QP Method Research Articles

Comparative study of mycoplasma bacteria detection performance of Smart Gene®, a fully automated genetic analyzer based on QP method

Comparative study of mycoplasma bacteria detection performance of Smart Gene^®, a fully automated genetic analyzer based on QP method

A comprehensive ecological flow calculation for a small hydropower development river: A case study

AbstractSmall hydropower projects play a significant role in supplying clean energy and promoting economic development all around the world. The calculation of a river's ecological flow, that is, not only the quantity but also the quality of flowing water, in the watershed where small hydropower projects are located play an important role in scientifically guiding the discharge of small hydropower stations in the upper reaches of the river. By combining Gini coefficient with hydrological variation diagnosis, this study provided a novel approach to test the randomness of hydrological series and assess the evenness of runoff distribution. Furthermore, this study is the first attempt to calculate ecological flow for two separate periods (flood and low‐water periods), and thus is able to better reflect annual runoff variations. In the meantime, the Tennant method was improved by introducing of monthly runoff coefficient and median substitution, and integrating four other hydrological methods (empirical method, Qp method, annual distribution method and minimum monthly average measured runoff method) into the comprehensive calculation and analysis. The above methods were applied to the ecological base flow calculation for a small hydropower project in Dongjiang River basin of China. Through comprehensive and comparative analysis, better applicability was demonstrated by the improved Tennant method and the annual distribution method. The recommended values of ecological base flow for each month were derived at the range of 407–431 m3/s during the flood period and 179–239 m3/s during the low‐water period. This study demonstrated that the method could meet the ecological flow calculation requirements for river ecosystem and provide scientific basis for the delineation of ecological flow thresholds, and thereby ensure the healthy and sustainable development of small hydropower and the healthy river aquatic ecosystem.

Stress-constrained topology optimization for material extrusion polymer additive manufacturing

Abstract This paper presents a comprehensive numerical and experimental study on stress-constrained topology optimization for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) additive manufacturing. The qp method is employed to avoid the singularity issue of stress-constrained problems. The P-norm function with stability transformation is adopted to build the global stress constraint with iterative corrections to eliminate the gap between the maximum local stress and the P-norm stress. The Heaviside projection is employed to generate clear-cut 0–1 designs. Two benchmark examples have been studied with the numerical algorithm. Experiments are performed on the topologically optimized MBB beam to investigate the impact of the FDM process parameters, including deposition path direction, building direction, and slicing layer height, on the resulted structural strength. The stress-constrained designs without and with Heaviside projection are comparatively tested with experiments. The stress-minimization designs subject to different P-norm parameters are compared both numerically and experimentally. Experiments show that the deposition path direction and the building direction evidently affect the derived structural strength. Moreover, overthin structural members may severely degrade the structural strength due to manufacturing and loading uncertainties.

Perfil epidemiológico das pacientes ginecológicas do ambulatório escola de Franca: uma visão e análise de prontuários eletrônicos

Objetivo: Traçar perfil epidemiológico das pacientes ginecológicas do Ambulatório Escola do curso de Medicina da Universidade de Franca (Unifran), entre 2015 e 2018. Métodos: Foram avaliados os prontuários dos atendimentos em ginecologia do Ambulatório escola da Unifran no período descrito, sendo incluídos os que apresentavam-se completos os dados: idade, peso, altura, índice de massa corporal (IMC), frequência cardíaca (FC), queixa principal (QP), antecedentes pessoais, paridade (GPAC) e uso de métodos anticoncepcionais. Sendo excluídos prontuários incompletos. Analisamos os dados no programa estatístico STATA versão 11. Resultados: O perfil epidemiológico encontrado foi: média etária de 43,9 anos, média de 2,4 gestações, paridade de 2,15, cesáreas de 0,81, abortos de 0,27 e IMC 28,38. De acordo com a faixa etária avaliada, (subdividida em 4 grupos), encontrou-se predomínio de uma QP, comorbidade e método contraceptivo em uso. Dessa forma, a prevalência de queixas principais foram alterações de ciclo menstrual (32%), 86% não apresentaram comorbidades nos antecedentes pessoais e o uso de anticoncepcionais combinados orais (27,5%) superaram outros métodos. Conclusão: O estudo proporcionou traçar o perfil epidemiológico das pacientes, assim como as principais patologias ginecológicas levam a procurar consultas médicas. No entanto, falta de dados completos levou a exclusão de um grande número de prontuários.

Assessment of storm direct runoff and peak flow rates using improved SCS-CN models for selected forested watersheds in the Southeastern United States

Study regionSoutheastern United States Study focusThe objective was to evaluate the ability of two modified SCS-CN models to predict direct runoff (DRO) and peak discharge rate (Qp) for selected storm events in three forested watersheds in the region - one low-gradient system in South Carolina, two high-gradient upland systems in North Carolina, and a mid-gradient upland system in Arkansas. New hydrological insights for the regionThe calculated peak discharge rate Qp values by all methods were unsatisfactory when using the default pond and swamp adjustment factor (Fp) value of 0.72 recommended in the SCS TR55 guideline, indicating that use of the default Fp value may result in erroneous Qp estimates for forest watersheds with high retention capacities. These findings, indicating the superiority of the modified Sahu-Mishra-Eldo (SME_m) method to the original SCS method in runoff calculations and substantially lower Fp values in the associated Qp method, are significant for hydrologists and engineers who frequently apply the methods in design of storm water management structures including road culverts on forested landscapes.

Detection of macrolide resistance in Mycoplasma pneumoniae by QP method

Detection of macrolide resistance in <i>Mycoplasma pneumoniae</i> by QP method

Clinical Significance of MYD88 Mutation in Patients with Diffuse Large Cell Lymphoma

Mutation of the MYD88 has recently been identified in activated B cell like diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and enhanced cell proliferation systems such as JAK-STAT and NF-kB signaling pathways. However, much remains unclear about its clinical significance. In this study, we developed a highly sensitive and an automatic method utilizing guanine-quenching probes (QP) to detect mutation and investigated the relationship between MYD88 L265P mutation and clinical significance. We amplify a DNA fragment including the mutation to intend for by PCR and associate it with Q-probe with complementary sequence, using the temperature that Q-probe dissociates varying according to a conformity degree of the complementarity sequence. We judge it by detecting the fluorescence to be provided by dissociation. Results were obtained from 1ul of DNA solution(10ng) within 90 min by the method. Detected mutations were identical between QP method and allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR).Eighty-nine patients with a diagnosis of de novo DLBCL made between 1999 and 2014, and treated with CHOP or R-CHOP therapy. We retrospectively analyzed the outcome of 89 patients (age range; 21-88 and 59% were female). The median follow-up time was 4.4 y. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. None of the patients had a known history of human immunodeficiency virus infection. MYD88 L265P mutation was both assessed by Q-probe system that can detect low levels of mutant DNA and allele-specific TaqMan polymerase chain reaction assay. We performed the direct sequence method using 3130 Applied Biosystem Genetic Analyzer as antithesis. The cell-of-origin was determined based on immunohistochemical (IHC) stains for CD10, BCL-6 and MUM-1 by Hans' algorithm.MYD88 L265Pmutation was detected in 25.8% (23/89) in various tissues of DLBCL. MYD88 mutations occurred more frequently in males (P<0.05), cases without B symptoms (P<0.05). MYD88 mutation was infrequent in DLBCL arising in lymph nodes (10.6%), but more frequently found in extranodal sites such as testes (83%, 5/6), nasal (75%,9/12), central nervous system (50%,2/4), and leg (100%,1/1). In agreement with recent studies, we found no mutated cases among gastric cases. As somatic mutations in MYD88 was reported to be the most frequent alterations found in non-GCB type, we further analyzed GCB or non-GCB type by IHC. MYD88 mutations were predominantly observed in the non-GCB type (74%, 17/23), compared with 26%, 6/23 in GCB type. Overall survival (OS) for 3 years were 84.2% and 70.2% in patients with wild-type MYD88 and in MYD88 mutation group (P=0.366), respectively. Progression-free survival (PFS) for 3 years, 76.9% and 64.3% in patients with wild type and in mutated group (P=0.156), respectively. However, all four cases with CNS relapse had this mutation, 2 originated from testis, and remained 2 from lymph nodes. Our results confirm the remarkable site-specific occurrence of MYD88 mutation. In addition, Q-probe system for detection of MYD88 mutation was very useful because of its sensitivity and in the case who obtained only a small amount of biopsy specimen. MYD88 L265Ppromotes survival of malignant lymphoid cells through several mechanisms. Further large scale study should be necessary for more understanding of biological and clinical significance of DLBCL patients with MYD88 mutation. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Advantages of the quenching probe method over other PCR-based methods for detection of the JAK2 V617F mutation

The detection of a V617F mutation (G to T exchange at nucleotide 1,849) in the JAK2 gene is crucial for the diagnosis of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) such as polycythemia vera. Although sequence analysis is the standard method for detection, it is not suitable for clinical examinations due to the requirement of expensive equipment. In this study, we evaluated the efficiencies of four PCR-based methods to detect JAK2 V617F: allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR), PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), high-resolution melting analysis (HRM) and the quenching probe method (QP). The HEL cell line, which harbors a homozygous JAK2 V617F mutation, as well as bone marrow samples from 16 MPN patients and normal control samples, were used in this assessment. The sensitivity of the detection limit of all four methods was also examined using samples of HEL cells mixed in a variety of ratios with cells containing wild-type JAK2. The results of all four methods were found to be concordant. AS-PCR was shown to be the most sensitive; however, it produced false positive results. Although PCR-RFLP demonstrated high specificity, it was time consuming. By contrast, results were obtained using HRM and QP in only 2 h. It was easier to recognize the curves derived from the mutant allele obtained using QP. QP is also suitable for the rough estimation of allele burden. JAK2 V617F assays are mainly used for diagnosis at presentation in clinical settings. We therefore conclude that in situations where high sensitivity is not required, QP is the preferable method for the detection of JAK2 V617F. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate the efficiency of the QP method for the detection of JAK2 V617F using a standard thermal cycler.

Rapid automated detection of ABL kinase domain mutations in imatinib-resistant patients

ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), imatinib is used for BCR–ABL + leukemias. We developed an automatic method utilizing guanine-quenching probes (QP) to detect 17 kinds of mutations frequently observed in imatinib-resistance. Results were obtained from 100 μL of whole blood within 90 min by this method. Detected mutations were almost identical between QP method and direct sequencing. Furthermore, the mutation-biased PCR (MBP) was added to the QP method to increase sensitivity, resulting earlier detection of T315I mutation which was insensitive to any ABL TKIs. Thus, the QP and MBP-QP may become useful methods for the management of ABL TKI-treated patients.

APPLICATION OF THE MULTIVARIABLE PREDICTIVE CONTROL ON A DISTILLATION COLUMN USING THE OPTIMIZATION METHODS

This paper proposes five multidimensional optimization methods used to solve the problem of multivariable predictive control (MPC) under constraints. A distillation column whose dynamics can be represented by an uncertain model is studies. Experiments have proven that performances of the MPC using these suggested methods could be degraded in the case of disturbances acting on the system to be controlled, thus, another original approach is thus proposed. Its principle consists on a combination of two methods: the Dichotomy method and the Tracheotomy method. This new approach is suggested to improve the tracking dynamics of trajectories as well as the rejection of disturbances. The results obtained by simulation with the MPC using these methods compared with those obtained by the MPC using the QP method (Quadratic Programming) available in the Toolbox Optimization of Matlab.

Development of EDC Considering Cooperation with AFC

This paper presents a newly developed EDC (Economic Dispatching Control) function for Tohoku EPCO's new EMS system. In this new EDC, we can minimize total fuel cost under system security constraints such as “AFC margin considering band width and ramp rate in future band changing schedule" and “power flow constraint considering future maintenance schedule". We formulate EDC problem as “continuous variable (generator output) optimization" under “combinatorial optimization of band schedule". To optimize this problem, Problem Space Search method and interior point QP method are adopted. Test results and the actual operation show that, this new EDC can follow against steep increase and decrease of electric demand cooperating with AFC. This EDC has been operating successfully in Tohoku EPCO since June 2003.

Optimal force distribution in multilegged vehicles

The force distribution problem in multilegged vehicle is a constrained, optimization problem. The solution to the problem is the setpoints of the leg contact forces for a particular system task. In this paper, the efficient Compact QP method which takes into account both the linear and quadratic objective functions is adopted to resolve this constrained, optimization problem. Various objective functions such as minimum force, load balance, safety margin on friction constraints can be considered by the Compact QP method. This method can also be applied to smooth discontinuities in commanded forces by manipulating the homogeneous solution and including smoothing periods when the leg phase alternates between support and transfer. This smoothing scheme does not require force sensors. Multiple goals which consider several alternative objective functions can also be achieved by the Compact QP method.

Study and resolution of singularities for a 6-DOF PUMA manipulator

Upon solving the inverse kinematics problem of robot manipulators, the inherent singularity problem should always be considered. When a manipulator is approaching a singular configuration, a certain degree of freedom will be lost such that there are no feasible solutions of the manipulator to move into this singular direction. In this paper, the singularities of a 6-DOF PUMA manipulator are analyzed in detail and all the corresponding singular directions in task space are clearly identified. In order to resolve this singularity problem, an approach denoted Singularity Isolation Plus Compact QP (SICQP) method is proposed. The SICQP method decomposes the work space into achievable and unachievable (i.e., singular) directions. Then, the exactness in the singular directions are released such that extra redundancy is provided to the achievable directions. Finally, the Compact QP method is applied to maintain the exactness in the achievable directions, and to minimize the tracking errors in the singular directions under the condition that feasible joint solutions must be obtained. In the end, some simulation results for PUMA manipulator are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the SICQP method.

Control and simulation for a closed‐chain dual redundant ' manipulator system

AbstractThe two‐level hierarchical control scheme is adopted to solve a dual‐chain robotic system formed by two redundant manipulators grasping a common object with hard point contacts. The upper‐level coordinator gathers all the necessary information to resolve the force distribution problem so as to generate all the desired contact forces With all the desired contact forces being specified, the dynamics of each chain are decoupled. Therefore, the lower‐level local control problem can be treated as a general open‐chain redundant manipulator problem. Furthermore, the Compact‐Dual LP method is applied to resolve the upper‐level coordination problem; while the Compact QP method associated with the computed torque control method is adopted to solve the redundant manipulator problem. To obtain proper simulation results, the simulated actual contact forces are formulated and the corresponding simulation problem of the closed‐chain robotic system is also completely solved in the article. Simulation results show that the two‐level hierarchical control scheme is an effective and efficient algorithm for resolving the large‐scale control problem of multiple‐chain robotic systems. © 1995 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Inc.

The improved compact QP method for resolving manipulator redundancy

The compact QP method is an effective and efficient algorithm for resolving the manipulator redundancy under inequality constraints. In this paper, a more computationally efficient scheme which will improve the efficiency of the compact QP method-the improved compact BP method-is developed. With the technique of work space decomposition, the redundant inverse kinematics problem can be decomposed into two subproblems. Thus, the size of the redundancy problem can be reduced. For an n degree-of-freedom spatial redundant manipulator, instead of a 6/spl times/n matrix, only a 3/spl times/(n-3) matrix is needed to be manipulated by Gaussian elimination with partial pivoting for selecting the free variables. The simulation results on the CESAR manipulator indicate that the speedup of the compact QP method as compared with the original QP method is about 3.3. Furthermore, the speedup of the improved compact QP method is about 5.6. Therefore, it is believed that the improved compact QP method is one of the most efficient and effective optimization algorithm for resolving the manipulator redundancy under inequality constraints.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>

Revisions of constraint approximations in the successive QP method for nonlinear programming problems

In the last few years the successive quadratic programming methods proposed by Han and Powell have been widely recognized as excellent means for solving nonlinea programming problems. However, there remain some questions about their linear approximations to the constraints from both theoretical and empirical points of view. In this paper, we propose two revisions of the linear approximation to the constraints and show that the directions generated by the revisions are also descent directions of exact penalty functions of nonlinear programming problems. The new technique can cope better with bad starting points than the usual one.