Integrated optimization of nonlinear R/C frames with reliability constraints

A structural optimization algorithm was researched including global displacements as decision variables. The algorithm was applied to planar reinforced concrete frames with nonlinear material behavior submitted to static loading. The flexural performance of the elements was evaluated as a function of the actual stress-strain diagrams of the materials. Formation of rotational hinges with strain hardening were allowed and the equilibrium constraints were updated accordingly. The adequacy of the frames was guaranteed by imposing as constraints required reliability indices for the members, maximum global displacements for the structure and a maximum system probability of failure

Other title: DIGGS final report; Other title: Data Interchange for Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists final report

"DiGGS, Data Interchange for Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists"--Cover.; "December 2012."; Appendices A (CIRA report) and B (DIGGS v2.0 documentation) available online separately.; Includes bibliographical references (leaf 21).; Final report.; Sponsored by the Ohio Department of Transportation, Office of Statewide Planing and Research; Pooled fund project TPF-5(111); State job no. 134254; Harvested from the web on 1/25/13The objective of "Development of Geotechnical Data Schema in Transportation" is to develop an international standard interchange format for geotechnical data. This standard will include a data dictionary and XML schema which are GML compliant. The dictionary and schema will include a structure for geotechnical data, foundation data, and geophysical data as well as a method for adding new features and guidelines for adding to the schema. This standard will be submitted to international bodies for acceptance

National Collaborative for Bio-Preparedness

The National Collaborative for Bio-Preparedness (NCB-Prepared) is a public-private partnership to develop, test and implement an advanced biosurveillance system. It is a collaborative effort of academic, government and industry leaders focused on developing a local, bottom-up approach to situational awareness and emergency preparedness

Hemicraniectomy for malignant middle cerebral artery syndrome: A review of functional outcomes in two high-volume stroke centers

Background and Purpose: Despite recent landmark randomized controlled trials showing significant benefits for hemicraniectomy (HCT) compared with medical therapy (MT) in patients with malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMCAI), HCT rates have not substantially increased in the United States. We sought to evaluate early outcomes in patients with MMCAI who were treated with HCT (cases) in comparison to patients treated with MT due to the perception of procedural futility by families (controls). Methods: We retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients with acute MMCAI treated in 2 tertiary care centers during a 7-year period. Pretreatment National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 3 months were documented. Functional independence (FI) and survival without severe disability (SWSD) were defined as mRS of 0-2 and 0-4, respectively. Results: A total of 66 patients (37 cases and 29 controls) fulfilled the study inclusion criteria (mean age 59 ± 15 years, 52% men, median admission NIHSS score: 19 points [interquartile range {IQR}: 16-22]). Cases were younger (51 ± 11 versus 68 ± 13 years; P < .001) and tended to have lower median admission NIHSS than controls (18 [IQR:16-20] versus 20 [IQR:18-23]; P = .072). The rates of FI and SWSD at 3 months were higher in cases than controls (16% versus 0% [P = .031] and 62% versus 0% [P < .001]), while 3-month mortality was lower (24% versus 77%; P < .001). Multivariable Cox regression analyses adjusting for potential confounders identified HCT as the most important predictor of lower risk of 3-month mortality (hazard ratio: .02, 95% confidence interval: .01-0.10; P < .001). Conclusions: HCT is a critical and effective therapy for patients with MMCAI but cannot provide a guarantee of functional recovery