Finite Element Analysis of Flush End Plate Moment Connections under Cyclic Loading

This paper explains the results of an investigation on the analysis of flush end plate steel connections by means of finite element method. Flush end plates are a highly indeterminate type of connection, which have a number of parameters that effect their behavior. Because of this, experimental investigations are complicated and very costly. Today, the finite element method provides an ideal method for analyzing complicated structures. Finite element models of these types of connections under monotonic loading have previously been investigated. A numerical model, which can predict the cyclic behavior of these connections, is of critical importance, as dynamic experiments are more costly. This paper summarizes a study to develop a three-dimensional finite element model that can accurately capture the cyclic behavior of flush end plate connections. Comparisons between FEM results and experimental results obtained from full-scale tests have been carried out, which confirms the accuracy of the finite element model. Consequently, design equations for this connection have been investigated and it is shown that these predictions are not precise in all cases. The effect of end plate thickness and bolt diameter on the overall behavior of this connection is discussed. This research demonstrates that using the appropriate configuration, this connection has the potential to form a plastic hinge in the beam--desirable in seismic behavior

Comprehensive Gene Expression Analysis of Human Embryonic Stem Cells during Differentiation into Neural Cells

Global gene expression analysis of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) that differentiate into neural cells would help to further define the molecular mechanisms involved in neurogenesis in humans. We performed a comprehensive transcripteome analysis of hESC differentiation at three different stages: early neural differentiation, neural ectoderm, and differentiated neurons. We identified and validated time-dependent gene expression patterns and showed that the gene expression patterns reflect early ESC differentiation. Sets of genes are induced in primary ectodermal lineages and then in differentiated neurons, constituting consecutive waves of known and novel genes. Pathway analysis revealed dynamic expression patterns of members of several signaling pathways, including NOTCH, mTOR and Toll like receptors (TLR), during neural differentiation. An interaction network analysis revealed that the TGFβ family of genes, including LEFTY1, ID1 and ID2, are possible key players in the proliferation and maintenance of neural ectoderm. Collectively, these results enhance our understanding of the molecular dynamics underlying neural commitment and differentiation

The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Sexual Function, Coping Strategies and Distress Tolerance of Employees with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis is a multifactorial disease that has many psychological consequences. In this regard, the present study investigated the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy on sexual function, coping strategies, and distress tolerance of employees with rheumatoid arthritis.Methods: The present research has a quasi-experimental design, with pre-test-post-test and a control group. The statistical population of the research included the employees of Tehran province in 2019. Thirty patients were randomly divided into intervention (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. The data collection tools included sexual function, coping strategies, and distress tolerance questionnaires. The intervention group received eight 90-minute sessions of acceptance and commitment therapy, but the control group did not. Data were analyzed using multivariate covariance analysis by SPSS-24 software.Results: Acceptance and commitment therapy significantly reduced emotional and avoidant coping styles. On the contrary, it has increased sexual function, problem-oriented coping style, and distress tolerance (tolerance, absorption, evaluation, adjustment) in employees with rheumatoid arthritis (P<0.001). Also, according to the calculated effect size, 76% of the total variances of the intervention and control groups are due to the effect of the independent variable.Conclusion: This research findings indicated the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy in increasing the rheumatoid arthritis patients’ mental health. Since patients with rheumatoid arthritis are psychologically vulnerable, it is necessary to take measures to improve their psychological health

Harnessing the Power of CAR-NK Cells: A Promising Off-the-Shelf Therapeutic Strategy for CD38-Positive Malignancies

Background: CD38 is highly expressed on multiple myeloma (MM) cells and has been successfully targeted by different target therapy methods. This molecule is a critical prognostic marker in both diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.Objective: We have designed and generated an anti-CD38 CAR-NK cell applying NK 92 cell line. The approach has potential application as an off-the-shelf strategy for treatment of CD38 positive malignancies.Methods: A second generation of anti-CD38 CAR-NK cell was designed and generated, and their efficacy against CD38-positive cell lines was assessed in vitro. The PE-Annexin V and 7-AAD methods were used to determine the percentage of apoptotic target cells. Flow cytometry was used to measure IFN-γ, Perforin, and Granzyme-B production following intracellular staining. Using in silico analyses, the binding capacity and interaction interface were evaluated.Results: Using Lentivirus, cells were transduced with anti-CD38 construct and were expanded. The expression of anti-CD38 CAR on the surface of NK 92 cells was approximately 25%. As we expected from in silico analysis, our designed CD38-chimeric antigen receptor was bound appropriately to the CD38 protein. NK 92 cells that transduced with the CD38 chimeric antigen receptor, generated significantly more IFN-γ, perforin, and granzyme than Mock cells, and successfully lysed Daudi and Jurkat malignant cells in a CD38-dependent manner.Conclusion: The in vitro findings indicated that the anti-CD38 CAR-NK cells have the potential to be used as an off-the-shelf therapeutic strategy against CD38-positive malignancies. It is recommended that the present engineered NK cells undergo additional preclinical investigations before they can be considered for subsequent clinical trial studies

The Role of Effective Factors in Preventive Behaviors of Brucellosis in Stockbreeder of Charaoymaq County: A Health Belief Model

Background & Objectives: Prevention and control of brucellosis is necessary to identify the influential factors. Therefore, this study has aimed to investigate the effective factors in preventive behaviors of brucellosis in ranchers of Charaoymaq County. Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 200 ranchers participated who were selected via stratified random sampling from 5 health centers. To collect information, a questionnaire was used based on health belief model. The data analysis was performed, using SPSS 21, statistical tests of linear regression analysis, and correlation and description tests at a significance level of p < 05/0. Results: In this study, there was a significant correlation between education level and preventive behaviors and among the structures of health belief model. According to regression analysis of health belief model structures, the strongest predictors of behavior were tips to action, self-efficacy, and perceived susceptibility. Conclusion: Based on these results, using educational models can be effective in identifying factors influencing health behaviors. The findings of this study also showed that tips to action, self-efficacy, and perceived susceptibility are the most important predictors of behavior, and special attention must be paid to designing and implementing educational interventions on them

Comparison of sleep complaints and quality of life between patients with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) and healthy controls

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a chronic autoimmune disorder which is associated with sleep disturbances and a lower quality of life. The aims of the study were: (1) Comparing sleep characteristics, quality of life, and symptoms of depression and anxiety between patients with NMOSD and healthy controls (HCs). (2) Predicting sleep characteristics among patients with NMOSD based on psychological and illness-related factors. A total of 41 patients with NMOSD (Mean age = 37.48 years; 73.2% f) and 46 matched HCs took part in the study. Individuals with NMOSD reported on illness duration, fatigue and EDSS scores; further, all participants completed self-rating questionnaires covering sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome, quality of life, depression and anxiety. Compared to HCs, individuals with NMOSD reported a lower quality of life, higher symptoms of anxiety and depression, and more symptoms of restless legs syndrome. Among individuals with NMOSD, longer illness duration and higher fatigue scores predicted poor sleep quality. Compared to HCs, individuals with NMOSD reported poorer quality of life and higher levels of depression and anxiety. Further, among individuals with NMOSD, sleep characteristics are predicted by a complex variety of illness-related factors