Yuan Hu - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Yuan Hu
Macromolecular Materials and Engineering, 2004
PloS one, 2012
Background: To investigate the association between XPD Asp312Asn polymorphism and head and neck c... more Background: To investigate the association between XPD Asp312Asn polymorphism and head and neck cancer risk through this meta-analysis.
Analytical chemistry, Jan 7, 2014
It is critically important to accurately determine histidine since it is an indicator for many di... more It is critically important to accurately determine histidine since it is an indicator for many diseases when at an abnormal level. Here, an inexpensive and simple method using an amine-functionalized magnetic nanoparticle-based Ni 2+ −histidine affinity pair system was developed for highly sensitive and selective detection of histidine in human urine by photochemical vapor generation atomic spectrometry. Ni 2+ was first bound to the amine groups of the amine-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles and then liberated to solution via the highly specific interaction between the histidine and Ni 2+ in the presence of histidine. The liberated histidine−Ni 2+ complex was exposed to UV irradiation in the presence of formic acid to form gaseous nickel tetracarbonyl, which was separated from the sample matrix and determined by atomic absorption/fluorescence spectrometry. Compared to other methods, this approach promises high sensitivity, simplicity in design, and convenient operation. The need for organic solvents, enzymatic reactions, separation processes, chemical modification, expensive instrumentations, and sophisticated and complicated pretreatment is minimized with this strategy. A limit of detection of 1 nM was obtained and provided tens-to-hundreds of fold improvements over that achieved with conventional methods. The protocol was evaluated by analysis of several urine samples with good recoveries and showed great potential for practical application.
Ion-specific interfacial behaviors of monovalent halides impact processes such as protein denatur... more Ion-specific interfacial behaviors of monovalent halides impact processes such as protein denaturation, interfacial stability, and surface tension modulation, and as such, their molecular and thermodynamic underpinnings garner much attention. We use molecular dynamics simulations of monovalent anions in water to explore effects on distant interfaces. We observe long-ranged ion-induced perturbations of the aqueous environment, as suggested by experiment and theory. Surface stable ions, characterized as such by minima in potentials of mean force computed using umbrella sampling MD simulations, induce larger interfacial fluctuations compared to nonsurface active species, conferring more entropy approaching the interface. Smaller anions and cations show no interfacial potential of mean force minima. The difference is traced to hydration shell properties of the anions, and the coupling of these shells with distant solvent. The effects correlate with the positions of the anions in the Hofmeister series (acknowledging variations in force field ability to recapitulate essential underlying physics), suggesting how differences in induced, nonlocal perturbations of interfaces may be related to different specific-ion effects in dilute biophysical and nanomaterial systems.
Combining umbrella sampling molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, the weighted histogram analysis ... more Combining umbrella sampling molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, the weighted histogram analysis method (WHAM) for unbiasing probabilities, and polarizable charge equilibration force fields, we compute the potential of mean force for the reversible transfer of methyl guanidinium from bulk solution to the center of a model DPPC bilayer. A 5 kcal/mol minimum in the potential of mean force profile for membrane permeation suggests that the analogue will preferentially reside in the headgroup region of the lipid, qualitatively in agreement with previously published results. We find the potential of mean force for permeation to be approximately 28 kcal/mol (relative to the minimum in the headgroups), within the range of values reported for similar types of simulations using fixed-charge force fields. From analysis of the lipid structure, we find that the lipid deformation leads to a substantial destabilizing contribution to the free energy of the methyl guanidinium as it resides in the bilayer center, though this deformation allows more efficient stabilization by water defects and transient pores. Water in the bilayer core stabilizes the charged residue. The role of water in stabilizing or destabilizing the solute as it crosses the bilayer depends on bulk electrolyte concentration. In 1 M KCl solution, the water contribution to the potential of mean force is stabilizing over the entire range of the permeation coordinate, with the sole destabilizing force originating from the anionic species in solution. Conversely, methyl guanidinium experiences net destabilization from water in the absence of electrolyte. The difference in solvent contributions to permeation free energy is traced to a local effect arising from differences in water density in the bilayer−water solution interface, thus leading to starkly opposite net forces on the permeant. The origin of the local water density differential rests with the penetration of hydrated chloride anions into the solution−bilayer interface. Finally, water permeation into the bilayer is required for the deformation of individual lipid molecules and permeation of ions into the membrane. From simulations where water is first excluded from the bilayer center where methyl guanidinium is restrained and then, after equilibration, allowed to enter the bilayer, we find that in the absence of any water defects/permeation into the bilayer, the lipid headgroups do not follow the methyl guanidinium. Only when water enters the bilayer do we see deformation of individual lipid molecules to associate with the amino acid analogue at bilayer center.
dianiline 5 have been prepared and structurally characterized. The X-ray crystal structures of co... more dianiline 5 have been prepared and structurally characterized. The X-ray crystal structures of compounds 4 and 4a have been determined. These compounds displayed good sensitivity toward transition metal ions with Cd(II), Zn(II) turn-on and Cu(II), Hg(II) turn-off in fluorescence. It is an elegant example of on/off behavior like a lamp. When Cd(II) or Zn(II) is added into compounds 4 or 5, the lamp will switch on, and then when Cu(II) or Hg(II) is added into the mixture, the lamp will switch off. The binding properties of 4 and 5 for cations were examined by fluorescence spectroscopy. The fluorescence data and crystal structure indicate that a 1 : 1 stoichiometry complex is formed between compound 4 (or 5) and metal ions, and the binding affinity is very high. The recognition mechanism between compound 4 (or 5) and metal ion was discussed based on the their chemical constructions and the CHEF/CHEQ effect when they interacted with each other.
PloS one, 2015
To investigate the distribution of the (CCR) and its associated factors in children. Using a rand... more To investigate the distribution of the (CCR) and its associated factors in children. Using a random cluster sampling method, the school-based, cross-sectional Shandong Children Eye Study included children aged 4 to 18 years from the rural county of Guanxian and the city of Weihai in the province of Shandong in East China. CCR was measured by ocular biometry. CCR measurements were available for 5913 (92.9%) out of 6364 eligible children. Mean age was 10.0±3.3 years, and mean CCR was 7.84±0.27 mm (range: 6.98 to 9.35 mm). In multivariate linear regression analysis, longer CCR (i.e. flatter cornea) was significantly associated with the systemic parameters of male sex (P<0001;standardized regression coefficient beta: -0.08;regression coefficient B:-0.04; 95% Confidence Interval (CI):-0.05,-0.03), younger age (P<0.001;beta:-0.37;B:-0.03;95%CI:-0.04,-0.03), taller body height (P = 0.002;beta:0.06;B:0.001;95%CI:0.000,0.001), lower level of education of the father (P = 0.001;beta:-0.04;B:-0.01;95%CI:-0.02,-0.01) and maternal myopia…
PloS one, 2015
To determine the effect of 1% cyclopentolate on the refractive status of children aged 4 to 18 ye... more To determine the effect of 1% cyclopentolate on the refractive status of children aged 4 to 18 years. Using a random cluster sampling in a cross-sectional school-based study design, children with an age of 4-18 years were selected from kindergardens, primary schools, junior and senior high schools in a rural county and a city. Auto-refractometry was performed before and after inducing cycloplegia which was achieved by 1% cyclopentolate eye drops. Out of 6364 eligible children, data of 5999 (94.3%) children were included in the statistical analysis. Mean age was 10.0±3.3 years (range: 4-18 years). Mean difference between cycloplegic and non-cycloplegic refractive error (DIFF) was 0.78±0.79D (median: 0.50D; range: -1.00D to +10.75D). In univariate analysis, DIFF decreased significantly with older age (P<0.001;correlation coefficient r:-0.24), more hyperopic non-cycloplegic refractive error (P<0.001;r = 0.13) and more hyperopic cycloplegic refractive error (P<0.001;r = 0.49). In multivariate analysis, higher DIFF was associated with higher cycloplegic refractive error…
Biomedical and environmental sciences : BES, 2010
Objective During 2003During -2005, an outbreak of meningitis due to Neisseria meningitidis serogr... more Objective During 2003During -2005, an outbreak of meningitis due to Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C occurred in China. With the aim to find strain clues result in the final epidemics, the ancestral strain 053442, a clinical isolate, and a carrier strain 053426 with different gene type were analyzed. Methods Clinical strain 053442 and carrier strain 053426 were cultured on GC agar plates under the same condition. Two-dimensional electrophoresis was performed using the pH 3-10 nonlinear IPG strips of 24 cm length, and all the protein spots were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight spectrometry. Results 502 and 380 protein spots were identified in 053426 and 053442 respectively, relating to 266 and 202 different genes covering a wide range of cellular functions. The express volume and number of proteins involved in energy metabolism, protein synthesis and amino acid biosynthesis in 053426 were higher than in 053442. Virulence factor Opa, Opc and a series of proteins involved in pilus assembly and retraction were identified in 053442, which appear to be of primary importance in colonization and invasion of human cells. Compared to 053442, virulence protein species were less in 053426, with lower express volumes too. No Opa and Opc were detected in 053426. Conclusion The different protein expression profiles of the clinical strain 053442 and carrier strain 053426 in the present study provide some clues of the different pathogenicity of the two strains, which may account for result in the final epidemics.
PloS one, 2014
Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is an... more Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is an emerging technique for the rapid and high-throughput identification of microorganisms. There remains a dearth of studies in which a large number of pathogenic microorganisms from a particular country or region are utilized for systematic analyses. In this study, peptide mass reference spectra (PMRS) were constructed and evaluated from numerous human pathogens (a total of 1019 strains from 94 species), including enteric (46 species), respiratory (21 species), zoonotic (17 species), and nosocomial pathogens (10 species), using a MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper system (MBS). The PMRS for 380 strains of 52 species were new contributions to the original reference database (ORD). Compared with the ORD, the new reference database (NRD) allowed for 28.2% (from 71.5% to 99.7%) and 42.3% (from 51.3% to 93.6%) improvements in identification at the genus and species levels, respectively. Misidentification rates were 91.7% and 57.1% lower with the NRD than with the ORD for genus and species identification, respectively. Eight genera and 25 species were misidentified. For genera and species that are challenging to accurately identify, identification results must be manually determined and adjusted in accordance with the database parameters. Through augmentation, the MBS demonstrated a high identification accuracy and specificity for human pathogenic microorganisms. This study sought to provide theoretical guidance for using PMRS databases in various fields, such as clinical diagnosis and treatment, disease control, quality assurance, and food safety inspection.
Scientific reports, 2014
The electrocatalysts utilized as the prospective electrodes in fuel cells and high efficient ener... more The electrocatalysts utilized as the prospective electrodes in fuel cells and high efficient energy conversion devices require both the interconnected channels for efficient electrolyte transportation and the superior catalytic activity with long service life. In this work, nanoporous gold with the rigid skeletons in three dimensions is partially decorated by porous platinum shell containing nanoscale interstitials, aiming to create the heterogeneous gold-platinum interfaces and facilitate the electrolyte transportation as well. In comparison with no catalytic activity of bare nanoporous gold, the catalytic activity of hierarchical nanoporous gold-platinum towards electrochemical oxidation of methanol increases with the loading level of platinum shells, resulting in the highest electrochemical area of 70.4 m 2 ?g 21 after the normalization by the mass of platinum. Heterogeneous gold-platinum interfaces affect the tolerance of the absorbed intermediate species because of the oxidization by the oxygenated species absorbed on the gold surface and the enhanced ion transportation within the porous platinum shell.
Flame Retardant Polymer Nanocomposites, 2007
Page 1. 8 NANOCOMPOSITES WITH HALOGEN AND NONINTUMESCENT PHOSPHORUS FLAME RETARDANT ADDITIVES ...... more Page 1. 8 NANOCOMPOSITES WITH HALOGEN AND NONINTUMESCENT PHOSPHORUS FLAME RETARDANT ADDITIVES ... 191 Page 2. 192 PLSN WITH HALOGEN AND NON-IFR PHOSPHORUS FR than the latter system. ...
Macromolecular Materials and Engineering, 2004
PloS one, 2012
Background: To investigate the association between XPD Asp312Asn polymorphism and head and neck c... more Background: To investigate the association between XPD Asp312Asn polymorphism and head and neck cancer risk through this meta-analysis.
Analytical chemistry, Jan 7, 2014
It is critically important to accurately determine histidine since it is an indicator for many di... more It is critically important to accurately determine histidine since it is an indicator for many diseases when at an abnormal level. Here, an inexpensive and simple method using an amine-functionalized magnetic nanoparticle-based Ni 2+ −histidine affinity pair system was developed for highly sensitive and selective detection of histidine in human urine by photochemical vapor generation atomic spectrometry. Ni 2+ was first bound to the amine groups of the amine-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles and then liberated to solution via the highly specific interaction between the histidine and Ni 2+ in the presence of histidine. The liberated histidine−Ni 2+ complex was exposed to UV irradiation in the presence of formic acid to form gaseous nickel tetracarbonyl, which was separated from the sample matrix and determined by atomic absorption/fluorescence spectrometry. Compared to other methods, this approach promises high sensitivity, simplicity in design, and convenient operation. The need for organic solvents, enzymatic reactions, separation processes, chemical modification, expensive instrumentations, and sophisticated and complicated pretreatment is minimized with this strategy. A limit of detection of 1 nM was obtained and provided tens-to-hundreds of fold improvements over that achieved with conventional methods. The protocol was evaluated by analysis of several urine samples with good recoveries and showed great potential for practical application.
Ion-specific interfacial behaviors of monovalent halides impact processes such as protein denatur... more Ion-specific interfacial behaviors of monovalent halides impact processes such as protein denaturation, interfacial stability, and surface tension modulation, and as such, their molecular and thermodynamic underpinnings garner much attention. We use molecular dynamics simulations of monovalent anions in water to explore effects on distant interfaces. We observe long-ranged ion-induced perturbations of the aqueous environment, as suggested by experiment and theory. Surface stable ions, characterized as such by minima in potentials of mean force computed using umbrella sampling MD simulations, induce larger interfacial fluctuations compared to nonsurface active species, conferring more entropy approaching the interface. Smaller anions and cations show no interfacial potential of mean force minima. The difference is traced to hydration shell properties of the anions, and the coupling of these shells with distant solvent. The effects correlate with the positions of the anions in the Hofmeister series (acknowledging variations in force field ability to recapitulate essential underlying physics), suggesting how differences in induced, nonlocal perturbations of interfaces may be related to different specific-ion effects in dilute biophysical and nanomaterial systems.
Combining umbrella sampling molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, the weighted histogram analysis ... more Combining umbrella sampling molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, the weighted histogram analysis method (WHAM) for unbiasing probabilities, and polarizable charge equilibration force fields, we compute the potential of mean force for the reversible transfer of methyl guanidinium from bulk solution to the center of a model DPPC bilayer. A 5 kcal/mol minimum in the potential of mean force profile for membrane permeation suggests that the analogue will preferentially reside in the headgroup region of the lipid, qualitatively in agreement with previously published results. We find the potential of mean force for permeation to be approximately 28 kcal/mol (relative to the minimum in the headgroups), within the range of values reported for similar types of simulations using fixed-charge force fields. From analysis of the lipid structure, we find that the lipid deformation leads to a substantial destabilizing contribution to the free energy of the methyl guanidinium as it resides in the bilayer center, though this deformation allows more efficient stabilization by water defects and transient pores. Water in the bilayer core stabilizes the charged residue. The role of water in stabilizing or destabilizing the solute as it crosses the bilayer depends on bulk electrolyte concentration. In 1 M KCl solution, the water contribution to the potential of mean force is stabilizing over the entire range of the permeation coordinate, with the sole destabilizing force originating from the anionic species in solution. Conversely, methyl guanidinium experiences net destabilization from water in the absence of electrolyte. The difference in solvent contributions to permeation free energy is traced to a local effect arising from differences in water density in the bilayer−water solution interface, thus leading to starkly opposite net forces on the permeant. The origin of the local water density differential rests with the penetration of hydrated chloride anions into the solution−bilayer interface. Finally, water permeation into the bilayer is required for the deformation of individual lipid molecules and permeation of ions into the membrane. From simulations where water is first excluded from the bilayer center where methyl guanidinium is restrained and then, after equilibration, allowed to enter the bilayer, we find that in the absence of any water defects/permeation into the bilayer, the lipid headgroups do not follow the methyl guanidinium. Only when water enters the bilayer do we see deformation of individual lipid molecules to associate with the amino acid analogue at bilayer center.
dianiline 5 have been prepared and structurally characterized. The X-ray crystal structures of co... more dianiline 5 have been prepared and structurally characterized. The X-ray crystal structures of compounds 4 and 4a have been determined. These compounds displayed good sensitivity toward transition metal ions with Cd(II), Zn(II) turn-on and Cu(II), Hg(II) turn-off in fluorescence. It is an elegant example of on/off behavior like a lamp. When Cd(II) or Zn(II) is added into compounds 4 or 5, the lamp will switch on, and then when Cu(II) or Hg(II) is added into the mixture, the lamp will switch off. The binding properties of 4 and 5 for cations were examined by fluorescence spectroscopy. The fluorescence data and crystal structure indicate that a 1 : 1 stoichiometry complex is formed between compound 4 (or 5) and metal ions, and the binding affinity is very high. The recognition mechanism between compound 4 (or 5) and metal ion was discussed based on the their chemical constructions and the CHEF/CHEQ effect when they interacted with each other.
PloS one, 2015
To investigate the distribution of the (CCR) and its associated factors in children. Using a rand... more To investigate the distribution of the (CCR) and its associated factors in children. Using a random cluster sampling method, the school-based, cross-sectional Shandong Children Eye Study included children aged 4 to 18 years from the rural county of Guanxian and the city of Weihai in the province of Shandong in East China. CCR was measured by ocular biometry. CCR measurements were available for 5913 (92.9%) out of 6364 eligible children. Mean age was 10.0±3.3 years, and mean CCR was 7.84±0.27 mm (range: 6.98 to 9.35 mm). In multivariate linear regression analysis, longer CCR (i.e. flatter cornea) was significantly associated with the systemic parameters of male sex (P<0001;standardized regression coefficient beta: -0.08;regression coefficient B:-0.04; 95% Confidence Interval (CI):-0.05,-0.03), younger age (P<0.001;beta:-0.37;B:-0.03;95%CI:-0.04,-0.03), taller body height (P = 0.002;beta:0.06;B:0.001;95%CI:0.000,0.001), lower level of education of the father (P = 0.001;beta:-0.04;B:-0.01;95%CI:-0.02,-0.01) and maternal myopia…
PloS one, 2015
To determine the effect of 1% cyclopentolate on the refractive status of children aged 4 to 18 ye... more To determine the effect of 1% cyclopentolate on the refractive status of children aged 4 to 18 years. Using a random cluster sampling in a cross-sectional school-based study design, children with an age of 4-18 years were selected from kindergardens, primary schools, junior and senior high schools in a rural county and a city. Auto-refractometry was performed before and after inducing cycloplegia which was achieved by 1% cyclopentolate eye drops. Out of 6364 eligible children, data of 5999 (94.3%) children were included in the statistical analysis. Mean age was 10.0±3.3 years (range: 4-18 years). Mean difference between cycloplegic and non-cycloplegic refractive error (DIFF) was 0.78±0.79D (median: 0.50D; range: -1.00D to +10.75D). In univariate analysis, DIFF decreased significantly with older age (P<0.001;correlation coefficient r:-0.24), more hyperopic non-cycloplegic refractive error (P<0.001;r = 0.13) and more hyperopic cycloplegic refractive error (P<0.001;r = 0.49). In multivariate analysis, higher DIFF was associated with higher cycloplegic refractive error…
Biomedical and environmental sciences : BES, 2010
Objective During 2003During -2005, an outbreak of meningitis due to Neisseria meningitidis serogr... more Objective During 2003During -2005, an outbreak of meningitis due to Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C occurred in China. With the aim to find strain clues result in the final epidemics, the ancestral strain 053442, a clinical isolate, and a carrier strain 053426 with different gene type were analyzed. Methods Clinical strain 053442 and carrier strain 053426 were cultured on GC agar plates under the same condition. Two-dimensional electrophoresis was performed using the pH 3-10 nonlinear IPG strips of 24 cm length, and all the protein spots were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight spectrometry. Results 502 and 380 protein spots were identified in 053426 and 053442 respectively, relating to 266 and 202 different genes covering a wide range of cellular functions. The express volume and number of proteins involved in energy metabolism, protein synthesis and amino acid biosynthesis in 053426 were higher than in 053442. Virulence factor Opa, Opc and a series of proteins involved in pilus assembly and retraction were identified in 053442, which appear to be of primary importance in colonization and invasion of human cells. Compared to 053442, virulence protein species were less in 053426, with lower express volumes too. No Opa and Opc were detected in 053426. Conclusion The different protein expression profiles of the clinical strain 053442 and carrier strain 053426 in the present study provide some clues of the different pathogenicity of the two strains, which may account for result in the final epidemics.
PloS one, 2014
Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is an... more Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is an emerging technique for the rapid and high-throughput identification of microorganisms. There remains a dearth of studies in which a large number of pathogenic microorganisms from a particular country or region are utilized for systematic analyses. In this study, peptide mass reference spectra (PMRS) were constructed and evaluated from numerous human pathogens (a total of 1019 strains from 94 species), including enteric (46 species), respiratory (21 species), zoonotic (17 species), and nosocomial pathogens (10 species), using a MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper system (MBS). The PMRS for 380 strains of 52 species were new contributions to the original reference database (ORD). Compared with the ORD, the new reference database (NRD) allowed for 28.2% (from 71.5% to 99.7%) and 42.3% (from 51.3% to 93.6%) improvements in identification at the genus and species levels, respectively. Misidentification rates were 91.7% and 57.1% lower with the NRD than with the ORD for genus and species identification, respectively. Eight genera and 25 species were misidentified. For genera and species that are challenging to accurately identify, identification results must be manually determined and adjusted in accordance with the database parameters. Through augmentation, the MBS demonstrated a high identification accuracy and specificity for human pathogenic microorganisms. This study sought to provide theoretical guidance for using PMRS databases in various fields, such as clinical diagnosis and treatment, disease control, quality assurance, and food safety inspection.
Scientific reports, 2014
The electrocatalysts utilized as the prospective electrodes in fuel cells and high efficient ener... more The electrocatalysts utilized as the prospective electrodes in fuel cells and high efficient energy conversion devices require both the interconnected channels for efficient electrolyte transportation and the superior catalytic activity with long service life. In this work, nanoporous gold with the rigid skeletons in three dimensions is partially decorated by porous platinum shell containing nanoscale interstitials, aiming to create the heterogeneous gold-platinum interfaces and facilitate the electrolyte transportation as well. In comparison with no catalytic activity of bare nanoporous gold, the catalytic activity of hierarchical nanoporous gold-platinum towards electrochemical oxidation of methanol increases with the loading level of platinum shells, resulting in the highest electrochemical area of 70.4 m 2 ?g 21 after the normalization by the mass of platinum. Heterogeneous gold-platinum interfaces affect the tolerance of the absorbed intermediate species because of the oxidization by the oxygenated species absorbed on the gold surface and the enhanced ion transportation within the porous platinum shell.
Flame Retardant Polymer Nanocomposites, 2007
Page 1. 8 NANOCOMPOSITES WITH HALOGEN AND NONINTUMESCENT PHOSPHORUS FLAME RETARDANT ADDITIVES ...... more Page 1. 8 NANOCOMPOSITES WITH HALOGEN AND NONINTUMESCENT PHOSPHORUS FLAME RETARDANT ADDITIVES ... 191 Page 2. 192 PLSN WITH HALOGEN AND NON-IFR PHOSPHORUS FR than the latter system. ...