• Computers and Concrete
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• 제20권5호
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• pp.563-572
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• 2017

Ordinary reinforced concrete (RC) and prestressed concrete bridges are two popular and typical types of short- and medium-span bridges that accounts for the vast majority of all existing bridges. The cost of maintaining, repairing or replacing degraded existing RC bridges is immense. Detecting the abnormality of RC bridges at an early stage and taking the protective measures in advance are effective ways to improve maintenance practices and reduce the maintenance cost. This study proposes a systematic method from influence line (IL) identification to damage detection with applications to RC bridges. An IL identification method which integrates the cubic B-spline function with Tikhonov regularization is first proposed based on the vehicle information and the corresponding moving vehicle induced bridge response time history. Subsequently, IL change is defined as a damage index for bridge damage detection, and information fusion technique that synthesizes ILs of multiple locations/sensors is used to improve the efficiency and accuracy of damage localization. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed systematic method is verified through experimental tests on a three-span continuous RC beam. The comparison suggests that the identified ILs can well match with the baseline ILs, and it demonstrates that the proposed IL identification method has a high accuracy and a great potential in engineering applications. Results in this case indicate that deflection ILs are superior than strain ILs for damage detection of RC beams, and the performance of damage localization can be significantly improved with the information fusion of multiple ILs.

• 한국전산구조공학회논문집
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• 제25권1호
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• pp.81-89
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• 2012

본 연구에서는 무선 가속도 센서노드를 이용한 강 거더 볼트연결 부재의 진동기반 손상 모니터링 체계를 제안하였다. 이 같은 연구목표를 위해, 다음과 같은 연구를 수행하였다. 먼저, 무선 가속도 센서노드의 하드웨어 구성 및 내장된 작동 소프트웨어를 제시하였다. 다음으로, 강 거더 볼트연결 부재의 진동기반 손상 모니터링 체계를 제시하였다. 손상 모니터링 체계는 가속도 응답특성 분석을 통해 전역적 손상발생 경보 및 손상위치 추정을 수행한다. 전역적 손상발생 경보는 파워스펙트럼밀도의 상관계수를 적용하였다. 손상위치 추정은 고유 진동수기반 손상검색 기법과 모드형상기반 손상검색 기법을 적용하였다. 마지막으로, 모형 강 거더의 볼트연결 부재 손상을 식별하기 위한 진동기반 손상 모니터링 체계의 적용성을 검증하였다.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제43권3호
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• pp.286-297
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• 2020

Mammalian patatin-like phospholipase domain containing proteins (PNPLAs) play critical roles in triglyceride hydrolysis, phospholipids metabolism, and lipid droplet (LD) homeostasis. PNPLA7 is a lysophosphatidylcholine hydrolase anchored on the endoplasmic reticulum which associates with LDs through its catalytic region (PNPLA7-C) in response to increased cyclic nucleotide levels. However, the interaction of PNPLA7 with LDs through its catalytic region is unknown. Herein, we demonstrate that PNPLA7-C localizes to the mature LDs ex vivo and also colocalizes with pre-existing LDs. Localization of PNPLA7-C with LDs induces LDs clustering via non-enzymatic intermolecular associations, while PNPLA7 alone does not induce LD clustering. Residues 742-1016 contains four putative transmembrane domains which act as a LD targeting motif and are required for the localization of PNPLA7-C to LDs. Furthermore, the N-terminal flanking region of the LD targeting motif, residues 681-741, contributes to the LD targeting, whereas the C-terminal flanking region (1169-1326) has an anti-LD targeting effect. Interestingly, the LD targeting motif does not exhibit lysophosphatidylcholine hydrolase activity even though it associates with LDs phospholipid membranes. These findings characterize the specific functional domains of PNPLA7 mediating subcellular positioning and interactions with LDs, as wells as providing critical insights into the structure of this evolutionarily conserved phospholipid-metabolizing enzyme family.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제45권11호
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• pp.855-867
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• 2022

For proper function of proteins, their subcellular localization needs to be monitored and regulated in response to the changes in cellular demands. In this regard, dysregulation in the nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT) of proteins is closely associated with the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases. However, it remains unclear whether there exists an intrinsic regulatory pathway(s) that controls NCT of proteins either in a commonly shared manner or in a target-selectively different manner. To dissect between these possibilities, in the current study, we investigated the molecular mechanism regulating NCT of truncated ataxin-3 (ATXN3) proteins of which genetic mutation leads to a type of polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases, in comparison with that of TDP-43. In Drosophila dendritic arborization (da) neurons, we observed dynamic changes in the subcellular localization of truncated ATXN3 proteins between the nucleus and the cytosol during development. Moreover, ectopic neuronal toxicity was induced by truncated ATXN3 proteins upon their nuclear accumulation. Consistent with a previous study showing intracellular calcium-dependent NCT of TDP-43, NCT of ATXN3 was also regulated by intracellular calcium level and involves Importin α3 (Imp α3). Interestingly, NCT of ATXN3, but not TDP-43, was primarily mediated by CBP. We further showed that acetyltransferase activity of CBP is important for NCT of ATXN3, which may acetylate Imp α3 to regulate NCT of ATXN3. These findings demonstrate that CBP-dependent acetylation of Imp α3 is crucial for intracellular calcium-dependent NCT of ATXN3 proteins, different from that of TDP-43, in Drosophila neurons.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• 제11권2호
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• pp.195-215
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• 2016

Rehabilitation of historical unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings is a priority in many parts of the world, since those buildings are a living part of history and a testament of human achievement of the era of their construction. Many of these buildings are still operational; comprising brittle materials with no reinforcements, with spatially distributed mass and stiffness, they are not encompassed by current seismic assessment procedures that have been developed for other structural types. To facilitate the difficult task of selecting a proper rehabilitation strategy - often restricted by international treaties for non-invasiveness and reversibility of the intervention - and given the practical requirements for the buildings' intended reuse, this paper presents a practical procedure for assessment of seismic demands of URM buildings - mainly historical constructions that lack a well-defined diaphragm action. A key ingredient of the method is approximation of the spatial shape of lateral translation, ${\Phi}$, that the building assumes when subjected to a uniform field of lateral acceleration. Using ${\Phi}$ as a 3-D shape function, the dynamic response of the system is evaluated, using the concepts of SDOF approximation of continuous systems. This enables determination of the envelope of the developed deformations and the tendency for deformation and damage localization throughout the examined building for a given design earthquake scenario. Deformation demands are specified in terms of relative drift ratios referring to the in-plane and the out-of-plane seismic response of the building's structural elements. Drift ratio demands are compared with drift capacities associated with predefined performance limits. The accuracy of the introduced procedure is evaluated through (a) comparison of the response profiles with those obtained from detailed time-history dynamic analysis using a suite of ten strong ground motion records, five of which with near-field characteristics, and (b) evaluation of the performance assessment results with observations reported in reconnaissance reports of the field performance of two neoclassical torsionally-sensitive historical buildings, located in Thessaloniki, Greece, which survived a major earthquake in the past.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• 제35권3호
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• pp.281-288
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• 2017

Purpose: The serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level has been recognized as a prognostic factor in colorectal cancer, and associated with response of rectal cancer to radiotherapy. This study aimed to identify CEA-interacting proteins in colon cancer cells and observe post-irradiation changes in their expression. Materials and Methods: CEA expression in colon cancer cells was examined by Western blot analysis. Using an anti-CEA antibody or IgG as a negative control, immunoprecipitation was performed in colon cancer cell lysates. CEA and IgG immunoprecipitates were used for liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. Proteins identified in the CEA immunoprecipitates but not in the IgG immunoprecipitates were selected as CEA-interacting proteins. After radiation treatment, changes in expression of CEA-interacting proteins were monitored by Western blot analysis. Results: CEA expression was higher in SNU-81 cells compared with LoVo cells. The membrane localization of CEA limited the immunoprecipitation results and thus the number of CEA-interacting proteins identified. Only the Ras-related protein Rab-6B and lysozyme C were identified as CEA-interacting proteins in LoVo and SNU-81 cells, respectively. Lysozyme C was detected only in SNU-81, and CEA expression was differently regulated in two cell lines; it was down-regulated in LoVo but up-regulated in SNU-81 in radiation dosage-dependent manner. Conclusion: CEA-mediated radiation response appears to vary, depending on the characteristics of individual cancer cells. The lysozyme C and Rab subfamily proteins may play a role in the link between CEA and tumor response to radiation, although further studies are needed to clarify functional roles of the identified proteins.

• 대한수의학회지
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• 제42권3호
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• pp.335-349
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• 2002

The immune response against Salmonella gallinarum infection was investigated in immunosuppresed chickens. Newly hatched chickens were treated with cyclophosphamide at the first and second day after birth and were challenged intraperitoneally with S gallinarum ($1{\times}10^7CFU/m{\ell}$) on day 6. Group 1, Immunosuppresed and Challenged group, was treated with cyclophaiphamide and challenged with S gallinarum; group 2, Immunosuppressed group, was only treated with cyclophsphamide; group 3, Challenged group, was only challenged with S gallinarum; group 4, Control group. In each group, the localization of lymphocytes of the lymphoid organs and intestine was immunohistochemically compared using a variety of monoclonal antiboies ($CD4^+$, $CD8^+$, and B lymphocyte). Also, S gallinarum were assessed by Maccallum-Goodpasture stain and immunohistochemical analysis in the paraffin-embedded intestinal tissues. In S gallinarum challenged chickens, $CD4^+$ and $CD8^+$ lymphocytes of the intestinal organs such as duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon were increased. However, in cyclophophamide treated chickens, $CD4^+$ and $CD8^+$ lymphocytes and especially B lymphocytes of the lymphoid organs such as thymus, spleen, and bursa of Fabricius were dramatically decreased. These results suggest that cyclophsophamide is an immunosuppressive agent that especially causes depletion of B lymphocytes, suppress humoral immunity and eventually suppresses avian immune responses. Its protection against S gallinarum infection is mainly dependent on both cell-mediated mechanism and the humoral immune response.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제20권12호
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• pp.1630-1636
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• 2010

During the fermentation process of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, yeast cells must rapidly respond to a wide variety of external stresses in order to survive the constantly changing environment, including ethanol stress. The accumulation of ethanol can severely inhibit cell growth activity and productivity. Thus, the response to changing ethanol concentrations is one of the most important stress reactions in S. cerevisiae and worthy of thorough investigation. Therefore, this study examined the relationship between ethanol tolerance in S. cerevisiae and a unique protein called alcohol sensitive RING/PHD finger 1 protein (Asr1p). A real-time PCR showed that upon exposure to 8% ethanol, the expression of Asr1 was continuously enhanced, reaching a peak 2 h after stimulation. This result was confirmed by monitoring the fluorescence levels using a strain with a green fluorescent protein tagged to the C-terminal of Asr1p. The fluorescent microscopy also revealed a change in the subcellular localization before and after stimulation. Furthermore, the disruption of the Asr1 gene resulted in hypersensitivity on the medium containing ethanol, when compared with the wild-type strain. Thus, when taken together, the present results suggest that Asr1 is involved in the response to ethanol stress in the yeast S. cerevisiae.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제30권6호
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• pp.781-787
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• 2017

Objective: The early growth response (Egr) family consists of four members (Egr1, Egr2, Egr3, and Egr4) that are zinc finger transcription factors. Among them, Egr3 is involved in transcriptional regulation of target genes during muscle spindle formation and neurite outgrowth. We previously showed that the immunoreactive Egr3 is localized on oocyte spindle and accumulate near the microtubule organizing center during meiosis I in mice. Egr3 was also shown to be localized on spermatocytes. We herein investigated if Egr3 is expressed in mouse gonads and if Egr3 blockade results in any defect in oocyte maturation. Methods: Expression of Egr3 in mouse gonads was examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Full-length Egr3 and truncated Egr3 (${\Delta}Egr3$) complementary RNAs (cRNAs) with Xpress tag at N-terminus and DsRed2 at C-terminus, and small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting Egr3 were microinjected into mouse oocytes at germinal vesicle stage. Localization of microinjected Egr3 was examined by confocal live imaging and immunofluorescence staining. Results: Egr3 mRNA was detected in mouse ovaries and testes from 1 to 4 week-old mice. An uncharacterized longer transcript containing 5'untranslated region was also detected in 3 and 4 week-old gonads. Microinjected Xpress-Egr3-DsRed2 or Xpress-${\Delta}Egr3$-DsRed2 localized to nuclei and chromosomes during meiotic progression. Microinjection of these cRNAs or Egr3 siRNA in oocytes did not affect meiotic maturation. Immunofluorescence staining of Egr3 in Xpress-${\Delta}Egr3$-DsRed2-injected oocytes showed a positive signal only on meiotic spindle, suggesting that this antibody does not detect endogenous or exogenous Egr3 in mouse oocytes. Conclusion: The results show that Egr3 localizes to chromosomes during meiotic progression and that certain antibodies may not faithfully represent localization of target proteins in oocytes. Egr3 seems to be dispensable during oocyte maturation in mice.

• 한국산학기술학회논문지
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• 제16권9호
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• pp.6425-6431
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• 2015

인버타제는 설탕을 포도당과 과당으로 가수분해하며, 광합성 조직과 다양한 수용체 조직 사이의 탄수화물 재배치에서 중요한 역할을 수행한다. 인버타제는 식물에서 다양한 기능을 수행하기 위하여 여러가지 isoforms으로 존재한다. 불용성 인버타제는 고농도의 염을 포함하는 버퍼용액에서만 추출되며, 이 종류의 인버타제 중 산성 인버타제는 산성 pH(pH 4-5)에서 최적의 활성을 갖는다. 물리적인 상처에 반응하여 잎, 줄기 및 뿌리에서 불용성 산성 인버타제(INAC-INV)가 유도되는 것이 연구되어 왔다. 식물에서 효소의 localization을 검출하기 위한 면역조직화 연구를 수행하였다. 이 연구에서 인버타제의 축적은 기계적 손상 후 72시간에 최고수준에 도달하였다. INAC-INV의 활성은 대조구 잎보다 상처받은 조직에서 3배까지 증가하였다. 면역조직화 결과는 INAC-INV가 세포벽과 세포간극에 축적되어 있음을 보여주었다. INAC-INV는 또한 상처와 가까운 사부조직의 체관세포벽에 위치하였다. 종합해 볼 때, 이 연구는 상처에 의한 INAC-INV 유도는 상처치료 과정에서 필요한 높은 에너지 요구에 대한 반응에 역할을 할 수 있음을 추측케 한다.