AIM:To investigate the clinical features and survival of patients treated for cholangiocarcinoma in our institution and to analyze the factors affecting their survival.METHODS:This retrospective cohort study assessed ...AIM:To investigate the clinical features and survival of patients treated for cholangiocarcinoma in our institution and to analyze the factors affecting their survival.METHODS:This retrospective cohort study assessed patients diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma between January 1997 and December 2007 at the University Malaya Medical Centre in Malaysia.The clinical data and associated outcomes were collected using a structured proforma.RESULTS:Of the 69 patients diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma,38 (55%) were male;mean patient age was 61 years.Twelve patients (17%) had intrahepatic,38 (55%) had perihilar and 19 (28%) had distal tumors.Only 12 patients underwent curative surgery,including seven R0 resections.Only one patient died within 30 d after surgery.The overall median survival was 4 mo,whereas the median survival of R0 resected patients was 16 mo.The overall 1-,2-and 3-year cumulative survival rates were 67%,17% and 17%,respectively.Survival rates were significantly associated with curative resection (P=0.002),intrahepatic tumor (P=0.003),negative margin status (P=0.013),early tumor stage (P=0.016),higher tumor differentiation (P=0.032) and absence of jaundice (P=0.038).Multivariate analysis showed that tumor location was a significant independent predictor of patient survival.CONCLUSION:Curative,margin-negative resection of early stage,well-differentiated intrahepatic tumors is associated with improved patient survival.展开更多
A global motion estimation method based on robust statistics is presented in this paper. By using tracked feature points instead of whole image pixels to estimate parameters the process speeds up. To further speed up ...A global motion estimation method based on robust statistics is presented in this paper. By using tracked feature points instead of whole image pixels to estimate parameters the process speeds up. To further speed up the process and avoid numerical instability, an alterative description of the problem is given, and three types of solution to the problem are compared. By using a two step process, the robustness of the estimator is also improved. Automatic initial value selection is an advantage of this method. The proposed approach is illustrated by a set of examples, which shows good results with high speed.展开更多
A single machine-infinite-bus(SMIB) system including the interline power flow controllers(IPFCs) and the power system stabilizer(PSS) controller is addressed. The linearized system model is considered for investigatin...A single machine-infinite-bus(SMIB) system including the interline power flow controllers(IPFCs) and the power system stabilizer(PSS) controller is addressed. The linearized system model is considered for investigating the interactions among IPFC and PSS controllers. To improve the stability of whole system again different disturbances, a lead-lag controller is considered to produce supplementary signal. The proposed supplementary controller is implemented to improve the damping of the power system low frequency oscillations(LFOs). Imperialist optimization algorithm(ICA) and shuffled frog leaping algorithm(SFLA) are implemented to search for optimal supplementary controllers and PSS parameters. Moreover, singular value decomposition(SVD) method is utilized to select the most effective damping control signal of IPFC lead-lag controllers. To evaluate the system performance, different operating conditions are considered. Reponses of system in five modes including uncoordinated and coordinated modes of IPFC and PSS using ICA and SFLA are studied and compared. Considering the results, response of system without controller shows the highest overshoot and the longest settling time for rotor angel at the different operating conditions. In this mode of system, rotor speed has the highest overshoot. Rotor angel in the system with only PSS includes lower overshoot and oscillation than system without controller. When PSS is only implemented, rotor speed deviation has the longest settling time. Rotor speed deviation in the uncoordinated mode of IPFC and PSS shows lower overshoot than system with only PSS and without controller. It is noticeable that in this mode, rotor angel has higher overshoot than system with only PSS. The superiority of the suggested ICA-based coordinated controllers is obvious compared with SFLA-based coordinated controllers and other system modes. Responses of coordinated PSS and IPFC SFLA-based supplementary controllers include higher peak amplitude and longer settling time compared with coordinated IPFC and PSS ICA-based controllers. This comparison shows that overshoots, undershoots and the settling times are reduced considerably in coordinated mode of IPFC based controller and PSS using ICA. Analysis of the system performance shows that the proposed method has excellent response to different faults in power system.展开更多
SMART (system-integrated modular advanced reactor) is a small-sized advanced integral reactor with a rated thermal power of 330 MW. It can produce 100 MW of electricity, or 90 MW of electricity and 40,000 t of desal...SMART (system-integrated modular advanced reactor) is a small-sized advanced integral reactor with a rated thermal power of 330 MW. It can produce 100 MW of electricity, or 90 MW of electricity and 40,000 t of desalinated water concurrently, which is sufficient for 100,000 residents. SMART technology is a sensible mixture of new innovative design features and proven technologies through a PWR. The enhancement of safety and reliability is realized by incorporating inherent safety features and reliable passive safety systems. The improvement in the economics is achieved through system simplification, component modularization, construction time reduction, and increased plant availability. All technologies and design features implemented into SMART have been proven in industries and/or qualified through the SMART design verification program including comprehensive test and experiments. The full scope of the safety analyses carried out to confirm that the inherent safety-improvement design characteristics and safety systems of SMART ensure reactor safety. After a thorough licensing review, SDA (standard design approval) for SMART was granted on July 4th, 2012 by the Korea NSSC (Nuclear Safety and Security Commission). This marks the first license for an integral-type reactor in the world. This paper presents the SMART characteristics, safety features and technology validation. The licensing process of SMART is also described.展开更多
Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics and risk factors of refracture in patients suffering from osteoporosis-related fractures as well as effective interventions. Methods: From January 2006 to January ...Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics and risk factors of refracture in patients suffering from osteoporosis-related fractures as well as effective interventions. Methods: From January 2006 to January 2008, both out-patients and in-patients in our hospital who were over 50 years old and suffered from osteoporosis-related fractures were selected for this research. They were divided into fracture group and refracture group. The refracture rate was followed up for 2 years, during which 11 patients developed refracture, thus were included in the refracture group. Therefore, 273 patients, 225 first-fracture cases, aged (67.7± 8.5) years, and 48 refracture cases, aged (72.7±9.5) years, were included in this study. General data including age and sex, fracture types, femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) T-scores tested by dual-energy X-rays absorptiometry (DEXA), Charlson index, time-frame between two fractures as well as mobility skill assessment were collected and analyzed by single-factor and multivariate statistical methods. Results: Females accounted for 70.2% of the fracture group and 77.1% of the refracture group. The most common refracture type was vertebral fracture for the first time and femoral neck fracture for the second time during the followup. The second fracture happened 3.7 years after the first one on average. The refracture rate was 2.12% within one year, and 4.66% within two years. Risk factors for a second fracture in osteoporotic fracture patients included age (〉75 years, HR=1.23, 95%CI 1.18-1.29; 〉85 years, HR=1.68, 95% CI 1.60-1.76), female sex (HR=1.36, 95%CI 1.32-1.40), prior vertebral fractures (HR= 1.62, 95%CI 1.01-2.07), prior hip fractures (HR=1.27, 95%CI 0.89-2.42), BMD T-score〈-3.5 (HR-1.38, 95%CI 1.17-1.72) and weakened motor skills (HR=1.27, 95%CI 1.09-1.40). Conclusions: The risks of second fracture among patients with initial brittle fracture are substantial. There is adequate time between the first and second fractures for interventions to reduce the risks of refracture, especially for the old women with a vertebral or hip fracture. Medication, motor functional rehabilitation and fall-down prevention training are helpful.展开更多
文摘AIM:To investigate the clinical features and survival of patients treated for cholangiocarcinoma in our institution and to analyze the factors affecting their survival.METHODS:This retrospective cohort study assessed patients diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma between January 1997 and December 2007 at the University Malaya Medical Centre in Malaysia.The clinical data and associated outcomes were collected using a structured proforma.RESULTS:Of the 69 patients diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma,38 (55%) were male;mean patient age was 61 years.Twelve patients (17%) had intrahepatic,38 (55%) had perihilar and 19 (28%) had distal tumors.Only 12 patients underwent curative surgery,including seven R0 resections.Only one patient died within 30 d after surgery.The overall median survival was 4 mo,whereas the median survival of R0 resected patients was 16 mo.The overall 1-,2-and 3-year cumulative survival rates were 67%,17% and 17%,respectively.Survival rates were significantly associated with curative resection (P=0.002),intrahepatic tumor (P=0.003),negative margin status (P=0.013),early tumor stage (P=0.016),higher tumor differentiation (P=0.032) and absence of jaundice (P=0.038).Multivariate analysis showed that tumor location was a significant independent predictor of patient survival.CONCLUSION:Curative,margin-negative resection of early stage,well-differentiated intrahepatic tumors is associated with improved patient survival.
文摘A global motion estimation method based on robust statistics is presented in this paper. By using tracked feature points instead of whole image pixels to estimate parameters the process speeds up. To further speed up the process and avoid numerical instability, an alterative description of the problem is given, and three types of solution to the problem are compared. By using a two step process, the robustness of the estimator is also improved. Automatic initial value selection is an advantage of this method. The proposed approach is illustrated by a set of examples, which shows good results with high speed.
文摘A single machine-infinite-bus(SMIB) system including the interline power flow controllers(IPFCs) and the power system stabilizer(PSS) controller is addressed. The linearized system model is considered for investigating the interactions among IPFC and PSS controllers. To improve the stability of whole system again different disturbances, a lead-lag controller is considered to produce supplementary signal. The proposed supplementary controller is implemented to improve the damping of the power system low frequency oscillations(LFOs). Imperialist optimization algorithm(ICA) and shuffled frog leaping algorithm(SFLA) are implemented to search for optimal supplementary controllers and PSS parameters. Moreover, singular value decomposition(SVD) method is utilized to select the most effective damping control signal of IPFC lead-lag controllers. To evaluate the system performance, different operating conditions are considered. Reponses of system in five modes including uncoordinated and coordinated modes of IPFC and PSS using ICA and SFLA are studied and compared. Considering the results, response of system without controller shows the highest overshoot and the longest settling time for rotor angel at the different operating conditions. In this mode of system, rotor speed has the highest overshoot. Rotor angel in the system with only PSS includes lower overshoot and oscillation than system without controller. When PSS is only implemented, rotor speed deviation has the longest settling time. Rotor speed deviation in the uncoordinated mode of IPFC and PSS shows lower overshoot than system with only PSS and without controller. It is noticeable that in this mode, rotor angel has higher overshoot than system with only PSS. The superiority of the suggested ICA-based coordinated controllers is obvious compared with SFLA-based coordinated controllers and other system modes. Responses of coordinated PSS and IPFC SFLA-based supplementary controllers include higher peak amplitude and longer settling time compared with coordinated IPFC and PSS ICA-based controllers. This comparison shows that overshoots, undershoots and the settling times are reduced considerably in coordinated mode of IPFC based controller and PSS using ICA. Analysis of the system performance shows that the proposed method has excellent response to different faults in power system.
文摘SMART (system-integrated modular advanced reactor) is a small-sized advanced integral reactor with a rated thermal power of 330 MW. It can produce 100 MW of electricity, or 90 MW of electricity and 40,000 t of desalinated water concurrently, which is sufficient for 100,000 residents. SMART technology is a sensible mixture of new innovative design features and proven technologies through a PWR. The enhancement of safety and reliability is realized by incorporating inherent safety features and reliable passive safety systems. The improvement in the economics is achieved through system simplification, component modularization, construction time reduction, and increased plant availability. All technologies and design features implemented into SMART have been proven in industries and/or qualified through the SMART design verification program including comprehensive test and experiments. The full scope of the safety analyses carried out to confirm that the inherent safety-improvement design characteristics and safety systems of SMART ensure reactor safety. After a thorough licensing review, SDA (standard design approval) for SMART was granted on July 4th, 2012 by the Korea NSSC (Nuclear Safety and Security Commission). This marks the first license for an integral-type reactor in the world. This paper presents the SMART characteristics, safety features and technology validation. The licensing process of SMART is also described.
文摘Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics and risk factors of refracture in patients suffering from osteoporosis-related fractures as well as effective interventions. Methods: From January 2006 to January 2008, both out-patients and in-patients in our hospital who were over 50 years old and suffered from osteoporosis-related fractures were selected for this research. They were divided into fracture group and refracture group. The refracture rate was followed up for 2 years, during which 11 patients developed refracture, thus were included in the refracture group. Therefore, 273 patients, 225 first-fracture cases, aged (67.7± 8.5) years, and 48 refracture cases, aged (72.7±9.5) years, were included in this study. General data including age and sex, fracture types, femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) T-scores tested by dual-energy X-rays absorptiometry (DEXA), Charlson index, time-frame between two fractures as well as mobility skill assessment were collected and analyzed by single-factor and multivariate statistical methods. Results: Females accounted for 70.2% of the fracture group and 77.1% of the refracture group. The most common refracture type was vertebral fracture for the first time and femoral neck fracture for the second time during the followup. The second fracture happened 3.7 years after the first one on average. The refracture rate was 2.12% within one year, and 4.66% within two years. Risk factors for a second fracture in osteoporotic fracture patients included age (〉75 years, HR=1.23, 95%CI 1.18-1.29; 〉85 years, HR=1.68, 95% CI 1.60-1.76), female sex (HR=1.36, 95%CI 1.32-1.40), prior vertebral fractures (HR= 1.62, 95%CI 1.01-2.07), prior hip fractures (HR=1.27, 95%CI 0.89-2.42), BMD T-score〈-3.5 (HR-1.38, 95%CI 1.17-1.72) and weakened motor skills (HR=1.27, 95%CI 1.09-1.40). Conclusions: The risks of second fracture among patients with initial brittle fracture are substantial. There is adequate time between the first and second fractures for interventions to reduce the risks of refracture, especially for the old women with a vertebral or hip fracture. Medication, motor functional rehabilitation and fall-down prevention training are helpful.