227 research outputs found
Some inequalities on generalized entropies
We give several inequalities on generalized entropies involving Tsallis
entropies, using some inequalities obtained by improvements of Young's
inequality. We also give a generalized Han's inequality.Comment: 15 page
Cosmology with Phase 1 of the Square Kilometre Array Red Book 2018: Technical specifications and performance forecasts
We present a detailed overview of the cosmological surveys that we aim to carry out with Phase 1 of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA1) and the science that they will enable. We highlight three main surveys: a medium-deep continuum weak lensing and low-redshift spectroscopic HI galaxy survey over 5 000 deg2; a wide and deep continuum galaxy and HI intensity mapping (IM) survey over 20 000 deg2 from to 3; and a deep, high-redshift HI IM survey over 100 deg2 from to 6. Taken together, these surveys will achieve an array of important scientific goals: measuring the equation of state of dark energy out to with percent-level precision measurements of the cosmic expansion rate; constraining possible deviations from General Relativity on cosmological scales by measuring the growth rate of structure through multiple independent methods; mapping the structure of the Universe on the largest accessible scales, thus constraining fundamental properties such as isotropy, homogeneity, and non-Gaussianity; and measuring the HI density and bias out to . These surveys will also provide highly complementary clustering and weak lensing measurements that have independent systematic uncertainties to those of optical and near-infrared (NIR) surveys like Euclid, LSST, and WFIRST leading to a multitude of synergies that can improve constraints significantly beyond what optical or radio surveys can achieve on their own. This document, the 2018 Red Book, provides reference technical specifications, cosmological parameter forecasts, and an overview of relevant systematic effects for the three key surveys and will be regularly updated by the Cosmology Science Working Group in the run up to start of operations and the Key Science Programme of SKA1
Prostate-specific antigen testing accuracy in community practice
BACKGROUND: Most data on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing come from urologic cohorts comprised of volunteers for screening programs. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of PSA testing for detecting prostate cancer in community practice. METHODS: PSA testing results were compared with a reference standard of prostate biopsy. Subjects were 2,620 men 40 years and older undergoing (PSA) testing and biopsy from 1/1/95 through 12/31/98 in the Albuquerque, New Mexico metropolitan area. Diagnostic measures included the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios. RESULTS: Cancer was detected in 930 subjects (35%). The area under the ROC curve was 0.67 and the PSA cutpoint of 4 ng/ml had a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 33%. The likelihood ratio for a positive test (LR+) was 1.28 and 0.42 for a negative test (LR-). PSA testing was most sensitive (90%) but least specific (27%) in older men. Age-specific reference ranges improved specificity in older men (49%) but decreased sensitivity (70%), with an LR+ of 1.38. Lowering the PSA cutpoint to 2 ng/ml resulted in a sensitivity of 95%, a specificity of 20%, and an LR+ of 1.19. CONCLUSIONS: PSA testing had fair discriminating power for detecting prostate cancer in community practice. The PSA cutpoint of 4 ng/ml was sensitive but relatively non-specific and associated likelihood ratios only moderately revised probabilities for cancer. Using age-specific reference ranges and a PSA cutpoint below 4 ng/ml improved test specificity and sensitivity, respectively, but did not improve the overall accuracy of PSA testing
Clinicopathological analysis of recurrence patterns and prognostic factors for survival after hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastasis
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Hepatectomy is recommended as the most effective therapy for liver metastasis from colorectal cancer (CRCLM). It is crucial to elucidate the prognostic clinicopathological factors.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Eighty-three patients undergoing initial hepatectomy for CRCLM were retrospectively analyzed with respect to characteristics of primary colorectal and metastatic hepatic tumors, operation details and prognosis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The overall 5-year survival rate after initial hepatectomy for CRCLM was 57.5%, and the median survival time was 25 months. Univariate analysis clarified that the significant prognostic factors for poor survival were depth of primary colorectal cancer (≥ serosal invasion), hepatic resection margin (< 5 mm), presence of portal vein invasion of CRCLM, and the presence of intra- and extrahepatic recurrence. Multivariate analysis indicated the presence of intra- and extrahepatic recurrence as independent predictive factors for poor prognosis. Risk factors for intrahepatic recurrence were resection margin (< 5 mm) of CRCLM, while no risk factors for extrahepatic recurrence were noted. In the subgroup with synchronous CRCLM, the combination of surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy controlled intrahepatic recurrence and improved the prognosis significantly.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Optimal surgical strategies in conjunction with effective chemotherapeutic regimens need to be established in patients with risk factors for recurrence and poor outcomes as listed above.</p
Effects of ischemic pre- and postconditioning on HIF-1α, VEGF and TGF-β expression after warm ischemia and reperfusion in the rat liver
The Initial-Final Mass Relation among White Dwarfs in Wide Binaries
We present the initial-final mass relation derived from 10 white dwarfs in
wide binaries that consist of a main sequence star and a white dwarf. The
temperature and gravity of each white dwarf was measured by fitting theoretical
model atmospheres to the observed spectrum using a fitting
algorithm. The cooling time and mass was obtained using theoretical cooling
tracks. The total age of each binary was estimated from the chromospheric
activity of its main sequence component to an uncertainty of about 0.17 dex in
log \textit{t} The difference between the total age and white dwarf cooling
time is taken as the main sequence lifetime of each white dwarf. The initial
mass of each white dwarf was then determined using stellar evolution tracks
with a corresponding metallicity derived from spectra of their main sequence
companions, thus yielding the initial-final mass relation. Most of the initial
masses of the white dwarf components are between 1 - 2 M. Our results
suggest a correlation between the metallicity of a white dwarf's progenitor and
the amount of post-main-sequence mass loss it experiences - at least among
progenitors with masses in the range of 1 - 2 M. A comparison of our
observations to theoretical models suggests that low mass stars preferentially
lose mass on the red giant branch.Comment: 28 pages, 8 figures, accepted for publication in Ap
Alternative solution for ex vivo lung perfusion, experimental study on donated human lungs non-accepted for transplantation
The optical analysis of the abdominal wall using the biospeckle after implants of polypropylene mesh in rats
Bark anatomy, chemical composition and ethanol-water extract composition of Anadenanthera peregrina and Anadenanthera colubrina
The bark of Anadenanthera peregrina (L.) Speg and Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan
were characterized in relation to anatomical and chemical features. The barks were
similar and included a thin conducting phloem, a largely dilated and sclerified non-conducting
phloem, and a rhyridome with periderms with thin phellem interspersed by cortical tissues.
Only small differences between species were observed that cannot be used alone for
taxonomic purposes. The summative chemical composition of A. peregrina and A. colubrina
was respectively: 8.2% and 7.7% ash; 28.8% and 29.3% extractives; 2.4% and 2.6%
suberin; and 18.9% lignin. The monosaccharide composition showed the predominance of
glucose (on average 82% of total neutral sugars) and of xylose (9%). The ethanol-water
extracts of A. peregrina and A. colubrina barks included a high content of phenolics, respectively:
total phenolics 583 and 682 mg GAE/g extract; 148 and 445 mg CE/g extract; tannins
587 and 98 mg CE/g extract. The antioxidant activity was 238 and 269 mg Trolox/g extract.
The barks of the Anadenanthera species are a potential source of polar extractives that will
represent an important valorization and therefore contribute to improve the overall economic
potential and sustainability of A. peregrina and A. colubrinainfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
A randomized two arm phase III study in patients post radical resection of liver metastases of colorectal cancer to investigate bevacizumab in combination with capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (CAPOX) vs CAPOX alone as adjuvant treatment
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>About 50% of patients with colorectal cancer are destined to develop hepatic metastases. Radical resection is the most effective treatment for patients with colorectal liver metastases offering five year survival rates between 36-60%. Unfortunately only 20% of patients are resectable at time of presentation. Radiofrequency ablation is an alternative treatment option for irresectable colorectal liver metastases with reported 5 year survival rates of 18-30%. Most patients will develop local or distant recurrences after surgery, possibly due to the outgrowth of micrometastases present at the time of liver surgery. This study aims to achieve an improved disease free survival for patients after resection or resection combined with RFA of colorectal liver metastases by adding the angiogenesis inhibitor bevacizumab to an adjuvant regimen of CAPOX.</p> <p>Methods/design</p> <p>The Hepatica study is a two-arm, multicenter, randomized, comparative efficacy and safety study. Patients are assessed no more than 8 weeks before surgery with CEA measurement and CT scanning of the chest and abdomen. Patients will be randomized after resection or resection combined with RFA to receive CAPOX and Bevacizumab or CAPOX alone. Adjuvant treatment will be initiated between 4 and 8 weeks after metastasectomy or resection in combination with RFA. In both arms patients will be assessed for recurrence/new occurrence of colorectal cancer by chest CT, abdominal CT and CEA measurement. Patients will be assessed after surgery but before randomization, thereafter every three months after surgery in the first two years and every 6 months until 5 years after surgery. In case of a confirmed recurrence/appearance of new colorectal cancer, patients can be treated with surgery or any subsequent line of chemotherapy and will be followed for survival until the end of study follow up period as well. The primary endpoint is disease free survival. Secondary endpoints are overall survival, safety and quality of life.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The HEPATICA study is designed to demonstrate a disease free survival benefit by adding bevacizumab to an adjuvant regime of CAPOX in patients with colorectal liver metastases undergoing a radical resection or resection in combination with RFA.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT00394992</p
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