Test-Retest Reliability and Construct Validity of the Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment in People With Stroke

Background and Purpose: The Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) is commonly used to measure balance ability in older adults. The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC) of the POMA and explore its cross-sectional and longitudinal construct validity for use in people early after stroke. Methods: Participants were recruited if they had a first documented stroke and were receiving physical therapy during inpatient rehabilitation. The POMA, gait speed, and motor Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores were collected at admission and at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. A second trial of the POMA was conducted 1 day after the first trial for reliability analysis. Correlations (Spearman rho) between raw scores of admission and discharge outcome measures, as well as change in scores between admission and discharge, were used to explore the construct validity of the POMA. Results: Fifty-five people, with average age of 75 ± 11 years, who had experienced first documented stroke participated in the study and began inpatient physical therapy at a mean of 8 ± 5 days poststroke. Test-retest reliability intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1) was 0.84 and MDC was 6 points. The POMA scores were moderately correlated to motor FIM and gait speed scores at admission (rs = 0.55 and 0.70) and discharge (rs = 0.55 and 0.82.) Change scores of all 3 measures had a fair correlation (rs = 0.28-0.51). Discussion and Conclusions: Test-retest reliability and MDC of the POMA in people with stroke is similar to previous research in older adult long-term care residents. Results support cross-sectional and longitudinal construct validity of the POMA in persons early after stroke and demonstrate validity and reliability to measure balance ability in this population

Life-cycle cost study of ground source heat pumps in hot humid climate zone

Ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems are gaining recognition as a cost effective and green heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) alternative in the United States. Still, this technology is not highly utilized due to factors such as high initial investment, lack of confidence and uncertainties in cost items. This study focuses on the reflection of the variations in cost items on the feasibility and life-cycle cost of a typical GSHP system. For this purpose, life-cycle costs were calculated for a typical GSHP system and cost data was gathered for several projects. Possible variations on cost variables are defined. Then, the effect of these variations on life cycle cost is analyzed on a comparative basis with a conventional system. It was concluded that the GSHP systems may not be economically favorable over a conventional HVAC systems without current incentives in hot and humid climate regions

Investigation Of Structure And Functional Properties Of Lna (locked Nucleic Acids) By Computational Tools

Tez (Yüksek Lisans) -- İstanbul Teknik Üniversitesi, Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü, 2007Thesis (M.Sc.) -- İstanbul Technical University, Institute of Science and Technology, 2007Kilitli nükleik asit (LNA) bir veya daha fazla LNA nükleotid monomeri içeren sentetik RNA türevidir. Şeker-fosfat ana hattında riboz kısmı yapısal olarak 2’-oksijen ve 4’-karbon atomlarından metilen köprüsü ile sınırlandırılmıştır. Bu bağlantı şeker halkasını DNA ve RNA sekanslarına komplementer hibrid oluşumuna müsade eden 3’-endo (N-tip) konformasyonuna sabitler. Bu sayede LNA bisiklik furanoz birimine sahip RNA taklidi konformasyona kilitlenmiştir. Bu çalışmada kilitli nükleik asitin beş bazı (adenin, timin, urasil, guanin ve sitozin) gaz fazındaki farklı konformasyonları araştırılmıştır. Bu çalışmanın amacı her bir LNA bazının gaz fazındaki konformasyonal evreninden yola çıkarak literatürde deneysel olarak kanıtlanmış tanı ve tedavi yöntemlerinde LNA’ya avantaj getiren nedenleri saptamak ve ileriki çalışmalar için öngörülerde bulunmaktır. Bu yapıların yapısal ve elektronik karakterlerinin hesaplamaları ayrıntılı olarak öncelikle Spartan programı aracılığıyla moleküler mekanik düzeyde ve daha sonra Gaussian 03 sürüm C.02 programı aracılığıyla B3LYP/6-31G** ve HF/6-31G** düzeylerinde incelenmiştir.Locked nucleic acid (LNA) is a synthetic RNA derivative containing one or more LNA nucleotide monomers. The ribose moiety in sugar-phosphate backbone is structurally constrained by a methylene bridge between the 2’-oxygen and the 4’-carbon atoms. The link ‘locks’ the sugar ring in the fixed 3’-endo (N-type) conformation preferable for the formation of hybrids with complementary DNA or RNA sequences. Consequently LNA has a bicyclic furanose unit locked in an RNA-mimicking conformation. In this study five bases with locked nucleic acid (adenine, thymine, uracil, guanine, and cytosine) have been investigated for their different conformations in the gas phase. The aim of this study is to start with investigating the conformational space of each LNA’s completely in the gas phase to determine the advantages of LNA in the diagnostic and therapeutic applications proven in the literature and foresight further studies. These structures have been investigated in detail structural and electronic characteristics firstly at Molecular Mechanics as implemented in Spartan and secondly at B3LYP/6-31G** and HF/6-31G** levels as implemented in Gaussian 03 Version C.02.Yüksek LisansM.Sc

Gaining New Insight into Machine-Learning Datasets via Multiple Binary-Feature Frequency Ranks with a Mobile Benign/Malware Apps Example

Researchers compare their Machine Learning (ML) classification performances with other studies without examining and comparing the datasets they used in training, validating, and testing. One of the reasons is that there are not many convenient methods to give initial insights about datasets besides the descriptive statistics applied to individual continuous or quantitative features. After demonstrating initial manual analysis techniques, this study proposes a novel adaptation of the Kruskal-Wallis statistical test to compare a group of datasets over multiple prominent binary features that are very common in today’s datasets. As an illustrative example, the new method was tested on six benign/malign mobile application datasets over the frequencies of prominent binary features to explore the dissimilarity of the datasets per class. The feature vector consists of over a hundred “application permission requests” that are binary flags for Android platforms’ primary access control to provide privacy and secure data/information in mobile devices. Permissions are also the first leading transparent features for ML-based malware classification. The proposed data analytical methodology can be applied in any domain through their prominent features of interest. The results, which are also visualized in three new ways, have shown that the proposed method gives the dissimilarity degree among the datasets. Specifically, the conducted test shows that the frequencies in the aggregated dataset and some of the datasets are not substantially different from each other even they are in close agreement in positive-class datasets. It is expected that the proposed domain-independent method brings useful initial insight to researchers on comparing different datasets

Development of a hurricane-resistant roof-to-wall connection using high-performance fiber composites

Significant portion of losses in hurricanes occur due to a discontinuous load path and weak connections. The purpose of this study was to develop an innovative, efficient and non-intrusive roof-to-wall connection for wood-frame structures using high-performance fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials. The development of new connections was carried out at the component level tests. Initially the bond strength between FRP and wood interface was investigated. Subsequently, a progressive FRP tie development test was conducted and several alternatives were tested and the most feasible one was chosen. The new FRP tie was then tested in a full-scale wood-frame structure to assess the in-situ performance under simulated uplift forces. The results of full-scale tests were in close agreement with the results obtained at the component level. The FRP tie system offers an easy-to-apply, non-intrusive and rather stiff alternative to existing metal connectors for both new construction and existing structures

Elucidating the Fresh and Hardened Properties of Limestone Calcined Clay Cements through Data Analytics

Limestone calcined clay cements (LC3) are a broad class of blended mineral compositions that are alternatives to conventional Portland cement (PC) and are one of the most promising technologies to achieve carbon neutrality in the concrete industry. However, a mechanistic understanding of fresh and hardened properties of LC3-based pastes, mortars, and concrete, as well as empirical design approaches are lacking. This dissertation addresses these knowledge gaps by developing composition-property linkages with the purpose of facilitating the transition of LC3 from the laboratory to practice. Specifically, the influence of LC3 composition on early hydration kinetics, rheological properties, compressive strength development and durability assessed by surface resistivity test is investigated. The compositional design space considers variations in water-to-solids ratio, proportions of constituent materials (PC, calcined clay or “metakaolin” (MK), limestone (LS)), added gypsum content, limestone particle size and superplasticizing admixture dosage. The composition-property linkages are established by combining laboratory data with data analytics approaches including Machine learning (ML). A guiding hypothesis is that the sulfate balance (defined in this dissertation as time difference between the maximum of silicate peak and the sulfate depletion point measured during isothermal calorimetry), influences both the fresh (i.e., rheology) and hardened properties (e.g., compressive strength, surface resistivity) of LC3. To examine this, first, a non-parametric kernel regression technique Nadaraya-Watson (NW) estimator is applied to the heat evolution curves obtained from isothermal calorimetry, allowing quantification of the influence of compositional factors on early hydration kinetics (e.g., slope of silicate peak, sulfate depletion point) in a novel way. Thereafter, linkages between composition and sulfate balance are established first and then the hypothesis of the role of sulfate balance in influencing fresh and hardened properties of LC3 is tested in further chapters. Next, to predict the rheological behavior of LC3, domain knowledge is embedded in ML in the form of five physicochemical predictors, all based on composition. The ML modeling approach helps to elucidate the diversity of mechanisms through which the MK component dominates the rheological behavior of LC3, both directly and through its interactions with the other mineral constituents. Analytical measures (e.g., changes in portlandite and bound water contents over time) show how microstructural development translates to compressive strength and surface resistivity development. For instance, LC3 mortar strength over 28 days of hydration can be accurately predicted not only from its portlandite content over time, but also shows strong correlation with concrete surface resistivity development. Finally, a multi-objective optimization tool is developed to simultaneously predict LC3`s global warming potential and compressive strength development, which are two parameters central in the industrywide shift in cement compositions. Overall, this dissertation provides new foundational understanding of LC3`s early hydration kinetics and property evolution that supports the concrete industry`s adaptation to LC3; this work provides insights that not only rely on empirical findings but also generates models and analytical techniques that can be used to accurately predict fresh and hardened properties based on LC3 composition.Ph.D

Influence de taille et de la structure des germes dans la formation de nanoparticules d’or Anisotropes

Between the ongoing research on various type of nanomaterials to tune the particle sizeand crystal design in nanoscale for their potential applications, anisotropic gold nanoparticleshas attracted the most intention not only because of their divine color but also their enhancedcatalytic activities, optical properties and electrical conductivities. Event though, many effortshave been already made in the field of synthesis of anisotropic gold nanoparticles, withdefined sizes and structures, growth mechanism of many unique anisotropic shapes is still acontroversial subject.Overall objective of this thesis is to understand the origin of anisotropy during theformation of anisotropic gold nanoparticles, especially gold nanorods, in liquid phase. For ourenvisaged aim, between numerous synthetic methods developed for production ofnanoparticles, seed mediated approach is chosen for the fabrication of final anisotropic goldnanoparticles from small seeds which is grown into final nanoparticle later on. During thesynthesis of nanoparticles, those seeds play critical role as precursors to control the yield ofand the crystal structure of final anisotropic nanoparticle. Here we offer a systematical studyon the origin of anisotropy with respect to “seed size” and “crystal morphology”. Since thesesmall particles are the genesis of anisotropic metal nanoparticle synthesis, in this thesis weanswer following questions to explain the origin of anisotropy;i. How to control the crystal structure and the size of the seeds?ii. What are the influences of controlled seed size and structure on the kinetics ofnanoparticle growth?De par leurs nombreuses applications potentielles, de nombreux efforts de recherche ontété poursuivis dans le domaine de la synthèse de nanoparticules. Cependant le mécanisme àl'origine des formes anisotropes de nanoparticules d'or, pour une taille et une structure biendéfinies, reste encore un sujet controverse.L'objectif général de cette thèse est de comprendre l'origine de cette anisotropie, lors dela formation de nanoparticules d'or, en particulier sous la forme de nano-bâtonnets d'or, enphase liquide. Parmi les nombreux procédés de synthèse existants, la "synthèse de particulesanisotropes par croissance à partir de germes" a été retenu, car il permet un contrôle précis dela taille et de la structure des nanoparticules. Lors de la synthèse de nanoparticules, les germesjouent un rôle de précurseur et permettent ainsi de maitriser la structure cristalline desnanoparticules finales. Si le rôle crucial des germes a déjà pu être étudié par différentsgroupes de recherche, une étude systématique sur la genèse de l'anisotropie par rapport à lataille et la structure initale des germes restait à réaliser. Ce travail a ainsi pour objectif derépondrre aux deux questions :i. Comment contrôler la structure cristalline et de la taille des germes?ii. Quelles sont les influences de la taille des germes et de leur structure sur la cinétique dela croissance

Satisfaction and attitude of bipolar patients regarding electroconvulsive therapy: Modified or unmodified

Objective: Ministry of Health of Turkey issued a legislation to use only modified electroconvulsivetherapy (ECT) in 2005, and this study aimed to assess satisfaction and attitude of bipolar patientsregarding modified and unmodified electroconvulsive therapy.Methods: A total of 100 patients (50 treated with modified electroconvulsive therapy (M-ECT) and 50treated with unmodified ECT (UM-ECT) with a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder (depressive or manic episode)were invited to participate in this study. Patients with euthymic mood were included.Satisfaction and attitude towards ECT were evaluated with a structured attitude questionnaire, and MECTand UM-ECT patients, and their subgroups (depressive vs. manic) were compared.Results: No significant differences were found between M-ECT and UM-ECT groups regarding age, sex,marital status and occupation. The majority of all patients (78%) were satisfied from treatment withECT and with the outcome (88%), without significant differences between modified and unmodifiedgroups. Forgetfulness (70%) and headaches (57%) occurred in all groups, with the only significant differencein forgetfulness being reported by more manic patients treated with UM-ECT. Depressive andmanic patients treated with UM-ECT reported concerns of brain damage and physical harm significantlymore frequently. While 86% of patients treated with M-ECT consented to a future treatment,this was significantly less in patients treated with UM-ECT (50%).Conclusions: Bipolar patients report a high degree of satisfaction treated either with modified orunmodified ECT but there was a significant difference in perception of adverse effects and willingnessfor receiving ECT in future

Gallic acid reduces experimental colitis in rats by downregulation of cathepsin and oxidative stress

Objective: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with common, repetitive inflammation of the colon and rectum, which is highly defined by loss of blood on colon mucosa, ulceration and acute inflammation. The present study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of gallic acid (GA) through a 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis rat model, using biochemical and histopathological parameters. Materials and Methods: The study consisted of four groups, each including seven rats, namely control group, colitis group, colitis-GA 50 mg/kg group and colitis-GA 100 mg/kg group. Colon tissue samples were analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), cathepsin B and cathepsin L values. Results: Tissue MDA, MPO, cathepsin L and cathepsin B values increased significantly in colitis group (p=0.028, p=0.038, p=0.024, p=0.019, respectively). However, MDA, MPO, cathepsin L and cathepsin B values showed a significant decrease in animals with GA (at a dose of 100 mg/kg) administration in TNBS-induced colitis in rats (p=0.021, p=0.026, p=0.019, p=0.031, respectively). Colitis group was defined by the severe detriment of surface epithelium, submucosal edema and inflammatory cell infiltration. Treatment with GA significantly decreased inflammatory cell infiltration. Conclusion: GA can be used as an effective agent in the treatment of colitis due to its inhibitory properties in multiple pathways and its potent antioxidant effect

The Protective Effects of Geraniol Against Damage of Short Term Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion in Rats

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is one of the main causes of acute kidney injury. The pathological mechanisms underlying renal I/R injury are complex and remain uncertain. The protective effects of antioxidant properties of geraniol against renal ischemia reperfusion (I/R) damage were investigated in our study. 28 Wistar albino male rats were randomly selected and 4 groups of n = 7 were created. A right kidney nephrectomy surgery was conducted to all groups under anesthesia. 2 ml SF was given to Groups I and II, 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/ kg geraniol were administered intraperitoneally an hour before ischemia to Groups III and IV, respectively. Except for Group I, 45 minutes of ischemia and 4 hours of reperfusion were applied to the groups. At the end of the experiment, parameters related to oxidative stress and inflammation were determined by comparing kidney function, antioxidant enzyme activities and histological changes. Following comparison of BUN and CRE values with CAT and SOD values in tissue samples of Group I and Group II, an increase in Group II was observed and as a result I/R damage formation occurred. Values of geraniol-treated Group III and Group IV approximated to that of Group I, and that the 50 mg/kg geraniol dose proved more effective than 100 mg/kg geraniol