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Based on the static load tests of two reinforced concrete (RC) beams without fire, two RC beams after fire and four RC beams strengthened with CFRP sheet after fire, the effects of shear span ratio, CFRP sheet usage and flange on the strengthening shear behavior of RC beams after fire were analyzed. Using a self-developed finite element program, the average reduction coefficient of concrete tensile strength of beam section after fire and repaired with equal dimensions was calculated, and a practical calculation method for shear strength of RC beams strengthened with CFRP sheet after fire was proposed. The results show that rupture failure occurs in fully-wrapped CFRP sheet and debonding failure occurs in the U-wrapped CFRP sheet with additional anchoring. The shear strength of concrete rectangular beams firstly exposed to fire and then fully-wrapped with CFRP sheet is higher than, about 5. 3% -16. 6%, that of the unfired one. The shear strength of concrete T-shaped beams firstly exposed to fire and then U-wrapped CFRP sheet with additional anchoring is increased about 34. 0% compared with that of the corresponding unfired rectangular beam. The proposed formula for the shear strength of RC beams strengthened with CFRP sheet after fire has certain safety margin ratio, and can be used to calculate the strengthened shear performance of that member after fire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthocyanins are a ubiquitous group of water-soluble plant pigments of the flavonoid family, with anticancer property through HER-2 signaling pathway. Nowadays, molecular docking plays an important role in exposing the active sites and obtaining the bioactive conformation involving protein-ligand interactions. According to the crystal structure of HER-2 kinase domain and 12 main antitumor compounds of anthocyanins as well as ATP, a molecular docking study was performed by MVD program. All 12 compounds could bind to the same cavity of HER-2 kinase domain by high affinity (MolDock Score < -105 kJ/mol for anthocyanidins, < -130 kJ/mol for anthocyanidins-glc), where hydrophobic force and hydrogen bond played key roles. Additionally, this cavity overlapped with ATP binding (MolDock Score = -161 kJ/mol) domain; the binding of anthocyanins presumably interfered the H bond formation between ATP and HER-2. These results indicate that anthocyanins may competitively bind to ATP binding site in HER-2 kinase domain by suppressing HER-2 activation and downstream signaling cascade. This may provide useful theoretical instruction for the molecular mechanism of HER-2 kinase activity inhibition by anthocyanins in cancer prevention and treatment.

Objective: To study the effects and mechanisms of soy isoflavone (SIF) on improving insulin resistance (IR) status in IR rats induced by high-fat and high-sugar diet., Methods: IR rats induced by high-fat and high-sugar diet were assigned into four groups and gavaged with SIF at doses of 0 (model control group), 50, 150 and 450 mg/kg bw for 4 weeks, respectively. Insulin, glucose, adiponectin in serum and adiponectin mRNA in perirened adipocyte were detected., Results: Compared with model control group, body weight and fat pad weight were lower, and serum adiponectin and adiponectin mRNA expression were higher in the 450 mg/kg bw group, insulin and insulin-resistance index were lower in the 150 mg/kg bw group and 450 mg/kg bw. There is no differences in plasma glucose levels among groups. There is an negative correlation between insulin-resistance index and serum adiponectin level (Y = 24.802 - 2.856X, r = - 0.881, n = 47, P < 0.01)., Conclusion: These results suggest that soy isoflavone may decrease adipose deposition, increase serum adiponectin level, and ameliorate insulin sensitivity.