• BMB Reports
• /
• 제53권1호
• /
• pp.20-27
• /
• 2020

Translocator protein (TSPO), also known as peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, is a transmembrane protein located on the outer mitochondria membrane (OMM) and mainly expressed in glial cells in the brain. Because of the close correlation of its expression level with neuropathology and therapeutic efficacies of several TSPO binding ligands under many neurological conditions, TSPO has been regarded as both biomarker and therapeutic target, and the biological functions of TSPO have been a major research focus. However, recent genetic studies with animal and cellular models revealed unexpected results contrary to the anticipated biological importance of TSPO and cast doubt on the action modes of the TSPO-binding drugs. In this review, we summarize recent controversial findings on the discrepancy between pharmacological and genetic studies of TSPO and suggest some future direction to understand this old and mysterious protein.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• 제1권4호
• /
• pp.411-426
• /
• 2001

This paper treats the failure analysis of prestressing steel wires with different kinds of localised damage in the form of a surface defect (crack or notch) or as a mechanical action (transverse loads). From the microscopical point of view, the micromechanisms of fracture are shear dimples (associated with localised plasticity) in the case of the transverse loads and cleavage-like (related to a weakest-link fracture micromechanism) in the case of cracked wires. In the notched geometries the microscopic modes of fracture range from the ductile micro-void coalescence to the brittle cleavage, depending on the stress triaxiality in the vicinity of the notch tip. From the macroscopical point of view, fracture criteria are proposed as design criteria in damage tolerance analyses. The transverse load situation is solved by using an upper bound theorem of limit analysis in plasticity. The case of the cracked wire may be treated using fracture criteria in the framework of linear elastic fracture mechanics on the basis of a previous finite element computation of the stress intensity factor in the cracked cylinder. Notched geometries require the use of elastic-plastic fracture mechanics and numerical analysis of the stress-strain state at the failure situation. A fracture criterion is formulated on the basis of the critical value of the effective or equivalent stress in the Von Mises sense.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
• /
• 제6권2호
• /
• pp.143-159
• /
• 1998

The objective of this present work is to estimate the failure loads, associated maximum transverse displacements, locations and the modes of failure, including the onset of delamination, of thin, square symmetric laminates under the action in-plane positive (+ve) shear load. Two progressive failure analyses, one using the Hashin criterion and the other using a Tensor polynomial criterion, are used in conjunction with finite element method. First order shear deformation theory along with geometric non-linearity in the von Karman sense have been employed. Variation of failure loads and failure characteristics with five type of lay-ups and three types of boundary conditions has been investigated in detail. It is observed that the maximum difference between failure loads predieted by various criteria depends strongly on the laminate lay-up and the flexural boundary restraint. Laminates with clamped edges are found to be more susceptible to failure due to transverse shear (ensuing from the out of plane bending) and delamination, while those with simply supported edges undergo total collapse at a load slightly higher than the fiber failure load. The investigation on negative (-ve) in-plane shear load is in progress and will be communicated as part-II of the present work.

• Wind and Structures
• /
• 제2권3호
• /
• pp.151-171
• /
• 1999

In its 90 years of life, the Tuned Mass Damper have found application in many fields of engineering as a vibration reducing device. The evolution of the theory of TMDs is briefly outlined in the paper. A generalised mathematical linear model for the analysis of the response of line-like structures with TMDs is presented. The system matrices of the system including the TMDs are written in the state space as a function of the mean wind speed. The stability of the system can be analysed and the Power Spectral Density Function of any response parameter calculated, taking into account an arbitrary number of modes of vibration as well as an arbitrary number of TMDs, for any given PSDF of the excitation. The procedure can be used to optimise the number, position and mechanical properties of the damping devices, with respect to any response parameter. Due to the stationarity of the excitation, the method is well suited to structures subjected to the wind action. In particular the procedure allows the calculation of the onset galloping wind speed and the response to buffeting, and a linearisation of the aeroelastic behaviour allows its use also for the evaluation of the response to vortex shedding. Finally three examples illustrate the suggested procedure.

• Computers and Concrete
• /
• 제7권3호
• /
• pp.249-269
• /
• 2010

Managing and reusing knowledge in engineering and construction sectors can lead to greater competitive advantage, improved designs, and more effective management of constructed facilities. The use of Information Technology (IT) in design and construction can exploit strategic opportunities for new ways of integration, sharing and facilitating information and knowledge in any field of engineering. The integrating of separate areas of IT can be used to bring a group of experts and specialists in any field of engineering closer together by allowing them to communicate and exchange information and expertise that facilitate knowledge capture, sharing, and reuse. A lack of an advisory management system and a need to marshal all available data in a common format has indicated the need for an integrated engineering computing environment to investigate concrete repair problems. The research described in this paper is based upon an evaluation management system (EMS) which comprising a database management system (REPCON) alongside visualisation technologies and evaluation system (ECON) is developed to produce an innovative platform which will facilitate and encourage the development of knowledge in educational, evolution and evaluation modes of concrete repair. This allows us to create assessment procedures that will allow the current condition of the concrete structure and its components to be expressed numerically using a confidence level (CL) so as to take the best course of action in the repair and maintenance management. The explained rating system, which is related to structural integrity and serviceability of the structure, allows the confidence level to be determined by visual inspection and the descriptive information and pictures taken from an available REPair of CONcrete (REPCON) database.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• 제27권2호
• /
• pp.193-200
• /
• 2018

This paper presents an experimental work for short circular steel tube columns filled with normal concrete (NAC), recycled aggregate concrete (RAC), and RAC with silica fume and steel fiber. Ten specimens were tested under axial compression to research the effect of silica fume and steel fiber volume percentage on the behavior of recycled aggregate concrete-filled steel tube columns (RACFST). The failure modes, ultimate loads and axial load- strain relationships are presented. The test results indicate that silica fume and steel fiber would not change the failure mode of the RACFST column, but can increase the mechanical performances of the RACFST column because of the filling effect and pozzolanic action of silica fume and the confinement effect of steel fiber. The ultimate load, ductility and energy dissipation capacity of RACFST columns can exceed that of corresponding natural aggregate concrete-filled steel tube (NACFST) column. Design formulas EC4 for the load capacity NACFST and RACFST columns are proposed, and the predictions agree well with the experimental results from this study.

• 한국신뢰성학회지:신뢰성응용연구
• /
• 제10권2호
• /
• pp.93-105
• /
• 2010

The following thesis provides an explanation for the definition of the MIL-HDBK-2155 : Failure Reporting, Analysis and Corrective Action System (FRACAS), which systemizes the collection and analysis of failure data and the feedback process of the results. It also presents a plan based on MIL-HDBK-2155 for the collection and analysis of operating specifications on weapon systems. The collection and analysis of failure data and the feedback process utilizing FRACAS contributes to identifying improvement requirements during equipment operation as well as finding and eliminating the root cause of the failures. The objective of applying FRACAS to weapon systems is to receive source data feedback for reliability enhancements and performance improvements during operation. This is done by recognizing weaknesses in the design or operation by identifying the type of failures that might occur, and by performing Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analysis(FMECA) and Failure Tree Analysis(FTA).

• 산업경영시스템학회지
• /
• 제24권68호
• /
• pp.85-94
• /
• 2001

Most of customers want to know how to develop the computer system they want to get to use according to the their requirements. This study presents a Computer Integration management System for Quality (CISQ) model for system-integration organizations, which need to demonstrate their capability to consistently provide computer integrated system that meets customer satisfaction and applicable regulatory requirements. The Plan.Do.Check.Act(PDCA) cycle called by Doming wheel expresses the basic concept of continuous improvement action in order to emphasize on achieving business goal. It is useful for providing full competence of a system-integration organization to integrate management systems based on the international management system, and to take an advantage in its market. This study specifies International Certification Network Business Excellence Concept(IBEC) approach to ensure a harmonized integration of the variety of management systems and thereby produce synergy effect. The end part of this study specifies a Assessment Model including an assessment concept adding to the compliance audit according to the CISQ for the continuous improvement. A simple application on Failure Modes and Effects Analysis(FMEA) in testing phase in project life cycle has been done.

• 대한전기학회논문지:전기기기및에너지변환시스템부문B
• /
• 제48권9호
• /
• pp.467-475
• /
• 1999

This paper presents an analysis method of a forward converter, using both the finite element method considering the external circuit and a state variables equation. The converter operates at 50kHz and its one period is divided into two modes for the simplicity of the analysis. In the first mode, the switching transistor turns on and an input power is transferred into the load by the electromagnetic conversion action of a ferrite transformer. In the second mode, the switching transistor turns off and the stored energy in an inductor is delivered to the load, and the transformer core is demagnetized by the reset winding current. In this paper, time-stepping finite element method taking into account the on-state electrical circuit of the converter in used to analyze both the electrical circuit and electromagnetic field of the magnetic device during the first mode and the demagnetization period of the transformer core. Then a state variables equation for the circuit which the inductor current flows is constituted and solved during the second mode. As a result, the simulation results have been good agreement with the results obtained form experiment.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• 제35권2호
• /
• pp.159-169
• /
• 2020

Sandwich composite wall consists of concrete core attached by two external steel faceplates. It combines the advantage of steel and concrete. The appropriate composite action between steel faceplate and concrete core is achieved by using adequate mechanical connectors. This research studied the compressive behavior of the sandwich composite walls using steel trusses to bond the steel faceplates to concrete infill. Four short specimens with different wall width and thickness of steel faceplate were designed and tested under axial compression. The test results were comprehensively evaluated in terms of failure modes, load versus axial and lateral deformation responses, resistance, stiffness, ductility, strength index, and strain distribution. The test results showed that all specimens exhibited high resistance and good ductility. Truss connectors offer better restraint to walls with thinner faceplates and smaller wall width. In addition, increasing faceplate thickness is more effective in improving the ultimate resistance and axial stiffness of the wall.