| 1. |
- Klionsky, Daniel J., et al.
(author)
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Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy
- 2012
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In: Autophagy. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1554-8635 .- 1554-8627. ; 8:4, s. 445-544
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In 2008 we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, research on this topic has continued to accelerate, and many new scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Accordingly, it is important to update these guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Various reviews have described the range of assays that have been used for this purpose. Nevertheless, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to measure autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. A key point that needs to be emphasized is that there is a difference between measurements that monitor the numbers or volume of autophagic elements (e.g., autophagosomes or autolysosomes) at any stage of the autophagic process vs. those that measure flux through the autophagy pathway (i.e., the complete process); thus, a block in macroautophagy that results in autophagosome accumulation needs to be differentiated from stimuli that result in increased autophagic activity, defined as increased autophagy induction coupled with increased delivery to, and degradation within, lysosomes (in most higher eukaryotes and some protists such as Dictyostelium) or the vacuole (in plants and fungi). In other words, it is especially important that investigators new to the field understand that the appearance of more autophagosomes does not necessarily equate with more autophagy. In fact, in many cases, autophagosomes accumulate because of a block in trafficking to lysosomes without a concomitant change in autophagosome biogenesis, whereas an increase in autolysosomes may reflect a reduction in degradative activity. Here, we present a set of guidelines for the selection and interpretation of methods for use by investigators who aim to examine macroautophagy and related processes, as well as for reviewers who need to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of papers that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a formulaic set of rules, because the appropriate assays depend in part on the question being asked and the system being used. In addition, we emphasize that no individual assay is guaranteed to be the most appropriate one in every situation, and we strongly recommend the use of multiple assays to monitor autophagy. In these guidelines, we consider these various methods of assessing autophagy and what information can, or cannot, be obtained from them. Finally, by discussing the merits and limits of particular autophagy assays, we hope to encourage technical innovation in the field.
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| 2. |
- Luo, Jun, et al.
(author)
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Thermal Stability and Dopant Segregation for Schottky Diodes With Ultrathin Epitaxial NiSi(2-y)
- 2011
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In: IEEE Electron Device Letters. - : Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). - 0741-3106 .- 1558-0563. ; 32:8, s. 1029-1031
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Schottky barrier height (SBH) of an ultrathin epitaxial NiSi(2-y) film grown on Si(100) is modified significantly by means of dopant segregation (DS). The DS process begins with the NiSi(2-y) formation and is followed by dopant implantation and drive-in annealing. The rapid lattice restoration and superior morphological stability upon heat treatment up to 800 degrees C allow the epitaxial NiSi(2-y) film to take full advantage of the DS process. For drive-in annealing below 750 degrees C, the effective SBH is altered to similar to 0.9-1 eV for both electrons and holes by B-DS and As-DS, respectively, without deteriorating the integrity of the NiSi(2-y) film.
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| 3. |
- Weinstein, John N., et al.
(author)
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The cancer genome atlas pan-cancer analysis project
- 2013
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In: Nature Genetics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1061-4036 .- 1546-1718. ; 45:10, s. 1113-1120
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Research Network has profiled and analyzed large numbers of human tumors to discover molecular aberrations at the DNA, RNA, protein and epigenetic levels. The resulting rich data provide a major opportunity to develop an integrated picture of commonalities, differences and emergent themes across tumor lineages. The Pan-Cancer initiative compares the first 12 tumor types profiled by TCGA. Analysis of the molecular aberrations and their functional roles across tumor types will teach us how to extend therapies effective in one cancer type to others with a similar genomic profile. © 2013 Nature America, Inc. All rights reserved.
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| 4. |
- Abel, I, et al.
(author)
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Overview of the JET results with the ITER-like wall
- 2013
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In: Nuclear Fusion. - : IOP Publishing. - 1741-4326 .- 0029-5515. ; 53:10, s. 104002-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Following the completion in May 2011 of the shutdown for the installation of the beryllium wall and the tungsten divertor, the first set of JET campaigns have addressed the investigation of the retention properties and the development of operational scenarios with the new plasma-facing materials. The large reduction in the carbon content (more than a factor ten) led to a much lower Z(eff) (1.2-1.4) during L- and H-mode plasmas, and radiation during the burn-through phase of the plasma initiation with the consequence that breakdown failures are almost absent. Gas balance experiments have shown that the fuel retention rate with the new wall is substantially reduced with respect to the C wall. The re-establishment of the baseline H-mode and hybrid scenarios compatible with the new wall has required an optimization of the control of metallic impurity sources and heat loads. Stable type-I ELMy H-mode regimes with H-98,H-y2 close to 1 and beta(N) similar to 1.6 have been achieved using gas injection. ELM frequency is a key factor for the control of the metallic impurity accumulation. Pedestal temperatures tend to be lower with the new wall, leading to reduced confinement, but nitrogen seeding restores high pedestal temperatures and confinement. Compared with the carbon wall, major disruptions with the new wall show a lower radiated power and a slower current quench. The higher heat loads on Be wall plasma-facing components due to lower radiation made the routine use of massive gas injection for disruption mitigation essential.
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| 5. |
- Carlsson-Jonsson, Anna, et al.
(author)
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N-terminal truncations of substance P1-7 amide affect its action on spinal cord injury-induced mechanical allodynia in rats
- 2014
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In: European Journal of Pharmacology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0014-2999 .- 1879-0712. ; 738, s. 319-325
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Central neuropathic pain can arise from injury of the spinal cord and can become chronic. Treatment is difficult and, because complete pain relief is currently very hard to achieve, there is a need for new, more effective treatment options. In this study we used an animal model of spinal cord injury to evaluate the potency of a bioactive fragment of substance P (SP), i.e. SP1-7, in alleviating signs of allodynia and acute pain. SP1-7 is known from earlier studies to possess antinociceptive properties. We also studied the effects of intraperitoneal injection of an amidated analog of this heptapeptide and of its truncated analogs, all of which had high affinity to the SP1-7 binding site, to evaluate the importance of the removed amino acids for the bioclistribution and stability of the peptides. Most of the examined compounds alleviated mechanical alloclynia without any signs of sedation or motor impairment in the rats. In contrast, the response threshold to acute nociceptive stimulation was not affected by arty of the compounds tested. Most of the amino acids in the heptapepticle structure were essential for retaining the biological effect after peripheral injection. These observations suggest that the heptapepticle and its N-Lerminal truncated hexa- and pentapeptide analogs could be of interest for further development of analgesics in the management of mechanical allodynia.
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| 6. |
- Chen, Kai, et al.
(author)
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Room-temperature multiferroic properties in NiBi2O4
- 2010
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In: Europhysics letters. - : European Physical Society. - 0295-5075 .- 1286-4854. ; 89:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Magnetism and ferroelectricity at room temperature are observed in the NiBi2O4 ceramics. Both the time reversal and the inversion symmetry of the structure (space group F-43m) are broken. The saturation magnetization is 0.028 emu/g and the saturation polarization 2P(s) similar to 4.0 mu C/cm(2). NiBi2O4 also shows other room-temperature multiferroic properties, e. g. the piezoelectric coefficient (d(33)), the polarized dielectric character, the magneto-dielectric response and the magnetoelectric effect. Copyright (C) EPLA, 2010
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| 7. |
- Cho, Yoon Shin, et al.
(author)
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Meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies identifies eight new loci for type 2 diabetes in east Asians.
- 2012
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In: Nature Genetics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1061-4036 .- 1546-1718. ; 44:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We conducted a three-stage genetic study to identify susceptibility loci for type 2 diabetes (T2D) in east Asian populations. We followed our stage 1 meta-analysis of eight T2D genome-wide association studies (6,952 cases with T2D and 11,865 controls) with a stage 2 in silico replication analysis (5,843 cases and 4,574 controls) and a stage 3 de novo replication analysis (12,284 cases and 13,172 controls). The combined analysis identified eight new T2D loci reaching genome-wide significance, which mapped in or near GLIS3, PEPD, FITM2-R3HDML-HNF4A, KCNK16, MAEA, GCC1-PAX4, PSMD6 and ZFAND3. GLIS3, which is involved in pancreatic beta cell development and insulin gene expression, is known for its association with fasting glucose levels. The evidence of an association with T2D for PEPD and HNF4A has been shown in previous studies. KCNK16 may regulate glucose-dependent insulin secretion in the pancreas. These findings, derived from an east Asian population, provide new perspectives on the etiology of T2D.
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| 8. |
- Gao, Qin, et al.
(author)
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甲基对硫磷水解酶分离条件的量热学优化
- 2012
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In: Guangzhou Chemical Industry and Technology. ; 40:8, s. 7-9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Methyl parathion hydrolase （ MPH ） as and bovine serum albumin （BSA） as hybrid proteins, the target protein, bovine hemoglobin （BHb）, myoglobin （Mb） enzyme thermal analysis was used to determine the best separation condition of methyl parathion hydrolase through the study of pH and the NaC1 concentration in mobile phase. The results showed that at pH 8.0, NaC1 concentration of 0.8 mol/L, the separation condition of methyl parathion hydrolase was the best which consistent with the condition reported in the literature.
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| 9. |
- Gao, Xindong, et al.
(author)
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Epitaxy of Ultrathin NiSi2 Films with Predetermined Thickness
- 2011
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In: Electrochemical and solid-state letters. - : The Electrochemical Society. - 1099-0062 .- 1944-8775. ; 14:7, s. H268-H270
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This letter presents a proof-of-concept process for tunable, self-limiting growth of ultrathin epitaxial NiSi2 films on Si (100). The process starts with metal sputter-deposition, followed by wet etching and then silicidation. By ionizing a fraction of the sputtered Ni atoms and biasing the Si substrate, the amount of Ni atoms incorporated in the substrate after wet etching can be controlled. As a result, the thickness of the NiSi2 films is increased from 4.7 to 7.2 nm by changing the nominal substrate bias from 0 to 600 V. The NiSi2 films are characterized by a specific resistivity around 50 mu Omega cm.
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| 10. |
- Gao, Xuerui, et al.
(author)
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Feasibility evaluation of solar photovoltaic pumping irrigation system based on analysis of dynamic variation of groundwater table
- 2013
-
In: Applied Energy. - : Elsevier BV. - 0306-2619 .- 1872-9118. ; 105, s. 182-193
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Solar photovoltaic (PV) pumping irrigation system has become a widely applied solar energy technology over the past decades, in which the pump is driven by electricity produced by solar energy and lifts groundwater or surface water to irrigate the crop or grassland for agriculture. Qinghai Province, located in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, features abundant solar energy, but the problem of local grassland degradation and ecological deterioration has become increasingly serious. Using the clean solar energy to pump groundwater or surface water is of great significance for grassland recovery, environment protection and ecological restoration. In this study, we selected a demonstration site (with an area of 3.15 ha) in Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Golog at the southern part of Qinghai Province and evaluated the feasibility and performance of the PV pumping irrigation system at field scale. Firstly, water demand of pasture was predicted in different hydrological level years to determine water deficiency, which should be replenished mainly by pumping groundwater according to the local water resources conditions. Secondly, through modeling the unsteady flow of partially penetrating well in unconfined aquifer, we analyzed the change of groundwater table of the pumping well in both irrigation season and non-irrigation season, and then evaluated whether the groundwater resources can satisfy the pumping water demand for the growth of grassland. Results show that groundwater resources in the demonstration area are satisfactory and water yield in the pumping well can generally fulfill the water demand of grassland. Finally, based on balance analysis between solar energy supply and demand, a set of technical parameters were given to design the PV pumping irrigation system in the demonstration area. We also made the benefit analysis for the PV pumping irrigation system. It is concluded that, the PV system has good economic and ecological performance in the demonstration site compared to the diesel engine irrigation system, showing promising prospects to be popularized in Western China at large scale.
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| 11. |
- Hu, Jiwen, et al.
(author)
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A rhodamine-based fluorescent probe for Hg2+ and its application for biological visualization
- 2014
-
In: Sensors and actuators. B, Chemical. - : Elsevier. - 0925-4005 .- 1873-3077. ; 203, s. 452-458
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A new visible light excitable fluorescent probe (1) is synthesized by appending a hydroxymethyl-pyridine to rhodamine B hydrazide. The probe displays very specific Hg2+-induced colour change and fluorescent enhancement in the aqueous systems. The "turn-on" response of fluorescence is based on a binding-induced ring-opening process from the spirolactam (nonfluorescent) to acyclic xanthene (fluorescent) in rhodamine B. The coordinating atoms O-center dot-N-N-O-center dot from the hydroxymethyl-pyridine and rhodamine B hydrazide play dominant role in the formation of a complex with 1:1 stoichiometry of Hg2+ to 1. It exhibits a linear response in the range of 0.1-5 mu M with the limit of detection (LOD) of 15.7 nM (3 sigma/slope), while the calculated value of the association constant of Hg2+/1 is 0.70 x 10(5) M-1. Furthermore, confocal microscopy imaging experiment demonstrates the probe 1 can be applied as a fluorescent probe for visualization of Hg2+ in living HeLa cells.
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| 12. |
- Hu, Zhang-Jun, et al.
(author)
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A facile "click" reaction to fabricate a FRET-based ratiometric fluorescent Cu2+ probe
- 2014
-
In: Journal of materials chemistry. B. - : Royal Society of Chemistry. - 2050-750X .- 2050-7518. ; 2:28, s. 4467-4472
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A facile one-step Cu(I)-catalyzed "click" reaction, between a dansyl-azide and a propargyl-substituted rhodamine B hydrazide, is employed to fabricate a novel FRET ratiometric "off-on" fluorescent probe. The sensitive emission of the donor, a dansyl group, overlaps perfectly with the absorption of the acceptor, xanthene in the open-ring rhodamine. The proposed probe shows high selectivity towards Cu2+. The ratio of emission intensities at 568 and 540 nm (I-568/I-540) exhibits a drastic 28-fold enhancement upon addition of Cu2+. The probe shows an excellent linear relationship between emission ratios and the concentrations of Cu2+ from 10 to 50 mu M, with a detection limit (S/N = 3) of 0.12 mu M. The preliminary cellular studies demonstrated that the probe is cell membrane permeable and could be applied for ratiometric fluorescence imaging of intracellular Cu2+ with almost no cytotoxicity. The ingenuity of the probe design is to construct a FRET donor-acceptor interconnector and a selective receptor simultaneously by "click" reaction. The strategy was verified to have great potential for developing novel FRET probes for Cu2+.
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| 13. |
- Hu, Zhang-Jun, et al.
(author)
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Optimization of ethylenediamine-grafted multiwalled carbon nanotubes for solid-phase extraction of lead cations
- 2012
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In: Environmental Science and Pollution Research. - : Springer. - 0944-1344 .- 1614-7499. ; 19:4, s. 1237-1244
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- IntroductionEthylenediamine-grafted multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-EDA-I and MWCNTs-EDA-II) are optimized and employed to investigate the preconcentration of lead ions (Pb(II)) in trace level.ResultsThe results show that Pb(II) can be adsorbed quantitatively on the optimized MWCNTs in the range of pH 4–7 and MWCNTs-EDA-I has a higher maximum Pb(II) adsorption capacity (157.19 mg/g) than MWCNTs-EDA-II (89.16 mg/g). The adsorbed Pb(II) can be eluted completely using 5 mL of 1 mol/L HNO3.DiscussionA new approach using a microcolumn packed with the obtained MWCNTs-EDA-I has been developed for the preconcentration of trace amount of Pb(II). Parameters influencing the preconcentration of Pb(II), such as pH of the sample, sample volume, elution solution, and interfering ions, have been examined and optimized in detail. Under optimum experimental conditions, the limit of detection is 0.30 ng/mL with the enrichment factor of 60. The relative standard deviation (R.S.D) was 2.6% at the 20 ng/mL Pb(II) level.ConclusionThe method has been applied for the preconcentration of trace amount of Pb(II) in environmental water samples with satisfying results.
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| 14. |
- Hua, Weijie, et al.
(author)
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Systematic Study of Soft X-ray Spectra of Poly(Dg)center dot Poly(Dc) and Poly(Da)center dot Poly(Dt) DNA Duplexes
- 2010
-
In: Journal of Physical Chemistry B. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1520-6106 .- 1520-5207. ; 114:20, s. 7016-7021
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In the present work, we have undertaken a combined experimental and theoretical study of X-ray spectroscopies for DNA base pairs, more precisely near-edge X-ray absorption, X-ray emission, and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering applied to poly(dG)center dot poly(dC) and poly(dA)center dot poly(dT) DNA duplexes. We have derived several conclusions on the nature of these X-ray spectra: the stacking of pairs has very little influence on the spectra; the spectra of a DNA composed of mixed Watson-Crick base pairs are well reproduced by linear combinations of GC and AT base pairs involved; the amine and imine nitrogens show noticeable differences as building blocks in the absorption, emission, and resonant emission spectra. The calculated spectra are in good agreement with experimental results. The ramifications of these conclusions for the use of X-ray spectroscopy for DNA are discussed.
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| 15. |
- Jiang, Jun, et al.
(author)
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Identification of metal-cage coupling in a single metallofullerene by inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy
- 2010
-
In: Applied Physics Letters. - : AIP Publishing. - 0003-6951 .- 1077-3118. ; 96:25, s. 253110-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report hybrid density functional theory calculations for inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy (IETS) of a single metallofullerene Gd@C-82. It is found that the metal atom inside the carbon cage can have significant impact on the IETS spectral profiles of the system, by modulating both the vibration and electron density. It is demonstrated that the IETS signals are very sensitive to the changes in the metal position and charge states, so that provide a unique tool for identifying the metal-cage coupling in metallofullerenes. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3455905]
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| 16. |
- Jiang, Jun, et al.
(author)
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Structure dependent quantum confinement effect in hydrogen-terminated nanodiamond clusters
- 2010
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In: Journal of Applied Physics. - : AIP Publishing. - 0021-8979 .- 1089-7550. ; 108:9, s. 094303-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Size-dependent quantum confinement effect on electronic structure of hydrogen-terminated carbon nanodiamond (ND) cluster has been investigated at the hybrid density functional theory level. Large scale all-electron calculations have been carried out for ND clusters of 0.76 nm (29 carbons) to 7.3 nm (20 959 carbons) in diameter. It is demonstrated that the quantum confinement effect in these clusters shows strong structural dependence. An important structural factor, describing the ratio between the number of atoms within the inner core and outer shell of the cluster, is identified which dictates the size-dependent behavior of the electronic states. For ND clusters with diameter smaller than 1.5 nm, the core-shell ratio changes fast with the increase in cluster size, and the evolution of electronic properties does not follow conventional quantum confinement models. For ND clusters exceeding the threshold of 1.5 nm in diameter, the change in the core-shell ratio saturates and quantum confinement effect becomes visible. Electronic states within the inner core and surface show different size dependence, but a general formula is proposed and describes their structure dependent quantum confinement effects. This formula provides useful insights into quantum confinement behavior in ND clusters, and thereby leads to important physical property information. The calculated electron effective masses for core and surface states of ND clusters are in very good agreement with the experiments.
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| 17. |
- Jiang, Wen jun, et al.
(author)
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Adaptive Thresholding with Inverted Triangular Area for Real-Time Detection of the Heart Rate from Photoplethysmogram Traces on a Smartphone
- 2014
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals acquired by smartphone cameras are weaker than those acquired by dedicated pulse oximeters. Furthermore, the signals have lower sampling rates, have notches in the waveform and are more severely affected by baseline drift, leading to specific morphological characteristics. This paper introduces a new feature, the inverted triangular area, to address these specific characteristics. The new feature enables real-time adaptive waveform detection using an algorithm of linear time complexity. It can also recognize notches in the waveform and it is inherently robust to baseline drift. An implementation of the algorithm on Android is available for free download. We collected data from 24 volunteers and compared our algorithm in peak detection with two competing algorithms designed for PPG signals, Incremental-Merge Segmentation (IMS) and Adaptive Thresholding (ADT). A sensitivity of 98.0 % and a positive predictive value of 98.8 % were obtained, which were 7.7 % higher than the IMS algorithm in sensitivity, and 8.3 % higher than the ADT algorithm in positive predictive value. The experimental results confirmed the applicability of the proposed method.
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| 18. |
- Jiang, Wen Jun, et al.
(author)
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Real-time Quantifying Heart Beat Rate from Facial Video Recording on a Smart Phone using Kalman Filters
- 2014
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Photoplethysmography (PPG) can be carried out through facial video recording by a smart phone camera in ambient light. The main challenge is to eliminate motion artifacts and ambient noise. We describe a real-time algorithm to quantify the heart beat rate from facial video recording captured by the camera of a smart phone. We extract the green channel from the video. Then we normalize it and use a Kalman filter with a particular structure to eliminate ambient noise. This filter also enhances the heart pulse component in the signal distorted by Gaussian noise and white noise. After that we employ a band-pass FIR filter to remove the remaining motion artifacts. This is followed by peak detection or Lomb periodogram to estimate heart rate. The algorithm has low computational overhead, low delay and high robustness, making it suitable for real-time interaction on a smart phone. Finally we describe an Android application based on this study.
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| 19. |
- Leitao, Jordana, et al.
(author)
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Revising the WHO verbal autopsy instrument to facilitate routine cause-of-death monitoring
- 2013
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In: Global Health Action. - : CoAction Publishing. - 1654-9716 .- 1654-9880. ; 6, s. 21518-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Verbal autopsy (VA) is a systematic approach for determining causes of death (CoD) in populations without routine medical certification. It has mainly been used in research contexts and involved relatively lengthy interviews. Our objective here is to describe the process used to shorten, simplify, and standardise the VA process to make it feasible for application on a larger scale such as in routine civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems.METHODS: A literature review of existing VA instruments was undertaken. The World Health Organization (WHO) then facilitated an international consultation process to review experiences with existing VA instruments, including those from WHO, the Demographic Evaluation of Populations and their Health in Developing Countries (INDEPTH) Network, InterVA, and the Population Health Metrics Research Consortium (PHMRC). In an expert meeting, consideration was given to formulating a workable VA CoD list [with mapping to the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) CoD] and to the viability and utility of existing VA interview questions, with a view to undertaking systematic simplification.FINDINGS: A revised VA CoD list was compiled enabling mapping of all ICD-10 CoD onto 62 VA cause categories, chosen on the grounds of public health significance as well as potential for ascertainment from VA. A set of 221 indicators for inclusion in the revised VA instrument was developed on the basis of accumulated experience, with appropriate skip patterns for various population sub-groups. The duration of a VA interview was reduced by about 40% with this new approach.CONCLUSIONS: The revised VA instrument resulting from this consultation process is presented here as a means of making it available for widespread use and evaluation. It is envisaged that this will be used in conjunction with automated models for assigning CoD from VA data, rather than involving physicians.
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| 20. |
- Li, Lili, et al.
(author)
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Heparanase overexpression reduces carrageenan-induced mechanical and cold hypersensitivity in mice
- 2012
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In: Neuroscience Letters. - : Elsevier BV. - 0304-3940 .- 1872-7972. ; 511:1, s. 4-7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Heparanase controls the structure and functions of extracellular matrix (ECM) by degrading heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Heparanase is involved in inflammatory process through modulating the functions of inflammatory cytokines. The present study aimed to find out whether overexpression of heparanase in mice affects carrageenan-induced localized inflammation and inflammatory hyperalgesia. Without challenge, the heparanase overexpression did not significantly affect the mice in response to mechanical, cold and heat stimulation. Unilateral subcutaneous administration of carrageenan produced hypersensitivity to mechanical and cold in both wildtype and the heparanase overexpression (Hpa-tg) mice 24h after treatment. In comparison to wildtype animals, the Hpa-tg mice showed significantly reduced mechanical and cold hypersensitivity. This may, at least partially, due to the reduced mast cell infiltration at the site of inflammation in Hpa-tg mice. These data support a role for heparanase that reduces localized inflammation and inflammatory hyperalgesia in mice.
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| 21. |
- Lu, Jun, et al.
(author)
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Crystallization of NiSix in a Body-Centered Cubic Structure during Solid-State Reaction between an Ultrathin Ni Film and Si(001) Substrate at 150-350 degrees C
- 2013
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In: Crystal Growth & Design. - : American Chemical Society. - 1528-7483 .- 1528-7505. ; 13:5, s. 1801-1806
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We investigate ultrathin silicide formation during a solid-state reaction between Ni layers and Si(001) substrates by aberration-corrected electron microscopy. Interdiffusion of two nm thick (equivalent) Ni layers with Si during magnetron-sputter deposition results in an amorphous Ni-Si solid solution. Upon annealing at 150-350 degrees C, a novel body-centered cubic (bcc) NiSix phase is found to grow epitaxially with a crystallographic relationship {100}andlt; 001 andgt; bcc-NiSix//{100}andlt; 001 andgt; Si. bcc-NiSix belongs to the space group I (4) over bar 3m (217) with random Ni and Si distribution. The cell parameter is 0.272 nm, which is approximately half that of NiSi2. Further annealing transforms bcc-NiSi to NiSi2 with an activation energy of 0.6 +/- 0.1 eV.
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| 22. |
- Piao, Yinghua, et al.
(author)
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An extensive Raman spectroscopic investigation of ultrathin Co1-xNixSi2 films grown on Si(100)
- 2012
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In: Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology. A. Vacuum, Surfaces, and Films. - : American Vacuum Society. - 0734-2101 .- 1520-8559. ; 30:4, s. 041511-041518
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ultrathin silicide films were formed by starting from 1-8 nm thick Co1-xNix (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1) at 350 degrees C-900 degrees C. For each composition x, there exists a critical thickness above which the transition temperature from monosilicides CoSi and NiSi to a disilicide-like phase increases with increasing film thickness. Below this thickness, the disilicide phase seems to form without exhibiting the monosilicides within the detection resolution limits of transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopic analysis seems to indicate that Ni could be dissolved in the CoSi lattice to a certain fraction despite the fact that CoSi and NiSi are distinct with different crystallographic structures. Moreover, the disorder-induced Raman scattering in NiSi2 is found to be enhanced by Co incorporation. The observed annealing behaviors are attributed to variations in free energy change for phase transition caused by differences in metal thickness.
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| 23. |
- Romanelli, F, et al.
(author)
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Overview of the JET results
- 2011
-
In: Nuclear Fusion. - : IOP Publishing. - 1741-4326 .- 0029-5515. ; 51:9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Since the last IAEA Conference JET has been in operation for one year with a programmatic focus on the qualification of ITER operating scenarios, the consolidation of ITER design choices and preparation for plasma operation with the ITER-like wall presently being installed in JET. Good progress has been achieved, including stationary ELMy H-mode operation at 4.5 MA. The high confinement hybrid scenario has been extended to high triangularity, lower ρ*and to pulse lengths comparable to the resistive time. The steady-state scenario has also been extended to lower ρ*and ν*and optimized to simultaneously achieve, under stationary conditions, ITER-like values of all other relevant normalized parameters. A dedicated helium campaign has allowed key aspects of plasma control and H-mode operation for the ITER non-activated phase to be evaluated. Effective sawtooth control by fast ions has been demonstrated with3He minority ICRH, a scenario with negligible minority current drive. Edge localized mode (ELM) control studies using external n = 1 and n = 2 perturbation fields have found a resonance effect in ELM frequency for specific q95values. Complete ELM suppression has, however, not been observed, even with an edge Chirikov parameter larger than 1. Pellet ELM pacing has been demonstrated and the minimum pellet size needed to trigger an ELM has been estimated. For both natural and mitigated ELMs a broadening of the divertor ELM-wetted area with increasing ELM size has been found. In disruption studies with massive gas injection up to 50% of the thermal energy could be radiated before, and 20% during, the thermal quench. Halo currents could be reduced by 60% and, using argon/deuterium and neon/deuterium gas mixtures, runaway electron generation could be avoided. Most objectives of the ITER-like ICRH antenna have been demonstrated; matching with closely packed straps, ELM resilience, scattering matrix arc detection and operation at high power density (6.2 MW m-2) and antenna strap voltages (42 kV). Coupling measurements are in very good agreement with TOPICA modelling. © 2011 IAEA, Vienna.
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| 24. |
- Wang, Zhaoming, et al.
(author)
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Imputation and subset-based association analysis across different cancer types identifies multiple independent risk loci in the TERT-CLPTM1L region on chromosome 5p15.33
- 2014
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In: Human Molecular Genetics. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0964-6906 .- 1460-2083. ; 23:24, s. 6616-6633
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have mapped risk alleles for at least 10 distinct cancers to a small region of 63 000 bp on chromosome 5p15.33. This region harbors the TERT and CLPTM1L genes; the former encodes the catalytic subunit of telomerase reverse transcriptase and the latter may play a role in apoptosis. To investigate further the genetic architecture of common susceptibility alleles in this region, we conducted an agnostic subset-based meta-analysis (association analysis based on subsets) across six distinct cancers in 34 248 cases and 45 036 controls. Based on sequential conditional analysis, we identified as many as six independent risk loci marked by common single-nucleotide polymorphisms: five in the TERT gene (Region 1: rs7726159, P = 2.10 × 10(-39); Region 3: rs2853677, P = 3.30 × 10(-36) and PConditional = 2.36 × 10(-8); Region 4: rs2736098, P = 3.87 × 10(-12) and PConditional = 5.19 × 10(-6), Region 5: rs13172201, P = 0.041 and PConditional = 2.04 × 10(-6); and Region 6: rs10069690, P = 7.49 × 10(-15) and PConditional = 5.35 × 10(-7)) and one in the neighboring CLPTM1L gene (Region 2: rs451360; P = 1.90 × 10(-18) and PConditional = 7.06 × 10(-16)). Between three and five cancers mapped to each independent locus with both risk-enhancing and protective effects. Allele-specific effects on DNA methylation were seen for a subset of risk loci, indicating that methylation and subsequent effects on gene expression may contribute to the biology of risk variants on 5p15.33. Our results provide strong support for extensive pleiotropy across this region of 5p15.33, to an extent not previously observed in other cancer susceptibility loci.
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| 25. |
- Xing, Guozhong, et al.
(author)
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Correlated d(0) ferromagnetism and photoluminescence in undoped ZnO nanowires
- 2010
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In: APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS. - : AIP Publishing. - 0003-6951 .- 1077-3118. ; 96:11, s. 112511-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report the correlated d(0) ferromagnetism and photoluminescence in undoped single-crystalline ZnO nanowires synthesized by using a vapor transport method. We systematically tune the oxygen deficiency in the ZnO nanowires from 4% to 20% by adjusting the growth conditions, i.e., selecting different catalyst (Au or Ag) and varying the growth temperature. Our study suggests that oxygen vacancies induce characteristic photoluminescence and significantly boost the room-temperature ferromagnetism. Such undoped ZnO nanowires with tunable magnetic and optical properties are promising to find applications in multifunctional spintronic and photonic nanodevices.
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
- Zang, Xiao-Ying, et al.
(author)
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Pivotal factors interfering in 24-hour blood pressure fluctuation and arterial stiffness in a community of Chinese elderly hypertensive patients
- 2013
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In: Journal of Clinical Nursing. - : Wiley. - 0962-1067 .- 1365-2702. ; 22:3/4, s. 379-388
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims and objectives: To explore which sociodemographic and clinical factors could interfere in the parameters of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and determine the affecting factors of Ambulatory Arterial Stiffness Index.Background: Although the clinical relevance of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and Ambulatory Arterial Stiffness Index have been studied, the explanation of their role and related interfering factors remains controversial in patients with different disease or age, etc.Design: Cross-sectional study.Methods: The study was carried out between October 2008–October 2009. A convenience sample of hypertensive patients over 60 years old was recruited in China. Twenty-four hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was carried out on the non-dominant arm using an oscillometric device.Results: (1) All 95 patients completed the study and their ages ranged from 60–76 years. (2) There were statistical differences for certain parameters of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring between different characteristics of patients. Financial status was an important factor interfering in patients’ BP fluctuation, especially daytime and 24 hours systolic pressure. The higher body mass index the patients had, the higher the pressure was. (3) Multiple variants logistic analysis of Ambulatory Arterial Stiffness Index showed statistical differences only in coefficient variation of 24-hour diastolic pressure and daytime systolic blood pressure.Conclusions: There are more factors that interfered with systolic pressure and diastolic pressure during the day than nigh. Patients who have less nocturnal dipping may have a higher night time systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. The coefficient of variation of 24 hours diastolic pressure and daytime systolic pressure contribute more to Ambulatory Arterial Stiffness Index which should arouse practitioners’ attention.Relevance to clinical practice: Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring should be used as a routine procedure, as well as Ambulatory Arterial Stiffness Index calculated for older hypertensive patients. The findings may be used to guide community health providers to pay more attention to the factors that may influence BP fluctuation and Ambulatory Arterial Stiffness Index according to individual’s characteristics.
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| 28. |
- Zhang, Igor Ying, et al.
(author)
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RRS-PBC : a molecular approach for periodic systems
- 2014
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In: Science China Chemistry. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1674-7291 .- 1869-1870. ; 57:10, s. 1399-1404
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Technically, when dealing with a perfect crystal, methods in k-(reciprocal) space that impose periodic boundary conditions (PBC) in conjunction with plane-wave basis sets are widely used. Chemists, however, tend to think of a solid as a giant molecule, which offers a molecular way to describe a solid by using a finite cluster model (FCM). However, FCM may fail to simulate a perfect crystal due to its inevitable boundary effects. We propose an RRS-PBC method that extracts the k-space information of a perfect crystalline solid out of a reduced real space (RRS) of an FCM. We show that the inevitable boundary effects in an FCM are eliminated naturally to achieve converged high-quality band structures.
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| 29. |
- Zhang, Xiao-Dong, et al.
(author)
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Establishment and assessments of a new model for the postoperative fatigue syndrome by major small intestinal resection in rats
- 2011
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7708 .- 0036-5521. ; 46:11, s. 1302-1309
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective. Postoperative fatigue syndrome (POFS) is a general and main complication after surgery. However, there is no stable and standardized animal model for POFS. The aim of the present study was to establish a rodent model of POFS by small intestinal resection, with POFS evaluated by acknowledged physical and behavioral methods. Material and Methods. Forty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups according to the length of a "middle" small intestinal resection: 0% (sham group; i.e., laparotomy alone), 10%, 40% and 70% groups, with corresponding lengths of small intestinal resections. Following surgery, the general state of health was evaluated. Tail suspension test, open field test and Morris water maze test were used to evaluate the degree of POFS. Serum albumin, transferrin, prealbumin and fibronectin were measured to assess the nutritional status, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were also measured. Results. As compared with the other three groups, the 70% small intestinal resection group showed the worst general state of health, decreased strength of the tail suspension test and decreased score of Morris water maze test (p < 0.05) after operation. All rats in whom the small intestinal resection was done demonstrated a certain degree of malnutrition and behavior of depression, and the 70% resection group had the lowest levels of transferrin, prealbumin and fibronectin as compared with the other groups (p < 0.05), as well as decreased SOD and increased MDA in serum (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Resection of 70% of the small intestine resulted in typical characteristics of POFS. As this procedure is simple, stable and easily reproducible, it may serve as a model for research on POFS.
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| 30. |
- Zhao, Mengmeng, et al.
(author)
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A Study on Local Cooling of Garments with Ventilation Fans and Openings Placed at Different Torso Sites
- 2013
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In: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-8141. ; 43:3, s. 232-237
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Abstract in UndeterminedThe aim of the study was to examine the various design features of ventilatedgarments on cooling performance. Five jackets with small ventilation units andclosable openings were designed. The ventilation units with a flow rate of 12 l/s wereplaced at five different torso sites. They were examined on a sweating thermalmanikin in four clothing opening conditions in a warm environment(Ta=Tmanikin=34 °C, RH=60 %, Va=0.4 m/s). Total torso cooling was increased by 137to 251 %, and clothing total dynamic evaporative resistance was decreased by 43 to69 %. Neither the ventilation location nor the opening design had a significantdifference on total torso cooling. The ventilation location had a significant differenceon localized intra-torso cooling, but not the opening design. When the ventilationunits were placed at the local zone where it was ventilated, that zone underwent thehighest cooling than other local zones. The study indicated that the ventilation unitsshould be placed at the region where it required the most evaporative cooling, e.g.along the spine area and the lower back. The openings could be adjusted (closed oropened) to make comfortable air pressure for the wearers but without makingsignificant difference on the whole torso cooling under this flow rate.
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| 31. |
- Zhao, Mengmeng, et al.
(author)
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The torso cooling of vests incorporated with phase change materials: a sweat evaporation perspective
- 2013
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In: Textile Research Journal. - : SAGE Publications. - 0040-5175 .- 1746-7748. ; 83:4, s. 418-425
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Cooling vests incorporated with phase change materials (PCMs) add extra insulation and restrict sweat evaporation. It is still unclear how much cooling benefit they can provide. The aim of this study was to investigate the torso cooling of the PCM vests in two hot environments: hot humid (HH, 34C, 75% relative humidity (RH)) and hot dry (HD, 34C, 37% RH). A pre-wetted torso fabric skin was used to simulate torso sweating on a thermal manikin. Three cooling vests incorporated with three melting temperatures (Tm) of PCMs were tested (Tm=21C, Tm=24C and Tm=28C). They were worn under a military ensemble (total thermal insulation 1.60 clo; evaporative resistance 0.0516 kPam2/W), respectively. In a HH environment all the three cooling vests provided effective torso cooling; in a HD environment the cooling benefit was negative. In both environmental conditions, the evaporative cooling was greatly restricted by the cooling vests. The study indicated that when wearing the protective clothing with the relatively low evaporative resistance and when sweat production was high, the cooling vests were effective in a HH environment, but not in a HD environment.
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| 32. |
- Zhong, Jun, et al.
(author)
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Understanding the scattering mechanism of single-walled carbon nanotube based gas sensors
- 2010
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In: Carbon. - : Elsevier BV. - 0008-6223 .- 1873-3891. ; 48:7, s. 1970-1976
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In the interaction between gas molecules with single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) we show that as a result of collisions the gas scattering contributes with an important background signal and should be considered in SWCNT-based gas sensors. Experimental evidence of the collision-induced tube wall deformation is demonstrated using in situ X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy. Results support the occurrence of the scattering process and show how gas collisions may affect the electronic structure of SWCNTs.
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| 33. |
- Aad, G., et al.
(author)
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- 2012
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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