Direct Displacement Based Design of Regular Steel Moment Resisting Frames

AbstractDisplacement Based Design method represents a new approach to performance-based design. This research tries to assess the Direct Displacement Based Design (DDBD) method for regular steel moment resisting frames and develop a reliable design method for them so that they withstand various seismic levels within certain performance levels. For this purpose, regular steel frames with 4, 8, 12, 16 stories are designed based on DDBD approach utilizing displacement spectrum of the Iranian Code of Practice for Seismic Resistant Design of Buildings (Standard No. 2800). In order to evaluate seismic response of the designed structures, a series of non-linear time-history analyses have been performed under different records compatible with Standard No. 2800. All the non-linear analyses were carried out using the fiber-element models developed in Seismostruct computer program. According to the results, inter-story drift profile of the structure which is corresponding to its damage was less than the allowable value in most cases. Also, Maximum displacement profile of the structure along its height is completely matched with the primary assumed design profile. The structures have mostly experienced similar residual drift values under different records. In summary, the method performed quite satisfactorily in terms of story maximum displacements, maximum interstory drifts and story ductility demands, even for tall models

Assessment of building façade performance in-terms of daylighting and associated energy consumption in architectural spaces

This paper examines the effect of vertical and horizontal shading devices on the quality of daylight in buildings and the associated energy saving. Excessive daylight in architectural spaces contributes negatively to the energy consumption in buildings. Blinds and shading devices are good solutions to attenuate the surplus amount of daylight in spaces. Accordingly, this study evaluates the effect of shading devices on the amount of light flux and the associated solar energy in buildings. It estimates the energy consumption attributed to lighting spaces for three common positions of shading devices. Computer simulation strategy was undertaken to correlate the illuminance level in spaces with room geometry and architectural shading elements. The Holophane model for lighting calculations was used to estimate the average illuminance level on workplane and correlate it with the expected saving energy in buildings. The study concluded that there is an optimal orientation for shading devices that keeps the internal illuminance level within the acceptable range with minimum amount of solar heat gain.Keywords: Shading device, Daylight Illuminance, Heat gain, Computer simulation, Energy consumptio

MICELLE-MEDIATED EXTRACTION AS A TOOL FOR SEPARATION AND PRECONCENTRATION IN COPPER ANALYSIS

A cloud point extraction method was presented for preconcentration of copper in various samples. After complexation with 4-Amino-2,3-dimethyl-1-phenyl-3-pyrazoline-5-one (ADPP) or N-Benzoyl-N-phenylhydroxylamine (BPA)  in water, analyte ions are quantitatively extracted to the phase rich in Triton X-114 after centrifugation. 2.0 mol L-1 HNO3 solution in methanol was added to the surfactant-rich phase prior to its analysis by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The adopted concentrations for ADPP, Triton X-114, HNO3 and parameters such as bath temperature, centrifuge rate and time were optimized. Detection limits (3SDb/m) of 1.3 and 1.9 ng mL-1 for ADPP and BPA along with enrichment factors of 30 and 38 for ADPP and BPA were achieved. The high efficiency of cloud point extraction to carry out the determination of analyte in complex matrices was demonstrated. The proposed method was applied to the analysis of biological, industrial, natural and wastewater, soil and blood samples.   Keywords: 4-Amino-2,3-dimethyl-1-phenyl-3-pyrazoline-5-one (ADPP), N-Benzoyl-N-phenylhydroxylamine (BPA) ,   Cloud Point Extraction, Triton X-114, Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Blood Trace Element Status in Multiple Sclerosis: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate whether the blood concentrations of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are associated with those of the healthy control group in terms of trace elements including zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), selenium (Se), and copper (Cu). A comprehensive search was performed in online databases including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science for studies, which have addressed trace elements in MS up to July 23, 2020. The chi-square test and I2 statistic were utilized to evaluate inter-study heterogeneity across the included studies. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) and corresponding 95% CI were considered as a pooled effect size (ES). Twenty-seven articles (or 32 studies) with a total sample comprised of 2895 participants (MS patients (n = 1567) and controls (n = 1328)) were included. Pooled results using random-effects model indicated that the levels of Zn (WMD = − 7.83 mcg/dl, 95% CI = − 12.78 to − 2.87, Z = 3.09, P = 0.002), and Fe (WMD = − 13.66 mcg/dl, 95% CI = − 23.13 to − 4.19, Z = 2.83, P = 0.005) were significantly lower in MS patients than in controls. However, it was found that levels of Mn (WMD = 0.03 mcg/dl, 95% CI = 0.01 to 0.04, Z = 2.89, P = 0.004) were significantly higher in MS patients. Yet, no significant differences were observed in the levels of Mg, Se, and Cu between both groups. This meta-analysis revealed that the circulating levels of Zn and Fe were significantly lower in MS patients and that Mn level was significantly higher than those in the control group. However, it was found that there was no significant difference between MS patients and controls with regard to levels of Mg, Se, and Cu

Head and neck paragangliomas: clinical and molecular genetic classification

Head and neck paragangliomas are tumors arising from specialized neural crest cells. Prominent locations are the carotid body along with the vagal, jugular, and tympanic glomus. Head and neck paragangliomas are slowly growing tumors, with some carotid body tumors being reported to exist for many years as a painless lateral mass on the neck. Symptoms depend on the specific locations. In contrast to paraganglial tumors of the adrenals, abdomen and thorax, head and neck paragangliomas seldom release catecholamines and are hence rarely vasoactive. Petrous bone, jugular, and tympanic head and neck paragangliomas may cause hearing loss. The internationally accepted clinical classifications for carotid body tumors are based on the Shamblin Class I–III stages, which correspond to postoperative permanent side effects. For petrous-bone paragangliomas in the head and neck, the Fisch classification is used. Regarding the molecular genetics, head and neck paragangliomas have been associated with nine susceptibility genes: NF1, RET, VHL, SDHA, SDHB, SDHC, SDHD, SDHAF2 (SDH5), and TMEM127. Hereditary HNPs are mostly caused by mutations of the SDHD gene, but SDHB and SDHC mutations are not uncommon in such patients. Head and neck paragangliomas are rarely associated with mutations of VHL, RET, or NF1. The research on SDHA, SDHAF2 and TMEM127 is ongoing. Multiple head and neck paragangliomas are common in patients with SDHD mutations, while malignant head and neck paraganglioma is mostly seen in patients with SDHB mutations. The treatment of choice is surgical resection. Good postoperative results can be expected in carotid body tumors of Shamblin Class I and II, whereas operations on other carotid body tumors and other head and neck paragangliomas frequently result in deficits of the cranial nerves adjacent to the tumors. Slow growth and the tendency of hereditary head and neck paragangliomas to be multifocal may justify less aggressive treatment strategies

Sensorineural deafness and male infertility: A contiguous gene deletion syndrome

Background: Syndromic hearing loss that results from contiguous gene deletions is uncommon. Deafness-infertility syndrome (DIS) is caused by large contiguous gene deletions at 15q15.3. Methods: Three families with a novel syndrome characterised by deafness and infertility are described. These three families do not share a common ancestor and do not share identical deletions. Linkage was established by completing a genome-wide scan and candidate genes in the linked region were screened by direct sequencing. Results: The deleted region is about 100 kb long and involves four genes (KIAA0377, CKMT1B, STRC and CATSPER2), each of which has a telomeric duplicate. This genomic architecture underlies the mechanism by which these deletions occur. CATSPER2 and STRC are expressed in the sperm and inner ear, respectively, consistent with the phenotype in persons homozygous for this deletion. A deletion of this region has been reported in one other family segregating male infertility and sensorineural deafness, although congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia type I (CDAI) was also present, presumably due to a second deletion in another genomic region. Conclusion: We have identified three families segregating an autosomal recessive contiguous gene deletion syndrome characterised by deafness and sperm dysmotility. This new syndrome is caused by the deletion of contiguous genes at 15q15.3

The Effect of Passive Opium Smoking on Cardiovascular Indices of Rabbits with Normal and Ischemic Hearts

Some Asian people believe that opium can protect the cardiovascular system. To assess this belief, we investigated the effect of passive opium smoking (POS) on cardiovascular indices in rabbits with ischemic and non-ischemic hearts

Documenting the Recovery of Vascular Services in European Centres Following the Initial COVID-19 Pandemic Peak: Results from a Multicentre Collaborative Study

Objective: To document the recovery of vascular services in Europe following the first COVID-19 pandemic peak. Methods: An online structured vascular service survey with repeated data entry between 23 March and 9 August 2020 was carried out. Unit level data were collected using repeated questionnaires addressing modifications to vascular services during the first peak (March – May 2020, “period 1”), and then again between May and June (“period 2”) and June and July 2020 (“period 3”). The duration of each period was similar. From 2 June, as reductions in cases began to be reported, centres were first asked if they were in a region still affected by rising cases, or if they had passed the peak of the first wave. These centres were asked additional questions about adaptations made to their standard pathways to permit elective surgery to resume. Results: The impact of the pandemic continued to be felt well after countries’ first peak was thought to have passed in 2020. Aneurysm screening had not returned to normal in 21.7% of centres. Carotid surgery was still offered on a case by case basis in 33.8% of centres, and only 52.9% of centres had returned to their normal aneurysm threshold for surgery. Half of centres (49.4%) believed their management of lower limb ischaemia continued to be negatively affected by the pandemic. Reduced operating theatre capacity continued in 45.5% of centres. Twenty per cent of responding centres documented a backlog of at least 20 aortic repairs. At least one negative swab and 14 days of isolation were the most common strategies used for permitting safe elective surgery to recommence. Conclusion: Centres reported a broad return of services approaching pre-pandemic “normal” by July 2020. Many introduced protocols to manage peri-operative COVID-19 risk. Backlogs in cases were reported for all major vascular surgeries

The global burden of adolescent and young adult cancer in 2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background: In estimating the global burden of cancer, adolescents and young adults with cancer are often overlooked, despite being a distinct subgroup with unique epidemiology, clinical care needs, and societal impact. Comprehensive estimates of the global cancer burden in adolescents and young adults (aged 15–39 years) are lacking. To address this gap, we analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, with a focus on the outcome of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), to inform global cancer control measures in adolescents and young adults. Methods: Using the GBD 2019 methodology, international mortality data were collected from vital registration systems, verbal autopsies, and population-based cancer registry inputs modelled with mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIRs). Incidence was computed with mortality estimates and corresponding MIRs. Prevalence estimates were calculated using modelled survival and multiplied by disability weights to obtain years lived with disability (YLDs). Years of life lost (YLLs) were calculated as age-specific cancer deaths multiplied by the standard life expectancy at the age of death. The main outcome was DALYs (the sum of YLLs and YLDs). Estimates were presented globally and by Socio-demographic Index (SDI) quintiles (countries ranked and divided into five equal SDI groups), and all estimates were presented with corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). For this analysis, we used the age range of 15–39 years to define adolescents and young adults. Findings: There were 1·19 million (95% UI 1·11–1·28) incident cancer cases and 396 000 (370 000–425 000) deaths due to cancer among people aged 15–39 years worldwide in 2019. The highest age-standardised incidence rates occurred in high SDI (59·6 [54·5–65·7] per 100 000 person-years) and high-middle SDI countries (53·2 [48·8–57·9] per 100 000 person-years), while the highest age-standardised mortality rates were in low-middle SDI (14·2 [12·9–15·6] per 100 000 person-years) and middle SDI (13·6 [12·6–14·8] per 100 000 person-years) countries. In 2019, adolescent and young adult cancers contributed 23·5 million (21·9–25·2) DALYs to the global burden of disease, of which 2·7% (1·9–3·6) came from YLDs and 97·3% (96·4–98·1) from YLLs. Cancer was the fourth leading cause of death and tenth leading cause of DALYs in adolescents and young adults globally. Interpretation: Adolescent and young adult cancers contributed substantially to the overall adolescent and young adult disease burden globally in 2019. These results provide new insights into the distribution and magnitude of the adolescent and young adult cancer burden around the world. With notable differences observed across SDI settings, these estimates can inform global and country-level cancer control efforts. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities, St Baldrick's Foundation, and the National Cancer Institute