Prognostic factors of primary liver cancer

To investigate the prognostic factors of primary liver cancer (PLC) and improve the long-term results, 1,248 cases of PLC were analysed. Univariate analysis demonstrated that discovery approach, staging of PLC, original gamma-GPT, resection, radical resection, original AFP, tumor size, tumor number, and tumor capsule have very significant effects on prognosis of PLC (all P < 0.001); cirrhosis, HBsAg, local resection, and tumor embolus in portal vein were also significant difference (all P < 0.05); age, sex, original AFP, hepatitis, and differentiation of PLC cells were no significant difference (all P > 0.05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that original gamma-GPT, radical resection, tumor size, and tumor number were the most significant prognostic factors (all P < 0.001). Some aspects improving long-term survival were discussed.     

Value-based transmission planning and the effects of network models

A value-based automated transmission system planning model is presented in this paper and the impact of the various network representations on the results of the model is discussed. Value-based integrated resource planning provides a “societal cost” (utility operation and investment costs plus customer outage costs) minimizing composite generation-transmission system expansion plan. The model trades-off and compares the costs and benefits of alternative generation and transmission resources using a consistent economic and engineering criterion in order to determine an “optimal” resource expansion plan. The generalized Benders decomposition algorithm with “importance sampling” used to solve the problem enables the model to estimate certain average information about scenarios or contingencies by examining only a very small fraction of all the scenarios or contingencies. The impacts of system resources upon both real and reactive power can be analyzed when using the AC power flow equations. It is concluded that for transmission system planning where reactive power flows and voltage constraints are important, it is imperative that an AC power flow model be used. The combination of AC power flow and linearized power flow models, with linearization about the solution of the AC power flow model, was found to be a promising compromise between accuracy and computation time     

Synthesis of silicon carbide whiskers using the vapour-liquid-solid mechanism in a silicon-rich droplet

SiC whiskers can be produced from 1350–1500 °C by carbothermal reduction of the silica in a fixed bed percolated by a hydrogen flow. At 1450 °C and above, the addition of iron to the silica-carbon mixture leads to the formation of submicrometre whiskers in the bed, ending with a silicon-rich droplet. The iron has evaporated and condensed at a lower temperature, a few centimetres downstream from the bed, allowing the formation of silicon carbide whiskers ending with an iron droplet according to the vapour-liquid-solid (VLS) mechanism. Submicrometre whiskers are also obtained without iron over a broader range of temperatures. Silicon carbide whisker production in a fixed bed is then possible using a (VLS) mechanism in a silicon-rich droplet and may be controlled without the addition of transition metals, thus improving the purity.Supported by Pechiney Electrometallurgie and the European Communities, Brite project RIIB.A267C.     

Chemical activation of the SHS process in the Nb−C system

The phenomenon of chemical activation is investigated using combustion of the Nb–C system in the presence of an activating additive, namely, polytetrafluoroethylene, as an example. Regions of the parameters of the process are found where the interaction occurs by two different mechanisms. The characteristic features of the process are established and the role of the activating additive in each region is determined.Institute of Chemical Physics, Academy of Sciences of Armenia, Yerevan. Translated from Inzhenerno-Fizicheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 65, No.5, pp.590–593, November, 1993.     

Facilitating communications

How often have you felt that the person you were talking to was speaking another language? How often have others seemed bewildered when you described something? We may attribute this to technical jargon or new terminology, but the problem more likely stems from basic communication failure. Since effective communication is essential to a project's success, learning to communicate successfully should be a top priority for anyone in a technical field. The author discusses the Myers-Briggs Temperament Indicator (MBTI) which can help us understand how natural preferences for gathering information and making decisions shape communication styles. All personalities have value in every organization. Building and maintaining information systems requires many distinct and specialized skills and roles, and each tends to attract a certain personality. To create a comfortable setting for all personality types, you must foster good communication among them