Effect of substrate reflecting conditions on the curing of UV curable resin layers on aluminum and the formation of surface wavy structures

Zhao, Zhi-Jun,Yang, Jeong-Ho,Li, Xin,Park, Sang-Hu Elsevier 2016 Materials letters Vol.164 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>We have investigated the formation of surface wavy structures (wrinkles) depending on the diverse surface conditions of a substrate, and now report the effect of various levels of reflection of incident ultraviolet (UV)-light. UV-curable resin layers with a thickness of 0.15mm were coated on three different surface conditions; transparent glass, fine and rough surface aluminum plate, to compare the formation of wrinkles on each surface. Short irradiations of UV-light for 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30s were exposed, resulting in the weak to full polymerization of the skin of a resin layer, respectively. The wavy structures were formed during thermal curing under room temperature after the short exposure of UV-light. The difference in reflection conditions resulting from the various surface roughnesses of the substrates led to changes in the amounts of polymerization, and the distribution of polymerization intensity through the layer thickness. Due to these different mechanisms, wrinkling shapes were quite distinguished. Through this work, we observed that controllable producing an approximately 33% maximum difference in the line width of wrinkles by using different substrate surface conditions.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> The effect of a substrate reflection condition was investigated for diverse generation of surface wrinkles. </LI> <LI> It was studied that the fundamental mechanism on formation of wrinkles by weak-polymerization and thermal curing process. </LI> <LI> Irregular line-shapes of wrinkles with a range of 62–92μm in line width were fabricated by using the effect of substrate reflection conditions. </LI> <LI> Contact angle was varied depending on wrinkle shapes from 63° to 76°. </LI> </UL> </P>

Sustained electron tunneling at unbiased metal-insulator-semiconductor triboelectric contacts

Liu, Jun,Miao, Mengmeng,Jiang, Keren,Khan, Faheem,Goswami, Ankur,McGee, Ryan,Li, Zhi,Nguyen, Lan,Hu, Zhiyu,Lee, Jungchul,Cadien, Ken,Thundat, Thomas Elsevier 2018 Nano energy Vol.48 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Generating sufficient current density for powering electronic devices remains as one of the critical challenges of mechanical energy harvesting techniques based on piezo and triboelectricity, mainly due to the high impedance of the insulating material systems. Here we report on producing sustainable tunneling current using an unbiased, triboelectrically charged metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) point contact system, consisting of p-type silicon, silicon oxide and a metal tip. The native thin oxide (~ 1.6 nm) on the silicon surface provides a natural pathway for quantum mechanical tunneling of the triboelectrically generated electrons into the silicon substrate. Lateral back and forth sliding motion of the tip, irrespective of the direction of motion, generates a constant direct current (d.c.) with very high current density. The measured current shows an exponential decay with the thickness of oxide layer deposited with atomic layer deposition (ALD), confirming the quantum mechanical tunneling mechanism. It is proposed that the contact potential difference enhanced by triboelectric charging provides potential difference between metal point contact and the substrate. With single metallic micro probe sliding on a moderately doped p-type silicon, an open circuit voltage (<I>V</I> <SUB>oc</SUB>) of 300–400 mV and a short-circuit direct current (<I>I</I> <SUB>sc</SUB>) of 3–5 μA (a corresponding high current density, <I>J</I>, in the order of 1–10 A/m<SUP>2</SUP>) have been observed. It is predicted from conductive-atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) experiment that the theoretical <I>J</I> can be as high as 10<SUP>4</SUP> A/m<SUP>2</SUP>. This new concept has the potential as a green energy harvesting technique where a broad range of material candidates and device configurations could be used.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Quantum mechanical tunneling at triboelectrically charged interface through ultrathin oxide layer is demonstrated. </LI> <LI> Tribo-tunneling is found to be a universal phenomenon in MIS frictional contact system. </LI> <LI> High current density <I>J</I> of 5 A/m<SUP>2</SUP> is experimentally measured in doped silicon materials at macroscale. </LI> <LI> Ultrahigh C-AFM <I>J</I> of 10<SUP>4</SUP> A/m<SUP>2</SUP> is observed due to the nano-size probe-induced high electric field. </LI> <LI> This method can be used as cost-effective triboelectric DC current generator, due to easily available silicon wafers with native oxide. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Precirrhotic Primary Biliary Cholangitis with Portal Hypertension: Bile Duct Injury Correlate

Hu Yi-Fan,Li Shun-Xin,Liu Hong-Li,Du Zhi-Xiang,Wang Shuang-Shuang,Chen Miao-Yang,Wang Li,Xiong Qing-Fang,Zhong Yan-Dan,Liu Du-Xian,Yang Yong-Feng 거트앤리버 소화기연관학회협의회 2024 Gut and Liver Vol.18 No.5

Background/Aims: The histological characteristics and natural history of precirrhotic primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) with portal hypertension (PH) are unclear. Our aim was to clarify the prevalence, risk factors, and histological characteristics of precirrhotic PBC patients with PH. Methods: This retrospective study compared the clinical features, histological characteristics, and response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) between the PH and non-PH groups of precirrhotic PBC patients. Results: Out of 165 precirrhotic PBC patients, 40 (24.2%) also had PH. According to histological stage 1, 2 and 3 disease, 5.3% (1/19), 17.3% (17/98), and 45.8% (22/48) of patients also had PH, respectively. Precirrhotic PBC with PH was significantly positively correlated with bile duct loss, degree of cytokeratin 7 positivity, and degree of fibrosis in the portal area, but significantly negatively correlated with lymphoid follicular aggregation. Compared to the non-PH group, patients in the PH group showed a higher prevalence of obliterative portal venopathy, incomplete septal fibrosis, portal tract abnormalities and non-zonal sinusoidal dilatation (p<0.05). In addition, patients with PH were more likely to present with symptoms of jaundice, ascites, epigastric discomfort, a poorer response to UDCA, and more decompensation events (p<0.05). High alkaline phosphatase levels, low white blood cell counts, high Mayo scores, and high FIB-4 index values were risk factors for precirrhotic PBC with PH. Conclusions: Approximately 24.2% of precirrhotic PBC patients have PH, which is histologically related to the injury of bile ducts. High alkaline phosphatase levels, low white blood cell counts, high Mayo scores, and high FIB-4 index values are associated with increased risk of precirrhotic PBC with PH.

Contributed Mini Review : Isoforms, structures, and functions of versatile spectraplakin MACF1

( Li Fang Hu ),( Pei Hong Su ),( Run Zhi Li ),( Chong Yin ),( Yan Zhang ),( Peng Shang ),( Tuan Min Yang ),( Ai Rong Qian ) 생화학분자생물학회 2016 BMB Reports Vol.49 No.1

Spectraplakins are crucially important communicators, linking cytoskeletal components to each other and cellular junctions. Microtubule actin crosslinking factor 1 (MACF1), also known as actin crosslinking family 7 (ACF7), is a member of the spectraplakin family. It is expressed in numerous tissues and cells as one extensively studied spectraplakin. MACF1 has several isoforms with unique structures and well-known function to be able to crosslink F-actin and microtubules. MACF1 is one versatile spectraplakin with various functions in cell processes, embryo development, tissue-specific functions, and human diseases. The importance of MACF1 has become more apparent in recent years. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the presence and function of MACF1 and provide perspectives on future research of MACF1 based on our studies and others. [BMB Reports 2016; 49(1): 37-44]

Two New Phenolic Compounds from the Fruiting Bodies of Ganoderma tropicum

Hu, Li-Li,Ma, Qing-Yun,Huang, Sheng-Zhuo,Guo, Zhi-Kai,Guo, Jian-Chun,Dai, Hao-Fu,Zhao, You-Xing Korean Chemical Society 2013 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.34 No.3

Chemical investigation of the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma tropicum led to the isolation of two new phenolic compounds, ganodermatropins A (1) and B (2). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques (MS, 1D and 2D NMR). Ganodermatropin A exhibited antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.

Two New Phenolic Compounds from the Fruiting Bodies of Ganoderma tropicum

Li-Li Hu,Qing-Yun Ma,Sheng-Zhuo Huang,Zhi-Kai Guo,Jianchun Guo,Hao Fu Dai,You-Xing Zhao 대한화학회 2013 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.34 No.3

Chemical investigation of the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma tropicum led to the isolation of two new phenolic compounds, ganodermatropins A (1) and B (2). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques (MS, 1D and 2D NMR). Ganodermatropin A exhibited antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.

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.

Genetic Variants in the PI3K/PTEN/AKT/mTOR Pathway Predict Platinum-based Chemotherapy Response of Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancers in a Chinese Population

Xu, Jia-Li,Wang, Zhen-Wu,Hu, Ling-Min,Yin, Zhi-Qiang,Huang, Ming-De,Hu, Zhi-Bin,Shen, Hong-Bing,Shu, Yong-Qian Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.5

Objective: The PI3K/PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway has been implicated in resistance to cisplatin. In the current study, we determined whether common genetic variations in this pathway are associated with platinum-based chemotherapy response and clinical outcome in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Methods: Seven common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in core genes of this pathway were genotyped in 199 patients and analyzed for associations with chemotherapy response, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: Logistic regression analysis revealed an association between AKT1 rs2494752 and response to treatment. Patients carrying heterozygous AG had an increased risk of disease progression after two cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy compared to those with AA genotype (Adjusted odds ratio (OR)=2.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00-4.77, which remained significant in the stratified analyses). However, log-rank test and cox regression detected no association between these polymorphisms in the PI3K pathway genes and survival in advanced NSCLC patients. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that genetic variants in the PI3K/PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway may predict platinum-based chemotherapy response in advanced NSCLC patients in a Chinese population.

All-trans-retinoic Acid Promotes Iodine Uptake Via Up-regulating the Sodium Iodide Symporter in Medullary Thyroid Cancer Stem Cells

Tang, Min,Hou, Yan-Li,Kang, Qiang-Qiang,Chen, Xing-Yue,Duan, Li-Qun,Shu, Jin,Li, Shao-Lin,Hu, Xiao-Li,Peng, Zhi-Ping Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.4

Recently, the main therapy of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is surgical, but by which way there is a poor prognosis with a mean survival of only 5 years. In some cases, some researchers found that it is the medullary thyroid cancer stem cells (MTCSCs) that cause metastasis and recurrence. This study aimed to eradicate MTCSCs through administration of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA). Here we demonstrate that MTCSCs possess stemlike properties in serum-free medium. The ABCG2, OCT4 and sodium iodide symporter (NIS) were changed by ATRA. Additionally, we found that ATRA can increase the expression of NIS in vivo. All the data suggested that ATRA could increase the iodine uptake of MTCSCs through NIS.

Genetic Linkage of Genes for a Thermo-sensitive Genic Male Sterility in Maize: The genetic analysis of an TGMS Line Qiong-6ms in maize

Zhi Yuan Fu,Hui Ling Xie,Jian Sheng Li,Yan Min Hu,Zong Hua Liu,Zhong You He,Ji Hua Tang 한국유전학회 2008 Genes & Genomics Vol.30 No.6

Thermo-sensitive genic male sterile (TGMS) lines can provide new options for hybrid seed production using "two-line" system. A set of F2 and BC1 populations derived from the cross between Qiong-6ms and Dan958 were employed to analyze the inheritance of a TGMS line Qiong-6ms and map the TGMS genes in maize. The results demonstrated that the sterility of Qiong-6ms was governed by two duplicative recessive genes, named tms1 and tms2. The gene tms1 was mapped to chromosome 5 linked with the SSR markers umc1355, umc2302 and umc1784 at a distance of 3.0 cM, 1.3 cM and 0.9 cM respectively; while tms2 was localized on chromosome 3, linked with SSR markers bnlg1605 (0.5 cM) and umc2050 (4.2 cM). These markers, which are tightly linked with the tms1 and tms2 genes, will be helpful for marker assisted selection of TGMS lines in maize.