• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.91 no.1
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• pp.75-86
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• 2024

In this paper, the porous metal PM-35 is proposed as the filler material of filled thin-walled tubes (FTTs), and a series of experimental study is conducted to investigate the dynamic behavior and energy absorption performance of PM-35 filled thin-walled tubes under impact loading. Firstly, cylinder solid specimens of PM-35 steel are tested to investigate the impact mechanical behavior by using the Split Hopkinson pressure bar set (SHP); Secondly, the filled thin-walled tube specimens with different geometric parameters are designed and tested to investigate the feasibility of PM-35 steel applied in FTTs by the orthogonal test. According to the results of this research, it is concluded that PM-35 steel is with the excellent characteristics of high energy absorption capacity and low yield strength, which make it a potential filler material for FTTs. The micron-sizes pore structure of PM-35 is the main reason for the macroscopic mechanical behavior of PM-35 steel under impact loading, which makes the material to exhibit greater deformation when subjected to external forces and obviously improve the toughness of the material. In addition, PM-35 steel core-filled thin-wall tube has excellent energy absorption ability under high-speed impact, which shows great application potential in the anti-collision structure facilities of high-speed railway and maglev train. The parameter V0 is most sensitive to the energy absorption of FTT specimens under impact loading, and the sensitivity order of different variations to the energy absorption is loading speed V0>D/t>D/L. The loading efficiency of the FTT is affected by its different geometry, which is mainly determined by the sleeve material and the filling material, which are not sensitive to changes in loading speed V0, D/t and D/L parameters.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.10
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• pp.4347-4351
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• 2015

Background: Previous studies showed that genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) were involved in glutathione metabolism and genetic polymorphisms of ribonucleotide reductase (RRM1) were correlated with DNA synthesis. Here we explored the effects of these polymorphisms on the chemosensitivity and clinical outcome in Chinese non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with gemcitabine-cisplatin regimens. Materials and Methods: DNA sequencing was used to evaluate genetic polymorphisms of GSTP1 Ile105Val and RRM1 C37A-T524C in 47 NSCLC patients treated with gemcitabine-cisplatin regimens. Clinical response was evaluated according to RECIST criteria after 2 cycles of chemotherapy and toxicity was assessed by 1979 WHO criteria (acute and subacute toxicity graduation criteria in chemotherapeutic agents). Results: There was no statistical significance between sensitive and non-sensitive groups regarding the genotype frequency distribution of GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphism (p>0.05). But for RRM1 C37A-T524C genotype, sensitive group had higher proportion of high effective genotype than non-sensitive group (p=0.009). And according to the joint detection of GSTP1 Ile105Val and RRM1 C37A-T524C polymorphisms, the proportion of type A (A/A + high effective genotype) was significantly higher in sensitive group than in non-sensitive group (p=0.009). Toxicity showed no correlation with the genotypes between two groups (p>0.05). Conclusions: Compared with single detection of genetic polymorphisms of GSTP1 Ile105Val or RRM1 C37A-T524C, joint detection of both may be more helpful for patients with NSCLC to receive gemcitabine-cisplatin regimens as the first-line chemotherapy. Especially, genetic polymorphism of RRM1 is more likely to be used as an important biomarker to predict the response and toxicity of gemcitabine-cisplatin combination chemotherapy in NSCLC.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.24
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• pp.10713-10718
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• 2015

Purpose: To investigate the prognostic value of serum amyloid A (SAA) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing surgery. Materials and Methods: Preoperative serum samples of 328 patients with HCC who underwent curative resection and of 47 patients with benign liver lesion were assayed. Serum levels of SAA were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and its correlations with clinicopathological characteristics and survival were explored. Results: Levels of SAA were significantly higher in patients with HCC than those with benign liver lesion. There were strong correlations between preoperative serum SAA level and tumor size and more advanced BCLC stage. On univariate analysis, elevated SAA was associated with reduced disease-free survival and overall survival (p=0.001 and 0.03, respectively). Multivariate analyses showed that serum SAA level was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (hazard ratio 2.80, p=0.01). Conclusions: High SAA serum level is a novel biomarker for the prognosis of HCC patients.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.527-538
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• 2019

Background: Ginsenoside Rg1 was shown to exert ligand-independent activation of estrogen receptor (ER) via mitogen-activated protein kinase-mediated pathway. Our study aimed to delineate the mechanisms by which Rg1 activates the rapid ER signaling pathways. Methods: ER-positive human breast cancer MCF-7 cells and ER-negative human embryonic kidney HEK293 cells were treated with Rg1 ($10^{-12}M$, $10^{-8}M$), $17{\beta}$-estradiol ($10^{-8}M$), or vehicle. Immunoprecipitation was conducted to investigate the interactions between signaling protein and ER in MCF-7 cells. To determine the roles of these signaling proteins in the actions of Rg1, small interfering RNA or their inhibitors were applied. Results: Rg1 rapidly induced $ER{\alpha}$ translocation to plasma membrane via caveolin-1 and the formation of signaling complex involving linker protein (Shc), insulin-like growth factor-I receptor, modulator of nongenomic activity of ER (MNAR), $ER{\alpha}$, and cellular nonreceptor tyrosine kinase (c-Src) in MCF-7 cells. The induction of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) phosphorylation in MCF-7 cells by Rg1 was suppressed by cotreatment with small interfering RNA against these signaling proteins. The stimulatory effects of Rg1 on MEK phosphorylation in these cells were suppressed by both PP2 (Src kinase inhibitor) and AG1478 [epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor]. In addition, Rg1-induced estrogenic activities, EGFR and MEK phosphorylation in MCF-7 cells were abolished by cotreatment with G15 (G protein-coupled estrogen receptor-1 antagonist). The increase in intracellular cyclic AMP accumulation, but not Ca mobilization, in MCF-7 cells by Rg1 could be abolished by G15. Conclusion: Ginsenoside Rg1 exerted estrogenic actions by rapidly inducing the formation of ER containing signalosome in MCF-7 cells. Additionally, Rg1 could activate EGFR and c-Src ER-independently and exert estrogenic effects via rapid activation of membrane-associated ER and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.9
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• pp.3773-3777
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• 2015

Background: This study aimed to establish a nomogram by combining clinicopathologic factors with overall survival of stage IA-IIB cervical cancer patients after complete resection with pelvic lymphadenectomy. Materials and Methods: This nomogram was based on a retrospective study on 1,563 stage IA-IIB cervical cancer patients who underwent complete resection and lymphadenectomy from 2002 to 2008. The nomogram was constructed based on multivariate analysis using Cox proportional hazard regression. The accuracy and discriminative ability of the nomogram were measured by concordance index (C-index) and calibration curve. Results: Multivariate analysis identified lymph node metastasis (LNM), lymph-vascular space invasion (LVSI), stromal invasion, parametrial invasion, tumor diameter and histology as independent prognostic factors associated with cervical cancer survival. These factors were selected for construction of the nomogram. The C-index of the nomogram was 0.71 (95% CI, 0.65 to 0.77), and calibration of the nomogram showed good agreement between the 5-year predicted survival and the actual observation. Conclusions: We developed a nomogram predicting 5-year overall survival of surgically treated stage IA-IIB cervical cancer patients. More comprehensive information that is provided by this nomogram could provide further insight into personalized therapy selection.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.12
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• pp.6227-6232
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• 2012

Interleukin-4 receptor (IL-4R) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are implicated in cancer development. However, results from the published reports have remained inconclusive. The objective of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis investigating the association between polymorphisms in IL-4R gene and cancer risk. Pubmed, EMBASE and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched for case-control studies published up to October 30, 2012 that investigated IL-4R polymorphisms and cancer risk. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the strength of any associations. Three IL-4R polymorphisms (Q576R, rs1801275; I75V, rs1805010; S503P, rs1805015) in 21 case-control studies were analyzed. Our meta-analysis indicated that these three polymorphisms are not associated with cancer risk when all studies were pooled together. In the subgroup analysis by tumor site, the results showed that Q576R G allele carriers were associated with a significantly decreased cervical cancer risk (recessive model: OR = 0.77, 95%CI = 0.60-0.98; homozygote comparison: OR = 0.76, 95%CI = 0.58-0.98). I75V G allele carriers were associated with a decreased risk of renal cancer (dominant model = 0.71, 95%CI = 0.57-0.89, heterozygote comparison: OR = 0.69, 95%CI = 0.55-0.87). When stratified by ethnicity, Q576R G allele carriers were associated with a decreased cancer risk in Caucasians (dominant model: OR = 0.90, 95%CI = 0.83-0.98; heterozygote comparison: OR = 0.89, 95%CI = 0.82-0.98). I75V G allele carriers were associated with a decreased cancer risk in Asians (heterozygote comparison: OR = 0.76, 95%CI = 0.62-0.94). S503P C allele carriers were also associated with a decreased cancer risk in Asians (CC VS TT: OR = 0.29, 95%CI = 0.08-0.99). Our results suggest that Q576R, I75V and S503P may be associated with a decreased cancer risk for certain types of cancers and in some specific ethnic groups. Future case-control studies with large sample size are needed to evaluate these associations in detail.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.8
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• pp.1134-1142
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• 2008

Cationic amino acid transporter $b^{0,+}AT$ (HGMW-approved gene symbol SLC7A9, solute carrier family 7, member 9) plays a crucial role in amino acid nutrition. In the present study, we describe the cloning and sequencing of porcine $b^{0,+}AT$. Based on the sequence of porcine $b^{0,+}AT$ deposited in the NCBI (National Center for Biotechnological Information), we identified a putative porcine homologue. Using rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE), the full-length cDNA encoding porcine $b^{0,+}AT$ was isolated. The porcine $b^{0,+}AT$ cDNA was 1,680 bp long, encoding a 487 amino acid trans-membrane protein. The predicted amino acid sequence was found to have 88.9% and 87.1% identity with human and mouse $b^{0,+}AT$, respectively. Real-time RT-PCR indicated porcine $b^{0,+}AT$ transcripts expressed in heart, kidney, muscle and small intestine. The small intestine had the highest $b^{0,+}AT$ mRNA abundance while the muscle had the lowest (p<0.05). Along the longitudinal axis, the ileum had the highest $b^{0,+}AT$ mRNA abundance while the colon had the lowest (p<0.05). The $b^{0,+}AT$ mRNA level was highest on day 7 and 90 in the duodenum (p<0.05). It increased from day 1 to day 26 in the jejunum (p>0.05) and had the highest abundance on day 60 (p<0.05). There was, however, no difference between day 1, 7, 26, 30, 90 and 150 (p>0.05). The strongest $b^{0,+}AT$ expression appeared on day 7 in the ileum before weaning, and then decreased till day 30 but rose gradually again from day 60 to 150 (p<0.05).

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.11
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• pp.4637-4642
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• 2014

Background: Hypoxia-inducible factor $1{\alpha}$ (HIF-$1{\alpha}$) plays an important role in regulating cell survival and angiogenesis, which are critical for tumor growth and metastasis. Genetic variations of HIF1A have been shown to influence the susceptibility to many kinds of human tumors. Increased expression of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ has also been demonstrated to be involved in tumor progression. However, the prognostic value of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) inthe HIF1A gene remains to be determined in most cancer types, including colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we sought to investigate the predictive role of HIF1A SNPs in prognosis of CRC patients and efficacy of chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: We genotyped two functional SNPs in HIF1A gene using the Sequenom iPLEX genotyping system and then assessed their associations with clinicopathological parameters and clinical outcomes of 697 CRC patients receiving radical surgery using Cox logistic regression model and Kaplan Meier curves. Results: Generally, no significant association was found between these 2 SNPs and clinical outcomes of CRC. In stratified analysis of subgroup without adjuvant chemotherapy, patients carrying CT/TT genotypes of rs2057482 exhibited a borderline significant association with better overall survival when compared with those carrying CC genotype [Hazard ratio (HR), 0.47; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.29-0.76; P < 0.01]. Moreover, significant protective effects on CRC outcomes conferred by adjuvant chemotherapy were exclusively observed in patients carrying CC genotype of rs2057482 and in those carrying AC/CC genotype of rs2301113. Conclusions: Genetic variations in HIF1A gene may modulate the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery in CRC patients.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.242-248
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• 2015

In this paper, three carbon sources, i.e., solid graphite, gaseous CH4 and liquid ethanol, and one solid silicon source were employed to synthesize SiC/C nanocomposite powders by arc-discharge plasma. The processing conditions such as the component ratios of raw materials, atmospheric gases, etc. were adjusted for controllable synthesis of the nanopowders. It is indicated that both of solid graphite and silicon can be co-evaporated and reacted to form nanophases of cubic ${\beta}$-SiC with ~50 nm in mean size and a little free graphite; the carbon atoms decomposed from gaseous $CH_4$ favor to combine with the evaporated silicon atoms to form the dominant SiC nanophase; liquid carbon source of ethanol can also be used to harvest the main ${\beta}$-SiC and minor 6H-SiC phases in the assembly of nanoparticles. The as-prepared SiC/C nanocomposite powders were further purified by a heat-treatment in air and their photocatalytic performances were then greatly improved.

• Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.2402-2411
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• 2018

Fluoronitriles-$CO_2$ gas mixtures are promising alternatives to $SF_6$ in environmentally-friendly gas-insulated transmission lines (GILs). Insulating gas heat transfer characteristics are of major significance for the current-carrying capacity design and operational state monitoring of GILs. In this paper, a three-dimensional calculation model was established for a GIL using the thermal-fluid coupled finite element method. The calculated results showed close agreement with experimentally measured data. The temperature distribution of a GIL filled with the Fluoronitriles-$CO_2$ mixture was obtained and compared with those of GILs filled with $CO_2$ and $SF_6$. Furthermore, the effects of the mixture ratio of the component gases and the gas pressure on the temperature rise and current-carrying capacity of the GIL were analyzed. Results indicated that the heat transfer performance of the Fluoronitriles-$CO_2$ gas mixture was better than that of $CO_2$ but worse than that of $SF_6$. When compared with $SF_6$, use of the Fluoronitriles-$CO_2$ gas mixture caused a reduction in the GIL's current-carrying capacity. In addition, increasing the Fluoronitriles gas component ratio or increasing the pressure of the insulating gas mixture could improve the heat dissipation and current-carrying capacity of the GIL. These research results can be used to design environmentally-friendly GILs containing Fluoronitriles-$CO_2$ gas mixtures.