a expression increased significantly in endothelial cells treated with high glucose, inhibiting AMPK/eNOS and AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways in rat aortic endothelial cells via targeting Prkaa2, causing endothelial dysfunction and overactive oxidative stress, miR-92a inhibitor can improve the above parameters. Conclusions: miRNA-92a inhibitor could exert an inhibition role on oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction to improve diabetic ED effectively.

Correlation between Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Visceral Adipose Tissue in Non-Obese Chinese Adults: A CT Evaluation

Ai-Hong Yu,Yang-Yang Duan-Mu,Yong Zhang,Ling Wang,Zhe Guo,Yong-Qiang Yu,Yu-Sheng Wang,Xiao-Guang Cheng 대한영상의학회 2018 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.19 No.5

Objective: To investigate the correlation between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and visceral adipose tissue in non-obese Chinese adults using computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods: The study included 454 subjects undergoing abdominal CT scan. Degree of CT attenuation in liver and spleen, and the degree of fat infiltration in liver were evaluated according to three indices: the attenuation value of liver parenchyma (CTLP), the attenuation ratio of liver and spleen (LSratio) and the attenuation difference between liver and spleen (LSdif). Visceral fat area (VFA) and total fat area (TFA) at L2/3 and L4/5 levels were measured, and the abdominal subcutaneous fat area (SFA) was calculated. Bivariate correlation analysis was carried out to determine the correlation among these factors. Results: In men, VFA, SFA and TFA at L2/3 and L4/5 levels showed significant differences in terms of the three indices to distinguish fatty liver from non-fatty liver (all, p < 0.001). In men, all the three indices showed negative correlation with TFA, SFA and VFA (all, p < 0.001). The negative correlation between the three indices and VFA at the L2/3 level was higher than at L4/5 level (r = -0.476 vs. r = -0.340 for CTLP, r = -0.502 vs. r = -0.413 for LSratio, r = -0.543 vs. r = -0.422 for LSdif, p < 0.001, respectively). The negative correlation between LSratio, LSdif and VFA at L2/3 and L4/5 levels was higher than SFA at the corresponding level. In women, all the three indices showed negative correlation with VFA and TFA at L2/3 and L4/5 levels, and the negative correlation between CTLP and VFA was higher at L2/3 level than at L4/5 level (r = -0.294 vs. r = -0.254, p < 0.001). Conclusion: In non-obese Chinese adults, the degree of hepatic fatty infiltration showed a strong correlation with abdominal fat on CT. VFA at L2/3 level was more closely related to fatty liver compared with VFA at L4/5 level.

Combined fine-needle aspiration with core needle biopsy for assessing thyroid nodules: a more valuable diagnostic method?

Zhe Chen,Jia-jia Wang,Dong-ming Guo,Yu-xia Zhai,Zhuo-zhi Dai,Hong-hui Su 대한초음파의학회 2023 ULTRASONOGRAPHY Vol.42 No.2

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of combined fine-needle aspiration (FNA) with core needle biopsy (CNB) in thyroid nodules. Methods: FNA and CNB were performed simultaneously on 703 nodules. We compared the proportions of inconclusive results and the diagnostic performance for malignancy among FNA, CNB, and combined FNA/CNB for different nodule sizes. Results: Combined FNA/CNB showed lower proportions of inconclusive results than CNB for all nodules (2.8% vs. 5.7%, P<0.001), nodules ≤1.0 cm (4.9% vs. 7.3%, P=0.063), nodules >1.0 cm (2.0% vs. 5.0 %, P<0.001), nodules ≤1.5 cm (3.8% vs. 7.9 %, P<0.001), and nodules >1.5 cm (2.1% vs. 3.9 %, P=0.016). The sensitivity of combined FNA/CNB in predicting malignancy was significantly higher than that of CNB (89.0% vs. 80.0%, P<0.001) and FNA (89.0% vs. 58.1%, P<0.001) for all nodules. Within American College of Radiology Thyroid and Imaging Reporting and Data System grades 4-5, in the subgroup of nodules ≤1.5 cm, combined FNA/ CNB showed the best sensitivity in predicting malignancy (91.4%), significantly higher than that of CNB (81.0%, P<0.001) and FNA (57.8%, P<0.001). However, in the subgroup of nodules >1.5 cm, the difference between combined FNA/CNB and CNB was not significant (84.2% vs. 78.9%, P=0.500). Conclusion: Regardless of nodule size, combined FNA/CNB tended to yield lower proportions of inconclusive results than CNB or FNA alone and exhibited higher performance in diagnosing malignancy. The combined FNA/CNB technique may be a more valuable diagnostic method for nodules ≤1.5 cm and nodules with a risk of malignancy than CNB and FNA alone.

Investigation into performance enhancements of Li–S batteries via oxygen-containing functional groups on activated multi-walled carbon nanotubes using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Yu Hai Wang,Zhe Dai,Chao Yue Zhang,Guo Wen Sun,Zhong Wei Lu,Xiu Ping Gao,Geng Zhi Sun,Wei Lan,Zhen Xing Zhang,Xiao Jun Pan,Jin Yuan Zhou 한국물리학회 2020 Current Applied Physics Vol.20 No.9

It was demonstrated that the electrochemical performance enhancements in KOH-activated carbon materials should be mainly due to the created polar oxygen-containing functional groups (OFGs, such as such as C–O, C–– O, –OH, and O–C–– O), while the role of each OFGs on the electrochemical enhancements is still unclear. In this work, KOH activation treatments were systematically conducted on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to explore the role of each OFG on the performance enhancements of Li–S batteries (LSBs). Results showed that the capacity of activated-CNT-sulfur (a-CNT-S) cathodes is 33% higher than that of the pristine CNT-S cathodes, and their rate capability and cycling stability are also enhanced. And the electrochemical analysis combining with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that the formed C–O bonds are the real factor for the enhanced electrochemical performances of a-CNT-S cathodes. Furthermore, the optimal activation conditions on CNTbased cathodes for LSBs were optimized to be 10 min at 700 ℃.

High‑frequency planar transformer optimal design and analysis

Yu Tang,Guanghui Wang,Zhe Shi,Jincai Niu 전력전자학회 2023 JOURNAL OF POWER ELECTRONICS Vol.23 No.2

Due to the rapid development of modern industry, there is an increasing demand for isolated switching power supplies (SMPS) with a high efficiency and a high power density. Magnetic components, which occupy most of the converter volume, have been a key bottleneck in achieving high power density. This paper presents an optimal design method for high power density planar transformers. Applying the principle of flux cancellation, a matrix transformer that originally needed an independent magnetic core was integrated into a single magnetic core to reduce the volume of the core. Meanwhile, a loss model of the transformer is established, and an optimized design method of the winding structure is given according to that model to further reduce the winding loss of the transformer. Finally, an LLC converter with a resonant frequency of 1 MHz is designed to verify the practical performance of the proposed transformer.

Enhancement of Protective Effects of Radix Scutellariae on UVB-induced Photo Damage in Human HaCaT Keratinocytes

Wang, Yu-shuai,Cho, Jin-Gyeong,Hwang, Eun-Son,Yang, Jung-Eun,Gao, Wei,Fang, Min-zhe,Zheng, Sheng-dao,Yi, Tae-Hoo Springer-Verlag 2018 Applied biochemistry and biotechnology Vol.184 No.4

Effects of the nozzle throat diameter on the flow properties of an inductively coupled plasma heater

Yu Minghao,Wang Zhe 한국물리학회 2021 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.79 No.11

In this study, the non-equilibrium subsonic and supersonic inductively coupled plasmas (ICPs) in an ICP heater were numerically simulated and reproduced from the torch to the conical nozzle to the vacuum chamber. The flow field characteristics and the thermal non-equilibrium characteristics are obtained. Through an analysis and discussion of the plasma parameters with different nozzle throat diameters, the effects of the nozzle throat diameter on plasma properties such as the pressure, plasma velocity and temperature are obtained from the simulated results. The maximum velocity is found to appear at the exit of the nozzle, and the velocity of flow generated by a nozzle with a smaller throat diameter is found to be bigger. The pressure, velocity and temperature in the vacuum chamber fluctuate twice due to the shock wave at the nozzle’s exit. The position of the maximum temperature appears to be located in the center of the coil heating while the position of the high temperature core produced by a small diameter nozzle is closer to the inlet than that of the large diameter nozzle is. Due to the interaction between the shock wave produced by the nozzle and the plasma flow, the thermal plasma forms several independent hot heating cores in the vacuum chamber. The maximum values of the electron number density and the electric field intensity are bigger when the throat diameter of the nozzle is smaller.