Xiaoliang Xia - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Xiaoliang Xia

The FASEB Journal, 2021

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a master regulator of adipogenesis an... more Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a master regulator of adipogenesis and lipogenesis. To understand its roles in fiber formation and fat deposition in skeletal muscle, we successfully generated muscle‐specific overexpression of PPARγ in two pig models by random insertion and CRISPR/Cas9 transgenic cloning procedures. The content of intramuscular fat was significantly increased in PPARγ pigs while had no changes on lean meat ratio. PPARγ could promote adipocyte differentiation by activating adipocyte differentiating regulators such as FABP4 and CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein (C/EBP), along with enhanced expression of LPL, FABP4, and PLIN1 to proceed fat deposition. Proteomics analyses demonstrated that oxidative metabolism of fatty acids and respiratory chain were activated in PPARγ pigs, thus, gathered more Ca2+ in PPARγ pigs. Raising of Ca2+ could result in increased phosphorylation of CAMKII and p38 MAPK in PPARγ pigs, which can stimulate MEF2 and PGC1α to affect fiber type and oxidative capacity. These results support that skeletal muscle‐specific overexpression of PPARγ can promote oxidative fiber formation and intramuscular fat deposition in pigs.

PPARγ is a master regulator of adipogenesis and lipogenesis. To understand its roles in fat depos... more PPARγ is a master regulator of adipogenesis and lipogenesis. To understand its roles in fat deposition and fiber formation in skeletal muscle, we successfully generated muscle-specific overexpression of PPARγ by pig cloning procedures. The content of intramuscular fat was significantly increased in PPARγ transgenic pigs while the muscle mass as lean percentage of body weight was not changed. The proteomics analysis demonstrated oxidative metabolism of fatty acids and respiratory chain were increased in PPARγ pigs. Furthermore, expressions of oxidative muscle fiber-related genes such as MyHC1 and TNNT1 were enhanced. CAMK2, MEF2 and PGC1α were also significantly increased in skeletal muscle of PPARγ pigs, indicating that Ca2+-sensitive phosphatases and kinases may play an important role in the switch of muscle fiber types when PPARγ activity is elevated in skeletal muscle. The results support skeletal muscle-specific overexpression of PPARγ can promote oxidative fiber formation and i...

Catalysis Today, 2020

Oxygen transport membrane reactors were often utilized to integrate air separation with catalytic... more Oxygen transport membrane reactors were often utilized to integrate air separation with catalytic oxidation of methane for producing syngas. In this work, we employed Fe-based BaCe 0.5 Fe 0.5 O 3-δ (BCF5050) membrane with satisfied oxygen permeability to simultaneously produce pure nitrogen and syngas via coupling air separation with oxy-CO 2 reforming of methane. By co-feeding CH 4 and CO 2 in reaction side of membrane, oxygen in air side can efficiently permeate to the other side of membrane. After introducing a porous layer and Ni/Al 2 O 3 on methane side, it was found that removal rate of oxygen from air can be significantly enhanced, which finally resulted in a higher nitrogen purity. Nitrogen with a purity over 99.3 % was constantly produced at a rate of ca. 3.6 cm 3 min −1 at the exit of air side. Meanwhile, CH 4 and CO 2 conversion of over 92 %, CO and H 2 selectivity of above 95 % were also achieved on the other side of membrane during 140 h test period. x-y O 3-δ (BCFZ) OTM reactor [27]. Obviously, in addition to obtaining nitrogen in air side, it is highly desired to simultaneously obtain valuable-added chemicals like syngas on the other side of membrane. However, under such conditions (low oxygen partial pressure on both sides), the usual cobalt-based membrane materials, such as SrCo 0.8 Fe 0.2 O 3-δ (SCF), Ba 0.5 Sr 0.5 Co 0.8 Fe 0.2 O 3-δ (BSCF) and BCFZ, are

iScience, 2019

Coupling of two oxygen-involved reactions at the opposite sides of an oxygen transport membrane (... more Coupling of two oxygen-involved reactions at the opposite sides of an oxygen transport membrane (OTM) has demonstrated great potential for process intensification. However, the current cobaltor iron-containing OTMs suffer from poor reduction tolerance, which are incompetent for membrane reactor working in low oxygen partial pressure (pO 2). Here, we report for the first time a both Co-and Fe-free SrMg 0.15 Zr 0.05 Ti 0.8 O 3Àd (SMZ-Ti) membrane that exhibits both superior reduction tolerance for 100 h in 20 vol.% H 2 /Ar and environment-induced mixed conductivity due to the modest reduction of Ti4+ to Ti3+ in low pO 2. We further demonstrate that SMZ-Ti is ideally suited for membrane reactor where water splitting is coupled with methane reforming at the opposite sides to simultaneously obtain hydrogen and synthesis gas. These results extend the scope of mixed conducting materials to include titanates and open up new avenues for the design of chemically stable membrane materials for high-performance membrane reactors.

AIChE Journal, 2019

Steam methane reforming (SMR) is a commercial process to produce syngas. Normally, the as-produce... more Steam methane reforming (SMR) is a commercial process to produce syngas. Normally, the as-produced syngas is characterized by a H 2 /CO ratio of 3. However, such H 2 /CO ratio is unsuitable for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The hydrogen obtained by subsequent upgrading of syngas usually contains residual CO, which readily deactivates Pt electrocatalysts in fuel cells. Here we report an innovative route by coupling SMR with H 2 removal in a proton conducting membrane reactor to co-produce syngas with a preferable H 2 /CO ratio of 2 and COfree H 2 on opposite sides of the membrane, which can be directly used for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and fuel cells, respectively. Notably, H 2 is in-situ extracted by the membrane that only allows the permeation of H 2 as protons through the oxide lattice with infinite selectivity, and thus the obtained H 2 is CO-free. This work could provide an alternative option in one-step conversion of methane into two inherently separated valuable chemicals.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2015

Fat-induced transcript 1 (FIT1/FITM1) gene is a member of the conserved gene family important for... more Fat-induced transcript 1 (FIT1/FITM1) gene is a member of the conserved gene family important for triglyceride-rich lipid droplet accumulation. FIT1 gene displays a similar muscle-specific expression across pigs, mice, and humans. Thus pigs can act as a useful model of many human diseases resulting from misexpression of FIT1 gene. Triglyceride content in skeletal muscle plays a key role in pork meat quality and flavors. An insertion/deletion mutation in porcine FIT1 coding region shows a high correlation with a series of fat traits. To gain better knowledge of the potential role of FIT1 gene in human diseases and the correlations with pork meat quality, our attention is given to the region upstream of the porcine FIT1 coding sequence. We cloned ~1 kb of the 5′-flanking region of porcine FIT1 gene to define the role of this sequence in modulating the myogenic expression. A canonical E-box element that activated porcine FIT1 promoter activity during myogenesis was identified. Further analysis demonstrated that promoter activity was induced by overexpression of MyoD1, which bound to this canonical E-box during C2C12 differentiation. This is the first evidence that FIT1 as the direct novel target of MyoD is involved in muscle development.

Gene, Jan 25, 2015

It is a general consensus that oocyte quality is the key to embryo survival in pig reproduction. ... more It is a general consensus that oocyte quality is the key to embryo survival in pig reproduction. Thus, study on regulation of the ovary-associated gene is of great significance in pig breeding. Peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs) are a family of enzymes which catalyze the conversion of arginine to citrulline in proteins. The peptidylarginine deiminases type VI gene (PADI6) is mainly expressed in the ovary, and plays an important role in oocyte growth, fertilization and early embryo development. However, until now, little is known about its transcriptional regulation mechanism. Here, we firstly isolated and characterized the 5'-flanking region of porcine PADI6 gene. We determined the transcription start site using 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) analysis, and identified the minimal promoter (-85/+68) that drove the basal expression of PADI6 by constructing various progressive deletions. Mutational analysis and electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated Sp1 b...

Materials and Design, 2009

Gd 2 (Zr 1Àx Ti x) 2 O 7 (0 6 x 6 1.00) solid solutions were synthesized by solid state reaction ... more Gd 2 (Zr 1Àx Ti x) 2 O 7 (0 6 x 6 1.00) solid solutions were synthesized by solid state reaction at 1550-1650°C for 10 h in air. The relative density, microstructure and thermal expansion property of Gd 2 (Zr 1Àx Ti x) 2 O 7 were investigated by the Archimedes method, X-ray diffraction, laser Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and high-temperature dilatometry. Gd 2 Zr 2 O 7 exhibits a defect fluorite-type structure; however, Gd 2 (Zr 1Àx Ti x) 2 O 7 (0.25 6 x 6 1.00) solid solutions have an ordered pyrochlore-type structure. Gd 2 Zr 2 O 7 and Gd 2 Ti 2 O 7 are completely soluble. The degree of structural order for Gd 2 (Zr 1Àx Ti x) 2 O 7 solid solutions increases with increasing Ti content. The thermal expansion coefficients of Gd 2 (Zr 1Àx Ti x) 2 O 7 increase with increasing temperature from 30 to 1250°C. The thermal expansion coefficients of Gd 2 (Zr 1Àx Ti x) 2 O 7 gradually decrease with increasing Ti content at identical temperature levels.

Cellular reprogramming, 2014

Low cloning efficiency is considered to be caused by the incomplete or aberrant epigenetic reprog... more Low cloning efficiency is considered to be caused by the incomplete or aberrant epigenetic reprogramming of differentiated donor cells in somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos. Oxamflatin, a novel class of histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), has been found to improve the in vitro and full-term developmental potential of SCNT embryos. In the present study, we studied the effects of oxamflatin treatment on in vitro porcine SCNT embryos. Our results indicated that the rate of in vitro blastocyst formation of SCNT embryos treated with 1 μM oxamflatin for 15 h postactivation was significantly higher than all other treatments. Treatment of oxamflatin decreased the relative histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity in cloned embryos and resulted in hyperacetylation levels of histone H3 at lysine 9 (AcH3K9) and histone H4 at lysine 5 (AcH4K5) at pronuclear, two-cell, and four-cell stages partly through downregulating HDAC1. The suppression of HDAC6 through oxamflatin increased the nonhi...

Solid State Sciences, 2011

Gd2(Zr1−xCex)2O7 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) ceramics are prepared via a solid-state reaction process at 1973 K... more Gd2(Zr1−xCex)2O7 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) ceramics are prepared via a solid-state reaction process at 1973 K for 10 h in air. Gd2(Zr1−xCex)2O7 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) ceramics exhibit a defective fluorite-type structure. XPS analysis indicates the oxidation state of Ce cations is mainly Ce4+. The electrical property of Gd2(Zr1−xCex)2O7 ceramics is investigated by impedance spectroscopy over a frequency range of 10 Hz to 8 MHz from 623 to 1173 K. The activation energy of grain conductivity increases with increasing cerium content, whereas the pre-exponential factor of grain conductivity for doped-Gd2(Zr1−xCex)2O7 (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) ceramics is lower than that of undoped-Gd2Zr2O7. The grain conductivity of Gd2(Zr1−xCex)2O7 ceramics follows the Arrhenius-type behaviour. The grain conductivity of Gd2(Zr1−xCex)2O7 ceramics slightly decreases with increasing cerium content. Gd2(Zr0.9Ce0.1)2O7 is an oxide-ion conductor in the oxygen partial pressure range of 1.0 × 10−4 to 1.0 atm in the test temperature region.

Philosophical Magazine Letters, 2010

In this study, (Gd1−xNdx)2(Zr1−xCex)2O7 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) ceramics have been prepared by pressureless... more In this study, (Gd1−xNdx)2(Zr1−xCex)2O7 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) ceramics have been prepared by pressureless sintering at 1973 K to investigate the influence of Nd and Ce co-doping on their electrical conductivity. The electrical conductivity of the ceramics was investigated by impedance spectroscopy measurements from 723 to 1173 K over the frequency range of 20 Hz to 2 MHz in air. The measured values obey the Arrhenius relation. For each composition, the grain conductivity gradually increases with increasing temperature from 723 to 1173 K. At a given temperature, it gradually decreases with increasing neodymium and cerium contents from x = 0 to 0.3; thereafter, the grain conductivity exhibits a slight increase with further increasing neodymium and cerium contents up to x = 0.5.

Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 2009

ABSTRACT Gd2Zr2O7 ceramic was prepared by solid state reaction at 1650 °C for 10 h in air, and ex... more ABSTRACT Gd2Zr2O7 ceramic was prepared by solid state reaction at 1650 °C for 10 h in air, and exhibited a defect fluorite-type structure. Reaction between molten V2O5 and Gd2Zr2O7 ceramic was investigated at temperatures ranging from 700 to 850 °C using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Molten V2O5 reacted with Gd2Zr2O7 to form ZrV2O7 and GdVO4 at 700 °C; however, in a temperature range of 750–850 °C, molten V2O5 reacted with Gd2Zr2O7 to form GdVO4 and m-ZrO2. Two different reactions observed at 700 °C and 750–850 °C could be explained based on the thermal instability of ZrV2O7.

Journal of Power Sources, 2009

Sm 1−x Ca x) 2 Zr 2 O 7−x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.100) ceramics were prepared by a solid state reaction proces... more Sm 1−x Ca x) 2 Zr 2 O 7−x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.100) ceramics were prepared by a solid state reaction process at 1973 K for 10 h in air, and were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). (Sm 1−x Ca x) 2 Zr 2 O 7−x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.025) ceramics have a single phase of pyrochlore-type structure; however (Sm 1−x Ca x) 2 Zr 2 O 7−x (0.050 ≤ x ≤ 0.100) consist of pyrochlore phase and a small amount of perovskite-like CaZrO 3. The electrical conductivity of (Sm 1−x Ca x) 2 Zr 2 O 7−x ceramics was investigated by complex impedance spectroscopy over a frequency range of 0.1 Hz to 20 MHz in the temperature range of 573-873 K. The measured electrical conductivity obeys the Arrhenius relation. Both the activation energy and pre-exponential factor for grain conductivity increase with increasing the CaO content; however, electrical conductivity of (Sm 1−x Ca x) 2 Zr 2 O 7−x decreases with increasing the CaO content, which is due to the increase in structural disordering at 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.025 and the presence of the poorly conducting CaZrO 3 phase at 0.050 ≤ x ≤ 0.100, respectively.

Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 2010

... 50972030), the Program of Excellent Teams in Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) and the Sta... more ... 50972030), the Program of Excellent Teams in Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) and the Start-up Program for High-level HIT Faculty Returned from Abroad. References. [1] MA Subramanian, G. Aravamudan and GV Subba Rao, Prog. Solid State Chem. 15 (1983), pp. 55– ...

Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 2010

Abstract In this paper, we report the preparation, structure and electrical conductivity of MoO3-... more Abstract In this paper, we report the preparation, structure and electrical conductivity of MoO3-doped zirconates with a nominal chemical formula of Gd2(Zr1−xMox)2O7+2x (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2). X-ray diffraction measurements indicate that Gd2Zr2O7 exhibits a defect fluorite-type structure, and Gd2(Zr1−xMox)2O7+2x (x = 0.1, 0.2) have a single phase of pyrochlore-type structure. The alternating current (AC) impedance measurements show that the electrical conductivity of Gd2(Zr1−xNbx)2O7+2x ceramics obeys the Arrhenius equation, and gradually increases with increasing temperature from 673 to 1173 K. The activation energy and pre-exponential factor for electrical conductivity gradually decrease with the increase of MoO3 content. Gd2(Zr1−xMox)2O7+2x ceramics are oxide-ion conductors in the oxygen partial pressure range of 1.0 × 10−4 to 1.0 atm at all test temperature levels. The electrical conductivity of defect fluorite-type Gd2Zr2O7 is not improved by MoO3 doping.

Electrochimica Acta, 2010

Gd 2 (Zr 1−x Nb x) 2 O 7+x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) ceramics are prepared via the solid state reaction proce... more Gd 2 (Zr 1−x Nb x) 2 O 7+x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) ceramics are prepared via the solid state reaction process at 1973 K for 10 h in air. Gd 2 (Zr 1−x Nb x) 2 O 7+x (x = 0.1, 0.2) ceramics exhibit an ordered pyrochlore-type structure, whereas Gd 2 Zr 2 O 7 has a defective fluorite-type structure. The electrical property of Gd 2 (Zr 1−x Nb x) 2 O 7+x ceramics is investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy over a frequency range of 10 Hz to 8 MHz from 623 to 923 K. The electrical conductivity obeys the Arrhenius equation. The grain conductivity of Gd 2 (Zr 1−x Nb x) 2 O 7+x ceramics varies with doping different Nb contents, and exhibits a maximum at the Nb content of x = 0.1 in the temperature range of 623-923 K. The conductivity in hydrogen atmosphere is a little bit higher than in air in the temperature range of 723-923 K, which indicates that the doping of Zr 4+ by Nb 5+ can increase the proton-type conduction and reduce the oxide-ionic conduction. The conduction of Gd 2 (Zr 1−x Nb x) 2 O 7+x is not a pure oxide-ionic conductor.

Ceramics International, 2009

The objective of the present study is to formulate and evaluate a new microemulsion (ME) for topi... more The objective of the present study is to formulate and evaluate a new microemulsion (ME) for topical delivery of griseofulvin. Methods: The solubilities of griseofulvin in different combinations of surfactant to cosurfactant (S/Co ratio) were determined. Accordingly, based on their phase diagrams, eight microemulsions were formulated and then evaluated with respect to their particle size, surface tension, viscosity, conductivity, zeta potential and stability. Their release behavior, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), refractory index (RI), pH and Small-angle-X-ray scattering (SAXS) were also assessed. Results: The results indicated that the mean droplet size of the MEs ranged from 30.9 to 84.3 nm. Their zeta potential varied from-4.5 to-20.8. Other determined characteristics were viscosity: 254-381 cps, pH: 5.34-6.57, surface tension: 41.16-42.83 dyne.cm-1 , conductivity: 0.0442-0.111 ms.cm-1. The drug release was in the range of 22.4 to 43.69 percent. Also, hexagonal, cubic and lamellar liquid crystals were observed in SAXS experiments. Conclusion: It can be concluded that any alteration in MEs constituents directly affects their microstructure, shape, droplet size and their other physicochemical properties.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 2014

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is specialized to dissipate energy as heat, therefore reducing fat dep... more Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is specialized to dissipate energy as heat, therefore reducing fat deposition and counteracting obesity. Brown adipocytes arise from myoblastic progenitors during embryonic development by the action of transcription regulator PRDM16 binding to PPARc, which promotes BAT-like phenotype in white adipose tissue. To investigate the capability of converting white adipose tissue to BAT or browning by PPARc in vivo, we generated transgenic mice with over-expressed PPARc2. The transgenic mice showed strong brown fat features in subcutaneous fat in morphology and histology. To provide molecular evidences on browning characteristics of the adipose tissue, we employed quantitative real-time PCR to determine BAT-specific gene expressions. The transgenic mice had remarkably elevated mRNA level of UCP1, Elovl3, PGC1a and Cebpa in subcutaneous fat. Compared with wild-type mice, UCP1 protein levels were increased significantly in transgenic mice. ATP concentration was slightly decreased in the subcutaneous fat of transgenic mice. Western blotting analysis also confirmed that phosphorylated AMPK and ACC proteins were significantly (P < 0.01) increased in the transgenic mice. Therefore, this study demonstrated that over-expression of PPARc2 in skeletal muscle can promote conversion of subcutaneous fat to brown fat formation, which can have beneficial effects on increasing energy metabolisms and combating obesity.

Advances in Applied Ceramics, 2010

Sm 1-x) 2 Zr 2 O 7 (0(x(1?0) ceramic powders were synthesised with chemical coprecipitation and c... more Sm 1-x) 2 Zr 2 O 7 (0(x(1?0) ceramic powders were synthesised with chemical coprecipitation and calcination method. Thermal decomposition behaviour of precipitates was studied by differential scanning calorimetry-thermogravimetry. The powders were characterised by X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy. The synthesised powders have a particle size of about 100 nm, and exhibit to a certain extent agglomeration. The sintering behaviour of (Yb x Sm 1-x) 2 Zr 2 O 7 powders was studied by pressureless sintering method at 1550-1700uC for 10 h in air. The relative densities of (Yb x Sm 1-x) 2 Zr 2 O 7 ceramics increase with increasing sintering temperature, and reach above 95% when sintered at 1700uC for 10 h in air. Sm 2 Zr 2 O 7 and (Yb 0?1 Sm 0?9) 2 Zr 2 O 7 ceramics have a pyrochlore structure; however, (Yb x Sm 1-x) 2 Zr 2 O 7 (0?3(x(1?0) ceramics exhibit a defective fluorite type structure.

Advanced Engineering Materials, 2008

Ceramic thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) used for thermal insulation against hot combustion gases ... more Ceramic thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) used for thermal insulation against hot combustion gases greatly enhance operating temperatures and thermal efficiency of hot-section components in gas-turbine engines, and reduce fuel consumption and gas emissions at elevated temperatures. [1-3] Up to now, the most successful TBC materials in use are 7 ± 1 wt.%Y 2 O 3 stabilized ZrO 2 (7YSZ). However, 7YSZ is limited to operate below 1200°C. Above 1200°C, the t'-phase zirconia transforms into tetragonal and cubic phases. During cooling the tetragonal phase will further transform into monoclinic phase, which is accompanied with a volume change of 3-5 % and invariably causes cracking and failure. The relatively porous 7YSZ plasma-sprayed coatings are prone to sintering above 1200°C, which increases thermal conductivity and makes them less effective. To further improve the thermal insulation properties, it is urgently needed to develop new thermal barrier oxide materials with a lower thermal conductivity than 7YSZ. Some important requirements for excellent TBC materials are high melting point, high phase stability, low thermal conductivity, chemical inertness, high thermal expansion coefficient, high strain tolerance and low sintering rate at elevated temperatures. [4] Among high-melting temperature ceramic materials, rareearth zirconates, with the general formula Ln 2 Zr 2 O 7 (Ln = La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, etc), have a distinctly lower thermal conductivity than 7YSZ. [5,6] Pyrochlore-structured La 2 Zr 2 O 7-based TBCs were successfully prepared with electron beam physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD) method by Saruhan et al. [7] The hot corrosion resistance of La 2 Zr 2 O 7 coatings was better than that of 8 wt.% yttria-stabilized zirconia coatings produced by thermal spraying, and La 2 Zr 2 O 7 coatings remained well

The FASEB Journal, 2021

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a master regulator of adipogenesis an... more Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a master regulator of adipogenesis and lipogenesis. To understand its roles in fiber formation and fat deposition in skeletal muscle, we successfully generated muscle‐specific overexpression of PPARγ in two pig models by random insertion and CRISPR/Cas9 transgenic cloning procedures. The content of intramuscular fat was significantly increased in PPARγ pigs while had no changes on lean meat ratio. PPARγ could promote adipocyte differentiation by activating adipocyte differentiating regulators such as FABP4 and CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein (C/EBP), along with enhanced expression of LPL, FABP4, and PLIN1 to proceed fat deposition. Proteomics analyses demonstrated that oxidative metabolism of fatty acids and respiratory chain were activated in PPARγ pigs, thus, gathered more Ca2+ in PPARγ pigs. Raising of Ca2+ could result in increased phosphorylation of CAMKII and p38 MAPK in PPARγ pigs, which can stimulate MEF2 and PGC1α to affect fiber type and oxidative capacity. These results support that skeletal muscle‐specific overexpression of PPARγ can promote oxidative fiber formation and intramuscular fat deposition in pigs.

PPARγ is a master regulator of adipogenesis and lipogenesis. To understand its roles in fat depos... more PPARγ is a master regulator of adipogenesis and lipogenesis. To understand its roles in fat deposition and fiber formation in skeletal muscle, we successfully generated muscle-specific overexpression of PPARγ by pig cloning procedures. The content of intramuscular fat was significantly increased in PPARγ transgenic pigs while the muscle mass as lean percentage of body weight was not changed. The proteomics analysis demonstrated oxidative metabolism of fatty acids and respiratory chain were increased in PPARγ pigs. Furthermore, expressions of oxidative muscle fiber-related genes such as MyHC1 and TNNT1 were enhanced. CAMK2, MEF2 and PGC1α were also significantly increased in skeletal muscle of PPARγ pigs, indicating that Ca2+-sensitive phosphatases and kinases may play an important role in the switch of muscle fiber types when PPARγ activity is elevated in skeletal muscle. The results support skeletal muscle-specific overexpression of PPARγ can promote oxidative fiber formation and i...

Catalysis Today, 2020

Oxygen transport membrane reactors were often utilized to integrate air separation with catalytic... more Oxygen transport membrane reactors were often utilized to integrate air separation with catalytic oxidation of methane for producing syngas. In this work, we employed Fe-based BaCe 0.5 Fe 0.5 O 3-δ (BCF5050) membrane with satisfied oxygen permeability to simultaneously produce pure nitrogen and syngas via coupling air separation with oxy-CO 2 reforming of methane. By co-feeding CH 4 and CO 2 in reaction side of membrane, oxygen in air side can efficiently permeate to the other side of membrane. After introducing a porous layer and Ni/Al 2 O 3 on methane side, it was found that removal rate of oxygen from air can be significantly enhanced, which finally resulted in a higher nitrogen purity. Nitrogen with a purity over 99.3 % was constantly produced at a rate of ca. 3.6 cm 3 min −1 at the exit of air side. Meanwhile, CH 4 and CO 2 conversion of over 92 %, CO and H 2 selectivity of above 95 % were also achieved on the other side of membrane during 140 h test period. x-y O 3-δ (BCFZ) OTM reactor [27]. Obviously, in addition to obtaining nitrogen in air side, it is highly desired to simultaneously obtain valuable-added chemicals like syngas on the other side of membrane. However, under such conditions (low oxygen partial pressure on both sides), the usual cobalt-based membrane materials, such as SrCo 0.8 Fe 0.2 O 3-δ (SCF), Ba 0.5 Sr 0.5 Co 0.8 Fe 0.2 O 3-δ (BSCF) and BCFZ, are

iScience, 2019

Coupling of two oxygen-involved reactions at the opposite sides of an oxygen transport membrane (... more Coupling of two oxygen-involved reactions at the opposite sides of an oxygen transport membrane (OTM) has demonstrated great potential for process intensification. However, the current cobaltor iron-containing OTMs suffer from poor reduction tolerance, which are incompetent for membrane reactor working in low oxygen partial pressure (pO 2). Here, we report for the first time a both Co-and Fe-free SrMg 0.15 Zr 0.05 Ti 0.8 O 3Àd (SMZ-Ti) membrane that exhibits both superior reduction tolerance for 100 h in 20 vol.% H 2 /Ar and environment-induced mixed conductivity due to the modest reduction of Ti4+ to Ti3+ in low pO 2. We further demonstrate that SMZ-Ti is ideally suited for membrane reactor where water splitting is coupled with methane reforming at the opposite sides to simultaneously obtain hydrogen and synthesis gas. These results extend the scope of mixed conducting materials to include titanates and open up new avenues for the design of chemically stable membrane materials for high-performance membrane reactors.

AIChE Journal, 2019

Steam methane reforming (SMR) is a commercial process to produce syngas. Normally, the as-produce... more Steam methane reforming (SMR) is a commercial process to produce syngas. Normally, the as-produced syngas is characterized by a H 2 /CO ratio of 3. However, such H 2 /CO ratio is unsuitable for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The hydrogen obtained by subsequent upgrading of syngas usually contains residual CO, which readily deactivates Pt electrocatalysts in fuel cells. Here we report an innovative route by coupling SMR with H 2 removal in a proton conducting membrane reactor to co-produce syngas with a preferable H 2 /CO ratio of 2 and COfree H 2 on opposite sides of the membrane, which can be directly used for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and fuel cells, respectively. Notably, H 2 is in-situ extracted by the membrane that only allows the permeation of H 2 as protons through the oxide lattice with infinite selectivity, and thus the obtained H 2 is CO-free. This work could provide an alternative option in one-step conversion of methane into two inherently separated valuable chemicals.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2015

Fat-induced transcript 1 (FIT1/FITM1) gene is a member of the conserved gene family important for... more Fat-induced transcript 1 (FIT1/FITM1) gene is a member of the conserved gene family important for triglyceride-rich lipid droplet accumulation. FIT1 gene displays a similar muscle-specific expression across pigs, mice, and humans. Thus pigs can act as a useful model of many human diseases resulting from misexpression of FIT1 gene. Triglyceride content in skeletal muscle plays a key role in pork meat quality and flavors. An insertion/deletion mutation in porcine FIT1 coding region shows a high correlation with a series of fat traits. To gain better knowledge of the potential role of FIT1 gene in human diseases and the correlations with pork meat quality, our attention is given to the region upstream of the porcine FIT1 coding sequence. We cloned ~1 kb of the 5′-flanking region of porcine FIT1 gene to define the role of this sequence in modulating the myogenic expression. A canonical E-box element that activated porcine FIT1 promoter activity during myogenesis was identified. Further analysis demonstrated that promoter activity was induced by overexpression of MyoD1, which bound to this canonical E-box during C2C12 differentiation. This is the first evidence that FIT1 as the direct novel target of MyoD is involved in muscle development.

Gene, Jan 25, 2015

It is a general consensus that oocyte quality is the key to embryo survival in pig reproduction. ... more It is a general consensus that oocyte quality is the key to embryo survival in pig reproduction. Thus, study on regulation of the ovary-associated gene is of great significance in pig breeding. Peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs) are a family of enzymes which catalyze the conversion of arginine to citrulline in proteins. The peptidylarginine deiminases type VI gene (PADI6) is mainly expressed in the ovary, and plays an important role in oocyte growth, fertilization and early embryo development. However, until now, little is known about its transcriptional regulation mechanism. Here, we firstly isolated and characterized the 5'-flanking region of porcine PADI6 gene. We determined the transcription start site using 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) analysis, and identified the minimal promoter (-85/+68) that drove the basal expression of PADI6 by constructing various progressive deletions. Mutational analysis and electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated Sp1 b...

Materials and Design, 2009

Gd 2 (Zr 1Àx Ti x) 2 O 7 (0 6 x 6 1.00) solid solutions were synthesized by solid state reaction ... more Gd 2 (Zr 1Àx Ti x) 2 O 7 (0 6 x 6 1.00) solid solutions were synthesized by solid state reaction at 1550-1650°C for 10 h in air. The relative density, microstructure and thermal expansion property of Gd 2 (Zr 1Àx Ti x) 2 O 7 were investigated by the Archimedes method, X-ray diffraction, laser Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and high-temperature dilatometry. Gd 2 Zr 2 O 7 exhibits a defect fluorite-type structure; however, Gd 2 (Zr 1Àx Ti x) 2 O 7 (0.25 6 x 6 1.00) solid solutions have an ordered pyrochlore-type structure. Gd 2 Zr 2 O 7 and Gd 2 Ti 2 O 7 are completely soluble. The degree of structural order for Gd 2 (Zr 1Àx Ti x) 2 O 7 solid solutions increases with increasing Ti content. The thermal expansion coefficients of Gd 2 (Zr 1Àx Ti x) 2 O 7 increase with increasing temperature from 30 to 1250°C. The thermal expansion coefficients of Gd 2 (Zr 1Àx Ti x) 2 O 7 gradually decrease with increasing Ti content at identical temperature levels.

Cellular reprogramming, 2014

Low cloning efficiency is considered to be caused by the incomplete or aberrant epigenetic reprog... more Low cloning efficiency is considered to be caused by the incomplete or aberrant epigenetic reprogramming of differentiated donor cells in somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos. Oxamflatin, a novel class of histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), has been found to improve the in vitro and full-term developmental potential of SCNT embryos. In the present study, we studied the effects of oxamflatin treatment on in vitro porcine SCNT embryos. Our results indicated that the rate of in vitro blastocyst formation of SCNT embryos treated with 1 μM oxamflatin for 15 h postactivation was significantly higher than all other treatments. Treatment of oxamflatin decreased the relative histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity in cloned embryos and resulted in hyperacetylation levels of histone H3 at lysine 9 (AcH3K9) and histone H4 at lysine 5 (AcH4K5) at pronuclear, two-cell, and four-cell stages partly through downregulating HDAC1. The suppression of HDAC6 through oxamflatin increased the nonhi...

Solid State Sciences, 2011

Gd2(Zr1−xCex)2O7 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) ceramics are prepared via a solid-state reaction process at 1973 K... more Gd2(Zr1−xCex)2O7 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) ceramics are prepared via a solid-state reaction process at 1973 K for 10 h in air. Gd2(Zr1−xCex)2O7 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) ceramics exhibit a defective fluorite-type structure. XPS analysis indicates the oxidation state of Ce cations is mainly Ce4+. The electrical property of Gd2(Zr1−xCex)2O7 ceramics is investigated by impedance spectroscopy over a frequency range of 10 Hz to 8 MHz from 623 to 1173 K. The activation energy of grain conductivity increases with increasing cerium content, whereas the pre-exponential factor of grain conductivity for doped-Gd2(Zr1−xCex)2O7 (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) ceramics is lower than that of undoped-Gd2Zr2O7. The grain conductivity of Gd2(Zr1−xCex)2O7 ceramics follows the Arrhenius-type behaviour. The grain conductivity of Gd2(Zr1−xCex)2O7 ceramics slightly decreases with increasing cerium content. Gd2(Zr0.9Ce0.1)2O7 is an oxide-ion conductor in the oxygen partial pressure range of 1.0 × 10−4 to 1.0 atm in the test temperature region.

Philosophical Magazine Letters, 2010

In this study, (Gd1−xNdx)2(Zr1−xCex)2O7 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) ceramics have been prepared by pressureless... more In this study, (Gd1−xNdx)2(Zr1−xCex)2O7 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) ceramics have been prepared by pressureless sintering at 1973 K to investigate the influence of Nd and Ce co-doping on their electrical conductivity. The electrical conductivity of the ceramics was investigated by impedance spectroscopy measurements from 723 to 1173 K over the frequency range of 20 Hz to 2 MHz in air. The measured values obey the Arrhenius relation. For each composition, the grain conductivity gradually increases with increasing temperature from 723 to 1173 K. At a given temperature, it gradually decreases with increasing neodymium and cerium contents from x = 0 to 0.3; thereafter, the grain conductivity exhibits a slight increase with further increasing neodymium and cerium contents up to x = 0.5.

Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 2009

ABSTRACT Gd2Zr2O7 ceramic was prepared by solid state reaction at 1650 °C for 10 h in air, and ex... more ABSTRACT Gd2Zr2O7 ceramic was prepared by solid state reaction at 1650 °C for 10 h in air, and exhibited a defect fluorite-type structure. Reaction between molten V2O5 and Gd2Zr2O7 ceramic was investigated at temperatures ranging from 700 to 850 °C using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Molten V2O5 reacted with Gd2Zr2O7 to form ZrV2O7 and GdVO4 at 700 °C; however, in a temperature range of 750–850 °C, molten V2O5 reacted with Gd2Zr2O7 to form GdVO4 and m-ZrO2. Two different reactions observed at 700 °C and 750–850 °C could be explained based on the thermal instability of ZrV2O7.

Journal of Power Sources, 2009

Sm 1−x Ca x) 2 Zr 2 O 7−x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.100) ceramics were prepared by a solid state reaction proces... more Sm 1−x Ca x) 2 Zr 2 O 7−x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.100) ceramics were prepared by a solid state reaction process at 1973 K for 10 h in air, and were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). (Sm 1−x Ca x) 2 Zr 2 O 7−x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.025) ceramics have a single phase of pyrochlore-type structure; however (Sm 1−x Ca x) 2 Zr 2 O 7−x (0.050 ≤ x ≤ 0.100) consist of pyrochlore phase and a small amount of perovskite-like CaZrO 3. The electrical conductivity of (Sm 1−x Ca x) 2 Zr 2 O 7−x ceramics was investigated by complex impedance spectroscopy over a frequency range of 0.1 Hz to 20 MHz in the temperature range of 573-873 K. The measured electrical conductivity obeys the Arrhenius relation. Both the activation energy and pre-exponential factor for grain conductivity increase with increasing the CaO content; however, electrical conductivity of (Sm 1−x Ca x) 2 Zr 2 O 7−x decreases with increasing the CaO content, which is due to the increase in structural disordering at 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.025 and the presence of the poorly conducting CaZrO 3 phase at 0.050 ≤ x ≤ 0.100, respectively.

Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 2010

... 50972030), the Program of Excellent Teams in Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) and the Sta... more ... 50972030), the Program of Excellent Teams in Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) and the Start-up Program for High-level HIT Faculty Returned from Abroad. References. [1] MA Subramanian, G. Aravamudan and GV Subba Rao, Prog. Solid State Chem. 15 (1983), pp. 55– ...

Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 2010

Abstract In this paper, we report the preparation, structure and electrical conductivity of MoO3-... more Abstract In this paper, we report the preparation, structure and electrical conductivity of MoO3-doped zirconates with a nominal chemical formula of Gd2(Zr1−xMox)2O7+2x (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2). X-ray diffraction measurements indicate that Gd2Zr2O7 exhibits a defect fluorite-type structure, and Gd2(Zr1−xMox)2O7+2x (x = 0.1, 0.2) have a single phase of pyrochlore-type structure. The alternating current (AC) impedance measurements show that the electrical conductivity of Gd2(Zr1−xNbx)2O7+2x ceramics obeys the Arrhenius equation, and gradually increases with increasing temperature from 673 to 1173 K. The activation energy and pre-exponential factor for electrical conductivity gradually decrease with the increase of MoO3 content. Gd2(Zr1−xMox)2O7+2x ceramics are oxide-ion conductors in the oxygen partial pressure range of 1.0 × 10−4 to 1.0 atm at all test temperature levels. The electrical conductivity of defect fluorite-type Gd2Zr2O7 is not improved by MoO3 doping.

Electrochimica Acta, 2010

Gd 2 (Zr 1−x Nb x) 2 O 7+x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) ceramics are prepared via the solid state reaction proce... more Gd 2 (Zr 1−x Nb x) 2 O 7+x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) ceramics are prepared via the solid state reaction process at 1973 K for 10 h in air. Gd 2 (Zr 1−x Nb x) 2 O 7+x (x = 0.1, 0.2) ceramics exhibit an ordered pyrochlore-type structure, whereas Gd 2 Zr 2 O 7 has a defective fluorite-type structure. The electrical property of Gd 2 (Zr 1−x Nb x) 2 O 7+x ceramics is investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy over a frequency range of 10 Hz to 8 MHz from 623 to 923 K. The electrical conductivity obeys the Arrhenius equation. The grain conductivity of Gd 2 (Zr 1−x Nb x) 2 O 7+x ceramics varies with doping different Nb contents, and exhibits a maximum at the Nb content of x = 0.1 in the temperature range of 623-923 K. The conductivity in hydrogen atmosphere is a little bit higher than in air in the temperature range of 723-923 K, which indicates that the doping of Zr 4+ by Nb 5+ can increase the proton-type conduction and reduce the oxide-ionic conduction. The conduction of Gd 2 (Zr 1−x Nb x) 2 O 7+x is not a pure oxide-ionic conductor.

Ceramics International, 2009

The objective of the present study is to formulate and evaluate a new microemulsion (ME) for topi... more The objective of the present study is to formulate and evaluate a new microemulsion (ME) for topical delivery of griseofulvin. Methods: The solubilities of griseofulvin in different combinations of surfactant to cosurfactant (S/Co ratio) were determined. Accordingly, based on their phase diagrams, eight microemulsions were formulated and then evaluated with respect to their particle size, surface tension, viscosity, conductivity, zeta potential and stability. Their release behavior, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), refractory index (RI), pH and Small-angle-X-ray scattering (SAXS) were also assessed. Results: The results indicated that the mean droplet size of the MEs ranged from 30.9 to 84.3 nm. Their zeta potential varied from-4.5 to-20.8. Other determined characteristics were viscosity: 254-381 cps, pH: 5.34-6.57, surface tension: 41.16-42.83 dyne.cm-1 , conductivity: 0.0442-0.111 ms.cm-1. The drug release was in the range of 22.4 to 43.69 percent. Also, hexagonal, cubic and lamellar liquid crystals were observed in SAXS experiments. Conclusion: It can be concluded that any alteration in MEs constituents directly affects their microstructure, shape, droplet size and their other physicochemical properties.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 2014

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is specialized to dissipate energy as heat, therefore reducing fat dep... more Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is specialized to dissipate energy as heat, therefore reducing fat deposition and counteracting obesity. Brown adipocytes arise from myoblastic progenitors during embryonic development by the action of transcription regulator PRDM16 binding to PPARc, which promotes BAT-like phenotype in white adipose tissue. To investigate the capability of converting white adipose tissue to BAT or browning by PPARc in vivo, we generated transgenic mice with over-expressed PPARc2. The transgenic mice showed strong brown fat features in subcutaneous fat in morphology and histology. To provide molecular evidences on browning characteristics of the adipose tissue, we employed quantitative real-time PCR to determine BAT-specific gene expressions. The transgenic mice had remarkably elevated mRNA level of UCP1, Elovl3, PGC1a and Cebpa in subcutaneous fat. Compared with wild-type mice, UCP1 protein levels were increased significantly in transgenic mice. ATP concentration was slightly decreased in the subcutaneous fat of transgenic mice. Western blotting analysis also confirmed that phosphorylated AMPK and ACC proteins were significantly (P < 0.01) increased in the transgenic mice. Therefore, this study demonstrated that over-expression of PPARc2 in skeletal muscle can promote conversion of subcutaneous fat to brown fat formation, which can have beneficial effects on increasing energy metabolisms and combating obesity.

Advances in Applied Ceramics, 2010

Sm 1-x) 2 Zr 2 O 7 (0(x(1?0) ceramic powders were synthesised with chemical coprecipitation and c... more Sm 1-x) 2 Zr 2 O 7 (0(x(1?0) ceramic powders were synthesised with chemical coprecipitation and calcination method. Thermal decomposition behaviour of precipitates was studied by differential scanning calorimetry-thermogravimetry. The powders were characterised by X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy. The synthesised powders have a particle size of about 100 nm, and exhibit to a certain extent agglomeration. The sintering behaviour of (Yb x Sm 1-x) 2 Zr 2 O 7 powders was studied by pressureless sintering method at 1550-1700uC for 10 h in air. The relative densities of (Yb x Sm 1-x) 2 Zr 2 O 7 ceramics increase with increasing sintering temperature, and reach above 95% when sintered at 1700uC for 10 h in air. Sm 2 Zr 2 O 7 and (Yb 0?1 Sm 0?9) 2 Zr 2 O 7 ceramics have a pyrochlore structure; however, (Yb x Sm 1-x) 2 Zr 2 O 7 (0?3(x(1?0) ceramics exhibit a defective fluorite type structure.

Advanced Engineering Materials, 2008

Ceramic thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) used for thermal insulation against hot combustion gases ... more Ceramic thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) used for thermal insulation against hot combustion gases greatly enhance operating temperatures and thermal efficiency of hot-section components in gas-turbine engines, and reduce fuel consumption and gas emissions at elevated temperatures. [1-3] Up to now, the most successful TBC materials in use are 7 ± 1 wt.%Y 2 O 3 stabilized ZrO 2 (7YSZ). However, 7YSZ is limited to operate below 1200°C. Above 1200°C, the t'-phase zirconia transforms into tetragonal and cubic phases. During cooling the tetragonal phase will further transform into monoclinic phase, which is accompanied with a volume change of 3-5 % and invariably causes cracking and failure. The relatively porous 7YSZ plasma-sprayed coatings are prone to sintering above 1200°C, which increases thermal conductivity and makes them less effective. To further improve the thermal insulation properties, it is urgently needed to develop new thermal barrier oxide materials with a lower thermal conductivity than 7YSZ. Some important requirements for excellent TBC materials are high melting point, high phase stability, low thermal conductivity, chemical inertness, high thermal expansion coefficient, high strain tolerance and low sintering rate at elevated temperatures. [4] Among high-melting temperature ceramic materials, rareearth zirconates, with the general formula Ln 2 Zr 2 O 7 (Ln = La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, etc), have a distinctly lower thermal conductivity than 7YSZ. [5,6] Pyrochlore-structured La 2 Zr 2 O 7-based TBCs were successfully prepared with electron beam physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD) method by Saruhan et al. [7] The hot corrosion resistance of La 2 Zr 2 O 7 coatings was better than that of 8 wt.% yttria-stabilized zirconia coatings produced by thermal spraying, and La 2 Zr 2 O 7 coatings remained well