A2 Values Research Articles

The influence of transport condition and processing time on plasma ammonia results

Abstract Objective: Ammonia is extremely unstable in blood specimens and has special requirements during transport, processing and storage. The aim of our study was to determine the stability of ammonia in EDTA K3 blood samples and to establish a protocol for sample handling. Methods: In this study, 36 healthy subjects and 47 inpatients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled. Two peripheral blood samples were collected from healthy volunteers (Sample A1 and A2) and one peripheral blood sample was collected from the inpatients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (Sample B). Sample A1 and B were transported in ice bath within 15 minutes of blood collection, centrifuged immediately and processed. The sample was re-centrifuged after 15 minutes and a second ammonia result was obtained. Sample A2 was transported at room temperature and stored between 2 and 4 hours, centrifuged and plasma ammonia measurement was performed. The sample was re-spun after 15 minutes and a fourth ammonia result was obtained. Results: In our study, in healthy group the difference between sample A2 and set point value (on ice, 15 minutes) is 25.08 µg/dl, showing an increase of 55.29%. After another 15 minutes, an increase of 82.02% was observed compared with the standard value. In diabetes mellitus group, after 30 minutes of blood collection, an increase of 11% over the set point value was observed. Conclusions: The blood specimen should be transported on ice to the laboratory and analyzed within 15 minutes of blood collection due to plasma ammonia spontaneously increase.

The role of the geriatic (G8) health status screening tool in prediction of antitumor therapy complications in elderly patients

Introduction: The G8 Score is an important tool for geriatric assessment in current oncology practice. The G8 Score is applied as a prescreening method for selection of patients who need comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA); however, this questionnaire has not been validated in Russia.Study goal: To evaluate the reliability and predictive role of the Russian version of the G8 Score in evaluating the risk of complications of systemic antitumor therapy in elderly patients.Materials and methods: The authors conducted a prospective non‑randomized study in elderly patients (≥ 65 years old) who received systemic antitumor therapy. All patients were screened using the Russian version of the G8 Score. Cases of adverse events during treatment (toxicity) and treatment discontinuation were analyzed. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the specificity and sensitivity of the Russian version of the G8 Score as a predictor of complications and complication‑associated events (treatment discontinuation) in cancer patients in Russia. The reliability of the Russian version of the G8 Score was also assessed using Cronbach»s alpha coefficient of internal consistency.Results: The data of 133 cancer patients (57,1 % and 42,9 % of whom were female and male, respectively) with a mean age of 72,1 y. o. were analyzed using the Russian version of the G8 Score. The study demonstrated a satisfactory predictive ability of the tool in terms of prognosis of general toxicity, including hematologic and non‑hematologic toxicity, with the area under the curve (AUC) being 0,621 [95 % CI: 0,524–0,717]. The cut‑off value of the G8 Score was 13,5; sensitivity (Se) = 71 %, specificity (Sp) = 54 %. The characteristics of the positive and negative predictive values of the G8 Score were similar. The data on the predictive role of the Russian version of the G8 Score in terms of prognosis of toxicity‑related treatment discontinuation were not statistically significant (p > 0,05). The internal consistency of the Russian version of the G8 Score was demonstrated to be acceptable, with Cronbach»s alpha coefficient of 0,709 and split‑half values of α1 = 0,558 and α2 = 0,432. The results of the study indicated a satisfactory reliability of the Russian version of the G8 Score.Conclusion: The Russian version of the G8 Score is a reliable tool that can be used as a possible predictor of toxicity of antitumor drug therapy and a useful tool for the selection of patients for comprehensive geriatric assessment.

Comparative Thermodynamic Studies of the Micellization of Amphiphilic Block Copolymers before and after Cyclization.

The enthalpy and entropy of micellization in water, ΔHmic and ΔSmic, respectively, of three linear amphiphilic BAB block copolymers consisting of either poly(methyl acrylate) (Mn ∼ 1200 and 700 Da) or poly(ethyl acrylate) (Mn ∼ 800 Da) as hydrophobic (B) segments and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) as the hydrophilic (A, Mn ∼ 3000 Da) segment were determined by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The ΔHmic and ΔSmic of the cyclic AB block copolymers obtained by cyclization of the linear triblock copolymers were determined under the same conditions. The ΔHmic value of the cyclic copolymers was smaller than that of their linear precursors. The ΔSmic value showed the same trend, but the relative difference between the cyclized and linear copolymers was less pronounced. The hydrodynamic diameter (Dh), critical micelle concentration (CMC), molecular weight (Mw-mic), and second virial coefficient (A2) of the micelles were determined. The Dh value of the cyclic copolymer micelles was smaller than the linear counterpart. On the other hand, the CMC value became larger, whereas the A2 value was comparable or increased by cyclization. Overall, the results suggest that, in the unimer state, the hydrophobic segments of the cyclized copolymers form a tightly coiled structure to minimize contact with water, resulting in the smaller ΔHmic value. Contrary to the linear copolymer micelles, the cyclic copolymer micelles have no "dangling chains", which may explain the topology-driven slight difference in the ΔSmic value.

Diagenetic evolution and its impact on reservoir porosity in Lower Triassic Jialingjiang Formation in eastern Sichuan Basin, SW China: Evidence from petrography, trace elements, and Isotopic Studies

The Lower Triassic Jialingjiang Formation, characterised by a carbonate–evaporite succession, is one of the important pay layers in the eastern Sichuan Basin. Several diagenetic events were identified in this study, including meteoric dissolution, dolomitisation, anhydrite/gypsum replacement/cementation, TSR, BSR, and multiple calcite cementation (C1–C3). Dolomitisation and anhydrite/gypsum replacement/cementation are the major diagenetic events affecting reservoir porosity. The dolostone is composed of D1, D2, and D3 dolomite. D1 dolomite is very finely crystalline, dominating in the low-energy, restricted depositional facies. D2 dolomite is finely crystalline, constituting a major portion of the dolostones. D3 dolomite is depositional fabric retentive dolomite, including dolo-wacke-/packstone, dolo-grainstone, and dolo-boundstone. Four types of anhydrites (A1–A4) were identified in the core and thin sections. A1 is stratabound anhydrite. A2 is the anhydrite in dolostones, filling in the interparticle spaces in dolo-grainstone and the intraparticle spaces in dolo-wackestone. A3 is the anhydrite in limestones, which occurs non-fabric-selectively. A4 is the anhydrite filling in the fractures. The diagenetic anhydrites (A2–A4) are interpreted to postdate to major dolomitisation. D1 and D2 dolomites are characterised by δ13CVPDB values of −3.4–+7.3 ‰ and δ18OVPDB values of −4.7−-2.4 ‰. The REE patterns of D1–D3 dolomites are characterised by light rare earth element (LREE) depletion relative to heavy rare earth elements (HREE) ((Pr/Tm)N of 0.54–1.16, 0.81 ± 0.20), middle rare earth elements (MREE) enrichment (BSI values of 1.06–1.38, 1.26 ± 0.10), and negative Ce anomalies (Ce/Ce* ratios of 0.74–0.94, 0.83 ± 0.07). The diagenetic anhydrites (A2–A4) show δ34SV-CDT values of +25.9–+45.7 ‰, similar to those of the stratabound anhydrite (+29.6–+43.0 ‰). The large variations in the δ13CVPDB values of D1 and D2 dolomites are attributed to methanogenesis and BSR. The δ18OVPDB values and REE characteristics of D1–D3 dolomites suggest that the carbonates are dolomitised by the mesohaline fluid. The δ34SV-CDT values of A1–A4 indicate that the diagenetic anhydrites are formed by redistribution in a closed system. The petrographical and geochemical data suggest that the Jialingjiang carbonate evolved in a closed system during burial diagenesis. Primary pores dominate in the Jialingjiang carbonate reservoirs, and the boundstone and grainstone show the best porosities based on the porosityversus lithofacies data. Therefore, we propose that the lithofacies, instead of the diagenetic events, are the key factors of the Jialingjiang carbonate. The resisting compaction of dolomitisation helps preserve the reservoir porosity, and anhydrite is the major diagenetic event destroying the reservoir porosity.

On the Validity of Detrended Fluctuation Analysis at Short Scales.

Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA) has become a standard method to quantify the correlations and scaling properties of real-world complex time series. For a given scale ℓ of observation, DFA provides the function , which quantifies the fluctuations of the time series around the local trend, which is substracted (detrended). If the time series exhibits scaling properties, then asymptotically, and the scaling exponent is typically estimated as the slope of a linear fitting in the vs. plot. In this way, measures the strength of the correlations and characterizes the underlying dynamical system. However, in many cases, and especially in a physiological time series, the scaling behavior is different at short and long scales, resulting in vs. plots with two different slopes, at short scales and at large scales of observation. These two exponents are usually associated with the existence of different mechanisms that work at distinct time scales acting on the underlying dynamical system. Here, however, and since the power-law behavior of is asymptotic, we question the use of to characterize the correlations at short scales. To this end, we show first that, even for artificial time series with perfect scaling, i.e., with a single exponent valid for all scales, DFA provides an value that systematically overestimates the true exponent . In addition, second, when artificial time series with two different scaling exponents at short and large scales are considered, the value provided by DFA not only can severely underestimate or overestimate the true short-scale exponent, but also depends on the value of the large scale exponent. This behavior should prevent the use of to describe the scaling properties at short scales: if DFA is used in two time series with the same scaling behavior at short scales but very different scaling properties at large scales, very different values of will be obtained, although the short scale properties are identical. These artifacts may lead to wrong interpretations when analyzing real-world time series: on the one hand, for time series with truly perfect scaling, the spurious value of could lead to wrongly thinking that there exists some specific mechanism acting only at short time scales in the dynamical system. On the other hand, for time series with true different scaling at short and large scales, the incorrect value would not characterize properly the short scale behavior of the dynamical system.

Analysis of Fractal Correlation Properties of Heart Rate Variability during an Initial Session of Eccentric Cycling.

Eccentric cycling (ECC) has attracted attention as a method to improve muscle strength and aerobic fitness in populations unable to tolerate conventional methods. However, agreement on exercise prescription targets have been problematic. The current report is an initial exploration of a potentially useful tool, a nonlinear heart rate (HR) variability (HRV) index based on the short-term scaling exponent alpha1 of detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA a1), which has been previously shown to correspond to exercise intensity. Eleven male volunteers performed 45 min of concentric (CON) cycling and ECC separated by 1 month. Work rates were matched for HR (~50% of the maximal HR) during the first 5 min and remained stable thereafter. HRV, HR, oxygen consumption (VO2), and cycling power were monitored and evaluated at elapsed times of 10 (T10) and 45 (T45) minutes duration. HR significantly increased between ECC T10 and ECC T45 (p = 0.003, d = 1.485), while DFA a1 significantly decreased (p = 0.004, d = 1.087). During CON, HR significantly increased (p < 0.001 d = 1.570) without significant DFA a1 change (p = 0.48, d = 0.22). Significantly higher HR was observed at T45 in ECC than in CON (p = 0.047, d = 1.059). A session of unaccustomed ECC lead to decreased values of DFA a1 at T45 in comparison to that seen with CON at similar VO2. ECC lead to altered autonomic nervous system balance as reflected by the loss of correlation properties compared to CON.

A Novel Indentation Assessment to Measure Corneal Biomechanical Properties in Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension.

PurposeTo evaluate the ability of the new in vivo corneal indentation device (CID) to measure corneal biomechanical properties.Methods and ResultsIn total, 186 eyes from 46 healthy subjects, 107 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, and 33 patients with ocular hypertension were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Measurements were performed using corneal visualization Scheimpflug technology (Corvis ST) and the CID. The deformation amplitude (DA), inward applanation time, inward applanation velocity (A1V), outward applanation time (A2T), outward applanation velocity (A2V), highest concavity time, DA ratio, max inverse radius (MIR), integrated radius, and stiffness parameter A1 were included as Corvis ST parameters, and stiffness and modulus were included as CID parameters. Associations between the Corvis ST and CID parameters and correlations between central corneal thickness and corneal biomechanical parameters were analyzed. The stiffness was significantly correlated with all the Corvis ST parameters (P < 0.05). The modulus was significantly correlated with the DA, A1V, A2T, A2V, highest concavity time, and MIR (P < 0.05). The DA, inward applanation time, A1V, A2T, A2V, DA ratio, MIR, integrated radius, and stiffness parameter A1 values and both CID-derived values were significantly correlated with central corneal thickness (P < 0.05).ConclusionsParameters derived from the CID and Corvis ST demonstrated agreement in the measurement of corneal biomechanical properties. The stiffness and modulus can characterize in vivo corneal biomechanical properties.Translational RelevanceAgreeing with the Corvis ST regarding the assessment of corneal biomechanical properties, the CID can be a novel clinical tool for biomechanical evaluation of the cornea.

Microzonation of Cisarua District Using Horizontal Vertical Spectral Ratio

The Bandung region is part of the framework of the Indonesian tectonic system, namely the tectonic plate meeting zone, where the Indo Autralia plate is infiltrated under the Eurasian plate in a convergent manner. The subduction process produces an effect in the form of an active fault geological structure in the Bandung area. One of these active faults is the Lembang Fault, which has a length of ± 29 kilometers and a shear acceleration of 3 to 5.5 millimeters per year. The microtremor measurement method is a passive geophysical method that utilizes natural subsurface vibrations so that it can provide dominant frequency data and amplification factors for soil layers. Based on the results of seismic susceptibility research using microtremor measurements using the HVSR method in the Lembang Fault zone in Cisarua Sub-District, it can be seen that the distribution of the dominant frequency values tends to be influenced by lithology and topography. In the research area, it is known to have a dominant frequency value that varies due to the different types of lithological units. In general, the dominant frequency ranges from 1-3 Hz because it is dominated by tuff sand and tuff pumice, and areas composed of volcanic breccias have a dominant frequency value between 3-6 Hz. Meanwhile, the amplification factor value will be influenced by rock deformation and weathering. The area that has a very high amplification factor value is in the southeast of the study area with an A0 value greater than 5. This indicates that the area is composed of a layer of thick and not dense tuff sand

Hydration kinetics of cement-calcined activated bauxite tailings composite binder

To explore the influence of bauxite tailings particle size and content on the hydration process of cement-tailings composite binder, the hydration kinetics of blended cement containing activated bauxite tailings was investigated. Hydration heat of cement-bauxite tailings composite binder was measured at 20 °C. The Krstulovic–Dabic kinetics model was used to explore the kinetics of blended cement containing bauxite tailings. The hydration process of blended cement was analyzed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results demonstrate that the induction period of the composite binder increased with increase in the bauxite tailings content. The hydration heat increased with increase in powder selection frequency of the tailings. The kinetics model could effectively simulate the hydration process of cement- bauxite tailings composite binder. With the increase of the tailings content, the value of α1 decreased and that of α2 increased. Calcined activated bauxite tailings could react with calcium hydroxide owing to the pozzolanic reaction. The calcium hydroxide content of the composite binder decreased compared with pure cement and decreased with increase in the bauxite tailings content, particularly for bauxite tailings incorporations exceeding 30%.

Retrospective Analysis of the HB A2 Value in Sickle Cell Positive Population in Central Gujarat, India

Introduction:Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the commonest autosomal inherited diseases globally. India has high Sickle cell disease burden, presented with very wide clinical phenotypes. Gujarat state particularly central and south region of state has a high prevalence of the sickle cell anemia. Though being commonly encountered in this region, there are hardly few large scale studies done on sickle cell anemia and its clinical impact on health. With this background in mind, we did this retrospective analysis of laboratory parameters to understand the correlation of HbA2 values in sickle cell population.Materials and Methods:This retrospective analysis of Capillary electrophoresis (CE) or High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) results of total 30845 sample size was done. Study period June 2013 to June 2017. Investigation carried out at 4 different laboratories was reviewed for analysis of Hemoglobin A2 (HbA2) values in Sickle cell population in the central Gujarat region of India. Hematological indices, Solubility tests, were also taken into considerations. Initially, all the data were reviewed and analyzed separately and then they were compiled together and analyzed. Out of 30845, 28495 results were reviewed. Rests were omitted either due to incomplete data. On capillary electrophoresis 19383 tests were conducted, whereas, 9112 tests were conducted on HPLC.ResultOut of total 28495 samples, 2327 were sickle positive, 846 had HBS >50% (SCD), 1471 had HBS<50% Sickle cell trait (SCT), 26168 no sickle window. With respect to HbA2 value, we divided them further into 3 groups. Group 1 : HbA2 between 2 - 3.5%, Group 2 : HbA2 more than 3.5% and Group 3:HbA2 less than 2%. Further sub analysis of all the 3 groups was done on the basis of MCV. As we assume that high HbF with HbA2<2% may be associated with δ-β thalassemias and low HbF with HBA2<2% may be associated with α-thalassemia, in group 3, Hb F was also considered in sub analysis. The results of the analysis are as depicted in table.ConclusionIn this retrospective analytic study we found that SCD can be categorized into 3 groups based on HB A2 value, further sub analysis with respect to MCV and HB F value shows, 644 (75.2%) have probability of having co inheritance of Thalassemia (MCV< 80 FL), remaining 212(24.8%)may be representing homozygous SCD with no co inheritance of α or β or δ-β Thalassemia (MCV>80 FL).As we could not find single sample having HBA2 <2% with HBF(<10%) with low MCV in SCD category, raises possibility are we dealing with δ-β Thalassemia in this study population? These patients require further family studies and molecular study to confirm co-association of Thalassemia.There is high possibility that heterogeneity in clinical presentation of SCD patients found in Gujarat may have correlation with low MCV and variability in A2 value (indirect evidence of underlying co-inheritance of Thalassemia). Prospective large cohort study is required to document clinico-pathological correlation. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

The Assembly of the Mixture of Two Ionic Surfactants in Polyols Media at Variable Temperatures: Combined Conductivity and Theoretical Investigations

AbstractHerein, the aggregation phenomena of the two cationic amphiphiles, the hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB), has been investigated in the presence of monosaccharide (glucose) and disaccharide (maltose) at varying compositions and temperatures. The critical micelle concentration (cmc), degree of ionization (g), and several thermodynamic properties have been estimated applying the conductivity measurement technique. To explore the consequence of additives on the mixed micellization of TTAB + CTAB, glucose as monosaccharide having two concentrations (1% &amp; 5% (w/w) glucose) and maltose as disaccharide containing single concentration (1% (w/w)) have been employed. Together with the mixture of TTAB and CTAB, investigation of the physicochemical parameters of pure amphiphiles in glucose and maltose solutions was quantified. The efficiency of the additives in depressing the cmc values followed the order: 1 (w/w) % maltose &gt;5 (w/w) % glucose &gt;1% (w/w) glucose. The ideal cmc (cmcid), activity coefficients, and β values suggested the synergistic attraction (attractive force) between these two surfactants. By utilizing the Rubingh model, the evaluated micellar mole fractions of CTAB (α1) coupled with the ideal mole fraction () imply the increase of the contribution of CTAB in the mixed micellization with rising the α1 values. The values of the negative excess free energy () implied the stability of the mixed micelle formed. The changes in standard enthalpy (ΔH°m) and changes in standard entropy (ΔS°m) of micellization reveal the presence of different modes of interactions like electrostatic, ion‐dipole, H‐bonding, and hydrophobic interactions among the studied components.

Tsallis holographic dark energy model with observational constraints in the higher derivative theory of gravity

The present study deals with a Tsallis holographic dark energy model in a flat Friedmann-Lamatire-Rbertson-Walker space-time geometry in the context of higher derivative theory of gravity. We have solved the field equations by applying energy conservation-law in non-interacting case and have obtained such a scale factor a(τ)=[sinh(2a1τ)]12 where a1 is called as model parameter which shows transit phase evolution of the universe (decelerating to accelerating). Using this scale factor we have obtained the various cosmological parameters viz. Hubble parameter H, deceleration parameter (DP) q, jerk j, snap s, lerk l and max-out m. Constraining on Hubble parameters H(z) by the observational data of H(z) we have obtained the present values of H0, a0 and a1 and by using these constrained values, we have studied other cosmological parameters. Taking the constant equation of state (EoS) ωm for ordinary matter, we have investigated the effective behaviour of various cosmological parameters and energy conditions in our model. We have observed the present values of {t0,H0,q0,j0,s0,l0,m0,ωde0,ω0(eff)} and discussed with ΛCDM model. We have found the age of the present universe t0=13.05 Gyrs, present value of DP q0=−0.8065 and transition point zt=0.748 which are compatible with several observational results.

Microscopic Pore Structure and Improved Permeability Characterization of CO x Argillite Based on SEM Images

Permeability is one of the important parameters to evaluate the long-term sealing performance of Callovo-Oxfordian (COx) argillite for high-level radioactive waste repository. In this study, scanning electron microscope images were used to analyze the pore structure of COx argillite. The pore size distributions (PSD) obtained by the discrete algorithm and two continuous algorithms (Munch continuous algorithm and Song algorithm) are quite different, the range of pore size obtained by the discrete algorithm is larger than those obtained by continuous algorithms. The results of continuous algorithms are closer to that from mercury intrusion porosimetry. For the permeability prediction, the continuous methods show better results, but there is still a big gap. By further considering the contribution of pores with different sizes to permeability, the results obtained by continuous methods are very close to the measured result. The values of A2 obtained by the Munch continuous algorithm are 2.2 × 10−16, 1.8 × 10−16, and 0.94 × 10−16 m2 for magnifications ranging from 2,000 to 8,000 times; the corresponding values obtained by the Song algorithm are 2.42 × 10−16, 2.02 × 10−16, and 1.12 × 10−16 m2, respectively, while the laboratory result is 1.67 × 10−16 m2. More accurate permeability can be obtained by more representative PSD. Therefore, for soil materials with uniform pore distribution, more accurate permeability can be obtained by considering continuous algorithms and pore contribution rate.

SSI effects on the inelastic displacement ratios of flag-shaped hysteretic SDOF systems

This paper presents a parametric study to evaluate the effects of soil-structure interaction (SSI) on the constant-strength inelastic displacement ratios (CR) of self-centering single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) systems characterized by flag-shaped hysteretic behavior. The elastic homogeneous soil half-space below the foundation is simulated according to the concept of Cone model. Intensive nonlinear time-history analyses of soil-structure systems are conducted using three sets of 20 synthetic ground motions, which are matched to the design response spectra corresponding to very dense, stiff and soft soil classes. The effects of different parameters (i.e., fundamental period of the fixed-base superstructure, Tfix; strength reduction factor, R; structure-to-soil stiffness ratio, a0; aspect ratio of the superstructure, s; secondary stiffness ratio, α; and energy dissipation ratio of the flag-shaped model, β) on the inelastic displacement ratios are investigated and discussed. The analysis results indicate that similar trends are generally observed in inelastic displacement spectra with different soil class conditions, and ignoring SSI underestimates the peak inelastic displacement demands of the soil-structure systems. The inelastic displacement ratios increase when the value of R or a0 increases, while a rise in α or β leads to lower inelastic displacement ratios. It is found that aspect ratio has basically no influence on the inelastic displacement ratios for low a0 values, while has mitigating and amplifying influence on the inelastic displacement ratios below and above a threshold period for high a0 values.

Adoption of bio-image technology on rehabilitation intervention of sports injury of golf

This work aimed to explore the characteristics of surface electromyography (EMG) signal of golfers’ low back pain and the effect of rehabilitation. Based on the time-varying parameter autoregressive model and artificial neural network, ARAN algorithm was constructed, which was compared with the autoregressive moving average (ARMA) algorithm and the convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm. Then, the established ARAN algorithm was employed to evaluate the characteristics of surface EMG signal of 106 golfers with low back pain. It was found that the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the ARAN algorithm were superior to those of the CNN and ARMA algorithms. The golfer’s Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) score after treatment was less than that before treatment (P < 0.05). Moreover, there was significant negative correlation between RMDQ score and the mean values of time-varying parameters a1 and a3 (P < 0.05). The RMDQ score had a very obvious positive correlation with the mean values of a2, a4, and a6 (P < 0.001) and had a negative correlation with the mean value of a5 (P < 0.05). To sum up, the time-varying parameters of the surface EMG signal can effectively evaluate the golfer’s low back pain and the effect of treatment and rehabilitation.

Strength Evaluation of Aluminium Fibre Reinforced Particle Board made from Sawdust and Waste Glass

This research investigated the effects of aluminium shavings on particleboards produced from sawdust and waste glass using Urea formaldehyde as binder. Twelve (12) boards were produced and each had different variations of sawdust, waste glass and aluminium shavings with a constant volume of adhesive used. The boards were tested for physical properties such as density, Thickness swelling (TS) and Water absorption (WA) and mechanical properties such as modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE). The effects of the aluminium shavings on the boards were observed in the MOR and MOE values such that these values for board A1 were 3.30 N/mm2 and 10.45 N/mm2 for 20% aluminium shavings content but reduced to 3.16 N/mm2 and 8.97 N/mm2 respectively for board A2 with 10% aluminium shavings content. This trait was observed in other boards with the same content except in boards B1 and B2 where the MOR and MOE values increased with the values for B1 being 2.06 N/mm2 and 6.98 N/mm2 and 2.91 N/mm2 and 10.17 N/mm2 respectively. The values for density of the boards increased as the sawdust decreased and also as the glass content increased. The boards with the highest values for thickness swelling and water absorption were the first three as they possess the highest quantity of sawdust. From the results, none of the boards produced met up to the requirements for use for structural purposes, board B3 possesses the highest MOR value while board D3 possesses the highest MOE value. Therefore, the boards can serve non-structural purposes such as partitions and indoor uses.

Severity of liver fibrosis using shear wave elastography is influenced by hepatic necroinflammation in chronic hepatitis patients, but not in cirrhotic patients.

Shear wave elastography (SWE) in patients with chronic liver diseases is a noninvasive useful method for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis severity, which can be an alternative to liver biopsy. However, the liver stiffness measurement using SWE can be affected by various factors including hepatic inflammation, extrahepatic cholestasis, heart failure, and underlying liver diseases. The aim of this study is to clarify the correlation between liver stiffness using SWE and hepatic necroinflammation serologically and pathologically. A total of 843 patients with chronic liver disease who received liver biopsy were analyzed. Liver stiffness measurement using transient elastography (TE) and virtual touch quantification (VTQ) were carried out on the same day as the liver biopsy. The correlation between SWE and hepatic inflammation was analyzed serologically and pathologically. The liver stiffness values increased significantly with the progression of liver fibrosis and inflammation (overall p<0.001). In patients with F0-1, F2, and F3, TE and VTQ values of A2 or A3 were significantly higher than those of A0 or A1 (p value, all <0.05), but not in patients with F4. The median alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values increased significantly with the progression of liver inflammation (p<0.001). Moreover, TE and VTQ in patients with ALT ≥70IU/L were significantly higher than those in patients with ALT <70 IU/L (p<0.01), but not in patients with F4. Shear wave elastography can be affected by hepatic necroinflammation in F0-F3 fibrosis, but not in F4.

An information theoretic exploration of constrained MSSM

We discuss information theory as a tool to investigate constrained minimal supersymmetric Standard Model (CMSSM) in the light of observation of Higgs boson at the Large Hadron Collider. The entropy of the Higgs boson using its various detection modes has been constructed as a measure of the information and has been utilized to explore a wide range of CMSSM parameter space after including various experimental constraints from the LEP data, B-physics, electroweak precision observables and relic density of dark matter. According to our study while the lightest neutralino is preferred to have a mass around 1.92 TeV, the gluino mass is estimated to be around 7.44 TeV. The values of CMSSM parameters m0, m1/2, A0 and tan⁡β correspond to the most preferred scenario are found to be about 6 TeV, 3.6 TeV, −6.9 TeV and 36.8 respectively.

Model Optimization of a Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger by Using HGAPSO

The demand to develop an efficient heat exchanger have been prompted in order to save the energy and materials as well as economic incentives within the industry. To establish a reliable heat exchanger that be able to operate under its normal operating conditions, a model should reflect the true behaviour of the process itself. Modelling of heat exchanger helps to understand process that occurs during the operation. Hence, the primary objective of the project is developing a structural model using an ARX (Auto-Regressive with eXogenous input) equation. The data from experiment was used to determine the parameter of ARX equation. Using HGAPSO (Hybrid Genetic Algorithm and Partical Swarm Optimization) algorithm, ARX parameters are optimized to obtain the transfer function that represents the plant for modelling. Validation test of autocorrelation and cross-correlation were used to validate between normalised data input and error. Based on the result on the six order model, parameter a0, a1, a2, a3, a4, and a5 values are -0.00083, -0.00202, -0.00253, -0.00095, -0.00213 and -0.00275 while parameter b0, b1, b2, b3, b4 and b5 values are -0.7642, -0.5759, 0.3118, 0.0715, 0.1140 and 0.0683 respectively. From validation test, all graphs are within the 95 percent of confident line.

Fatigue, anxiety, and quality of life in breast cancer patients compared to non-cancer controls: a nationwide longitudinal analysis.

Fatigue and anxiety are common and significant symptoms reported by cancer patients. Few studies have examined the trajectory of multidimensional fatigue and anxiety, the relationships between them and with quality of life. Breast cancer patients (n = 580) from community oncology clinics and age-matched controls (n = 364) completed fatigue and anxiety questionnaires prior to chemotherapy (A1), at chemotherapy completion (A2), and six months post-chemotherapy (A3). Linear mixed models (LMM) compared trajectories of fatigue /anxiety over time in patients and controls and estimated their relationship with quality of life. Models adjusted for age, education, race, BMI, marital status, menopausal status, and sleep symptoms. Patients reported greater fatigue and anxiety compared to controls at all time points (p's < 0.001, 35% clinically meaningful anxiety at baseline). From A1 to A2 patients experienced a significant increase in fatigue (β = 8.3 95%CI 6.6,10.0) which returned to A1 values at A3 but remained greater than controls' (p < 0.001). General, mental, and physical fatigue subscales increased from A1 to A2 remaining significantly higher than A1 at A3 (p < 0.001). Anxiety improved over time (A1 to A3 β = - 4.3 95%CI -2.6,-3.3) but remained higher than controls at A3 (p < 0.001). Among patients, fatigue and anxiety significantly predicted one another and quality of life. Menopausal status, higher BMI, mastectomy, and sleep problems also significantly predicted change in fatigue. Breast cancer patients experience significant fatigue and anxiety up to six months post-chemotherapy that is associated with worse quality of life. Future interventions should simultaneously address anxiety and fatigue, focusing on mental and physical fatigue subdomains.