This work presents the “Second-Order Comprehensive Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Methodology (2<sup>nd</sup>-CASAM)” for the efficient and exact computation of 1<sup>st</sup>- and 2<sup>...This work presents the “Second-Order Comprehensive Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Methodology (2<sup>nd</sup>-CASAM)” for the efficient and exact computation of 1<sup>st</sup>- and 2<sup>nd</sup>-order response sensitivities to uncertain parameters and domain boundaries of linear systems. The model’s response (<em>i.e.</em>, model result of interest) is a generic nonlinear function of the model’s forward and adjoint state functions, and also depends on the imprecisely known boundaries and model parameters. In the practically important particular case when the response is a scalar-valued functional of the forward and adjoint state functions characterizing a model comprising N parameters, the 2<sup>nd</sup>-CASAM requires a single large-scale computation using the First-Level Adjoint Sensitivity System (1<sup>st</sup>-LASS) for obtaining all of the first-order response sensitivities, and at most N large-scale computations using the Second-Level Adjoint Sensitivity System (2<sup>nd</sup>-LASS) for obtaining exactly all of the second-order response sensitivities. In contradistinction, forward other methods would require (<em>N</em>2/2 + 3 <em>N</em>/2) large-scale computations for obtaining all of the first- and second-order sensitivities. This work also shows that constructing and solving the 2<sup>nd</sup>-LASS requires very little additional effort beyond the construction of the 1<sup>st</sup>-LASS needed for computing the first-order sensitivities. Solving the equations underlying the 1<sup>st</sup>-LASS and 2<sup>nd</sup>-LASS requires the same computational solvers as needed for solving (<em>i.e.</em>, “inverting”) either the forward or the adjoint linear operators underlying the initial model. Therefore, the same computer software and “solvers” used for solving the original system of equations can also be used for solving the 1<sup>st</sup>-LASS and the 2<sup>nd</sup>-LASS. Since neither the 1<sup>st</sup>-LASS nor the 2<sup>nd</sup>-LASS involves any differentials of the operators underlying the original system, the 1<sup>st</sup>-LASS is designated as a “<u>first-level</u>” (as opposed to a “first-order”) adjoint sensitivity system, while the 2<sup>nd</sup>-LASS is designated as a “<u>second-level</u>” (rather than a “second-order”) adjoint sensitivity system. Mixed second-order response sensitivities involving boundary parameters may arise from all source terms of the 2<sup>nd</sup>-LASS that involve the imprecisely known boundary parameters. Notably, the 2<sup>nd</sup>-LASS encompasses an automatic, inherent, and independent “solution verification” mechanism of the correctness and accuracy of the 2nd-level adjoint functions needed for the efficient and exact computation of the second-order sensitivities.展开更多
Objective: To evaluate the improvement effect of combined treatment of eschar abrasion, nanosilver dressing, and mussel mucin spray on wound healing in patients with second-degree burns, and to explore their effects o...Objective: To evaluate the improvement effect of combined treatment of eschar abrasion, nanosilver dressing, and mussel mucin spray on wound healing in patients with second-degree burns, and to explore their effects on the expression level of (advanced glycation end products) AGEs in wound tissue, so as to provide a basis for the application of AGEs expression level in wound tissue in the future clinical treatment of second-degree burns. Methods: Patients with second-degree burns admitted to the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College from July 2023 to July 2024 were selected as the research subjects. This study was a non-double-blind study, and both patients and researchers were aware of the treatment methods. They were randomly divided into Group A (control group) and Group B (study group). According to the order of their visits, the patients were numbered in advance;then the seed number was taken, and 70 random numbers were generated on the computer using SAS, the first 35 corresponding to group A, and the last 35 corresponding to group B;the random numbers were arranged from small to large, and the rank of the random numbers was the patient number;finally, the patient numbers were arranged from small to large, and the corresponding groups were the grouping scheme. 1) Wound healing time: The wound healing was observed every day, and the wound healing time was calculated when the wound was completely epithelialized. 2) Wound healing: The wound healing area was measured 1, 7, and 14 days after treatment, and transparent paper was used to record combined with a computer-assisted imaging system. Wound healing rate = wound healing area (cm2)/total wound area before treatment (cm2) × 100%. The time for complete wound healing was recorded in the two groups of patients. 3) Pain: The pain was evaluated at 1, 7, and 14 days after treatment using the visual analogue scale (VAS). The higher the score, the more severe the pain. 4) Scar condition: Scar formation was evaluated 1, 3, and 6 months after wound healing using the VAS scale, with a total score of 15 points. The higher the score, the more severe the scar. 5) Detect the expression of AGEs in wound tissue. Results: The wound healed 14.03 ± 2.28 days after eschar removal, with a cure rate of 97.8%. No infection occurred in the wound after eschar removal in all patients. The wound healing time ranged from 9 to 23 days, with an average healing time of 28.41 ± 1.45 days. The healing quality was satisfactory. The Vancouver Scar Scale scored the wound healing scar as 0.81 ± 0.73 points. Western blot was used to detect the expression of AGEs, (receptor for advanced glycation end products) RAGE, and protein in the wound tissue. Results After 7, 14, and 28 days of medication, the wounds of diabetic patients healed well. The drug treatment efficacy and hydroxyproline content showed an upward trend, and the expression levels of AGEs, RAGE, and HIF-1a proteins showed a downward trend. Compared with day 0, the hydroxyproline content of the wound granulation tissue on days 7, 14, and 28 was significantly increased (P< 0.01), and the expression levels of AGEs, RAGE, and HIF-1α proteins were significantly downregulated (P< 0.05 or P< 0.01). Conclusion: Monitoring the expression levels of AGEs and RAGE can reflect the wound-healing effect of patients with second-degree burns, and the prognosis of the wound is closely related to the expression levels of AGEs, RAGE, and scab abrasion. In the treatment of second-degree burn wounds, scab abrasion can grasp the level of necrotic scab removal, can achieve “relatively accurate” removal of necrotic tissue, maximally protect the ecological tissue between wounds and retaining normal tissue, and can play a positive role in promoting the healing process of burn wounds;at the same time, nanosilver dressings have good antibacterial properties and high safety, and mussel mucin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities and the characteristics of blocking nerve endings, which can effectively relieve the burning, stinging, and itching of sensitive skin and effectively promote wound healing.展开更多
-In this paper, an analytical solution in the outer region of finite water depth is derived for the second-order diffraction potential, which gives a clear physical meaning of the wave transmission and reflection char...-In this paper, an analytical solution in the outer region of finite water depth is derived for the second-order diffraction potential, which gives a clear physical meaning of the wave transmission and reflection characteristics in the far field. A numerical method-simple Green's function technique-for calculating the second-order diffraction potential in the inner region is also described. Numerical results are provided for the second-order wave forces on a semi-submerged cylinder. It is found that the contribution of second-order diffraction potential to second-order wave forces is important. The effect of water depth and submerged depth on the wave force is also discussed.展开更多
AIM: To determine the efficacy of bevacizumab in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC) who have failed prior chemotherapy without bevacizumab. METHODS: Between March 2002 and June 2010, 40 patients in Sout...AIM: To determine the efficacy of bevacizumab in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC) who have failed prior chemotherapy without bevacizumab. METHODS: Between March 2002 and June 2010, 40 patients in South Korea with MCRC who were treated with bevacizumab plus chemotherapy as a second or later-line treatment were analyzed retrospectively for their overall response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS). The tumor responses were assessed using the RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) guidelines. RESULTS: All of the patients had progressed under prior chemotherapy without bevacizumab. Three patients (7.5%) exhibited an ORR, twenty one patients (52.5%) exhibited stable disease (SD), and fifteen patients (37.5%) exhibited disease progression. The median duration of the OS and PFS were 14.0 and 6.13 mo respectively. The median OSs were 16.60, 14.07 and 13.00 mo for second-line, third-line and fourth- or later-line treatments, respectively. The median PFSs were 7.23, 7.30 and 3.87 mo for the second-line, third-line and fourth- or later-line treatments, respectively. CONCLUSION: In patients with MCRC, bevacizumab combined chemotherapy may be beneficial during second- or later-line treatment.展开更多
Gastric cancer remains one among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, regardless of its decreasing incidence and newly available treatment options. Most patients present at an advanced stage and are treated wi...Gastric cancer remains one among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, regardless of its decreasing incidence and newly available treatment options. Most patients present at an advanced stage and are treated with upfront systemic chemotherapy. Those patients receiving first-line therapy may initially respond to treatment, but many of them relapse over time. In such condition, second-line treatment for disease progression remains the only available option. Although there exists no standard approach in the second-line setting, several phase Ⅲ trials have shown modest survival benefit in patients receiving irinotecan, taxane and ramucirumab over the best supportive care or active agents. This review analyzes the currently available treatment regimens and future directions of research in the second-line setting for metastatic gastric cancer with the best available evidence. Additionally, the prognostic factors that influence patient survival in those receiving second-line therapy are discussed.展开更多
In this paper, using finite-time control method, we consider the disturbance analysis of a second-order system with unknown but bounded disturbance. We show that the states of the second-order system will be stabilize...In this paper, using finite-time control method, we consider the disturbance analysis of a second-order system with unknown but bounded disturbance. We show that the states of the second-order system will be stabilized to a region containing the origin. The radius of this region is determined by the control parameters and can be rendered as small as desired. The rigorous stability analysis is also given. Compared with the conventional PD control law, the finite-time control law yields a better disturbance rejection performance. Numerical simulation results show the effectiveness of the method.展开更多
The second-harmonic generation （SHG） circular dichroism in the light of reflection from chiral films of tripod-like chiral molecules is investigated. The expressions of the second-harmonic generation circular dichro...The second-harmonic generation （SHG） circular dichroism in the light of reflection from chiral films of tripod-like chiral molecules is investigated. The expressions of the second-harmonic generation circular dichroism are derived from our presented three-coupled-oscillator model for the tripod-like chiral molecules. Spectral dependence of the circular dichroism of SHG from film surface composed of tripod-like chiral molecules is simulated numerically and analysed. Influence of ehiral parameters on the second-harmonic generation circular dichroism spectrum in chiral films is studied. The result shows that the second-harmonic generation circular dichroism is a sensitive method of detecting chirality compared with the ordinary circular dichroism in linear optics. All of our work indicates that the classical molecular models are very effective to explain the second-harmonic generation circular dichroism of chiral molecular system. The classical molecular model theory can give us a clear physical picture and brings us very instructive information about the link between the molecular configuration and the nonlinear processes.展开更多
This paper investigates the cluster consensus problem for second-order multi-agent systems by applying the pinning control method to a small collection of the agents. Consensus is attained independently for different ...This paper investigates the cluster consensus problem for second-order multi-agent systems by applying the pinning control method to a small collection of the agents. Consensus is attained independently for different agent clusters according to the community structure generated by the group partition of the underlying graph and sufficient conditions for both cluster and general consensus are obtained by using results from algebraic graph theory and the LaSalle Invariance Principle. Finally, some simple simulations are presented to illustrate the technique.展开更多
AIM: The clinical value of second-look endoscopy(SLE) after endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) has been doubted continuously. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of SLE based on the risk of delaye...AIM: The clinical value of second-look endoscopy(SLE) after endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) has been doubted continuously. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of SLE based on the risk of delayed bleeding after ESD. METHODS: A total of 310 lesions of gastric epithelial neoplasms treated by ESD were reviewed. The lesions were divided into two groups based on the risk of postprocedural bleeding estimated by Forrest classification. The high risk of rebleeding group(Forrest?Ⅰa,?Ⅰb and Ⅱa) required endoscopic treatment, while the low risk of rebleeding group(Forrest Ⅱb, Ⅱc and Ⅲ) did not. Delayed bleeding after ESD was investigated. RESULTS: Sixty-six lesions were included in the high risk of rebleeding group and 244 lesions in the low risk of rebleeding group. There were no significant differences in delayed bleeding between the high risk group(1/66) and the low risk group(1/244)(P = 0.38). The high risk of rebleeding group tended to be located more often in the mid-third and had higher appearance of flat or depressed shape than the low risk group(P = 0.004 and P = 0.006, respectively). CONCLUSION: SLE with pre-emptive prophylactic endoscopic treatment is still effective in preventing delayed bleeding after ESD.展开更多
The treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) of colorectal origin with cytoreductive surgery(CRS) plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has a 5-year recurrence-free or cure rate of at least 16%, so...The treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) of colorectal origin with cytoreductive surgery(CRS) plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has a 5-year recurrence-free or cure rate of at least 16%, so it is no longer labeled as a fatal disease, and offers prolonged survival for patients with a low peritoneal carcinomatosis index. Metachronous PC of colorectal origin is so predictable that there is a model which has been used to successfully determine the individual risk of each patient. Patients at risk are clearly identified; those with the highest risk have small peritoneal nodules present in the first surgery (70% probability of developing PC), ovarian metastases(60%), perforated tumor onset or intraoperative tumor rupture(50%). Current clinical, biological and imaging techniques still lack sufficient sensitivity to diagnose PC in its initial stages, when CRS plus HIPEC has a greater impact and a higher cure rate. Second-look surgery with HIPEC or prophylactic HIPEC at the time of the first intervention have been proposed as means of preventing and/or anticipating clinical or radiological relapse in at-risk patients. Both techniques have shown a significant decrease in peritoneal relapses and should be considered essential weapons in the management of colorectal cancer.展开更多
Isopycnal analyses were performed on the Global Ocean Data Assimilation System （GODAS） to determine the oceanic processes leading to so-called second-year cooling of the La Nina event.In 2010-12,a horseshoe-like pat...Isopycnal analyses were performed on the Global Ocean Data Assimilation System （GODAS） to determine the oceanic processes leading to so-called second-year cooling of the La Nina event.In 2010-12,a horseshoe-like pattern was seen,connecting negative temperature anomalies off and on the Equator,with a dominant influence from the South Pacific.During the 2010 La Nina event,warm waters piled up at subsurface depths in the western tropical Pacific.Beginning in early 2011,these warm subsurface anomalies propagated along the Equator toward the eastern basin,acting to reverse the sign of sea surface temperature （SST） anomalies （SSTAs） there and initiate a warm SSTA.However,throughout early 2011,pronounced negative anomalies persisted off the Equator in the subsurface depths of the South Pacific.As isopycnal surfaces outcropped in the central equatorial Pacific,negative anomalies from the subsurface spread upward along with mean circulation pathways,naturally initializing a cold SSTA.In the summer,a cold SSTA reappeared in the central basin,which subsequently strengthened due to the off-equatorial effects mostly in the South Pacific.These SSTAs acted to initiate local coupled air-sea interactions,generating atmospheric-oceanic anomalies that developed and evolved with the second-year cooling in the fall of 2011.However,the cooling tendency in mid-2012 did not develop into another La Nina event,since the cold anomalies in the South Pacific were not strong enough.An analysis of the 2007-09 La Nina event revealed similar processes to the 2010-12 La Nina event.展开更多
Eigenstructure assignment using the proportional-plus-derivative feedback controller in a class of secondorder dynamic system is investigated. Simple, general, complete parametric expressions for both the closed-loop ...Eigenstructure assignment using the proportional-plus-derivative feedback controller in a class of secondorder dynamic system is investigated. Simple, general, complete parametric expressions for both the closed-loop eigenvector matrix and the feedback gains are established based on two simple Smith form reductions. The approach utilizes directly the original system data and involves manipulations only on n-dimensional matrices. Furthermore, it reveals all the degrees of freedom which can be further utilized to achieve additional system specifications. An example shows the effect of the proposed approach.展开更多
A new second-order moment model for turbulent combustion is applied in the simulation of methane-air turbulent jet flame. The predicted results are compared with the experimental results and with those predicted using...A new second-order moment model for turbulent combustion is applied in the simulation of methane-air turbulent jet flame. The predicted results are compared with the experimental results and with those predicted using the well-known EBU-Arrhenius model and the original second-order moment model. The comparison shows the advantage of the new model that it requires almost the same computational storage and time as that of the original second-order moment model, but its modeling results are in better agreement with experiments than those using other models. Hence, the new second-order moment model is promising in modeling turbulent combustion with NOx formation with finite reaction rate for engineering application.展开更多
Leader-following stationary consensus problem is investigated for the second-order multi-agent systems with timevarying communication delay and switching topology. Based on Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional and Lyapunov-...Leader-following stationary consensus problem is investigated for the second-order multi-agent systems with timevarying communication delay and switching topology. Based on Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional and Lyapunov-Razumikhin functions respectively, consensus criterions in the form of linear matrix inequality （LMI） are obtained for the system with time-varying communication delays under static interconnection topology con- verging to the leader＇s states. Moreover, the delay-dependent consensus criterion in the form of LMI is also obtained for the system with time-invariant communication delay and switching topologies by constructing Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional. Numerical simulations present the correctness of the results.展开更多
AIM: To compare the efficacy of 14- and 7-d bismuthbased quadruple therapies as second-line eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection.METHODS: Between 2004 and 2014,the medical records of 790 p...AIM: To compare the efficacy of 14- and 7-d bismuthbased quadruple therapies as second-line eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection.METHODS: Between 2004 and 2014,the medical records of 790 patients who had experienced failure of first-line proton pump inhibitor(PPI)-based eradication therapy and were then treated with bismuth-based quadruple therapy were retrospectively reviewed.Those who received bismuth-based quadruple therapy [PPI,bismuth,metronidazole,and tetracycline(PBMT)] for either 7 d or 14 d were assigned to a PBMT-7 group(n = 543) or a PBMT-14 group(n = 247),respectively.The eradication rates for both groups were determined by intention-to-treat(ITT) and per-protocol(PP) analyses.ITT analysis compared the treatment groups as originally allocated while the PP analysis including only those patients who had completed the treatment as originally allocated.Successful eradication therapy for H.pylori infection was defined as a negative 13C-urea breath test 4 wk after the end of eradication treatment.RESULTS: The overall ITT eradication rate was 69.1%(546/790).Final ITT eradication rates were 67.4%(366/543; 95%CI: 63.1%-71.7%) in the PBMT-7 group and 72.8%(180/247; 95%CI: 67.4%-78.2%) in the PBMT-14 group(P = 0.028).The overall PP eradication rate was 80.0%(546/682),and the final PP eradication rates were 78.2%(366/468; 95%CI: 72.1%-84.0%) in the PBMT-7 group and 84.1%(180/214; 95%CI: 76.8%-90.8%) in the PBMT-14 group(P = 0.009).The H.pylori eradication rates in the PBMT-14 group weresignificantly higher than in the PBMT-7 group according to both ITT(P = 0.028) and PP analysis(P = 0.009).Compliance was similar in both groups(PBMT-7 group: 97.9%; PBMT-14 group: 96.4%).Adverse event rates were 10.7%(51/478) and 17.1%(38/222) in the PBMT-7 and PBMT-14 groups,respectively(P = 0.487).CONCLUSION: The 14-d bismuth-based quadruple therapy is a significantly more effective second-line eradication treatment for H.pylori infection than the 7-d alternative.展开更多
Dendrimers are considered as a promising family of organic second-order nonlinear optical （NLO） polymers because of their well-defined structures, easily modified peripheral functional groups, interior branches and ...Dendrimers are considered as a promising family of organic second-order nonlinear optical （NLO） polymers because of their well-defined structures, easily modified peripheral functional groups, interior branches and central cores. In order to obtain NLO materials with high performance, dendrimer structures have been optimized in the past years, such as the ＂branch only＂ and the ＂root containing＂ type dendrimers. This feature article highlights the achievements in exploring the rational design of dendrimers, partially marked by their macroscopic NLO performance.展开更多
In this paper, formation tracking control problems for second-order multi-agent systems（MASs） with time-varying delays are studied, specifically those where the position and velocity of followers are designed to for...In this paper, formation tracking control problems for second-order multi-agent systems（MASs） with time-varying delays are studied, specifically those where the position and velocity of followers are designed to form a time-varying formation while tracking those of the leader. A neighboring relative state information based formation tracking protocol with an unknown gain matrix and time-varying delays is presented. The formation tracking problems are then transformed into asymptotically stable problems. Based on the Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional approach, conditions sufficient for second-order MASs with time-varying delays to realize formation tracking are examined. An approach to obtain the unknown gain matrix is given and, since neighboring relative velocity information is difficult to measure in practical applications, a formation tracking protocol with time-varying delays using only neighboring relative position information is introduced. The proposed results can be used on target enclosing problems for MASs with second-order dynamics and time-varying delays. An application for target enclosing by multiple unmanned aerial vehicles（UAVs） is given to demonstrate the feasibility of theoretical results.展开更多
A globally convergent infeasible-interior-point predictor-corrector algorithm is presented for the second-order cone programming （SOCP） by using the Alizadeh- Haeberly-Overton （AHO） search direction. This algorith...A globally convergent infeasible-interior-point predictor-corrector algorithm is presented for the second-order cone programming （SOCP） by using the Alizadeh- Haeberly-Overton （AHO） search direction. This algorithm does not require the feasibility of the initial points and iteration points. Under suitable assumptions, it is shown that the algorithm can find an -approximate solution of an SOCP in at most O（√n ln（ε0/ε）） iterations. The iteration-complexity bound of our algorithm is almost the same as the best known bound of feasible interior point algorithms for the SOCP.展开更多
A method using HPLC-DAD coupled with second-order calibration was developed to simultaneously determine metronidazole and tinidazole in plasma samples in this paper. The second-order calibration method based on APTLD ...A method using HPLC-DAD coupled with second-order calibration was developed to simultaneously determine metronidazole and tinidazole in plasma samples in this paper. The second-order calibration method based on APTLD （alternating penalty trilinear decomposition） algorithm was proposed to analyze the three-way HPLC-DAD data from both standard and prediction samples, which makes it possible that calibration can be performed even in the presence of unknown interferences with a simple and green chromatographic condition and short analysis time. The results showed that good recoveries were obtained although the chromatographic and spectral profiles of the analytes of interest as well as background were partially overlapped with each other in plasma samples.展开更多
We report our recent work on a second-order Krylov subspace and the corresponding second-order Arnoldi procedure for generating its orthonormal basis. The second-order Krylov subspace is spanned by a sequence of vecto...We report our recent work on a second-order Krylov subspace and the corresponding second-order Arnoldi procedure for generating its orthonormal basis. The second-order Krylov subspace is spanned by a sequence of vectors defined via a second-order linear homogeneous recurrence relation with coefficient matrices A and B and an initial vector u. It generalizes the well-known Krylov subspace K n(A;v), which is spanned by a sequence of vectors defined via a first-order linear homogeneous recurrence relation with a single coefficient matrix A and an initial vector v. The applications are shown for the solution of quadratic eigenvalue problems and dimension reduction of second-order dynamical systems. The new approaches preserve essential structures and properties of the quadratic eigenvalue problem and second-order system, and demonstrate superior numerical results over the common approaches based on linearization of these second-order problems.展开更多
文摘This work presents the “Second-Order Comprehensive Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Methodology (2<sup>nd</sup>-CASAM)” for the efficient and exact computation of 1<sup>st</sup>- and 2<sup>nd</sup>-order response sensitivities to uncertain parameters and domain boundaries of linear systems. The model’s response (<em>i.e.</em>, model result of interest) is a generic nonlinear function of the model’s forward and adjoint state functions, and also depends on the imprecisely known boundaries and model parameters. In the practically important particular case when the response is a scalar-valued functional of the forward and adjoint state functions characterizing a model comprising N parameters, the 2<sup>nd</sup>-CASAM requires a single large-scale computation using the First-Level Adjoint Sensitivity System (1<sup>st</sup>-LASS) for obtaining all of the first-order response sensitivities, and at most N large-scale computations using the Second-Level Adjoint Sensitivity System (2<sup>nd</sup>-LASS) for obtaining exactly all of the second-order response sensitivities. In contradistinction, forward other methods would require (<em>N</em>2/2 + 3 <em>N</em>/2) large-scale computations for obtaining all of the first- and second-order sensitivities. This work also shows that constructing and solving the 2<sup>nd</sup>-LASS requires very little additional effort beyond the construction of the 1<sup>st</sup>-LASS needed for computing the first-order sensitivities. Solving the equations underlying the 1<sup>st</sup>-LASS and 2<sup>nd</sup>-LASS requires the same computational solvers as needed for solving (<em>i.e.</em>, “inverting”) either the forward or the adjoint linear operators underlying the initial model. Therefore, the same computer software and “solvers” used for solving the original system of equations can also be used for solving the 1<sup>st</sup>-LASS and the 2<sup>nd</sup>-LASS. Since neither the 1<sup>st</sup>-LASS nor the 2<sup>nd</sup>-LASS involves any differentials of the operators underlying the original system, the 1<sup>st</sup>-LASS is designated as a “<u>first-level</u>” (as opposed to a “first-order”) adjoint sensitivity system, while the 2<sup>nd</sup>-LASS is designated as a “<u>second-level</u>” (rather than a “second-order”) adjoint sensitivity system. Mixed second-order response sensitivities involving boundary parameters may arise from all source terms of the 2<sup>nd</sup>-LASS that involve the imprecisely known boundary parameters. Notably, the 2<sup>nd</sup>-LASS encompasses an automatic, inherent, and independent “solution verification” mechanism of the correctness and accuracy of the 2nd-level adjoint functions needed for the efficient and exact computation of the second-order sensitivities.
文摘Objective: To evaluate the improvement effect of combined treatment of eschar abrasion, nanosilver dressing, and mussel mucin spray on wound healing in patients with second-degree burns, and to explore their effects on the expression level of (advanced glycation end products) AGEs in wound tissue, so as to provide a basis for the application of AGEs expression level in wound tissue in the future clinical treatment of second-degree burns. Methods: Patients with second-degree burns admitted to the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College from July 2023 to July 2024 were selected as the research subjects. This study was a non-double-blind study, and both patients and researchers were aware of the treatment methods. They were randomly divided into Group A (control group) and Group B (study group). According to the order of their visits, the patients were numbered in advance;then the seed number was taken, and 70 random numbers were generated on the computer using SAS, the first 35 corresponding to group A, and the last 35 corresponding to group B;the random numbers were arranged from small to large, and the rank of the random numbers was the patient number;finally, the patient numbers were arranged from small to large, and the corresponding groups were the grouping scheme. 1) Wound healing time: The wound healing was observed every day, and the wound healing time was calculated when the wound was completely epithelialized. 2) Wound healing: The wound healing area was measured 1, 7, and 14 days after treatment, and transparent paper was used to record combined with a computer-assisted imaging system. Wound healing rate = wound healing area (cm2)/total wound area before treatment (cm2) × 100%. The time for complete wound healing was recorded in the two groups of patients. 3) Pain: The pain was evaluated at 1, 7, and 14 days after treatment using the visual analogue scale (VAS). The higher the score, the more severe the pain. 4) Scar condition: Scar formation was evaluated 1, 3, and 6 months after wound healing using the VAS scale, with a total score of 15 points. The higher the score, the more severe the scar. 5) Detect the expression of AGEs in wound tissue. Results: The wound healed 14.03 ± 2.28 days after eschar removal, with a cure rate of 97.8%. No infection occurred in the wound after eschar removal in all patients. The wound healing time ranged from 9 to 23 days, with an average healing time of 28.41 ± 1.45 days. The healing quality was satisfactory. The Vancouver Scar Scale scored the wound healing scar as 0.81 ± 0.73 points. Western blot was used to detect the expression of AGEs, (receptor for advanced glycation end products) RAGE, and protein in the wound tissue. Results After 7, 14, and 28 days of medication, the wounds of diabetic patients healed well. The drug treatment efficacy and hydroxyproline content showed an upward trend, and the expression levels of AGEs, RAGE, and HIF-1a proteins showed a downward trend. Compared with day 0, the hydroxyproline content of the wound granulation tissue on days 7, 14, and 28 was significantly increased (P< 0.01), and the expression levels of AGEs, RAGE, and HIF-1α proteins were significantly downregulated (P< 0.05 or P< 0.01). Conclusion: Monitoring the expression levels of AGEs and RAGE can reflect the wound-healing effect of patients with second-degree burns, and the prognosis of the wound is closely related to the expression levels of AGEs, RAGE, and scab abrasion. In the treatment of second-degree burn wounds, scab abrasion can grasp the level of necrotic scab removal, can achieve “relatively accurate” removal of necrotic tissue, maximally protect the ecological tissue between wounds and retaining normal tissue, and can play a positive role in promoting the healing process of burn wounds;at the same time, nanosilver dressings have good antibacterial properties and high safety, and mussel mucin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities and the characteristics of blocking nerve endings, which can effectively relieve the burning, stinging, and itching of sensitive skin and effectively promote wound healing.
文摘-In this paper, an analytical solution in the outer region of finite water depth is derived for the second-order diffraction potential, which gives a clear physical meaning of the wave transmission and reflection characteristics in the far field. A numerical method-simple Green's function technique-for calculating the second-order diffraction potential in the inner region is also described. Numerical results are provided for the second-order wave forces on a semi-submerged cylinder. It is found that the contribution of second-order diffraction potential to second-order wave forces is important. The effect of water depth and submerged depth on the wave force is also discussed.
文摘AIM: To determine the efficacy of bevacizumab in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC) who have failed prior chemotherapy without bevacizumab. METHODS: Between March 2002 and June 2010, 40 patients in South Korea with MCRC who were treated with bevacizumab plus chemotherapy as a second or later-line treatment were analyzed retrospectively for their overall response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS). The tumor responses were assessed using the RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) guidelines. RESULTS: All of the patients had progressed under prior chemotherapy without bevacizumab. Three patients (7.5%) exhibited an ORR, twenty one patients (52.5%) exhibited stable disease (SD), and fifteen patients (37.5%) exhibited disease progression. The median duration of the OS and PFS were 14.0 and 6.13 mo respectively. The median OSs were 16.60, 14.07 and 13.00 mo for second-line, third-line and fourth- or later-line treatments, respectively. The median PFSs were 7.23, 7.30 and 3.87 mo for the second-line, third-line and fourth- or later-line treatments, respectively. CONCLUSION: In patients with MCRC, bevacizumab combined chemotherapy may be beneficial during second- or later-line treatment.
文摘Gastric cancer remains one among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, regardless of its decreasing incidence and newly available treatment options. Most patients present at an advanced stage and are treated with upfront systemic chemotherapy. Those patients receiving first-line therapy may initially respond to treatment, but many of them relapse over time. In such condition, second-line treatment for disease progression remains the only available option. Although there exists no standard approach in the second-line setting, several phase Ⅲ trials have shown modest survival benefit in patients receiving irinotecan, taxane and ramucirumab over the best supportive care or active agents. This review analyzes the currently available treatment regimens and future directions of research in the second-line setting for metastatic gastric cancer with the best available evidence. Additionally, the prognostic factors that influence patient survival in those receiving second-line therapy are discussed.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.60504007)the PhD Programs Foundation of Ministry of Educationof China (No.20070286040)the Scientific Research Foundation of Graduate School of Southeast University
文摘In this paper, using finite-time control method, we consider the disturbance analysis of a second-order system with unknown but bounded disturbance. We show that the states of the second-order system will be stabilized to a region containing the origin. The radius of this region is determined by the control parameters and can be rendered as small as desired. The rigorous stability analysis is also given. Compared with the conventional PD control law, the finite-time control law yields a better disturbance rejection performance. Numerical simulation results show the effectiveness of the method.
基金Project supported by the excellent Team in Harbin Institute of Technology,Chinathe Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province,China (Grant No. A200406)
文摘The second-harmonic generation （SHG） circular dichroism in the light of reflection from chiral films of tripod-like chiral molecules is investigated. The expressions of the second-harmonic generation circular dichroism are derived from our presented three-coupled-oscillator model for the tripod-like chiral molecules. Spectral dependence of the circular dichroism of SHG from film surface composed of tripod-like chiral molecules is simulated numerically and analysed. Influence of ehiral parameters on the second-harmonic generation circular dichroism spectrum in chiral films is studied. The result shows that the second-harmonic generation circular dichroism is a sensitive method of detecting chirality compared with the ordinary circular dichroism in linear optics. All of our work indicates that the classical molecular models are very effective to explain the second-harmonic generation circular dichroism of chiral molecular system. The classical molecular model theory can give us a clear physical picture and brings us very instructive information about the link between the molecular configuration and the nonlinear processes.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 70571059)
文摘This paper investigates the cluster consensus problem for second-order multi-agent systems by applying the pinning control method to a small collection of the agents. Consensus is attained independently for different agent clusters according to the community structure generated by the group partition of the underlying graph and sufficient conditions for both cluster and general consensus are obtained by using results from algebraic graph theory and the LaSalle Invariance Principle. Finally, some simple simulations are presented to illustrate the technique.
文摘AIM: The clinical value of second-look endoscopy(SLE) after endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) has been doubted continuously. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of SLE based on the risk of delayed bleeding after ESD. METHODS: A total of 310 lesions of gastric epithelial neoplasms treated by ESD were reviewed. The lesions were divided into two groups based on the risk of postprocedural bleeding estimated by Forrest classification. The high risk of rebleeding group(Forrest?Ⅰa,?Ⅰb and Ⅱa) required endoscopic treatment, while the low risk of rebleeding group(Forrest Ⅱb, Ⅱc and Ⅲ) did not. Delayed bleeding after ESD was investigated. RESULTS: Sixty-six lesions were included in the high risk of rebleeding group and 244 lesions in the low risk of rebleeding group. There were no significant differences in delayed bleeding between the high risk group(1/66) and the low risk group(1/244)(P = 0.38). The high risk of rebleeding group tended to be located more often in the mid-third and had higher appearance of flat or depressed shape than the low risk group(P = 0.004 and P = 0.006, respectively). CONCLUSION: SLE with pre-emptive prophylactic endoscopic treatment is still effective in preventing delayed bleeding after ESD.
文摘The treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) of colorectal origin with cytoreductive surgery(CRS) plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has a 5-year recurrence-free or cure rate of at least 16%, so it is no longer labeled as a fatal disease, and offers prolonged survival for patients with a low peritoneal carcinomatosis index. Metachronous PC of colorectal origin is so predictable that there is a model which has been used to successfully determine the individual risk of each patient. Patients at risk are clearly identified; those with the highest risk have small peritoneal nodules present in the first surgery (70% probability of developing PC), ovarian metastases(60%), perforated tumor onset or intraoperative tumor rupture(50%). Current clinical, biological and imaging techniques still lack sufficient sensitivity to diagnose PC in its initial stages, when CRS plus HIPEC has a greater impact and a higher cure rate. Second-look surgery with HIPEC or prophylactic HIPEC at the time of the first intervention have been proposed as means of preventing and/or anticipating clinical or radiological relapse in at-risk patients. Both techniques have shown a significant decrease in peritoneal relapses and should be considered essential weapons in the management of colorectal cancer.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 40906014)the Ocean Public Welfare Scientific Research Project (Grant No. 201205018-2)+4 种基金the National Key Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2010CB950302)the China Scholarship Council (CSC)supported partly by the National Science Foundation (NSF) (Grant No. ATM0727668)NASA (Grant No. NNX08AI74G)the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) (Grant No. NA08OAR4310885)
文摘Isopycnal analyses were performed on the Global Ocean Data Assimilation System （GODAS） to determine the oceanic processes leading to so-called second-year cooling of the La Nina event.In 2010-12,a horseshoe-like pattern was seen,connecting negative temperature anomalies off and on the Equator,with a dominant influence from the South Pacific.During the 2010 La Nina event,warm waters piled up at subsurface depths in the western tropical Pacific.Beginning in early 2011,these warm subsurface anomalies propagated along the Equator toward the eastern basin,acting to reverse the sign of sea surface temperature （SST） anomalies （SSTAs） there and initiate a warm SSTA.However,throughout early 2011,pronounced negative anomalies persisted off the Equator in the subsurface depths of the South Pacific.As isopycnal surfaces outcropped in the central equatorial Pacific,negative anomalies from the subsurface spread upward along with mean circulation pathways,naturally initializing a cold SSTA.In the summer,a cold SSTA reappeared in the central basin,which subsequently strengthened due to the off-equatorial effects mostly in the South Pacific.These SSTAs acted to initiate local coupled air-sea interactions,generating atmospheric-oceanic anomalies that developed and evolved with the second-year cooling in the fall of 2011.However,the cooling tendency in mid-2012 did not develop into another La Nina event,since the cold anomalies in the South Pacific were not strong enough.An analysis of the 2007-09 La Nina event revealed similar processes to the 2010-12 La Nina event.
文摘Eigenstructure assignment using the proportional-plus-derivative feedback controller in a class of secondorder dynamic system is investigated. Simple, general, complete parametric expressions for both the closed-loop eigenvector matrix and the feedback gains are established based on two simple Smith form reductions. The approach utilizes directly the original system data and involves manipulations only on n-dimensional matrices. Furthermore, it reveals all the degrees of freedom which can be further utilized to achieve additional system specifications. An example shows the effect of the proposed approach.
基金The project sponsored by the Foundation for Doctorate Thesis of Tsinghua Universitythe National Key Project in 1999-2004 sponsored by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China
文摘A new second-order moment model for turbulent combustion is applied in the simulation of methane-air turbulent jet flame. The predicted results are compared with the experimental results and with those predicted using the well-known EBU-Arrhenius model and the original second-order moment model. The comparison shows the advantage of the new model that it requires almost the same computational storage and time as that of the original second-order moment model, but its modeling results are in better agreement with experiments than those using other models. Hence, the new second-order moment model is promising in modeling turbulent combustion with NOx formation with finite reaction rate for engineering application.
基金supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(JUSRP11020)the Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education of China(20090093120006)
文摘Leader-following stationary consensus problem is investigated for the second-order multi-agent systems with timevarying communication delay and switching topology. Based on Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional and Lyapunov-Razumikhin functions respectively, consensus criterions in the form of linear matrix inequality （LMI） are obtained for the system with time-varying communication delays under static interconnection topology con- verging to the leader＇s states. Moreover, the delay-dependent consensus criterion in the form of LMI is also obtained for the system with time-invariant communication delay and switching topologies by constructing Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional. Numerical simulations present the correctness of the results.
文摘AIM: To compare the efficacy of 14- and 7-d bismuthbased quadruple therapies as second-line eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection.METHODS: Between 2004 and 2014,the medical records of 790 patients who had experienced failure of first-line proton pump inhibitor(PPI)-based eradication therapy and were then treated with bismuth-based quadruple therapy were retrospectively reviewed.Those who received bismuth-based quadruple therapy [PPI,bismuth,metronidazole,and tetracycline(PBMT)] for either 7 d or 14 d were assigned to a PBMT-7 group(n = 543) or a PBMT-14 group(n = 247),respectively.The eradication rates for both groups were determined by intention-to-treat(ITT) and per-protocol(PP) analyses.ITT analysis compared the treatment groups as originally allocated while the PP analysis including only those patients who had completed the treatment as originally allocated.Successful eradication therapy for H.pylori infection was defined as a negative 13C-urea breath test 4 wk after the end of eradication treatment.RESULTS: The overall ITT eradication rate was 69.1%(546/790).Final ITT eradication rates were 67.4%(366/543; 95%CI: 63.1%-71.7%) in the PBMT-7 group and 72.8%(180/247; 95%CI: 67.4%-78.2%) in the PBMT-14 group(P = 0.028).The overall PP eradication rate was 80.0%(546/682),and the final PP eradication rates were 78.2%(366/468; 95%CI: 72.1%-84.0%) in the PBMT-7 group and 84.1%(180/214; 95%CI: 76.8%-90.8%) in the PBMT-14 group(P = 0.009).The H.pylori eradication rates in the PBMT-14 group weresignificantly higher than in the PBMT-7 group according to both ITT(P = 0.028) and PP analysis(P = 0.009).Compliance was similar in both groups(PBMT-7 group: 97.9%; PBMT-14 group: 96.4%).Adverse event rates were 10.7%(51/478) and 17.1%(38/222) in the PBMT-7 and PBMT-14 groups,respectively(P = 0.487).CONCLUSION: The 14-d bismuth-based quadruple therapy is a significantly more effective second-line eradication treatment for H.pylori infection than the 7-d alternative.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.21325416)
文摘Dendrimers are considered as a promising family of organic second-order nonlinear optical （NLO） polymers because of their well-defined structures, easily modified peripheral functional groups, interior branches and central cores. In order to obtain NLO materials with high performance, dendrimer structures have been optimized in the past years, such as the ＂branch only＂ and the ＂root containing＂ type dendrimers. This feature article highlights the achievements in exploring the rational design of dendrimers, partially marked by their macroscopic NLO performance.
基金co-supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 61333011, 91216304 and 61121003)
文摘In this paper, formation tracking control problems for second-order multi-agent systems（MASs） with time-varying delays are studied, specifically those where the position and velocity of followers are designed to form a time-varying formation while tracking those of the leader. A neighboring relative state information based formation tracking protocol with an unknown gain matrix and time-varying delays is presented. The formation tracking problems are then transformed into asymptotically stable problems. Based on the Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional approach, conditions sufficient for second-order MASs with time-varying delays to realize formation tracking are examined. An approach to obtain the unknown gain matrix is given and, since neighboring relative velocity information is difficult to measure in practical applications, a formation tracking protocol with time-varying delays using only neighboring relative position information is introduced. The proposed results can be used on target enclosing problems for MASs with second-order dynamics and time-varying delays. An application for target enclosing by multiple unmanned aerial vehicles（UAVs） is given to demonstrate the feasibility of theoretical results.
基金the National Science Foundation(60574075, 60674108)
文摘A globally convergent infeasible-interior-point predictor-corrector algorithm is presented for the second-order cone programming （SOCP） by using the Alizadeh- Haeberly-Overton （AHO） search direction. This algorithm does not require the feasibility of the initial points and iteration points. Under suitable assumptions, it is shown that the algorithm can find an -approximate solution of an SOCP in at most O（√n ln（ε0/ε）） iterations. The iteration-complexity bound of our algorithm is almost the same as the best known bound of feasible interior point algorithms for the SOCP.
基金financially supported by The National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.20775025)The National Basic Research Program(No.2007CB216404) as well as PCSIRT
文摘A method using HPLC-DAD coupled with second-order calibration was developed to simultaneously determine metronidazole and tinidazole in plasma samples in this paper. The second-order calibration method based on APTLD （alternating penalty trilinear decomposition） algorithm was proposed to analyze the three-way HPLC-DAD data from both standard and prediction samples, which makes it possible that calibration can be performed even in the presence of unknown interferences with a simple and green chromatographic condition and short analysis time. The results showed that good recoveries were obtained although the chromatographic and spectral profiles of the analytes of interest as well as background were partially overlapped with each other in plasma samples.
文摘We report our recent work on a second-order Krylov subspace and the corresponding second-order Arnoldi procedure for generating its orthonormal basis. The second-order Krylov subspace is spanned by a sequence of vectors defined via a second-order linear homogeneous recurrence relation with coefficient matrices A and B and an initial vector u. It generalizes the well-known Krylov subspace K n(A;v), which is spanned by a sequence of vectors defined via a first-order linear homogeneous recurrence relation with a single coefficient matrix A and an initial vector v. The applications are shown for the solution of quadratic eigenvalue problems and dimension reduction of second-order dynamical systems. The new approaches preserve essential structures and properties of the quadratic eigenvalue problem and second-order system, and demonstrate superior numerical results over the common approaches based on linearization of these second-order problems.
