bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
General analytical formula of GDOP for TOA target localisation
Authors: Li Yin‐Ya , Qi Guo‐Qing , Sheng An‐Dong
Published: February 2018

For original 2D time‐of‐arrival (TOA) target localisation, since the unknown parameters containing a specific time of the signal that the target transmits, the unknown vector to be estimated is inherently with 3D frame, which makes the analytical characterisation of the geometric dilution of precision (GDOP) more challenging and the problem remains unresolved. A general concise analytical formula of GDOP with closed form for this case is proposed, which can be used to analytically evaluate the accuracy of TOA target localisation for most general application scenarios.
Mobility tracking in unknown correlated shadow fading wireless networks
Authors: Mohammadghasemi Hasan , Saadat Reza , Gazor Saeed
Published: February 2018

In this study, the authors propose an algorithm for tracking of a mobile user and jointly estimate fading parameters of the wireless environment, e.g. the path‐loss exponent. The authors use a state space dynamic model for the mobility of the device with a discrete Markov process for its acceleration and exploit only the received signal strength indication (RSSI) from multiple anchor points. They use particle filters for tracking, a maximum likelihood estimator for the path‐loss exponent, and a Kalman filter for estimating of the shadow fading. The sequence of estimation procedures is done in one time step. The simulation comparison with similar methods illustrates a significant performance improvement by estimating the unknown fading parameters of RSSI.
Hybrid algorithm for accumulated error suppression in open‐loop Doppler receiver
Authors: Tang Jifei , Mahapatra Rabi N. , Meng Qiao , Xia Lanhua
Published: February 2018

A hybrid algorithm is proposed to decrease the integration phase measurement error accumulation in open‐loop Doppler receiver which is designed for space orbit determination and positioning applications when cooperated closed‐loop system is unavailable. Firstly, adaptive‐neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) module α is implemented for the interrupted closed‐loop measurement data prediction. Then to improve the prediction accuracy of the ANFIS module α, an adaptive Kalman filter is employed for data fusion with predicted data from ANFIS module α and open‐loop measurement data for complementation and corrections. Meanwhile, ANFIS module β is embedded in the Kalman filter for adaptive error compensation to optimise the filter performance. Finally, the time costly ANFIS computations are accelerated by reconfigurable software–hardware co‐design module implemented in the receiver system to improve the computing capability and efficiency of system. Experiment results are analysed to demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed hybrid algorithm. It suppresses error accumulation in open‐loop receiver phase measurement by 85.89% compared to the directly integration results when closed‐loop system is off‐line and has 61.02% enhancement compared to the algorithm without adaptive error compensations. Thus, the whole combinatory system accuracy is improved.
Algorithm of both release and allocation bandwidth for downstream channel in multi‐OLT PON
Authors: Liu Zongkang , Gan Chaoqin , Xie Weilun , Yan Yuqi , Qiao Hubao
Published: February 2018

A passive optical network (PON) with multiple optical line terminals (OLTs) will play an important role in the optical access network. In this study, a novel dynamic bandwidth allocation (DBA) algorithm for the downstream channel in a multi‐OLT PON is proposed. To take care of bandwidth demands of different users, weight factors are introduced. Based on different weight factors, a core framework of the algorithm is constructed. Moreover, by combining a decision criterion and a bandwidth surplus ratio, a mathematical model of release bandwidth is established. Furthermore, by uniting judgement conditions and overload amount, a mathematical model of allocation bandwidth is also built. By constructing two mathematical models, the order and amount of release and allocation bandwidth are effectively solved. Moreover, to describe accurately the power of bandwidth transfer, a new concept ‘bandwidth‐transfer work’ is introduced. Based on the bandwidth‐transfer work, a ranking model is created to maximise the efficiency of the DBA. Finally, the effectiveness of the DBA algorithm and ranking model is demonstrated by the simulation and analysis.
Colour image retrieval based on the hypergraph combined with a weighted adjacent structure
Authors: Yu Suliang , Niu Dongmei , Zhang Liangliang , Liu Mingjun , Zhao Xiuyang
Published: February 2018

Content‐based image retrieval (CBIR) is a research hotspot. To improve the performance of a CBIR system, especially the retrieval accuracy, this work proposes a method that uses a soft hypergraph combined with a weighted adjacent structure (WAS) to retrieve images. In this method, the similarities between images are computed and a similarity matrix is constructed by a conjoined colour difference histogram and micro‐structure descriptor method. Furthermore, a novel WAS and a soft hypergraph model are utilised to further improve the retrieval precision. The proposed method is compared with other methods in several datasets. Experimental results manifest the performance and robustness of this proposed method.
BA to construction of equivalent circuit of a transformer winding from frequency response analysis measurement
Authors: Chaouche Moustafa Sahnoune , Houassine Hamza , Moulahoum Samir , Colak Ilhami
Published: February 2018

The calculation of high‐frequency model parameters of a winding is crucial for the integrity assessment of transformer winding damages and its severity. Bat algorithm (BA) is one of the modern and efficient methods used in computational intelligence due to its efficiency to obtain better results for complicated non‐linear problems. In this study, an iterative method to ensure the mutually coupled equivalent model synthesis of an actual isolated transformer winding is proposed via bat search algorithm based on frequency response analysis data measurement (resonance frequencies, equivalent inductance and effective capacitance). The equivalent ladder network synthesis of transformer winding using the BA is based on the construction of the search space of the model parameters, thus each model element to be identified must be limited between two bounds (the upper and lower bounds) based on constraints and inequalities defining the model parameters. The effectiveness of the BA was tested by simulation and experimentally on two case studies of two isolated transformer windings with an air core. Furthermore, a comparative study of BA, particle swarm optimisation and the magnitude vector fitting was made in terms of accuracy and convergence speed.
Efficient method for the real‐time contingency analysis of meshed HVDC power grids fed by VSC stations
Authors: Castro Luis M , Acha Enrique , Rodriguez‐Rodriguez Juan R
Published: February 2018

An efficient method for the real‐time contingency analysis of meshed high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) power grids fed by voltage source converter (VSC) stations is introduced here. A linearised AC/DC grid model is initially determined considering the control strategies of the various VSC units. This lays the foundations for the determination of linear sensitivity factors with which the contingency analysis is carried out to evaluate the real‐time N −1 criterion in AC/DC grids, as demanded by system control centres. Distribution and power‐injection factors are subsequently derived for efficiently assessing the impact of AC/DC transmission line outages and load/generator disconnections on the HVDC grid. Conversion factors are also derived to estimate the impact of the loss of VSC stations on the AC/DC network, this being another inherent contribution of this work. The efficiency and validity of this timely approach, which finds practical applicability to the real‐time operation of HVDC power grids, is confirmed using a meshed DC network fed by three VSC stations. The disconnection of AC and DC transmission lines, generators, and VSC stations are dynamically simulated using Simulink and their post‐disturbance steady‐state conditions are compared against those computed by the introduced method where it is confirmed that both solutions concur very well with each other.
Analysis of saturation flow rate at tandem intersections using field data
Authors: Zhao Jing , Li Peng , Zheng Zhe , Han Yin
Published: February 2018

A tandem intersection is an unconventional intersection design that possesses the important property of increasing the traffic capacity using pre‐signals and sorting areas. However, the operational efficiency of the lanes in the sorting areas may be affected by driver unfamiliarity and confusion. This study evaluates the effect of the tandem control on the saturation flow rate using field data. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify the difference in the saturation flow rate of the approach lanes when the tandem control was open and closed. A saturation flow rate adjustment model for tandem control was established in accordance with three factors: unequal distribution of traffic, red light violations at the pre‐signal, and incomplete discharge of vehicles at the sorting area. The results indicate that the tandem control decreases the saturation flow rate of the approach lanes in the sorting area. Most of the observed reductions are caused by the first factor, i.e. the unequal distribution of traffic. The other two factors, red light violations and incomplete discharge, can be controlled by using appropriate traffic signs, markings, and signal timing design.
Influence of haptic guidance on driving behaviour under degraded visual feedback conditions
Authors: Wang Zheng , Zheng Rencheng , Kaizuka Tsutomu , Nakano Kimihiko
Published: February 2018

Drivers always suffer varying degrees of performance decrements under insufficient visual feedback (VF) conditions. Nowadays, haptic guidance (HG) is a developing assistance technology to enhance steering performance; however, driver reactions to HG under degraded VF conditions are still unclear. Therefore, this study focuses on the influence of HG on driving behaviour when part of the road ahead is occluded. The experimental conditions combined three levels of HG, namely none, weak, and strong torques, with four scenarios of VF: whole, near, mid, and far segments. The driving experiment was conducted using a high‐fidelity driving simulator with 12 participants. By analysing the standard deviation of lane position and time‐to‐lane crossing, it was shown that the lane keeping performance became worse without the HG for the degraded VF of near and far segments compared to that of whole and mid‐segments. Furthermore, it indicates that the performance decrement in the worse cases was compensated by the implementation of HG, and the strong torque was significantly more effective than the weak torque. Additionally, the use of HG always resulted in an improved turning manoeuvre while approaching curves in the degraded VF of near and far segments.
Multi‐level thinking cellular automata using granular computing title
Authors: Hassan Yasser F.
Published: February 2018

This study discusses the use of granular computing for representing multi‐thinking cellular automata model. In addition, the learning in cellular automata model is examined from the viewpoint of granular computing. A granular cellular automata system for simulating the changes needed in cases based on assessments of individual and group decision from the viewpoint of soft computing as a new formulation of granular computing and cellular automata is presented here. The architecture of the proposed model and the results of simulation of novel approach are given. Results from the implementation enrich granular computing cellular automata hybrid system and shed a new light on the concept formulation of the model and the learning in it.
Cellular automata malware propagation model for WSN based on multi‐player evolutionary game
Authors: Wang Yilin , Li Donghui , Dong Na
Published: February 2018

When wireless sensor network (WSN) is running, it needs data acquisition, fusion, and transmission, which makes the attacker distribute the malware code to the network to destroy the normal operation of the network. In this study, an improved two‐dimensional (2D) cellular automata model and a multi‐player evolutionary game model are proposed to describe the propagation process of malware propagation, aiming at the shortcomings of research on malware propagation in WSN. First, the authors introduce the node diversity model according to the difference between the cluster‐head node and the terminal node in WSN. Then, based on the existing 2D cellular automata malware model, an improved mechanism of epidemiological transmission is improved. To make the model more complete, a multi‐player evolutionary game model is established according to the different attack methods and the different coping strategies adopted by the cluster‐head node and the terminal node in WSN. The replication dynamic equation of the strategy evolution is also given. Simulation results show that the proposed model can accurately describe the propagation behaviour of malware in WSN and provide a basis for security defence research of WSN.
Efficient aggregation technique for data privacy in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Raja Manjula , Datta Raja
Published: February 2018

In wireless sensor networks (WSNs), the existing cluster‐based private data aggregation techniques are energy‐intensive due to high message transmission complexity. Reliable data transmissions are also vital for resource constraint WSNs. To address these issues, the authors propose a reliability enabled private data aggregation technique that has message transmission complexity of . Every node in the cluster cleaves its data into n integrants using simple modular arithmetic with suitable prime moduli and transmits to the cluster heads (CHs) for intermediate aggregation. The CHs, in turn, forward the partial aggregate data to the base station where the final aggregate is recovered using an elegant Chinese remainder theorem. The authors use data privacy, communication overhead, and reliability metrics to gauge the performance of the proposed work. Numerical and simulation results demonstrate that the proposed solution outperforms the existing schemes having communication complexity.
eM‐SON: efficient multimedia service over self‐organising Wi‐Fi network
Authors: Singhal Chetna , De Swades
Published: February 2018

This study presents eM‐SON, an adaptive framework for providing efficient multimedia services over self‐organising, hybrid Wi‐Fi networks. In this reconfigurable architecture, multimedia services can be received via a Wi‐Fi router, Wi‐Fi hotspot, or Wi‐Fi direct (i.e. device‐to‐device) mode. Experimental studies are performed to obtain user equipment (UE) battery discharge and QoS/QoE parameters for adaptive multimedia service (transmission, reception, and playback) over each of these Wi‐Fi configurations. These experiments are conducted on different types of UEs (smartphone, tablets) with multimedia content encoded at several quality and scalability levels, and transmitted on each of the Wi‐Fi configurations over varying load conditions and dynamic channel allocation. A centrally controlled framework is developed to optimise the multimedia content (adaptive transcoding) and network resource allocation (dynamic Wi‐Fi configurations and channel allocation) based on the dynamic UE and network resource constraints. The proposed solution combinedly improves the QoS (throughput, number of retransmissions, and delay), QoE, and energy‐efficiency performance of the UEs, while effectively serving an increased number of users in the system.
Modular non‐isolated multi‐input high step‐up dc–dc converter with reduced normalised voltage stress and component count
Authors: Varesi Kazem , Hosseini Seyed Hossein , Sabahi Mehran , Babaei Ebrahim
Published: February 2018

This study proposes a modular high voltage gain structure for non‐isolated non‐coupled inductor based multi‐input (NINCIBMI) dc–dc converters. Proposed topology can produce higher voltage gains per number of components (switch, diode, capacitor and inductor) than other NINCIBMI topologies. In other words, the proposed topology uses less number of components for achieving the same voltage gain. This property can lead to reduced cost, size, weight and complexity of topology. Also, proposed topology benefits from continuous input current. Despite the high voltage gain of proposed topology, it has considerably low normalised voltage stress (NVS) on its switches/diodes. Another important advantage of proposed topology is that, as the number of input units increase, the voltage gain increases too, but the NVS on switches/diodes decreases. The proposed topology is suggested for low and medium power applications. The 2‐input version of proposed topology has been studied in detail and different operational modes and steady‐state analyses have been presented. For a better evaluation, proposed topology has been compared with recently presented novel multi‐input high step‐up structures. The 2‐input version has also been experimentally implemented. Obtained results confirm appropriate performance of proposed topology.
Capacitive power transfer through virtual self‐capacitance route
Authors: Gao Xingran , Zhou Hong , Hu Wenshan , Deng Qijun , Liu Guo‐Ping , Lai Jingang
Published: February 2018

This study presents the modelling, analysis, and experimental results of a novel capacitive power transfer (CPT) structure with a single coupling capacitor. It is noticed that each charged object has a nature property called self‐capacitance, which is a kind of capacitance with respect to infinity. Taking advantage of this property, the conventional CPT structure can be simplified. Instead of using two capacitors to form the closed coupling loop, one of them is replaced by two metallic blocks with relatively big self‐capacitances. Even though there is no physical coupling between the two blocks, they can be considered as virtually connected through their self‐capacitances to infinity, which forms the return route for the proposed CPT structure. To achieve precise analysis, the detailed circuit model is established with the consideration of self‐capacitances for both the blocks and coupling plates. Moreover, the results of the applications with attached blocks replaced by robust reference grounds (RRG) are also analysed in order to extend the proposed structure to more scenarios. System performances with and without RRG are compared. Experiments with different capacitor plate sizes at various transfer distances are also conducted. Both the theoretical analysis and experimental results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed structure.
Modelling, control and performance analysis of a single‐stage single‐phase inverter with reduced low‐frequency input current ripple
Authors: Shi Youjie , Liu Bangyin , Duan Shanxu
Published: February 2018

A large amount of ripple at twice the output frequency will emerge in the input current due to the pulsating output power in a single‐phase inverter. A current‐fed‐type single‐stage single‐phase inverter is investigated. Based on the switch multiplexing technique, it can realise not only dc–ac power conversion but also low‐frequency input current ripple reduction with a lower number of power switches. A control strategy is proposed, which is capable of controlling both the input and output port performance. The operation performance is analysed, including circuit parameters, efficiency and dynamic behaviour. Besides, the equivalence of control strategy and the similarity of circuit component rating are revealed between this single‐stage inverter and a conventional two‐stage inverter. The single‐stage inverter is preferred in the applications which are sensitive to the power switch number and low‐frequency input current ripple. Finally, some experimental results are performed to verify the theoretical analysis.
Dimerization of Aromatic Compounds Using Palladium-Carbon-Catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura Cross-Coupling by One-Pot Synthesis
Authors: Chen Guoliang , Du Fangyu , Zhou Qifan , Liu Dongdong , Fang Ting , Shi Yajie , Du Yang
Published: February 2018

The aromatic dimers play a significant role in many aspects. Herein, we report a simple palladium-carbon catalyst that is highly effective for the dimerization of brominated aromatic compounds under mild conditions using abundant brominated aromatic compounds, bis(pinacolate)diboron and potassium acetate by a ‘one-pot’ method. This process, which we believe proceeds via a Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction mechanism, allows access to a variety of aromatic compounds under mild reaction conditions and has a good functional group tolerance with moderate to high yields.
Synthesis of 3-(4-(Benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)phenyl)-5-aryl-1,3,5-oxadiazinane-4-thiones and 1-(4-(Benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)phenyl)-5-methyl-3-aryl-1,3,5-triazinane-2-thiones
Authors: Uma Pathki , Rajanna Kamatala , Sriram Yelike , Premalatha Akarapu , Saipraksh Pondichery
Published: February 2018

In this investigation 4-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)benzenamine was reacted with aryl isothiocyanates to give 1-(4-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)phenyl)-3-aryl thioureas 2, which were cyclized with acid to afford 3-(4-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)phenyl)-5-aryl-1,3,5-oxadiazinane-4-thiones 3. On the other hand, 1-(4-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)phenyl)-5-methyl-3-aryl-1,3,5-triazinane-2-thiones 4 were obtained when compounds 2 were treated with amines.
Meningeosis carcinomatosa als seltener Metastasierungsweg eines BRAF-mutierten Mikrosatelliten-stabilen Kolonkarzinoms
Authors: Höblinger Aksana , Weber Stephanie , Tschirner Florian , Kröber Stefan , Streetz Konrad
Published: February 2018

Eine Meningeosis neoplastica ist eine seltene, aber schwerwiegende Komplikation solider Neopasien (Melanome, Mamma-, Bronchial- oder gastrointestinale Karzinome). Die klinische Manifestation der Meningeosis ist äußerst variabel. Sie äußert sich z. B. in radikulären Schmerzen mit oder ohne neurologischen Ausfällen sowie in Kopfschmerzen bis hin zu halluzinatorischen Reizsymptomen. Ob dieses unspezifischen Symptomcharakters wird eine Meningeosis neoplastica häufig zu spät diagnostiziert und behandelt. Wir berichten hier über den seltenen Fall einer Patientin mit einem lymphatisch und ossär metastasierten BRAF-mutierten Mikrosatelliten-stabilen Kolonkarzinom, welche einen Monat nach der Diagnosestellung neurologische Reiz- und Ausfallsymptome entwickelte. Durch den zytologischen Nachweis von Tumorzellen im Liquorsediment konnte – trotz einer unauffälligen MRT-Diagnostik – eine Meningeosis carcinomatosa gesichert werden. Unter einer intrathekalen Therapie mit Methotrexat, kombiniert mit einer intensiven systemischen Antikörperchemotherapie, wurde passager eine gute partielle Remission der Tumorerkrankung erreicht. Ca. 8 Monate nach Therapiebeginn entwickelte jedoch die Patientin eine progrediente Meningeosis und verstarb wenige Wochen später.
Deep learning analyzes Helicobacter pylori infection by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy images
Authors: Itoh Takumi , Kawahira Hiroshi , Nakashima Hirotaka , Yata Noriko
Published: February 2018

Background and study aims Helicobacter pylori (HP)-associated chronic gastritis can cause mucosal atrophy and intestinal metaplasia, both of which increase the risk of gastric cancer. The accurate diagnosis of HP infection during routine medical checks is important. We aimed to develop a convolutional neural network (CNN), which is a machine-learning algorithm similar to deep learning, capable of recognizing specific features of gastric endoscopy images. The goal behind developing such a system was to detect HP infection early, thus preventing gastric cancer.

Patients and methods For the development of the CNN, we used 179 upper gastrointestinal endoscopy images obtained from 139 patients (65 were HP-positive: ≥ 10 U/mL and 74 were HP-negative: < 3 U/mL on HP IgG antibody assessment). Of the 179 images, 149 were used as training images, and the remaining 30 (15 from HP-negative patients and 15 from HP-positive patients) were set aside to be used as test images. The 149 training images were subjected to data augmentation, which yielded 596 images. We used the CNN to create a learning tool that would recognize HP infection and assessed the decision accuracy of the CNN with the 30 test images by calculating the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC).

Results The sensitivity and specificity of the CNN for the detection of HP infection were 86.7 % and 86.7 %, respectively, and the AUC was 0.956.

Conclusions CNN-aided diagnosis of HP infection seems feasible and is expected to facilitate and improve diagnosis during health check-ups.
Validity of conventional endoscopy using “non-extension sign” for optical diagnosis of colorectal deep submucosal invasive cancer
Authors: Hisabe Takashi , Tsuda Sumio , Hoashi Toshio , Ishihara Hiroshi , Yamasaki Kazutomo , Yasaka Tatsuhisa , Hirai Fumihito , Matsui Toshiyuki , Yao Kenshi , Tanabe Hiroshi , Iwashita Akinori
Published: February 2018

Background and study aims The non-extension sign relates to a localized increase in thickness and rigidity due to deep submucosal invasive (SM-d: depth of 1000 μm or more) cancer. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the non-extension sign in assessing the optical diagnosis of colorectal SM-d cancer.

Patients and methods We retrospectively analyzed 309 patients with 315 early colorectal cancers that had been endoscopically or surgically resected. The non-extension sign was judged from chromoendoscopy (CE) using conventional white-light imaging with indigo carmine, and is taken to be positive when any one of the findings of rigidity of a circular arc, trapezoid elevation, or converging mucosal folds are seen. We assessed comparing the accuracy of CE, magnifying chromoendoscopy (M-CE), and magnifying narrow-band imaging (M-NBI) for the optical diagnosis of colorectal SM-d cancer.

Results Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the diagnosis of SM-d cancer were 66.0 %, 95.8 %, and 86.3 % for CE; 80 %, 90.7 %, and 87.3 % for M-CE; and 65.0 %, 94.4 %, and 85.1 % for M-NBI, respectively. The specificity of CE was significantly higher than that of M-CE (P = 0.034). The sensitivity of M-CE was significantly higher than that of CE (P = 0.026). In a comparison of positive and negative groups for the non-extension sign in SM-d cancer, SM invasion was significantly deeper in the positive group than in the negative group (3012.5 μm vs 2002.4 μm, respectively; P < 0.0001) and the rate of lymphovascular invasion was significantly higher in the positive group than in the negative group (63.6 % vs 41.2 %, respectively; P = 0.032).

Conclusions The non-extension sign offers high diagnostic specificity for SM-d cancer, and surgery should be considered in patients with a positive non-extension sign.
Vesicouterine Fistel nach Sectio caesarea
Authors: Karapanos Leonidas , Porres Daniel , Salem Johannes , Akbarov Ilgar , Heidenreich Axel , Zugor Vahudin
Published: February 2018

Vesikouterine Fisteln (VUF) sind seltene pathologische Verbindungen zwischen Uterus und Harnblase, die meist iatrogen nach Sectio caesarea auftreten. Wir präsentieren einen Fall einer VUF mit Makrohämaturie während der Menstruation (Menurie) als einzigem Symptom. Zur Differenzialdiagnose von anderen urogenitalen Fisteln sind genaue Kenntnisse der Symptomatik und des diagnostischen Algorithmus zur Detektion einer VUF unerlässlich.
Complex biliary stones management: cholangioscopy versus papillary large balloon dilation – a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Franzini Tomazo , Moura Renata , Bonifácio Priscilla , Luz Gustavo , de Souza Thiago , dos Santos Marcos , Rodela Gustavo , Ide Edson , Herman Paulo , Montagnini André , D’Albuquerque Luiz , Sakai Paulo , de Moura Eduardo
Published: February 2018

Background and study aims Endoscopic removal of biliary stones has high success rates, ranging between 85 % to 95 %. Nevertheless, some stones may be challenging and different endoscopic methods have evolved. Papillary large balloon dilation after sphincterotomy is a widely used technique with success rates ranging from 68 to 90 % for stones larger than 15 mm. Cholangioscopy allows performing lithotripsy under direct biliary visualization, either by laser or electrohydraulic waves, which have similar success rate (80 % – 90 %). However, there is no study comparing these 2 techniques.

Patients and methods From April 2014 to June 2016, 100 patients were enrolled and randomized in 2 groups, using a non-inferiority hypothesis: cholangioscopy + electrohydraulic lithotripsy (group 1) and endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (group 2). The main outcome was complete stone removal. Adverse events were documented. Mechanical lithotripsy was not performed. Failure cases had a second session with crossover of the methods.

Results The mean age was 56 years. 74 (75.5 %) patients were female. The initial overall complete stone removal rate was 74.5 % (77.1 % in group 1 and 72 % in group 2, P > 0.05). After second session the overall success rate achieved 90.1 %. Procedure time was significantly lower in group 2, – 25.2 min (CI95 % – 12.48 to – 37.91). There were no significant differences regarding technical success rate, radiologic exposure and adverse events.

Conclusion Single-operator cholangioscopy-guided lithotripsy and papillary large balloon dilation are effective and safe approaches for removing complex biliary stones.
Ankylosaurus back sign: novel endoscopic finding in esophageal eosinophilia patients indicating proton pump inhibitor response
Authors: Ishimura Norihisa , Sumi Shohei , Okada Mayumi , Izumi Daisuke , Mikami Hironobu , Okimoto Eiko , Ishikawa Nahoko , Tamagawa Yuji , Mishiro Tsuyoshi , Oshima Naoki , Shibagaki Kotaro , Ishihara Shunji , Maruyama Riruke , Kinoshita Yoshikazu
Published: February 2018

Background and study aims Characteristic endoscopic findings, such as linear furrows, rings, and whitish exudates, indicate the presence of esophageal eosinophilia (EE), though no specific findings are known to distinguish eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) from proton pump inhibitor-responsive esophageal eosinophilia (PPI-REE). Here, we present a novel endoscopic finding in some EE patients possessing a linear longitudinal arrangement of whitish nodules with the appearance of the back of an Ankylosaurus dinosaur, termed Ankylosaurus back sign (ABS), and evaluations of its significance in affected patients.

Patients and methods Fifty-five patients diagnosed with EE (≥ 15 eosinophils/high power field) who were treated at our hospital and shown to evaluate a PPI response were enrolled. Endoscopic findings at baseline and clinical parameters were retrospectively reviewed. Furthermore, the clinicopathological features of patients with ABS, as well as the relationship between its presence and PPI response were evaluated.

Results Fifty-five patients (47 males, 8 females) with EE (17 with EoE, 38 with PPI-REE) were evaluated, of whom 50 (90.9 %) had linear furrows, the most frequently found feature, while ABS was found in 9 (16.4 %). Inter-observer agreement was substantial for ABS (κ 0.77). Interestingly, all patients with ABS had PPI-REE. Our findings revealed that the presence of ABS was closely associated with reflux esophagitis (RE) in patients with PPI-REE.

Conclusions Although ABS was less frequent than typical endoscopic findings such as linear furrows in EE, this novel finding was closely associated with PPI-REE accompanied with RE. The clinical implications of ABS in patients with EE should be investigated further.
Das bewegt die Urologie – Aktuelles von den Kongressen 2017
Authors: Heers Hendrik , Boegemann Martin , Hegele Axel
Published: February 2018

Im Jahre 2017 gab es in der Uro-Onkologie viele neue und vielversprechende Innovationen. Speziell die Immuntherapie war ein Top-Thema auf den großen Kongressen und wurde intensiv diskutiert. Dieser Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über die Neuigkeiten und zukünftigen Entwicklungen in der Diagnostik und Behandlung des Prostata-, Blasen- und Nierenzellkarzinoms. V. a. im Bereich des hormonsensitiven metastasierten Prostatakarzinoms, des metastasierten Transitionalzellkarzinoms und des metastasierten Nierenzellkarzinoms haben sich die Therapiemöglichkeiten im Jahr 2017 bereits grundlegend verändert und man kann davon ausgehen, dass weitere neue Substanzen und Kombinationsmöglichkeiten zeitnah unsere therapeutischen Optionen erweitern werden.
eNOS Uncoupling: A Therapeutic Target For Ischemic Foot of Diabetic Rat
Authors: Gao Ling , Yu Ailin , Liu Jingcheng , Ma Lina , Li Jing
Published: February 2018

Aim To determine the relationship between eNOS uncoupling and diabetic ischemic foot and whether reversing eNOS uncoupling by Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) transfection or folic acid (FA) supplementation can be beneficiary in diabetic ischemic foot.

Methods The bilateral common iliac artery of diabetic rats were ligated to establish the diabetic ischemic foot animal model. DHFR transfection was implemented via femoral artery and muscle injection of in vivo transfection reagent mixture (GenEscortIII) every 4 days during the 2 weeks intervention. The color doppler flow imaging (CDFI) of femoral artery for RI measurement, triceps and quadriceps structure and histology, eNOS coupling status, DHFR expression level, superoxide, peroxynitrite (ONOO– ) and nitric oxide (NO) production in the presence or absence of L-NAME (eNOS inhibitor) were examined among wild type rats (WT), diabetic sham rats (DM), rats of diabetic ischemic foot (DF) or DF with DHFR transfection (DFT) or DF with FA supplementation (DFF).

Results Dihydroethidium (DHE) fluorescence, as an index of superoxide production was enhanced in the femoral arteries of diabetic rats and even more in those of ischemic foot from diabetic rats. However, the DHE fluorescence was diminished in the presence of L-NAME suggesting eNOS uncoupling is the source of superoxide overproduction which further led to increased peroxynitrite production and decreased NO. bioavailability. Subsequently, the hind limb muscle became atrophic and the local collateral circulation was defective due to endothelial dysfunction related to eNOS uncoupling. However, all of the above and hemodynamic index (RI) of femoral artery were resumed via restoration of DHFR protein expression by folic acid treatment or DHFR transfection.

Conclusions eNOS uncoupling is involved in diabetic ischemic foot due to DHFR suppression. DHFR restoration can reverse eNOS uncoupling and resume the endothelial dysfunction and pathological changes (increased vasculature resistance, hind limb muscle atrophy and defective collateral circulation) associated with eNOS uncoupling in diabetic ischemic foot. All of which enlightens a novel therapeutic strategy for future diabetic ischemic foot treatments.
Mikrobielle Biomarker zur Krebsfrüherkennung
Authors: Voigt Anita , Zeller Georg , Bork Peer
Published: February 2018

Im Bereich Krebsfrüherkennung zeigt sich schon heute das Potenzial der Mikrobiomforschung für klinische Anwendungen. Auch wenn die zugrunde liegenden Mechanismen und Ursachen bisher weitgehend unbekannt sind, kann die krank heitsbedingte Veränderung des Mikrobioms als Angriffspunkt zur Erforschung neuartiger diagnostischer und prognostischer Tests genutzt werden. Dies trifft insbesondere auf Dickdarmkrebs zu, wo sich bereits konkrete Möglichkeiten für den klinischen Einsatz abzeichnen. In diesem Artikel fassen wir die Fortschritte der letzten Jahre aber auch Schwierigkeiten in der Entwicklung mikrobieller Biomarker für die Krebsfrüherkennung zusammen.
Early Stage Graves’ Disease is Uniformly Accompanied by Orbital Immune Activity even in Patients who Fail to Develop Orbithopathy during Follow-up
Authors: Berta Eszter , Bodor Miklós , Galuska László , Paragh György , Erdei Annamária , Gazdag Annamária , Ujhelyi Bernadett , Berényi Ervin , Katkó Mónika , Gazsó Andrea , Nagy Endre
Published: February 2018

Purpose Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) is a complication of Graves’ disease (GD), the development of which cannot be predicted at the time of diagnosis of GD. Our aims were (i) to test if orbital 99mTc-labelled diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid single-photon emission computer tomography (DTPA SPECT) can predict development of GO later during the course of the disease and (ii) to study whether orbital immune activity can be detected in GD patients who do not develop GO during follow-up.

Methods Fifty-four orbits of 27 patients with newly diagnosed GD were entered into the case-control study. Individuals showing signs of GO at enrolment were excluded. During the two-year follow-up, eye signs were recorded every 3 months. Orbital DTPA uptakes on SPECT images were measured when entering the study and at the end of the follow-up period, or when clinical signs of GO developed, whichever occurred first.

Results During the follow-up, 6 patients (22%) were diagnosed with GO. There was no significant difference between the initial DTPA uptakes of the patients with or without later developing GO (10.45±1.72 MBq/cm3 vs. 9.18±1.18 MBq/cm3 respectively). However, the DTPA uptakes of both GD groups (ie. with and without GO) were higher than that of the control group (7.45±1.36 MBq/cm3, p<0.05).

Conclusions We have shown that GD is accompanied by moderate orbital immune activity in GD patients without GO, irrespective of later development of GO. Why this orbital autoimmunity remains subclinical in the majority of the cases, and progresses into clinically detectable GO in others, remains unclear.
Tanshinone IIA Improves Painful Diabetic Neuropathy by Suppressing the Expression and Activity of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel in Rat Dorsal Root Ganglia
Authors: Ri-Ge-le Ao , Guo Zhuang-Li , Wang Qi , Zhang Bao-Jian , Kong Da-Wei , Yang Wen-Qiang , Yu Yan-Bing , Zhang Li
Published: February 2018

Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is one of the intractable complications of diabetes mellitus, which manifest as exaggerated pain perception. Previous studies showed that Tanshinone IIA (TIIA), one of the major bioactive extracts of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, have obvious analgesic effect on different types of pain process, and the underlying analgesic mechanisms are not fully understood. The present study combined the behavioral, electrophysiological and biochemical methods to elucidate the analgesic mechanism of TIIA, using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced PDN rat models. Intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of TIIA for 3 weeks in PDN rats significantly improved mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. Patch clamp recordings showed that the excitability of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) nociceptive neuron was increased in diabetic state, and TIIA treatment effectively recovered the subnormality, which was achieved by preventing augments of both Tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-resistant) and Tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-S) sodium currents. Further, the protein expressions of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) α-subunits Nav1.3, Nav1.7 and Nav1.9 increased in DRG of diabetic rats and were normalized by TIIA application. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that the TIIA attenuated PDN by effecting VGSCs activities and expressions, indicating that the TIIA could be a promising agent for PDN treatment.
Green Quantification Strategy Combined with Chemometric Analysis for Triglycerides in Seeds Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Hou Jin-Jun , Guo Ji-ling , Cao Chun-Mei , Yao Shuai , Long Hua-li , Cai Lu-Ying , Da Juan , Wu Wan-Ying , Guo De-An
Published: February 2018

Triglycerides are the primary constituents of some seed kernels used in traditional Chinese medicine. Quality control of seed kernels containing multiple components with an environmentally friendly method is indispensable for establishing their quality standards (called monographs) in pharmacopeia. Using coix seeds (Semen Coicis) as an example, a green quantification strategy was proposed by combining C8 core-shell particles with single standard to determine multicomponent technologies to quantify seven triglycerides simultaneously. A core-shell column, namely, Halo C8 (3.0 × 100 mm, 2.7 µm), was used. Methanol was used as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min, enabling UV detection of the elutes. Seven triglycerides were well separated in 20 min, and simultaneously quantified using triolein as a single standard. The conversion factor for each standard was set as 1.0 on ELSD, while for the conversion factors at 203 nm, the values increased with the reduction of linoleate. The recovery values were all in the range of 97 – 107% (RSD < 3.0%). The RSD values of precision, including intraday and intermediate precision, were < 3.0% when the total content of triglycerides was calculated. The linearity reached r ≥ 0.9990, and the limit of quantitation reached 40 – 70 ng. Forty-nine batches of coix seeds from four different places of origins and eight batches of adulterants were evaluated and differentiated using principal component analysis. In addition, the validated method was used successfully to quantity seven triglycerides in Semen Persicae, Semen Armeniacae Amarum, and Semen Pruni.
Multiple Angulated Mammography Reconstructions in Digital Breast Tomosynthesis for the Diagnosis of Microcalcifications – Added Value to Standard Stack Reconstructions and Synthesized Mammography
Authors: Neubauer Jakob , Neubauer Claudia , Wicklein Julia , Mertelmeier Thomas , Windfuhr-Blum Marisa , Langer Mathias
Published: February 2018

Purpose To compare ratings regarding the depiction, diagnostic accuracy and lesion characterization of conventional synthesized mammography (SM), multiple angulated mammography reconstructions (INSIGHT3D), and standard stack reconstructions in digital breast tomosynthesis for microcalcifications.

Materials and Methods This is a retrospective, multicase, multireader study. We included patients with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), microcalcifications and histology over a period of four months in our institution and the same number of normal cases. Three radiologists, who were blinded to patient data, independently rated the depiction, distribution, morphology and BI-RADS score of microcalcifications in SM, INSIGHT3D and standard stack reconstructions. Deidentified images were presented in random order. Reading time was measured. Friedman and post hoc Nemenyi tests, Cochrane’s Q and post hoc Wilcoxon signed rank tests, Fleiss’ kappa and receiver operating characteristics were used for statistical analysis.

Results We included 41 histopathologically proven and 41 normal cases. Depiction of microcalcifications was rated better in INSIGHT3D than in SM and better in stack reconstructions than in INSIGHT3D and SM (P < 0.001). The reading time was lower in SM and INSIGHT3D compared to stack reconstructions (P < 0.001). The diagnostic accuracy and inter-rater correlation were comparable between all tested modes of reconstruction.

Conclusions INSIGHT3D has higher ratings regarding the depiction of microcalcifications compared to SM while maintaining a short reading time. Our preliminary assessment suggests that INSIGHT3D provides added value to SM.

Key points 

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Chaotic and non-chaotic strange attractors of a class of non-autonomous systems
Authors: Zhang Xu , Chen Guanrong
Published: February 2018

In this paper, the dynamics of a class of non-autonomous systems, generated from a unified chaotic autonomous system, is studied. It is found, via parameter modulation, that they have chaotic and non-chaotic strange attractors (NCSA). Several representative systems are constructed to illustrate the complex strange dynamics. The first example exhibits Lorenz-like behavior and Chen-like behavior at different time intervals. The second illustrates the existence of NCSA, which is constructed by “joining” the chaotic Chen system and a system with regular dynamics. The third is constructed based on the topological structure of the original autonomous systems, which has complex transient dynamics at the beginning, with a periodic orbit as the omega-limit set. The last one has quasi-periodic coefficients, yielding strange dynamics. These examples demonstrate that non-autonomous systems can have extremely rich and interesting dynamics under certain conditions.
Mechanisms of fine structure formation in dielectric barrier discharges
Authors: Fan Weili , Sheng Zhengming , Liu Fucheng , Zhong Xiaoxia , Dong Lifang
Published: February 2018

The evolution of two successive filamentary discharges in dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) has been studied by the use of two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations with Monte Carlo collisions included. It is shown that these filamentary discharges involve the interplay between the external field, the surface charge field, and the space charge field. This leads to a few fine structures emerging, such as the weak discharge occurring at the zero-crossing point of the ac voltage, the splitting phenomenon of filaments, and the coexistence of positive and negative surface charges at footprints of the filamentary discharges. Our simulation results reveal the underlying physics governing the discharge and explain the dynamical behaviors of the DBD filaments observed in experiments.
Effects of Hall current and electrical resistivity on the stability of gravitating anisotropic quantum plasma
Authors: Bhakta S. , Prajapati R. P.
Published: February 2018

The effects of Hall current and finite electrical resistivity are studied on the stability of uniformly rotating and self-gravitating anisotropic quantum plasma. The generalized Ohm's law modified by Hall current and electrical resistivity is used along with the quantum magnetohydrodynamic fluid equations. The general dispersion relation is derived using normal mode analysis and discussed in the parallel and perpendicular propagations. In the parallel propagation, the Jeans instability criterion, expression of critical Jeans wavenumber, and Jeans length are found to be independent of non-ideal effects and uniform rotation but in perpendicular propagation only rotation affects the Jeans instability criterion. The unstable gravitating mode modified by Bohm potential and the stable Alfven mode modified by non-ideal effects are obtained separately. The criterion of firehose instability remains unaffected due to the presence of non-ideal effects. In the perpendicular propagation, finite electrical resistivity and quantum pressure anisotropy modify the dispersion relation, whereas no effect of Hall current was observed in the dispersion characteristics. The Hall current, finite electrical resistivity, rotation, and quantum corrections stabilize the growth rate. The stability of the dynamical system is analyzed using the Routh-Hurwitz criterion.
Note: Stability and lifetime of scandium deuteride film cathode in a vacuum arc ion source
Authors: Wang Tao , Zheng Le , Liu Feixiang , Dong Pan , Yang Zhen , Li Ji , Long Jidong , Zhang Linwen
Published: February 2018

This paper reports the properties of the plasma and gas produced in a vacuum arc discharge with scandium deuteride (ScD1.8) film cathodes. The thickness of the ScD1.8 film influences the quantity of the gases released from the cathode material. The deuterium gas releasing in the discharge process was in a depth range from the cathode surface to the cathode interior, that is, between 3 and 6 μm. Surprisingly, after discharge, the deuterium ion ratio remains the same in the film with different thicknesses. That indicates that the release of deuterium gas in a 3 μm-thick ScD1.8 film is enough for ionization. In addition, as the number of discharge increases, the stability of atomic fraction ratio gets worse and the ratio of deuterium ions decreases.
Trump shows his apathy for science
Authors: Kramer David
Published: February 2018

Climate skepticism, budget cuts, and regulatory rollbacks dominated the federal scientific landscape during the first year of his administration.
Google Lunar X Prize hopefuls struggle to lift off
Authors: Smart Ashley G.
Published: February 2018

The finalists face long odds to land a rover on the Moon in time to claim the $20 million grand prize.