• Language and Information
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.113-144
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• 2010

The primary goal of this paper is to find a feasible way to answer the question: Does the similarity in meaning between verbs relate to the similarity in their subcategorization? In order to answer this question in a rather concrete way on the basis of a large set of English verbs, this study made use of various language resources, tools, and statistical methodologies. We first compiled a list of 678 verbs that were selected from the most and second most frequent word lists from the Colins Cobuild English Dictionary, which also appeared in WordNet 3.0. We calculated similarity measures between all the pairs of the words based on the 'jcn' algorithm (Jiang and Conrath, 1997) implemented in the WordNet::Similarity module (Pedersen, Patwardhan, and Michelizzi, 2004). The clustering process followed, first building similarity matrices out of the similarity measure values, next drawing dendrograms on the basis of the matricies, then finally getting 177 meaningful clusters (covering 437 verbs) that passed a certain level set by z-score. The subcategorization frames and their frequency values were taken from the ICE-GB. In order to calculate the Selectional Preference Strength (SPS) of the relationship between a verb and its subcategorizations, we relied on the Kullback-Leibler Divergence model (Resnik, 1996). The SPS values of the verbs in the same cluster were compared with each other, which served to give the statistical values that indicate how much the SPS values overlap between the subcategorization frames of the verbs. Our final analysis shows that the degree of overlap, or the relationship between semantic similarity and the subcategorization frames of the verbs in English, is equally spread out from the 'very strongly related' to the 'very weakly related'. Some semantically similar verbs share a lot in terms of their subcategorization frames, and some others indicate an average degree of strength in the relationship, while the others, though still semantically similar, tend to share little in their subcategorization frames.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.485-495
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• 2020

Based on the movement characteristics of overlying strata with gangue backfilling, the compression test of gangue is designed. The deformation characterristics of gangue is obtained based on the different Talbot index. The deformation has a logarithmic growth trend, including sharp deformation stage, linear deformation stage, rheological stage, and the resistance to deformation changes in different stages. The more advantageous Talbot gradation index is obtained to control the surface subsidence. On the basis of similarity simulation test with gangue backfilling, the characteristics of roof failure and the evolution of the supporting force are analyzed. In the early stage of gangue backfilling, beam structure damage directly occurs at the roof, and the layer is separated from the overlying rock. As the working face advances, the crack arch of the basic roof is generated, and the separation layer is closed. Due to the supporting effect of filling gangue, the stress concentration in gangue backfilling stope is relatively mild. Based on the equivalent mining height model of gangue backfilling stope, the relationship between full ratio and mining height is obtained. It is necessary to ensure that the gradation of filling gangue meets the Talbot distribution of n=0.5, and the full ratio meets the protection grade requirements of surface buildings.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.837-851
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• 2020

This study aims to examine the interface shear behavior between precast high-strength concrete slabs with pockets and steel beam to achieve accelerated bridge construction (ABC). Twenty-six push-out specimens, with different stud height, stud diameter, stud arrangement, deck thickness, the infilling concrete strength in shear pocket (different types of concrete), steel fiber volume of the infilling concrete in shear pocket concrete and casting method, were tested in this investigation. Based on the experimental results, this study suggests that the larger stud diameter and higher strength concrete promoted the shear capacity and stiffness but with the losing of ductility. The addition of steel fiber in pocket concrete would promote the ductility effectively, but without apparent improvement of bearing capacity or even declining the initial stiffness of specimens. It can also be confirmed that the precast steel-concrete composite structure can be adopted in practice engineering, with an acceptable ductility (6.74 mm) and minor decline of stiffness (4.93%) and shear capacity (0.98%). Due to the inapplicability of current design provision, a more accurate model was proposed, which can be used for predicting the interface shear capacity well for specimens with wide ranges of the stud diameters (from13 mm to 30 mm) and the concrete strength (from 26 MPa to 200 MPa).

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.13
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• pp.5573-5578
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• 2015

Background: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to compare the post-recurrence survival with hepatic re-resection versus transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after initial resection. Materials and Methods: All relevant papers were searched via PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using a random-effects model. Subgroup analysis was performed according to country. Sensitivity analysis was performed in studies which clearly reported the recurrent regions, in moderate/high-quality studies, in studies published in full-text form, and in studies published after 2005. Results: In total, twelve papers were included in our study. Five and seven of them were of moderate- and poor-quality, respectively. The overall meta-analysis demonstrated a statistically significantly higher post-recurrence survival in the hepatic re-resection group than in those undergoing TACE (HR=0.64, 95%CI=0.52-0.79, P<0.0001). Heterogeneity was statistically significant and statistical significance remained in the subgroup analysis. Sensitivity analyses were also consistent with the overall analysis. Conclusions: Hepatic re-resection might provide a better post-recurrence survival than TACE for recurrent HCC after initial resection. However, considering the low quality of published studies and the potential bias of treatment selection, further randomized trials should be warranted to confirm these findings.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.20
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• pp.8741-8747
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• 2014

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the associations between polymorphisms of interleukin-1A (IL-1A), IL-1B, and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RN) and prostate cancer (PCa) risk. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search for articles of MEDLINE and EMBASE databases and bibliographies of retrieved articles published up to August 3, 2014 was performed. Methodological quality assessment of the trials was based on a standard quality scoring system. The meta-analysis was performed using STATA 12.0. Results: We included 9 studies (1 study for IL-1A, 5 studies for IL-1B, and 3 studies for IL-1RN), and significant association was found between polymorphisms of IL-1B-511 (rs16944) as well as IL-1B-31 (rs1143627) and PCa risk. IL-1B-511 (rs16944) polymorphism was significantly associated with PCa risk in homozygote and recessive models, as well as allele contrast (TT vs CC: OR, 0.74; 95%CI, 0.58-0.94; P=0.012; TT vs TC+CC; OR, 0.79; 95%CI, 0.63-0.98; P=0.033; T vs C: OR, 0.86; 95%CI, 0.77-0.96; P=0.008). The association between IL-1B-31 (rs1143627) polymorphism and PCa risk was weakly significant under a heterozygote model (OR, 1.35; 95%CI, 1.00-1.80; P=0.047). Conclusions: Sequence variants in IL-1B-511 (rs16944) and IL-1B-31 (rs1143627) are significantly associated with PCa risk, which provides additional novel evidence that proinflammatory cytokines and inflammation play an important role in the etiology of PCa.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.7
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• pp.2971-2977
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• 2014

Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been recently observed in various human cancers. However, the role of lncRNAs in pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains unclarified. The aim of this study was to detect the expression of lncRNA MALAT1 in PDAC formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissues and to investigate the clinical significance of the MALAT1 level. Methods: The expression of MALAT1 was examined in 45 PDAC and 25 adjacent non-cancerous FFPE tissues, as well as in five PDAC cell lines and a normal pancreatic epithelium cell line HPDE6c-7, using qRT-PCR. The relationship between MALAT1 level and clinicopathological parameters of PDAC was analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model. Results: The relative level of MALAT1 was significantly higher in PDAC compared to the adjacent normal pancreatic tissues (p=0.009). When comparing the MALAT1 level in the cultured cell lines, remarkably higher expression of MALAT1 was found in aspc-1 PDAC cells compared with the immortal pancreatic duct epithelial cell line HPDE6c-7 (q=7.573, p<0.05). Furthermore, MALAT1 expression level showed significant correlation with tumor size (r=0.35, p=0.018), tumor stage (r=0.439, p=0.003) and depth of invasion (r=0.334, p=0.025). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients with higher MALAT1 expression had a poorer disease free survival (p=0.043). Additionally, multivariate analysis indicated that overexpression of MALAT1, as well as the tumor location and nerve invasion, was an independent predictor of disease-specific survival of PDAC. Conclusion: MALAT1 might be considered as a potential prognostic indicator and may be a target for diagnosis and gene therapy for PDAC.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.1943-1948
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• 2014

Purpose: The prevalence of weight loss in esophageal carcinoma patients is high and associated with impairment of physical function, increased psychological distress and low quality of life. It is not known which factors may contribute to weight loss in patients with esophageal carcinoma during radiotherapy in China. The objective of this study was to identify the associated demographic and clinical factors influencing weight loss. Methods: We evaluated 159 esophageal carcinoma patients between August 2010 and August 2013 in a crosssectional, descriptive study. Patient characteristics, tumor and treatment details, psychological status, adverse effects, and dietary intake were evaluated at baseline and during radiotherapy. A multivariate logistic regression analyss was performed to identify the potential factors leading to weight loss. Results: 64 (40.3%) patients had weight loss ${\geq}5%$ during radiotherapy. According to logistic regression analysis, depression, esophagitis, and loss of appetite were adverse factors linked to weight loss. Dietary counseling, early stage disease and total energy intake ${\geq}1441.3$ (kcal/d) were protective factors. Conclusions It was found that dietary counseling, TNM stage, total energy intake, depression, esophagitis, and loss of appetite were the most important factors for weight loss. The results underline the importance of maintaining energy intake and providing dietary advice in EC patients during RT. At the same time, by identifying associated factors, medical staff can provide appropriate medical care to reduce weight loss. Further studies should determine the effect of these factors on weight loss and propose a predictive model.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.187-194
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• 2017

To reuse a broken plain concrete (PC) arch, a retrofitting method was proposed to ensure excellent structural performances, in which carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) were applied to repair and strengthen the damaged PC arch through bonding and wrapping techniques. Experiments were carried out to reveal the deformation and the load carrying capacity of the retrofitted composite arch. Based on the experiments, repairing and strengthening effects of the CFRP retrofitted broken arch were revealed. Simplified analysing model was suggested to predict the peak load of the CFRP retrofitted broken arch. According to the research, it is confirmed that absolutely broken PC arch can be completely repaired and reinforced, and even behaves more excellent than the intact PC arch when bonded together and strengthened with CFRP sheets. Using CFRP bonding/wrapping technique a novel efficient composite PC arch structure can be constructed, the comparison between rebar reinforced concrete (RC) arch and composite PC arch reveals that CFRP reinforcements can replace the function of steel bars in concrete arch.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.719-731
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• 2018

Concrete filled steel tubular (CFST) laced columns have been widely used in high rise buildings in China. Compared to solid-web columns, this type of columns has a larger cross-section with less weight. In this paper, four concrete filled steel tubular laced columns consisting of 4 main steel-concrete tubes were tested under cyclic loading. Hysteresis and failure mechanisms were studied based on the results from the lateral cyclic loading tests. The influence of each design parameter on restoring forces was investigated, including axial compression ratio, slenderness ratio, and the size of lacing tubes. The test results show that all specimens fail in compression-bending-shear and/or compression-bending mode. Overall, the hysteresis curves appear in a full bow shape, indicating that the laced columns have a good seismic performance. The bearing capacity of the columns decreases with the increasing slenderness ratio, while increases with an increasing axial compression ratio. For the columns with a smaller axial compression ratio (< 0.3), their ductility is increased. Furthermore, with the increasing slenderness ratio, the yield displacement increases, the bending failure characteristic is more obvious, and the hysteretic loops become stouter. The results obtained from the numerical analyses were compared with the experimental results. It was found that the numerical analysis results agree well with the experimental results.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.963-968
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• 2013

Objective: To study the effect of the antagomiR-27a inhibitor on glioblastoma cells. Methods: The miR-27a expression level in specimens of human glioblastoma and normal human brain tissues excised during decompression for traumatic brain injury was assessed using qRT-PCR; The predicted target gene of miR-27a was screened out through bioinformatics databases, and the predicted gene was verified using genetic report assays; the effect of antagomiR-27a on the invasion and proliferation of glioma cells was analyzed using MTT assays and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) labeling. A xenograft glioblastoma model in BALB-c nude mice was established to detect the effect of antagomiR-27a on tumour growth. Results: qRT-PCR results showed that miR-27a significantly increased in specimens from glioblastoma comparing with normal human brain tissues. Th miR-27a inhibitor significantly suppressed invasion and proliferation of glioblastoma cells. FOXO3a was verified as a new target of miR-27a by Western blotting and reporter analyzes. Tumor growth in vivo was suppressed by administration of the miR-27a inhibitor. Conclusion: MiR-27a may be up-regulated in human glioblastoma, and antagomiR-27a could inhibit the proliferation and invasion ability of glioblastoma cells.