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Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disabling illness with a chronic course, yet data on long-term outcomes are scarce. This study aimed to examine the long-term course of OCD in patients treated with different approaches (drugs, psychotherapy, and psychosurgery) and to identify predictors of clinical outcome by machine learning. We included outpatients with OCD treated at our referral unit. Demographic and neuropsychological data were collected at baseline using standardized instruments. Clinical data were collected at baseline, 12 weeks after starting pharmacological treatment prescribed at study inclusion, and after follow-up. Of the 60 outpatients included, with follow-up data available for 5–17 years (mean = 10.6 years), 40 (67.7 %) were considered non-responders to adequate treatment at the end of the study. The best machine learning model achieved a correlation of 0.63 for predicting the long-term Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) score by adding clinical response (to the first pharmacological treatment) to the baseline clinical and neuropsychological characteristics. Limitations. Our main limitations were the sample size, modest in the context of traditional ML studies, and the sample composition, more representative of rather severe OCD cases than of patients from the general community. Many patients with OCD showed persistent and disabling symptoms at the end of follow-up despite comprehensive treatment that could include medication, psychotherapy, and psychosurgery. Machine learning algorithms can predict the long-term course of OCD using clinical and cognitive information to optimize treatment options. • After follow-up, 60 % of patients with OCD were refractory to standardized treatments. • Baseline clinical and cognitive data predicted long-term course with ML algorithms. • Prior response to pharmacological treatment constructed the most reliable algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation prior to in vitro fertilization (IVF) are treated using various protocols to induce multiple follicular growths. Complete failure of all oocytes to mature during IVF cycles is rare; however, it is a known cause of primary female infertility. Recently, pathogenic variations in a few genes have been identified in women with oocyte maturation defects; however, the underlying genetic causes remain largely unknown. This study included a Turkish family comprising three sisters with recurring oocyte maturation arrest at the germinal vesicle stage after multiple ovarian stimulations. Exome sequencing revealed a homozygous missense variant (c.1037C>T, p.Ala346Val) in the EPAB gene (also known as PABPC1L) in all three affected sisters, which was either absent or heterozygous in the unaffected family members. Functional experiments confirming the pathogenicity of the variant were performed by transfecting HEK293T cells and demonstrated the instability and increased rate of proteolysis of the mutated PABPC1L/EPAB protein. The identified variant, located in the well-conserved fourth RNA recognition motif (RRM4), in silico 3D modelling suggested changes in the physical properties of the pathogenic variant of PABPC1L/EPAB. Our findings validate PABPC1L/EPAB as an essential genetic contributor to the oocyte maturation process in humans and have direct implications for the genetic counselling of patients and their family members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In structural frames, second order effects refer to the internal forces and moments that arise as a result of deformations under load (i.e. geometrical nonlinearity). EN 1993-1-1 states that global second order effects may be neglected if the critical load factor of the frame α cr is greater than or equal to 10 for an elastic analysis, or greater than or equal to 15 when a plastic global analysis is used. No specific guidance is provided in EN 1993-1-4 for the design of stainless steel frames, for which the nonlinear stress-strain behaviour of the material will result in greater deformations as the material loses its stiffness. A study of the effects of material nonlinearity on the stability of stainless steel frames is presented herein. A series of different frame geometries and loading conditions are considered. Based on the findings, proposals for the treatment of the influence of material nonlinearity on the global analysis and design of stainless steel frames are presented. Highlights • Review of current design provisions for the global analysis of stainless steel structures presented; • Benchmark results for frames generated using geometrically and materially nonlinear analyses with imperfections (GMNIA); • Current design approaches for stainless steel frames assessed against benchmark GMNIA results; • Proposals made for treatment of influence of material nonlinearity on global analysis and design of stainless steel frames. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The behaviour of austenitic, ferritic and duplex stainless steel Rectangular and Square Hollow Section members subjected to compression and combined loading is investigated in this paper. A full slenderness range Direct Strength Method (DSM) approach is proposed based on experimental results and numerical strengths obtained from FE parametric studies. The method accounts for local buckling effects and enhanced material properties are also incorporated for those members stable enough to allow partial yielding of the cross-sections. The proposed method is based on strength curves previously provided for cross-sections although additional limitations have been adopted. The DSM approach for columns is based on existing buckling curves and provides accurate resistance predictions for slender and stocky cross-sections. The proposed DSM approach for beam-columns also improves capacity predictions for stocky and slender cross-sections obtained from the traditional methods for different bending moment distributions. This is attributed to the fact that the beam-column behaviour is directly calculated with a unique strength curve, considering the member and section slendernesses based on the elastic instabilities of the section subjected to the actual stress distribution instead of calculating the compressive and flexural strengths independently and combining these through an interaction equation, as is the traditional uncoupled approach. Finally, a reliability study of the full slenderness range DSM approach is presented to determine resistance factors for the different stainless steel grades columns and beam-columns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) genomics has primarily been tackled by Genome-wide association studies (GWAS), which have encountered troubles in identifying replicable single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Endophenotypes have emerged as a promising avenue of study in trying to elucidate the genomic bases of complex traits such as OCD. We analyzed the association of SNPs across the whole genome with the construction of visuospatial information and executive performance through four neurocognitive variables assessed by the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCFT) in a sample of 133 OCD probands. Analyses were performed at SNP- and gene-level. No SNP reached genome-wide significance, although there was one SNP almost reaching significant association with copy organization (rs60360940; P = 9.98E-08). Suggestive signals were found for the four variables at both SNP- (P < 1E-05) and gene-levels (P < 1E-04). Most of the suggestive signals pointed to genes and genomic regions previously associated with neurological function and neuropsychological traits. Our main limitations were the sample size, which was limited to identify associated signals at a genome-wide level, and the composition of the sample, more representative of rather severe OCD cases than a population-based OCD sample with a broad severity spectrum. Our results suggest that studying neurocognitive variables in GWAS would be more informative on the genetic basis of OCD than the classical case/control GWAS, facilitating the genetic characterization of OCD and its different clinical profiles, the development of individualized treatment approaches, and the improvement of prognosis and treatment response. • Suggestive signals were found for visuospatial processing and recall. • The top signals pointed to the involvement of genes with a neurological role. • OCD GWAS on cognitive traits rather than case/control status might be more informative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of public construction budgets were cut over the last few years, new bridge girders with corrugated webs to reduce the construction costs have become more widely studied and used. In spite that tapered bridge girders with corrugated webs (BGCWs) are used in modern bridges, their shear strength and behaviour rarely exists in literature. Based on available literature, the web of the linearly tapered BGCWs may be divided into three typologies with different structural response to shear force. This paper presents a study into the shear strength and behaviour of the different web panels of the tapered BGCWs near the end and intermediate supports of continuous bridges using the dimensions of constructed bridges. Accordingly, parametric studies are conducted with variations in the aspect ratio of the web panel, different inclination angles of the tapered web panel and the flange slenderness ratio. After that, the paper checks the available design model under these additional parametric study models. The paper is extended to check corrugation dimensions for the use in conventional structures. It is noticed that as the corrugation angle ( α ) between longitudinal and inclined sub-panels decreases, the ultimate shear of the girders decreases because the rigidity of the web decreases. The available design model is compared to the FE results and it is found to yield suitable results for girders used in bridges as well as conventional structures. Overall, new conclusions on the shear strength and behaviour of tapered BGCWs are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The usage of stainless steel in construction has been increasing owing to its corrosion resistance, aesthetic appearance and favourable mechanical properties. The most common stainless steel grades used for structural applications are austenitic steels. The main drawback of these grades relies on their nickel content (around 8–10%), resulting in a relatively high initial material cost. Other stainless steel grades with lower nickel content such as the ferritic steels offer the benefits of stainless steels in terms of functional qualities and design but within a limited cost frame. Hence, ferritic stainless steels may be a viable alternative for structural applications. Given the fact that little experimental information on ferritic stainless steels is currently available, the purpose of this investigation is to report a series of material and cross-section tests on ferritic grade EN 1.4003 (similar to 3Cr12) stainless steel square and rectangular hollow sections to enable a better understanding of their material response and structural performance. Four different cross-section geometries have been tested under pure compression and in-plane bending. Measurements of geometric imperfections and material properties are also presented. The obtained test results are used to assess the adequacy of the slenderness limits and effective width formula given in EN 1993-1-4 to ferritic stainless steels, those proposed by Gardner and Theofanous and Zhou et al. design approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation into the material response and local buckling behaviour of ferritic stainless steel structural cross-sections is presented in this paper. Particular attention is given to the strain hardening characteristics and ductility since these differ most markedly from the more common austenitic and duplex stainless steel grades. Based on collated stress-strain data on ferritic stainless steel, key aspects of the material model given in Annex C of EN 1993-1-4 [1] were evaluated and found to require adjustment. Proposed modifications are presented herein. The local buckling behaviour of ferritic stainless steel sections in compression and bending was examined numerically, using the finite element (FE) package ABAQUS. The studied section types were cold-formed square hollow sections (SHS), rectangular hollow sections (RHS) and channels, as well as welded I-sections. The models were first validated against experimental data collected from the literature, after which parametric studies were performed to generate data over a wide range of section geometries and slendernesses. The obtained numerical results, together with existing experimental data from the literature were used to assess the applicability of the slenderness limits and effective width formulae set out in EN 1993-1-4 [1] to ferritic stainless steel sections. The comparisons of the generated FE results for ferritic stainless steel with the design provisions of EN 1993-1-4 [1] , highlighted, in line with other stainless steel grades, the inherent conservatism associated with the use of the 0.2% proof stress as the limiting design stress. To overcome this, the continuous strength method (CSM) was developed as an alternative design approach to exploit the deformation capacity and strain hardening potential of stocky cross-sections. An extension of the method to ferritic stainless steels, including the specification of a revised strain hardening slope for the CSM material model, is proposed herein. Comparisons with test and FE data showed that the CSM predictions are more accurate and consistent than existing provisions thus leading to significant material savings and hence more efficient structural design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by the presence of executive dysfunctions. As organizational strategies may play an important role as a possible endophenotype of the disorder, we decided to investigate non-verbal memory and organizational abilities in OCD. We also investigated how organization and non-verbal memory differ between responder and non-responder patients to pharmacological treatment, to test whether cognitive functions can predict the response to pharmacological treatment.Methods: In Study 1, executive and clinical functioning measures were applied to 162 OCD and 95 controls. In Study 2, clinical, intelligence and executive functioning measures were applied to 72 OCD responders and 63 OCD non-responder patients.Results: OCD patients and controls from Study 1 differed in copy organization (p < 0.01) and delayed recall (p = 0.048). In Study 2, the OCD responders displayed better copy organization (p = 0.013) and lower depressive, anxious and OCD symptoms (p < 0.01 in the three cases). Scores in the following instruments were found to predict the response to pharmacological treatment: HDRS, Y-BOCS, Raven progressive matrices, and Direct digit subtest from the Wechsler's scale (p < 0.01 in all four cases).Limitations: In Study 1, the imbalance of the sample can be considered a limitation, whilst in Study 2, some of the levels of pharmacological resistance were not represented.Conclusions: In this study, non-verbal memory and organization was affected in OCD. Responder patients also displayed better executive functioning and fluid intelligence. Organizational ability is a predictor of pharmacological response to SSRI monotherapy in a predictive model controlling for anxious symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, a mechanical model aimed at predicting the ultimate load capacity of transversally stiffened steel plate girders subjected to patch loading is revisited. This mechanical model gives accurate results for homogeneous steel plate girders (identical yield strength for web and flanges) but it is found that for the case of hybrid girders (fyf/fyw), certain correction factors must be added for maintaining the same level of accuracy. The provided correction is inferred empirically from a series of experimentally calibrated numerical results and the resulting formulae are expressed in accordance with the EN1993-1-5 procedure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cold-formed stainless steel members are widely used due to their high corrosion resistance and high resistance-to-weight ratio but their susceptibility to buckle implies that instability phenomena such as web crippling, where the web locally buckles due to concentrated transverse forces, must be considered. On the other hand, the emergent ferritic stainless steel has very low nickel content and therefore, they are cheaper and relatively price stable compared to austenitics and duplex. Their promising future has aimed to develop efficient design guidance and as a result, a new unified web crippling resistance expression based on numerical simulations and thereafter validated with experimental results has been proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, an experimental programme of six steel plate girders subjected to patch loading as well as results of forty eight numerically-tested prototypes are presented. Results of ultimate load capacity as well as structural responses from these girders are provided. In addition, experimental and numerical values of ultimate load capacity are compared with those predicted by EN1993-1–5. With such results, the response of transversally stiffened steel plate girders is discussed throughout the paper. Particular emphasis is given to the influence of the transverse stiffening on the ultimate load capacity of the girders. It is observed that girders with largely spaced transverse stiffeners present a considerably different response from girders with closely spaced transverse stiffeners. The structural response for the former case has been thoroughly studied in the last decades whereas little attention has been paid for the latter. Further analysis of this particular topic is provided in a companion paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, a mechanism solution aimed at reproducing the ultimate load capacity of steel plate girders subjected to patch loading is provided. This mechanism is particularly useful for the cases in which the steel plate girders present closely spaced transverse stiffeners. A thorough description of the influence of the transverse stiffening on the ultimate load capacity of girders subjected to patch loading is given partly herein and in a companion paper. Presently, the formulation provided in EN1993-1-5 underestimates the ultimate load capacity of girders presenting such geometrical proportion. Comparisons between numerical and theoretical results show the accuracy of the proposed model. The results obtained with such prediction prove structurally sound and enhance satisfactorily the current formulation of EN1993-1-5. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents an assessment of the influence of structural imperfections, namely, the residual stresses, on the ultimate load capacity of steel plate girders when subjected to patch loading. The basis of the research is a thorough comparison between numerical and experimental results as well as the recommendations for FE-modeling suggested by EN1993-1-5 (Annex C). A systematic exploit of a properly validated numerical model has been used in this study. Several residual stress patterns found in the literature have been implemented in numerical simulations of four different tests on girders subjected to patch loading. On such a basis, an appraisal of the influence of the structural imperfections on the ultimate load capacity of girders subjected to patch loading is presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hybrid girders subjected to patch loading have been analyzed in a detailed fashion for the case in which the plates that assemble the girders are transversally stiffened. Scant work, however, is available for the case in which the girders are hybrid and, simultaneously, longitudinally stiffened. The driving force for developing the present research work is to complete the knowledge of the patch loading field for the particular structural alternative of a hybrid steel plate girder assembled with a longitudinal stiffener. In the current paper, a numerical database of 255 simulations on longitudinally stiffened steel girders subjected to patch loading developed by the authors is presented. The results obtained are used for assessing the resistance of longitudinally stiffened hybrid steel plate girders subjected to patch loading. Some discrepancies between the numerical and EN1993-1-5 results are pinpointed. A design proposal which enhances the current EN1993-1-5 formulation is given at the end of the paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The resistance of plate girders subjected to patch loading has been studied thoroughly for the case of homogenous girders. The particular case of hybrid girders has been generally treated identically than for homogenous specimens. In this paper, the current EN1993-1-5 formulation is evaluated and some peculiarities concerning the treatment of hybrid girders subjected to patch loading are pinpointed. It is numerically demonstrated that the moment capacity of the flanges does not play any role in the resistance of plate girders to patch loading as predicted in EN1993-1-5. Accordingly, a design proposal which corrects the current EN1993-1-5 formulation is presented at the end of the paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Extensive research focused on the structural behavior of hybrid steel plate girders is nowadays available in the literature. Furthermore, extensive research devoted to the resistance of homogeneous girders to patch loading has been performed in the last decades. Investigations dealing simultaneously with both fields are, however, rather scarce. The driving force behind developing the present research work has been the aim of completing the knowledge of the patch loading field for the particular structural alternative of hybrid steel plate girder. In the current paper, experimental results found in the literature as well as additional numerical simulations developed by the authors are summarized. The results presented can be used for assessing the resistance of hybrid steel plate girders subjected to patch loading. An in-depth exploit of such results is presented in a companion paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: European design rules EN1993-1-5 allows the usage of FE-Analyses as reliable tools in the verification of limit states of plated structures. Throughout the modelling of these structures, certain initial conditions must be assumed. Consequently, engineering judgment is needed to some degree. This paper presents an assessment of the influence of these conditions on the ultimate load capacity of steel plate girders when subjected to patch loading. The basis of the research is a thorough comparison between theory and design rules by means of experimental and numerical results. The results obtained prove usefulness for practical and academic purposes alike. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

B BACKGROUND: b Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a therapeutic alternative for patients with resistant Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Although differences in anatomical targetting and stimulation conditions have provided partially discrepant results, a recent meta-analysis reported a response percentage of 60% and a global reduction of 45% in OCD symptoms of 45%1. B AIMS: b To describe the clinical evolution and long-term outcomes of a sample of OCD patients treated with DBS in the last twelve years in an OCD specialized clinic. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Obssesive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by impaired neuropsychological functions that are also influenced by clinical variables and aging. According to the literature, several of these neuropsychological deficits could be potential endophenotype markers. Objectives: The present study aimed to study what kind of cognitive deficits OCD patients have and how aging and clinical course modify their cognitive profiles campared with general population. Methods: This study examined a sample of 60 adult outpatients with OCD diagnosis, who were matched with 70 healthy controls (HC). Cognitive performance in both groups was assessed using a neuropsychological battery including Rey-Osterrieth complex Figure (ROCF) and Digit Span Test (DGS). Based on previous research on neuropsychology of OCD, it was specified that these neuropsychological measures could be divided in two composites. The first composite, Executive function, includes Total Digit Span and the domain of organization of ROCF. The second composite, Non-Verbal Memory, includes the copy of ROCF, immediate recall, delayed recall and recognition of ROCF. Severity of OCD symptoms was assessed by YBOCS and HDRS was used for symptoms of depression. Both cognitive performance and clinical data were documented before and after a follow-up of 11 years. During analysis, group differences between patients with OCD and HC regarding demographic and clinical characteristics at baseline and follow-up were calculated with independent t-tests and Pearson tests. The main analysis tested if the change in cognitive function over time differed between patients and controls. To this end, a linear mixed model was used, examining the interaction between age, gender and time in both groups. Results: Older age, in patients with OCD and HC, was associated with poorer performance on executive function and nonverbal memory. Executive function was influenced by severity of OCD, and non-verbal memory by depressive symptoms at baseline. While, after the follow-up, as obsessive and affective symptoms improve along de follow-up, there is no significant change in the neuropsychological pattern. At baseline, patients with OCD showed a poorer performance than HC in areas of nonverbal memory and executive function. After de follow-up, there is a poorer performance in the cognitive function in both groups, as they get older. However, there is no significant difference in this change between patients and HC. Conclusions: Results suggest that OCD is characterized by the existence of dysfunction in several neuropsychological areas that are influenced by time and clinical variables. Nevertheless, this alteration is no solely attributable to these factors, as they remain stable through time compared to the general population. Therefore, certain neuropsychological functions might be endophenotype traits of the disorder. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The behaviour of stainless steel plate girders subjected to combined bending and shear was experimentally studied in this paper. Both tensile and compressive material properties of the two adopted stainless steel alloys, including austenitic grade EN 1.4301 and duplex grade EN 1.4462, were determined by standard coupon tests. The three-dimensional (3D) optical scanning technology was introduced to acquire an accurate distribution of initial geometric imperfections for each plate girder specimen. A total of six plate girders were fabricated by hot-rolled stainless steel plates, and were tested to failure under combined bending and shear. In-depth analyses of the critical buckling characteristics, the ultimate resistances and the collapse behaviour of the tested specimens were all presented. The obtained ultimate resistances were further employed to assess the existing moment and shear (M-V) interaction design methods in EN 1993-1-5, GB 50017-2017, ANSI/AISC 360-16 and SEI/ASCE 8-02, and the design proposal presented by Jáger et al. It has been found that most of the existing codified M-V interaction formulae can be applicable for both carbon steel and stainless steel plate girders, yet they lead to relatively conservative predictions for stainless steel plate girders, except that the design method in ANSI/AISC 360-16 provides apparently unsafe strength predictions. • Six stainless steel plate girders are tested under combined bending moment and shear force. • Initial geometric imperfections are accurately determined by three-dimensional optical scanning. • Critical web buckling strengths are experimentally acquired based on measured surface strains. • Shear stresses plus bending-induced compressive stresses lead to premature local web buckling. • Most existing codified M-V interaction design curves provide safe but conservative predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on emotional health are evident, little is known about its impact on patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Methods: One hundred and twenty-seven patients with OCD who attended a specialist OCD Clinic in Barcelona, Spain, were assessed by phone from April 27 to May 25, 2020, during the early phase of the pandemic, using the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and a structured interview that collected clinical and sociodemographic information. Results were compared with those for 237 healthy controls from the same geographic area who completed an online survey. Results: Although 65.3% of the patients with OCD described a worsening of their symptoms, only 31.4% had Y-BOCS scores that increased >25%. The risk of getting infected by SARS-CoV2 was reported as a new obsession by 44.8%, but this only became the main obsessive concern in approximately 10% of the patients. Suicide-related thoughts were more frequent among the OCD cohort than among healthy controls. The presence of prepandemic depression, higher Y-BOCS scores, contamination/washing symptoms, and lower perceived social support all predicted a significantly increased risk of OCD worsening. Conclusions: Most patients with OCD appear to be capable of coping with the emotional stress of the COVID-19 outbreak and its consequences during the initial phase of the pandemic. Nevertheless, the current crisis constitutes a risk factor for a significant worsening of symptoms and suicidal ideation. Action is needed to ensure effective and individualized follow-up care for patients with OCD in the COVID-19 era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) including exposure and response prevention is a well-established treatment for obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and is based on the principles of fear extinction. Fear extinction is linked to structural and functional variability in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and has been consistently associated with glutamate neurotransmission. The relationship between vmPFC glutamate and fear extinction and its effects on CBT outcome have not yet been explored in adults with OCD. We assessed glutamate levels in the vmPFC using 3T magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and fear extinction (learning and recall) using skin conductance responses during a 2-day experimental paradigm in OCD patients (n = 17) and in healthy controls (HC; n = 13). Obsessive–compulsive patients (n = 12) then received manualized CBT. Glutamate in the vmPFC was negatively associated with fear extinction recall and positively associated with CBT outcome (with higher glutamate levels predicting a better outcome) in OCD patients. Glutamate levels in the vmPFC in OCD patients were not significantly different from those in HC, and were not associated with OCD severity. Our results suggest that glutamate in the vmPFC is associated with fear extinction recall and CBT outcome in adult OCD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Experimental programme on composite slabs with ferritic stainless steel trapezoidal deck is presented. • Long span and short span slabs are tested. • Parameters corresponding to m - k and Partial Connection Methods are determined. • Results are compared to reference tests on galvanized steel for ULS and SLS. Abstract Steel-concrete composite structures are well established in the construction of floors and roofing, being interesting solutions as steel decks act as formwork for relatively large spans and support the weight of the concrete and construction loads. However, the use of stainless steel decks in such structures has been very limited, although their mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, aesthetics and emissivity make them excellent for visually exposed composite floor slabs where the thermal capacity of the slab is mobilized as part of an energy saving strategy. This paper presents a comprehensive investigation on composite slabs with trapezoidal ferritic stainless steel decks in order to assess the performance of such structural members. Composite slabs made from EN1.4003 ferritic stainless steel and common C25/30 concrete were tested in two series of span lengths in order to determine the different parameters defining their ultimate longitudinal shear response. Reference tests on slabs with galvanized steel were also conducted with identical geometries and configurations. The m and k parameters used in the m - k Method and the design longitudinal shear strength τ u,Rd corresponding to the Partial Connection Method have been determined according to EN 1994-1-1:2004. Finally, the behaviour of these composite slabs was compared with the performance shown by the conducted reference slabs with galvanized steel deck in terms of Ultimate and Serviceability Limit States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stainless steels are ideal for sustainable structural performances due to their excellent corrosion resistance, appropriate mechanical properties, aesthetic appearance and easy maintenance. However, the nonlinear behaviour and strain-hardening effects characterizing these materials make them different from carbon steel and some specific guidance is necessary. Although some investigations regarding the behaviour of stainless steel beam–columns subjected to combined compression and bending moment have already been published, most of them are based on the most commonly used austenitic and duplex grades. Hence, the work presented in this paper deals with the flexural buckling resistance of ferritic stainless steel RHS and SHS columns subjected to combined loading. The assessment of several design approaches codified in EN1993-1-4 and proposed in the literature has been conducted by comparing numerical results with the predicted ultimate capacities. The partial safety factor γ M 1 currently coded in EN1993-1-4 has been found to provide unsafe ultimate flexural buckling resistance predictions and new coefficients for the k interaction factor for ferritic RHS and SHS elements are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The size of particular sub-regions within the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) has been associated with fear extinction in humans. Exposure therapy is a form of extinction learning widely used in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Here we investigated the relationship between morphometric measurements of different sub-regions of the vmPFC and exposure therapy outcome in OCD. Method. A total of 74 OCD patients and 86 healthy controls underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Cortical thickness and volumetric measurements were obtained for the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC), the medial orbital frontal cortex and the subcallosal cortex. After MRI acquisition, patients were enrolled in an exposure therapy protocol, and we assessed the relationship between MRl-derived measurements and treatment outcome. Baseline between-group differences for such measurements were also assessed. Results. Compared with healthy controls, OCD patients showed a thinner left rACC (P=0.008). Also, left rACC thickness was inversely associated with exposure therapy outcome (r-0.32, p=0.008), and this region was significantly thinner in OCD patients who responded to exposure therapy than in those who did not (p=0.006). Analyses based on regional volumetry did not yield any significant results. Conclusions. OCD patients showed cortical thickness reductions in the left rACC, and these alterations were related to exposure therapy outcome. The precise characterization of neuroimaging predictors of treatment response derived from the study of the brain areas involved in fear extinction may optimize exposure therapy planning in OCD and other anxiety disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Recent research suggests that the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may play a role in extinction learning. The goal of this study was to test whether variation in the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism is related to treatment response to exposure-based cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT), a form of extinction learning, in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Methods: One hundred and six OCD patients from a specialized clinic, who underwent a standardized CBT treatment after partial or non-response to a 12-week pharmacological trial, were genotyped for the BDNF Val66Met and the relationship between genotype and treatment response was analyzed. Results: Among 98 CBT completers, 36% of those carrying the BDNF Met allele were rated as CBT responders compared to 60% of nonMet allele carriers (P =0.027). When analyzing the different obsessive-compulsive symptom dimensions, in patients with contamination/cleaning symptoms, the Met allele was associated with a significantly worse CBT response (P <0.0001) and a lower obsessions severity decrease from pre- to posttreatment (P =0.046). Conclusion: Genetic variation in BDNF may be associated with treatment response in exposure-based CBT in OCD, especially in those patients exhibiting contamination/cleaning symptoms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]