Buckling behavior of functionally graded porous plates integrated with laminated composite faces sheets

Kuo Xu,Yuan Yuan,Mingyang Li 국제구조공학회 2019 Steel and Composite Structures, An International J Vol.32 No.5

In this work, lightweight sandwich plates consisting of a functionally graded porous (FGP) core and two laminated composite face sheets resting on elastic foundation have been proposed. Three different profiles are considered for the distributions of porosities along core thickness. The main aim of this paper is the investigation of the buckling behavior of the proposed porous sandwich plates (PSPs) by reporting their critical mechanical loads and their corresponding mode shapes. A finite element method (FEM) based on first order shear deformation theories (FSDT) is developed to discretize governing equations for the buckling behavior of the proposed sandwich plates. The effects of porosity dispersion and volume, the numbers and angles of laminated layers, sandwich plate geometrical dimensions, elastic foundation coefficients, loading and boundary conditions are studied. The results show that the use of FGP core can offer a PSP with half weight core and only 5% reduction in critical buckling loads. Moreover, stacking sequences with only ±45 orientation fibers offer the highest values of buckling loads.

A Novel Monoclonal Antibody Induces Cancer Cell Apoptosis and Enhances the Activity of Chemotherapeutic Drugs

Xu, Heng,Tian, Yan-Na,Dun, Bo-Ying,Liu, Hai-Tao,Dong, Guang-Kuo,Wang, Jin-Hua,Lu, Shang-Su,Chen, Bo,She, Jin-Xiong Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.11

A novel monoclonal antibody (mAb), known as AC10364, was identified from an antibody library generated by immunization of mice with human carcinoma cells. The mAb recognized proteins in lysates from multiple carcinoma cell lines. Cell cytotoxicity assays showed that AC10364 significantly inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in multiple carcinoma cell lines, including Bel/fu, KATO-III and A2780. Compared with mAb AC10364 or chemotherapeutic drugs alone, the combination of mAb AC10364 with chemotherapeutic drugs demonstrated enhanced growth inhibitory effects on carcinoma cells. These results suggest that mAb AC10364 is a promising candidate for cancer therapy.

A New Theory for Acupuncture: Promoting Robust Regulation

Yuan Xu,Yang Guo,Yuru Song,Kuo Zhang,Yiping Zhang,Qiang Li,Shouhai Hong,Yangyang Liu,Yi Guo 사단법인약침학회 2018 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.11 No.1

Robustness, an ability of biological networks to uphold their functionalities in the face of perturbations, is a key characteristic of all living systems. Acupuncture is a procedure in which fine needles are inserted into an individual at discrete points and then manipulated, with the intent of preventing and curing diseases. Acupuncture does not directly eliminate pathogenic factors or pathological tissue; rather, acupuncture enhances the ability of the human body to self-medicate itself by activating complex regulatory systems and by maintaining physiological homeostasis to prevent or treat diseases. From this point of view, the effect of acupuncture on the human body is more likely a kind of regulation to promote robustness. That is to say, acupuncture has the ability to promote robustness. In this article, we review the properties and functions of acupuncture in preventing and treating diseases and in maintaining health by enhancing robustness.

The Loading–Unloading Model of Contact Between Fractal Rough Surfaces

Yuan Yuan,Kuo Xu,Ke Zhao 한국정밀공학회 2020 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol.21 No.6

A loading–unloading elastic–plastic model of contact between three dimensional fractal rough surfaces has been presented in this paper. During loading process, the mechanical properties of a single asperity follow Hertzian theory. During unloading process, the load-area relationships of a single asperity are obtained by EK model. The truncation size distribution functions for diff erent levels of asperities are deduced. And total true contact area and total contact load are obtained during a loading–unloading process. The results show as the rough surface is in elastic deformation, the load-area relationships during loading and unloading process are identical. As the rough surface is in inelastic deformation, the total true contact area during unloading process is greater than that during loading process. An experiment is designed to verify the validity of the present model.

An improved regularized particle fi lter for remaining useful life prediction in nuclear plant electric gate valves

Ren-yi Xu,Hang Wang,Min-jun Peng,Yong-kuo Liu 한국원자력학회 2022 Nuclear Engineering and Technology Vol.54 No.6

Accurate remaining useful life (RUL) prediction for critical components of nuclear power equipment is animportant way to realize aging management of nuclear power equipment. The electric gate valve is oneof the most safety-critical and widely distributed mechanical equipment in nuclear power installations. However, the electric gate valve's extended service in nuclear installations causes aging and degradationinduced by crack propagation and leakages. Hence, it is necessary to develop a robust RUL predictionmethod to evaluate its operating state. Although the particle filter(PF) algorithm and its variants can dealwith this nonlinear problem effectively, they suffer from severe particle degeneracy and depletion, whichleads to its sub-optimal performance. In this study, we combined the whale algorithm with regularizedparticle filtering(RPF) to rationalize the particle distribution before resampling, so as to solve theproblem of particle degradation, and for valve RUL prediction. The valve's crack propagation is studiedusing the RPF approach, which takes the Paris Law as a condition function. The crack growth is observedand updated using the root-mean-square (RMS) signal collected from the acoustic emission sensor. Atthe same time, the proposed method is compared with other optimization algorithms, such as particleswarm optimization algorithm, and verified by the realistic valve aging experimental data. The conclusion shows that the proposed method can effectively predict and analyze the typical valve degradationpatterns

Enhancing the static behavior of laminated composite plates using a porous layer

Yuan Yuan,Ke Zhao,Kuo Xu 국제구조공학회 2019 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.72 No.6

The main aim of this paper is enhancing design of traditional laminated composite plates subjected to static loads. In this regard, this paper suggests embedding a lightweight porous layer in the middle of laminated composite as the core layer of the resulted sandwich plate. The static responses of the suggested structures with uniform, symmetric and non-symmetric porosity distributions are compared to optimize their design. Using the first order shear deformation theories, the static governing equations of the suggested laminated composite plates with a porous layer (LCPPL) rested on two-parameter foundation are obtained. A finite element method is also utilized to solve the governing equations of LCPPLs. Effects of laminated composite and porosity characteristics as well as geometry dimension, edges’ boundary conditions and foundation coefficients on the static deflection and stress distribution of the suggested composite plates have been investigated. The results reveal that the use of core between the layers of laminated composites leads to a sharp reduction in the static deflections of LCPPLs. Furthermore, in compare with perfect cores, the use of porous core between the layers of laminated composite plates can offer a considerable reduction in structural weight without a significant difference in their static responses.

Association of Six Susceptibility Loci with Prostate Cancer in Northern Chinese Men

Zhang, Yu-Rong,Xu, Yong,Yang, Kuo,Liu, Ming,Wei, Dong,Zhang, Yao-Guang,Shi, Xiao-Hong,Wang, Jian-Ye,Yang, Fan,Wang, Xin,Liang, Si-Ying,Zhao, Cheng-Xiao,Wang, Fei,Chen, Xin,Sun, Liang,Zhu, Xiao-Quan,Zh Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.12

Background/Aim: Six prostate cancer (PCa) susceptibility loci were identified in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in populations of European decent. However, the associations of these 6 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with PCa has remained tobe clarified in men in Northern China. This study aimed to explore the loci associated with PCa risk in a Northern Chinese population. Methods: Blood samples and clinical information of 289 PCa patients and 288 controls from Beijing and Tianjin were collected. All risk SNPs were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-high resolution melting curve technology and gene sequencing. Associations between PCa and clinical covariates (age at diagnosis, prostate-specific antigen [PSA], Gleason score, tumor stage, and level of aggressiveness) and frequencies of alleles and genotypes of these SNPs were analyzed using genetic statistics. Results: Among the candidate SNPs, 11p15 (rs7127900, A) was associated with PCa risk (P = 0.02, odds ratio [OR] = 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09-2.46). Genotypes showed differences between cases and controls on 11p15 (rs7127900, A), 11q13 (rs7931342, T), and HNF1B (rs4430796, A) (P = 0.03, P = 0.01, and P = 0.04, respectively). The genotype TG on 11q13 (rs7931342, T) was positively associated with an increased Gleason score (P = 0.04, OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.02-4.55). Patients carrying TG on 17q24 (rs1859962, G) were negatively associated with an increased body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.03, OR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.21-0.92) while those with AG on HNF1B (rs4430796, A) were more likely to have PSA increase (P = 0.002). Conclusion: Our study suggests that 11p15 (rs7127900, A) could be a susceptibility locus associated with PCa in Northern Chinese. Genotype TG on 11q13 (rs7931342, T) could be related to an increased Gleason score, AG on HNF1B (rs4430796, A) could be associated with PSA increase, and TG on 17q24 (rs1859962, G) could be negatively associated with an increased BMI in Chinese men with PCa.

Susceptibility Loci Associations with Prostate Cancer Risk in Northern Chinese Men

Wang, Na-Na,Xu, Yong,Yang, Kuo,Wei, Dong,Zhang, Yao-Guang,Liu, Ming,Shi, Xiao-Hong,Liang, Si-Ying,Sun, Liang,Zhu, Xiao-Quan,Yang, Yi-Ge,Tang, Lei,Zhao, Cheng-Xiao,Wang, Xin,Chen, Xin,Hui, Juan,Zhang, Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.5

Background: KLK3 gene products, like human prostate-specific antigen (PSA), are important biomarkers in the clinical diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa). G protein-coupled receptor RFX6, C2orf43 and FOXP4 signaling plays important roles in the development of PCa. However, associations of these genes with PCa in northern Chinese men remain to be detailed. This study aimed to investigate their impact on occurrence and level of malignancy. Methods: All subjects were from Beijing and Tianjin, including 266 cases with prostate cancer and 288 normal individuals as controls. We evaluated associations between clinical covariates (age at diagnosis, prostate specific antigen, Gleason score, tumor stage and aggressive) and 6 candidate PCa risk loci, genotyped by PCR- high resolution melting curve and sequencing methods. Results: Case-control analysis of allelic frequency of PCa associated with PCa showed that one of the 6 candidate risk loci, rs339331 in the RFX6 gene, was associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer (odds ratio (OR) = 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) =0.57-0.94, P = 0.013) in northern Chinese men. In addition, subjects with CX (CC+TC) genotypes had a decreased risk for prostrate cancer compared to those carrying the TT homozygote (OR =0.64, 95% CI = 0.45- 0.90, P = 0.008). The TT genotype of 13q22 (rs9600079, T) was associated with tumor stage (P=0.044, OR=2.34, 95% CI=0.94-5.87). Other SNPs were not significantly associated with clinical covariates in prostate cancer (P > 0.05). Conclusions. rs339331 in the RFX6 gene may be associated with prostate cancer as a susceptibility locus in northern Chinese men.

Phytochemical and pharmacological properties of the genus Tamarix: a comprehensive review

Li Fangjie,Xie Wenli,Ding Xianrui,Xu Kuo,Fu Xianjun 대한약학회 2024 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.47 No.5

The genus Tamarix in the Tamaricaceae family consists of more than 100 species of halophyte plants worldwide that are mainly used to improve saline-alkali land and for coastal windbreaks, sand fixation, and afforestation in arid areas. A considerable number of species in this genus are also used as traditional medicines to treat various human diseases, especially in Asian and African countries. This review presents a comprehensive summary of 655 naturally occurring compounds derived from the genus Tamarix, categorized into flavonoids (18.0%), phenols (13.9%), tannins (9.3%), terpenoids (10.5%), essential oils (31.0%), and others (17.3%). The investigation revealed that the crude extracts and phytochemicals of this genus exhibited significant therapeutic potential, including anti-inflammatory, anti-Alzheimer, anticancer, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. Six species of Tamarix have anticancer effects by causing cancer cell death, inducing autophagy, and stopping cell division. Seven species from the same genus have the potential for treating diabetes by inhibiting α-glycosidase activity, suppressing human islet amyloid polypeptide, regulating blood glucose levels, and modulating autophagy or inflammation. The focus on antibacterial and antidiabetic effects is due to the presence of volatile oil and flavonoid components. Extensive research has been conducted on the biological activity of 30 constituents, including 15 flavonoids, 5 phenols, 3 terpenoids, 1 tannin, and 6 others. Therefore, future research should thoroughly study the mechanisms of action of these and similar compounds. This is the most comprehensive review of the phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of Tamarix species, with a critical assessment of the current state of knowledge.

Highly Durable and Robust Superhydrophobic/Superoleophilic Cotton Fabric with Well-designed Roughness for Oil/Water Separation

Jiangtao Hu,Qianhong Gao,Lu Xu,Minglei Wang,Maojiang Zhang,Kuo Zhang,Xiaojing Guo,Weihua Liu,Guozhong Wu 한국섬유공학회 2018 Fibers and polymers Vol.19 No.7

Herein we report a simple and reproducible method for fabricating highly durable and robust superhydrophobic and superoleophilic cotton fabrics via simultaneous radiation-induced graft polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate and subsequent chemical modifications with aminopropyltriethoxysilane and hexamethyldisilazane. The chemical structure and the surface topography of the pristine and the modified cotton fabrics were investigated in detail by ATR-FTIR, XPS, and 29Si NMR, and a grafting layer was successfully immobilized onto the surface of the cotton fabric by forming covalent bonds. Multi-dimensional surface roughness was created by combining micro-sized fibers of the cotton fabric, nanoscaled protuberances of the grafting chain, and molecular level spherical projection points of silicon methyl. The superhydrophobic cotton fabric exhibited long-term stability, ultra-high durability and robustness, and maintained its properties even after 25 wash cycles. The fabric also showed excellent water repellency with a water contact angle of 153 o and a high efficiency of oil/water separation (98 %). The superhydrophobic/superoleophilic cotton fabric developed in the present work exhibits important potential applications in superhydrophobic textiles and oil/water separation.