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Biomedical subjects

X Zeng

Publications and source records attributed to X Zeng.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

[Information system for ICP-AES in windows environment].

An information system for inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) in MS Windows environment was developed based on the previous work in the labroatory. The system contains the data of about 28 000 spectral lines and a function of ICP spectral simulation, so it would be very helpful for line selection. The system also contains the Kalman filter and factor analysis programmes written with MS Visual Basic(version 4.0), which can be used for spectral interference correction and peak position optimization. A large amount of real spectral scanning data of rare earth elements were included in the system for user's references. All these characteristics made the system more useful and practical.

English Abstract↗

[Experimental study of the properties of two-order FADOF at Cs 455 nm line under Nd:YAG pulse laser condition].

This paper experimentally studied some important properties of two-order FADOF at Cs 455 nm line under Nd:YAG pulse laser condition. At a selected temperature the properties of both the bandwidth and the transmission related to the magnetic field have been obtained. In this study, the bandwidth of two-order FADOF was increased linearly with the increment of the magnetic field from 200 to 700 Gauss and is obviously narrower than that of the two single-order FADOFs. The transmission of two-order FADOF was also linearly increased with the increment of the magnetic field in the same range and is lower than that of the single FADOF. Fortunately, at a slightly higher cell temperature, such as T = 160 degrees C, the transmission of two-order FADOF can reach 40%. Furthermore, it can reach theoretically up to 80% because 90% can be obtained in the case of single FADOF. The most important result in the study is that the out-of-bandwidth rejection, which is one of the three parameters, was improved from 10(-3) to 10(-5). The structure of the two-order FADOF is relatively simpler than that of the single-order FADOF.

English Abstract↗

[Synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of O,O,O',O'-tetramethyl-S,S'-(2-N,N-dimethylamino-trimethylene)-bis-phosphonodithionate oxalate].

A new organophosphorus insecticide, shacanlin, was synthesized by 1-dimethylamino-2,3-dichloropropane reacting on O,O-dimethyl-dithiophosphate and its oxalate was prepared. The molecular structure of shacanlin oxalate was characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectrometry, IR and MS. The results indicate that the reaction product is 1,3-disubstituted product. The molecular structure of shacanlin oxalate is (CH3)2N+ HCH[CH2SP(S)(OCH3)2]2 x C2O4H-[O,O,O',O'-tetramethyl-S,S'-(2-N,N-dimethylamino-trimethylene)-bis phosphonodithionate oxalate].

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy↗

[Determination of electron density in Ar-air mixed coolant gas ICP].

The lateral distribution of electron number density at 0, 2, 5, 10 mm above the load coil in Ar-air mixed coolant gas ICP was measured with Stark broadening method of Hbeta line (486.1 nm) and some of the lateral distribution was converted into radial distribution by Abel inversion under the condition similar to that in the low power Ar-ICP. The results show that the distribution of electron number in Ar-air mixed coolant gas ICP is similar to that in Ar-ICP and exhibit off axis maxima. When a lot of air was added to the coolant, the positions of the off axis maxima would near the axis. The electron number density reached maximum and was higher than that in Air-ICP as 5%-10% air was added to the coolant.

English Abstract↗

[Determination of the impurities elements in high-purity cadmium by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry].

A method for the determination of impurity elements in high purity cadmium by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was developed. The spectral interference arising from Cd was discussed and the magnitude of interference by the polyatomic ion of Cd was compared. The effect of the high concentration Cd on the analyte signal was studied. The results showed that Cd possessed both significant suppression effects on the light mass elements signal and enhancement effects on the heavy mass elements signal, and the effects can be corrected by the use of internal standard elements. In this paper, Y and Bi was employed for the light mass elements and the heavy mass elements, respectively. As, Be, Co, Cu, Ga, Ge, Mn, Mo, Pb, Ni, Sr, Au, Tl, Th, V and U in high purity cadmium were determined. Detection limits are 0.005-0.052 microg x L(-), and the recoveries of standard addition are 82%-108%.

English Abstract↗

Non-p53 p53RE binding protein, a human transcription factor functionally analogous to P53.

The transactivation activity of the p53 tumor suppressor protein is critical for regulating cell growth and apoptosis. We describe the identification of a transcription factor that is functionally similar to p53 and contains the same DNA binding and transcription activities specific for the p53 responsive DNA element (p53RE). This protein was highly purified through chromatography from HeLa cell extracts. The purified protein was able to bind specifically to the p53RE derived from a p21(waf1) promoter and to stimulate p53RE-dependent transcription but not basal transcription in vitro. Its DNA-binding activity was inhibited by the wild type but not mutant p53RE-containing DNA oligomers. Also, this p53RE-binding activity was found in human p53 null Saos-2 osteosarcoma and H1299 small cell lung carcinoma cells. Interestingly, this activity exhibited a p53RE sequence preference that was distinct from the p53 protein. The activity is neither p53 nor p73, because anti-p53 or anti-73 antibodies were unable to detect this purified protein nor were the antibodies able to alter the p53-like activity, the p53RE-protein complex. These results demonstrate that, besides p73, an additional p53-like protein exists in cells, which is named NBP for non-p53, p53RE binding protein.

Binding Sites↗

[A FISH technique for simultaneous detection of fluorescent R-band and in situ hybridization signals].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a simple method for detecting DNA probes directly on R-banded chromosomes. METHODS: After sixty-seven hours culture, human peripheral blood lymphocytes were synchronized for 5 to 6 hours by adding Hoechst 33258 and BUdR, and then arrested by standard cytogenetic procedures. The slides were mounted with 2 x SSC and exposed with a 20W UV light which was about 10cm above the slides for 20 min at 75 degrees C. The biotinylated probes, such as the cosmid and YAC clones on 5p specific region and pBamX7, were hybridized on to the slides. After washing, the slides were treated with avidin-FITC and amplified with additional layer of biotinylated anti-avidin and avidin-FITC, and counterstained with propidium iodide in an antifade solution. Fluorescent signals and R-bands were observed simultaneously under Olympus BX 60 fluorescence microscope equipped with a WIB filter. RESULTS: The chromosomal location of the greenish-yellow signals could be directly identified on the R-banded chromosome background. CONCLUSION: This method can serve as a rapid and precise system for chromosomal localization of DNA markers.

Chromosome Banding↗

VEGF enhances pulmonary vasculogenesis and disrupts lung morphogenesis in vivo.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was expressed in developing respiratory epithelial cells under control of the promoter from the human surfactant protein C (SP-C) gene. SP-C-VEGF transgenic mice did not survive after birth. When obtained by hysterectomy on embryonic day 15 (E15) or 17 (E17), abnormalities in the transgenic mice were confined to the lung and were correlated with the expression of transgene mRNA as revealed by in situ hybridization. On E15 and E17, marked abnormalities in lung morphogenesis were observed in transgenic mice. Lungs consisted of large dilated tubules with increased peritubular vascularity. The mRNA levels of the VEGF receptor, Flk-1, and the endothelial cell specific receptor tyrosine kinase, Tie-1, were increased in lung mesenchyme of the transgenic mice. The numbers of acinar tubules and the abundance of mesenchyme were decreased. Endogenous VEGF mRNA was expressed in the respiratory epithelial cells of the developing lungs, and the levels of VEGF mRNA were increased in the SP-C-VEGF transgenic mice. Although the normal pattern of immunostaining for SP-C and Clara cell secretory protein (CCSP) indicated that epithelial cell differentiation was relatively unaltered by the transgene, electron microscopic analysis revealed a lack of alveolar Type I cell differentiation at E18. Expression of VEGF in the developing respiratory epithelium of transgenic mice increased growth of the pulmonary blood vessels, disrupted branching morphogenesis of the lung and inhibited Type I cell differentiation.

Animals↗

Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in immune response of inner ear.

To understand the role of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in immune response of the inner ear, inner ear immune response was induced in rats by inoculation of keyhole limpet hemocyanine (KLH) into the scala tympani of the animals who had been systemically sensitized. The expression of ICAM-1 in the inner ear was immunohistochemically examined. ICAM-1 was found in the epithelium of the spiral modiolar vein (SMV) with its collecting venules (CVs) as early as 6 h after challenge. Expression of ICAM-1 was observed on the epithelium of the endolymphatic sac (ES) and perisaccular region at 12 h. The intensity of ICAM-1 staining reached its peak within 24-48 h in these sites of the inner ear. By day 28, most specimens were devoid of appreciable staining for ICAM-1. Our study demonstrates that adhesion molecules play an important role in extravasation of inflammatory cells from the systemic circulation in the process of inner ear immune response. It also shows that cytokines that control expression of adhesion molecules may be released by cells outside ES, besides those cells in the ES.

Animals↗

Cytogenic studies of Hynobiidae (Urodela). XIV. Analysis of the chromosome of a Chinese salamander, Batrachuperus pinchonii (David).

The chromosome number of a Chinese salamander, Batrachuperus pinchonii, was re-examined Adults and embryonic specimens had a diploid number of 66, with 33 bivalents during meiosis, in contrast to previous reported results. Furthermore, when C-banding analysis was performed with embryos, chromosomes with banding patterns homoeologous to those of Salamandrella keyserlingii and Hynobius species were found. It appears, therefore, that Batrachuperus, Salamandrella and Hynobius might be derived from a common ancestral species in eastern Asia.

Animals↗

Analysis of specific interactions of synthetic glycopolypeptides carrying N-acetyllactosamine and related compounds with lectins.

Analysis of interactions of synthetic glycopolypeptides with lectins was performed with a biosensor based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR). A series of synthetic oligosaccharide-substituted poly(L-glutamic acid)s were immobilized on sensor surfaces via the gamma-carboxyl groups of their peptide moieties by the surface thiol coupling method. Artificial glycopolypeptides: an N-acetyllactosamine-substituted polymer (1), an N-acetylisolactosamine-substituted polymer (2), a (GlcNAc)3-substituted polymer (3), a (GlcNAc)2-substituted polymer (4), and a p-aminophenyl N-acetyl-beta-lactosaminide-substituted polymer (5), were used as the ligands. On analysis by SPR, surface-bound polymers 1 and 5 reacted with Erythrina cristagalli agglutinin (ECA), Lycopersicon esculentum agglutinin (LEA), Ricinus communis agglutinin-120 (RCA120), and wheat germ (Triticum vulgaris) agglutinin (WGA). Polymer 2 reacted with WGA and RCA120, but did not with ECA and LEA. The results indicate that beta-(1-->4)-linked galactosyl residues are needed for binding to ECA and LEA. Polymer 3 reacted strongly with LEA and WGA, but polymer 4 reacted strongly only with WGA. Affinity constants (KA) for surface-bound polymer 5-lectin interactions were also about 4-61 times as strong as those for surface-bound polymer 1-lectin interactions. These artificial glycopolypeptides were shown to be useful as tools and probes of carbohydrate recognition and modeling in the analysis of glycoprotein-lectin interactions.

Amino Sugars↗

Thyroid transcription factor-1, hepatocyte nuclear factor-3beta and surfactant protein A and B in the developing chick lung.

Expression of surfactant proteins SP-A, SP-B and the transcription factors TTF-1 and HNF-3beta was identified by immunohistochemistry in the developing chicken. SP-B, a small hydrophobic peptide critical for lung function and surfactant homeostasis in mammals, was detected in the epithelial cells of parabronchi in embryonic chicken lung from the 15th day of incubation, prior to the onset of the breathing movements and was expressed at high levels in the posthatching chicken lung. SP-A, an abundant surfactant protein involved in innate defence of the mammalian lung, was detected in the chick embryo in subsets of epithelial cells in the mesobronchus, starting from d 15 and was detected in the posthatching chicken lung. The transcription factors hepatocyte nuclear factor 3beta (HNF-3beta) and thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1), both regulators epithelial cell differentiation and gene expression in mammalian species, were detected at the onset of lung bud formation (d 4 of incubation) and throughout lung development. Abundant nuclear expression was detected in nuclei of respiratory epithelial cells of developing bronchial tubules for both transcription factors. In contrast to the surfactant proteins, expression of both TTF-1 and HNF-3beta decreased markedly in posthatching chicken lung. The expression of SP-A and SP-B in chick lung demonstrates the conservation of surfactant proteins in vertebrates. The temporospatial pattern of TTF-1 and HNF-3beta overlaps with that of SP-A and SP-B, supporting their potential roles in chick lung development and demonstrating the conservation of regulatory mechanisms contributing to gene expression in respiratory epithelial cells in vertebrates.

Animals↗

Retinoic acid-receptor activation of SP-B gene transcription in respiratory epithelial cells.

Retinoids are known to play important roles in organ development of the lung. Retinoids exert their activity by modulating the expression of numerous genes, generally influencing gene transcription, in target cells. In the present work, the mechanism by which retinoic acid (RA) regulates surfactant protein (SP) B expression was assessed in vitro. RA (9-cis-RA) enhanced SP-B mRNA in pulmonary adenocarcinoma cells (H441 cells) and increased transcriptional activity of the SP-B promoter in both H441 and mouse lung epithelial cells (MLE-15). Cotransfection of H441 cells with retinoid nuclear receptor (RAR)-alpha, -beta, and -gamma and retinoid X receptor (RXR)-gamma further increased the response of the SP-B promoter to RA. Treatment of H441 cells with RA increased immunostaining for the SP-B proprotein and increased the number of cells in which the SP-B proprotein was detected. An RA responsive element mediating RA stimulation of the human SP-B promoter was identified. RAR-alpha and -gamma and RXR-alpha but not RAR-beta or RXR-beta and -gamma were detected by immunohistochemical analysis of H441 cells. RA, by activating RAR activity, stimulated the transcription and synthesis of SP-B in pulmonary adenocarcinoma cells.

Adenocarcinoma↗

The Kar3p and Kip2p motors function antagonistically at the spindle poles to influence cytoplasmic microtubule numbers.

Microtubules provide the substrate for intracellular trafficking by association with molecular motors of the kinesin and dynein superfamilies. Motor proteins are generally thought to function as force generating units for transport of various cargoes along the microtubule polymer. Recent work suggests additional roles for motor proteins in changing the structure of the microtubule network itself. We report here that in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae microtubule motors have antagonistic effects on microtubule numbers and lengths. As shown previously, loss of the Kar3p motor stimulates cytoplasmic microtubule growth while loss of Kip2p leads to a sharp reduction in cytoplasmic microtubule numbers. Loss of both the Kip2p and Kar3p motors together in the same cell produces an intermediate phenotype, suggesting that these two motors act in opposition to control cytoplasmic microtubule density. A Kip2p-GFP fusion from single gene expression is most concentrated at the spindle poles, as shown previously for an epitope tagged Kar3p-HA, suggesting both of these motors act from the minus ends of the microtubules to influence microtubule numbers.

Cell Division↗

Synthesis of artificial N-glycopolypeptides carrying N-acetyllactosamine and related compounds and their specific interactions with lectins.

Artificial N-glycopolypeptides carrying N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) or related compounds were synthesized. First, sugars were converted into their corresponding beta-glycosylamines with ammonium hydrogen carbonate. Then, the beta-glycosylamines were condensated with the carboxyl groups of poly(L-glutamic acid). N-Glycopolypeptides with different degrees of substitution of sugars were isolated by passage through a column of Sephadex G-25. These synthetic polymers were used as model compounds in the analysis of oligosaccharide-lectin interactions. Interactions with some lectins were investigated by agar-gel double-diffusion tests and in terms of inhibition of hemagglutination. A glycopolypeptide substituted with LacNAc reacted with Erythrina cristagalli agglutinin (ECA), peanut (Arachis hypogaea) agglutinin (PNA), Ricinus communis agglutinin-120 (RCA120), wheat germ (Triticum vulgaris) agglutinin (WGA) lectins, which recognize either galactosyl or N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) residues. Other synthetic glycopolymers carrying N-acetylisolactosamine, GlcNAc, N,N'-diacetylchitobiose, or N,N', N"-triacetylchitotriose also reacted with WGA, and these last two polymers inhibited hemagglutination most. Of these five glycopolypeptides, only the one substituted with LacNAc reacted with ECA. These sugar-substituted glycopolypeptides interacted specifically with the corresponding lectins, no matter how much shorter the sugar side chains of the glycopolymers were than those of natural glycoproteins.

Agar↗

VR simulation of abdominal trauma surgery.

In this paper we describe a test-bed we have developed for simulation of abdominal trauma surgery. The abdominal surgery scene is highly complex and contains many layers of deformable organs. Representing this layered and deformable anatomy with models that can interact, be probed and cut presents a unique challenge. We have met this challenge by applying a variety of technology advances in deformable models, computer graphics, and force-feedback (haptic) interfaces.

Abdominal Injuries↗

[A study on the coverage, strategy and cost of hepatitis B vaccination in China, 1996].

To understand the coverage, strategy and cost of hepatitis B (HB) vaccination of China in recent years, a randomized two-stage household sampling survey was carried out at 112 Disease Surveillance Points(DSPs) from 25 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities of China in 1996. Results showed that the rates of HB vaccination coverage among neonates were 96.9% in the urban DSPs and 50.8% in the rural DSPs in 1993-1994, while in 7-9 year-old students both rates were 85.8% and 31.5% in 1994, respectively. Up to 1994, 97.5% of the urban DSPs and 73.9% of the rural DSPs had a neonates vaccination against HB program integrated with routine EPI. Some of the DSPs had a lower neonates coverage due to insufficient amountad unreasonable distribution of the vaccine (used for adults) and high cost. It seems necessary to evaluate the maternal prescreening program regarding the quality of serological testing to HBVMs. Remarkable achievements have been made in terms of strategy development and planning on HB immunization in China.

Child↗