bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Study on Flow and Heat Transfer Performance of Rectangular Heat Sink with Compound Heat Transfer Enhancement Structures
Authors: Zhang Di , Guo Shuai , Shen Zhongyang , Xie Yonghui
Published: April 2014

Modern gas turbine blade is operating at high temperature which requires abundant cooling. Considering both heat transfer rate and pumping power for internal passages, developing efficient cooling passages is of great importance. Ribbed channel has been proved as effective heat transfer enhancement technology for considerable heat transfer characteristics; however, the pressure loss is impressive. Dimple and protrusion are frequently considered as new heat transfer augmentation tools for their low friction loss in recent years. Numerical simulations are adopted to investigate the thermal performance of rectangular channel with compound heat transfer enhancement structures with ribs, dimples, and protrusions. Among all configurations, the nondimensional dimple/protrusion depths are 0.2. The results present the flow structures of all channel configurations. The Nu/Nu0 distributions of channel section are discussed for each case. The pressure penalty f/ f0 and the thermal performance TP are also considered as important parameters for heat transfer enhancement. It can be concluded that the optimal structure of the compound heat transfer enhancement structure is rib + protrusion ( D = 6 mm) + dimple ( D = 15 mm).
Longitudinal Relationship between Plasma Reactive Oxygen Metabolites and Periodontal Condition in the Maintenance Phase of Periodontal Treatment
Authors: Machida Tatsuya , Tomofuji Takaaki , Ekuni Daisuke , Yamane Mayu , Yoneda Toshiki , Kawabata Yuya , Kataoka Kota , Tamaki Naofumi , Morita Manabu
Published: April 2014

Aim. The present cohort study describes the longitudinal relationship between plasma oxidative status and periodontitis progression during the maintenance phase of treatment.Materials and Methods. Forty-five patients (mean age 58.8 years) were monitored from 2008 to 2013. Periodontal conditions, including probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), were recorded. Measurements of plasma reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) and biologic antioxidant potential (BAP) were performed to evaluate plasma oxidative status. The patients were assigned into 2 groups as low and high plasma ROM level using a cut-off value which was median of plasma ROM level at baseline.Results. In the subjects with low plasma ROM level at baseline, changes in mean CAL were positively correlated with changes in plasma ROM levels, bleeding on probing, and plaque control record, but not with PPD. In the subjects with high plasma ROM at baseline, changes in CAL were significantly associated with only PPD at baseline. On the other hands there were no significant associations between changes in CAL and those in plasma BAP levels.Conclusions. When plasma ROM level in periodontitis patients was low, increases in plasma ROM level were associated with those in CAL during the maintenance phase of treatment.
Resource Constrained Project Scheduling Subject to Due Dates: Preemption Permitted with Penalty
Authors: Afshar-Nadjafi Behrouz
Published: April 2014

Extensive research works have been carried out in resource constrained project scheduling problem. However, scarce researches have studied the problems in which a setup cost must be incurred if activities are preempted. In this research, we investigate the resource constrained project scheduling problem to minimize the total project cost, considering earliness-tardiness and preemption penalties. A mixed integer programming formulation is proposed for the problem. The resulting problem is NP-hard. So, we try to obtain a satisfying solution using simulated annealing (SA) algorithm. The efficiency of the proposed algorithm is tested based on 150 randomly produced examples. Statistical comparison in terms of the computational times and objective function indicates that the proposed algorithm is efficient and effective.
A Modified Method for Calculating Notch-Root Stresses and Strains under Multiaxial Loading
Authors: Jianhui Liu , Shengnan Wang , Wuyin Jin , Wen Gao
Published: April 2014

Based on the analysis of notch-root stresses and strains in bodies subjected to multiaxial loading, a quantitative relationship between Neuber rule and the equivalent strain energy density method is found. In the case of elastic range, both Neuber rule and the equivalent strain energy density method get the same estimation of the local stresses and strains. Whereas in the case of elastic-plastic range, Neuber rule generally overestimates the notch-root stresses and strains and the equivalent strain energy density method tends to underestimate the notch-root stresses and strains. A modified method is presented considering the material constants of elastic-plastic Poisson's ratio, elastic modulus, shear elastic modulus, and yield stress. The essence of the modified model is to add a modified coefficient to Neuber rule, which makes the calculated results tend to be more precise and reveals its energy meaning. This approach considers the elastic-plastic properties of the material itself and avoids the blindness of selecting coefficient values. Finally the calculation results using the modified model are validated with the experimental data.
Two-Dimensional PCA Highlights the Differentiated Antitumor and Antimicrobial Activity of Methanolic and Aqueous Extracts ofLaurus nobilisL. from Different Origins
Authors: Dias Maria Inês , Barreira João C. M. , Calhelha Ricardo C. , Queiroz Maria-João R. P. , Oliveira M. Beatriz P. P. , Soković Marina , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R.
Published: April 2014

Natural matrices are important sources of new antitumor and antimicrobial compounds. Species such asLaurus nobilisL. (laurel) might be used for this purpose, considering its medicinal properties. Herein,in vitroactivity against human tumor cell lines, bacteria, and fungi was evaluated in enriched phenolic extracts. Specifically, methanol and aqueous extracts of wild and cultivated samples ofL. nobiliswere compared considering different phenolic groups. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to understand how each extract acts differentially against specific bacteria, fungi, and selected human tumor cell lines. In general, the extract type induced the highest differences in bioactivity of laurel samples. However, from the PCA biplot, it became clear that wild laurel samples were higher inhibitors of tumor cell lines (HeLa, MCF7, NCI-H460, and HCT15). HepG2 had the same response to laurel from wild and cultivated origin. It was also observed that methanolic extracts tended to have higher antimicrobial activity, except againstA. niger, A. fumigatus, andP. verrucosum. The differences in bioactivity might be related to the higher phenolic contents in methanolic extracts. These results allow selecting the extract type and/or origin with highest antibacterial, antifungal, and antitumor activity.
A Systematic Evaluation Model for Solar Cell Technologies
Authors: Hsu Chang-Fu , Li Rong-Kwei , Kang He-Yau , Lee Amy H. I.
Published: April 2014

Fossil fuels, including coal, petroleum, natural gas, and nuclear energy, are the primary electricity sources currently. However, with depletion of fossil fuels, global warming, nuclear crisis, and increasing environmental consciousness, the demand for renewable energy resources has skyrocketed. Solar energy is one of the most popular renewable energy resources for meeting global energy demands. Even though there are abundant studies on various solar technology developments, there is a lack of studies on solar technology evaluation and selection. Therefore, this research develops a model using interpretive structural modeling (ISM), benefits, opportunities, costs, and risks concept (BOCR), and fuzzy analytic network process (FANP) to aggregate experts′ opinions in evaluating current available solar cell technology. A case study in a photovoltaics (PV) firm is used to examine the practicality of the proposed model in selecting the most suitable technology for the firm in manufacturing new products.
A Novel Method of Mechanical Oxidation of CNT for Polymer Nanocomposite Application: Evaluation of Mechanical, Dynamic Mechanical, and Rheological Properties
Authors: Pandey Priyanka , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay Kumar
Published: April 2014

A new approach of oxidation of carbon nanotubes has been used to oxidize the CNTs. A comparative aspect of the mechanical oxidation and acid oxidation process has been established. FTIR analysis and titration method have shown the higher feasibility of the mechanical oxidation method to oxidize the CNTs. Comparatively less damage to the CNTs has been observed in case of mechanically oxidized as compared to acid oxidized CNTs. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites reinforced with the acid oxidized CNT (ACNT) and mechanically oxidized CNTs (McCNT) were analyzed and relatively higher properties in the nanocomposites reinforced with McCNT were noticed. The less degree of entanglement in the McCNTs was noticed as compared to ACNTs. The dynamic mechanical analysis of the nanocomposites revealed much improved load transfer capability in the McCNT reinforced composites. Further, the rheological properties of the nanocomposites revealed the higher performance of McCNT reinforced composites.
Mathematical Analysis of a Series of 4-Acetylamino-2-(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-6-pyridylpyrimidines: A Simple Way to Relate Quantum Similarity to Local Chemical Reactivity Using the Gaussian Orbitals Localized Theory
Authors: Morales-Bayuelo Alejandro , Valdiris Verónica , Vivas-Reyes Ricardo
Published: April 2014

Molecular Quantum Similarity (MQS) descriptors and Density Functional Theory (DFT) based reactivity descriptors were studied for a series of 4-Acetylamino-2-(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-6-pyridylpyrimidines compounds used for Parkinson’s disease (PD) treatment. The quantification of the steric and electronic effects was shown through scales of quantitative convergence; such scales allow us to establish a methodology to quantify the similarity from the local chemical reactivity (Fukui Functions) point of view. This procedure provides new considerations in the local reactivity of theA2AAdenosine receptor antagonists in a disease of difficult control as PD. In addition, we present new considerations to the localized bonding theory and show a new methodology for quantum similarity on the Fukui Functions. Considering that the Fukui functions under a condensation scheme may have ambiguities in the (DFT) context.
Spike Sorting by Joint Probabilistic Modeling of Neural Spike Trains and Waveforms
Authors: Matthews Brett A. , Clements Mark A.
Published: April 2014

This paper details a novel probabilistic method for automatic neural spike sorting which uses stochastic point process models of neural spike trains and parameterized action potential waveforms. A novel likelihood model for observed firing times as the aggregation of hidden neural spike trains is derived, as well as an iterative procedure for clustering the data and finding the parameters that maximize the likelihood. The method is executed and evaluated on both a fully labeled semiartificial dataset and a partially labeled real dataset of extracellular electric traces from rat hippocampus. In conditions of relatively high difficulty (i.e., with additive noise and with similar action potential waveform shapes for distinct neurons) the method achieves significant improvements in clustering performance over a baseline waveform-only Gaussian mixture model (GMM) clustering on the semiartificial set (1.98% reduction in error rate) and outperforms both the GMM and a state-of-the-art method on the real dataset (5.04% reduction in false positive + false negative errors). Finally, an empirical study of two free parameters for our method is performed on the semiartificial dataset.
Co-Occurrence of Arthritis and Stroke amongst Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Canada
Authors: Matveev Roman , Ardern Chris I.
Published: April 2014

Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition commonly associated with mobility restriction and reduced activity. To date, the extent to which arthritis is an independent risk factor for stroke is unclear, and important, in light of an aging population. The purpose of this study was to (i) quantify the cross-sectional association between stroke and arthritis and (ii) to determine whether the relationship differed in physically active and inactivemiddle-aged and older adults. Data was derived from the 2010 Canadian Community Health Survey (N=47 188;≥30 y). Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the association between arthritis and stroke in models adjusted for age, physical activity (PA), and demographic factors. Overall, individuals with arthritis were 4 times more likely to report a history of stroke (OR=3.8, 95% CI = 3.06–4.68), whereas those who were engaged in at least moderate PA (≥ 1.5 kcal/kg/day) were less than half as likely (0.45, 0.92−0.62). This effect was moderated by age, as younger (30–65 y: 3.27, 2.22–4.83) but not older adults (>65 y: 1.04, 0.8–1.35) with arthritis had elevated odds of stroke. Both physical inactivity and arthritis are associated with higher odds of stroke, effects of which are the strongest amongst 30–65 year olds.
Composition and Fatty Acid Profile of Goat Meat Sausages with Added Rice Bran
Authors: Malekian Fatemeh , Khachaturyan Margarita , Gebrelul Sebhatu , Henson James F.
Published: April 2014

A scientific consensus on the relationship between obesity, obesity related diseases, and diet has emerged. One of the factors is overconsumption of the red meats such as pork and beef. Goat meat has the potential to replace these traditionally consumed meats. Rice bran is a rich source of antioxidants such as vitamin E. In this study, goat meat sausages were formulated to contain 0, 1.5 or 3 percent stabilized rice bran. Proximate and fatty acid composition,α-tocopherol, cholesterol concentration, and antioxidant activities of cooked goat meat sausages containing varying percentages of rice bran were measured. Data were analyzed using a fixed effects model. The fat percentage in the goat meat sausages increased in response to increasing rice bran percentages(P<0.001). Saturated fatty acids concentration decreased linearly(P<0.01), while unsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids increased linearly in response to increasing rice bran percentages(P<0.05). The concentration ofα-tocopherol in sausages increased linearly in response to increasing rice bran percentages(P<0.01). Also, antioxidant activity increased linearly in sausages in response to added rice bran(P<0.01). The cholesterol concentration of sausages did not vary significantly in response to added rice bran.
Research on Grading Detection of the Wheat Seeds
Authors: Han Xian-Zhong , Wang Ke-Jian , Yuan Yingchun , Chen Chen , Liang Liang
Published: April 2014

Evaluating the merits of the wheat seed is an important significance for wheat breeding. We studied analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for seeds grading by digital image processing techniques in the paper. Firstly, preprocess the collected wheat seed images; extract some parameters, such as area, plumpness, rectangular, and elongation of the seed, and then build the level model. Experiments showed the model is right, and level accuracy rate is more than 95%.
Bipolar Thermofusion BiClamp 150 in Thyroidectomy: A Review of 1156 Operations
Authors: Pniak Tomáš , Formánek Martin , Matoušek Petr , Zeleník Karol , Komínek Pavel
Published: April 2014

Objectives. To compare the bipolar thermofusion BiClamp 150 with conventional ligature techniques for thyroid gland surgery, and report the advantages/disadvantages of both techniques.Methods. In this retrospective comparative study, all thyroid gland operations performed in the ENT Clinic Faculty Hospital Ostrava from 2006 to 2013 were included (1156 operations, 2122 lobes). Patients were categorized into two groups according to the type of vessel sealing method used, group I (BiClamp,n=819operations) and group II (conventional ligature,n=337operations). The number of revision surgeries due to wound hematoma was recorded as a bleeding event. Statistical analysis of the complication rate (bleeding rate, recurrent nerve palsy) and time of duration was performed.Results. The rate of revision surgery performed due to postoperative wound hematoma was significantly lower in group I (15/819, 1.83%) compared with group II (14/337, 4.15%) (P=0.022). There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy between groups I and II (P=0.36). The average surgery time was significantly shorter in group I (P<0.001).Conclusion. Bipolar thermofusion BiClamp is an effective vessel sealing method that leads to a significant reduction in postoperative wound bleeding rates and reduces surgical time compared with conventional vessel ligature.
Animal Models of Subjective Tinnitus
Authors: von der Behrens Wolfger
Published: April 2014

Tinnitus is one of the major audiological diseases, affecting a significant portion of the ageing society. Despite its huge personal and presumed economic impact there are only limited therapeutic options available. The reason for this deficiency lies in the very nature of the disease as it is deeply connected to elementary plasticity of auditory processing in the central nervous system. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for developing a therapy that reverses the plastic changes underlying the pathogenesis of tinnitus. This requires experiments that address individual neurons and small networks, something usually not feasible in human patients. However, in animals such invasive experiments on the level of single neurons with high spatial and temporal resolution are possible. Therefore, animal models are a very critical element in the combined efforts for engineering new therapies. This review provides an overview over the most important features of animal models of tinnitus: which laboratory species are suitable, how to induce tinnitus, and how to characterize the perceived tinnitus by behavioral means. In particular, these aspects of tinnitus animal models are discussed in the light of transferability to the human patients.
Inverse Free Iterative Methods for Nonlinear Ill-Posed Operator Equations
Authors: Argyros Ioannis K. , George Santhosh , Jidesh P.
Published: April 2014

We present a new iterative method which does not involve inversion of the operators for obtaining an approximate solution for the nonlinear ill-posed operator equationF(x)=y. The proposed method is a modified form of Tikhonov gradient (TIGRA) method considered by Ramlau (2003). The regularization parameter is chosen according to the balancing principle considered by Pereverzev and Schock (2005). The error estimate is derived under a general source condition and is of optimal order. Some numerical examples involving integral equations are also given in this paper.
The Study of the Frequency Effect of Dynamic Compressive Loading on Primary Articular Chondrocyte Functions Using a Microcell Culture System
Authors: Lin Wan-Ying , Chang Yu-Han , Wang Hsin-Yao , Yang Tzu-Chi , Chiu Tzu-Keng , Huang Song-Bin , Wu Min-Hsien
Published: April 2014

Compressive stimulation can modulate articular chondrocyte functions. Nevertheless, the relevant studies are not comprehensive. This is primarily due to the lack of cell culture apparatuses capable of conducting the experiments in a high throughput, precise, and cost-effective manner. To address the issue, we demonstrated the use of a perfusion microcell culture system to investigate the stimulating frequency (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 Hz) effect of compressive loading (20% and 40% strain) on the functions of articular chondrocytes. The system mainly integrates the functions of continuous culture medium perfusion and the generation of pneumatically-driven compressive stimulation in a high-throughput micro cell culture system. Results showed that the compressive stimulations explored did not have a significant impact on chondrocyte viability and proliferation. However, the metabolic activity of chondrocytes was significantly affected by the stimulating frequency at the higher compressive strain of 40% (2 Hz, 40% strain). Under the two compressive strains studied, the glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) synthesis was upregulated when the stimulating frequency was set at 1 Hz and 2 Hz. However, the stimulating frequencies explored had no influence on the collagen production. The results of this study provide useful fundamental insights that will be helpful for cartilage tissue engineering and cartilage rehabilitation.
Tribological Performance of Silahydrocarbons Used as Steel‐Steel Lubricants under Vacuum and Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Wang Hai-Zhong , Zhang Song-Wei , Qiao Dan , Feng Da-Peng , Liu Wei-Min
Published: April 2014

The silahydrocarbons of tetraalkylsilanes with different substituted alkyl groups (named as SiCH) were synthesized and evaluated as lubricants for steel‐steel contacts by a home‐made vacuum four‐ball tribometer (VFBT‐4000) under atmospheric pressure and under vacuum pressure (5 × 10−4 Pa). The SiCH oils possess better thermal stability, low temperature fluidity, and lower saturated vapor pressure than those of multialkylatedcyclopentanes (MACs). The tribological performances of the SiCH oils are also superior to those of MACs and PFPE‐Z25 in terms of friction‐reduction ability and antiwear capacity under sliding friction at vacuum. The SEM/EDS and XPS results reveal that the boundary lubricating film consisting of (‐O‐Si‐R‐)n compounds is formed by tribochemical reactions and serious adhesion wear under atmospheric pressure and the film consisting of (‐Si‐R‐Si‐)n compounds is formed on the worn surface under vacuum pressure.
A Korovkin Type Approximation Theorem and Its Applications
Authors: Al-Muhja Malik Saad
Published: April 2014

We present a Korovkin type approximation theorem for a sequence of positive linear operators defined on the space of all real valued continuous and periodic functions viaA-statistical approximation, for the rate of the third order Ditzian-Totik modulus of smoothness. Finally, we obtain an interleave between Riesz's representation theory and Lebesgue-Stieltjes integral-i, for Riesz's functional supremum formula via statistical limit.
Effect of Jingqian Zhitong Fang on Serum Sex Hormone Levels in Women with Primary Dysmenorrhea
Authors: Dai Na , Fang Ling , Li Yu-bo , Wang Yu-ming , Yin Ju , Pu Bao-chan
Published: April 2014

Primary dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological disease garnering increasing attention and research. To investigate the clinical therapeutic effects of Jingqian Zhitong Fang (JQF) and the differences in serum sex hormone levels during the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea, we selected 30 healthy volunteers and 60 individuals with primary dysmenorrhea. On the third day of the menstrual cycle, we used ELISA to determine the levels of serum prolactin (PRL), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (TEST), progesterone (PROG), and estradiol (E2) compared with normal levels and levels in the JQF group, the Western medicine group receiving continuous treatment during the first and third menstrual cycles, and the group followed up after the drug was stopped. We observed that after JQF treatment, the levels of the following hormones changed significantly: PRL, LH, TEST, and E2 levels decreased significantly and the PROG level increased significantly after treatment. After treatment with Western medicine, the serum levels of FSH, LH, PROG, and E2 showed no significant change. We conclude that the long‐term effect of JQF treatment was better than that of Western medicine. JQF treatment of primary dysmenorrhea is related to adjustment of PRL, LH, TEST, and E2 hormone levels in the human body.
Influence of Splitter Blades on the Cavitation Performance of a Double Suction Centrifugal Pump
Authors: Yang Wei , Xiao Ruofu , Wang Fujun , Wu Yulin
Published: April 2014

In order to study the influence of splitter blades on double suction centrifugal pumps two impellers with and without splitter blades were investigated numerically and experimentally. Three-dimensional turbulence simulations with and without full cavitation model were applied to simulate the flow in the two pumps with different impellers. The simulation results agreed with the experiment results and the internal flows were analyzed. Both the numerical and experimental results show that by adding splitter blades the hydraulic performance and the cavitation performance of the pump are improved. The pump efficiency is increased especially at high flow rate condition. The pump high efficiency area is extended dramatically. At the same time since the splitter blades share some part of the blade loading, the pump critical NPSH value is decreased. Obvious pressure increase and velocity decrease at blade suction surface near leading edge were observed in the pump impeller with splitter blades. And the pump cavitation performance was improved consequently.
Molecularly Targeted Therapies in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: de la Puente Pilar , Muz Barbara , Azab Feda , Luderer Micah , Azab Abdel Kareem
Published: April 2014

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy that remains incurable because most patients will eventually relapse or become refractory to the treatments. Although the treatments have improved, the major problem in MM is the resistance to therapy. Novel agents are currently in development for the treatment of relapsed/refractory MM, including immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, cell signaling targeted therapies, and strategies targeting the tumor microenvironment. We have previously reviewed in detail the contemporary immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies therapies for MM. Therefore, in this review, we focused on the role of molecular targeted therapies in the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, including cell signaling targeted therapies (HDAC, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, p38 MAPK, Hsp90, Wnt, Notch, Hedgehog, and cell cycle) and strategies targeting the tumor microenvironment (hypoxia, angiogenesis, integrins, CD44, CXCR4, and selectins). Although these novel agents have improved the therapeutic outcomes for MM patients, further development of new therapeutic agents is warranted.
Nonlinear Finite Strain Consolidation Analysis with Secondary Consolidation Behavior
Authors: Huang Jieqing , Xie Xinyu , Zhang Jifa , Li Jinzhu , Wang Wenjun
Published: April 2014

This paper aims to analyze nonlinear finite strain consolidation with secondary consolidation behavior. On the basis of some assumptions about the secondary consolidation behavior, the continuity equation of pore water in Gibson’s consolidation theory is modified. Taking the nonlinear compressibility and nonlinear permeability of soils into consideration, the governing equation for finite strain consolidation analysis is derived. Based on the experimental data of Hangzhou soft clay samples, the new governing equation is solved with the finite element method. Afterwards, the calculation results of this new method and other two methods are compared. It can be found that Gibson’s method may underestimate the excess pore water pressure during primary consolidation. The new method which takes the secondary consolidation behavior, the nonlinear compressibility, and nonlinear permeability of soils into consideration can precisely estimate the settlement rate and the final settlement of Hangzhou soft clay sample.
Cytoreductive Surgery and HIPEC for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis in the Elderly
Authors: Spiliotis J. D. , Halkia E. , Boumis V. A. , Vassiliadou D. T. , Pagoulatou A. , Efstathiou E.
Published: April 2014

Background. The combined treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is a rigorous surgical treatment, most suitable for young and good performance status patients. We evaluated the outcomes of elderly patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC for peritoneal carcinomatosis with careful perioperative care.Methods. All consecutive patients 70 years of age or older who were treated for peritoneal carcinomatosis over the past five years were included. Primary outcomes were perioperative morbidity and mortality. Secondary outcomes were disease-free survival and overall survival.Results. From a pool of 100 patients, with a diagnosis of PC who underwent CRS and HIPEC in our center, we have included 30 patients at an age of 70 years or older and the results were compared to the patients younger than 70 years. The total morbidity rate was 50% versus 41.5% in the group younger than 70 years (NSS). The mortality rate was 3.3% in the elderly group versus 1.43% in the younger group (NSS). Median overall survival was 30 months in the older group versus 38 months in the younger group.Conclusion. Cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC for peritoneal carcinomatosis may be safely performed with acceptable morbidity in selected elderly patients.
Notch3 Pathway Alterations in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Hu Wei , Liu Tao , Ivan Cristina , Sun Yunjie , Huang Jie , Mangala Lingegowda S. , Miyake Takahito , Dalton Heather J. , Pradeep Sunila , Rupaimoole Rajesh , Previs Rebecca A. , Han Hee Dong , Bottsford-Miller Justin , Zand Behrouz , Kang Yu , Pecot Chad V. , Nick Alpa M. , Wu Sherry Y. , Lee Ju-Seog , Sehgal Vasudha , Ram Prahlad , Liu Jinsong , Tucker Susan L. , Lopez-Berestein Gabriel , Baggerly Keith A. , Coleman Robert L. , Sood Anil K.
Published: April 2014

The Notch pathway plays an important role in the growth of high-grade serous ovarian (HGS-OvCa) and other cancers, but its clinical and biologic mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we found that the Notch pathway alterations are prevalent and significantly related to poor clinical outcome in patients with ovarian cancer. Particularly, Notch3 alterations, including amplification and upregulation, were highly associated with poor patient survival. Targeting Notch3 inhibited ovarian cancer growth and induced apoptosis. Importantly, we found that dynamin-mediated endocytosis was required for selectively activating Jagged-1–mediated Notch3 signaling. Cleaved Notch3 expression was the critical determinant of response to Notch-targeted therapy. Collectively, these data identify previously unknown mechanisms underlying Notch3 signaling and identify new, biomarker-driven approaches for therapy. Cancer Res; 74(12); 3282–93. ©2014 AACR.
Activation of SOX2 Expression by BRD4-NUT Oncogenic Fusion Drives Neoplastic Transformation in NUT Midline Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Ranran , Liu Wei , Helfer Christine M. , Bradner James E. , Hornick Jason L. , Janicki Susan M. , French Christopher A. , You Jianxin
Published: April 2014

BRD4 is implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of different cancers. It is also the target of translocation t(15;19) that accounts for the highly aggressive NUT midline carcinoma (NMC). We discovered that t(15;19) NMC cells display the ability to grow into stem cell–like spheres and express an exceptionally high level of the stem cell marker, SOX2. The BRD4-NUT fusion oncogene resulting from t(15;19) translocation is required for the abnormal activation of SOX2, which drives the stem cell–like proliferation and cellular transformation in NMC cells. SOX2 knockdown phenocopies the effects of BRD4-NUT inhibition, whereas ectopic SOX2 expression rescues the phenotype. The BRD4-NUT–induced abnormal SOX2 activation was observed in multiple NMC cell lines as well as in NMC primary tumors. We further demonstrate that BRD4-NUT oncoprotein recruits p300 to stimulate transcription activation and that inhibition of p300 represses SOX2 transcription in NMC cells. These studies identify this stem cell marker as a novel BRD4-NUT target that supports the highly aggressive transforming activity of t(15;19) carcinomas. Our study provides new mechanistic insights for understanding how alteration of BRD4 function by BRD4-NUT oncogene leads to the highly malignant NMC carcinoma. Because abnormal stem cell self-renewal is frequently observed during tumor formation and metastasis, the aberrant stem cell–like proliferation associated with BRD4 dysregulation observed in NMC carcinoma may have implications for studying the oncogenic mechanism of other BRD4-associated tumors. Cancer Res; 74(12); 3332–43. ©2014 AACR.
Moguntinones—New Selective Inhibitors for the Treatment of Human Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Maderer Annett , Plutizki Stanislav , Kramb Jan-Peter , Göpfert Katrin , Linnig Monika , Khillimberger Katrin , Ganser Christopher , Lauermann Eva , Dannhardt Gerd , Galle Peter R. , Moehler Markus
Published: April 2014

3-Indolyl and 3-azaindolyl-4-aryl maleimide derivatives, called moguntinones (MOG), have been selected for their ability to inhibit protein kinases associated with angiogenesis and induce apoptosis. Here, we characterize their mode of action and their potential clinical value in human colorectal cancer in vitro and in vivo. MOG-19 and MOG-13 were characterized in vitro using kinase, viability, and apoptosis assays in different human colon cancer (HT-29, HCT-116, Caco-2, and SW480) and normal colon cell lines (CCD-18Co, FHC, and HCoEpiC) alone or in combination with topoisomerase I inhibitors. Intracellular signaling pathways were analyzed by Western blotting. To determine their potential to inhibit tumor growth in vivo, the human HT-29 tumor xenograft model was used. Moguntinones prominently inhibit several protein kinases associated with tumor growth and metastasis. Specific signaling pathways such as GSK3β and mTOR downstream targets were inhibited with IC50 values in the nanomolar range. GSK3β signaling inhibition was independent of KRAS, BRAF, and PI3KCA mutation status. While moguntinones alone induced apoptosis only in concentrations >10 μmol/L, MOG-19 in combination with topoisomerase I inhibitors induced apoptosis synergistically at lower concentrations. Consistent with in vitro data, MOG-19 significantly reduced tumor volume and weight in combination with a topoisomerase I inhibitor in vivo. Our in vitro and in vivo data present significant proapoptotic, antiangiogenic, and antiproliferative effects of MOG-19 in different human colon cancer cells. Combination with clinically relevant topoisomerase I inhibitors in vitro and xenograft mouse model demonstrate a high potency of moguntinones to complement and improve standard chemotherapy options in human colorectal cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(6); 1399–409. ©2014 AACR.
Pregnancy Outcome after the Treatment of Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure or Cold-Knife Conization for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Authors: Liu Yi , Qiu Hai fan , Tang Yunbing , Chen Jie , Lv Jieqiang
Published: April 2014

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence on fertility and pregnancy outcome in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) patients after a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) or cold-knife conization (CKC). Methods: 269 patients with CIN-II-III who wanted to conceive were prospectively enrolled in this randomized clinical trial to receive either the LEEP or CKC procedure. Fertility, neonatal and maternal outcomes were observed and compared. Results: 244 evaluable patients were divided into two groups. There were 124 in the LEEP group and 120 in the CKC group. The preterm premature rupture of membranes (16 vs. 8%; p = 0.03), preterm delivery rate (11 vs. 5%; p = 0.04) and low birth weight infants rate (<2,500 g) (10 vs. 6%; p = 0.04) were higher in the CKC group than in the LEEP group, but there was no difference in mean birth weight, cesarean delivery, labor induction, or neonatal intensive care unit admission. There was no case of neonatal mortality. Conclusions: In a prospective evaluation the findings of this study demonstrate that LEEP is safer for future pregnancies when compared to CKC. LEEP should be an appropriate choice for patients with CIN who want to become pregnant later in life.
A Case of Curable Dementia Treated by Effective Endovascular Embolization for Dural Arteriovenous Fistula
Authors: Yoshihara Tomoyuki , Kanazawa Ryuzaburo , Maeshima Shinichiro , Osawa Aiko , Ochiai Ikuo , Uemiya Nahoko , Kohyama Shinya , Yamane Fumitaka , Ishihara Shoichiro
Published: April 2014

Background: We report a case in which an effective endovascular treatment cured the worsening of dementia due to a dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF). Case Report: A 73-year-old woman suffered for 1.5 years from gait disturbance and disorientation that were suspicious of dementia. A brain MRI revealed that her symptoms were likely due to dAVF. An angiography provided a definitive diagnosis of dural transverse-sigmoid sinus fistula. Transvenous embolization completely occluded the fistula and led to a significant improvement of her cognitive function in tandem with a restoration of the cerebral blood flow. Conclusion: Endovascular treatment for dAVF is sometimes effective in treating worsening dementia, which might be due to the drastic change in cerebral blood flow in the area relevant to the cognitive function.
Ectopic Fat, Insulin Resistance, and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Byrne Christopher D. , Targher Giovanni
Published: April 2014

Ectopic fat accumulation in the liver causes nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in Western countries. Ectopic liver lipid, particularly diacylglycerol, exacerbates hepatic insulin resistance, promotes systemic inflammation, and increases risk of developing both type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Increasing evidence suggests that NAFLD is an emerging risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and although there are currently no licensed treatments for NAFLD per se, current evidence suggests that statin treatment is safe in NAFLD. Presently, there is insufficient evidence to indicate that statins or other cardioprotective agents, such as angiotensin receptor blockers, are effective in treating NAFLD. In this brief narrative review, we discuss the diagnosis of NAFLD and the role of ectopic liver fat to cause insulin resistance and to increase risk of both type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. For this review, PubMed was searched for articles using the key words non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or fatty liver combined with diabetes risk, cardiovascular risk, and cardiovascular mortality between 1990 and 2014. Articles published in languages other than English were excluded.
Clinical Profile and Prognostic Value of Anemia at the Time of Admission and Discharge Among Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Mentz Robert J. , Greene Stephen J. , Ambrosy Andrew P. , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Subacius Haris P. , Swedberg Karl , Maggioni Aldo P. , Nodari Savina , Ponikowski Piotr , Anker Stefan D. , Butler Javed , Gheorghiade Mihai
Published: April 2014

Background—

Anemia has been associated with worse outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure (HF). We aimed to characterize the clinical profile and postdischarge outcomes of hospitalized HF patients with anemia at admission or discharge.

Methods and Results—

An analysis was performed on 3731 (90%) of 4133 hospitalized HF patients with ejection fraction ≤40% enrolled in the Efficacy of Vasopressin Antagonist in Heart Failure Outcome Study with Tolvaptan (EVEREST) trial with baseline hemoglobin data, comparing the clinical characteristics and outcomes (all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality or HF hospitalization) of patients with and without anemia (hemoglobin <12 g/dL for women and <13 g/dL for men) on admission or discharge/day 7. Overall, 1277 patients (34%) were anemic at baseline, which persisted through discharge in 73% and resolved in 27%; 6% of patients without baseline anemia developed anemia by discharge or day 7. Patients with anemia were older, with lower blood pressure, and higher creatinine and natriuretic peptide levels compared with those without anemia (all
P
<0.05). After risk adjustment, anemia at discharge, but not admission, was independently associated with increased all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–1.60;
P
=0.015; and hazard ratio, 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.76–1.15;
P
=0.53, respectively) and cardiovascular mortality plus HF hospitalization early postdischarge (≤100 days; hazard ratio 1.73; 95% confidence interval, 1.37–2.18;
P
<0.001; and hazard ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.73–1.16;
P
=0.47, respectively). Neither baseline nor discharge anemia was associated with long-term cardiovascular mortality plus HF hospitalization (>100 days) on adjusted analysis (both
P
>0.1).

Conclusions—

Among hospitalized HF patients with reduced ejection fraction, modest anemia at discharge but not baseline was associated with increased all-cause mortality and short-term cardiovascular mortality plus HF hospitalization.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00071331.
Surgical Revascularization Is Associated With Maximal Survival in Patients With Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Castleberry Anthony W. , Williams Judson B. , Daneshmand Mani A. , Honeycutt Emily , Shaw Linda K. , Samad Zainab , Lopes Renato D. , Alexander John H. , Mathew Joseph P. , Velazquez Eric J. , Milano Carmelo A. , Smith Peter K.
Published: April 2014

Background—

The optimal treatment for ischemic mitral regurgitation remains actively debated. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between ischemic mitral regurgitation treatment strategy and survival.

Methods and Results—

We retrospectively reviewed patients at our institution diagnosed with significant coronary artery disease and moderate or severe ischemic mitral regurgitation from 1990 to 2009, categorized by medical treatment alone, percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), or CABG plus mitral valve repair or replacement. Kaplan-Meier methods and multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses were performed to assess the relationship between treatment strategy and survival, with the use of propensity scores to account for nonrandom treatment assignment. A total of 4989 patients were included: medical treatment alone=36%, percutaneous coronary intervention=26%, CABG=33%, and CABG plus mitral valve repair or replacement=5%. Median follow-up was 5.37 years. Compared with medical treatment alone, significantly lower mortality was observed in patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.76–0.92;
P
=0.0002), CABG (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.51–0.62;
P
<0.0001), and CABG plus mitral valve repair or replacement (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.57–0.82;
P
<0.0001). There was no significant difference in these results based on mitral regurgitation severity.

Conclusions—

Patients with significant coronary artery disease and moderate or severe ischemic mitral regurgitation undergoing CABG alone demonstrated the lowest risk of death. CABG with or without mitral valve surgery was associated with lower mortality than either percutaneous coronary intervention or medical treatment alone.
Self-enhancement Influences Medial Frontal Cortex Alpha Power to Social Rejection Feedback
Authors: Leitner Jordan B. , Hehman Eric , Jones James M. , Forbes Chad E.
Published: April 2014

Although previous research has demonstrated that individuals are motivated to self-enhance, the neurocognitive mechanisms and temporal dynamics of self-enhancement are poorly understood. The current research examined whether self-enhancing motivations affect the perceptual processing of social feedback. Participants who varied in self-enhancement motivations received accept and reject feedback while EEG was recorded. Following this task, we measured perceptions of feedback by asking participants to estimate the number of times they were rejected. Source localization and time–frequency analyses revealed that alpha power in the medial frontal cortex (MFC) completely mediated the relationship between self-enhancement motivations and rejection estimates. Specifically, greater self-enhancement motivations predicted decreased MFC alpha power to reject compared to accept feedback, which predicted decreased rejection estimates. These findings suggest that self-enhancement motivations decrease perception of social rejection by influencing how the MFC processes social feedback.
Revision of Acrochordonoposthia Reisinger, 1924 (Rhabditophora, Typhloplanidae, Protoplanellinae) with the description of one new species
Authors: HOUBEN ALBRECHT M. , PROESMANS WILLEM , BERT WIM , ARTOIS TOM J.
Published: April 2014

An overview of the morphology, taxonomy and distribution of all known species of the rhabdocoel taxon Acrochordonoposthia is provided. One new species A. vandeputae n. sp. is described from Graz (Austria). This new species can easily be distinguished from its congeners by the morphology of its copulatory organ, which contains a straight cirrus lined with spines. All species of Acrochordonoposthia are compared with one another, and an updated identification key is provided.
Taxonomy of fungus gnats allied to Neoempheria ferruginea (Brunetti, 1912) (Diptera: Mycetophilidae), with descriptions of 11 new species from Japan and adjacent areas
Authors: SUEYOSHI MASAHIRO
Published: April 2014

Specimens of Neoempheria previously considered to be N. ferruginea (Brunetti, 1912) are studied and revised. Eleven new species are described from Japan, Nepal, Philippines, and Thailand; N. biceltisuta sp. n., N. bifurcata sp. n., N. bisecuriata sp. n., N. brevispathulata sp. n., N. carinata sp. n., N. cuneata sp. n., N. dilatata sp. n., N. denticulata sp. n., N. forficulata sp. n., N. latisternata sp. n., and N. muticata sp. n. Neoempheria sakhalinensis Zaitzev, 2001, is recorded from Japan for the first time. Male genitalia of these 12 species are illustrated. A key to the species is provided. A lectotype of Mycomya ferruginea Brunetti, 1912 is designated (deposited in the Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata) and the species redescribed. Morphological similarities and differences among N. ferruginea and allied species are discussed. The usefulness of the male gonocoxite and associated structures, and the gonapophysis of the female 8th and 9th abdominal sternites for taxonomy are discussed.
Rhodeus albomarginatus, a new bitterling (Teleostei: Cyprinidae: Acheilognathinae) from China
Authors: LI FAN , ARAI RYOICHI
Published: April 2014

Rhodeus albomarginatus, new species, is described from the Lvjiang River, a tributary flowing into Poyang Lake of Yangtze River basin, in Anhui Province, China. It is distinguished from all congeneric species by unique combination of characters: branched dorsal-fin rays 10; branched anal-fin rays 10–11; longest simple rays of dorsal and anal fins strong and stiff, distally segmented; pelvic fin rays i 6; longitudinal scale series 34–36; transverse scale series 11; pored scales 4–7; vertebrae 33–34; colour pattern of adult males (iris black, belly reddish-orange, central part of caudal fin red, dorsal and anal fins of males edged with white margin).