A novel welded demountable shear connector for sustainable steel-concrete composite structures is proposed. The proposed connector consists of a grout-filled steel tube bolted to a compatible partially threaded stud, which is welded on a steel section. This connector allows for an easy deconstruction at the end of the service life of a building, promoting the reuse of both the concrete slabs and the steel sections. This paper presents the experimental evaluation of the structural behavior of the proposed connector using a horizontal pushout test arrangement. The effects of various parameters, including the tube thickness, the presence of grout infill, and the concrete slab compressive strength, were assessed. A nonlinear finite element model was also calibrated against the experimental results, and the validated numerical model was used to extend the validity of the experimental results and to perform further parametric studies. The experimental and numerical results show that the tested connectors have similar stiffness, but higher shear resistance and slip capacity compared with traditional welded shear studs and can be classified as ductile according to Eurocode 4.
Primary amide derivatives as histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) are very rare. This paper describes the synthesis of primary amide derivatives (compounds 6 and 7) that have the requirements to be histone deacetylase inhibitors of the zinc-binding type. Both of them exhibited good cytotoxicity against the tested cancer cell lines with much lower cytotoxicity against normal cell line.
Abstract Bilastine, a second-generation antihistamine, is commonly prescribed for managing allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria due to its prolonged action. However, its therapeutic potential is constrained by poor water solubility and low oral bioavailability. This study aimed to enhance bilastine dissolution and patient compliance by formulating a nanosuspension-based orodispersible film (ODF). An anti-solvent precipitation method was employed to produce nanosuspension using different hydrophilic stabilizers (Soluplus®, Poloxamer 188, and PEG 6000). The influence of formulation parameters, such as the stabilizer ratio, the anti-solvent ratio, stirring speed, and the stabilizer type, on particle size and polydispersity index (PDI)
... Show MoreRegulatory T (Treg) cells are one of the major immunosuppressive cell types in cancer and a potential target for immunotherapy, but targeting tumor-infiltrating (TI) Treg cells has been challenging. Here, using single-cell RNA sequencing of immune cells from renal clear cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients, we identify two distinct transcriptional fates for TI Treg cells, Fate-1 and Fate-2. The Fate-1 signature is associated with a poorer prognosis in ccRCC and several other solid cancers. CD177, a cell surface protein normally expressed on neutrophil, is specifically expressed on Fate-1 TI Treg cells in several solid cancer types, but not on other TI or peripheral Treg cells. Mechanistically, blocking CD
Background: Semen contamination is a detrimental factor in decreasing fertility. Seasonal changes may affect the contamination, too. Objectives: This study was designed to detect semen contamination in ovine and caprine during different seasons. Methods: Six fully mature male sheep and goats were subjected to electro-ejaculator collection twice monthly from February 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023 (Spring, February 1, 2022-April 30, 2022; Summer, May 1, 2022, July 31, 2022; Autumn August 1, 2022, October 31, 2022; Winter November 1, 2022, January 31, 2023), for studying the seasonal effect. A total of 288 semen samples were collected from both species (36 samples from each per season). All samples were subjected to bacterial isolatio
... Show MoreThis paper proposes a new structure of the hybrid neural controller based on the identification model for nonlinear systems. The goal of this work is to employ the structure of the Modified Elman Neural Network (MENN) model into the NARMA-L2 structure instead of Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) model in order to construct a new hybrid neural structure that can be used as an identifier model and a nonlinear controller for the SISO linear or nonlinear systems. Weight parameters of the hybrid neural structure with its serial-parallel configuration are adapted by using the Back propagation learning algorithm. The ability of the proposed hybrid neural structure for nonlinear system has achieved a fast learning with minimum number
... Show MoreIncremental sheet forming (ISF) is a metal forming technology in which small incremental deformations determine the final shape. The sheet is deformed by a hemispherical tool that follows the required shape contour to deform the sheet into the desired geometry. In this study, single point incremental sheet forming (SPIF) has been implemented in dentistry to manufacture a denture plate using two types of stainless steel, 304 and 316L, with an initial thickness of 0.5mm and 0.8mm, respectively. Stainless steel was selected due to its biocompatibility and reasonable cost. A three-dimensional (3D) analysis procedure was conducted to evaluate the manufactured part's geometrical accuracy and thickness distribution. The obtained results confirm
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