• Experimental results of 11 RC walls scaled to 1/4 considering several damage levels and varying parameters were presented. The showed rapid severe stiffness degradation in squat subjected initial damage. with flange boundary elements had relatively greater due prior than columns. No significant deterioration ultimate strength capacity maximum deformation any level previous was observed. Struc...

BACKGROUND/AIMS Liver stiffness (LS) as assessed by transient elastography (TE) can change longitudinally in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The aim of this study was to identify the factors that improve LS. METHODS Between April 2007 and December 2012, 151 patients with CHB who underwent two TE procedures with an interval of about 2 years were enrolled. Ninety-six of the 151 patient...

The modeling of deteriorating hysteretic behavior is becoming increasingly important, especially in the context of seismic analysis and design. This paper presents the development of a versatile smooth hysteretic model based on internal variables, with stiffness and strength deterioration and with pinching characteristics. The theoretical background, development, and implementation of the model...

Multilayered polymer films with biomimicking, layered structures have unique microstructures and many potential applications. However, a major limitation of polymer films is the deterioration of mechanical properties in working environments. To facilitate the design and development of multilayered polymer films, the impact of thermal aging on the mechanical behavior of microand nano-layered pol...

We describe a case report of an 80-year-old woman who presented with symptomatology compatible with an episode of major depression with catatonia. After psychiatric admission, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was applied, but symptoms progressed with cognitive impairment, bradykinesia, widespread stiffness, postural tremor, and gait disturbance. After compatible magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),...

Keratoconus (KCN) is an ectatic disorder with progressive corneal thinning and a clinical picture of corneal protrusion, progressive irregular astigmatism, corneal fibrosis and visual deterioration. Other ectatic corneal disorders include: post-LASIK ectasia (PLE) and pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD). Corneal crosslinking (CXL) is a procedure whereby riboflavin sensitization with ultraviole...

Fluctuations of mood and psychic activation were assessed in relation to "mobile" and "immobile" periods in 18 patients with Parkinson's disease presenting typical "end-of-dose deterioration". Twelve subjects with chronic but active rheumatoid arthritis presenting increased physical disability due to severe morning joint stiffness with a repetitive pattern of mobile and immobile periods acted a...

MERRF is characterized by muscle twitches (myoclonus), weakness (myopathy), and progressive stiffness (spasticity). When the muscle cells of affected individuals are stained and viewed under a microscope, these cells usually appear abnormal. These abnormal muscle cells are called ragged-red fibers. Other features of MERRF include recurrent seizures (epilepsy), difficulty coordinating movements ...