Evolution of the effect of sulfur confinement in graphene-based porous carbons for use in Li-S batteries

Jia, Xiangling,Zhang, Chen,Liu, Juanjuan,Lv, Wei,Wang, Da-Wei,Tao, Ying,Li, Zhengjie,Zheng, Xiaoyu,Yu, Jong-Sung,Yang, Quan-Hong The Royal Society of Chemistry 2016 Nanoscale Vol.8 No.8

<P>A controllable drying strategy is proposed for the precise and non-destructive control over the structure of a 3D graphene assembly. Such an assembly is used as a model carbon material to investigate the pore structure-dependent shuttle effect and cycling performance of the cathode of a Li-S battery.</P>

Reconsidering the Hierarchy and Translation of “Physical Education/Sports” Related Terms: Taiwan Perspective

Jeffrey Yu,Jun Lian,Ruei-Hong Li,Chen-Sin Hung,Dong-Tai Chen,Yu-Kai Chang 대한운동학회 2024 아시아 운동학 학술지 Vol.26 No.1

Objectives In the past centuries, the concept of “physical education” has changed from a more general concepts including physical activities and sports, to specifically inferring “instruction of physical activity”. Instead, “sports” has become the comprehensive concept of sports, exercise, and physical education. Given to the inconsistent terminologies and English translations of “體育 (ti-yu)” (physical education) and “運 動 (yun-dong)” (sports or exercise) in Mandarin, the purpose of this study was to investigate in the current terminology usage, hierarchy, and the English translation of “體育 (ti-yu)” and “運動 (yun-dong)” in Taiwan. Met hods Three government authorities, two sport related universities, eight top sport and exercise journals, and nighty-six college departments in Taiwan were analyzed. Results “運動 (yun-dong)” was the most widely used terminology as “體育 (ti-yu)” occupied the majority usage among government authorities, sport related universities, and title of top sport and exercise journals. Regarding English translation, despite of “department of physical education”, “sports” remained the most common terminology. Moreover, “體育 (ti-yu)” and “sports” are the highest hierarchy among government authorities, and sport related university; “體育 (ti-yu)” and “physical education” are the highest hierarchy among traditional sport and exercise journals; “運動 (yun-dong)” and “sports” are the highest hierarchy among college departments also the mainstream of current translation and hierarchy. Conclusions “體育 (ti-yu)” was the highest hierarchy in the past. However, “運動 (yun-dong)” has been the mainstream of the highest hierarchy in Mandarin according to college departments. In English, “sport(s)” is the main term in Taiwan when translating “體育 (ti-yu)” and 運動 (yun-dong)”, also being the highest hierarchy. On the other hand, “體育 (ti-yu)” and “physical education” are utilized regarding those departments focusing on educating PE teachers. This study expects the terminology, English translations, and hierarchy being align with the mainstream of current translation and hierarchy in the future.

CdSe@ZnS/ZnS quantum dots loaded in polymeric micelles as a pH-triggerable targeting fluorescence imaging probe for detecting cerebral ischemic area

Yang, Hong Yu,Fu, Yan,Jang, Moon-Sun,Li, Yi,Yin, Wen Ping,Ahn, Tae Kyu,Lee, Jung Hee,Chae, Heeyeop,Lee, Doo Sung Elsevier 2017 Colloids and surfaces. B, Biointerfaces Vol.155 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>High photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield (QY), photostability CdSe@ZnS/ZnS core/multishell quantum dots (CM-QDs) were first applied for bioimaging. The solubility, stability and biocompatible of the fluorescence imaging probes were constructed by self-assembly of CM-QDs and pH-responsive methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(β-amino ester/amidoamine)-dodecylamine (mPEG-PAEA-DDA) multiblock copolymers. The resulting CM-QDs-loaded mPEG-PAEA-DDA micelles (CM-QDs-PEG-PAEA-DDA) exhibited lower cell cytotoxicity and higher fluorescence intensity than the core/shell CdSe@ZnS QDs-encapsulated mPEG-PAEA-DDA micelles (CS-QDs-PEG-PAEA-DDA). Moreover, the in vivo fluorescence imaging ability confirmed that the CM-QDs-PEG-PAEA-DDA can be employed as a pH-triggerable targeting imaging probe for detection of a rat bearing cerebral ischemia disease. Therefore, we believed that the CM-QDs-PEG-PAEA-DDA may be the next generation of fluorescence imaging probes for targeted diagnosis acidic pathological areas, using pH as a stimulus.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> CdSe@ZnS/ZnS QDs are synthesized and first applied for bioimaging. </LI> <LI> mPEG-PAEA-DDA copolymer showed pH-responsive property and the hydrolysis stability. </LI> <LI> CM-QDs-PEG-PAEA-DDA exhibited lower toxicity and higher fluorescent intensity. </LI> <LI> CM-QDs-PEG-PAEA-DDA has ability to target image for acidic brain ischemic area. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Expression of Endogenous Hypoxia Markers in Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Li, Yu-Zhu,Li, Shu-Ling,Li, Xia,Wang, Li-Jie,Wang, Jiu-Ling,Xu, Jia-Wen,Wu, Zhi-Hong,Gong, Li,Zhang, Xiao-Dan Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.8

Objective: To investigate the expression of endogenous hypoxia-related markers identified as being involved in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC). Methods: We performed immunohistochemical staining of hypoxia-inducible factor-$1{\alpha}$ (HIF-$1{\alpha}$), glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1), carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA-9) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), on tissue sections of 25 VSCC patients, 10 vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) patients and 12 healthy controls. Results: HIF-$1{\alpha}$ expression was found in all sections, with no significant difference between controls, VIN and VSCC sections (all P<0.05). Glut-1 expression was found in 25% of control, 90% of VIN and 100% of VSCC sections. A significant difference between control and VIN or VSCC was observed (all P<0.05), while no difference was found between VIN and VSCC sections (P>0.05). CA-9 expression was negative in control sections, but it was found in 30% of VIN sections and 52% of VSCC sections with strong staining. Similarly, CA-9 expression also showed obvious differences between controls and VIN or VSCC sections (all P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between VIN and VSCC (P>0.05). There were only 25% of control sections with weak VEGF expression, while strong staining was found in about 60% of VIN sections and 25% of VSCC sections (all P<0.05). In addition, a difference was also found between VIN and VSCC sections (P<0.05). Conclusion: Expression of endogenous hypoxia markers (HIF-$1{\alpha}$, GLUT-1, CA-9 and VEGF) might be involved in the malignant progression of VSCC.

Tumor acidity and CD44 dual targeting hyaluronic acid-coated gold nanorods for combined chemo- and photothermal cancer therapy

Li, Yi,Duy Le, Thai Minh,Nam Bui, Quang,Yang, Hong Yu,Lee, Doo Sung Elsevier 2019 Carbohydrate polymers Vol.226 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>In this work, tumor acidity and CD44 dual targeting hyaluronic acid-coated gold nanorods (AuNRs) are investigated for combined chemo- and photothermal cancer therapy. Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (LMWHA) is conjugated with pH-sensitive groups for pH-induced aggregation and lipoic acid for coating of AuNRs. By changing pH-sensitive groups with different pKa values, pH-sensitivity of modified LMWHA can be tuned. After coating modified LMWHA onto AuNRs, biocompatibility of the AuNRs is significantly improved. These LMWHA-coated AuNRs can gradually aggregate under slightly acidic conditions, making them favorable for accumulation at acidic tumor sites. Surface LMWHA allows the nanocomposites to be selectively uptaken by CD44-expressing cancer cells, and AuNRs endows the nanocomposites with excellent photothermal ability. Loading of doxorubicin, a chemical drug, provides the LMWHA-coated AuNRs synergistic cancer cell-killing (<I>in vitro</I>) and tumor growth inhibiting (<I>in vivo</I>) ability. Taken together, these results demonstrate that this multifunctional nanosystem with pH-induced aggregation and CD44 targeting has potential for combined chemo- and photothermal cancer therapy.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Conjugation of pH-sensitive groups induces acidity-triggered aggregation. </LI> <LI> Surface coating of hyaluronic acid allows selective tumor targeting of nanoparticles. </LI> <LI> Co-delivery of chemical drugs and gold nanorods enables combined cancer therapy. </LI> </UL> </P>

T-SPOT.TB for Detection of Tuberculosis Infection among Hematological Malignancy Patients and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients

Qin, Li-Li,Wang, Qin-Rong,Wang, Qian,Yao, Hong,Wen, Li-Jun,Wu, Li-Li,Ping, Na-Na,Xie, Jun-Dan,Chen, Mei-Yu,Chen, Su-Ning Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.12

The diagnosis of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is recommended in hematological malignancy patients and before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Guidelines for the prevention and management of infectious complications of solid organ transplantation, 2004). Compared to traditional methods such as tuberculin skin test (TST), T-SPOT.TB has been shown to be more specific. In the present study we enrolled 536 patients for whom T-SPOT.TB was performed, among which 295 patients also received the TST test. The agreement (79%) between T-SPOT.TB and TST was poor (x=0.274, P<0.001). The patients with positive T-SPOT.TB results numbered 62 (11.6%), in which only 20 (48.8%) of the 41 receiving the TST test had positive results. A majority of the patients with T-SPOT.TB positive results had some other evidence ofTB, such as TB history, clinical symptoms and an abnormal chest CT scan. Active TB was found in 9 patients, in which 2 had negative TST results. We followed up the patients and no one developed active TB. Our study suggested that the T-SPOT.TB may be more useful for screening LTBI and active TB in hematological malignancy patients and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients than the TST test.

Disruption of endothelial barrier function is linked with hyposecretion and lymphocytic infiltration in salivary glands of Sjögren's syndrome

Cong, Xin,Zhang, Xue-Ming,Zhang, Yan,Wei, Tai,He, Qi-Hua,Zhang, Li-Wei,Hua, Hong,Lee, Sang-Woo,Park, Kyungpyo,Yu, Guang-Yan,Wu, Li-Ling Elsevier 2018 Biochimica et biophysica acta. Molecular basis of Vol.1864 No.10

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes hyposecretion in salivary glands. Endothelial tight junctions (TJs) play crucial roles in salivation and barrier function of blood vessels. However, whether the alteration of endothelial TJs were involved in pathogenesis of SS was still unknown. Here, the ultrastructure and function of endothelial TJs in submandibular glands (SMGs) were detected by transmission electron microscopy and in vivo paracellular permeability assay in different aged NOD mouse model for SS. CFSE-labeled lymphocytes were injected into tail vein to trace the infiltration, while claudin-5 expression and distribution were detected by immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and western blot. Results showed that the stimulated salivary flow rate was gradually decreased and lymphocytic infiltration was found as age increased in 12- and 21-week-old NOD mice, but not 7-week-old NOD mice. Blood vessels were dilated, while endothelial TJ width and paracellular tracer transport were increased in 12-week-old NOD mice. Moreover, the injected CFSE-labeled lymphocytes were observed in SMGs of 12-week-old NOD mice. Claudin-5 level was increased and relocalized from the apical portion of neighboring endothelial cells to lateral membranes and cytoplasm in 12-week-old NOD mice. Additionally, the alteration of claudin-5 expression and distribution was further confirmed in labial salivary glands and bilateral parotid glands from SS patients. In cultured human microvessel endothelial cell line (HMEC-1), IFN-γ stimulation significantly increased claudin-5 expression. Taken together, we identified that the endothelial TJ barrier was disrupted and contributed to the development of salivary hyposecretion and lymphocytic infiltration in SS.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Endothelial tight junction barrier is disrupted in hyposecretory submandibular glands from Sjögren's syndrome mouse model </LI> <LI> The disrupted salivary endothelial barrier is linked with lymphocytic infiltration in Sjögren's syndrome mouse model </LI> <LI> The redistribution of claudin-5 is responsible for disrupted endothelial barrier in salivary glands from Sjögren's syndrome </LI> </UL> </P>

Tumor-Derived Transforming Growth Factor-β is Critical for Tumor Progression and Evasion from Immune Surveillance

Li, Zheng,Zhang, Li-Juan,Zhang, Hong-Ru,Tian, Gao-Fei,Tian, Jun,Mao, Xiao-Li,Jia, Zheng-Hu,Meng, Zi-Yu,Zhao, Li-Qing,Yin, Zhi-Nan,Wu, Zhen-Zhou Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.13

Tumors have evolved numerous mechanisms by which they can escape from immune surveillance. One of these is to produce immunosuppressive cytokines. Transforming growth factor-${\beta}$(TGF-${\beta}$) is a pleiotropic cytokine with a crucial function in mediating immune suppression, especially in the tumor microenvironment. TGF-${\beta}$ produced by T cells has been demonstrated as an important factor for suppressing antitumor immune responses, but the role of tumor-derived TGF-${\beta}$ in this process is poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated that knockdown of tumor-derived TGF-${\beta}$ using shRNA resulted in dramatically reduced tumor size, slowing tumor formation, prolonging survival rate of tumor-bearing mice and inhibiting metastasis. We revealed possible underlying mechanisms as reducing the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and $CD4^+Foxp3^+$ Treg cells, and consequently enhanced IFN-${\gamma}$ production by CTLs. Knockdown of tumor-derived TGF-${\beta}$ also significantly reduced the conversion of na$\ddot{i}$ve $CD4^+$ T cells into Treg cells in vitro. Finally, we found that knockdown of TGF-${\beta}$ suppressed cell migration, but did not change the proliferation and apoptosis of tumor cells in vitro. In summary, our study provided evidence that tumor-derived TGF-${\beta}$ is a critical factor for tumor progression and evasion of immune surveillance, and blocking tumor-derived TGF-${\beta}$ may serve as a potential therapeutic approach for cancer.

High-accuracy electrohydraulic control system for the position and orientation of the primary mirror for a large telescope

Li Yu-Xia,Wang Jian-Li,Guo Peng-Fei,Li Hong-Wen,Cao Yu-Yan 한국물리학회 2021 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.79 No.7

Due to variations in gravity, temperature, and external disturbances, the optical axes of a telescope’s primary mirrors can shift and, consequently, become misaligned with the light path. Such misalignment significantly reduces image quality; thus, the position and orientation of primary mirror (POPM) control systems must maintain the optical axis in an ideal position. Therefore, in this paper, we proposes a novel high-accuracy electrohydraulic control system for the position and orientation of the primary mirror (POPM) of a large telescope. To this end, a POPM control system with five electrohydraulic partitions is adopted, and a mathematical model of the POPM is derived. In addition, a mathematical model of each partition of the electrohydraulic system is derived for the telescope controller design. A linear active disturbance rejection controller (LADRC) and a sliding mode controller (SMC) are adopted in each electro-hydraulic partition to ensure positioning accuracy. Experiments are carried out on 4 and 1.2 m large telescopes. The corresponding results show that by both keeping constant and varying the elevation of the large telescopes, the position error of the primary mirror can be limited to less than 1 μm, and the orientation of the primary mirror can be maintained with an error of less than 0.05 arcsec, even in the presence of external disturbances. This control accuracy can guarantee both the inalterability of the optical axis of the primary mirror and the possibility to adjust the light according to the requirement in order to obtain high-resolution images.

Convenient and Robust Route to Photoswitchable Hierarchical Liquid Crystal Polymer Stripes via Flow-Enabled Self-Assembly

Li, Xiao,Li, Bo,He, Ming,Wang, Wei,Wang, Tianjie,Wang, Aurelia,Yu, Jiwoo,Wang, Zhonglin,Hong, Suck Won,Byun, Myunghwan,Lin, Shaoliang,Yu, Haifeng,Lin, Zhiqun American Chemical Society 2018 ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES Vol.10 No.5

<P>Hierarchically arranged stripes of photoswitchable liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) containing azobenzene moieties were conveniently crafted via a flow-enabled self-assembly (FESA). Interestingly, by subjecting a drop of LCP solution to dry in a restricted geometry comprising two nearly parallel plates with a stationary upper plate and a movable lower plate that programmably traveled in a 'stop -and-move' manner during the FESA process, photoswitchable LCP stripes were yielded, displaying two modes of deposition, namely, periodic primary stripes of large dimensions and regularly spaced secondary stripes of small dimensions situated between adjacent, primary stripes (i.e., forming hierarchical LCP stripes). Notably, these hierarchical azobenzene moieties-containing stripes demonstrated sequential photoinduced reversible phase transition (i.e., photoswitching) due to the thickness difference between primary and secondary stripes. A UV light-induced expansion effect. was observed on the LCP stripes. Clearly, such rapid creation of hierarchical stripes by FESA represents a robust means of organizing polymers, nanoparticles, colloids, DNA, etc. into complex yet ordered patterns over a large area in a simple and controllable manner for potential use in surface relief grating, photoactuators, photoswitchable devices, antifake labels, etc.</P>