Impact of Serum Chemerin Levels on Liver Functional Reserves and Platelet Counts in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Obesity-related metabolic abnormalities, including adipokine imbalance and chronic inflammation, are involved in liver carcinogenesis. Chemerin, a novel adipokine, plays a critical role in adipogenesis, energy metabolism, and inflammation. We evaluated the impact of serum chemerin levels on liver functional reserves in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and on the recurrence and prognosis of HCC. This study included 44 patients with any stage of HCC who underwent curative treatment at Gifu Municipal Hospital (Gifu, Japan) between 2006 and 2007. Recurrence-free survival and overall survival were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Serum albumin levels (Pearson’s correlation coefficient; r = 0.3110, p = 0.0399), platelet counts (r = 0.4159, p = 0.0050), and prothrombin times (r = 0.3775, p = 0.0115) were significantly correlated with serum chemerin levels in patients with HCC, and they were inversely correlated with Child-Pugh scores (r = −0.3732, p = 0.0126), serum alanine aminotransferase levels (r = −0.3864, p = 0.0105), and total bilirubin levels (r = −0.4023, p = 0.0068). Among these variables, a multiple comparison test identified that platelet counts and total bilirubin levels were associated with serum chemerin levels (p < 0.0083). No significant correlation was found between serum chemerin levels and recurrence-free survival (p = 0.3691) or overall survival (p = 0.7916). In HCC patients, serum chemerin concentrations were correlated with liver functional reserves and platelet counts, but not with recurrence or prognosis.     

An improved convergence analysis for the Newton–Kantorovich method using recurrence relations

We generate a sequence using the Newton–Kantorovich method in order to approximate a locally unique solution of an operator equation on a Banach space under Hölder continuity conditions. Using recurrence relations, Hölder as well as centre-Hölder continuity assumptions on the operator involved, we provide a semilocal convergence analysis with the following advantages over the elegant work by Hernánde? in (The Newton method for operators with Hölder continuous first derivative, J. Optim. Theory Appl. 109(3) (2001), pp. 631–648.) (under the same computational cost): finer error bounds on the distances involved, and a more precise information on the location of the solution. Our results also compare favourably with recent and relevant ones in (I.K. Argyros, Concerning the “terra incognita” between convergence regions of two Newton methods, Nonlinear Anal. 62 (2005), pp. 179–194; I.K. Argyros, Computational Theory of Iterative Methods, in Studies in Computational Mathematics, Vol. 15, C.K. Chui and L. Wuytack, eds., Elsevier Publ. Co., New York, USA, 2007; I.K. Argyros, On the gap between the semilocal convergence domain of two Newton methods, Appl. Math. 34(2) (2007), pp. 193–204; I.K. Argyros, On the convergence region of Newton's method under Hölder continuity conditions, submitted for publication; I.K. Argyros, Estimates on majorizing sequences in the Newton–Kantorovich method, submitted for publication; F. Cianciaruso and E. DePascale, Newton–Kantorovich approximations when the derivative is Hölderian: Old and new results, Numer. Funct. Anal. Optim. 24 (2003), pp. 713–723; F. Cianciaruso and E. DePascale, Estimates of majorizing sequences in the Newton–Kantorovich method, Numer. Funct. Anal. Optim. 27(5–6) (2006), pp. 529–538; F. Cianciaruso and E. DePascale, Estimates of majorizing sequences in the Newton–Kanorovich method: A further improvement, J. Math. Anal. Appl. 322 (2006), pp. 329–335; N.T. Demidovich, P.P. Zabreiko, and Ju.V. Lysenko, Some remarks on the Newton–Kantorovich mehtod for nonlinear equations with Hölder continuous linearizations, Izv. Akad. Nauk Belorus 3 (1993), pp. 22–26 (in Russian). (E. DePascale and P.P. Zabreiko, The convergence of the Newton–Kantorovich method under Vertgeim conditions, A new improvement, Z. Anal. Anwendvugen 17 (1998), pp. 271–280.) and (L.V. Kantorovich and G.P. Akilov, Functional Analysis in Normed Spaces, Pergamon Press, Oxford, 1982; J.V. Lysenko, Conditions for the convergence of the Newton–Kantorovich method for nonlinear equations with Hölder linearizations, Dokl. Akad. Nauk BSSR 38 (1994), pp. 20–24 (in Russian); B.A. Vertgeim, On some methods for the approximate solution of nonlinear functional equations in Banach spaces, Uspekhi Mat. Nauk 12 (1957), pp. 166–169 (in Russian); Amer. Math. Soc. Transl. 16 (1960), pp. 378–382. (English Trans.).)     

肝细胞癌冷循环射频治疗与手术切除治疗的前瞻性对比研究

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and surgical resection for the patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: From January 2002 to June 2009, 87 HCC patients with 3 or fewer nodules, no more than 3 cm in diameter, and liver function of Child-Pugh class A or B were enrolled.Forty-seven underwent RFA while 40 underwent surgical resection. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 69 months. We compared the overall and disease-free survival rate, recurrence patterns, and the complications between the two groups. Survival probabilities were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: At the end of the study, 67 patients were alive. The 1-,2-and 3-year overall cumulative survival rates after RFA and surgical resection were 91.0%, 76.7%, 69.7% and 90.0%, 82.9%,75.4%, respectively. The difference between the two survival curves was not statistically significant (χ2 = 0.99, P = 0.32). Fortythree patients suffered intrahepatic recurrence, including 25 cases after RFA and 18 cases after surgical resection. The 1-,2-, and 3-year disease-free survival rates after radiofrequency ablation and surgical resection were 57.3% vs 71.1%, 40.3%vs 45.7%, and 35.3% vs 30.9%. The difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (χ2 = 0.06, P = 0.80).Cox hazard model indicated tumor size and Child-Pugh scoring were significant risk factors for local tumor progression, while tumor numbers was risk factor for intrahepatic distant recurrence. Conclusion: RFA is as effective as surgical resection for the treatment of patients with HCC (≤ 5 cm), especially for those who are not suitable for curative resection.     

Severe and nonsevere events in first onsets versus recurrences of depression: Evidence for stress sensitization.

Overall, research has evidenced support for Post's (1992) model, which asserts that the 1st episode of depression is more likely to be associated with severe life events than are subsequent episodes. In spite of this, there are significant gaps in the understanding of the stress–depression association. This study aimed to address three gaps by (a) identifying the explanatory model underlying the association (stress sensitization vs. stress autonomy), (b) elucidating how the role of stress changes with successive episodes, and (c) examining the role of nonsevere events. The impact and occurrence of severe and nonsevere events in a 5-year longitudinal study of late-adolescent women were examined using Cox regression models. Overall, we found support for the stress sensitization model over the stress autonomy model. Specifically, the impact of nonsevere (but not severe) events was greater in individuals with a history of depression compared with those with no history of depression. In addition, the occurrence of severe (but not nonsevere) events was greater for 1st onsets than recurrences. These effects were modified by event independence. The results were discussed in terms of the underlying mechanisms of the stress–depression association and future directions for research were elaborated. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Recurrence of MDD: A prospective study of personality pathology and cognitive distortions.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by a high risk of recurrence, especially among individuals whose initial episode occurs during adolescence. Identifying predictors of recurrence of MDD among young samples is therefore of paramount clinical importance. Survival analytic models were used to evaluate the effects of dysfunctional cognitions and Axis II personality pathology on MDD recurrence in a sample of 130 previously, but not currently, depressed young adults. Participants were initially assessed for depression, dysfunctional attitudes, and personality pathology during their first semester in college and then reevaluated via the Longitudinal Interval Follow-up Evaluation interview every 6 months for 18 months. Baseline level of depressive symptoms significantly (HR-1.07, p = .002) predicted recurrence of MDD. In the survival analyses with baseline level of depression serving as a current mood state covariate, overall personality pathology (HR-1.04, p DSM–IV personality disorder cluster scores uniquely predicted recurrence. We discussed the theoretical, empirical, and clinical implications of these findings, and we noted the limitations of the study. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

谈石家庄国际会展中心虹吸雨水系统设计

石家庄国际会展中心的屋面面积约15×104m2,雨水量巨大,而且利用轻钢结构形成了屋面高低起伏的褶皱效果,使得大量的雨水汇集至屋面中心区域,加大了雨水收集和排放的难度。针对会展中心的重要性以及屋面特点,保证屋面结构的整体安全,迅速地排出雨水,选用虹吸雨水排水系统。介绍了一些设计中遇到的问题及解决方法。     

Chebyshev多项式与一般多项式的互化

给出了Chebyshev多项式与幂函数互化的系数计算递推公式 ,并由此得到了类似杨辉三角的系数计算和Chebyshev多项式与一般多项式的互化算法 ,进一步得到了多项式精简的算法 .     

"Recurrence in major depression: A conceptual analysis": Correction to Monroe and Harkness (2011).

Reports an error in "Recurrence in major depression: A conceptual analysis" by Scott M. Monroe and Kate L. Harkness (Psychological Review, Advanced Online Publication, Sep 5, 2011, np). An incorrect version of Figure 2 was published, and Figure 3 was published in color instead of Figure 4. Also, in Table 1, the acronym “(FLED)” should not have been included in the Recurrence section, under Confusion to avoid, following “Not to be confused with a first lifetime recurrence.” All versions of this article have been corrected. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2011-20042-001.) Theory and research on major depression have increasingly assumed a recurrent and chronic disease model. Yet not all people who become depressed suffer recurrences, suggesting that depression is also an acute, time-limited condition. However, few if any risk indicators are available to forecast which of the initially depressed will or will not recur. This prognostic impasse may be a result of problems in conceptualizing the nature of recurrence in depression. In the current paper we first provide a conceptual analysis of the assumptions and theoretical systems that presently structure thinking on recurrence. This analysis reveals key concerns that have distorted views about the long-term course of depression. Second, as a consequence of these theoretical problems we suggest that investigative attention has been biased toward recurrent forms of depression and away from acute, time-limited conditions. Third, an analysis of how these theoretical problems have influenced research practices reveals that an essential comparison group has been omitted from research on recurrence: people with a single lifetime episode of depression. We suggest that this startling omission may explain why so few predictors of recurrence have as yet been found. Finally, we examine the reasons for this oversight, document the validity of depression as an acute, time-limited disorder, and provide suggestions for future research with the goal of discovering early risk indicators for recurrent depression. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment for Bridgetown-Barbados,Employing Subduction Interface Characteristic Earthquakes

A new probabilistic seismic hazard analysis was performed for the city of Bridgetown, Barbados, West Indies. Hazard computations have been performed using the standard Cornell-McGuire approach based on the definition of appropriate seismogenic sources and expected maximum magnitudes, the authors take into consideration the possibility of large subduction interface earthquakes of magnitude 8.0-9.0 beneath the Barbados accretionary prism via application of a characteristic model and slip rates. The analysis has been conducted using a standard logic-tree approach. Uniform hazard spectra have been calculated for the 5% of critical damping and the horizontal component of ground motion for rock site conditions setting 5 return periods （95, 475, 975, 2,475 and 4,975 years） and spectral accelerations for 34 structural periods ranging from 0 to 3 s. The disaggregation results suggest that the magnitude-distance pair that dominates the hazard yields M 7.4 and 8.6 and a distance of 42.5 km in the Interface Subduction Zone beneath Barbados for the 475 and 975 years RP （return period）, respectively. An event with an M 8.0 at a distance of 107.5 km in the Intraplate Subduction Zone is the second scenario that dominates the hazard for both 475 and 975 years RP.