Study protocol of the Asian XELIRI ProjecT(AXEPT):a multinational,randomized,non-inferiority,phase Ⅲ trial of second-line chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer, comparing the eicacy and safety of XELIRI with or without bevacizumab versus FOLFIRI w

Background: Capecitabine and irinotecan combination therapy(XELIRI) has been examined at various dose levels to treat metastatic colorectal cancer(m CRC). Recently, in the Association of Medical Oncology of the German Cancer Society(AIO) 0604 trial, tri?weekly XELIRI plus bevacizumab, with reduced doses of irinotecan(200 mg/m^2 on day 1) and capecitabine(1600 mg/m^2 on days 1–14), repeated every 3 weeks, has shown favorable tolerability and eicacy which were comparable to those of capecitabine and oxaliplatin(XELOX) plus bevacizumab. The doses of capecit?abine and irinotecan in the AIO trial are considered optimal. In a phase I/II study, XELIRI plus bevacizumab(BIX) as second?line chemotherapy was well tolerated and had promising eicacy in Japanese patients.Methods: The Asian XELIRI Projec T(AXEPT) is an East Asian collaborative, open?labelled, randomized, phase Ⅲ clinical trial which was designed to demonstrate the non?inferiority of XELIRI with or without bevacizumab versus standard FOLFIRI(5?fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan combination) with or without bevacizumab as second?line chemo?therapy for patients with m CRC. Patients with 20 years of age or older, histologically conirmed m CRC, Eastern Coop?erative Oncology Group performance status 0–2, adequate organ function, and disease progression or intolerance of the irst?line regimen will be eligible. Patients will be randomized(1:1) to receive standard FOLFIRI with or with?out bevacizumab(5 mg/kg on day 1), repeated every 2 weeks(FOLIRI arm) or XELIRI with or without bevacizumab(7.5 mg/kg on day 1), repeated every 3 weeks(XELIRI arm). A total of 464 events were estimated as necessary to show non?inferiority with a power of 80% at a one?sided α of 0.025, requiring a target sample size of 600 patients. The 95% conidence interval(CI) upper limit of the hazard ratio was pre?speciied as less than 1.3.Conclusion: The Asian XELIRI Projec T is a multinational phase III trial being conducted to provide evidence for XELIRI with or without bevacizumab as a second?line treatment option of mCRC.

Understanding the catalytic performance and deactivation behaviour of second-promoter doped Pt/WO_(χ)/γ-Al_(2)O_(3) catalysts in the glycerol hydrogenolysis for selective and cleaner production of 1,3-propanediol

The selective aqueous-phase glycerol hydrogenolysis is a promising reaction to produce commercially useful 1,3-propanediol(1,3-PDO).The Pt-WOx bifunctional catalyst can catalyse the glycerol hydrogenol-ysis but the catalyst deactivation via sintering,metal leaching,and coking can predominantly occur in the aqueous phase reaction.In this work,the effect of reaction temperature,pressure and second promoter(Cu,Fe,Rh,Mn,Re,Ru,Ir,Sn,B,and P)on catalytic performance and deactivation behaviour of Pt/WOx/-Al2O3 was investigated.When doped with Rh,Mn,Re,Ru,Ir,B,and P,the second promoter boosts catalytic activity by promoting great dispersion of Pt on support and increasing Pt surface area.The increased Bronsted acid sites lead to selective synthesis of 1,3-PDO than 1,2-propanediol(1,2-PDO).The characterization studies of fresh and spent catalysts reveal that the main cause of catalyst deactivation is the Pt sintering,as interpreted based on XRD,CO chemisorption,and TEM analyses.The Pt sintering is affected depending on the second promoter that can either or reduce the interaction between Pt,WO_(χ)/γ and Al_(2)O_(3).As an electron acceptor of Pt in Pt/WO_(χ)/γ-Al_(2)O_(3),Re and Mn as second promoters resulted in increased Pt^(2+) on the catalytic surface,which strengthens the contact between Pt andγ-Al_(2)O_(3) and WO_(χ),resulting in a decrease in Pt sintering.The metal leaching and coking are not affected by the presence of second promoter.The catalyst modified with a second promoter possesses improved catalytic activity and 1,3-PDO production,however the stability continues to remain a challenge.The present work unrav-elled the determining parameters of catalytic activity and deactivation,thus providing a promising pro-tocol toward effective catalysts for glycerol hydrogenolysis.

Different role of second phase in the micro-galvanic corrosion of WE43 Mg alloy in NaCl and Na_(2)SO_(4) solution

Effect of the second phase in the micro-galvanic corrosion of a commercial Mg alloy containing rare earth elements, cast WE43 alloy,was investigated in 0.6 M NaCl solution and 0.6 M Na_(2)SO_(4)solution by scanning electron microscopy(SEM) observations, scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy(SKPFM) analysis, hydrogen evolution, weight loss measurement, and electrochemical techniques. It is confirmed that the second phase of cast WE43 alloy is more active than Mg matrix and exhibits an anodic role in the micro-galvanic corrosion with α-Mg matrix as cathode and dissolves preferentially in Na_(2)SO_(4)solution, in contrast to the situation in NaCl solution. The corrosion rate of cast WE43 alloy in Na_(2)SO_(4)solution is much higher than that in NaCl solution, which is different from the conventional wisdom and could be attributed to the different role of the second phase in the micro-galvanic corrosion in two solutions.

Phase-field study of the second phase particle effect on texture evolution of polycrystalline material

The second phase particle effect on texture evolution of polycrystalline material is studied through phase-field method. A unique field variable is introduced into the phase-field model to represent the second phase particles. Elastic interaction between particles and grains is also considered. Results indicate that in the presence of second phase particles the average particle diameter turns smaller than in the absence of these particles and retards texture formation by pinning effect. The second phase particles change the strain energy profile, which tremendously influences the pinning effect.

Grain growth simulation with the second phase particle pinning for heat-affected zone of microalloyed steel welds

The second phase particle dispersed in microalloyed steel has different effects on grain growth depending on their size and volume fiaction of the second phase particles which will change during welding thermal cycles. The particle coarsening and dissolution kinetics model was analyzed for continuous heating and cooling. In addition, based on experimental data, the coupled equation of grain growth was established by introducing limited size of grain growth with the consideration of the second phase particles pinning effects. Using Monte Carlo method based on experimental data model, the grain growth simulation for heat-affected zone of microalloyed steel welds was achieved. The calculating results were well in agreement with that of experiments.

Influence of Varying Crude Protein Levels and Balanced Amino Acids on the Performance and Haematological Characteristics of Laying Hens at the Second Phase of Production

Varying levels of dietary crude proteins and balanced amino acids were fed to layers for a period of eight weeks starting from the twenty-sixth week of age of birds and six weeks into egg production. Effects on performance and haematological characteristics were investigated at this second phase of production. Sixty Black Nera hens were randomly allotted into four (4) dietary treatments, containing the following levels of crude protein 14%, 15%, 16%, 17% and the metabolizable energy was iso-caloric for each treatment. The results showed that there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) observed for lymphocyte, Haemoglobin (Hb), Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Red Blood Cell (RBC) and White Blood Cell (WBC), these haematological parameters were within the range for healthy birds. Thus crude protein level of 14% can be used in diets of layers at the second phase of production provided that adequate amino acids are given, without adverse effect on egg laying, feed intake and measured blood parameters.

Risk Assessment at the Design Phase of Construction Projects in Ghana

The study was carried out exclusively in Ghana to explore the approaches employed by consultants in risk assessment at the design phase of projects in Ghana. One hundred and fourteen (114) consultants were selected out of a population of one hundred and eighty six (186) from three main professional associations in Ghana made up of the Ghana Institute of Architects, Ghana Institution of Engineers and the Ghana Institution of Surveyors (Quantity Surveying Division) practicing in Ghana for the study. Both primary and secondary data were collected. A descriptive survey was also used to observe and describe the presence, frequency or absence of characteristics of a phenomenon as it naturally occurred, in order to gain additional information. A questionnaire was also designed to collect data from the architects, engineers and quantity surveyors. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Scientists (SPSS) 17.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics, such as frequency tables, percentages and cross tabulations were used in the data analysis and summaries. Simple tests of associations were undertaken by using Chi square and Cramer’s V statistics to compare relationships between variables. Again, relative importance index was also used to analyze some of the data by computing to deduce their rankings. The relative importance index was used to analyze some of the data by computing to deduce their rankings. The research revealed that majority of consultants had an average knowledge of risk management. Based on the findings it was recommended that consultants undergo advanced training in risk assessment. It was therefore suggested that consultancy firms should develop a set of laid down procedures for consultants to use in risk assessment in order that the use of intuition employed by majority is lessened. The challenges observed in risk assessment and the remedial steps suggested curtailing the detrimental effects of risks would be of wide importance to many developing economies.

Macro-decision-making on Phase I Construction of the Three Gorges Project (TGP)

In this paper,the dominance of the national enterprise and current situation of project management are analyzed on the basis of sum of Phase Ⅰ Construction management of the Three Gorges Project.From the start point of idea modification and inner reformation of enterprise,some of concrete suggestions enhancing the project management, are offered in the paper.

Recent advancements in thermal conductivity of magnesium alloys

As highly integrated circuits continue to advance,accompanied by a growing demand for energy efficiency and weight reduction,materials are confronted with mounting challenges pertaining to thermal conductivity and lightweight properties.By virtue of numerous intrinsic mechanisms,as a result,the thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of the Mg alloys are often inversely related,which becomes a bottleneck limiting the application of Mg alloys.Based on several effective modification methods to improve the thermal conductivity of Mg alloys,this paper describes the law of how they affect the mechanical properties,and clearly indicates that peak aging treatment is one of the best ways to simultaneously enhance an alloy's thermal conductivity and mechanical properties.As the most frequently used Mg alloy,cast alloys exhibit substantial potential for achieving high thermal conductivity.Moreover,recent reports indicate that hot deformation can significantly improve the mechanical properties while maintaining,and potentially slightly enhancing,the alloy's thermal conductivity.This presents a meaningful way to develop Mg alloys for applications in the field of small-volume heat dissipation components that require high strength.This comprehensive review begins by outlining standard testing and prediction methods,followed by the theoretical models used to predict thermal conductivity,and then explores the primary influencing factors affecting thermal conductivity.The review summarizes the current development status of Mg alloys,focusing on the quest for alloys that offer both high thermal conductivity and high strength.It concludes by providing insights into forthcoming prospects and challenges within this field.

A CMIP6-based assessment of regional climate change in the Chinese Tianshan Mountains

Climate warming profoundly affects hydrological changes,agricultural production,and human society.Arid and semi-arid areas of China are currently displaying a marked trend of warming and wetting.The Chinese Tianshan Mountains(CTM)have a high climate sensitivity,rendering the region particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate warming.In this study,we used monthly average temperature and monthly precipitation data from the CN05.1 gridded dataset(1961-2014)and 24 global climate models(GCMs)of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6(CMIP6)to assess the applicability of the CMIP6 GCMs in the CTM at the regional scale.Based on this,we conducted a systematic review of the interannual trends,dry-wet transitions(based on the standardized precipitation index(SPI)),and spatial distribution patterns of climate change in the CTM during 1961-2014.We further projected future temperature and precipitation changes over three terms(near-term(2021-2040),mid-term(2041-2060),and long-term(2081-2100))relative to the historical period(1961-2014)under four shared socio-economic pathway(SSP)scenarios(i.e.,SSP1-2.6,SSP2-4.5,SSP3-7.0,and SSP5-8.5).It was found that the CTM had experienced significant warming and wetting from 1961 to 2014,and will also experience warming in the future(2021-2100).Substantial warming in 1997 was captured by both the CN05.1 derived from interpolating meteorological station data and the multi-model ensemble(MME)from the CMIP6 GCMs.The MME simulation results indicated an apparent wetting in 2008,which occurred later than the wetting observed from the CN05.1 in 1989.The GCMs generally underestimated spring temperature and overestimated both winter temperature and spring precipitation in the CTM.Warming and wetting are more rapid in the northern part of the CTM.By the end of the 21st century,all the four SSP scenarios project warmer and wetter conditions in the CTM with multiple dry-wet transitions.However,the rise in precipitation fails to counterbalance the drought induced by escalating temperature in the future,so the nature of the drought in the CTM will not change at all.Additionally,the projected summer precipitation shows negative correlation with the radiative forcing.This study holds practical implications for the awareness of climate change and subsequent research in the CTM.

CMIP 6 models simulation of the connection between North/South Pacific Meridional Mode and ENSO

The subtropical North and South Pacific Meridional Modes(NPMM and SPMM)are well known precursors of El Niño-Southern Oscillation(ENSO).However,relationship between them is not constant.In the early 1980,the relationship experienced an interdecadal transition.Changes in this connection can be attributed mainly to the phase change of the Pacific decadal oscillation(PDO).During the positive phase of PDO,a shallower thermocline in the central Pacific is responsible for the stronger trade wind charging(TWC)mechanism,which leads to a stronger equatorial subsurface temperature evolution.This dynamic process strengthens the connection between NPMM and ENSO.Associated with the negative phase of PDO,a shallower thermocline over southeastern Pacific allows an enhanced wind-evaporation-SST(WES)feedback,strengthening the connection between SPMM and ENSO.Using 35 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6(CMIP6)models,we examined the NPMM/SPMM performance and its connection with ENSO in the historical runs.The great majority of CMIP6 models can reproduce the pattern of NPMM and SPMM well,but they reveal discrepant ENSO and NPMM/SPMM relationship.The intermodal uncertainty for the connection of NPMM-ENSO is due to different TWC mechanism.A stronger TWC mechanism will enhance NPMM forcing.For SPMM,few models can simulate a good relationship with ENSO.The intermodel spread in the relationship of SPMM and ENSO owing to SST bias in the southeastern Pacific,as WES feedback is stronger when the southeastern Pacific is warmer.

Low side lobe pattern synthesis using projection method with genetic algorithm for truncated cone conformal phased arrays

A hybrid method for synthesizing antenna＇s three dimensional （3D） pattern is proposed to obtain the low sidelobe feature of truncated cone conformal phased arrays. In this method, the elements of truncated cone conformal phased arrays are projected to the tangent plane in one generatrix of the truncated cone. Then two dimensional （2D） Chebyshev amplitude distribution optimization is respectively used in two mutual vertical directions of the tangent plane. According to the location of the elements, the excitation current amplitude distribution of each element on the conformal structure is derived reversely, then the excitation current amplitude is further optimized by using the genetic algorithm （GA）. A truncated cone problem with 8x8 elements on it, and a 3D pattern desired side lobe level （SLL） up to 35 dB, is studied. By using the hybrid method, the optimal goal is accomplished with acceptable CPU time, which indicates that this hybrid method for the low sidelobe synthesis is feasible.

New theoretical analysis method for the phase center in the Fresnel region of complex structure antennas

A finite domain time difference （FDTD） and second-derivative combined method is proposed for the evaluation of phase center in the Fresnel region of complex structure millimeter antennas. This method adopts FDTD＇s near to far field transformation to obtain the fields in Fresnel region and then applies the second-derivative method to calculate the phase center. The adoption of FDTD efficiently overcomes the difficulties arising from the existing calculation methods＇ requirements for the radiation analytical formula of some complex antennas, which makes the existing second-derivative method more applicable in engineering. Also, FDTD increases the precision owing to the superposition field calculation from its extrapolation. The correctness of this proposed method is certified with typical examples and the phase center in the Fresnel region of a microwave radiometry calibration corrugate horn antenna is evaluated with the key features.

A convenient look-up-table based method for the compensation of non-linear error in digital fringe projection

Although the structured light system that uses digital fringe projection has been widely implemented in three-dimensional surface profile measurement, the measurement system is susceptible to non-linear error. In this work, we propose a convenient look-up-table-based （LUT-based） method to compensate for the non-linear error in captured fringe patterns. Without extra calibration, this LUT-based method completely utilizes the captured fringe pattern by recording the full-field differences. Then, a phase compensation map is established to revise the measured phase. Experimental results demonstrate that this method works effectively.

Numerical simulation of the effect of void fraction and inlet velocity on two-phase turbulence in bubble-liquid flows

There are contradicted opinions on whether bubbles enhance or reduce the liquid turbulence. In this paper, the effect of void fraction and inlet velocity on the bubble-liquid two-phase turbulence of the multiple bubble-liquid jets in a two-dimensional channel is studied by using the two-phase second-order moment turbulence model. The results confirm the phenomena observed in experiments and reported in references that at a low void fraction and low inlet velocities the bubbles enhance the liquid turbulence, whereas at a high void fraction and high inlet velocities the bubbles reduce the liquid turbulence.

Velocity Projection with Upwind Scheme Based on the Discontinuous Galerkin Methods for the Two Phase Flow Problem

The upwind scheme is very important in the numerical approximation of some problems such as the convection dominated problem, the two-phase flow problem, and so on. For the fractional flow formulation of the two-phase flow problem, the Penalty Discontinuous Galerkin (PDG) methods combined with the upwind scheme are usually used to solve the phase pressure equation. In this case, unless the upwind scheme is taken into consideration in the velocity reconstruction, the local mass balance cannot hold exactly. In this paper, we present a scheme of velocity reconstruction in some H(div) spaces with considering the upwind scheme totally. Furthermore, the different ways to calculate the nonlinear coefficients may have distinct and significant effects, which have been investigated by some authors. We propose a new algorithm to obtain a more effective and stable approximation of the coefficients under the consideration of the upwind scheme.

Review on second-harmonic generation of ultrasonic guided waves in solid media(Ⅰ): Theoretical analyses

Considering the high sensitivity of the nonlinear ultrasonic measurement technique and great advantages of the guided wave testing method, the use of nonlinear ultrasonic guided waves provides a promising means for evaluating and characterizing the hidden and/or inaccessible damage/degradation in solid media. Increasing attention on the development of the testing method based on nonlinear ultrasonic guided waves is largely attributed to the theoretical advances of nonlinear guided waves propagation in solid media. One of the typical acoustic nonlinear responses is the generation of second harmonics that can be used to effectively evaluate damage/degradation in materials/structures. In this paper, the theoretical progress of second-harmonic generation（SHG） of ultrasonic guided wave propagation in solid media is reviewed. The advances and developments of theoretical investigations on the effect of SHG of ultrasonic guided wave propagation in different structures are addressed. Some obscure understandings and the ideas in dispute are also discussed.