Study of behavior of plastic modified bitumen by incorporating carbon black

In recent years, the performance of polymer modified bitumen has been widely studied. This study reports a research carried out to investigate the properties of polymer modified bitumen (PMB) by using polypropylene as modifier, carbon black as additives, to examine the optimum ratio of polypropylene to carbon black. With this objective, sample preparation using wet mixing method combining high shear mix was firstly performed. Subsequently, 18 samples were developed for the study, of which the polypropylene (PP) contents 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, 18% and 20% with 2%, 3%, 4% of carbon black content. Afterwards, samples were characterized by standard tests (Dynamic Shear Rheometer and Viscosity), and all the test results showed improved performance. Finally, the results concluded that the optimum binder-PP ratio PMB for applying is 14% PP with 3% carbon black

Platelet function test and bleeding risk in patients with coronary artery disease : a case-control study

Background Management of coronary heart disease remains a challenge even with modern advances. New anti-platelet agents which reduce thromboembolic events in patients with coronary heart disease were introduced. However, there are concerns about an increased in bleeding risk for patients taking these new anti-platelet agents. Platelet function test, such as VerifyNow, claimed to be able to predict bleeding risk. However, the evidence was limited, especially among the Asian population. This study aimed to evaluate the use of VerifyNow to assess bleeding risk. Subjects with low residual platelet reactivity, i.e. low PRU value, were hypothesized to have an increased bleeding risk. Methods This was a case control study performed in the Princess Margaret Hospital of Hong Kong. A total of 120 subjects who were taking a P2Y12 inhibitor and had a VerifyNow test were recruited. The cases were defined as subjects with a PRU value of less than or equal to 95, a threshold for increased bleeding risk as recommended by Western studies. The controls were age matched to the cases. The primary outcome was the increase in bleeding risk associated with a low PRU value at 30 days. The secondary outcome was the increase in bleeding risk associated with a low PRU value at 1 year. The use of the percentage of platelet inhibition was also evaluated as a secondary outcome. Multivariable logistic regression was used to obtain the odds ratio of the low PRU group. Results Bleeding events occurred more frequently in the low PRU group. At 30 days, 31.7% of subjects among the case had a bleeding event while 43.3% of the cases had a bleeding event at 1 year. The majority of these bleeding events were minor bleeding, such as easy bruising. After adjusting for confounders, there was no statistically significant increase in bleeding risk among those in the low PRU group at 30 days or 1 year. Subjects with a high percentage of platelet inhibition (>50%) was also not associated with a statistically significant increase in bleeding risk. Conclusion A low PRU value was not associated with an increased bleeding risk at 30 days. Thus the VerifyNow test was not shown to be useful in assessing the bleeding risk of patients in an Asian population, contrary to the findings from Western literature. A possible explanation was that the VerifyNow threshold for predicting bleeding might be higher among the Asian population. The definition for low residual platelet reactivity might be different in our locality. A larger sample size might also be needed. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether a different cut off is more optimal for the Asian population.published_or_final_versionPublic HealthMasterMaster of Public Healt

Low-Threshold near-Infrared GaAs–AlGaAs Core–Shell Nanowire Plasmon Laser

We demonstrate plasmonic lasing from metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD)-grown GaAs–AlGaAs core–shell nanowires (NWs) with subdiffraction limit diameters of ∼150 nm placed directly on a silver thin film. The absence of a low-index dielectric spacer layer between the NW and the metal layer allows for surface plasmon polariton (SPP) lasing using a nonhybridized plasmonic mode. Unlike previously reported plasmonic NW lasers using the fundamental SPP mode, we demonstrate for the first time plasmonic NW lasing under pulsed optical excitation by using the higher order SPP mode. The higher order mode allows us to alleviate the high losses associated with the fundamental plasmonic mode. We observed lasing at temperatures up to 125 K. Our demonstration of a plasmonic laser based on GaAs emitting in the near-infrared region will be useful for the on-chip integration of nanophotonic and electronic devices and the development of GaAs-based plasmonic devices

Altered Anterior Segment Biometric Parameters in Mice Deficient in SPARC

Purpose: Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) and Hevin are structurally related matricellular proteins involved in extracellular matrix assembly. In this study, we compared the anterior chamber biometric parameters and iris collagen properties in SPARC-, Hevin- and SPARC-/Hevin-null with wild-type (WT) mice. Methods: The right eyes of 53 WT, 35 SPARC-, 56 Hevin-, and 63 SPARC-/Hevin-null mice were imaged using the RTVue-100 Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography system. The parameters measured were anterior chamber depth (ACD), trabecular-iris space area (TISA), angle opening distance (AOD), and pupil diameter. Biometric data were analyzed using analysis of covariance and adjusted for age, sex, and pupil diameter. Expression of Col1a1, Col8a1, and Col8a2 transcripts in the irises was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Collagen fibril thickness was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. Results: Mice that were SPARC- and SPARC-/Hevin-null had 1.28- and 1.25-fold deeper ACD, 1.45- and 1.53-fold larger TISA, as well as 1.42- and 1.51-fold wider AOD than WT, respectively. These measurements were not significantly different between SPARC- and SPARC-/Hevin-null mice. The SPARC-null iris expressed lower Col1a1, but higher Col8a1 and Col8a2 transcripts compared with WT. Collagen fibrils in the SPARC- and SPARC-/Hevin-null irises were 1.5- and 1.7-fold thinner than WT, respectively. The Hevin-null iris did not differ from WT in these collagen properties. Conclusions: SPARC-null mice have deeper anterior chamber as well as wider drainage angles compared with WT. Therefore, SPARC plays a key role in influencing the spatial organization of the anterior segment, potentially via modulation of collagen properties, while Hevin is not likely to be involved.NRF (Natl Research Foundation, S’pore)NMRC (Natl Medical Research Council, S’pore)Published versio

Effects of Music on Patients Undergoing a C-clamp Procedure After Percutaneous Coronary Interventions

Aim: This paper reports a study to determine the effect of music on physiological parameters and level of pain in patients undergoing application of a C-clamp after percutaneous coronary interventions. Background: Most percutaneous coronary interventions are performed through the femoral artery. In order to stop bleeding and achieve homeostasis, a C-clamp is used after percutaneous coronary interventions. However, the experience is painful for patients and they inevitably suffer discomfort. Pain may lead to stress responses and may affect the physical and mental health of patients. One potential beneficial practice is having the patient listen to relaxing music, which might have the effect of reducing situational discomfort and pain. Methods: A randomized controlled study was conducted during the period September 2004 to March 2005. Forty-three people (20 experimental and 23 control) were recruited from the intensive care units of two acute care hospitals in Hong Kong. Physiological and psychological variables were collected at baseline and at 15, 30 and 45 minutes. Results: In the music group, there were statistically significant reductions (P = 0.001) in heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation than the control participants at 45 minutes. In the music group, statistically significant reductions (P = 0.001) in systolic blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation were found at the four time points, but not in the control group. No statistically significant differences were found at baseline comparison of the two groups, but statistically significant differences in pain scores were found at 45 minutes for participants in the music group compared with the control group (P = 0.003). Participants in the control group showed statistically significant increases in pain at 45 minutes compared with baseline (P \u3c 0.001). Conclusions: The benefits of preventing physiological reactions to pain were demonstrated. Music is a simple, safe and effective method of reducing potentially harmful physiological and psychological responses arising from pain. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved

Long-term outcomes of microwave versus radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma by surgical approach: A retrospective comparative study

Background: Both microwave ablation (MWA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are commonly employed local ablation techniques for malignant liver tumors. However, comparative data on long-term results between these two techniques is scarce in the literature. Methods: This is a retrospective comparative study between MWA and RFA for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using surgical approach. Results: The MWA group consisted of 26 patients while the RFA group consisted of 47 case-matched patients. The two groups were comparable, except patients were older and their platelet count was lower in the MWA group. The median follow-up period was 47.5 months in MWA group and 52.9 months in RFA group (p = 0.322). There was no difference in 5-year overall survival (MWA 73.1%, RFA 46.3%, p = 0.082) and 5-year disease free survival (MWA 13.8%, RFA 14.6%, p = 0.736). When a subgroup analysis of tumors ≥ 3.5 cm was performed, there were 16 patients in the MWA group and 21 patients in the RFA group, the 5-year overall and disease-free survival were MWA 75.0%, RFA 28.6% (p = 0.022) and MWA 25.0%, RFA 4.8% (p = 0.207), respectively. Conclusion: MWA is comparable to RFA for HCC in terms of long-term outcomes. For tumors ≥ 3.5 cm, MWA is associated with a better overall 5-year survival

Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Regulate Tumor-Initiating Cell Plasticity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma through c-Met/FRA1/HEY1 Signaling

SummaryLike normal stem cells, tumor-initiating cells (T-ICs) are regulated extrinsically within the tumor microenvironment. Because HCC develops primarily in the context of cirrhosis, in which there is an enrichment of activated fibroblasts, we hypothesized that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) would regulate liver T-ICs. We found that the presence of α-SMA(+) CAFs correlates with poor clinical outcome. CAF-derived HGF regulates liver T-ICs via activation of FRA1 in an Erk1,2-dependent manner. Further functional analysis identifies HEY1 as a direct downstream effector of FRA1. Using the STAM NASH-HCC mouse model, we find that HGF-induced FRA1 activation is associated with the fibrosis-dependent development of HCC. Thus, targeting the CAF-derived, HGF-mediated c-Met/FRA1/HEY1 cascade may be a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of HCC

Treatment received by cancer patients.

<p>Treatment received by cancer patients.</p