yafeng Zhang - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by yafeng Zhang

Molecular & cellular proteomics : MCP, 2014

Many forms of antibody-based targeted therapeutics, including antibody drug conjugates, utilize t... more Many forms of antibody-based targeted therapeutics, including antibody drug conjugates, utilize the internalizing function of the targeting antibody to gain intracellular entry into tumor cells. Ideal antibodies for developing such therapeutics should be capable of both tumor-selective binding and efficient endocytosis. The macropinocytosis pathway is capable of both rapid and bulk endocytosis, and recent studies have demonstrated that it is selectively up-regulated by cancer cells. We hypothesize that receptor-dependent macropinocytosis can be achieved using tumor-targeting antibodies that internalize via the macropinocytosis pathway, improving potency and selectivity of the antibody-based targeted therapeutic. Although phage antibody display libraries have been utilized to find antibodies that bind and internalize to target cells, no methods have been described to screen for antibodies that internalize specifically via macropinocytosis. We hereby describe a novel screening strateg...

Stemflow is a spatially localized point input of precipitation and fine particles of airborne dus... more Stemflow is a spatially localized point input of precipitation and fine particles of airborne dust from vegetation canopy at the plant stem and is of hydrological and ecological significance in desert shrub ecosystems, where precipitation is the sole source of water replenishment to sustaining the desert ecosystem. In the present study, stemflow production and the fine particles associated with the

Chinese journal of traumatology = Zhonghua chuang shang za zhi / Chinese Medical Association, 2008

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is now a standard treatment for serious osteoarthritis all over the... more Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is now a standard treatment for serious osteoarthritis all over the world. Although it is a standard treatment, it has many complications, among which deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the exclusive blood vessel complication that has been reported. However, we found a new blood vessel complication of TKA in this study, which is spontaneous arteriorrhexis in the affected lower limb.

A bush-type plant was selected from a cultivar 'Cga'of tropical pumpkin (Cucurbita mosc... more A bush-type plant was selected from a cultivar 'Cga'of tropical pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne) in order to study and compare the bush and vine habit of C. moschata in terms of various physiological and biochemical characteristics. During the internode development of the bush and vine-type plants in C. moschata, the metabolism of reactive oxygen species (hydrogen peroxide, H2O2; and superoxide anion radical, O2−), the activities of some antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT; and ascorbate ...

Scientia Horticulturae, 2007

... Paris and Brown, 2005]). However, there are only a few studies regarding bush in C. moschata ... more ... Paris and Brown, 2005]). However, there are only a few studies regarding bush in C. moschata Duchesne (Maynard et al., 2002). The bush plant reported here was derived from a C. moschata population. Because of its commercial ...

Veterinary parasitology, Jan 14, 2009

The Northern Fowl Mite (NFM), Ornithonyssus sylviarum, is one of the most important and common pe... more The Northern Fowl Mite (NFM), Ornithonyssus sylviarum, is one of the most important and common pests of poultry. Most of available pesticides applied in the NFM control are formulated as wettable powder or emulsifiable concentrate and require to be diluted with water before use. As water has very low affinity to bird feathers, a part of the diluted pesticide will fall on the ground, on the cages, on feed bins or drift in the air upon application, which becomes a source of a potential harm to administrative workers and birds. In contrast to water, an oil solution of pesticide has a higher affinity for feathers and can stay on the feather for a longer time, and maybe provide a high efficacy and be effective for a longer, persistent period against the NFM. In the present study, the efficacy of oil solution and wettable powder of lambda-cyhalothrin to NFM in breeders was compared; the results showed that while spraying lambda-cyhalothrin wettable powder on birds could effectively contro...

Journal of Materials Science Letters - J MATER SCI LETT, 2001

Polyphosphazenes and polyorganosiloxanes are the two largest groups of inorganic polymers with th... more Polyphosphazenes and polyorganosiloxanes are the two largest groups of inorganic polymers with their own special characters. It is highly expected in recent years to develop the overlap between these two major fields in order to exploit the characters of both systems beyond those now available in either one . Hybrid siloxane-phosphazene polymers combining the flexibility, solvent resistance, chemical and photolytic stability, and fire-retardant behavior arising from the phosphazene backbone with the flexibility, hydrophobicity, and thermo-oxidative stability of silicone units have opened up many avenues for new research and useful materials in the fields of surface modification , immobilization of heparin [3], Interpenetrating polymer networks [4] and gas separation membranes . The preparation of these polymers was reviewed in detail by Allcock a few years ago . But the organosilicone monomers involved in these approaches are prepared exclusively from carbothermal reduction of silicon dioxide which is energy-extensive and equipment-intensive . In this paper, we report that siloxane-phosphazene can also be prepared simply and inexpensively from chlorophosphazene and potassium glycolato silicate (KSi(OCH 2 CH 2 O) 2 OCH 2 CH 2 OH), a pentacoordinate silicon complex, which can be prepared directly from SiO 2 and ethylene glycol in the presence of KOH at about 200 • C for several hours as first reported by Laine et al. in 1991 [8]. It and related complexes have served as precursors to phasepure alkali silicates [9], electroheolological fluids [10], ion-conducting polymers , silsesquioxane [12] and ultrafine metal oxides . It was established in our laboratory that potassium glycolato silicate can react with chloride compounds to remove KCl and gain tetravalent siloxane monomers with different functional groups according to the structure of the chloride . These monomers have been used as surface modifier agents for inorganic particle to fill organosilicon rubber or to prepare polyurethane containing silicon . Based on these, a cyclophosphazene was prepared from hexachlorocyclotriphosphazne (HCCP) and potassium glycolato silicate. The thermal property of the product indicates that it is a potential precursor for SiO 2 -P 2 O 5 glasses or ceramics.

Science in China Series C: Life Sciences, 2008

Lightweight materials, structures and coupling mechanisms are very important for realizing advanc... more Lightweight materials, structures and coupling mechanisms are very important for realizing advanced flight vehicles. Here, we obtained the geometric structures and morphologies of the elytra of beetles and ascertained its coupling zone by using the histological section technique and SEM. We set up a three-dimensional motion observing system to monitor the opening and closing behaviour of elytra in beetles and to determine the motion mechanism. We constructed a force measuring system to measure the coupling forces between elytra. The results show that elytra open and close by rotating about a single axle, where the coupling forces may be as high as 160 times its own bodyweight, the elytra coupling with the tenon and mortise mechanism, surface texture and opening angle between elytra heavily influence the coupling forces. These results may provide insights into the design mechanism and structure for future vehicles of flight.

Rare Metals, 2011

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were coated by a molybdenum layer using carbonyl thermal deco... more Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were coated by a molybdenum layer using carbonyl thermal decomposition process with a precursor of molybdenum hexacarbonyl. The Mo-coated CNTs (Mo-CNTs) were added into copper powders to fabricate Mo-CNT/Cu composites by means of mechanical milling followed by spark plasma sintering. The Mo-CNTs were uniform dispersion in the Cu matrix when their contents were 2.5 vol.%-7.5 vol.%, while some Mo-CNT clusters were clearly observed at additions of 10.0 vol.%-15.0 vol.% Mo-CNTs in the mixture. The mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of the Mo-CNT/Cu composites were characterized, and the results showed that the tensile strength and hardness were 2.0 and 2.2 times higher than those of CNT-free specimens, respectively. Moreover, the Mo-CNT/Cu composites exhibited an enhanced thermal conductivity but inferior electrical conductivity compared with sintered pure Cu. The uncoated CNT/Cu composites were fabricated by the similar processes, and the measured tensile strength, hardness, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity of the CNT/Cu composites were lower than those of the Mo-CNT/Cu composites.

Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture, 2008

To induce multiple shoots from pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch.), cotyledon explants excised fro... more To induce multiple shoots from pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch.), cotyledon explants excised from various ages of seedlings after in vitro germination were cultured on MS augmented with different concentrations of BA (0, 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 mg l -1 ). The highest frequency of shoot regeneration (63.7%) was observed from seven-day-old cotyledon explants cultured on MS containing 0.5 mg l -1 BA. The frequency and duration of shoot formation showed close correlation with the donor seedling age. By contrast, BA supply was necessary to promote shoot formation but no differences were observed in relation to different concentrations. Multiple shoots elongated on MS supplemented with 0.1 mg l -1 BA and 5-7 shoots per regenerated explant were recovered. Elongated shoots were rooted on MS, which was easier than that on 2/3MS, 1/2MS, or MS supplemented with 0.1 mg l -1 NAA. The rooted shoots were then transferred to greenhouse where they grew and flowered normally. Quantitative analysis of endogenous auxin (IAA) and cytokinins (iPA and ZR) in initial cotyledon explants of different aged seedlings showed that the regeneration ability of cotyledon explants varied dependently on their endogenous iPA contents. This study therefore deduces that the various organogenic capabilities of cotyledon explants from pumpkin are the result of their endogenous hormonal contents.

Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 2009

To investigate the differences in proximal femoral bone marrow blood perfusion indices between hy... more To investigate the differences in proximal femoral bone marrow blood perfusion indices between hypertensive and normotensive rats using perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Six-month-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) were used (12 of each). Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI of the right hip was performed after bolus injection of Gd-DOTA administered through a tail vein cannula. In all, 800 images were acquired at 0.6 sec/image. Regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn comprising the medullary component of proximal femoral shaft and femoral head. MRI maximum enhancement (E(max)) and enhancement slope (E(slope)) were analyzed. The E(max) and E(slope) of proximal femoral shaft and femoral head of SHR were significantly lower than those of WKY (E(max): 107.4 +/- 18.2% vs. 130.6 +/- 21.5%, P = 0.009, and 76.0 +/- 12.5% vs. 97.9 +/- 6.9%, P < 0.001, respectively; E(slope): 3.01 +/- 0.63%/sec vs. 3.75 +/- 0.74%/sec, P = 0.016, and 1.95 +/- 0.33%/sec vs. 2.28 +/- 0.28%/sec, P = 0.012, respectively). The E(max) and E(slope) of femoral head were significantly lower than those of proximal femoral shaft in both SHR and WKY (P < 0.001). In both SHR and WKY, proximal femoral shaft and femoral head had a rather different contrast enhancement pattern. Proximal femoral shaft and femoral head bone marrow blood perfusion indices were significantly lower in hypertensive rats than in normotensive rats. Femoral head bone marrow was less perfused than proximal femoral shaft in both rats.

Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 2008

To investigate the relationship between vertebral blood perfusion and vertebral bone mineral dens... more To investigate the relationship between vertebral blood perfusion and vertebral bone mineral density (BMD) in a rat orchiectomy (ORX) model.

Desalination, 2005

The method for removal of silicon and boron from ultra-pure water by EDI (electrodeionization) wa... more The method for removal of silicon and boron from ultra-pure water by EDI (electrodeionization) was investigated. By investigating electric current, conductivity, flow of feed water in dilute and concentrate chambers, and pH value, the optimal conditions for removal of silicon and boron are obtained. With 1000 μg/L SiO2 in feed water, the concentration of silicon in product water can be

Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2009

Background-Whether HIV seroconverters are presenting with lower CD4 counts over the HIV epidemic ... more Background-Whether HIV seroconverters are presenting with lower CD4 counts over the HIV epidemic is controversial. Additional data on whether HIV may have become more virulent on a population level, as measured by post-seroconversion CD4 counts, may provide important insights regarding HIV pathogenesis.

Cell Research, 2009

T cells are derived from progenitor thymocytes, of which only a minority receive the appropriate ... more T cells are derived from progenitor thymocytes, of which only a minority receive the appropriate TCR signal, undergo positive selection and mature. Owing to the very short lifespan of thymocytes, the prerequisite for positive selection is survival. TCR signal-induced Bcl-2 expression is believed to play a dominant role in the survival of positively selecting thymocytes, but how Bcl-2 is directly regulated is unknown. Here we report that the immediate early gene (IEG) c-Fos can stimulate the expression of Bcl-2, depending on a specific AP-1-binding site in the Bcl-2 promoter. In c-Fos transgenic (Fos-Tg) mice, c-Fos binds to this site and promotes the expression of Bcl-2. As a result, Fos-Tg thymocytes exhibited enhanced survival, and more mature single-positive (SP) thymocytes were generated, even on a unique TCR background. The TCR repertoire remained normal in Fos-Tg mice. Our results identified c-Fos as the mediator of the stimulatory effect of TCR signaling on Bcl-2 expression. Therefore, c-Fos, as an IEG, because of its early response ability, can quickly rescue the survival of short-lived thymocytes during positive selection. Our results provide novel insight into the mechanism regulating the survival of positively selecting thymocytes.

Bone, 2008

Skyscan 1072, Aartselaar, Belgium). The following microstructural parameters were calculated and ... more Skyscan 1072, Aartselaar, Belgium). The following microstructural parameters were calculated and compared: bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), thickness (Tb.Th) and separation (Tb.Sp), structure model index (SMI), and degree of anisotropy (DOA).

Bone, 2008

Objective: Osteoporosis is a common disease characterized by decreased bone mass and micro archit... more Objective: Osteoporosis is a common disease characterized by decreased bone mass and micro architecture deterioration of bone tissue, leading to increased bone fragility and fracture. Recent studies showed that LRP5, the gene encoding the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5), affect bone mass accrual during growth and to be involved in osteoporosispseudoglioma syndrome. A few studies showed that missense mutations in the LRP5 gene were associated with osteoporosis. We are expected to found any mutation in LRP5 gene in a Chinese family with primary osteoporosis after excluding any mutation in the type I collagen genes (COL1A1 and COL1A2 which involved in osteogenesis imperfecta).

Bone, 2010

Objective: Nitrates have several advantages over the medications currently used to prevent and tr... more Objective: Nitrates have several advantages over the medications currently used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. However, how nitrates influence bone mechanism remains unclear. With ovariectomy (OVX) model, it has been reported that in addition to the decrease of lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD), there is also a decrease of bone marrow blood perfusion in the lumbar vertebral bodies. This study investigated the relation between the effects of nitrates on BMD and bone marrow perfusion. Material and methods: Fourteen matured Sprague-Dawley female rats (6-months-old) were used in this study, including OVX group (n=6) and OVX+ISM group (n=8). The organic nitrate was isosorbide-5-mononitrate (Is-5-Mn, ISM). ISM was dosed orally 150 mg/ kg per day, b.i.d until the end of the study. CT bone densitometry and perfusion MRI were performed baseline and 8 weeks post-OVX. MRI was performed with a 3-T MR system. A 24-gauge heparinized catheter was inserted into the tail vein of the rats. Dynamic MRI series was with a temporal resolution of 0.6 s/acquisition. 0.15 mmol/kg Gd-DOTA was hand-injected after initial baseline acquisitions followed by a flush of normal saline. Maximum Enhancement (ME) was used to represent blood perfusion. ME was defined as the maximum percentage increase in signal intensity from baseline. To obtain ME, regions of interest were drawn over the cancellous part of the lumbar vertebrae from L2 to L5. Results: In the OVX group, lumbar spine vertebral BMD decreased by 22.5± 5.7% (from 0.93± 0.15 to 0.7±0.09 g/mm3, p< 0.001 baseline vs. week 8), while in the OVX+ISM group lumbar spine vertebral BMD decreased by 15.8 ± 3.5% (from 1.06± 0.21 to 0.89 ± 0.17 g/mm3, p< 0.001 baseline vs. week 8). The difference between the two groups was significant (p< 0.05). In the OVX group, ME decreased by 7.7% (from 67.3± 4.7% to 62.1±6.4%, p< 0.05 baseline vs. week 8), while in the OVX+ISM group, ME increased by 12.5% (67.3± 6.6% to 75± 5.1%) and close to be significant (p=0.049 baseline vs. week 8). Conclusion: This study shows ISM orally administered 50 mg/kg per day b.i.d partially prevented the lumbar spine bone loss due to OVX, and maintained the blood perfusion in lumbar vertebral marrow. Further studies are required to validate these findings.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2011

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine whether there is familial aggregation of hypere... more OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine whether there is familial aggregation of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), making it a disease amenable to genetic study. STUDY DESIGN: Cases with severe nausea and vomiting in a singleton pregnancy treated with intravenous hydration and unaffected friend controls completed a survey regarding family history.

Molecular & cellular proteomics : MCP, 2014

Many forms of antibody-based targeted therapeutics, including antibody drug conjugates, utilize t... more Many forms of antibody-based targeted therapeutics, including antibody drug conjugates, utilize the internalizing function of the targeting antibody to gain intracellular entry into tumor cells. Ideal antibodies for developing such therapeutics should be capable of both tumor-selective binding and efficient endocytosis. The macropinocytosis pathway is capable of both rapid and bulk endocytosis, and recent studies have demonstrated that it is selectively up-regulated by cancer cells. We hypothesize that receptor-dependent macropinocytosis can be achieved using tumor-targeting antibodies that internalize via the macropinocytosis pathway, improving potency and selectivity of the antibody-based targeted therapeutic. Although phage antibody display libraries have been utilized to find antibodies that bind and internalize to target cells, no methods have been described to screen for antibodies that internalize specifically via macropinocytosis. We hereby describe a novel screening strateg...

Stemflow is a spatially localized point input of precipitation and fine particles of airborne dus... more Stemflow is a spatially localized point input of precipitation and fine particles of airborne dust from vegetation canopy at the plant stem and is of hydrological and ecological significance in desert shrub ecosystems, where precipitation is the sole source of water replenishment to sustaining the desert ecosystem. In the present study, stemflow production and the fine particles associated with the

Chinese journal of traumatology = Zhonghua chuang shang za zhi / Chinese Medical Association, 2008

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is now a standard treatment for serious osteoarthritis all over the... more Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is now a standard treatment for serious osteoarthritis all over the world. Although it is a standard treatment, it has many complications, among which deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the exclusive blood vessel complication that has been reported. However, we found a new blood vessel complication of TKA in this study, which is spontaneous arteriorrhexis in the affected lower limb.

A bush-type plant was selected from a cultivar 'Cga'of tropical pumpkin (Cucurbita mosc... more A bush-type plant was selected from a cultivar 'Cga'of tropical pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne) in order to study and compare the bush and vine habit of C. moschata in terms of various physiological and biochemical characteristics. During the internode development of the bush and vine-type plants in C. moschata, the metabolism of reactive oxygen species (hydrogen peroxide, H2O2; and superoxide anion radical, O2−), the activities of some antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT; and ascorbate ...

Scientia Horticulturae, 2007

... Paris and Brown, 2005]). However, there are only a few studies regarding bush in C. moschata ... more ... Paris and Brown, 2005]). However, there are only a few studies regarding bush in C. moschata Duchesne (Maynard et al., 2002). The bush plant reported here was derived from a C. moschata population. Because of its commercial ...

Veterinary parasitology, Jan 14, 2009

The Northern Fowl Mite (NFM), Ornithonyssus sylviarum, is one of the most important and common pe... more The Northern Fowl Mite (NFM), Ornithonyssus sylviarum, is one of the most important and common pests of poultry. Most of available pesticides applied in the NFM control are formulated as wettable powder or emulsifiable concentrate and require to be diluted with water before use. As water has very low affinity to bird feathers, a part of the diluted pesticide will fall on the ground, on the cages, on feed bins or drift in the air upon application, which becomes a source of a potential harm to administrative workers and birds. In contrast to water, an oil solution of pesticide has a higher affinity for feathers and can stay on the feather for a longer time, and maybe provide a high efficacy and be effective for a longer, persistent period against the NFM. In the present study, the efficacy of oil solution and wettable powder of lambda-cyhalothrin to NFM in breeders was compared; the results showed that while spraying lambda-cyhalothrin wettable powder on birds could effectively contro...

Journal of Materials Science Letters - J MATER SCI LETT, 2001

Polyphosphazenes and polyorganosiloxanes are the two largest groups of inorganic polymers with th... more Polyphosphazenes and polyorganosiloxanes are the two largest groups of inorganic polymers with their own special characters. It is highly expected in recent years to develop the overlap between these two major fields in order to exploit the characters of both systems beyond those now available in either one . Hybrid siloxane-phosphazene polymers combining the flexibility, solvent resistance, chemical and photolytic stability, and fire-retardant behavior arising from the phosphazene backbone with the flexibility, hydrophobicity, and thermo-oxidative stability of silicone units have opened up many avenues for new research and useful materials in the fields of surface modification , immobilization of heparin [3], Interpenetrating polymer networks [4] and gas separation membranes . The preparation of these polymers was reviewed in detail by Allcock a few years ago . But the organosilicone monomers involved in these approaches are prepared exclusively from carbothermal reduction of silicon dioxide which is energy-extensive and equipment-intensive . In this paper, we report that siloxane-phosphazene can also be prepared simply and inexpensively from chlorophosphazene and potassium glycolato silicate (KSi(OCH 2 CH 2 O) 2 OCH 2 CH 2 OH), a pentacoordinate silicon complex, which can be prepared directly from SiO 2 and ethylene glycol in the presence of KOH at about 200 • C for several hours as first reported by Laine et al. in 1991 [8]. It and related complexes have served as precursors to phasepure alkali silicates [9], electroheolological fluids [10], ion-conducting polymers , silsesquioxane [12] and ultrafine metal oxides . It was established in our laboratory that potassium glycolato silicate can react with chloride compounds to remove KCl and gain tetravalent siloxane monomers with different functional groups according to the structure of the chloride . These monomers have been used as surface modifier agents for inorganic particle to fill organosilicon rubber or to prepare polyurethane containing silicon . Based on these, a cyclophosphazene was prepared from hexachlorocyclotriphosphazne (HCCP) and potassium glycolato silicate. The thermal property of the product indicates that it is a potential precursor for SiO 2 -P 2 O 5 glasses or ceramics.

Science in China Series C: Life Sciences, 2008

Lightweight materials, structures and coupling mechanisms are very important for realizing advanc... more Lightweight materials, structures and coupling mechanisms are very important for realizing advanced flight vehicles. Here, we obtained the geometric structures and morphologies of the elytra of beetles and ascertained its coupling zone by using the histological section technique and SEM. We set up a three-dimensional motion observing system to monitor the opening and closing behaviour of elytra in beetles and to determine the motion mechanism. We constructed a force measuring system to measure the coupling forces between elytra. The results show that elytra open and close by rotating about a single axle, where the coupling forces may be as high as 160 times its own bodyweight, the elytra coupling with the tenon and mortise mechanism, surface texture and opening angle between elytra heavily influence the coupling forces. These results may provide insights into the design mechanism and structure for future vehicles of flight.

Rare Metals, 2011

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were coated by a molybdenum layer using carbonyl thermal deco... more Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were coated by a molybdenum layer using carbonyl thermal decomposition process with a precursor of molybdenum hexacarbonyl. The Mo-coated CNTs (Mo-CNTs) were added into copper powders to fabricate Mo-CNT/Cu composites by means of mechanical milling followed by spark plasma sintering. The Mo-CNTs were uniform dispersion in the Cu matrix when their contents were 2.5 vol.%-7.5 vol.%, while some Mo-CNT clusters were clearly observed at additions of 10.0 vol.%-15.0 vol.% Mo-CNTs in the mixture. The mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of the Mo-CNT/Cu composites were characterized, and the results showed that the tensile strength and hardness were 2.0 and 2.2 times higher than those of CNT-free specimens, respectively. Moreover, the Mo-CNT/Cu composites exhibited an enhanced thermal conductivity but inferior electrical conductivity compared with sintered pure Cu. The uncoated CNT/Cu composites were fabricated by the similar processes, and the measured tensile strength, hardness, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity of the CNT/Cu composites were lower than those of the Mo-CNT/Cu composites.

Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture, 2008

To induce multiple shoots from pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch.), cotyledon explants excised fro... more To induce multiple shoots from pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch.), cotyledon explants excised from various ages of seedlings after in vitro germination were cultured on MS augmented with different concentrations of BA (0, 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 mg l -1 ). The highest frequency of shoot regeneration (63.7%) was observed from seven-day-old cotyledon explants cultured on MS containing 0.5 mg l -1 BA. The frequency and duration of shoot formation showed close correlation with the donor seedling age. By contrast, BA supply was necessary to promote shoot formation but no differences were observed in relation to different concentrations. Multiple shoots elongated on MS supplemented with 0.1 mg l -1 BA and 5-7 shoots per regenerated explant were recovered. Elongated shoots were rooted on MS, which was easier than that on 2/3MS, 1/2MS, or MS supplemented with 0.1 mg l -1 NAA. The rooted shoots were then transferred to greenhouse where they grew and flowered normally. Quantitative analysis of endogenous auxin (IAA) and cytokinins (iPA and ZR) in initial cotyledon explants of different aged seedlings showed that the regeneration ability of cotyledon explants varied dependently on their endogenous iPA contents. This study therefore deduces that the various organogenic capabilities of cotyledon explants from pumpkin are the result of their endogenous hormonal contents.

Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 2009

To investigate the differences in proximal femoral bone marrow blood perfusion indices between hy... more To investigate the differences in proximal femoral bone marrow blood perfusion indices between hypertensive and normotensive rats using perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Six-month-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) were used (12 of each). Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI of the right hip was performed after bolus injection of Gd-DOTA administered through a tail vein cannula. In all, 800 images were acquired at 0.6 sec/image. Regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn comprising the medullary component of proximal femoral shaft and femoral head. MRI maximum enhancement (E(max)) and enhancement slope (E(slope)) were analyzed. The E(max) and E(slope) of proximal femoral shaft and femoral head of SHR were significantly lower than those of WKY (E(max): 107.4 +/- 18.2% vs. 130.6 +/- 21.5%, P = 0.009, and 76.0 +/- 12.5% vs. 97.9 +/- 6.9%, P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001, respectively; E(slope): 3.01 +/- 0.63%/sec vs. 3.75 +/- 0.74%/sec, P = 0.016, and 1.95 +/- 0.33%/sec vs. 2.28 +/- 0.28%/sec, P = 0.012, respectively). The E(max) and E(slope) of femoral head were significantly lower than those of proximal femoral shaft in both SHR and WKY (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001). In both SHR and WKY, proximal femoral shaft and femoral head had a rather different contrast enhancement pattern. Proximal femoral shaft and femoral head bone marrow blood perfusion indices were significantly lower in hypertensive rats than in normotensive rats. Femoral head bone marrow was less perfused than proximal femoral shaft in both rats.

Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 2008

To investigate the relationship between vertebral blood perfusion and vertebral bone mineral dens... more To investigate the relationship between vertebral blood perfusion and vertebral bone mineral density (BMD) in a rat orchiectomy (ORX) model.

Desalination, 2005

The method for removal of silicon and boron from ultra-pure water by EDI (electrodeionization) wa... more The method for removal of silicon and boron from ultra-pure water by EDI (electrodeionization) was investigated. By investigating electric current, conductivity, flow of feed water in dilute and concentrate chambers, and pH value, the optimal conditions for removal of silicon and boron are obtained. With 1000 μg/L SiO2 in feed water, the concentration of silicon in product water can be

Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2009

Background-Whether HIV seroconverters are presenting with lower CD4 counts over the HIV epidemic ... more Background-Whether HIV seroconverters are presenting with lower CD4 counts over the HIV epidemic is controversial. Additional data on whether HIV may have become more virulent on a population level, as measured by post-seroconversion CD4 counts, may provide important insights regarding HIV pathogenesis.

Cell Research, 2009

T cells are derived from progenitor thymocytes, of which only a minority receive the appropriate ... more T cells are derived from progenitor thymocytes, of which only a minority receive the appropriate TCR signal, undergo positive selection and mature. Owing to the very short lifespan of thymocytes, the prerequisite for positive selection is survival. TCR signal-induced Bcl-2 expression is believed to play a dominant role in the survival of positively selecting thymocytes, but how Bcl-2 is directly regulated is unknown. Here we report that the immediate early gene (IEG) c-Fos can stimulate the expression of Bcl-2, depending on a specific AP-1-binding site in the Bcl-2 promoter. In c-Fos transgenic (Fos-Tg) mice, c-Fos binds to this site and promotes the expression of Bcl-2. As a result, Fos-Tg thymocytes exhibited enhanced survival, and more mature single-positive (SP) thymocytes were generated, even on a unique TCR background. The TCR repertoire remained normal in Fos-Tg mice. Our results identified c-Fos as the mediator of the stimulatory effect of TCR signaling on Bcl-2 expression. Therefore, c-Fos, as an IEG, because of its early response ability, can quickly rescue the survival of short-lived thymocytes during positive selection. Our results provide novel insight into the mechanism regulating the survival of positively selecting thymocytes.

Bone, 2008

Skyscan 1072, Aartselaar, Belgium). The following microstructural parameters were calculated and ... more Skyscan 1072, Aartselaar, Belgium). The following microstructural parameters were calculated and compared: bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), thickness (Tb.Th) and separation (Tb.Sp), structure model index (SMI), and degree of anisotropy (DOA).

Bone, 2008

Objective: Osteoporosis is a common disease characterized by decreased bone mass and micro archit... more Objective: Osteoporosis is a common disease characterized by decreased bone mass and micro architecture deterioration of bone tissue, leading to increased bone fragility and fracture. Recent studies showed that LRP5, the gene encoding the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5), affect bone mass accrual during growth and to be involved in osteoporosispseudoglioma syndrome. A few studies showed that missense mutations in the LRP5 gene were associated with osteoporosis. We are expected to found any mutation in LRP5 gene in a Chinese family with primary osteoporosis after excluding any mutation in the type I collagen genes (COL1A1 and COL1A2 which involved in osteogenesis imperfecta).

Bone, 2010

Objective: Nitrates have several advantages over the medications currently used to prevent and tr... more Objective: Nitrates have several advantages over the medications currently used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. However, how nitrates influence bone mechanism remains unclear. With ovariectomy (OVX) model, it has been reported that in addition to the decrease of lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD), there is also a decrease of bone marrow blood perfusion in the lumbar vertebral bodies. This study investigated the relation between the effects of nitrates on BMD and bone marrow perfusion. Material and methods: Fourteen matured Sprague-Dawley female rats (6-months-old) were used in this study, including OVX group (n=6) and OVX+ISM group (n=8). The organic nitrate was isosorbide-5-mononitrate (Is-5-Mn, ISM). ISM was dosed orally 150 mg/ kg per day, b.i.d until the end of the study. CT bone densitometry and perfusion MRI were performed baseline and 8 weeks post-OVX. MRI was performed with a 3-T MR system. A 24-gauge heparinized catheter was inserted into the tail vein of the rats. Dynamic MRI series was with a temporal resolution of 0.6 s/acquisition. 0.15 mmol/kg Gd-DOTA was hand-injected after initial baseline acquisitions followed by a flush of normal saline. Maximum Enhancement (ME) was used to represent blood perfusion. ME was defined as the maximum percentage increase in signal intensity from baseline. To obtain ME, regions of interest were drawn over the cancellous part of the lumbar vertebrae from L2 to L5. Results: In the OVX group, lumbar spine vertebral BMD decreased by 22.5± 5.7% (from 0.93± 0.15 to 0.7±0.09 g/mm3, p< 0.001 baseline vs. week 8), while in the OVX+ISM group lumbar spine vertebral BMD decreased by 15.8 ± 3.5% (from 1.06± 0.21 to 0.89 ± 0.17 g/mm3, p< 0.001 baseline vs. week 8). The difference between the two groups was significant (p< 0.05). In the OVX group, ME decreased by 7.7% (from 67.3± 4.7% to 62.1±6.4%, p< 0.05 baseline vs. week 8), while in the OVX+ISM group, ME increased by 12.5% (67.3± 6.6% to 75± 5.1%) and close to be significant (p=0.049 baseline vs. week 8). Conclusion: This study shows ISM orally administered 50 mg/kg per day b.i.d partially prevented the lumbar spine bone loss due to OVX, and maintained the blood perfusion in lumbar vertebral marrow. Further studies are required to validate these findings.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2011

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine whether there is familial aggregation of hypere... more OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine whether there is familial aggregation of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), making it a disease amenable to genetic study. STUDY DESIGN: Cases with severe nausea and vomiting in a singleton pregnancy treated with intravenous hydration and unaffected friend controls completed a survey regarding family history.