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Parametric indices are empirically related to two or more response parameters with a combination coefficient and do not conform to a physical definition of damage. The combination parameter is expected to be contingent on the loading and the state of calibration other than failure. Damage is also defined as the 'deterioration of a physical quantity' and the resulting non-parametric index does not involve any empirical constant. However, the non-parametric indices saturate much before unity. This paper first aims to assess the performance of some of the existing non-parametric indices. Experimental response until failure of a circular RC bridge pier under cyclic loading is numerically simulated for this purpose. A new physical-definition based non-parametric damage index is proposed. Setting this alternate definition as the benchmark, performance of parametric Park-Ang index, some of its variants and other non-parametric indices are studied at levels other than failure through a damage progression analysis using cyclic and seismic excitations. A parametric index and its simplified form consistent with that physical-definition are next proposed with weighted-hysteretic-energy and normalized-deformation as parameters. The same calibrated model is used in subsequent assessment. Associated combination-coefficient exhibits a stable relationship with peak drift and a loading-independent functional form is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acthar® Gel (repository corticotropin injection) is a naturally sourced complex mixture of adrenocorticotropic hormone analogs and other pituitary peptides that is believed to have both steroidogenic and nonsteroidogenic immunomodulatory effects via activation of melanocortin receptors in various cells throughout the body. Since 1952, Acthar has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Since 2014, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals has conducted a large number of preclinical, clinical, and real-world-evidence studies of Acthar for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis and polymyositis, multiple sclerosis relapse, ophthalmic disorders, sarcoidosis, and nephrotic syndrome. To date, Acthar has been the subject of more than 500 publications, many of which demonstrate the safety and efficacy of Acthar in patients with inflammatory diseases for whom standard treatments were ineffective or intolerable. Here, we review the history of Acthar and the findings of studies that have investigated the mechanism of action, safety, efficacy, and real-world effectiveness of Acthar for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Plain Language Summary: Acthar® Gel is an anti-inflammatory drug that directly affects the immune system in a manner that differs from other anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids. Since 1952, Acthar has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat a variety of diseases involving inflammation. The commercial rights to produce Acthar have changed hands several times over the years, beginning with Armour Pharmaceuticals and most recently ending with Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals in 2014. Since then, Mallinckrodt has conducted multiple studies in animals to demonstrate the function of Acthar compared with other anti-inflammatory drugs. Further, several clinical trials in humans and studies of hospital or clinical practice records have confirmed the safety and effectiveness of Acthar as a treatment for many inflammatory diseases. Infographic: EJ4SLJur_bYbdenSk2yuju A podcast discussion by the authors on Acthar® Gel treatment for patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including their own personal reflections and experiences with Acthar® Gel. For a transcript of the podcast see the electronic supplementary material. (MP4 177883 kb) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transport properties of concrete directly affect durability. A good comprehension of different transport properties and the role of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) will help in improving concrete quality. This article presents a brief review of the role of SCMs in concrete, transport mechanisms and their correlation with durability. The progress of research on transport properties like water penetration, sorption, electrical resistivity, chloride ingress, etc. with the partial replacement of different blenders is reviewed. The article also briefly examines the influence of SCMs on the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) and the link between ITZ and overall transport properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]