588 results on '"Yu, An-Lu"'
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2. Decoupling photonic and thermal contributions for photoelectrochemical sensing of melatonin via graphene oxide nanoribbons
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Chia-Liang Sun, Hung-Yu Chen, Mrinal Poddar, and Yu-Jen Lu
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Photoelectrochemical ,Melatonin ,Graphene oxide nanoribbon ,LED ,Solar simulator ,Conversion efficiency ,Industrial electrochemistry ,TP250-261 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
This work elucidates the photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing of melatonin employing graphene oxide nanoribbons (GONRs) synthesized through a microwave-assisted method. GONRs served as electrocatalysts for screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE) to facilitate melatonin detection. We incorporated both a light-emitting diode (LED) and a solar simulator as light sources for PEC evaluations. Cyclic voltammetry revealed that the faradaic currents corresponding to melatonin oxidation on GONRs-modified SPCE were amplified under both LED and simulated solar light irradiation. Notably, the GONR (150 W) registered the most pronounced enhancement in the photo-assisted faradaic current and the highest conversion efficiency. Employing the solar simulator, certain thermal factor ratios concerning conversion efficiencies surpassed 50.0% at light intensities of both 80 mW/cm2 and 100 mW/cm2. Conversely, with the LED source, the thermal contribution remained below 15.0% of the total PEC faradaic current. We posit that obtaining conversion efficiencies devoid of thermal influences is pivotal for deepening our comprehension of PEC biosensing mechanisms.
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- 2024
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3. Experimental Study on the Relationship between Time-Varying Uplift Displacement and Grout Diffusion in Sand
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Huan-Xiao Hu, Wei Cao, Chao Deng, and Yu-Fan Lu
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grouting ,grout diffusion ,uplift displacement ,visualization ,temporal variations ,Technology ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,TA1-2040 ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Physics ,QC1-999 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Traditional model tests for soil and rock materials face challenges in observing the slurry diffusion within the soil mass, hindering the understanding of the relationship between grouting-induced ground deformation and grout diffusion. This study conducts grouting diffusion model tests using a self-developed experimental setup on both ordinary and transparent sand. We investigate cement slurry diffusion patterns, distribution characteristics, and temporal variations in ground uplift displacement during the grouting process. By leveraging a visualization grouting model and non-intrusive displacement measurements, we directly observe and verify the changes in cement slurry diffusion and ground displacement in transparent sand. The results indicate the following: during non-steady grouting in sand, slurry diffusion progresses from low-pressure infiltration to medium-pressure compaction, culminating in high-pressure fracturing; ground uplift displacement curves exhibit a consistent “step-like” increase with grouting time, featuring accelerated growth after each step; and visualization tests reveal a strong correlation between grouting pressure, slurry diffusion, and corresponding uplift displacement. Distinct features in the grouting pressure plot align with the acceleration phases of the displacement; at a water–cement ratio (w/c) of 0.8, the stratum’s vertical deformation shows a symmetric “higher in the middle, lower on the sides” distribution. As the burial depth decreases, the stratum’s uplift displacement tends to flatten horizontally, especially at w/c = 0.8 and 1.2.
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- 2024
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4. Methylcobalamin in Combination with Early Intervention of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Potentiates Nerve Regeneration and Functional Recovery in a Rat Brachial Plexus Injury Model
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Yueh-Ling Hsieh, Yu-Lin Lu, Nian-Pu Yang, and Chen-Chia Yang
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brachial plexus injury ,methylcobalamin ,low-intensity pulsed ultrasound ,functional recovery ,spinal modulation ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
This study evaluated and compared the functional recovery and histopathological outcomes of treatment involving low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) and methylcobalamin (B12) on brachial plexus injury (BPI) in an experimental rat model. Three days after BPI, the rats were assigned to receive either LIPUS or methylcobalamin alone or in combination consecutively for 12 days. Serial changes in sensory and motor behavioral responses, as well as morphological and immunohistochemical changes for substance P (SP), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (iba1), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and S100 were examined 28 days after BPI as the outcome measurements. Early intervention of LIPUS and methylcobalamin, whether alone or in combination, augmented the sensory and motor behavioral recovery as well as modulated SP and iba1 expression in spinal dorsal horns, BDNF, and S100 in the injured nerve. Moreover, the combined therapy with its synergistic effect gave the most beneficial effect in accelerating functional recovery. In view of the effective initiation of early recovery of sensory and motor functions, treatment with LIPUS and methylcobalamin in combination has a potential role in the clinical management of early-phase BPI.
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- 2023
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5. Study on Application of Comprehensive Geophysical Prospecting Method in Urban Geological Survey—Taking Concealed Bedrock Detection as an Example in Dingcheng District, Changde City, Hunan Province, China
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Yu-Long Lu, Chuang-Hua Cao, Yao-Qi Liu, and Yang Liu
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urban geological survey ,comprehensive geophysical method ,wide-area electromagnetic method ,microtremor survey ,bedrock survey ,Technology ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,TA1-2040 ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Physics ,QC1-999 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
In order to ascertain the concealed bedrock and its spatial distribution in an urban low-resistance coverage area of a typical lacustrine basin in Hunan Province, a multi-method comprehensive experimental study was carried out in Dingcheng District, Changde City where there are multiple sets of strata and fault structures. In this study, the wide-area electromagnetic method and microtremor survey were utilized on the basis of traditional methods, including the high-density resistivity method and controlled-source audio-frequency magnetotelluric method, to infer the concealed Cambrian limestone, fault structure, and vertical distribution of strata and the results were verified by drilling. The results indicate that the wide-area electromagnetic method is effective to explore the bedrock and concealed structure in urban geological survey. The microtremor method has an obvious effect on the detection of the Cretaceous and Quaternary silty strata within 100 m. The study may provide references for similar projects in this area.
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- 2022
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6. Real-Time Intraoperative Pressure Monitoring to Avoid Surgically Induced Localized Brain Injury Using a Miniaturized Piezoresistive Pressure Sensor
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Rajat Subhra Karmakar, Jer-Chyi Wang, Yu-Ting Huang, Kun-Ju Lin, Kuo-Chen Wei, Yung-Hsin Hsu, Ying-Cheng Huang, and Yu-Jen Lu
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Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Published
- 2020
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7. Ultrafast Exciton Dynamics in Scalable Monolayer MoS2 Synthesized by Metal Sulfurization
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Hsu-Sheng Tsai, Yung-Hung Huang, Po-Cheng Tsai, Yi-Jia Chen, Hyeyoung Ahn, Shih-Yen Lin, and Yu-Jung Lu
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Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Published
- 2020
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8. A Method Detecting Student’s Flow Construct during School Tests through Electroencephalograms (EEGs): Factors of Cognitive Load, Self-Efficacy, Difficulty, and Performance
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Shu-Fen Wu, Chieh-Hsin Kao, Yu-Ling Lu, and Chi-Jui Lien
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cognitive load ,electroencephalogram ,test item difficulty ,flow state ,self-efficacy ,Technology ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,TA1-2040 ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Physics ,QC1-999 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
This study gathers and examines information about the flow state’s emergence during tests and its factors using an electroencephalogram (EEG) to establish a method and reveal an individual student’s flow construct. Through a single-case experimental design and 766 test items, multiple measurements were performed on a 14-year-old junior high school science-gifted student. During the test, self-efficacy, item difficulty, cognitive load, and test performance (long-term test performance [LT-tp] and short-term test performance [ST-tp]) were examined to establish the construct of EEG-detected, real-time flow states (EEG-Fs). Based on the chi-square test of independence results, the EEG-F had a significant correlation with the student’s cognitive load, self-efficacy, LT-tp, and item difficulty. Furthermore, a J48 decision tree analysis and logistic regression revealed four inhibiting and two inducing conditions affecting the emergence of EEG-Fs. The two inducing conditions included (1) high self-efficacy with a low cognitive load (odds ratio (OR) = 3.7) and (2) high cognitive load when combined with high self-efficacy and LT-tp for low-difficulty items (OR = 3.5). The established method and findings may help teaching designers or automated teaching applications detect the individual student’s flow construct to select appropriate test tasks accordingly, resulting in an optimal experience and better achievements.
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- 2022
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9. Nanohollow Titanium Oxide Structures on Ti/FTO Glass Formed by Step-Bias Anodic Oxidation for Photoelectrochemical Enhancement
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Chi-Hsien Huang, Yu-Jen Lu, Yong-Chen Pan, Hui-Ling Liu, Jia-Yuan Chang, Jhao-Liang Sie, Dorota G. Pijanowska, and Chia-Ming Yang
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TiOx ,anodic oxidation ,photoelectrochemical ,nanohollows ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
In this study, a new anodic oxidation with a step-bias increment is proposed to evaluate oxidized titanium (Ti) nanostructures on transparent fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) on glass. The optimal Ti thickness was determined to be 130 nm. Compared to the use of a conventional constant bias of 25 V, a bias ranging from 5 V to 20 V with a step size of 5 V for 3 min per period can be used to prepare a titanium oxide (TiOx) layer with nanohollows that shows a large increase in current of 142% under UV illumination provided by a 365 nm LED at a power of 83 mW. Based on AFM and SEM, the TiOx grains formed in the step-bias anodic oxidation were found to lead to nanohollow generation. Results obtained from EDS mapping, HR-TEM and XPS all verified the TiOx composition and supported nanohollow formation. The nanohollows formed in a thin TiOx layer can lead to a high surface roughness and photon absorbance for photocurrent generation. With this step-bias anodic oxidation methodology, TiOx with nanohollows can be obtained easily without any extra cost for realizing a high current under photoelectrochemical measurements that shows potential for electrochemical-based sensing applications.
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- 2022
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10. Sensitive Time-Resolved Fluorescence Immunoassay for Quantitative Determination of Oxyfluorfen in Food and Environmental Samples
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En Ze Sheng, Yu Ting Tan, Yu Xiao Lu, Yue Xiao, and Zhen Xi Li
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oxyfluorfen ,time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay ,europium ,pesticide residue ,high throughput detection ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
The direct and indirect competition time-resolved fluorescence immunoassays (dc-TRFIA, ic-TRFIA) were established by combining the autofluorescence properties of lanthanide europium (Eu) with the monoclonal antibody of oxyfluorfen. The purified Eu antibody was optimized and the conditions such as the working concentration of the Eu antibody, monoclonal antibody, and working buffer were optimized. In the optimal condition, the IC50 of dc-TRFIA was 10.27 ng/mL, the lowest detection limit IC10 was 0.071 ng/mL, the detection range (IC10-IC90) was 0.071–1074.3 ng/mL, and the detection range (IC10-IC90) and IC50 of ic-TRFIA were 0.024–504.6 and 2.76 ng/mL, respectively. The comparison showed that the sensitivity and detection limit of ic-TRFIA were superior to dc-TRFIA. The cross reaction (CR) tests showed that the CR with other oxyfluorfen structure analogs was
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- 2021
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11. Therapeutic Potential of Seaweed-Derived Bioactive Compounds for Cardiovascular Disease Treatment
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Chi-Heung Cho, Yu-An Lu, Ming-Yeong Kim, You-Jin Jeon, and Sang-Hoon Lee
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seaweed ,phlorotannin ,polysaccharide ,metabolic disease ,cardiovascular disease ,Technology ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,TA1-2040 ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Physics ,QC1-999 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are closely related to hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and hyperlipidemia. Many studies have reported that an unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle are critical factors that enhance these diseases. Recently, many bioactive compounds isolated from marine seaweeds have been studied for their benefits in improving human health. In particular, several unique bioactive metabolites such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, peptides, carotene, and sterol are the most effective components responsible for these activities. This review summarizes the current in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies related to the protective effects of bioactive compounds isolated from seaweeds against cardiovascular disorders, including anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-hyperlipidemia, and anti-obesity effects. Therefore, this present review summarizes these concepts and provides a basis for further in-depth research.
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- 2022
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12. Early Intervention of Cold-Water Swimming on Functional Recovery and Spinal Pain Modulation Following Brachial Plexus Avulsion in Rats
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Yueh-Ling Hsieh, Nian-Pu Yang, Shih-Fong Chen, Yu-Lin Lu, and Chen-Chia Yang
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brachial plexus avulsion ,cold-water swimming ,functional recovery ,pain modulation ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Brachial plexus avulsion (BPA) causes peripheral nerve injury complications with motor and sensory dysfunction of the upper limb. Growing evidence has shown an active role played by cold-water swimming (CWS) in alleviating peripheral neuropathic pain and functional recovery. This study examined whether CWS could promote functional recovery and pain modulation through the reduction of neuroinflammation and microglial overactivation in dorsal horn neurons at the early-stage of BPA. After BPA surgery was performed on rats, they were assigned to CWS or sham training for 5 min twice a day for two weeks. Functional behavioral responses were tested before and after BPA surgery, and each week during training. Results after the two-week training program showed significant improvements in BPA-induced motor and sensory loss (p < 0.05), lower inflammatory cell infiltration, and vacuole formation in injured nerves among the BPA–CWS group. Moreover, BPA significantly increased the expression of SP and IBA1 in dorsal horn neurons (p < 0.05), whereas CWS prevented their overexpression in the BPA–CWS group. The present findings evidenced beneficial rehabilitative effects of CWS on functional recovery and pain modulation at early-stage BPA. The beneficial effects are partially related to inflammatory suppression and spinal modulation. The synergistic role of CWS combined with other management approaches merits further investigation.
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- 2022
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13. Visible-Light-Assisted Photoelectrochemical Biosensing of Uric Acid Using Metal-Free Graphene Oxide Nanoribbons
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Chia-Liang Sun, Cheng-Hsuan Lin, Chia-Heng Kuo, Chia-Wei Huang, Duc Dung Nguyen, Tsu-Chin Chou, Cheng-Ying Chen, and Yu-Jen Lu
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GONR ,MWCNT ,uric acid ,photoelectrochemical ,LED ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
In this study, we demonstrate the visible-light-assisted photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensing of uric acid (UA) by using graphene oxide nanoribbons (GONRs) as PEC electrode materials. Specifically, GONRs with controlled properties were synthesized by the microwave-assisted exfoliation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes. For the detection of UA, GONRs were adopted to modify either a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) or a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Cyclic voltammetry analyses indicated that all Faradaic currents of UA oxidation on GONRs with different unzipping/exfoliating levels on SPCE increased by more than 20.0% under AM 1.5 irradiation. Among these, the GONRs synthesized under a microwave power of 200 W, namely GONR(200 W), exhibited the highest increase in Faradaic current. Notably, the GONR(200 W)/GCE electrodes revealed a remarkable elevation (~40.0%) of the Faradaic current when irradiated by light-emitting diode (LED) light sources under an intensity of illumination of 80 mW/cm2. Therefore, it is believed that our GONRs hold great potential for developing a novel platform for PEC biosensing.
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- 2021
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14. The Ameliorative Effects of Saikosaponin in Thioacetamide-Induced Liver Injury and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice
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Geng-Ruei Chang, Wei-Li Lin, Tzu-Chun Lin, Huei-Jyuan Liao, and Yu-Wen Lu
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fatty liver disease ,inflammation ,liver injury ,saikosaponin-d ,thioacetamide ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Liver disorders are a major health concern. Saikosaponin-d (SSd) is an effective active ingredient extracted from Bupleurum falcatum, a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, its hepatoprotective properties and underlying mechanisms are unknown. We investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of SSd treatment for thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver injury and high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in male C57BL/6 mice. The SSd group showed significantly higher food intake, body weight, and hepatic antioxidative enzymes (catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) and lower hepatic cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) compared with controls, as well as reduced expression of inflammation-related genes (nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)) messenger RNA (mRNA). In NAFLD mice, SSd reduced serum ALT, AST, triglycerides, fatty acid–binding protein 4 (FABP4) and sterol regulatory element–binding protein 1 (SREBP1) mRNA, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress-related proteins (phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2α subunit (p-eIF2α), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). SSd has a hepatoprotective effect in liver injury by suppressing inflammatory responses and acting as an antioxidant.
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- 2021
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15. Identification of Fucosylated SERPINA1 as a Novel Plasma Marker for Pancreatic Cancer Using Lectin Affinity Capture Coupled with iTRAQ-Based Quantitative Glycoproteomics
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Chia-Chun Wu, Yu-Ting Lu, Ta-Sen Yeh, Yun-Hsin Chan, Srinivas Dash, and Jau-Song Yu
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pancreatic cancer ,plasma ,glycobiomarker ,AAL ,iTRAQ-based quantitative proteome ,reverse lectin-based ELISA ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is an aggressive cancer with a high mortality rate, necessitating the development of effective diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers for disease management. Aberrantly fucosylated proteins in PC are considered a valuable resource of clinically useful biomarkers. The main objective of the present study was to identify novel plasma glycobiomarkers of PC using the iTRAQ quantitative proteomics approach coupled with Aleuria aurantia lectin (AAL)-based glycopeptide enrichment and isotope-coded glycosylation site-specific tagging, with a view to analyzing the glycoproteome profiles of plasma samples from patients with non-metastatic and metastatic PC and gallstones (GS). As a result, 22 glycopeptides with significantly elevated levels in plasma samples of PC were identified. Fucosylated SERPINA1 (fuco-SERPINA1) was selected for further validation in 121 plasma samples (50 GS and 71 PC) using an AAL-based reverse lectin ELISA technique developed in-house. Our analyses revealed significantly higher plasma levels of fuco-SERPINA1 in PC than GS subjects (310.7 ng/mL v.s. 153.6 ng/mL, p = 0.0114). Elevated fuco-SERPINA1 levels were associated with higher TNM stage (p = 0.024) and poorer prognosis for overall survival (log-rank test, p = 0.0083). The increased plasma fuco-SERPINA1 levels support the utility of this protein as a novel prognosticator for PC.
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- 2021
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16. Cubic-Phase Metasurface for Three-Dimensional Optical Manipulation
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Hsin Yu Kuo, Sunil Vyas, Cheng Hung Chu, Mu Ku Chen, Xu Shi, Hiroaki Misawa, Yu-Jung Lu, Yuan Luo, and Din Ping Tsai
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dielectric metasurface ,vertically accelerated 2D Airy beam ,3D optical manipulation ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
The optical tweezer is one of the important techniques for contactless manipulation in biological research to control the motion of tiny objects. For three-dimensional (3D) optical manipulation, shaped light beams have been widely used. Typically, spatial light modulators are used for shaping light fields. However, they suffer from bulky size, narrow operational bandwidth, and limitations of incident polarization states. Here, a cubic-phase dielectric metasurface, composed of GaN circular nanopillars, is designed and fabricated to generate a polarization-independent vertically accelerated two-dimensional (2D) Airy beam in the visible region. The distinctive propagation characteristics of a vertically accelerated 2D Airy beam, including non-diffraction, self-acceleration, and self-healing, are experimentally demonstrated. An optical manipulation system equipped with a cubic-phase metasurface is designed to perform 3D manipulation of microscale particles. Due to the high-intensity gradients and the reciprocal propagation trajectory of Airy beams, particles can be laterally shifted and guided along the axial direction. In addition, the performance of optical trapping is quantitatively evaluated by experimentally measured trapping stiffness. Our metasurface has great potential to shape light for compact systems in the field of physics and biological applications.
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- 2021
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17. Functionalized Reduced Graphene Oxide as a Versatile Tool for Cancer Therapy
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Banendu Sunder Dash, Gils Jose, Yu-Jen Lu, and Jyh-Ping Chen
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reduced graphene oxide ,chemotherapy ,photothermal therapy ,photodynamic therapy ,gene therapy ,immunotherapy ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in human history with extremely poor prognosis. Although many traditional therapeutic modalities—such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy—have proved to be successful in inhibiting the growth of tumor cells, their side effects may vastly limited the actual benefits and patient acceptance. In this context, a nanomedicine approach for cancer therapy using functionalized nanomaterial has been gaining ground recently. Considering the ability to carry various anticancer drugs and to act as a photothermal agent, the use of carbon-based nanomaterials for cancer therapy has advanced rapidly. Within those nanomaterials, reduced graphene oxide (rGO), a graphene family 2D carbon nanomaterial, emerged as a good candidate for cancer photothermal therapy due to its excellent photothermal conversion in the near infrared range, large specific surface area for drug loading, as well as functional groups for functionalization with molecules such as photosensitizers, siRNA, ligands, etc. By unique design, multifunctional nanosystems could be designed based on rGO, which are endowed with promising temperature/pH-dependent drug/gene delivery abilities for multimodal cancer therapy. This could be further augmented by additional advantages offered by functionalized rGO, such as high biocompatibility, targeted delivery, and enhanced photothermal effects. Herewith, we first provide an overview of the most effective reducing agents for rGO synthesis via chemical reduction. This was followed by in-depth review of application of functionalized rGO in different cancer treatment modalities such as chemotherapy, photothermal therapy and/or photodynamic therapy, gene therapy, chemotherapy/phototherapy, and photothermal/immunotherapy.
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- 2021
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18. Diphlorethohydroxycarmalol Isolated from Ishige okamurae Exerts Vasodilatory Effects via Calcium Signaling and PI3K/Akt/eNOS Pathway
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Yu An Lu, Yunfei Jiang, Hye-Won Yang, Jin Hwang, You-Jin Jeon, and Bomi Ryu
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Diphlorethohydroxycarmalol ,Calcium ,VEGFR2 ,Acetylcholine receptor ,NO production ,Vasodilation ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is released by endothelial cells in the blood vessel wall to enhance vasodilation. Marine polyphenols are known to have protective effects against vascular dysfunction and hypertension. The present study is the first to investigate how diphlorethohydroxycarmalol (DPHC) isolated from Ishige okamurae affects calcium levels, resulting in enhanced vasodilation. We examined calcium modulation with the well-known receptors, acetylcholine receptor (AchR) and vascular endothelial growth factor 2 (VEGFR2), which are related to NO formation, and further confirmed the vasodilatory effect of DPHC. We confirmed that DPHC stimulated NO production by increasing calcium levels and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression. DPHC affected AchR and VEGFR2 expression, thereby influencing transient calcium intake. Specific antagonists, atropine and SU5416, were used to verify our findings. Furthermore, based on the results of in vivo experiments, we treated Tg(flk:EGFP) transgenic zebrafish with DPHC to confirm its vasodilatory effect. In conclusion, the present study showed that DPHC modulated calcium transit through AchR and VEGFR2, increasing endothelial-dependent NO production. Thus, DPHC, a natural marine component, can efficiently ameliorate cardiovascular diseases by improving vascular function.
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- 2021
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19. Injectable Thermo-Sensitive Chitosan Hydrogel Containing CPT-11-Loaded EGFR-Targeted Graphene Oxide and SLP2 shRNA for Localized Drug/Gene Delivery in Glioblastoma Therapy
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Yu-Jen Lu, Yu-Hsiang Lan, Chi-Cheng Chuang, Wan-Ting Lu, Li-Yang Chan, Peng-Wei Hsu, and Jyh-Ping Chen
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hydrogel ,drug delivery ,cancer therapy ,nanomedicine ,chitosan ,graphene oxide ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
In this study, we aimed to develop a multifunctional drug/gene delivery system for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme by combining the ligand-mediated active targeting and the pH-triggered drug release features of graphene oxide (GO). Toward this end, we load irinotecan (CPT-11) to cetuximab (CET)-conjugated GO (GO-CET/CPT11) for pH-responsive drug release after endocytosis by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) over-expressed U87 human glioblastoma cells. The ultimate injectable drug/gene delivery system was designed by co-entrapping stomatin-like protein 2 (SLP2) short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and GO-CET/CPT11 in thermosensitive chitosan-g-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (CPN) polymer solution, which offers a hydrogel depot for localized, sustained delivery of the therapeutics after the in situ formation of CPN@GO-CET/CPT11@shRNA hydrogel. An optimal drug formulation was achieved by considering both the loading efficiency and loading content of CPT-11 on GO-CET. A sustained and controlled release behavior was found for CPT-11 and shRNA from CPN hydrogel. Confocal microscopy analysis confirmed the intracellular trafficking for the targeted delivery of CPT-11 through interactions of CET with EGFR on the U87 cell surface. The efficient transfection of U87 using SLP2 shRNA was achieved using CPN as a delivery milieu, possibly by the formation of shRNA/CPN polyplex after hydrogel degradation. In vitro cell culture experiments confirmed cell apoptosis induced by CPT-11 released from acid organelles in the cytoplasm by flow cytometry, as well as reduced SLP2 protein expression and inhibited cell migration due to gene silencing. Finally, in vivo therapeutic efficacy was demonstrated using the xenograft of U87 tumor-bearing nude mice through non-invasive intratumoral delivery of CPN@GO-CET/CPT11@shRNA by injection. Overall, we have demonstrated the novelty of this thermosensitive hydrogel to be an excellent depot for the co-delivery of anticancer drugs and siRNA. The in situ forming hydrogel will not only provide extended drug release but also combine the advantages offered by the chitosan-based copolymer structure for siRNA delivery to broaden treatment modalities in cancer therapy.
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- 2020
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20. Improved microstructure and physiochemical properties of hopeite conversion coating by Si3N4 nanoparticles doping
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Chun-miao Du, Yu-peng Lu, Bing Liu, Gui-yong Xiao, Yong-zhen Zheng, and Chuanzhong Chen
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Materials science ,Mining engineering. Metallurgy ,Hopeite ,Doping ,Metals and Alloys ,Corrosion resistance ,TN1-997 ,Nanoparticle ,chemistry.chemical_element ,engineering.material ,Microstructure ,Surfaces, Coatings and Films ,Corrosion ,Biomaterials ,Coating ,Chemical engineering ,chemistry ,Conversion coating ,Phase (matter) ,Ceramics and Composites ,engineering ,Nanoparticles ,Bonding strength ,Titanium - Abstract
The effect of nano-scaled Si3N4 particles on the microstructure, mechanical and electrochemical behavior of hopeite (Zn3(PO4)2·4H2O) conversion coating on pure titanium was investigated. Different concentrations of nanoparticles were dispersed into the phosphating bath to incorporate the process of coating deposition. The XRD results demonstrated that nano-Si3N4 were doped into the coatings without any decomposition or reaction with the hopeite phase. A finer and denser microstructure of the composite coating could be obtained at the addition of 0.5 g/L Si3N4 in comparison with the pure hopeite coating. Moreover, the composite coating presented a higher bonding strength and corrosion resistance related to the refinement of microstructure and filling of the embedded nanoparticles. It is suggested that the incorporation of nano-Si3N4 particles in conversion coating is a promising approach for performance optimization.
- Published
- 2021
21. Calcitonin gene-related peptide and brain-derived serotonin are related to bone loss in ovariectomized rats
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De-Chen Yu, Yi-Cun Hu, Yu-bao Lu, Xiao-Bo Zhang, Rui-Hao Zhang, Xiang-Yi Chen, Wen-huan Yuan, Hai-Yu Zhou, Jing Wang, and Jin-Tao Shi
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Serotonin ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide ,Ovariectomy ,Osteoporosis ,Calcitonin gene-related peptide ,Bone tissue ,Bone and Bones ,Rats, Sprague-Dawley ,Absorptiometry, Photon ,Bone Density ,Osteoclast ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Animals ,Bone mineral ,Nucleus raphe magnus ,Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase ,Chemistry ,General Neuroscience ,Alkaline Phosphatase ,medicine.disease ,Spinal cord ,Rats ,Endocrinology ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Spinal Cord ,Ovariectomized rat ,Female ,Brain Stem - Abstract
Objectives Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) and osteoporotic fracture seriously impair human health in developed countries. The present study aims to explore whether sensory nerves, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and brain-derived serotonin are related to bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Methods Female rats were grouped into the ovariectomized (OVX) and sham surgery (SHAM) groups. Immunocytochemistry, western blotting, and qPCR were performed to detect CGRP expression in the femurs. The expression levels of serotonin and CGRP in the spinal cord and brainstem were estimated using western blotting, immunofluorescence, and qPCR. ELISA was used to evaluate the serum biomarkers of bone formation and resorption. Bone mineral density was measured using dual-energy X-ray (DXA) analysis. Femur microstructure was imaged by Micro CT. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results ELISA showed that serum bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), β-crosslaps, and β-ctx were increased in the OVX group. In the OVX group, in vivo bone mineral density, trabecular bone mineral density, bone volume fraction (BV/TV), and trabecular number (Tb. N) were significantly decreased, while trabecular spacing (Tb. Sp) and trabecular bone pattern factor (Tb. Pf) were markedly increased. In the OVX group, the expression levels of CGRP of the femur were significantly downregulated. In contrast, CGRP and serotonin expression was increased in the spinal cord of the OVX group. Serotonin expression was increased in the brainstem, brainstem nucleus raphe magnus (RMG), and nucleus raphe dorsalis (DRN). Conclusion Our results indicated that the activation of osteoclast triggered the release of CGRP from nociceptive sensory nerve fibers and transmitted this painful stimulus to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord to release increased CGRP. The descending serotonergic inhibitory system was activated by increased CGRP levels of the spinal cord and promoted serotonin release in the brainstem RMG, DRN, and the spinal cord, contributing to the decreased CGRP level in bone tissue, which revealed a novel mechanism of bone loss in PMO.
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- 2021
22. In Vitro and In Vivo Studies Reveal that Hesperetin-7-O-glucoside, a Naturally Occurring Monoglucoside, Exhibits Strong Anti-inflammatory Capacity
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Gui Chen, Ce Zhang, Cui Zhang, Limin Zhang, Hehua Lei, Jinlin Zhou, Fang Wu, Zheng Cao, Yuchen Song, Yu-Jing Lu, and Chuan Chen
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biology ,Lipopolysaccharide ,medicine.drug_class ,Hesperetin ,Inflammation ,General Chemistry ,Pharmacology ,Gut flora ,biology.organism_classification ,medicine.disease ,Anti-inflammatory ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,chemistry ,In vivo ,medicine ,Eubacterium ,Colitis ,medicine.symptom ,General Agricultural and Biological Sciences - Abstract
Hesperetin-7-O-glucoside (Hes-7-G) is a naturally occurring flavonoid monoglucoside in Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium and exhibits relatively high biological activities. To explore the anti-inflammatory capacity of dietary Hes-7-G, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mice were used here as in vitro and in vivo inflammation models. The results showed that Hes-7-G (5 μM) significantly restored cellular metabolic disorders and inflammation in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. In the in vivo study, dietary Hes-7-G (1 mg/kg body weight) markedly alleviated the inflammatory status in DSS-induced colitis mice, manifested by the recovered colon length from 5.91 ± 0.66 to 6.45 ± 0.17 cm, histopathological changes, and mRNA levels of colonic inflammatory factors including Tnf-α and Il-22. Furthermore, dietary Hes-7-G not only profoundly regulated the gut microbiota composition including phyla Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, Desulfobacterota, and Deferribacteres and genus Enterorhabdus, Prevotellaceae, Gastranaerophilales, Enterococcus, Intestinimonas, Ruminococcaceae, and Eubacterium in the cecal contents but also especially adjusted the co-metabolites such as short chain fatty acids and indole metabolites (indole-3-propionic, indole acetic acid), which were markedly altered by DSS treatment in mice. These findings demonstrated that Hes-7-G has strong anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo and potential preventive or therapeutic effects for chronic inflammation diseases.
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- 2021
23. Plasmon-Enhanced Solar-Driven Hydrogen Evolution Using Titanium Nitride Metasurface Broadband Absorbers
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Hao-Yu Lan, Yia-Chung Chang, Zong-Yi Chiao, Yu-Jung Lu, Yu-Chia Chen, Shu-Wei Chang, Ho-Hsiu Chou, Takuo Tanaka, Chih-Li Chang, Ho Wai Howard Lee, Vincent Tung, and Meng-Ju Yu
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Engineering ,business.industry ,Engineering physics ,Titanium nitride ,Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics ,Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,chemistry ,Broadband ,Christian ministry ,Hydrogen evolution ,Electrical and Electronic Engineering ,business ,Plasmon ,Biotechnology - Abstract
The authors would like to thank Jia-Wern Chen, Dr. Cheng-Hung Chu, Tomoki Watanabe, and Prof. Masanobu Haraguchi for useful discussions. We also acknowledge use of an optical measurement setup supported by Prof. Min-Hsiung Shih. We acknowledge financial support from the Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan (Grant No. MOST-109-2112-M-001-043-MY3 (Y.J.L.); MOST-110-2124-M-001-008-MY3 (Y.J.L.); MOST-110-2636-E-007-020 (H.H.C.); MOST-110-2622-8-007-015 (H.H.C.)) and Academia Sinica (Grant No. AS-CDA-108-M08 (Y.J.L.)). H.W.L. acknowledges the financial support from the AFOSR-AOARD (Award Number: FA2386-18-1-4099). V.T. is indebted to the support from the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Office of Sponsored Research (OSR) under Award No. OSR-2018-CARF/CCF-3079.
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- 2021
24. Cationic Pillar[6]arene Induces Cell Apoptosis by Inhibiting Protein Tyrosine Phosphorylation Via Host–Guest Recognition
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Can-Peng Li, Yu-Xun Lu, Cheng-Ting Zi, Yu-Ting Zhao, Hui Zhao, and Ya-Ping Zhang
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pillar[6]arene ,protein tyrosine phosphorylation ,molecular recognition ,apoptosis ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
We reported for the first time that cationic pillar[6]arene (cPA6) could tightly bind to peptide polymer (MW~20–50 kDa), an artificial substrate for tyrosine (Tyr) phosphorylation, and efficiently inhibit Tyr protein phosphorylation through host–guest recognition. We synthesized a nanocomposite of black phosphorus nanosheets loaded with cPA6 (BPNS@cPA6) to explore the effect of cPA6 on cells. BPNS@cPA6 was able to enter HepG2 cells, induced apoptosis, and inhibited cell proliferation by reducing the level of Tyr phosphorylation. Furthermore, BPNS@cPA6 showed a stronger ability of inhibiting cell proliferation in tumor cells than in normal cells. Our results revealed the supramolecular modulation of enzymatic Tyr phosphorylation by the host–guest recognition of cPA6.
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- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
25. Optimization of the Preparation of Magnetic Liposomes for the Combined Use of Magnetic Hyperthermia and Photothermia in Dual Magneto-Photothermal Cancer Therapy
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Anilkumar T. S., Yu-Jen Lu, and Jyh-Ping Chen
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magnetic nanoparticles ,liposomes ,magnetic hyperthermia ,photothermal therapy ,nanomedicine ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
In this work, we aimed to develop liposomal nanocomposites containing citric-acid-coated iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (CMNPs) for dual magneto-photothermal cancer therapy induced by alternating magnetic field (AMF) and near-infrared (NIR) lasers. Toward this end, CMNPs were encapsulated in cationic liposomes to form nano-sized magnetic liposomes (MLs) for simultaneous magnetic hyperthermia (MH) in the presence of AMF and photothermia (PT) induced by NIR laser exposure, which amplified the heating efficiency for dual-mode cancer cell killing and tumor therapy. Since the heating capability is directly related to the amount of entrapped CMNPs in MLs, while the liposome size is important to allow internalization by cancer cells, response surface methodology was utilized to optimize the preparation of MLs by simultaneously maximizing the encapsulation efficiency (EE) of CMNPs in MLs and minimizing the size of MLs. The experimental design was performed based on the central composite rotatable design. The accuracy of the model was verified from the validation experiments, providing a simple and effective method for fabricating the best MLs, with an EE of 87% and liposome size of 121 nm. The CMNPs and the optimized MLs were fully characterized from chemical and physical perspectives. In the presence of dual AMF and NIR laser treatment, a suspension of MLs demonstrated amplified heat generation from dual hyperthermia (MH)–photothermia (PT) in comparison with single MH or PT. In vitro cell culture experiments confirmed the efficient cellular uptake of the MLs from confocal laser scanning microscopy due to passive accumulation in human glioblastoma U87 cells originated from the cationic nature of MLs. The inducible thermal effects mediated by MLs after endocytosis also led to enhanced cytotoxicity and cumulative cell death of cancer cells in the presence of AMF–NIR lasers. This functional nanocomposite will be a potential candidate for bimodal MH–PT dual magneto-photothermal cancer therapy.
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- 2020
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26. Pleural mesothelial cell migration into lung parenchyma by calpain contributes to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
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Yunchao Su, Fan Yu, Jian Bao Xin, Li Mei Liang, Hong Ye, Pei Pei Cheng, Lin Jie Song, Xin Liang He, Yu Zhi Lu, Meng Wang, Xiaorong Wang, Peter A. Greer, Liang Xiong, Wan-Li Ma, Li Ling Zhou, and Fei Xiang
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Pathology ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Physiology ,Clinical Biochemistry ,Bleomycin ,Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ,Focal adhesion ,Mice ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis ,Cell Movement ,Fibrosis ,Pulmonary fibrosis ,Parenchyma ,medicine ,Animals ,Humans ,Lung ,biology ,Calpain ,business.industry ,Cell migration ,Cell Biology ,respiratory system ,medicine.disease ,Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis ,respiratory tract diseases ,Actin Depolymerizing Factors ,chemistry ,biology.protein ,business - Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is defined as a specific form of chronic, progressive fibrosing interstitial pneumonia. It is unknown why fibrosis in IPF distributes in the peripheral or named sub-pleural area. Migration of pleural mesothelial cells (PMC) should contribute to sub-pleural fibrosis. Calpain is known to be involved in cell migration, but the role of calpain in PMC migration has not been investigated. In this study, we found that PMCs migrated into lung parenchyma in patients with IPF. Then using Wt1tm1(EGFP/Cre)Wtp /J knock-in mice, we observed PMC migration into lung parenchyma in bleomycin-induced pleural fibrosis models, and calpain inhibitor attenuated pulmonary fibrosis with prevention of PMC migration. In vitro studies revealed that bleomycin and transforming growth factor-β1 increased calpain activity in PMCs, and activated calpain-mediated focal adhesion (FA) turnover as well as cell migration, cell proliferation, and collagen-I synthesis. Furthermore, we determined that calpain cleaved FA kinase in both C-terminal and N-terminal regions, which mediated FA turnover. Lastly, the data revealed that activated calpain was also involved in phosphorylation of cofilin-1, and p-cofilin-1 induced PMC migration. Taken together, this study provides evidence that calpain mediates PMC migration into lung parenchyma to promote sub-pleural fibrosis in IPF.
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- 2021
27. Quassinoids with Inhibitory Activities against Plant Fungal Pathogens from Picrasma javanica
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Wei Bai, Jian-Min Yue, Zi-Yun Feng, Kun Gao, Jian-Jun Chen, and Yu-Bo Lu
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Pharmacology ,Circular dichroism ,food.ingredient ,Chemistry ,Carbendazim ,Stereochemistry ,Organic Chemistry ,Pharmaceutical Science ,Data interpretation ,Positive control ,Inhibitory postsynaptic potential ,Carbonyl group ,In vitro ,Analytical Chemistry ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,food ,Complementary and alternative medicine ,Drug Discovery ,Molecular Medicine ,Picrasma javanica - Abstract
A bioactivity-guided study on the leaves of Picrasma javanica led to the isolation of 19 quassinoids, including 13 new compounds. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by a combination of spectroscopic data analysis, X-ray crystallography studies, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data interpretation. Compounds 1-7 are rare examples of quassinoids with a keto carbonyl group at C-12. The biological activities of 11 of the more abundant isolates were evaluated against five phytopathogenic fungi in vitro, and several of them including 6 and 15 showed moderate inhibitory effects that were comparative to those of the positive control, carbendazim. In addition, the preliminary structure-activity relationships (SARs) of these quassinoids were also investigated.
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- 2021
28. Role of Sr2+ concentration on the microstructure of Sr-substituted hydroxyapatite single-crystal microtubes with hexagonal cross-section
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Sheng-yun Huang, Yu-peng Lu, Gui-yong Xiao, Wei-li Xu, and Yin-chuan Wang
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inorganic chemicals ,010302 applied physics ,Strontium ,Morphology (linguistics) ,Materials science ,Hexagonal crystal system ,Process Chemistry and Technology ,Doping ,chemistry.chemical_element ,02 engineering and technology ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,Microstructure ,01 natural sciences ,Surfaces, Coatings and Films ,Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials ,Cross section (geometry) ,chemistry ,Chemical engineering ,Nanofiber ,0103 physical sciences ,Materials Chemistry ,Ceramics and Composites ,0210 nano-technology ,Single crystal - Abstract
Strontium (Sr) can be introduced into hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals and stimulate new bone formation. In this study, the single-crystalline Sr-substituted HA microtubes with hexagonal cross-sections are synthesized under the regulation of Sr2+ via the oleic acid-assisted solvothermal method. The morphology of the as-prepared products changes from ultralong flexible nanofibers to hexagonal microtubes with the increasing Sr/(Sr + Ca) ratio. Microtubes can be formed when a small amount of Sr is doped into HA, with the optimal substitution ratio of Sr2+ being ~6%. The inner and outer diameters of the synthetic Sr-substituted HA microtubes are about 1.6 and 2.3 μm, respectively. Moreover, the effects of Sr2+ dopping on the formation process and mechanism of microtubes were discussed.
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- 2021
29. Enhanced Spontaneous Emission of Monolayer MoS2 on Epitaxially Grown Titanium Nitride Epsilon-Near-Zero Thin Films
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Khant Minn, Ching-Wen Chang, Aleksei Anopchenko, Zhenrong Zhang, Ragini Mishra, Jinmin Kim, Yu-Jung Lu, Ho Wai Howard Lee, and Shangjr Gwo
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Photoluminescence ,Materials science ,business.industry ,Mechanical Engineering ,chemistry.chemical_element ,Bioengineering ,02 engineering and technology ,General Chemistry ,Dielectric ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,Condensed Matter Physics ,Titanium nitride ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,chemistry ,Monolayer ,Optoelectronics ,General Materials Science ,Spontaneous emission ,Thin film ,0210 nano-technology ,business ,Tin ,Molybdenum disulfide - Abstract
Room-temperature photoluminescence enhancement of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) monolayers on epitaxial titanium nitride (TiN) thin films grown by molecular-beam-epitaxy as well as magnetron-sputtered TiN films is observed by a confocal laser scanning microscope with excitation wavelengths covering the transition of TiN's macroscopic optical properties from dielectric to plasmonic. The photoluminescence enhancement increases as TiN becomes more metallic, and strong enhancement is obtained at the excitation wavelengths equal to or longer than the epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) wavelength of TiN films. A good agreement is observed between measured and calculated enhancements. The enhancement is attributed to the increased excitation field in MoS2 at TiN's ENZ wavelength and interference effects for thick spacers that separate the MoS2 flakes from TiN films in the metallic regime. This study enriches the fundamental understanding of emission properties on ENZ substrates that could be important for the development of advanced nanoscale lasers/light sources, optical/biosensors, and nano-optoelectronic devices.
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- 2021
30. Optimized Titanium Nitride Epitaxial Film for Refractory Plasmonics and Solar Energy Harvesting
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Ching-Wen Chang, Shangjr Gwo, Abhishek Dubey, Yu-Jung Lu, Ho Wai Howard Lee, Zong-Yi Chiao, Ta-Jen Yen, and Ragini Mishra
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Materials science ,business.industry ,Epitaxy ,Titanium nitride ,Surfaces, Coatings and Films ,Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials ,Solar energy harvesting ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,General Energy ,chemistry ,Optoelectronics ,Physical and Theoretical Chemistry ,business ,Refractory (planetary science) ,Plasmon - Published
- 2021
31. Vertical Sandwich GAA FETs With Self-Aligned High-k Metal Gate Made by Quasi Atomic Layer Etching Process
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Junshuai Li, Chenglin Zhao, Qingzhu Zhang, Anyan Du, Jie Zhao, Yu-Xin Lu, Shujuan Mao, Haizhou Yin, Guohong Wang, Xuezheng Ai, Xiaolong Ma, Yongkui Zhang, Jianfeng Gao, Kunpeng Jia, Jingyan Li, Yankui Li, Guangwei Xu, Tianchun Ye, Zhenhua Wu, Jinjuan Xiang, Hui Yang, Yadong Zhang, Weiying Wang, G. B. Bai, Jun-Wei Luo, Tengzhi Yang, Huilong Zhu, Lu Xie, Xiaobin He, Yadong Li, Yaodong Liu, Wei Huang, Xiaogen Yin, Chunlong Li, and Henry H. Radamson
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010302 applied physics ,Materials science ,Silicon ,business.industry ,Nanowire ,chemistry.chemical_element ,Epitaxy ,01 natural sciences ,Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials ,Silicon-germanium ,Threshold voltage ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,chemistry ,Etching (microfabrication) ,0103 physical sciences ,Silicide ,Optoelectronics ,Electrical and Electronic Engineering ,business ,High-κ dielectric - Abstract
We presented and demonstrated a new type of vertical nanowire (NW) and nanosheet (NS) field-effect transistors (FETs), named vertical sandwich gate-all-around FETs or VSAFETs, which were formed with the process compatible in the main stream industry. The VSAFETs with self-aligned high- ${k}$ metal gates (HKMGs) were fabricated with epitaxy of Si/SiGe/Si sandwich structure, an isotropic quasi-atomic-layer-etch (qALE) process, and gate replacement process. The gate-length of VSAFETs is mainly determined by the thickness of SiGe film grown by epitaxy. The NW diameter and NS thickness could be obtained by the isotropic qALE method, which can be used to the Si-selective etching of SiGe. As a result, p-type NS and NW VSAFETs with good device characteristics were fabricated. Device performance and the influence of silicide, Ge fraction, Si cap, and high thermal process were investigated; threshold voltage tuning and reliability were also discussed.
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- 2021
32. Hyperbranched Azopolymer with Quadruple Responsibility
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Yu-Fei Lu, Shaoliang Lin, Chen Tian, Yuan Yao, Yu-Feng Xie, Xinfeng Tao, Ke-Cong Zhou, Qixin Zhuang, and Jinjie Li
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chemistry.chemical_classification ,010407 polymers ,Materials science ,Polymers and Plastics ,General Chemical Engineering ,Vesicle ,Organic Chemistry ,Polyethylene glycol ,Polymer ,Chromophore ,01 natural sciences ,Micelle ,0104 chemical sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,chemistry ,Azobenzene ,Polymer chemistry ,Lamellar structure ,Self-assembly - Abstract
Simply constructing multiple responsive polymers with obvious shape and dimension variations on their assemblies upon different stimuli is still rarely reported. In this study, we report a hyperbranched polymer named HPAzoBAHB-star-PEG9 with quadruple-response to light, temperature, pH and oxidation stimuli. The polymer contains azobenzene chromophore, sulfide, amide and amine groups in its hydrophobic hyperbranched core, and the core is capped with hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG9) arms. HPAzoBAHB-star-PEG9 could assemble into unusual leaf-like lamellar micelles at 25 °C under the guidance of orderly arranged H-aggregate of azobenzene moieties. These leaf-like lamellar micelles can transform into vesicles upon UV irradiation and lower temperature, or convert to smaller spherical micelles in acidic or oxidative environments, respectively, with the destroy of ordered azobenzene arrangements. This quadruple-responsive hyperbranched polymer is suitable to construct multiple stimuli-responsive micro/nanostructures, or accurate delivery and release following subtle stimuli sequences.
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- 2021
33. Comparision of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of enzyme assisted hydrolysate from Ecklonia maxima blades and stipe
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Hyun-Soo Kim, Yu-An Lu, Dae Sung Lee, Jun-Geon Je, You-Jin Jeon, D P Nagahawatta, Hyo-Geun Lee, Jin Hwang, Min-Cheol Kang, and Thilina U. Jayawardena
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chemistry.chemical_classification ,Antioxidant ,biology ,medicine.drug_class ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Aquatic Science ,Oceanography ,biology.organism_classification ,Biochemistry ,Hydrolysate ,Anti-inflammatory ,Enzyme ,Stipe (botany) ,chemistry ,Brown seaweed ,medicine ,Ecklonia maxima ,Food science ,Molecular Biology - Published
- 2021
34. Chronic Blockade of NMDAR Subunit 2A in the Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus Alleviates Hypertension Through Suppression of MEK/ERK/CREB Pathway
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Hong-Li Chi, Tong Xiao, Xiao-Jing Yu, Hong-Li Gao, Abdoulaye Issotina Zibrila, Yu-Ming Kang, Hong-Bao Li, Ying Li, Jie Qi, Yan Zhang, Xiao-Lian Shi, Li-Yan Fu, Yu-Xin Lu, Qing Su, and Yan-Mei Chen
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MAPK/ERK pathway ,medicine.medical_specialty ,MAP Kinase Signaling System ,CREB ,Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,0302 clinical medicine ,Internal medicine ,Internal Medicine ,medicine ,Animals ,Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein ,Protein kinase A ,Protein kinase B ,PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway ,030304 developmental biology ,PEAQX ,0303 health sciences ,biology ,business.industry ,Kinase ,Rats ,Endocrinology ,chemistry ,Hypertension ,biology.protein ,Phosphorylation ,business ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery ,Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus - Abstract
BACKGROUND N-Methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) plays critical roles in regulating sympathetic outflow. Studies showed that acute application of the antagonists of NMDAR or its subunits would reduce sympathetic nerve discharges. However, little is known about the effect of long-term management of NMDAR in hypertensive animals. METHODS PEAQX, the specific antagonist of NMDAR subunit 2A (GluN2A) was injected into both sides of the PVN of two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) renal hypertensive rats and control (normotensive rats) for 3 weeks. RESULTS Three weeks of PEAQX infusion significantly reduced the blood pressure of the 2K1C rats. It managed to resume the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neural transmitters, reduce the level of proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species in the PVN, and reduce the level of norepinephrine in plasma of the 2K1C rats. PEAQX administration also largely reduced the transcription and translation levels of GluN2A and changed the expression levels of NMDAR subunits 1 and 2B (GluN1 and GluN2B). In addition, NMDAR was known to function through activating the extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathways. In our study, we found that in the PVN of 2K1C rats treated with PEAQX, the phosphorylation levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK), ERK1/2, and cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) significantly reduced, while the phosphorylation level of PI3K did not change significantly. CONCLUSIONS Chronic blockade of GluN2A alleviates hypertension through suppression of MEK/ERK/CREB pathway.
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- 2021
35. A Helicase Unwinds Hexanucleotide Repeat RNA G-Quadruplexes and Facilitates Repeat-Associated Non-AUG Translation
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Sua Myong, Jiou Wang, Jeffrey D. Rothstein, Michael T. Banco, Lindsey R. Hayes, Yu Ning Lu, Tapas Paul, Adrian R. Ferré-D'Amaré, Honghe Liu, and Goran Periz
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DNA Repeat Expansion ,biology ,Chemistry ,Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ,Cell ,DNA Helicases ,RNA ,Helicase ,Translation (biology) ,General Chemistry ,Biochemistry ,RNA Helicase A ,Article ,Catalysis ,Cell biology ,G-Quadruplexes ,Colloid and Surface Chemistry ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,DHX36 ,C9orf72 ,Ran ,medicine ,biology.protein ,Humans - Abstract
The expansion of a hexanucleotide repeat GGGGCC (G4C2) in the C9orf72 gene is the most common cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The G4C2 expansion leads to repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation and the production of toxic dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins, but the mechanisms of RAN translation remain enigmatic. Here, we report that the RNA helicase DHX36 is a robust positive regulator of C9orf72 RAN translation. DHX36 has a high affinity for the G4C2 repeat RNA, preferentially binds to the repeat RNA’s G-quadruplex conformation, and efficiently unwinds the G4C2 G-quadruplex structures. Native DHX36 interacts with the G4C2 repeat RNA and is essential for effective RAN translation in the cell. In induced pluripotent stem cells and differentiated motor neurons derived from C9orf72-linked ALS patients, reducing DHX36 significantly decreased the levels of endogenous DPR proteins. DHX36 is also aberrantly upregulated in tissues of C9orf72-linked ALS patients. These results indicate that DHX36 facilitates C9orf72 RAN translation by resolving repeat RNA G-quadruplex structures and may be a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
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- 2021
36. Gate-Tunable Plasmon-Enhanced Photodetection in a Monolayer MoS2 Phototransistor with Ultrahigh Photoresponsivity
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Yu-Jung Lu, Ta-Jen Yen, Min-Hsiung Shih, Deep Jariwala, Zong-Yi Chiao, Yu-Hung Hsieh, Hao-Yu Lan, and Ortwin Hess
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Photocurrent ,Materials science ,business.industry ,Mechanical Engineering ,Photodetector ,Bioengineering ,02 engineering and technology ,General Chemistry ,Photodetection ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,Condensed Matter Physics ,Photodiode ,law.invention ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,chemistry ,law ,Monolayer ,Optoelectronics ,General Materials Science ,Photonics ,0210 nano-technology ,business ,Molybdenum disulfide ,Plasmon - Abstract
Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), direct bandgap materials with an atomically thin nature, are promising materials for electronics and photonics, especially at highly scaled lateral dimensions. However, the characteristically low total absorption of photons in the monolayer TMD has become a challenge in the access to and realization of monolayer TMD-based high-performance optoelectronic functionalities and devices. Here, we demonstrate gate-tunable plasmonic phototransistors (photoFETs) that consist of monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) photoFETs integrated with the two-dimensional plasmonic crystals. The plasmonic photoFET has an ultrahigh photoresponsivity of 2.7 × 104 AW-1, achieving a 7.2-fold enhancement in the photocurrent compared to pristine photoFETs. This benefits predominately from the combination of the enhancement of the photon-absorption-rate via the strongly localized-electromagnetic-field and the gate-tunable plasmon-induced photocarrier-generation-rate in the monolayer MoS2. These results demonstrate a systematic methodology for designing ultrathin plasmon-enhanced photodetectors based on monolayer TMDs for next-generation ultracompact optoelectronic devices in the trans-Moore era.
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- 2021
37. Silica–Organometallic One-Dimensional Hybrid Employing a Ag−πC═C Bond Connecting Alternating Ag4(NO3)4 and Octavinylsilsesquioxane
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Hongzhi Liu, Zhi-Yong Gao, Zhi Wang, Yun-Wu Li, Yu-Fan Lu, Mo Ashafaq, Mohamedally Kurmoo, Lei Feng, and Di Sun
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Olefin fiber ,010405 organic chemistry ,Chemistry ,Coordination polymer ,Electrospray ionization ,Supramolecular chemistry ,Alcohol ,010402 general chemistry ,01 natural sciences ,0104 chemical sciences ,Adduct ,Inorganic Chemistry ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Covalent bond ,Polymer chemistry ,Physical and Theoretical Chemistry - Abstract
Layering AgNO3 in alcohol onto octavinylsilsesquioxane (OVS) in CHCl3 results in a one-dimensional coordination polymer, {Ag4(NO3)4(OVS)·solvents}n (SD/Ag4a-d), consisting of unprecedented flat weakly bonded Ag4(NO3)4 alternating with the firmly covalent OVS through AgI-πC═C bonds. The preferential assembling medium for SD/Ag4a is proven to be alcohols, where a 4:1 silver-OVS adduct is detected by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The present outcomes may assist our knowledge of particular interactions for supramolecular architectures of a polynuclear silver system built from OVS containing eight pendent olefin tails.
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- 2021
38. Molecular Recognition and Imaging of Human Telomeric G-Quadruplex DNA in Live Cells: A Systematic Advancement of Thiazole Orange Scaffold To Enhance Binding Specificity and Inhibition of Gene Expression
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Ao Lu Liu, Meng Ting She, Wing-Leung Wong, Xuan He Huang, Wei Long, Yu Jing Lu, Bo Xin Zheng, and Kun Zhang
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Down-Regulation ,Ligands ,G-quadruplex ,01 natural sciences ,Styrenes ,HeLa ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Cell Line, Tumor ,Lateral loop ,Drug Discovery ,Humans ,Benzothiazoles ,Telomerase ,Binding selectivity ,Fluorescent Dyes ,030304 developmental biology ,0303 health sciences ,Microscopy, Confocal ,biology ,Chemistry ,DNA ,biology.organism_classification ,0104 chemical sciences ,Cell biology ,Telomere ,G-Quadruplexes ,010404 medicinal & biomolecular chemistry ,Microscopy, Fluorescence ,Cell culture ,Cancer cell ,Quinolines ,RNA ,Molecular Medicine - Abstract
A series of fluorescent ligands, which were systematically constructed from thiazole orange scaffold, was investigated for their interactions with G-quadruplex structures and antitumor activity. Among the ligands, compound 3 was identified to exhibit excellent specificity toward telomere G4-DNA over other nucleic acids. The affinity of 3-Htg24 was almost 5 times higher than that of double-stranded DNA and promoter G4-DNA. Interaction studies showed that 3 may bind to both G-tetrad and the lateral loop near the 5'-end. The intracellular colocalization with BG4 and competition studies with BRACO19 reveal that 3 may interact with G4-structures. Moreover, 3 reduces the telomere length and downregulates hTERC and hTERT mRNA expression in HeLa cells. The cytotoxicity of 3 against cancer cells (IC50 = 12.7-16.2 μM) was found to be generally higher than noncancer cells (IC50 = 52.3 μM). The findings may support that the ligand is telomere G4-DNA specific and may provide meaningful insights for anticancer drug design.
- Published
- 2021
39. Spherical Hole-Transporting Interfacial Layer Passivated Defect for Inverted NiOx-Based Planar Perovskite Solar Cells with High Efficiency of over 20%
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Chin-Wei Lu, Hsin Li, Yu-Lin Lu, Meng-Shian Wu, Chia-Wei Li, Ying-Sheng Lin, Yi-Min Chang, Chih-Ping Chen, and Yuan Jay Chang
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Photoluminescence ,Argon ,Materials science ,Passivation ,Energy conversion efficiency ,chemistry.chemical_element ,02 engineering and technology ,010402 general chemistry ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,01 natural sciences ,Grain size ,0104 chemical sciences ,Chemical engineering ,chemistry ,General Materials Science ,0210 nano-technology ,Current density ,Layer (electronics) ,Perovskite (structure) - Abstract
In this study, we achieved a facile and low-cost (18-22 USD/g) synthesis of spiro[fluorene-9,9-phenanthren-10-one]-based interfacial layer materials (MSs; designated MS-PC, MS-PA, MS-OC, and MS-OA). Carbazoles and dimethylacridine substituents with an extended π-conjugation achieved through ortho- or para-orientations were used as donors at the spiro[fluorene-9,9'-phenanthren-10'-one] moiety. Highly efficient and stable inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with the device architecture of ITO/NiOx/MSs/perovskite/PC61BM/BCP/Ag can be achieved to improve the surface morphology of NiOx when MSs are adopted as the interfacial layer. During a morphological study, the ortho-orientated donor of MS-OC and MS-OA has spherical structures indicated that the films were smooth and that the films of perovskite deposited on them had large grain size and uniformity. The photoluminescence properties of the perovskite layers on the NiOx/MSs were showed better hole-transporting capabilities than the bare NiOx. The dual-functional interfacial layer has shown defect passivation effect, it not only improved the surface morphology of NiOx but also enlarged the perovskite layer grain size. The best PSC device performance of the NiOx/MS-OC was characterized by 22.34 mA cm-2 short-circuit current density (Jsc), 1.128 V open-circuit voltage (Voc), and 80.8% fill factor (FF), resulting in 20.34% power conversion efficiency (PCE). The NiOx/MS-OC PSCs showed good long-term device stability, even retained the original PCE of 93.16% after 370 days under argon (25 °C). Owing to the superior perovskite morphologies of the NiOx/MSs, the resulting devices outperformed the bare NiOx-based PSCs.
- Published
- 2021
40. Fucoxanthin-rich fraction from Sargassum fusiformis alleviates particulate matter-induced inflammation in vitro and in vivo
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Yu-An Lu, Min-Cheol Kang, Yu-Lin Dai, Jiang-Bo Yu, You-Jin Jeon, and Yunfei Jiang
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DCFH-DA, 2, 7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate ,Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis ,Fucoxanthin ,Inflammation ,SE, Standard error ,COX, Cyclooxygenase ,010501 environmental sciences ,Toxicology ,NO, Nitric oxide ,H-PM, Culture medium of PM-induced keratinocytes ,01 natural sciences ,Nitric oxide ,DMEM, Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium ,MTT, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,0302 clinical medicine ,RA1190-1270 ,medicine ,TNF-α, Tumor necrosis factor-α ,IL, Interleukin ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,chemistry.chemical_classification ,Reactive oxygen species ,Sargassum fusiformis ,biology ,FxRF, Fucoxanthin-rich fraction ,Interleukin ,Regular Article ,PM, Particulate matter ,PI, Propidium iodide ,Molecular biology ,Nitric oxide synthase ,HaCaT ,PGE, Prostaglandin E ,chemistry ,Toxicology. Poisons ,biology.protein ,Tumor necrosis factor alpha ,Anti-inflammatory response ,medicine.symptom ,Fx, Fucoxanthin ,iNOS, Inducible nitric oxide synthases ,Particulate matter ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery - Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) contributes to air pollution and primarily originates from unregulated industrial emissions and seasonal natural dust emissions. Fucoxanthin (Fx) is a marine natural pigment from brown macroalgae that has been shown to have various beneficial effects on health. However, the effects of Fx on PM-induced toxicities in cells and animals have not been assessed. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory potential of the Fx-rich fraction (FxRF) of Sargassum fusiformis against PM-mediated inflammatory responses. The FxRF composition was analyzed by rapid-resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Fx and other main pigments were identified. FxRF attenuated the production of inflammatory components, including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 from PM-exposed HaCaT keratinocytes. PM exposure also reduced the levels of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and PGE2 in PM-exposed RAW264.7 macrophages. Additionally, the culture medium from PM-exposed HaCaT cells induced upregulation of NO, iNOS, PGE2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in RAW264.7 macrophages. FxRF also significantly decreased the expression levels of factors involved in inflammatory responses, such as NO, reactive oxygen species, and cell death, in PM-exposed zebrafish embryos. These results demonstrated the potential protective effects of FxRF against PM-induced inflammation both in vitro and in a zebrafish model.
- Published
- 2021
41. Investigation of various fatty acid surfactants on the microstructure of flexible hydroxyapatite nanofibers
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Wen-xi Yan, Jian-ning Wang, Gui-yong Xiao, Yin-chuan Wang, Wei-li Xu, Yu-peng Lu, and Sheng-yun Huang
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chemistry.chemical_classification ,Linoleic acid ,Ricinoleic acid ,Fatty acid ,General Chemistry ,Condensed Matter Physics ,Palmitic acid ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Oleic acid ,Crystallinity ,chemistry ,Chemical engineering ,Nanofiber ,General Materials Science ,Stearic acid - Abstract
Flexible hydroxyapatite nanofibers (HANFs) exhibit great potential in various biomedical fields, especially in bone tissue regeneration as a load-bearing implant material. In this study, flexible HANFs have been successfully synthesized through a solvothermal method using different kinds of fatty acids, including linoleic acid, oleic acid, ricinoleic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid, as surfactants. The influences of various fatty acids on the composition, thermal stability and microstructure of the products are investigated by XRD, FT-IR, TG, FESEM, EDS and TEM. The as-prepared flexible HANFs with aspect ratios up to >10 000 are composed of multiple short nanofibers with low Ca/P ratios (∼1.3), high crystallinity (>83%) and diameters of ∼10 nm. However, microrods do not exist in the final products by using oleic acid or palmitic acid as surfactants, and products with a higher crystallite size are found when ricinoleic acid or stearic acid is used. The method reported herein may be applicable for the synthesis of HANFs using other fatty acids as surfactants.
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- 2021
42. Investigation on [OH−]-responsive systems for construction of one-dimensional hydroxyapatite via a solvothermal method
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Yan Jiao, Zi-chen Wang, Gui-yong Xiao, Mei-li Qi, Yu-peng Lu, Wei-li Xu, Yin-chuan Wang, and Kai Wang
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Morphology (linguistics) ,Nucleation ,Crystal growth ,General Chemistry ,Catalysis ,Oleic acid ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Chemical engineering ,chemistry ,Nanofiber ,Materials Chemistry ,Molecule ,Crystallite ,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy - Abstract
An oleic acid-assisted solvothermal method has been utilized to prepare hydroxyapatite (HA) nanofibers with a high flexibility and aspect ratio. Understanding the role of oleic acid in the synthesis of HA may provide effective routes for the design of advanced biomaterials. The concentration of OH− ions ([OH−]) has a great impact on the reaction system, which in turn affects the nucleation and crystal growth of HA. In this work, the effect of oleic acid on the morphology and structure of the as-prepared products under different concentrations of NaOH was investigated by XRD, FTIR and FE-SEM. The formation process of HA was also explored to better explain the role of oleic acid based on structured characteristics and morphology evolution. These results showed that oleic acid molecules absorbed on the surface of HA would effectively induce a one-dimensional crystal growth, even if the crystal growth habit had been changed under different [OH−]. For [OH−] < 1.50 M, [OH−]-responsive oleic acid and its corresponding behavior as a pH buffer can regulate pH at a relatively constant value. Besides, the flexible ultralong HA nanofibers can be formed at [OH−] = 1.25–1.50 M, while the crystallite size and preferred growth along the c-axis were both improved with an increase in [OH−] added.
- Published
- 2021
43. Controlling the Nanoscale Gaps on Silver Island Film for Efficient Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
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Yu-Chung Chang, Yu-Chun Lu, and Yu-Ju Hung
- Subjects
surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) ,silver island film ,surface plasmon resonance ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
We control the nanoscale gaps on silver island films by different processing methods and investigate the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) efficiency on the films. We propose a facile technique to control the film morphology by substrate bending while keeping the evaporation rate constant. The films developed by our new method are compared to the films developed by traditional methods at various evaporation rates. The SERS signals generated on the samples prepared by the new method have similar strengths as the traditional methods. Substrate bending allows us to reduce the gap sizes while using a higher evaporation rate, hence the film can be developed in a shorter time. This cost-effective and time-efficient method is suitable for the mass production of large-area SERS sensors with good sensitivity. Scanning electron microscope images are analyzed to quantify the gap densities and widths to elucidate the relationship between the film morphology and the SERS intensity. While the gap size appears to be the major factor influencing the enhancement, the shape of the nano-island also seems to influence the SERS efficiency.
- Published
- 2019
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44. Short-Term Intake of Hesperetin-7-O-Glucoside Affects Fecal Microbiota and Host Metabolic Homeostasis in Mice
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Yangyang Guo, Zunji Shi, Jinlin Zhou, Xuehang Zhu, Limin Zhang, Chuan Chen, Yuchen Song, Hehua Lei, Gui Chen, Yu-Jing Lu, Fang Wu, Zheng Cao, Manyuan Dong, Peihong Yuan, and Caixiang Liu
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0106 biological sciences ,chemistry.chemical_classification ,Chemistry ,010401 analytical chemistry ,Flavonoid ,Tryptophan ,Hesperetin ,General Chemistry ,Metabolism ,01 natural sciences ,0104 chemical sciences ,Citric acid cycle ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Metabolomics ,Biochemistry ,Ingestion ,Microbiome ,biological phenomena, cell phenomena, and immunity ,General Agricultural and Biological Sciences ,reproductive and urinary physiology ,010606 plant biology & botany - Abstract
Hesperetin-7-O-glucoside (Hes-7-G) is a typical flavonoid monoglucoside isolated from Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP), which is commonly used as a food adjuvant and exhibits potential biological activities. To explore the interaction between Hes-7-G ingestion and microbiome and host metabolism, here, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was first used to analyze the alteration of fecal microbiome in mice after Hes-7-G intake. Metabolic homeostasis in mice was subsequently investigated using untargeted 1H NMR-based metabolomics and targeted metabolite profiling. We found that dietary Hes-7-G significantly regulated fecal microbiota and its derived metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and tryptophan metabolites (indole and its derivatives), in feces of mice. Regulation of microbiota was further confirmed by the significantly changed urinary hippurate and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), co-metabolites of the microbe and host. We also found that dietary Hes-7-G modulated the host tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) involved in energy metabolism. These findings suggested that Hes-7-G exhibits potential beneficial effects for human health.
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- 2020
45. Synthesis and acetone sensing properties of copper (Cu2+) substituted zinc ferrite hollow micro-nanospheres
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Liu Yuhan, Marc Debliquy, Ming Shen, Chao Zhang, Yan Liu, Yu-Ling Lu, and Kaidi Wu
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010302 applied physics ,Detection limit ,Materials science ,Annealing (metallurgy) ,Process Chemistry and Technology ,chemistry.chemical_element ,02 engineering and technology ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,01 natural sciences ,Copper ,Surfaces, Coatings and Films ,Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Zinc ferrite ,chemistry ,Chemical engineering ,Depletion region ,0103 physical sciences ,Materials Chemistry ,Ceramics and Composites ,Acetone ,Redistribution (chemistry) ,0210 nano-technology ,Selectivity - Abstract
In this work, copper (Cu2+) substituted zinc ferrite (CuxZn1-xFe2O4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1)) hollow micro-nanospheres were synthesized using a facile solvothermal and annealing technology. We investigated the effects of Cu2+ substitution on morphology, structure and gas sensing properties of CuxZn1-xFe2O4 hollow micro-nanospheres. The results confirmed the successful substitution of Zn2+ with Cu2+ and the cations redistribution. In addition, the testing results revealed that CuxZn1-xFe2O4 (0.25 ≤ x ≤ 1) based sensors showed significantly enhanced responses to low concentration acetone vapor. Especially, Cu0.75Zn0.25Fe2O4 and CuFe2O4 displayed high responses of 2.37 and 2.43 to 0.8 ppm acetone at 125 °C respectively, while that of ZnFe2O4 was only 1.17. Moreover, CuFe2O4 demonstrated an excellent sensor response, ultra-low limit of detection and remarkable selectivity. The fast response speed and high stability of CuFe2O4 sensor further indicated that it was promising to apply for practical medical diagnosis. The enhanced sensing properties of Cu0.75Zn0.25Fe2O4 and CuFe2O4 sensors were explained by the effect of Cu2+ on lattice cation distribution, electron depletion layer thickness and adsorbing capacity.
- Published
- 2020
46. Real-Time Intraoperative Pressure Monitoring to Avoid Surgically Induced Localized Brain Injury Using a Miniaturized Piezoresistive Pressure Sensor
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Yu-Ting Huang, Jer-Chyi Wang, Rajat Subhra Karmakar, Yu-Jen Lu, Ying-Cheng Huang, Kun-Ju Lin, Yung-Hsin Hsu, and Kuo-Chen Wei
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medicine.medical_specialty ,Scoring system ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,business.industry ,General Chemical Engineering ,H&E stain ,Magnetic resonance imaging ,General Chemistry ,medicine.disease ,Pressure sensor ,Article ,Brain herniation ,Chemistry ,medicine ,Intracranial pressure monitoring ,Radiology ,Pressure monitoring ,business ,QD1-999 ,Piezoresistive pressure sensors - Abstract
Neurosurgical procedures often cause damage to the brain tissue at the periphery from surgical manipulations. Especially during retraction, a large amount of pressure could be applied on the brain surface, which can damage it, leading to brain herniation, which can be fatal for patients. To resolve this issue, we have developed a pressure sensor that can be used to monitor the applied pressure during surgery for intraoperative care. This device was tested on a rodent model to create a superficial surgically induced damage profile for three different applied pressures (30, 50, and 70 mmHg) and compared to a standard intracranial pressure monitoring system. Magnetic resonance imaging has been performed after surgical procedures to detect the herniation caused by applied pressure. To evaluate the damage to brain cells and tissue rupture, histological analysis was performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. A scoring system was developed to understand the severity of the surgically induced brain injury, which will help neurosurgeons to limit the pressure to an optimum point without causing damage.
- Published
- 2020
47. Dominant and Active Methanogens in the Production Waters From a High-Temperature Petroleum Reservoir by DNA- and RNA-Based Analysis
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Hongmei Lv, Ji-Dong Gu, Qian-Qian Hu, Yi-Fan Liu, Biao Wang, Serge Maurice Mbadinga, Yu-Wei Lu, Lei Zhou, Jin-Feng Liu, Xiao-Xiao Li, Shi-Zhong Yang, and Bo-Zhong Mu
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Biogeochemical cycle ,biology ,Methanogenesis ,030106 microbiology ,RNA ,chemistry.chemical_element ,010501 environmental sciences ,biology.organism_classification ,01 natural sciences ,Microbiology ,Methanogen ,Petroleum reservoir ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,chemistry ,Environmental chemistry ,Earth and Planetary Sciences (miscellaneous) ,Environmental Chemistry ,Petroleum ,Environmental science ,Carbon ,DNA ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,General Environmental Science - Abstract
Methane metabolism in deep subsurface petroleum reservoirs is of paramount interest in the global biogeochemical cycle of carbon. Methanogenesis in such habitats is driven mostly by methanogens in ...
- Published
- 2020
48. Hepato-protective effect of fucoidan extracted from acid-processed Sargassum fusiformis in ethanol-treated Chang liver cells and in a zebrafish model
- Author
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Yu-Hang Nie, You-Jin Jeon, Yu-Lin Dai, Yu-An Lu, Yunfei Jiang, and Min-Cheol Kang
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,Chemistry ,Fucoidan ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Plant Science ,Glutathione ,Aquatic Science ,medicine.disease ,Malondialdehyde ,medicine.disease_cause ,01 natural sciences ,Molecular biology ,Lipid peroxidation ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Apoptosis ,medicine ,Oil Red O ,Cell damage ,Oxidative stress ,010606 plant biology & botany - Abstract
In our previous study, the anticancer effect of the active fucoidan (JHCF4) isolated from acid-processed Sargassum fusiformis was evaluated. In this study, the liver-protective effects of JHCF4 against ethanol-induced Chang liver cell damage and apoptosis-related responses were investigated. Furthermore, the low cytotoxicity and high cell viability of JHCF4 against ethanol-induced cell damage, as well as its protective effect against ethanol-induced cell apoptosis, were observed via nuclear staining with Hoechst 33342 in Chang liver cells. Additionally, the treatment of the 72 h post-fertilization (hpf) zebrafish model with JHCF4 increased the ethanol-stimulated survival rates as well as decreased oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and cell death levels. JHCF4 was found to significantly decrease steatosis production in the 128 hpf zebrafish model by Oil Red O staining, as well as attenuate the malondialdehyde and increase the glutathione contents, compared with the untreated group. These results demonstrate that JHCF4 has a potential hepato-protective effect against ethanol-induced damage both in vitro and in vivo.
- Published
- 2020
49. Polyethylene Glycol-Coated Graphene Oxide Loaded with Erlotinib as an Effective Therapeutic Agent for Treating Nasopharyngeal Cancer Cells
- Author
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Yen-Bin Hsu, Yu-Jen Lu, Ming-Chin Lan, Jyh-Ping Chen, and Ming-Ying Lan
- Subjects
medicine.medical_treatment ,Biophysics ,Pharmaceutical Science ,Bioengineering ,02 engineering and technology ,010402 general chemistry ,01 natural sciences ,Biomaterials ,Gentamicin protection assay ,Drug Discovery ,otorhinolaryngologic diseases ,medicine ,Viability assay ,Chemistry ,Cell growth ,Organic Chemistry ,Cancer ,General Medicine ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,medicine.disease ,0104 chemical sciences ,Radiation therapy ,stomatognathic diseases ,Nasopharyngeal carcinoma ,Cancer research ,Erlotinib ,0210 nano-technology ,Drug carrier ,medicine.drug - Abstract
Introduction Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common cancer in southern China and Taiwan, and radiation therapy combined with or without chemotherapy is its mainstay treatment. Although it is highly sensitive to radiotherapy, local recurrence and distant metastasis remain difficult unsolved problems. In recent years, graphene oxide (GO) has been found to be a promising novel anticancer drug carrier. Here, we present our designed functionalized GO, polyethylene glycol-coated GO (GO-PEG), as a drug carrier, which was loaded with erlotinib and showed promising anticancer effects on NPC cells. Methods The effects of GO-PEG-erlotinib on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of NPC cells were investigated by WST-8 assay, wound healing assay, and invasion assay, respectively. RNA sequencing was conducted and analyzed to determine the molecular mechanisms by which GO-PEG-erlotinib affects NPC cells. Results Our results showed that GO-PEG-erlotinib reduced NPC cell viability in a dose-dependent manner and also inhibited the migration and invasion of NPC cells. The RNA sequencing revealed several related molecular mechanisms. Conclusion GO-PEG-erlotinib effectively suppressed NPC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, likely by several mechanisms. GO-PEG-erlotinib may be a potential therapeutic agent for treating NPC in the future.
- Published
- 2020
50. Operation Characteristics of Gate-All-Around Junctionless Flash Memory Devices With Si₃N₄/ZrO-Based Stacked Trapping Layer
- Author
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Wen-Hsien Huang, Jia-Min Shieh, Hsin-Kai Fang, C. L. Cheng, Yu-Chin Lu, Kuei-Shu Chang-Liao, and Chang-Hong Shen
- Subjects
010302 applied physics ,Materials science ,Silicon ,business.industry ,Oxide ,chemistry.chemical_element ,Trapping ,01 natural sciences ,Flash memory ,Band offset ,Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials ,Non-volatile memory ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,chemistry ,0103 physical sciences ,Optoelectronics ,Electrical and Electronic Engineering ,business ,Layer (electronics) ,Quantum tunnelling - Abstract
The operation characteristics of polycrystalline Si (poly-Si) gate-all-around (GAA) junctionless (JL) charge-trapping (CT) flash memory devices with the Zr-based stacked trapping layer were studied in this work. Devices with the Si3N4/ZrO2 stacked trapping layer show enhanced erasing speeds and comparable retention characteristics in comparison to Si3N4/HfO2 due to many shallow energy traps and smaller valance band offset in the ZrO2 layer. By inserting Al2O3 between Si3N4 and ZrO2 trapping layer, the retention and endurance characteristics are improved. The erasing speed can be further improved by a Zr-rich oxide layer near the tunneling oxide since the energy barrier can confine more injected electrons near the tunneling oxide. The retention characteristic can be improved without sacrificing the erasing speed because some of the shallow traps can be passivated by NH3 plasma treatment on ZrO2. Hence, the ZrO-based stacked trapping layer is very promising for the poly-Si GAA JL CT flash devices for nonvolatile memory applications.
- Published
- 2020
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