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Antibodies targeting programmed cell death-1(PD1) and its ligand (PDL1) have revolutionized cancer therapy. However, little is known about the preexisted anti-PD1/PDL1 autoantibodies (AAbs) distribution in multiple cancer types, nor is their potential biomarker role for anti-PD1 therapy. Plasma anti-PD1/PDL1 AAb IgG and subclasses (IgG1-4) were detected by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) in 190 cancer patients, covering 10 cancer types (lung, breast, esophageal, colorectal, liver, prostatic, cervical, ovarian, gastric cancers and lymphoma), the comprehensive correlation of AAbs with multiple clinical parameters was analyzed. We further tested these AAbs in 76 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) samples receiving anti-PD1 therapy, the association of AAbs level with survival was analyzed and validated in an independent cohort (n = 32). Anti-PD1/PDL1 AAb IgG were globally detected in 10 types of cancer patients. IgG1 and IgG2 were the major subtypes for anti-PD1/PDL1 AAbs. Correlation analysis revealed a distinct landscape between various cancer types. The random forest model indicated that IgG4 subtype was mostly associated with cancer. In discovery cohort of 76 NSCLC patients, high anti-PD1 IgG4 was associated with a reduced overall survival (OS, p = 0.019), not progression-free survival (PFS, p = 0.088). The negative association of anti-PD1 IgG4 with OS was validated in 32 NSCLC patients (p = 0.032). This study reports for the first time the distribution of preexisted anti-PD1/PDL1 AAb IgG and subclasses across 10 cancer types. Moreover, the anti-PD1 AAb IgG4 subclass was identified to associate with OS, which may serve as a potential biomarker for anti-PD1 therapeutic survival benefit in NSCLC patients.

Background: Chemotherapy plus granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) regimen is one of the available approaches to mobilize peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs). It causes thrombocytopenia and delays leukapheresis. This study aimed to evaluate the role of recombinant human thrombopoietin (rhTPO) before mobilization chemotherapy in facilitating leukapheresis in patients with lymphoma. Methods: In this randomized open-label phase 2 trial, patients were randomly assigned in a 1:2 ratio to receive mobilization with rhTPO plus GCSF in combination with chemotherapy (the rhTPO plus GCSF arm) or GCSF alone in combination with chemotherapy (the GCSF alone arm). The recovery of neutrophils and platelets and the amount of platelet transfusion were monitored. Results: Thirty patients were enrolled in this study between March 2016 and August 2018. Patients in the rhTPO plus GCSF arm (n = 10) had similar platelet nadir after mobilization chemotherapy (P=0.878) and similar amount of platelet transfusion (median 0 vs. 1 unit, P=0.735) when compared with the GCSF alone arm (n = 20). On the day of leukapheresis, the median platelet count was 86 × 109/L (range 18–219) among patients who received rhTPO and 73 × 109/L (range 42–197) among those who received GCSF alone (P=0.982). After the use of rhTPO, the incidence of platelet count

SUMMARYWe develop a generalized reflection and transmission coefficient method (GRTM) for generating six-component (6-C) synthetic seismograms in horizontally layered vertically transversely isotropic (VTI) media. Compared with the traditional seismic modelling approaches that only consider translational motion, our method can simultaneously produce three-component translational and three-component rotational data excited by a point vector force or a moment tensor source in a layered half-space. Horizontally layered models are widely used in near surface applications as the properties of near surface formations generally show small lateral variations and change mainly along the depth direction. The use of the VTI constitutive relation can make our method applicable to more general situations because it takes into account the characteristics of sedimentary formations. We compare our method with a finite-difference method (FDM) for a variety of velocity models and acquisition geometries. The numerical results demonstrate that accurate 6-C synthetic seismograms can be calculated using our method. The computational efficiency of our method for 6-C seismic modelling is much higher than the finite-difference method, because it can reduce a 3-D modelling problem to 2.5-D by eliminating the azimuthal dimension. Also, our method does not require to perform additional spatial interpolations to obtain the rotational components. These advantages make our method suitable to serve as a forward modelling tool for rotational seismology.

The paper develops and implements a methodology for assessing the role of energy prices and new investment in reducing energy intensity in Chinese industry. Analysing a unique panel data set which reports firm‐level energy consumption and price from 1997 to 2004, the paper finds: the energy prices, not only the current but also the past energy prices, are key factors that driving down firms' energy intensity for all three types of firms: state‐owned enterprises (SOEs), domestic non‐SOEs (NSOEs) and foreign‐funded firms (FFEs); furthermore, SOEs exhibit a robust price‐investment channel: responding to rising energy prices, SOEs tend to invest in new energy‐efficient capital, through which SOEs reduce energy intensity; the same price‐investment channels are less robust for non‐SOEs or foreign‐funded firms.

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in women, and its incidence is increasing each year. To effectively treat breast cancer, it is important to identify genes involved in its occurrence and development and to exploit them as potential drug therapy targets. Here, we found that potassium channel subfamily K member 6 (KCNK6) is significantly overexpressed in breast cancer, however, its function in tumors has not been reported. We further verified that KCNK6 expression is upregulated in breast cancer biopsies. Moreover, overexpressed KCNK6 was found to enhance the proliferation, invasion, and migration ability of breast cancer cells. These effects may occur by weakening cell adhesion and reducing cell hardness, thus affecting the malignant phenotype of breast cancer cells. Our study confirmed, for the first time, that increased KCNK6 expression in breast cancer cells may promote their proliferation, invasion, and migration. Moreover, considering that ion channels serve as therapeutic targets for many small molecular drugs in clinical treatment, targeting KCNK6 may represent a novel strategy for breast cancer therapies. Hence, the results of this study provide a theoretical basis for KCNK6 to become a potential molecular target for breast cancer treatment in the future.

Background: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is suggested to actively utilize its EBV microRNAs (miRNAs) to manipulate viral and cellular functions during neoplasia transformation. But its role in tumor development and maintenance remains unclear. The objective of this study is to examine EBV-miRNA-BART12 implicated in EBV associated carcinogenesis. Methods :Expression of EBV-miRNA-BART12 and TPPP1 (Tubulin Polymerization Promoting Protein 1) was confirmed by GEO datasets, RT-PCR and in situ hybridization. Luciferase analyses, RT-PCR and western blotting experiments examined and confirmed that EBV-miRNA-BART12 targeted the 3'-UTR of TPPP1 mRNA. Migration and invasion ability were measured by wound healing and transwell assay. And the mechanism was assessed by western blotting and immunofluorescence. Results : Our results showed that EBV-miRNA-BART12 was highly expressed and TPPP1 was lowly expressed in NPC and/or GC and tightly associated with these patients' prognosis. Additionally, EBV-miR-BART12 advanced the HDAC6 (Histone Deacetylase 6) activity in cells by inhibiting TPPP1, and stimulated acetylation of α-tubulin and β-catenin, thereby increasing the microtubule instability and activating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Conclusion : EBV-encoded BART12 promotes migration and invasion of EBV associated NPC and gastric cancer by inhibiting TPPP1 mRNA and promoting the microtubule instability and the cellular EMT process.

ObjectivesPatients’ stress and satisfaction concerning cancer clinical trials (CCT) may affect study accrual and quality. Our study aimed to evaluate stress and satisfaction in CCT and the influencing factors.DesignCross-sectional analysis done by a questionnaire after informed consent.SettingCancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.Participants199 CCT participants. Primary and secondary outcome measures self-assessed stress and satisfaction in CCT.ResultsAmong 199 participants, 83.9% would join CCT again; 72.9% had enough time to decide on trial participation; 73.9% claimed complete awareness of CCT; 3.5% doubted CCT’s significance and scientific quality; 33.2% deemed CCT time-consuming; 73.9% scored satisfaction ≥9/10; and 25.6% claimed moderate to severe stress. Positive factors for satisfaction were enough decision time (OR=0.36, p=0.0003), better impressions of doctors (OR=0.41, p=0.047) and less time-consuming trials (OR=0.43, pConclusionsOur study addressed factors influencing CCT participants’ stress and satisfaction. We suggested measures to improve patients’ experiences in CCT.Trial registration numberNCT03412344; Pre-results.

This paper engages with civic development in urban neighborhoods in China after the period of reform that began in 1978. Examining the collective civic petitions that have occurred in urban neighborhoods, the paper offers a comparative analysis of changing trends, internal mechanisms, and their spatial distribution between two different-tier cities. Data pertaining to the collective civic petitions was drawn from open archives in two municipal bureaus, and related to the years 2013 to 2015. The data was then split into three types of petition typology&mdash, claim, protest, and hybrid. Certain similarities and differences emerged from the analysis relating to the types of petition that have occurred against different petition counterparties, namely, state authorities, real developers, and property management companies. Similarities among the two cities could be capable of indicating advancing urban civic developments with internal mechanisms among petition typology and contexts of individual petitions. Differences among the two cities could be related to various differences in their urban contexts, and may also reflect different levels of citizen civic consciousness and behavior.

Sevoflurane, the most commonly used inhaled anesthetic in pediatric anesthesia, has been reported to induce cognitive impairment in developing brain in preclinical and clinical settings. However, the mechanism and therapeutic measures of this developmental neurotoxicity need to be further investigated. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic agent, has been reported to improve cognitive function in neurological disorders and aging models through anti-inflammatory activity. However, its effect on sevoflurane-induced cognitive impairment in developing mice remains unknown. The present study was designed to investigate the therapeutic potential of resveratrol on sevoflurane-induced cognitive impairment. Six-day-old mice received anesthesia with 3% sevoflurane 2 h daily on postnatal days (P) 6, P7 and P8. About 100 mg/kg resveratrol were intraperitoneally administered for 6 consecutive days to neonatal mice before anesthesia. Sevoflurane exposure significantly suppressed the expression of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and activated microglia in hippocampi. Furthermore, the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were markedly increased after sevoflurane exposure. Strikingly, resveratrol pretreatment ameliorated sevoflurane-induced SIRT1 inhibition and microglial activation. Of note, resveratrol reversed sevoflurane-induced imbalance of M1/M2 microglia ratio revealed by increasing mRNA level of clusters of differentiation 206 (CD206) and decreasing mRNA levels of clusters of differentiation 86 (CD86) and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3). Consequently, sevoflurane-induced cognitive impairment in developing mice was ameliorated by resveratrol pretreatment. Taken together, repeated sevoflurane exposure to the developing brain resulted in SIRT1 inhibition, NF-κB acetylation, and microglial activation. Resveratrol pretreatment ameliorated cognitive impairment in developing mice received sevoflurane exposure by modulating SIRT1-NF-κB pathway in microglia. In this regard, our findings open novel directions to explore promising therapeutic targets for preventing the developmental neurotoxicity of sevoflurane.

Lin Huang,1 Ke-Liang Chen,1 Bi-Ying Lin,1 Le Tang,1 Qian-Hua Zhao,1 Ying-Ru Lv,2,* Qi-Hao Guo1,* 1Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; 2Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China *These authors contributed equally to this work Objectives: To find out whether the Chinese version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment Basic (MoCA-BC) and its subtests could be applied in discrimination among cognitively normal controls (NC), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), mild and moderate Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), and furthermore, to determine the optimal cutoffs most sensitive to distinguish between them.Design: A cross-sectional validation study.Setting: Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China.Participants: There was a total of 1,969 participants: individuals with MCI (n=663), mild (n=345), moderate (n=441) AD, and cognitively NC (n=520) were recruited from the Memory Clinic, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China.Measurements: Baseline MoCA-BC scores were collected from firsthand data. Two subtests were calculated from MoCA-BC: the Memory Index Score of MoCA-BC (MoCA-BC-MIS) and the Non-memory Index Score of MoCA-BC (MoCA-BC-NM).Results: MoCA-BC was an effective cognitive tool to discriminate among NC, MCI, mild and moderate AD in the Chinese elderly across all education groups, implying that it was efficient not only for detecting MCI, but for different severities of AD as well. For MCI screening, the total score of MoCA-BC (MoCA-BC-T) and MoCA-BC-MIS had similar high sensitivity and specificity. For discrimination among MCI, mild and moderate AD, the MoCA-BC-T and MoCA-BC-NM had similar performance.Conclusion: MoCA-BC is an effective cognitive test to distinguish between NC, MCI, mild and moderate AD among the Chinese elderly with various levels of education. Keywords: mild cognitive impairment, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Alzheimer’s disease, cutoff study

Background Radioresistance is a major factor leading to the failure of radiotherapy and poor prognosis in tumor patients. Following the application of radiotherapy, the activity of various metabolic pathways considerably changes, which may result in the development of resistance to radiation. Main body Here, we discussed the relationships between radioresistance and mitochondrial and glucose metabolic pathways, aiming to elucidate the interplay between the tumor cell metabolism and radiotherapy resistance. In this review, we additionally summarized the potential therapeutic targets in the metabolic pathways. Short conclusion The aim of this review was to provide a theoretical basis and relevant references, which may lead to the improvement of the sensitivity of radiotherapy and prolong the survival of cancer patients.

Using trait activation theory as a framework, this study developed and tested a cross-level model of individual innovative behavior. Data from a sample of 334 employees within 75 work teams were used to examine the hypothesized model. Results showed that employee learning goal orientation was positively related to innovative behavior only when the team structure was more organic. Additionally, the relationship between employee learning goal orientation and innovative behavior would be strongest when both the team structure was more organic and team mean learning goal orientation was higher.

Objective The recommended dose of prophylactic pegylated recombinant human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (PEG rhG-CSF) is 100 μg/kg once per cycle for patients receiving intense-dose chemotherapy. However, few data are available on the proper dose for patients receiving less-intense chemotherapy. The aim of this phase I study is to explore the proper dose and administration schedule of PEG rhG-CSF for patients receiving standard-dose chemotherapy. Methods Eligible patients received 3-cycle chemotherapy every 3 weeks. No PEG rhG-CSF was given in the first cycle. Patients experienced grade 3 or 4 neutropenia would then enter the cycle 2 and 3. In cycle 2, patients received a single subcutaneous injection of prophylactic PEG rhG-CSF on d 3, and received half-dose subcutaneous injection in cycle 3 on d 3 and d 5, respectively. Escalating doses (30, 60, 100 and 200 μg/kg) of PEG rhG-CSF were investigated. Results A total of 26 patients were enrolled and received chemotherapy, in which 24 and 18 patients entered cycle 2 and cycle 3 treatment, respectively. In cycle 2, the incidence of grade 3 or 4 neutropenia for patients receiving single-dose PEG rhG-CSF of 30, 60, 100 and 200 μg/kg was 66.67%, 33.33%, 22.22% and 0, respectively, with a median duration less than 1 (0-2) d. No grade 3 or higher neutropenia was noted in cycle 3 in all dose cohorts. Conclusions The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of PEG rhG-CSF used in cancer patients were similar to those reported, as well as the safety. Double half dose administration model showed better efficacy result than a single dose model in terms of grade 3 neutropenia and above. The single dose of 60 μg/kg, 100 μg/kg and double half dose of 30 μg/kg were recommended to the phase II study, hoping to find a preferable method for neutropenia treatment.

Bactericidal/permeability-increasing-fold-containing family B member 1 (BPIFB1, previously named LPLUNC1) is highly expressed in the nasopharynx and significantly downregulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Low expression is also associated with poor prognosis in patients with NPC. Radiotherapy is a routine treatment for NPC; however, radioresistance is a major cause of treatment failure. Thus, we aimed to investigate the role of BPIFB1 in the radioresponse of NPC. Colony formation and cell survival results showed that BPIFB1 sensitized NPC cells to ionizing radiation. VTN, a previously identified BPIFB1-binding protein, was shown to induce cell proliferation and survival, G2/M phase arrest, DNA repair, activation of the ATM-Chk2 and ATR-Chk1 pathways, and anti-apoptotic effects after exposure to radiation, facilitating NPC cell radioresistance. However, BPIFB1 inhibited this VTN-mediated radioresistance, ultimately improving NPC radiosensitivity. In conclusion, this study is the first to demonstrate the functions of BPIFB1 and VTN in the NPC radioresponse. Our findings indicated that promoting BPIFB1 expression and targeting VTN might represent new therapeutic strategies for NPC.

This study investigated the involvement of the klotho-associated signaling in the apoptosis of granulosa cells (GCs) from the ovaries of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and PCOS animals. Primary GCs were obtained from 26 healthy women and 43 women with PCOS. The PCOS animal model was established by the injection of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Klotho protein and associated microRNA expression in human primary GCs and rats' ovarian tissues were measured by Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Results showed that significantly lower miR-126-5p and miR-29a-5p microRNA expressions, higher klotho protein expression, lower insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1R) and Wnt family member 1 (Wnt1) protein expressions, and lower Akt phosphorylation at Ser473 and Thr308 residues were observed in the GCs from patients with PCOS and the ovarian tissues of PCOS rats compared to that in GCs from healthy women and ovarian tissues of normal control rats, respectively. Knockdown of klotho gene expression normalized IGF-1R and Wnt1 protein expressions and Akt phosphorylation in GCs from patients with PCOS and the ovarian tissues from PCOS rats; it also blocked the effects of insulin on apoptosis and proliferation in GCs from patients with PCOS and inhibited caspase-3 activity in ovarian tissues of PCOS rats. Knockdown of klotho gene expression increased the pregnancy rate in DHEA-treated female rats and increased the body weight of their newborns through normalizing the ovarian function and decreasing the formation of cystic follicles. In conclusion, the miR-126-5p, miR-29a-5p/klotho/insulin-IGF-1, Wnt, and Akt signal pathway may be involved in the apoptosis of GCs and subsequent development of PCOS.

Background The echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like-4-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4-ALK) fusion gene defines a novel molecular subset of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the clinicopathological features of patients with the EML4-ALK fusion gene have not been defined completely. Methods Clinicopathological data of 200 Chinese patients with advanced NSCLC were analyzed retrospectively to explore their possible correlations with EML4-ALK fusions. Results The EML4-ALK fusion gene was detected in 56 (28.0%) of the 200 NSCLC patients, and undetected in 22 (11.0%) patients because of an insufficient amount of pathological tissue. The median age of the patients with positive and negative EML4-ALK was 48 and 55 years, respectively. Patients with the EML4-ALK fusion gene were significantly younger (P 48 months (P = 0.020). The occurrence of the EML4-ALK fusion gene in patients with wild-type epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was significantly higher than in patients with mutant-type EGFR (42.5% [37/87] vs. 6.3% [1/16], P = 0.005). Conclusions Younger age and wild-type EGFR were identified as clinicopathological characteristics of patients with advanced NSCLC who harbored the EML4-ALK fusion gene. The optimal time lag from the obtainment of the pathological tissue to the time of EML4-ALK fusion gene detection is ≤48 months.

The study is combined of initial analysis and advanced analysis via GIS to promote the research about land suitability for wind farm in the South Wales in UK. Detailed processes are provided. Weighting and possible pitfalls are discussed. This progressive study can promote the result more accuracy compared to traditional study of land suitability for wind farm.

In the reliability designing procedure of the vehicle components, when the distribution styles of the random variables are unknown or non-normal distribution, the result evaluated contains great error or even is wrong if the reliability value R is larger than 1 by using the existent method, in which case the formula is necessary to be revised. This is obviously inconvenient for programming. Combining reliability-based optimization theory, robust designing method and reliability based sensitivity analysis, a new method for reliability robust designing is proposed. Therefore the influence level of the designing parameters’ changing to the reliability of vehicle components can be obtained. The reliability sensitivity with respect to design parameters is viewed as a sub-objective function in the multi-objective optimization problem satisfying reliability constraints. Given the first four moments of basic random variables, a fourth-moment technique and the proposed optimization procedure can obtain reliability-based robust design of automobile components with non-normal distribution parameters accurately and quickly. By using the proposed method, the distribution style of the random parameters is relaxed. Therefore it is much closer to the actual reliability problems. The numerical examples indicate the following: (1) The reliability value obtained by the robust method proposed increases (>0.04%) comparing to the value obtained by the ordinary optimization algorithm; (2) The absolute value of reliability-based sensitivity decreases (>0.01%), and the robustness of the products’ quality is improved accordingly. Utilizing the reliability-based optimization and robust design method in the reliability designing procedure reduces the manufacture cost and provides the theoretical basis for the reliability and robust design of the vehicle components.

An initial turntable calibration method based on coordinate transformation was proposed to improve the target tracking precision of a vehicle-borne tracking system.First,according to the coordinate transformation theory,a precise turntable calibration model was established and a transformation matrix for the turntable calibration was obtained.Then,an approximate calibration approach based on the practical need was derived with reasonable analysis and careful approximation.Finally,a combined calibration method by using both approximate calibration and precise calibration was implemented in the turntable initial calibration process for a practical vehicle-borne opto-electronic tracking system.Experimental results show that the combined calibration method can improve the efficiency of turntable initial calibration.After precise calibration,the tracking error of the turntable is smaller than 0.1° for a remote target larger than 10 km away,which completely satisfies the precision requirements of the vehicle-borne opto-electronic tracking system.This calibration method has been successfully used in several vehicle-borne opto-electronic tracking systems.

A gear’s finite-element model has been set up according to the parameter functions of the involute and tooth root curve, single and double tooth meshing region have been obtained according to the results of contact analysis. A tooth root’s bending stress has been calculated when meshing in the ultimate position in single tooth meshing region, and this stress has been contrasted with the results of a classical method as the maximum of a circle. The results of theoretical method were far away from that of finite-element calculation before being modified and were a little larger than the later after being modified. Reasons leading to this difference have been analyzed.

To improve the reliability effectively, the reliability sensitivity method is researched with considering that a mechanical system or component may fail in many modes, which is simplified to be a series system model. It is supposed that all ultimate state functions in multi-failure modes are normal distribution. A computation module for total reliability is established. A kind of computation method for reliability sensitivity in multi-failure modes is built based on that in single failure mode. A pin connection component that may fail in shear fracture, bruise on pin or hole surfaces, or in any assemble with two different modes is computed, and the reliability and sensitivity of the component are estimated. Consequently, it is found that the most effective method to enhance the reliability was to enhance the crushing strength of the pin.

Vibration characteristic of direct drive A/C bi-rotary milling head is been analyzed by finite element method (FEM), former four order vibration modes of the milling’s structure are given. The influence of the swing angle of the A-axis to the natural frequency of the milling head is analyzed. The natural frequencies when the milling head is working are interval values, the first order natural frequency is [120.48, 122.91], the second order natural frequency is [139.68, 142.08], the third order natural frequency is [328.68, 331.9], the fourth order natural frequency is [369.68, 372.45]. This computing provides technological support for design and improvement of this type of milling head.

Utilizing finite element software, an universal program has been worked out by the APDL, and it can output the heat dissipating capacity of appointed surfaces in analysis software. The program is so powerful that it can calculate the heat dissipating capacity of heat conductor in which the heat transfer two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally even if the heat conductor is anisotropic, which is difficult to calculate with the mathematic analysis method. The method mentioned in the paper can diminish the inaccuracy caused by the predigestion with the mathematic analysis method. The calculation principle of the program was introduced in detail. Comparing the result of the program with that got by mathematic method, it was indicated that the calculation error of program is very small.

The dynamic performance of numerical control (NC) machine is not only basis of evaluation for the vibration resistance and stability, but also theory basis of optimizing dynamic performance, and improving processed quality. As digital design method, visual design realizes "visibility" during the whole design process, increases design efficiency and guarantees the quality, which make visual design preferred design method in large mechanical engineering. In this paper, the analysis of dynamic performance on NC machine and visual design method will be integrated, taking a NC machining center built by Shenyang machine tool group as a study case, the dynamic visual design flow to be proposed, including the design purpose, content and design methods, finally, the dynamic performance of visual simulation we have done, taking the strength, inherent characteristics and harmonic response into account, offers the foundation about structural performance optimization on the machine.

This paper presents a method for tolerance design of four-bar function generating mechanisms with joint clearances using Taguchi method. Based on previous studies made by other researchers, we propose a model to quantify the effects of uncertain factors on the accuracy of four-bar function generating mechanisms. Taguchi’s approach is applied to select the optimal tolerance ranges for the design parameters of function generation mechanisms. Sensitivity maps are plotted to provide an insight to the effects of parameter errors on the performance variances of four-bar function generating mechanisms. To illustrate the efficiency of the proposed methodology, the tolerance design of a four-bar function generator with joint clearances is discussed.

e18802Background: Patient characteristics, perceptions and experience concerning cancer clinical trials (CCT) may affect study accrual and quality. Our study aimed to evaluate 1) subjects’ percepti...

Variable neighborhood search (VNS) metaheuristic as presented in Festa et al. [Randomized heuristics for the MAX-CUT problem, Optim. Methods Software 17 (2002) 1033–1058] can obtain high quality solution for max-cut problems. Therefore, it is worthwhile that VNS metaheuristic is extended to solve max-bisection problems. Unfortunately, comparing with max-cut problems, max-bisection problems have more complicated feasible region via the linear constraint eTx=0. It is hard to directly apply the typical VNS metaheuristic to deal with max-bisection problems. In this paper, we skillfully combine the constraint eTx=0 with the objective function, obtain a new optimization problem which is equivalent to the max-bisection problem, and then adopt a distinct greedy local search technique to the resulted problem. A modified VNS metaheuristic based on the greedy local search technique is applied to solve max-bisection problems. Numerical results indicate that the proposed method is efficient and can obtain high equality solution for max-bisection problems.

A global view of power system's frequency behavior opens up a new window for analyzing system's dynamics. With the aid of global positioning system, measurements from different locations would have synchronous time; therefore a system-wide observation and analysis would be possible. As part of the US-wide power frequency monitoring network project this paper focus on simulation study results of power frequency dynamics of the Eastern U.S. system. The study assesses the frequency measurement accuracy needed to observe frequency dynamics from events such as remote generation drops. Electromechanical-wave propagation phenomena during system disturbances have been observed. The speeds of electromechanical-wave propagation in different areas of the U.S. systems were estimated and their characteristics were discussed.

The reformation of curriculum system and course content is one of keys to meet “a Plan for educating and training outstanding engineering” (PETOE) in Chinese higher-education. It is also a challenge that the Chinese higher-education should face to achieve the goal of PETOE, this paper analyzed the nature and connotation of PETOE in Chinese higher-education, and introduced the reformation of the civil engineering in Huaiyin Institute of Technology (HYIT) from the curriculum system to course contents to implement the PETOE in HYIT, it also studied the curriculum structure ought to execute in the curriculum system. Lastly, it discussed the integration and reconfiguration for curriculum system of PETOE to guarantee the successful implementation of the PETOE in civil engineering

This paper discusses the impact of non-tradable share reform on the volatility and efficiency of market. The rich empirical studies based on EGARCH(1,1)-M model and the data of CSRC(China Securities Regulatory Commission) industry indexes (including 13 industry indexes) are done and the empirical results show that, the reform of non-tradable share increases the short term volatility and it reduces the long term volatility of market. Especially, for some industries, such as, Commercial trade industry, Manufacturing industry and Social services, the short term volatility raised by the reform of non-tradable share is the maximum, while is the minimum in the Financial services industry, Culture industry and Public utility. In addition, after the reform of non-tradable share, the impact of new information on the market is weakening for most nonpublic service industries, while the impact is strengthening and significant for Public utility, Mining industry, Delivery warehousing and Social services. Index Terms Non-tradable shares reform, EGARCH model, Volatility, Market efficiency.

An EMTP-based arc furnace model was developed for evaluation of flicker concerns associated with supplying a large integrated steel mill as they go from one to two furnace operation and as system changes are implemented that will affect the short circuit capacity at the 230 kV power supply substation. The model includes a dynamic arc representation which is designed to be characteristic of the initial portions of the melt cycle when the arc characteristics are the most variable (worst flicker conditions). The flicker calculations are verified using previous measurements with one furnace operation. Flicker simulations were then performed to evaluate a variety of different possible system strengths with both one and two furnaces in operation. The primary flicker measure used for this study is the unweighted RMS value of the fluctuation envelope, expressed as a percentage of the RMS line-to-ground voltage magnitude.

Background The use of biomarkers for selecting non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients for treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is essential. The aim of this study was to explore whether biomarkers detected in plasma were predictive for response to EGFR-TKIs and survival time of NSCLC patients. Methods Tumor tissues and paired blood were collected from 134 advanced NSCLC patients treated with EGFR-TKIs. EGFR mutations in both types of specimens, and expression of transforming growth factor-alpha and beta one (TGF-α and TGF-β1) were assessed in NSCLC patients. Concentrations of circulating free DNA were detected in plasma from both NSCLC patients and healthy subjects. The clinical significance of EGFR mutations, levels of cytokines, and circulating free DNA was assessed in advanced NSCLC patients. Results EGFR mutations were detected in 68 tumor samples and 17 plasma samples of 134 NSCLC patients. The concentrations of circulating free DNA were higher in NSCLC patients than in healthy subjects. Patients with high TGF-β1 level showed shorter overall survival and worse response to EGFR-TKIs than patients with low TGF-β1 level. Conclusions Plasma levels of TGF-β1 may be a marker for predicting response to EGFR-TKIs and survival time in NSCLC patients.

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) have the potential to increase the overall harmonic distortion levels on distribution systems. Measurements of the harmonic characteristics of different types of CFLs are presented and the possible impacts on a distribution system are analyzed. The analysis uses a combination of EMTP simulations and conventional harmonic analysis simulations to predict the distribution system distortion levels as a function of system characteristics, the CFL characteristics, and the CFL penetration level.

On the basis of the physical model of linear double inversed pendulum, firstly, this paper establishes nonlinear model of it with SimMechanics toolbox of Matlab, and combined with LQR optimal control method based on kalman filter to design the controller and state observer, finally, inhibit existing system noises and observation noises effectively, In addition, it realizes stability control of the linear double inversed pendulum.

The system configuration, theory of operation, computer simulations, and important application experiences of a (750 kVA) superconducting magnetic device (Micro-SMES) for application on power distribution circuits to enhance customer power quality are presented. The functions of the major components of the Micro-SMES are separately discussed and the operation of each component is illustrated with an Electro-Magnetic Transients Program (EMTP) simulation example. Application performance characteristics obtained from the first practical installation of a Micro-SMES are summarized and its protection effectiveness is evaluated. >

In order to solve the problem of real-time and accuracy for collecting the traction battery evaluation parameters, including battery voltage, battery current and battery temperature, the data acquisition system based on Field Programmable Gate Array(FPGA) and Universal Serial Bus Protocol (USB2.0) is designed. In this paper, FPGA is used as the microcontroller to control analog to digital(A/D) conversion and USB transmission. Moreover, USB firmware and driver program are explored and achieved. Validation experimental results show that the designed system is high credible. It also shows that the accuracy and speed of data sampling are improved. It is great benefit to evaluate battery status in battery management system.

Recently, the pollution from pond aquaculture waste water has become more and more serious. In order to perfectly deal with such problem, the paper discussed the feasibility of using photochemical reactivity to remove pollutants through improving pond aquatic ecosystem from wastewater with the aim of water recycling and zero discharge. A photochemical treatment system (PTS) was designed that used photochemical reactivity to treat the polluted aquaculture wastewater. A spot observation method has been used in discussing the reactivity for the treatment of pond aquaculture wastewater with this system on a shrimp farm in Hainan province of China. The result showed that culture pond with PTS could realize progressive efficiency of pollutant removal without water exchange in a recirculating system, which could perfectly meet the need of environment protection and culture production.

This paper presents a methodology for modeling, analyzing, and selecting substations for industrial customers based on different criteria, such as initial investment, interest rate, life cycle, reliability, costs of interruption, maintainability or a combination of these criteria expressed as life cycle cost (present value). The methodology is implemented by utilizing specialized tools for calculating substation reliability, estimating economical efficiency and ranking substation alternatives. Depending of the industrial customer's preferences, different substation configurations, based on different technologies, can be modeled and analyzed. At the end, the proposed substation alternatives can be subjectively ranked by the customer using a ranking tool. A systematic procedure utilizing multi-objective value hierarchy is applied to make the final decision. A combination of "hard" attributes (usually presented in dollars) and "soft" attributes (subjective and difficult to express in numbers) are used for this purpose. The proposed methodology is applied for typical industrial substations. The results show the impact of combined criteria like the life cycle cost together with the customer's preferences on selecting reliable and economically efficient industrial substations. The paper illustrates the importance of reliability and cost of interruption in the final decision making process.

This paper analyzes the needs and requirements of maintenance decision support for electric utilities. After a brief review of maintenance decision support systems, a new realization concept is proposed to take the full advantage of the Internet based technologies. The implemented system is then introduced to demonstrate the feasibility and potential benefits.

A global view of power system's frequency behavior electromechanical wave phenomenon of power system opens up a new window for analyzing system dynamics. With the aid of global positioning system (GPS), measurements from different locations would have synchronous time; therefore a system-wide observation and analysis would be possible. As part of the US-wide power frequency monitoring network project (FNET), this paper focus on simulation study results of power frequency dynamics of major US systems (e.g. WSCC, Eastern US). The study assesses the frequency measurement accuracy needed to observe frequency oscillations from events such as remote generation drops. Electromechanical wave propagation phenomena during system disturbances have been observed. The speeds of electromechanical wave propagation in different areas of the US systems were estimated and their characteristics were discussed. Simulation of the 2003 August 14 northeastern US blackout is given as an example to show wide area monitoring systems such as FNET could have provided crucial information for possible remedial actions.

Restructuring is causing fundamental changes in the rules of the game for the electric power industry and posing many tough decision making challenges to all parties having stakes in the new power market place, including policy makers, market designers, consumers, merchant plant and transmission investors, transmission owners, system planners and power marketers. To address many of the tough issues, it is critical to have an objective and systematic approach to analyze the electrical power systems and markets in an integrated environment, capturing both the economic and the engineering aspects of the problems. This paper attempts to address some of the key issues involved in developing a new breed of software tool for integrated electrical power system and market analysis, using GridView as an example.

Several papers have been written on the response of directly connected induction motors or adjustable speed drives (ASD) connected motors to unbalanced and balanced voltage sags caused by faults on the power system. This paper details the interaction between the motors and drives and the supplying distribution system both during and after the voltage sag. In addition, the system effect of transferring the loads during the sag to an alternate feed with solid-state switching is evaluated. The Electro-Magnetic Transients Program (EMTP) is used for the analysis. >

This paper clarifies the harmonic problems associated with the application of a half-controlled three-phase bridge rectifier, or semiconverter. A comprehensive explanation of the harmonic generation and an analysis of power converter operation with different firing angles is provided. Voltage and current waveforms showing the distortion characteristics of input and output quantities are presented. The performance of a 2nd harmonic filter to reduce even harmonic injection into the system and to improve power factor is evaluated using the Electromagnetic Transient Program (EMTP). >

With the advances in semiconductor devices, adjustable speed drives (ASDs) have become more prevalent than ever before in industrial and commercial processes. Many facilities are installing ASDs to improve the efficiency of their processes and to increase the control of their processes. While the effects of ASDs on the power system are well known, many engineers and systems integrators are not aware of the effects that ASDs can have on the motor that is driven by the drive. This paper describes the techniques used to measure, analyze, and simulate the problems associated with the use of PWM ASDs to drive induction motors. Measures to mitigate these problems are also discussed. The Electro-Magnetic Transients Program (EMTP) is used to simulate the phenomena, compare results against measurements, and evaluate mitigation techniques.