Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 61 in total

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  1. Tee CM, Wong WY, Hooy CW
    Financ Res Lett, 2022 Jun;47:102706.
    PMID: 36276302 DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2022.102706
    The value of political connection is driven by economic power, rather than the political power of the government per se. We examine this with Malaysia's Covid-19 economic lockdowns where the government gained unprecedented economic power. Changes of 3 governments over 2020-2021 allow us to verify whether changes in political power per se creates value. Our event study shows politically connected (PCON) firms outperform non-PCON firms during total economic lockdowns. However, after the easing of restrictions, investors reallocate their investments to non-PCON firms. Lastly, changes in government do not affect the value of PCON firms because there is no election mandate.
  2. Lee HL, Chandrawathani P, Wong WY, Tharam S, Lim WY
    Malays J Pathol, 1995 Dec;17(2):109-11.
    PMID: 8935136
    A case of true enteric myiasis in a 7-year-old girl is reported. Two larvae were obtained from the vomitus of the patient. After processing and identification, the larvae were found to be those of Hermetia illucens (Soldier Fly). This is the first case of true enteric myiasis due to these larvae in Malaysia.
  3. Wong WY, Lim S, Pang YL, Shuit SH, Chen WH, Lee KT
    Sci Total Environ, 2020 Jul 20;727:138534.
    PMID: 32334218 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138534
    Interest in biodiesel research has escalated over the years due to dwindling fossil fuel reserves. The implementation of a carbon-based solid acid catalyst in biodiesel production eradicates the separation problems associated with homogeneous catalysis. However, its application in the glycerol-free interesterification process for biodiesel production is still rarely being studied in the literature. In this study, novel environmentally benign catalysts were prepared from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) derived activated carbon (AC) which is sustainable and low cost via direct sulfonation using concentrated sulfuric acid. The effects of synthesizing variables such as carbonization and sulfonation temperatures with different holding times towards the fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) yield in interesterification reaction with oleic acid and methyl acetate were investigated in detail. It was found that the optimum carbonization temperature and duration together with sulfonation temperature and duration were 600 °C, 3 h, 100 °C and 6 h, respectively. The catalyst possessed an amorphous structure with a high total acid density of 9.0 mmol NaOH g-1 due to the well-developed porous framework structure of the carbon support. Under these optimum conditions, the OPEFB derived solid acid catalyst recorded an excellent catalytic activity of 50.5% methyl oleate yield at 100 °C after 8 h with 50:1 methyl acetate to oleic acid molar ratio and 10 wt% catalyst dosage. The heterogeneous acid catalyst derived from OPEFB had shown promising properties that made them highly suitable for cost-effective and environmental-friendly glycerol-free biodiesel production.
  4. Wang X, Liu P, Yap B, Xia R, Wong WY, He Z
    Nanoscale, 2021 Oct 14;13(39):16589-16597.
    PMID: 34585178 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr03728e
    Liquid-exfoliated 2D transition metal disulfides (TMDs) are potential substitutes for poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) as hole transport layers (HTLs) in Organic Solar Cells (OSCs). Herein, high-yield and high-quality WS2 flake layers are prepared by comprehensively controlling the initial concentration, sonication processing time and centrifugal speed. The WS2 layers deposited on in situ transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) without plasma treatment show higher uniformity and conductivity than that formed on ITO after plasma treatment. With a significant increase in the short-circuit current density (JSC), the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PM6:Y6-based non-fullerene OSCs using optimized WS2 as the HTL is higher than that using PEDOT:PSS as the HTL(15.75% vs. 15.31%). Combining the morphology characteristics with carrier recombination characteristics, the higher quality of the ITO/WS2 composite substrate leads to better charge transport and a lower bimolecular recombination rate in OSCs, thereby improving the device performance.
  5. Li T, Feng C, Yap BK, Zhu X, Xiong B, He Z, et al.
    Commun Chem, 2021 Oct 22;4(1):150.
    PMID: 36697810 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-021-00589-w
    One of the challenges for high-efficiency single-component-based photoredox catalysts is the low charge transfer and extraction due to the high recombination rate. Here, we demonstrate a strategy to precisely control the charge separation and transport efficiency of the catalytic host by introducing electron or hole extraction interlayers to improve the catalytic efficiency. We use simple and easily available non-conjugated polyelectrolytes (NCPs) (i.e., polyethyleneimine, PEI; poly(allylamine hydrochloride), PAH) to form interlayers, wherein such NCPs consist of the nonconjugated backbone with charge transporting functional groups. Taking CdS as examples, it is shown that although PEI and PAH are insulators and therefore do not have the ability to conduct electricity, they can form good electron or hole transport extraction layers due to the higher charge-transfer kinetics of pendant groups along the backbones, thereby greatly improving the charge transfer capability of CdS. Consequently, the resultant PEI-/PAH-functionalized nanocomposites exhibit significantly enhanced and versatile photoredox catalysis.
  6. Musa MT, Shaari N, Raduwan NF, Kamarudin SK, Wong WY
    Polymers (Basel), 2023 Jun 06;15(12).
    PMID: 37376236 DOI: 10.3390/polym15122590
    Nafion is a commercial membrane that is widely used in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) but has critical constraints such as being expensive and having high methanol crossover. Efforts to find alternative membranes are actively being carried out, including in this study, which looks at producing a Sodium Alginate/Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) (SA/PVA) blended membrane with modification by montmorillonite (MMT) as an inorganic filler. The content of MMT in SA/PVA-based membranes varied in the range of 2.0-20 wt% according to the solvent casting method implemented. The presence of MMT was seen to be most optimal at a content of 10 wt%, achieving the highest proton conductivity and the lowest methanol uptake of 9.38 mScm-1 and 89.28% at ambient temperature, respectively. The good thermal stability, optimum water absorption, and low methanol uptake of the SA/PVA-MMT membrane were achieved with the presence of MMT due to the strong electrostatic attraction between H+, H3O+, and -OH ions of the sodium alginate and PVA polymer matrices. The homogeneous dispersion of MMT at 10 wt% and the hydrophilic properties possessed by MMT contribute to an efficient proton transport channel in SA/PVA-MMT membranes. The increase in MMT content makes the membrane more hydrophilic. This shows that the loading of 10 wt% MMT is very helpful from the point of view of sufficient water intake to activate proton transfer. Thus, the membrane produced in this study has great potential as an alternative membrane with a much cheaper cost and competent future performance.
  7. Lim KL, Wong CY, Wong WY, Loh KS, Selambakkannu S, Othman NAF, et al.
    Membranes (Basel), 2021 May 27;11(6).
    PMID: 34072048 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11060397
    This review discusses the roles of anion exchange membrane (AEM) as a solid-state electrolyte in fuel cell and electrolyzer applications. It highlights the advancement of existing fabrication methods and emphasizes the importance of radiation grafting methods in improving the properties of AEM. The development of AEM has been focused on the improvement of its physicochemical properties, including ionic conductivity, ion exchange capacity, water uptake, swelling ratio, etc., and its thermo-mechano-chemical stability in high-pH and high-temperature conditions. Generally, the AEM radiation grafting processes are considered green synthesis because they are usually performed at room temperature and practically eliminated the use of catalysts and toxic solvents, yet the final products are homogeneous and high quality. The radiation grafting technique is capable of modifying the hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains to control the ionic properties of membrane as well as its water uptake and swelling ratio without scarifying its mechanical properties. Researchers also showed that the chemical stability of AEMs can be improved by grafting spacers onto base polymers. The effects of irradiation dose and dose rate on the performance of AEM were discussed. The long-term stability of membrane in alkaline solutions remains the main challenge to commercial use.
  8. Wong WY, Loh SW, Ng WL, Tan MC, Yeo KS, Looi CY, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2015;5:8672.
    PMID: 25728279 DOI: 10.1038/srep08672
    Emerging of drug resistant influenza A virus (IAV) has been a big challenge for anti-IAV therapy. In this study, we describe a relatively easy and safe cell-based screening system for anti-IAV replication inhibitors using a non-replicative strain of IAV. A nickel (II) complex of polyhydroxybenzaldehyde N4-thiosemicarbazone (NiPT5) was recently found to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity in vivo and in vitro. NiPT5 impedes the signaling cascades that lead to the activation of NF-κB in response to different stimuli, such as LPS and TNFα. Using our cell-based screening system, we report that pretreating cells with NiPT5 protects cells from influenza A virus (IAV) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection. Furthermore, NiPT5 inhibits replication of IAV by inhibiting transcription and translation of vRNAs of IAV. Additionally, NiPT5 reduces IAV-induced type I interferon response and cytokines production. Moreover, NiPT5 prevents activation of NF-κB, and IRF3 in response to IAV infection. These results demonstrate that NiPT5 is a potent antiviral agent that inhibits the early phase of IAV replication.
  9. Yeo KS, Tan MC, Wong WY, Loh SW, Lam YL, Tan CL, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2016 Sep 27;6:34125.
    PMID: 27671354 DOI: 10.1038/srep34125
    TNF-induced signaling mediates pleiotropic biological consequences including inflammation, immunity, cell proliferation and apoptosis. Misregulation of TNF signaling has been attributed as a major cause of chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer. Jumonji domain-containing protein 8 (JMJD8) belongs to the JmjC family. However, only part of the family members has been described as hydroxylase enzymes that function as histone demethylases. Here, we report that JMJD8 positively regulates TNF-induced NF-κB signaling. Silencing the expression of JMJD8 using RNA interference (RNAi) greatly suppresses TNF-induced expression of several NF-κB-dependent genes. Furthermore, knockdown of JMJD8 expression reduces RIP ubiquitination, IKK kinase activity, delays IκBα degradation and subsequently blocks nuclear translocation of p65. In addition, JMJD8 deficiency enhances TNF-induced apoptosis. Taken together, these findings indicate that JMJD8 functions as a positive regulator of TNF-induced NF-κB signaling.
  10. Tan MC, Wong WY, Ng WL, Yeo KS, Mohidin TB, Lim YY, et al.
    PLoS One, 2017;12(1):e0170352.
    PMID: 28114392 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170352
    Influenza virus is estimated to cause 3-5 million severe complications and about 250-500 thousand deaths per year. Different kinds of anti-influenza virus drugs have been developed. However, the emergence of drug resistant strains has presented a big challenge for efficient antiviral therapy. Indole derivatives have been shown to exhibit both antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we adopted a cell-based system to screen for potential anti-IAV agents. Four indole derivatives (named 525A, 526A, 527A and 528A) were subjected to the antiviral screening, of which 526A was selected for further investigation. We reported that pre-treating cells with 526A protects cells from IAV infection. Furthermore, 526A inhibits IAV replication by inhibiting the expression of IAV genes. Interestingly, 526A suppresses the activation of IRF3 and STAT1 in host cells and thus represses the production of type I interferon response and cytokines in IAV-infected cells. Importantly, 526A also partially blocks the activation of RIG-I pathway. Taken together, these results suggest that 526A may be a potential anti-influenza A virus agent.
  11. Khosravi Y, Seow SW, Amoyo AA, Chiow KH, Tan TL, Wong WY, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2015;5:8731.
    PMID: 25736205 DOI: 10.1038/srep08731
    Helicobacter pylori, is an invariably commensal resident of the gut microbiome associated with gastric ulcer in adults. In addition, these patients also suffered from a low grade inflammation that activates the immune system and thus increased shunting of energy to host defense mechanisms. To assess whether a H. pylori infection could affect growth in early life, we determined the expression levels of selected metabolic gut hormones in germ free (GF) and specific pathogen-free (SPF) mice with and without the presence of H. pylori. Despite H. pylori-infected (SPFH) mice display alteration in host metabolism (elevated levels of leptin, insulin and peptide YY) compared to non-infected SPF mice, their growth curves remained the same. SPFH mice also displayed increased level of eotaxin-1. Interestingly, GF mice infected with H. pylori (GFH) also displayed increased levels of ghrelin and PYY. However, in contrast to SPFH mice, GFH showed reduced weight gain and malnutrition. These preliminary findings show that exposure to H. pylori alters host metabolism early in life; but the commensal microbiota in SPF mice can attenuate the growth retarding effect from H. pylori observed in GF mice. Further investigations of possible additional side effects of H. pylori are highly warranted.
  12. Khosravi Y, Bunte RM, Chiow KH, Tan TL, Wong WY, Poh QH, et al.
    Gut Microbes, 2016;7(1):48-53.
    PMID: 26939851 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2015.1119990
    Helicobacter pylori have been shown to influence physiological regulation of metabolic hormones involved in food intake, energy expenditure and body mass. It has been proposed that inducing H. pylori-induced gastric atrophy damages hormone-producing endocrine cells localized in gastric mucosal layers and therefore alter their concentrations. In a recent study, we provided additional proof in mice under controlled conditions that H. pylori and gut microbiota indeed affects circulating metabolic gut hormones and energy homeostasis. In this addendum, we presented data from follow-up investigations that demonstrated H. pylori and gut microbiota-associated modulation of metabolic gut hormones was independent and precedes H. pylori-induced histopathological changes in the gut of H. pylori-infected mice. Thus, H. pylori-associated argumentation of energy homeostasis is not caused by injury to endocrine cells in gastric mucosa.
  13. Shawish HB, Wong WY, Wong YL, Loh SW, Looi CY, Hassandarvish P, et al.
    PLoS One, 2014;9(6):e100933.
    PMID: 24977407 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100933
    BACKGROUND: The biological properties of thiosemicarbazone have been widely reported. The incorporation of some transition metals such as Fe, Ni and Cu to thiosemicarbazone complexes is known to enhance its biological effects. In this study, we incorporated nickel(II) ions into thiosemicarbazone with N4-substitution groups H3L (H; H3L1, CH3; H3L2, C6H5; H3L3 and C2H5; H3L4) and examined its potential anti-inflammatory activity.

    METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Four ligands (1-4) and their respective nickel-containing complexes (5-8) were synthesized and characterized. The compounds synthesized were tested for their effects on NF-κB nuclear translocation, pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion and NF-κB transactivation activity. The active compound was further evaluated on its ability to suppress carrageenan-induced acute inflammation in vivo. A potential binding target of the active compound was also predicted by molecular docking analysis.

    CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Among all synthesized compounds tested, we found that complex [Ni(H2L1)(PPh3)]Cl (5) (complex 5), potently inhibited IκBα degradation and NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells as well as TNFα-stimulated HeLa S3 cells. In addition, complex 5 significantly down-regulated LPS- or TNFα-induced transcription of NF-κB target genes, including genes that encode the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα, IFNβ and IL6. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed that complex 5 inhibited the transactivation activity of NF-κB. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effect of complex 5 was also supported by its suppressive effect on carrageenan-induced paw edema formation in wild type C57BL/6 mice. Interestingly, molecular docking study showed that complex 5 potentially interact with the active site of IKKβ. Taken together, we suggest complex 5 as a novel NF-κB inhibitor with potent anti-inflammatory effects.

  14. Sirunyan AM, Tumasyan A, Adam W, Ambrogi F, Bergauer T, Dragicevic M, et al.
    Phys Rev Lett, 2020 Oct 09;125(15):152001.
    PMID: 33095627 DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.125.152001
    Using a data sample of proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 140  fb^{-1} collected by the CMS experiment in 2016-2018, the B_{s}^{0}→X(3872)ϕ decay is observed. Decays into J/ψπ^{+}π^{-} and K^{+}K^{-} are used to reconstruct, respectively, the X(3872) and ϕ. The ratio of the product of branching fractions B[B_{s}^{0}→X(3872)ϕ]B[X(3872)→J/ψπ^{+}π^{-}] to the product B[B_{s}^{0}→ψ(2S)ϕ]B[ψ(2S)→J/ψπ^{+}π^{-}] is measured to be [2.21±0.29(stat)±0.17(syst)]%. The ratio B[B_{s}^{0}→X(3872)ϕ]/B[B^{0}→X(3872)K^{0}] is found to be consistent with one, while the ratio B[B_{s}^{0}→X(3872)ϕ]/B[B^{+}→X(3872)K^{+}] is two times smaller. This suggests a difference in the production dynamics of the X(3872) in B^{0} and B_{s}^{0} meson decays compared to B^{+}. The reported observation may shed new light on the nature of the X(3872) particle.
  15. Sirunyan AM, Tumasyan A, Adam W, Ambrogi F, Bergauer T, Dragicevic M, et al.
    Phys Rev Lett, 2020 Oct 09;125(15):151802.
    PMID: 33095594 DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.125.151802
    The first observation is reported of the combined production of three massive gauge bosons (VVV with V=W, Z) in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. The analysis is based on a data sample recorded by the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 137  fb^{-1}. The searches for individual WWW, WWZ, WZZ, and ZZZ production are performed in final states with three, four, five, and six leptons (electrons or muons), or with two same-sign leptons plus one or two jets. The observed (expected) significance of the combined VVV production signal is 5.7 (5.9) standard deviations and the corresponding measured cross section relative to the standard model prediction is 1.02_{-0.23}^{+0.26}. The significances of the individual WWW and WWZ production are 3.3 and 3.4 standard deviations, respectively. Measured production cross sections for the individual triboson processes are also reported.
  16. Sirunyan AM, Tumasyan A, Adam W, Ambrogi F, Bergauer T, Dragicevic M, et al.
    Phys Rev Lett, 2020 Nov 27;125(22):222001.
    PMID: 33315428 DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.125.222001
    Ultrarelativistic heavy ion collisions recreate in the laboratory the thermodynamical conditions prevailing in the early universe up to 10^{-6}  sec, thereby allowing the study of the quark-gluon plasma (QGP), a state of quantum chromodynamics (QCD) matter with deconfined partons. The top quark, the heaviest elementary particle known, is accessible in nucleus-nucleus collisions at the CERN LHC, and constitutes a novel probe of the QGP. Here, we report the first evidence for the production of top quarks in nucleus-nucleus collisions, using lead-lead collision data at a nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of 5.02 TeV recorded by the CMS experiment. Two methods are used to measure the cross section for top quark pair production (σ_{tt[over ¯]}) via the selection of charged leptons (electrons or muons) and bottom quarks. One method relies on the leptonic information alone, and the second one exploits, in addition, the presence of bottom quarks. The measured cross sections, σ_{tt[over ¯]}=2.54_{-0.74}^{+0.84} and 2.03_{-0.64}^{+0.71}  μb, respectively, are compatible with expectations from scaled proton-proton data and QCD predictions.
  17. Sirunyan AM, Tumasyan A, Adam W, Ambrogi F, Bergauer T, Dragicevic M, et al.
    Phys Rev Lett, 2020 Aug 07;125(6):061801.
    PMID: 32845700 DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.125.061801
    The first observation of the tt[over ¯]H process in a single Higgs boson decay channel with the full reconstruction of the final state (H→γγ) is presented, with a significance of 6.6 standard deviations (σ). The CP structure of Higgs boson couplings to fermions is measured, resulting in an exclusion of the pure CP-odd structure of the top Yukawa coupling at 3.2σ. The measurements are based on a sample of proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s]=13  TeV collected by the CMS detector at the LHC, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 137  fb^{-1}. The cross section times branching fraction of the tt[over ¯]H process is measured to be σ_{tt[over ¯]H}B_{γγ}=1.56_{-0.32}^{+0.34}  fb, which is compatible with the standard model prediction of 1.13_{-0.11}^{+0.08}  fb. The fractional contribution of the CP-odd component is measured to be f_{CP}^{Htt}=0.00±0.33.
  18. Sirunyan AM, Tumasyan A, Adam W, Andrejkovic JW, Bergauer T, Chatterjee S, et al.
    Phys Rev Lett, 2021 Jun 25;126(25):252003.
    PMID: 34241504 DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.126.252003
    The Ξ_{b}^{-}π^{+}π^{-} invariant mass spectrum is investigated with an event sample of proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC in 2016-2018 and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 140  fb^{-1}. The ground state Ξ_{b}^{-} is reconstructed via its decays to J/ψΞ^{-} and J/ψΛK^{-}. A narrow resonance, labeled Ξ_{b}(6100)^{-}, is observed at a Ξ_{b}^{-}π^{+}π^{-} invariant mass of 6100.3±0.2(stat)±0.1(syst)±0.6(Ξ_{b}^{-})  MeV, where the last uncertainty reflects the precision of the Ξ_{b}^{-} baryon mass. The upper limit on the Ξ_{b}(6100)^{-} natural width is determined to be 1.9  MeV at 95% confidence level. The low Ξ_{b}(6100)^{-} signal yield observed in data does not allow a measurement of the quantum numbers of the new state. However, following analogies with the established excited Ξ_{c} baryon states, the new Ξ_{b}(6100)^{-} resonance and its decay sequence are consistent with the orbitally excited Ξ_{b}^{-} baryon, with spin and parity quantum numbers J^{P}=3/2^{-}.
  19. Sirunyan AM, Tumasyan A, Adam W, Andrejkovic JW, Bergauer T, Chatterjee S, et al.
    Phys Rev Lett, 2021 Jun 25;126(25):252002.
    PMID: 34241533 DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.126.252002
    A fiducial cross section for Wγ production in proton-proton collisions is measured at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV in 137  fb^{-1} of data collected using the CMS detector at the LHC. The W→eν and μν decay modes are used in a maximum-likelihood fit to the lepton-photon invariant mass distribution to extract the combined cross section. The measured cross section is compared with theoretical expectations at next-to-leading order in quantum chromodynamics. In addition, 95% confidence level intervals are reported for anomalous triple-gauge couplings within the framework of effective field theory.
  20. Sirunyan AM, Tumasyan A, Adam W, Ambrogi F, Bergauer T, Dragicevic M, et al.
    Phys Rev Lett, 2021 Sep 03;127(10):102002.
    PMID: 34533355 DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.127.102002
    The CMS experiment at the LHC has measured the differential cross sections of Z bosons decaying to pairs of leptons, as functions of transverse momentum and rapidity, in lead-lead collisions at a nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of 5.02  TeV. The measured Z boson elliptic azimuthal anisotropy coefficient is compatible with zero, showing that Z bosons do not experience significant final-state interactions in the medium produced in the collision. Yields of Z bosons are compared to Glauber model predictions and are found to deviate from these expectations in peripheral collisions, indicating the presence of initial collision geometry and centrality selection effects. The precision of the measurement allows, for the first time, for a data-driven determination of the nucleon-nucleon integrated luminosity as a function of lead-lead centrality, thereby eliminating the need for its estimation based on a Glauber model.
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