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Background/aim Phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 (PSAT1) is an enzyme implicated in serine biosynthesis, and its overexpression has been linked to cancer cell proliferation. Therefore, targeting PSAT1 is considered to be an anticancer strategy. Materials and methods The viability of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells was measured by MTT assay. Protein and mRNA expression were determined by western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Results Glutamine-limiting conditions were generated through glutamine deprivation or CB-839 treatment, which induced PSAT1 expression in NSCLC cells. PSAT1 expression induced by glutamine-limiting conditions was regulated by activating transcription factor 4. Knock-down of PSAT1 enhanced the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to glutamine-limiting conditions. Interestingly, ionizing radiation induced PSAT1 expression, and knocking down PSAT1 increased cell sensitivity to ionizing radiation. Conclusion Inhibiting PSAT1 might aid in the treatment of lung cancer, and PSAT1 may be a therapeutic target for lung cancer.

15-Hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) is the key enzyme that catalyses the conversion of prostaglandin E2 to a keto metabolite. The expression of 15-PGDH is ubiquitously repressed in vari...

Cytogenetic dosimetry is useful for evaluating the absorbed dose of ionizing radiation based on analysis of radiation-induced chromosomal aberrations. We created two types of in vitro dose-response calibration curves for dicentric chromosomes (DC) and translocations (TR) induced by X-ray irradiation, using an electron linear accelerator, which is the most frequently used medical device in radiotherapy. We irradiated samples from four healthy Korean individuals and compared the resultant curves between individuals. Aberration yields were studied in a total of 31,800 and 31,725 metaphases for DC and TR, respectively, obtained from 11 X-ray irradiation dose-points (0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 Gy). The dose-response relationship followed a linear-quadratic equation, Y=C+αD+βD², with the coefficients C=0.0011 for DC and 0.0015 for TR, α=0.0119 for DC and 0.0048 for TR, and β=0.0617 for DC and 0.0237 for TR. Correlation coefficients between irradiation doses and chromosomal aberrations were 0.971 for DC and 0.6 for TR, indicating a very strong and a moderate correlation, respectively. This is the first study implementing cytogenetic dosimetry following exposure to ionizing X-radiation.

Ginkgetin is a natural biflavonoid isolated from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba, and is characterized by its anti-inflammatory and anti-viral activities. Although numerous studies state that it has also antitumor activity, the anti-proliferative effect of ginkgetin and the underlying mechanism in breast cancer cells have not yet been investigated. In the present study, ginkgetin inhibited the cell viability of MCF-7 and T-47D cells dose-dependently, and suppressed the expression of the estrogen receptor (ER) at the mRNA and protein levels. Among the targets of the ER, 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), cyclin D1 and survivin were also downregulated by ginkgetin treatment. The anti-proliferative effects of ginkgetin were sufficient to suppress the growth by estradiol stimulation. However, ginkgetin did not significantly affect the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells, which are ER-negative cells. Furthermore, the knockdown of the ER and an inhibitor of PFKFB3 significantly sensitized MCF-7 and T-47D cells to ginkgetin. These findings suggest that ginkgetin induces cell death in ER-positive breast cancer cells via the inhibition of ER expression and that it is a promising agent for breast cancer treatment.

This study attempted to improve the performance of pouch-type lithium iron phosphate battery (LiFePO 4 ) through analysis on its degradation mechanism at a high rate (10 C) for the purpose of observing resistance and electrochemical changes in each material when a battery was manufactured considering the low electrical conductivity and of lithium iron phosphate and properties of cathode materials. For this, the life and safety of lithium batteries are evaluated after forming dendrites through the reduction of lithium at the negative electrode (graphite) as resistance in LiFePO 4 . The components of LiFePO 4 , which generate this kind of resistance includes tab, electrolytes, cathode active materials, anode active materials, binders and conductive materials. The main cathode (lithium-ion phosphate) and anode (natural graphite) materials were fabricated in 90% and 96% respectively, using conductive materials and binders. For a case, a 20 Ah Al pouch was fabricated. A full cell was fabricated with the best materials and components through analysis on resistance characteristic. Then, LiFePO 4 was thermally safer with a long lifespan than the conventional high-rate output. For analysis on materials, in addition, basic material analysis was performed through impedance, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-Scan and field emission scanning electron (FESEM). After tracing heat generated within the battery using infrared radiation (IR), the degree of degradation was examined. Then, the degradation rates of lithium batteries and reliability of measurements were comparatively assessed. When analyzed with an infrared camera, temperature rapidly rose up to over 80 °C during charge and discharge. A battery was fabricated using an industrial engineering method which can secure internal resistance-lowering slurry and coating dispersion processes and reduce resistance in the binder and tab joint. As a result, it was able to substitute conventional LiFePO 4 with high internal resistance, disperse heat inside the cell and increase its lifespan.

Caused corrosion by hydrogen on stainless steel using nondestructive technique is one of issues to be clarified in nuclear fusion industry. In this study, an ultrasonic wave was used to evaluate the degree of corrosion by hydrogen charging of stainless steel. The mechanical properties of hydrogen charged material including tensile strength and strain were discussed, and the change of surface of specimen according to the hydrogen charging quantities was observed. The relationship between fractography and ultrasonic wave characteristics on hydrogen charged material discussed. In addition, acoustic emission technique was applied to clarify the dynamic behavior such as dislocation, deformation and crack in material by loading. AE parameters of event, energy, amplitude and frequency were analyzed according to the degree of load, and optical AE parameter was derived to evaluate the degree of the damage of hydrogen charged stainless steel.

Graft and dendronized polymers have attracted much attention in the polymer community, and there have been significant efforts to develop better synthetic methods. Herein, we report the highly efficient synthesis of graft and dendronized polymers by using Cu-catalyzed multicomponent polymerization (MCP). Based on diversity-oriented synthesis, we prepared a library of various graft and dendronized polymers from combinations of three types of monomers (mono-functionalized alkynes, bis-sulfonyl azides, and diamines/diols) that are bench stable and readily accessible. After reaction optimization, 54 samples of high-molecular-weight graft and dendronized polymers were prepared, the MCP method allowing simultaneous manipulation of the structures of both the main chains and the side chains. Moreover, because of the severe steric hindrance of the side chains, these polymers adopted extended conformations, as shown by the large shape parameter in solution. Also, the extended morphology of the single polymer chains was directly visualized by atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy in the solid state. Most importantly, this diversity-oriented polymerization became possible because of highly step-economical and efficient one-step MCP, paving the way toward the easily tunable synthesis of graft and dendronized polymers.

Melatonin is implicated in various physiological functions, including anticancer activity. However, the mechanism(s) of its anticancer activity is not well understood. In the present study, we investigated the combined effects of melatonin and arsenic trioxide (ATO) on cell death in human breast cancer cells. Melatonin enhanced the ATO-induced apoptotic cell death via changes in the protein levels of Survivin, Bcl-2, and Bax, thus affecting cytochrome c release from the mitochondria to the cytosol. Interestingly, we found that the cell death induced by co-treatment with melatonin and ATO was mediated by sustained upregulation of Redd1, which was associated with increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Combined treatment with melatonin and ATO induced the phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAP kinase downstream from Redd1 expression. Rapamycin and S6K1 siRNA enhanced, while activation of mTORC1 by transfection with TSC2 siRNA suppressed the cell death induced by melatonin and ATO treatment. Taken together, our findings suggest that melatonin enhances ATO-induced apoptotic cell death via sustained upregulation of Redd1 expression and inhibition of mTORC1 upstream of the activation of the p38/JNK pathways in human breast cancer cells.

Recently, targeting deregulated energy metabolism is an emerging strategy for cancer therapy. In the present study, combination of DCA and metformin markedly induced cell death, compared with each drug alone. Furthermore, the expression levels of glycolytic enzymes including HK2, LDHA and ENO1 were downregulated by two drugs. Interestingly, HIF-1α activation markedly suppressed DCA/metformin-induced cell death and recovered the expressions of glycolytic enzymes that were decreased by two drugs. Based on these findings, we propose that targeting HIF-1α is necessary for cancer metabolism targeted therapy.

A stainless steel material is used as components for storing hydrogen gas and liquid hydrogen, or for transportation raw material and oil in storage container. Brittle fracture associated with hydrogen is observed for stainless steel and these phenomena of hydrogen embrittlement were very important for wide-ranging application of stainless steel. Many researchers have studied the hydrogen embrittlement from the mechanical and metallographic point of views. The aim of this study is to identify the material degradation by hydrogen embrittlement for 316L stainless steel using nondestructive evaluation. That is, the relationship between the mechanical properties of 316L stainless steel by hydrogen charging and nondestructive technique of acoustic emission technique and an ultrasonic wave is to be clarified. The relationship between fractography and ultrasonic wave characteristics on hydrogen charged material for 0hr and 24hr was discussed. SEM and optical microscope were used to inspect the fracture surface of hydrogen charged material. The fracture surface of the charged specimen became brittle, especially on the surface nearby. AE parameters of event, count, energy, amplitude and frequency were analyzed according to the degree of the damage of hydrogen charged stainless steel.

Redd1 is a stress response protein that functions as a repressor of mTORC1, a central regulator of protein translation, resulting in the inhibition of cell growth and metabolism. However, paradoxically, high Redd1 expression favors cancer progression and generates resistance to cancer therapy. Herein, we revealed that constitutive overexpression of Redd1 induced HSP27 and HSP70 expression in lung cancer cells. The expression of Redd1, HSP27 and HSP70 was highly increased in lung cancer tissues compared with that in normal lung tissues. Inhibition of HSP27 or HSP70 suppressed AKT phosphorylation, which was induced by constitutive overexpression of Redd1 and enhanced the inhibitory effects on viability of Redd1‑overexpressing cells. Inhibition of AKT phosphorylation resulted in a decrease of HSP27 and HSP70 expression in Redd1‑overexpressing cells. These data indicated that HSPs and AKT in Redd1‑overexpressing cells positively regulated the function and expression of each other and were involved in lung cancer cell survival. Knockdown of HSP27, HSP70 or AKT enhanced ionizing radiation (IR) sensitivity, particularly in lung cancer cells in which Redd1 was stably overexpressed. Collectively, constitutive overexpression of Redd1 led to HSP27 and HSP70 induction and AKT activation, which were involved in lung cancer cell survival and resistance to IR, suggesting that Redd1 may be used as a therapeutic target for lung cancer.

Embrittlement of material by hydrogen charging should be cleared for safety of storage vessel of hydrogen and components deal with hydrogen. A stainless steel is generally used as materials for hydrogen transportation and storage, and it has a big advantage of corrosion resistance due to nickel component in material. In this study, microscopic damage behavior of stainless steel according to the hydrogen charging time using nondestructive evaluation was studied. The surface of stainless steel became more brittle as the hydrogen charging time increased. The parameters of nondestructive evaluation were also changed with the embrittlement of stainless steel surface by hydrogen charging. Ultrasonic test, which is the most generalized nondestructive technique, was applied to evaluate the relationship between the ultrasonic wave and mechanical properties of stainless steel by hydrogen charging. The attenuation coefficient of ultrasonic wave was increased with hydrogen charging time because of surface embrittlement of stainless steel. In addition, acoustic emission test was also used to study the dynamic behavior of stainless steel experienced hydrogen charging. AE event at the hydrogen charged specimen was obviously decreased at the plastic zone of stress-strain curves, while the number of event for the specimen of hydrogen free was dramatically generated when compared with the specimens underwent hydrogen charging.

The effects of hydrogen charging on the mechanical properties of 304 stainless steels were investigated in conjunction with the detailed examinations of their fracture modes. The dependence of the absorbed impact energy and the surface hardness of the 304 stainless steels on the hydrogen charging time was characterized. The tensile properties of the 304 stainless steels by the variation of cross-head speed were also evaluated at the room temperature. The hydrogen charging was performed by an electrolysis method for all specimens of the 304 stainless steels. The mechanical properties of the 304 stainless steels exhibited the sensitivity of embrittlement due to a hydrogen charging. The correlation between mechanical properties and fracture surfaces was discussed.

Aims: To examine the pro-resolving effects of taurine chloramine (TauCl). Results: TauCl injected into the peritoneum of mice enhanced the resolution of zymosan A-induced peritonitis. Furthermore, when the macrophages obtained from peritoneal exudates were treated with TauCl, their efferocytic ability was elevated. In the murine macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells exposed to TauCl, the proportion of macrophages engulfing the apoptotic neutrophils was also increased. In these macrophages treated with TauCl, expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) was elevated along with increased nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). TauCl binds directly to Kelch-like ECH association protein 1 (Keap1), which appears to retard the Keap1-driven degradation of Nrf2. This results in stabilization and enhanced nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and upregulation of HO-1 expression. TauCl, when treated to peritoneal macrophages isolated from either Nrf2 or HO-1 wild-type mice, stimulated efferocytosis (phagocytic engulfment of apoptotic neutrophils by macrophages), but not in the macrophages from Nrf2 or HO-1 knockout mice. Furthermore, transcriptional expression of some scavenger receptors recognizing the phosphatidylserines exposed on the surface of apoptotic cells was increased in RAW264.7 cells treated with TauCl. Pharmacologic inhibition of HO-1 activity or knockdown of HO-1 gene in RAW264.7 cells abolished the TauCl-induced efferocytosis, whereas both overexpression of HO-1 and treatment with carbon monoxide (CO), the product of HO, potentiated the efferocytic activity of macrophages. Innovation: This work provides the first evidence that TauCl stimulates efferocytosis by macrophages. The results of this study suggest the therapeutic potential of TauCl in the management of inflammatory disorders. Conclusion: TauCl can facilitate resolution of inflammation by increasing the efferocytic activity of macrophages through Nrf2-mediated HO-1 upregulation and subsequent production of CO. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 23, 163–177.

Breast cancer cells possess a deregulated apoptotic pathway with increased expression levels of anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family proteins and ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) protein activity. Therefore, combined interference of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family and S6K1 protein expression may be a reasonable therapeutic strategy for the treatment of patients with breast cancer. In the present study, it was identified that the administration of a combination of ABT263 [navitoclax; a Bcl-2/Bcl-extra large (Bcl-xL) inhibitor] and PF4708671 (an S6K1 inhibitor) markedly increased apoptotic cell death in the BT474 breast cancer cells compared with the administration of either agent alone. Furthermore, the downregulation of Bcl-2/Bcl-xL and S6K1 with small interfering RNA induced a significant increase in cell death compared with RNA interference of either agent alone. Notably, combination treatment with ABT263 and PF4708671 decreased the expression level of survivin protein, with this ectopic expression of survivin attenuating cell death. Thus, the present study determined that the combined inhibition of Bcl-2/Bcl-xL and S6K1 may be a good strategy for treating patients with breast cancer.

Stainless steel is a popular structural materials for liquid-hydrogen storage containers and pipingcomponents for transporting high-temperature fluids because of its superior material properties such as high strengthand high corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures. In general, tungsten inert gas (TIG) arc welding is used forbonding stainless steel. However, it is often reported that the thermal fatigue cracks or initial defects in stainlesssteel after welding decreases the reliability of the material. The objective of this paper is to clarify the characteristicsof ultrasonic guided wave propagation in relation to a change in the initial crack length in the welding zone ofstainless steel. For this purpose, three specimens with different artificial defects of 5 mm, 10 mm, and 20 mm instainless steel welds were prepared. By considering the thickness of s stainless steel pipe, special attention was givento both the L(0,1) mode and L(0,2) mode in this study. It was clearly found that the L(0,2) mode was moresensitive to defects than the L(0,1) mode. Based on the results of the L(0,1) and L(0,2) mode analyses, themagnitude ratio of the two modes was more effective than studying each mode when evaluating defects near thewelded zone of stainless steel because of its linear relationship with the length of the artificial defect.

We demonstrate the first example of cascade polymerization by combining olefin metathesis and metallotropic 1,3-shift reactions to form unique conjugated polyenynes. Rational design of monomers enabled controlled polymerization, and kinetic investigation of the polymerization mechanism was conducted.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the elastic wave's characteristic on the crack in the weld of stainless steel materials using guided wave and acoustic emission, nondestructive tests. The stainless steel is expected as candidate of structural piping material under high temperature condition in nuclear fusion instrument, and a tungsten inert gas (TIG) weld technique was applied for making its jointing. The defect size of 20 mm was induced in the weld material. The guided wave, one of elastic waves, can propagate through very long pipe, and easily change to lots of modes by the defects in the structure. By analyzing the relationship between the mode conversion and the defects we can evaluate existing of the defects in weld material. In present study Nd-YAG laser was used to excite the guided wave by non-contact method, and AE technique was also used to clarify the mode conversion of guided wave by defect because lots of AE parameters of energy, count and amplitude can give more chances for analysis of mode conversion. The optimal AE parameters for the evaluation of the defects in weld zone using laser guided wave were derived.

Piperlongumine (PL) has been shown to selectively induce apoptotic cell death in cancer cells via reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. In this study, we characterized a molecular mechanism for PL-induced cell death.Cell viability and cell death were assessed by MTT assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, respectively. ROS generation was measured using the H2DCFDA. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used for suppressing gene expression. The mRNA and protein expression were analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively.We found that PL promotes C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) induction, which leads to the up-regulation of its targets Bim and DR5. Pretreatment with the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-cysteine abolishes the PL-induced up-regulation of CHOP and its target genes, suggesting an essential role for ROS in PL-induced CHOP activation. The down-regulation of CHOP or Bim with siRNA efficiently attenuates PL-induced cell death, suggesting a critical role for CHOP in this cell death. Furthermore, PL potentiates TRAIL-induced cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells by upregulating DR5, as DR5 knockdown abolished the sensitizing effect of PL on TRAIL responses.Overall, our data suggest a new mechanism for the PL-induced cell death in which ROS mediates CHOP activation, and combination treatment with PL and TRAIL could be a potential strategy for breast cancer therapy.

During the use of API X70 steel as a pipeline structural material for the transportation of natural gas, hydrogen embrittlement can occur due to the hydrogen contained in natural gas. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the hydrogen content under high-pressure hydrogen gas conditions on the hydrogen embrittlement of air-cooled API X70 steel. The air-cooled API X70 steel was manufactured by hot rolling and was then air-cooled to room temperature. Tensile test specimens were held for 0 h, 1000 h, and 2000 h within a pressure vessel filled with 100% hydrogen gas at a gas pressure of 10 MPa, with the tensile tests then performed at room temperature. The microstructure of the API X70 steel consists of coarse polygonal ferrite, coarse pearlite, and fine acicular ferrite. The yield and tensile strength increased and elongation decreased considerably after a holding time of 2000 h compared to those of 0 h and 1000 h within the pressure vessel. The morphology of the fracture surface changed from ductile to brittle upon hydrogen gas charging. Secondary cracks were observed in both of the hydrogen-gas-charged specimens. No external cracks were formed on the surface of the tensile-tested specimen with a 0 h holding time; however, many external cracks were observed on the specimen surface subjected to hydrogen gas charging.

The effects of hydro co-extrusion on the microstructure changes of aluminum hybrid duo-cast Al 3003/Al 4004 clad materials were studied. The specimen of duo-cast Al 3003/Al 4004 clad materials was in circle shape, and was composed of Al 3003(outside) and Al 4004(inside) materials. The specimen was extruded by the hydro co-extrusion equipment. The manufacturing conditions of the specimen were 423 K in temperature and 5 in extrusion ratio. The dimensions of the specimen were 80 mm in diameter of the Al 4004 material and 35 mm in thickness of the Al 3003 material before the hydro co-extrusion process, and 30 mm in diameter and about 5 mm in thickness after the extrusion process, respectively. The microstructure and the hardness for two specimens were investigated. The hardness value of cross section in the duo-cast Al 3003/Al 4004 clad materials before the extrusion process was increased in form of the parabola toward the center. However, after the extrusion process, it was almost constant in the portion of Al 4004 material. Lots of big voids above 1 mm in diameter in the specimen existed in the interfacing region of Al 3003 and Al 4004 materials before the extrusion process. These big voids disappeared after the process of hydro co-extrusion.

The objective of this research is to study the effect of various hydrogen charging quantities in austenitic stainless steel using nondestructive technique. The hydrogen charging equipment was designed to make charging the steel, and the specimens were charged for 2, 4, 10 and 24 hours in the equipment. An acoustic emission (AE) technique, nondestructive test, was used to evaluate the dynamic behavior of the hydrogen charged austenitic stainless steel specimen. The tensile load was applied the charged specimen with the attached AE sensor, and elastic waves caused plastic deformation and cracking in the specimen by external tensile loading were caught at the AE sensor and analyzed by the AE parameters such as count, energy, duration time, event and amplitude. In addition, ultrasonic wave was also used to evaluate the degree of hydrogen charging. The velocity and the attenuation ratio of the ultrasonic wave on the specimen with different hydrogen charging conditions were measured. The velocity was not changed but the attenuation ratio was linearly increased with the hydrogen charging time. The relationship between the results of nondestructive test including AE test and ultrasonic test and fractographic analysis by using SEM was discussed.

We demonstrated the fabrication of fluorophore-functionalized nanopatterns with topographic features. To obtain fluorescent nanopatterns, diblock copolymers having fluorophores in one of the blocks were synthesized by the reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization and were annealed by solvent vapor, resulting in perpendicular or parallel cylindrical nanopatterns functionalized with fluorophores, depending on the annealing solvent. Then, by etching one of the copolymer blocks, we were able to produce fluorescent topographic nanopatterns. Furthermore, Au nanorods selectively loaded in the nanometer-sized valley of the pattern effectively altered the fluorescence of the topographic nanopattern.

Herein, we show that the constitutive overexpression of Redd1, a negative regulator of mTORC1, induces Akt activation in lung cancer cells. Akt phosphorylation was reduced to basal levels by Rictor siRNA, suggesting the involvement of mTORC2 in this process. Perifosine and PP242, selective inhibitors of Akt and mTORC1/2, respectively, efficiently suppressed the Akt phosphorylation that was induced by the sustained overexpression of Redd1 and increased the sensitivity of the cells to cisplatin. Therefore, the sustained overexpression of Redd1 leads to mTORC1 inhibition and to consequent Akt activation that is involved in cell survival. This finding highlights the importance of Akt activation as a therapeutic target to overcome resistance to chemotherapy.

Resistance of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells to tamoxifen represents a major barrier to the successful treatment of breast cancer. In the present study, we found that vacuolar H+ ATPase (vATPase) inhibitors, bafilomycin A1 and concanamycin A, sensitize tamoxifen-induced cell death. siRNA targeting ATP6V0C, a 16-kDa hydrophobic proteolipid subunit of vATPase that plays a central role in H+ transport, markedly increased cell death induced by tamoxifen. Interestingly, bafilomycin A1 induced up-regulation of DR4/DR5 and CHOP. Knock-down of CHOP by siRNA suppressed the cell death induced by bafilomycin A1 and tamoxifen, suggesting that bafilomycin A1-mediated CHOP activation sensitizes to tamoxifen. In addition, we found that bafilomycin A1 enhances TRAIL-induced cell death in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, we showed that combination of vATPase inhibitors with tamoxifen also effectively induced cell death in HER2- and ERα-overexpressing breast cancer cells. Overall, our results demonstrate that inhibition of vATPase can potentiate the apoptotic effects of tamoxifen through up-regulation of CHOP.

This paper dealt with a liquid phase sintering process for the fabrication of carbon fiber reinforced SiC matrix composites (Cf/SiC), using a ultra-fine SiC particles and oxide additive materials. Especially, the thermal shock properties of Cf/SiC composites were investigated at the elevated temperatures. The characterization of monolithic SiC materials by the variation of starting SiC particle size was also examined. Monolithic SiC materials possessed an excellent density higher than about 3.0 mg/m3 and a good flexural strength of about 700 MPa, regardless of starting SiC particle size. Cf/SiC composites also represented a dense morphology in the intra-fiber bundle region, even if there were some amount of pores. However, the flexural strength of Cf/SiC composites greatly decreased at the thermal shock temperature of 400 °C.

Berberine has been reported to inhibit tumor growth in lung cancer. Thus, the effects of berberine on cancer cells as well as the cancer stem cell (side population; SP) fraction were investigated in the H460 lung cancer cell line, and the effects of berberine treatment on cell growth, cell cycle, and cell death were evaluated. Changes in the SP fraction were examined after treatment with berberine, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and co-treatment. Berberine inhibited cancer cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment of the cells with berberine resulted in a 4% increase in cell death and an 8% increase in the number of cells of G0/G1 phase, compared to the untreated control. To examine the relationship between berberine and cancer stem cells, the SP fraction was analyzed. Surprisingly, the SP cell fraction was increased upon berberine treatment and further increased after cotreatment with 5-FU. These results are in contrast to the study of Kim et al. (2008) with MCF-7 breast cancer cells, in which berberine inhibited the growth of both cancer cells and the corresponding cancer stem cells. Results of the present study suggest that berberine should be used with caution in the treatment of various cancers, despite its positive effect on cancer cell growth inhibition.

The fabrication route of SiC materials by the complex compound of ultra-fine SiC particles and oxide additive materials has been investigated. Especially, the effect of additive composition ratio on the characterization of SiC materials has been examined. The characterization of C/SiC composites reinforced with plain woven carbon fabrics was also investigated. The fiber preform for C/SiC composites was prepared by the infiltration of complex mixture into the carbon fabric structure. SiC based composite materials were fabricated by a pressure assisted liquid phase sintering process. SiC materials possessed a good density higher than about 3.0 Mg/m 3 , accompanying the creation of secondary phase by the chemical reaction of additive materials. C/SiC composites also represented a dense morphology in the intra-fiber bundle region, even if this material had a sintered density lower than that of monolithic SiC materials. The flexural strength of SiC materials was greatly affected by the composition ratio of additive materials.

Multidrug resistance-associated protein (Mrp) 2-deficient (TR(-)) Wistar rats have been used to elucidate the role of Mrp2 in drug disposition. Decreased breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp) levels were reported in sandwich-cultured hepatocytes (SCH) from TR(-) rats compared with those from wild-type (WT) rats. This study was designed to characterize hepatic Bcrp expression and function in TR(-) rats, using nitrofurantoin and pitavastatin as substrates. Bcrp was knocked down by RNA interference in rat SCH. Antibody BXP53, but not BXP21, specifically detected Bcrp knockdown in SCH. Bcrp protein levels were decreased markedly in TR(-) but not Mrp2-deficient Sprague-Dawley [Eisai hyperbilirubinemic rats (EHBR)] rats. Bcrp mRNA levels were decreased significantly in TR(-) livers as determined by TaqMan real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Biliary excretion of nitrofurantoin, a specific Bcrp substrate, was decreased significantly in SCH and isolated perfused livers from TR(-) rats compared with those from WT controls, indicating that hepatic Bcrp function is decreased in TR(-) rats. In Bcrp knockdown SCH, the biliary excretion index and in vitro biliary clearance of pitavastatin were decreased significantly to ∼ 58 and ∼ 52% of control, respectively, indicating that Bcrp plays a role in pitavastatin biliary excretion. Pitavastatin biliary excretion was decreased significantly in perfused livers from TR(-) compared with those from WT rats. In conclusion, expression and function of hepatic Bcrp are decreased significantly in TR(-) rats. The potential role of both Bcrp and Mrp2 should be considered when data generated in TR(-) rats are interpreted. TR(-) and EHBR rats in combination may be useful in differentiating the role of Mrp2 and Bcrp in drug/metabolite disposition.

Sulindac is a commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. This study tested the hypothesis that sulindac-mediated drug-drug interactions and/or hepatotoxicity may be caused, in part, by inhibition of proteins responsible for the hepatic transport of drugs and/or bile acids by sulindac and/or sulindac metabolites [sulindac sulfone (S-sulfone) and sulindac sulfide (S-sulfide)]. The uptake and excretion of model substrates, [(3)H]taurocholate (TC), [(3)H]estradiol 17-beta-glucuronide (E217G), and nitrofurantoin (NF), were investigated in rat and human suspended and sandwich-cultured hepatocytes (SCH). In suspended rat hepatocytes, S-sulfone and S-sulfide inhibited Na(+)-dependent TC initial uptake (IC(50) of 24.9 +/- 6.4 and 12.5 +/- 1.8 microM, respectively) and Na(+)-independent E217G initial uptake (IC(50) of 12.1 +/- 1.6 and 6.3 +/- 0.3 microM, respectively). In rat SCH, sulindac metabolites (100 microM) decreased the in vitro biliary clearance (Cl(biliary)) of TC, E217G, and NF by 38 to 83%, 81 to 97%, and 33 to 57%, respectively; S-sulfone and S-sulfide also decreased the TC and NF biliary excretion index by 39 to 55%. In suspended human hepatocytes, S-sulfone and S-sulfide inhibited Na(+)-dependent TC initial uptake (IC(50) of 42.2 and 3.1 microM, respectively); S-sulfide also inhibited the TC Cl(biliary) in human SCH. Sulindac/metabolites markedly inhibited hepatic uptake and biliary excretion of E217G by 51 to 100% in human SCH. In conclusion, sulindac and metabolites are potent inhibitors of the uptake and biliary clearance of bile acids in rat and human hepatocytes and also inhibit substrates of rat breast cancer resistance protein, rat and human organic anion-transporting polypeptides, and human multidrug resistance-associated protein 2. Inhibition of multiple hepatic transport proteins by sulindac/metabolites may play an important role in clinically significant sulindac-mediated drug-drug interactions and/or liver injury.

Tetraploidy or near-tetraploidy is a rare cytogenetic abnormality found in AML, and is divided into primary and secondary forms. The secondary tetraploidy or near-tetraploidy found in AML is known to be specifically associated with t(8;21). In this case report, FISH analysis detected RUNX1-RUNX1T1 gene rearrangement in the absence of cytogenetic abnormality of t(8;21), which suggests the presence of unvailed t(8;21). This is the first case report of tetraploidy or near-tetraploidy AML with cryptic RUNX1/RUNX1T1 in Korea. Although the prognosis of tetraploidy or near- tetraploidy with t(8;21) is known to be poor, this patient shows a relatively good clinical course compared to other reported cases.

Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP, ABCG2) is expressed in the hepatic canalicular membrane and mediates biliary excretion of xenobiotics including sulfate and glucuronide metabolites of some compounds. Hepatic Bcrp expression is sex-dependent, with higher expression in male mice. The hypothesis that sex-dependent Bcrp expression influences the hepatobiliary disposition of phase II metabolites was tested in the present study using acetaminophen (APAP) and the generated APAP glucuronide (AG) and sulfate (AS) metabolites in single-pass in situ perfused livers from male and female wild-type and Abcg–/– (Bcrp-deficient) mice. Pharmacokinetic modeling was used to estimate parameters governing the hepatobiliary disposition of APAP, AG, and AS. In wild-type mice, the biliary excretion rate constant was 2.5- and 7-fold higher in males than in females for AS and AG, respectively, reflecting male-predominant Bcrp expression. Sex-dependent differences in AG biliary excretion were not observed in Bcrp-deficient mice, and AS biliary excretion was negligible. Interestingly, sex-dependent basolateral excretion of AG (higher in males) and AS (higher in females) was noted in wild-type mice with a similar trend in Bcrp-deficient mouse livers, reflecting an increased rate constant for AG formation in male and AS formation in female mouse livers. In addition, the rate constant for AS basolateral excretion was increased significantly in female mouse livers compared with that in male mouse livers. It is interesting to note that multidrug resistance-associated protein 4 was higher in female than in male mouse livers. In conclusion, sex-dependent differences in conjugation and transporter expression result in profound differences in the hepatobiliary disposition of AG and AS in male and female mouse livers.

Silymarin, an extract from seeds of Silybum marianum, is used by 8 to 33% of patients to self-treat chronic viral hepatitis C in the United States. Studies in humans and rodents suggest that biliary excretion of glucuronide and sulfate conjugates is the major route for silymarin's elimination. To determine the role of multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2) (Abcc2) in the biliary excretion of silymarin, the hepatobiliary disposition of the six major silymarin flavonolignans was studied using isolated perfused livers (IPRLs) from wild-type (WT) and Mrp2-deficient (TR(-)) Wistar rats. For all the flavonolignans, approximately 96% of the dose was cleared from perfusate within 30 min in both WT and TR(-) livers, and

This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of a novel polymeric chlorhexidine-controlled release device as an intracanal medicament. One hundred cylindrical dentin blocks prepared from human single-rooted teeth were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis for 3 weeks. The intracanal medicaments tested were calcium hydroxide, a polymeric chlorhexidine-controlled release device (PCRD), a polymeric controlled release device without chlorhexidine (CHx), 0.2% CHx solution, and sterile saline. Dentin samples (at 200-mum and 400-mum depths) were collected from the medicated canal lumens after 1 week of medication with sterile LightSpeed files and placed in growth medium. Bacterial growth was assessed spectrophotometrically by analysis of optical density (OD) after 24 hours of incubation. The OD values at both depths were significantly lower in the PCRD group than in the other experimental groups (P < .001). These results indicate that a PCRD can be an effective intracanal medicament against E. faecalis.

The nuclear power plant has lots of pipes that the fluid of high temperature and high pressure flows. Among the pipe materials used at secondary circuit of the power plant the carbon steels are sensitive to corrosion due to their material properties. In this study, both ultrasonic test and acoustic emission test were used to study the corrosion effect for the carbon steel pipe nondestructively. The carbon steel specimens were in the pipe under 473K temperatures and 10MPa pressure conditions for corrosion processing. According to the degree of corrosion the strength of the specimen was evaluated, and the thickness of the corrosion specimens was also measured by using the ultrasonic wave. The experimental results showed that the attenuation factor was also increased as a depth of corrosion increased. The measured depth of the real corrosion by ultrasonic test shows the good agreement with that by an optical microscope. In order to understand the corrosion effect for the failure mechanism of carbon steel, a failure test on the specimen with various corrosion conditions was performed. An acoustic emission technique was also used to evaluate the degree of damage of corrosion specimen in real time. Acoustic emission technique is proved a useful method for on-line monitoring the microscopic failure mechanism and the damage location for the structures.

This study dealt with the corrosion resistance for the carbon steels under a pressurized water atmosphere at the elevated temperature. The nondestructive test was also used to evaluate the damage degree of corrosion test specimen. The corrosion test for carbon steels was carried out at the temperature of 200 °C under a water pressure of 10 MPa. The corrosion time for carbon steel was changed up to 20 weeks. The strength of carbon steel by the degree of corrosion was investigated by a tensile test. The carbon steel showed an average tensile strength of about 500 MPa after the corrosion period of 20 weeks, accompanying the weight loss of about 2.5 %. The attenuation coefficient of ultrasonic wave can be utilized as useful parameters to inspect the corrosion damages of carbon steels.

The long-term corrosion strength properties for the carbon steels under pressurized water atmosphere have been investigated, in the conjunction with the detailed analysis of their microstructures. The corrosion test for carbon steels was carried out at the temperature of 200°C under a water pressure of 10 MPa. The corrosion test samples were maintained up to 50 weeks in the tube shaped reactor. The mechanical strength and the microstucture of carbon steels suffered from the long term corrosion test were evaluated by SEM, XRD and tensile test. The weight loss of carbon steel by the corrosion test was also examined. The tensile strength of carbon steels decreased with the increase of corrosion time under a pressurized water atmosphere, accompanying the creation of severe corrosion damages like stress corrosion crack.

In this paper, a study on the development of an expert system for an Al matrix composite with shape memory alloy fiber was performed to evaluate the thermo-mechanical behavior and the mechanical properties for the composite. An expert system is a useful computer-based analysis system designed to establish the analysis technique of composites fabricated under various conditions. This system developed allows prediction of thermo-mechanical behavior and mechanical properties for other composite with shape memory alloy fiber. For finite element analysis, an analytical model is assumed as two-dimensional axi-symmetric model of one fiber and the matrix. In addition, the FEA was carried out at two critical temperature conditions; room temperature and high temperature (363 K). The finite element analysis result was compared with the test result for the analysis validity.

Despite excellent initial clinical responses of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), many patients eventually develop resistance. According to a recent report, vacuolar H+ ATPase (vATPase) is overexpressed and is associated with chemotherapy drug resistance in NSCLC. We investigated the combined effects of EGFR TKIs and vATPase inhibitors and their underlying mechanisms in the regulation of NSCLC cell death. We found that combined treatment with EGFR TKIs (erlotinib, gefitinib, or lapatinib) and vATPase inhibitors (bafilomycin A1 or concanamycin A) enhanced synergistic cell death compared to treatments with each drug alone. Treatment with bafilomycin A1 or concanamycin A led to the induction of Bnip3 expression in an Hif-1α dependent manner. Knock-down of Hif-1α or Bnip3 by siRNA further enhanced cell death induced by bafilomycin A1, suggesting that Hif-1α/Bnip3 induction promoted resistance to cell death induced by the vATPase inhibitors. EGFR TKIs suppressed Hif-1α and Bnip3 expression induced by the vATPase inhibitors, suggesting that they enhanced the sensitivity of the cells to these inhibitors by decreasing Hif-1α/Bnip3 expression. Taken together, we conclude that EGFR TKIs enhance the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to vATPase inhibitors by decreasing Hif-1α/Bnip3 expression. We suggest that combined treatment with EGFR TKIs and vATPase inhibitors is potentially effective for the treatment of NSCLC.

This paper dealt with the fabricating process of liquid phase sintered (LPS) SiC ceramics containing the oxide additives of Al2O3 and Y2O3, in conjunction with the evaluation of their mechanical properties. LPS-SiC ceramics was sintered at the temperature of 1820 oC under an applied pressure of 20 MPa and a pressure holding time of 2 hour. A commercial SiC powder with an average size of about 0.3 μm was used as a starting powder. LPS-SiC ceramics with additive composition ratios of 1.5 and 2.3 (Al2O3/Y2O3) represented an excellent density of about 3.2 Mg/m3. LPS-SiC ceramics had a flexural strength of about 800 MPa and a fracture toughness of about 8.0 MPa⋅m0.5 at an additive composition ratio (Al2O3/Y2O3) of 1.5.

Poly(ethylene oxide)-LiClO4-TiO2 organic-inorganic hybrids were synthesized for Li-polymer battery electrolytes using sol-gel processing. The hybrids containing TiO2 component showed the uniform film formation and also increased ionic conductivity. The hybrid films containing 10 wt% TiO2 showed the smooth surface morphologies and also the highest ionic conductivity. The molecular-level hybrid formation between PEO and TiO2 components was identified using FTIR analyses. The hybrids containing TiO2-Al2O3 mixtures showed the enhanced ionic conductivity compared to those containing only TiO2 most probably due to the Lewis acidic group formation at the surface of Al2O3 components. The PEO-LiClO4-TiO2-Al2O3 hybrids showed high stability both in ionic conductivity and crystallinity. By the sol-gel processing two inorganic components were successfully introduced in the PEO matrix and high-performance solid electrolytes were achieved.

A new series of thermotropic polyurethanes containing biphenyl units was synthesized by polyaddition reaction of diisocyanates such as 2,6-tolylene diisocyanate, 2,5-tolylene diisocyanate, 2,4-tolylene diisocyanate, and 1,4-phenylene diisocyanate, with 4,4□-bis(9-hydroxynonoxy)biphenyl (BP9). Structures of the monomer and the corresponding polymers were identified using FT-IR and 1 H NMR spectroscopic methods. BP9 exhibited a smectic type mesophase, however, nematic phase was found for all synthesized liquid crystalline polyurethanes except for 1,4-phenylene diisocyanate/BP9 based polyurethane. Their phase transition temperatures and thermal stability were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), optical polarizing microscopy, and X-ray scattering. The infrared study indicated that the hydrogen bonding among urethane linkages attributed to the mesomorphism. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) of synthesized polyurethanes showed that no weight loss of the polymers observed up to 280°C.

A new type of thermotropic main-chain liquid crystalline polyurethanes containing biphenyl units was synthesized by polyaddition reaction of diisocyanates such as 2,6-tolylene diisocyanate, 2,5-tolylene diisocyanate, 2,4-tolylene diisocyanate, and 1,4-phenylene diisocyanate, with 4,4′-Bis(11-hydroxyundeyloxy)biphenyl (BP11). The structure of the monomer and the corresponding polymers were confirmed FT-IR and 1H NMR spectroscopic methods. BP11 exhibited a smectic type mesophase, however, nematic phase was found for all synthesized liquid crystalline polyurethanes except for 1,4-phenylene diisocyanate/BP11 based polyurethane. For example, polyurethane 2,5-TDI/BP11 exhibited monotropic liquid crystallinity in the temperature ranges from 173 to 156 °C on the cooling stage.

The microstructure and the mechanical property of liquid phase sintered (LPS) SiC materials with oxide secondary phases have been investigated. The strength variation of LPS-SiC materials exposed at the elevated temperatures has been also examined. LPS-SiC materials were sintered at the different temperatures using two types of Al2O3/Y2O3 compositional ratio. The characterization of LPS-SiC materials was investigated by means of SEM with EDS, three point bending test and indentation test. The LPS-SiC material with a density of about 3.2 Mg/m3 represented a flexural strength of about 800 MPa and a fracture toughness of about 9.0 MPa⋅√m.

A new virus with a dsRNA genome was isolated and characterized from the Suhan-:neutari strain (ASI 2504) of Pleurotus ostreatus, which was characterized as long and slightly bent with small caps on the stipe of fruit body. Thirty nm isometric viruses with three dsRNA segments (approximately 2.0, 1.84 and 1.82 kb in sizes) were isolated by ultracentrifugation in sucrose gradients. Western analysis of protein extracted purified viruses with anti-virus polyclonal antibody confirmed that viruses have two specific proteins (36 and 68 kDa). Computer analysis of 2.0 kb segment shows that high. sequence identity with RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of partitiviruses, respectively. When compared to other dsRNA mycoviruses in a phylogenetic analysis, OMDV was most related to Pleurotus ostreatus virus 1.

A smart material is used as spectacle frames and brassiere frames, and partly in medical supplies because of its shape memory effect. The smart composite can be used on the wing of an airplane instead of the existing aluminium to control crack propagation. In this study, the smart composite was fabricated by a hot press method. TiNi alloy as reinforcement and Al6061 as matrix were used, respectively. The mechanical properties of the smart composite under thermal shock cycles were evaluated. In addition, Acoustic Emission techniques were also used to clarify the damage behavior of the smart composite under thermal shock cycles nondestructively.