Search

Bio-based alternative fuels have received increasing attention with growing concerns about depletion of fossil reserves and environmental deterioration. The development of new combustion concepts in internal combustion engines requires a better understanding of autoignition characteristics of the bio-based alternative fuels. This study investigates two cases of alternative fuels, namely, a kerosene-type fuel farnesane and an oxygenated fuel, TPGME, and compares those fuels with full-boiling range of fuels with similar cetane number. The homogeneous autoignition and spray ignition characteristics of the selected fuels are studied using a modified CFR octane rating engine and a cetane rating instrument, respectively. When comparing farnesane with a full-boiling range counterpart (HRJ8), their similar cetane ratings result in comparable combustion heat release, but the overall ignition reactivity of farnesane is stronger than HRJ8 during the pre-ignition process. Results from a constant volume spray combustion chamber indicate that the spray process of farnesane and HRJ8 strongly influences the overall ignition delay of each fuel. Despite the similar cetane ratings of TPGME and n-heptane, TPGME shows greater apparent low-temperature oxidation reactivity at low compression ratios in the range from CR 4.0-5.5 than n-heptane. A simplified model focused on the key reaction pathways of low-temperature oxidation of TPGME has been applied to account for the stronger low-temperature reactivity of TPGME, supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Regardless of the similar cetane ratings of the fuels, n-heptane and JP-8/SPK lead to similar total ignition delay times, while TPGME shows the shortest overall ignition delay times in the constant volume combustion chamber.

Background Non-schistosoma-associated urinary bladder squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) has low incidence and is associated with chronic inflammation. Due to its unique etiology and pathology, expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in SqCC could be different from that of urothelial carcinoma, which may contribute to different responses to immunotherapy. In this study, we intended to explore the expression profile and prognostic value of PD-L1 in non-schistosoma-associated urinary bladder SqCC under the consideration of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes' (TILs) density. Methods We conducted a retrospective study to review 604 bladder cancer patients who received radical cystectomy (RC) from 2009 to 2013 in Peking University First Hospital. We enrolled 67 bladder SqCC patients in total, including pure SqCC (n=19) and mixed SqCC (n=48, with urothelial carcinoma). PD-L1 protein expression and TILs density were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Results Nine female and 58 male patients (median age 67.4 years) were enrolled in the present study. There were 15 stage T1-2 patients and 52 stage T3-4 patients. 27 patients had N1-2 lymph node metastasis. Overall, 61.2% cases were PD-L1-positive. Dense TILs coincided with higher PD-L1 expression rate. Median survival time of PD-L1 positive cases was significantly higher than negative cases (P=0.026). During multivariate analysis, positive PD-L1 expression and dense TILs were independent protective factors affecting overall survival (OS, PD-L1: P=0.022; TILs: P=0.010) and progression free survival (PFS, PD-L1: P=0.018; TILs: P=0.009). Conclusions PD-L1 expression and dense TILs were frequently detected in urinary bladder SqCC tumors. Positive PD-L1 expression and dense TILs were correlated with better survival outcomes in non-schistosoma-associated urinary bladder SqCC. The immunotherapy targeting PD-L1 might be helpful to bladder SqCC patients.

Background After radical prostatectomy, the optimal length of postoperative catheterization time remains to be determined. This study investigates the impact of catheter removal time on urinary continence and overactive bladder symptoms after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).Methods Two hundred and fifty consecutive patients underwent RARP by a single surgeon between November 2020 and May 2021. Time to catheter removal was categorized into 7, 10, and ≥ 14 days. Continence was defined as no more than 1 pad used or no more than 20 grams of urine leakage per 24 hours. The patients' continence rates and overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) were assessed at 48 hours, 1 week, 4 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks after catheter removal.Results Overall, continence rates were 36% 48 hours after catheter removal, 55.6% 1 week, 74.8% 4 weeks, 98.4% 12 weeks, and 100% 24 weeks after catheter removal. The median time to regain continence was 1 week. After stratification according to catheterization time, no significant difference in continence rates was found between different groups at each time point after catheter removal. Longer catheterization was not an independent predictor of continence recovery (10 days: OR 0.985, 95% CI 0.689-1.409, p = 0.936; ≥14 days: OR 1.194, 95% CI 0.869-1.642, p = 0.274). The presence of diabetes was associated with worse continence outcomes (OR 1.535, 95% CI 1.105-2.132, p = 0.011). The mean OABSS of patients in the continent group were significantly lower than the incontinent group at 48 hours, 1 week, and 4 weeks after catheter removal. No significant difference in OABSS was found between different catheterization time groups at each time point after catheter removal.Conclusions Our results demonstrated that different catheterization time (7 days, 10 days, ≥14 days) is not associated with short-, intermediate-, long-term continence outcomes or overactive bladder symptoms.

We aimed to explore the diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy of cystoscopy with hydrodistension and random biopsies for clinically suspected interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).We reviewed the data of fifty-five clinically suspected IC/BPS patients underwent cystoscopy with hydrodistension and random biopsies. Global Response Assessment was used to evaluate the efficacy. Disease severity was assessed by thorough history, physical examination, 3-day frequency volume chart, visual analog scale of pain, Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI) and clinical phenotype system (UPOINT).According to the pathologic outcomes from random biopsies, three out of the 55 clinically suspected IC/BPS were diagnosed as bladder carcinoma. Among the 52 IC/BPS patients, thirty-six patients (69.2%) had initial chief complaints of urinary frequency and urgency. Under cystoscopy, twenty-nine patients and 23 patients were classified as Hunner ulcer type and diffuse global mucosal bleeding (grade III glomerulation). The median functional bladder capacity of the 52 IC/BPS patients was 100 ml. Hydrodistension was effective in 28 patients (53.8%) at postoperative 3 months, which decreased to 25% at post-hydrodistension 6 months and to 13.5% at 12 months. For the 28 hydrodistension-effective patients, the remission degrees of daytime frequency, nocturia, VAS bladder pain and ICSI score were 50.3%, 49.4%, 68.1% and 48%, which were significantly higher than the 16.9% (daytime frequency, P 0.001), 20.5% (nocturia, P = 0.021), 7.4% (VAS pain score, P 0.001) and 6.1% (ICSI, P 0.001) in the hydrodistension-negative group. According to the UPOINT system, the hydrodistension-effective cases had significantly higher rates of symptom remission in U (P = 0.002), P (P = 0.026), O (P 0.001), and T (P 0.001) domains than the corresponding negative cases. In effective group, the O domain had the most remission rate (26 out of 28, 92.9%, P 0.001), followed by the U domain (12 out of 28, 42.9%, P 0.001) and T domain (12 out of 28, 42.9%, P 0.001).Histopathological analysis from random biopsies could distinguish bladder carcinoma from clinically suspected IC/BPS. Hydrodistension is more likely to be effective when chronic pelvic pain is obviously alleviated. The efficacy of hydrodistension could act in a certain period of time.

Background To evaluate the feasibility and effect of upper urinary tract videourodynamics in complex reconstructed upper urinary tract. Methods From January 2016 to December 2018, patients who underwent complex upper urinary tract reconstruction and received upper urinary tract videourodynamics were included in the study. The modified Whitaker test was performed at 3 months after operation. The relative pelvic pressure was defined as the pelvic pressure minus the bladder pressure. Based on the flow rate, the test was divided into physiological phase and high flow phase. The results of pressure and image were classified into 3 types. Successful nephrostomy removal was defined as no symptoms and improved or stable hydronephrosis. Results A total of 12 patients who underwent complex upper urinary tract reconstruction received modified Whitaker test. All tests were successfully completed without adverse reactions. The relative pelvic pressure of 3 patients kept steady near the baseline throughout the examination and was classified into type 1. The pelvic pressure of 7 patients increased as the perfusion continued, and the relative pressure dropped to relative low level due to the peristalsis of ureter (type 2). The pressure of 2 patients increased along with increasing perfusion speed, and the relative pelvis pressure could easily reach 15 cmH2O. The peristalsis of ureter disappeared or appeared very weakly on the video record (type 3). Patients in type 1 (3 cases) and type 2 (7 cases) groups were allowed to remove the nephrostomy tube immediately. Patients in type 3 group needed to keep the nephrostomy for close follow up, and the tubes were removed 2 weeks and 4 weeks after the examination, respectively. None of the 12 patients received further treatment for recurrent symptoms and exacerbation of hydronephrosis. Conclusions The modified Whitaker test is initially safe and feasible in postoperative evaluation of complex upper urinary tract reconstruction surgery. Detailed results can provide more evidence to judge whether nephrostomy tube could be removed safely.

In this paper, we report one bifacial p-type PERC solar cell with efficiency over 22% using laser doped selective emitter produced in larger-scale commercial line on 6-inch mono-crystalline wafer. On front side of the solar cell, square resistance of p-n junction was found to be closely related with laser power at certain laser scan speed and frequency. On the other side, the rear fingers with different ratios of height and width and rear silicon nitride (SiNx) layer with different thickness were optimized, and a highest rear efficiency of the bifacial solar cell was obtained. Finally, bifacial silicon solar cells with the front and rear efficiencies exceeding 22% and 15% (AM1.5, 1000 W/m2, 25 °C) were successfully achieved, respectively.

Purpose To develop nomograms predicting prostate cancer (PCa) and high-grade PCa (HGPCa) in the elderly population. Methods We reviewed the data of patients aged 75 years and older who underwent first-time prostate biopsy and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI). The nomograms were developed based on multivariate analysis and evaluated. We performed the external validation and calibration of the risk calculators from the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC) and the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT). Results The present study included 302 subjects with a median age of 78 years (range: 75–91 years). Overall, 225 and 129 subjects were diagnosed with PCa and HGPCa (Gleason score ≥ 4 + 3), respectively. The ratio of free-to-total PSA, prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD), transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), and Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) were used to develop the PCa-predicting nomogram, and PSAD, TRUS, and PI-RADS were used to develop the HGPCa-predicting nomogram. The area under the curve (AUC) values of PCa-predicting and HGPCa-predicting nomograms were 0.90 and 0.87. The ERSPC calculator had acceptable external calibration and validation outcomes. We recommended a cut-off probability of 42% for PCa-predicting nomogram when used in healthy older men to achieve a sensitivity of 95.6%, and a cut-off probability of 73% for HGPCa-predicting nomogram when used in vulnerable older men to achieve a specificity of 98.3%. Conclusions The present nomograms could help discriminate patients with PCa from healthy elder adults for standard treatment, and discriminate patients with HGPCa from vulnerable elder adults for modified treatment. External validation is expected.

We aim to reassess the safety of the monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (M-TURP) without suprapubic cystostomy at our institution over the past decade. This retrospective study was conducted in patients who underwent M-TURP at Peking University First Hospital between 2003 and 2013. A total of 1680 patients who had undergone M-TURP were identified, including 539 patients in the noncystostomy group and 1141 patients in the cystostomy group. After propensity score matching, the number of patients in each group was 456. Smaller reductions in hemoglobin and hematocrit (10.9 g vs 17.6 g and 3.6% vs 4.7%, respectively) were found in the noncystostomy group. In addition, patients undergoing surgery without cystostomy had their catheters removed earlier (4.6 days vs 5.2 days), required shorter postoperative stays in the hospital (5.1 days vs 6.0 days), and were at lower risk of operative complications (5.7% vs 9.2%), especially bleeding requiring blood transfusion (2.9% vs 6.1%). Similar findings were observed in cohorts of prostates of 30–80 ml and prostates >80 ml. Furthermore, among patients with a resection weight >42.5 g or surgical time >90 min, or even propensity-matched patients based on surgical time, those with cystostomy seemed to be at a higher risk of operative complications. These results suggest that M-TURP without suprapubic cystostomy is a safe and effective method, even among patients with larger prostates, heavier estimated resection weights, and longer surgical times.

To investigate the expression of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) in interstitial cystitis (IC).We reviewed the data of IC patients underwent hydrodistension plus bladder biopsy. Follow-ups were performed. We assessed the degree of inflammation of the bladder wall on slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE). We performed immunohistochemistry for PD-L1 expression detection and for counting T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes.The present study included eight men and 32 women. With HE staining, we detected 13, 15, and 12 patients with mild, moderate, and severe inflammation. The degree of inflammation was negatively correlated with disease course (P = 0.018) and positively correlated with bladder pain (P 0.001). Hydrodistension was found effective at postoperative 3-month for 19 patients. Overall, 17, 15, 7, and 1 subject had no, mild, moderate, and high PD-L1 expression, that correlated positively with the degree of inflammation. Compared with patients with no and mild PD-L1 expression, patients with moderate and high PD-L1 expression tended to have more effective hydrodistension outcomes (12 of 32 vs 7 of 8; P = 0.017). In the subset of 12 patients with severe inflammation, there were five of six patients (83.3%) with moderate or high PD-L1 expression and one of six patients (16.7%) with no and mild PD-L1 expression with an effective hydrodistension outcome.Expression of PD-L1 on bladder is detected in a cohort of IC patients presented with diffuse global glomerulation or Hunner ulcer. PD-L1 expression is more common in IC patients with severe bladder inflammation.

Arsenic is a trace element and a global contaminant. There are currently large uncertainties associated with our understanding and quantification of the arsenic cycles in the global environment. This study proposes a research framework where the major anthropogenic processes affecting anthropogenic arsenic cycles (AACs) are identified. A characteristic of this framework is that it divides AACs into two parts: one related to intentional uses, and the other driven by unintentional uses. Several significant features of AACs are summarized as follows: (1) existing studies reveal that AACs at Earth's surface is at the same order of magnitudes as its natural cycles; (2) arsenic mostly enters modern anthroposphere as a companion element of nonferrous metal ores or fossil fuels, and currently there is abundant arsenic reserves relative to the limited intentional use of arsenic; (3) China owns the majority of arsenic reserves and is the biggest producer of arsenic for the present day, while U.S. was the biggest user of arsenic in the whole 20th century; (4) there were several waves of rise and fall of intentional arsenic use in the 20th century of U.S., with the rises driven by various applications of arsenic in agriculture and industry (such as glass making in the 1900s, agricultural applications in the 1920s, and wood preservatives in the 1970s), and the falls mainly resulting from the regulations in response to its toxicity; (5) the majority of intentional arsenic uses are in the form of chemical compounds rather than single substance, and almost all intentional uses of arsenic not only are unrecyclable but also result in emissions that may last years or decades after being used.

Purpose: To report a case of combined laparoscopic and carbon dioxide partial cystectomy and foreign body removal and to review the existing literature on the topic. Materials and Methods: A 43-year-old Asian woman was found to have an intrauterine device embedded in the bladder wall during evaluation for chronic pelvic pain and urinary tract infection. She underwent cystoscopic-laparoscopic partial cystectomy, with an uncomplicated postoperative course. She had normal renal function during the follow-up period. This case demonstrates the possibility and safety of performing cystoscopic-laparoscopic partial cystectomy for the removal of a partially implanted intravesical foreign body. Results: The patient recovered without incident and was discharged 7 days after surgery. No abnormalities were noted in the urine output or renal function in the postoperative follow-up period. No complications due to retrograde flow of carbon dioxide up the ureters or air embolism were noted during the procedure or postoperatively. Conclusions: The combination of laparoscopy and air cystoscopy has been shown to be an optimal method for retracting foreign bodies embedded in the bladder wall. Also, air cystoscopy can be used to give doctors a better view in cases in which vision is compromised under water-contrast cystoscopy.

A new form of roof—”secondary roof structure” form, according to the characteristics of significant differences existing between the measured roof pressure and the roof pressure calculated by “support-surrounding rock” formulas, exists in working face that was mined under the upper gob at short range in Shendong mining area. The reasons why additional static load of secondary roof came into being were gained through the analysis of main roof weight distribution coefficient. It is that main roof can not transfer all the static load to the front coal wall and the rear caved gangue, and partial weight of the gangue of upper gob served as the additional static load attaching to the roof of working face. The roof parameters of five working faces mining under the upper gob were counted based on the field measurement and theoretical analysis. What is more, here, the relationship between the M/L value and the roof form was analyzed. Also the roof pressure of 21305 working face of 1−2 coal seam was calculated based on the secondary roof structure model, and the additional static load coefficient (T) was used as measurement of the additional static load of secondary roof. Finally, the directions which can be made a breakthrough in theoretical research of secondary roof were introduced.

To explore the mechanism and efficacy of the modified bladder neck intussusception in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LSRP) on postoperative early continence. We prospectively collected clinical information of prostate cancer patients who underwent LSRP with modified bladder neck intussusception (n = 10) and non-intussusception (n = 10). At postoperative 1 month, the prostate-specific antigen (PSA), pad test, real-time magnetic resonance imaging (rt-MRI), and flow rate were performed. At postoperative 3 months, the PSA, pad test, international prostate symptom score (IPSS), overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS), incontinence questionnaire short form (ICI-Q-SF), and quality of life (Qol) were recorded. The intussusception and non-intussusception patients had similar baseline characteristics. At postoperative 3 months, intussusception patients had lower OABSS than non-intussusception patients (P = 0.038). The non-intussusception patients suffered from more severe incontinence (P = 0.026). The continence rate of intussusception patients was significantly higher (90% vs. 20%, P = 0.005). And intussusception patients had significantly lower Qol scores (P = 0.038). According to the morphologic analysis by rt-MRI, there were 7/10 non-intussusception patients and 2/10 intussusception patients having funnel-shaped bladder necks at Valsalva movement. The intussusception patients had larger angle between anterior and posterior wall at bladder neck (P = 0.029) and longer length of functional posterior urethra (P = 0.029). During micturition, the intussusception bladder neck was found to move less dynamically on X-axis and Y-axis, but the difference did not reach significance. The modified technique of bladder neck intussusception in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy prolongs the length of functional posterior urethra and is effective to improve postoperative early continence.

// Yuke Chen 1,2,* , Wei Yu 1,2,* , Yu Fan 1,2 , Liqun Zhou 1,2 , Yang Yang 1 , Huihui Wang 3 , Yuan Jiang 3 , Xiaoying Wang 3 , Shiliang Wu 1,2 and Jie Jin 1,2 1 Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Xicheng, Beijing, China 2 Institute of Urology, Peking University, National Urological Cancer Center, Beijing, China 3 Department of Radiology, Peking University First Hospital, Xicheng, Beijing, China * These authors have contributed equally to this work Correspondence to: Shiliang Wu, email: // Jie Jin, email: // Keywords : prostate cancer, radical prostatectomy, extracapsular extension, nomogram, multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging Received : March 28, 2016 Accepted : July 10, 2016 Published : August 23, 2016 Abstract Purpose: To improve the performation of a nomogram for predicting side-specific extracapsular extension (SS-ECE). Results: One hundred and ninety-six patients (55.5%) had ECE on final pathology. Bilateral and unilateral ECE rate was 13.9% (49/353) and 41.6% (147/353), respectively. The mean age was 65.9 years and the mean serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) was 15.0 ng/ml. Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, clinical stage (cStage), PSA, Gleason sum, percentage of positive cores, and ECE risk score were significant predictors of ECE. The current nomogram had higher predictive accuracy (0.851) and superior calibration. According to the decision curve analysis (DCA) results, the updated nomogram demonstrated a high net benefit across a wide range of threshold probabilities. Materials and Methods: We studied 353 patients with cStage T1c-T3 prostate cancer underwent radical prostatectomy. The candidate predictors associated with ECE were cStage, PSA, Gleason sum, percentage of positive cores, maximum cancer percentage and ECE risk score from multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MP-MRI). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed and an updated nomogram was constructed. The DCA was performed to test the predictive ability of the nomogram. In addition, the validation and calibration of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering cancer center (MSKCC) nomograms were performed in the current subjects. Conclusions: Predictors, including cStage, PSA, Gleason sum, percentage of positive cores, maximum cancer percentage, and ECE risk score, were combined to construct a SS-ECE prediction nomogram. And the current nomogram might help urologists in decision-making process of preserving or resecting neurovascular bundles preoperatively.

Bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) are traditionally thought to be expressed exclusively on the taste buds of the tongue. However, accumulating evidence has indicated that this receptor family performs non-gustatory functions outside the mouth in addition to taste. Here, we examined the role of TAS2Rs in human and mouse detrusor smooth muscle (DSM). We showed that mRNA for various TAS2R subtypes was expressed in both human and mouse detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) at distinct levels. Chloroquine (CLQ), an agonist for TAS2Rs, concentration-dependently relaxed carbachol- and KCl-induced contractions of human DSM strips. Moreover, 100 μM of CLQ significantly inhibited spontaneous and electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced contractions of human DSM strips. After a slight contraction, CLQ (1 mM) entirely relaxed carbachol-induced contraction of mouse DSM strips. Furthermore, denatonium and quinine concentration-dependently decreased carbachol-induced contractions of mouse DSM strips. Finally, we demonstrated that CLQ treatment significantly suppressed the overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms of mice with partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO). In conclusion, we for the first time provide evidence of the existence of TAS2Rs in the urinary DSM and demonstrate that TAS2Rs may represent a potential target for OAB. These findings open a new approach to develop drugs for OAB in the future.

To maximize coalbed methane recovery, the reservoir is often stimulated because of its low permeability. An exploratory study on improving coal porosity and permeability by microwave treatment was proposed. Pore size distribution of four unconstrained coals (lignite, subbituminous, bituminous, and anthracite), before and after microwave treatment, were evaluated using the nuclear magnetic resonance. With continuous exposure to microwaves, the pore size distribution of coals (especially the lignite coal) extends, and the pore volume and connectivity increase. In addition, coal porosity and permeability evaluated based on the Schlumberger Doll Research model increase by 33–72% and 73–181%, respectively. The mechanism was revealed by combining P-wave tests, thermal imaging and X-ray computed tomography scanner. The moisture and minerals bounded in pores are selectively heated and then detached, and, as a result, the pore structure is opened. Continued exposure to microwaves rapidly converts the mobilized moisture into super-heated steam. Under the steam pressure, pores and fractures generally expand. Borrowing from microwave-assist oil recovery, we presented a conceptual design of a CBM extraction borehole with microwave irradiation.

Coal spontaneous combustion (CSC) is a major concern in the exploitation and utilisation processes of coal. Various technologies for inhibiting CSC have been developed, promoting industrial safety. With consideration of the complexity of the processes involved, efficient fire prevention and control techniques should be developed. Commonly used retardants for CSC prevention were reviewed. Based upon the necessary conditions required for CSC and coal − oxygen reaction mechanism, various materials used in CSC inhibition are analysed in detail and classified into physical-based, chemical-based, as well as composite retardants. The novel composite retardants combine both physical and chemical-based mechanisms in controlling CSC. The advantages and disadvantages of each CSC retardant are discussed and inter-compared. This review can promote research in the most needed areas to develop more efficient and affordable materials for CSC prevention.

Purpose To present the experience of repairing iatrogenic vesicovaginal fistulas (VVFs) using a rotational bladder flap and peritoneal interposition technique. Methods Between January 2009 and June 2014, a total of 18 patients (mean age, 44.0 years; age range, 29–51 years) with VVFs were treated using a transperitoneal approach. All VVFs were complications of gynecologic procedures. Twelve patients experienced recurrent VVFs and one patient had a concomitant rectovaginal fistula after radiotherapy. The fistula was approached transabdominally. The peritoneum covering the bladder was isolated to expose the bladder and prepare for the interposition. The bladder was opened along the sagittal plane to the fistula and a bladder flap was rotated downward to fill the fistula defect. The vaginal defect was closed, then a flap using the isolated peritoneum was interposed and fixed between the vagina and bladder. A ureteral re-implantation was performed in one patient. All VVF procedures were performed by one urologist (SW). Repair of the rectovaginal fistula was performed by a general surgeon at the same time. Results Seventeen patients (success rate = 94% [100% for primary cases and 92% for recurrent cases]) had no evidence of recurrent VVF at a mean follow-up of 20 months (range, 6–36 months). The only patient who had previously undergone a repair procedure failed. Conclusions A transperitoneal approach with the use of a rotational bladder flap and peritoneal interposition might be a feasible and reliable procedure for surgical management of iatrogenic VVFs, especially in complicated cases. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

We aim to develop a nomogram to predict re-operation due to secondary hemorrhage after Monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (M-TURP). We identified patients undergoing M-TURP at Peking University First Hospital from 2000 to 2013. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were developed to predict the occurrence re-operation due to secondary hemorrhage. The discriminatory ability of the nomogram was tested using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), and internal validation was performed via bootstrap resampling. Of the 1901 patients who underwent M-TURP during the study period, 9.1% (173 patients) experienced hemorrhage after M-TURP, and they had a 22.0% re-operation rate (38 patients). Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)-related complications (odds ratio, 0.386; 95% CI, 0.177-0.841), percent of resected prostate (OR, 0.156; 95% CI, 0.023-1.060) and suprapubic cystostomy (OR, 0.298; 95% CI, 0.101-0.881) were independently associated with re-operation. The nomogram accurately predicted re-operation (area under the ROC curve 0.718). The negative predictive value was 88.0%, while the positive predictive value was 47.9%. Re-operation due to secondary hemorrhage after M-TURP was associated with no BPH-related complications, lower percent of resected prostate and no suprapubic cystostomy and was accurately predicted with using the nomogram.

We aim to investigate the correlation of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO)-related complications with clinical outcomes in patients after transurethral resection of the prostate in China. We reviewed the medical history of all patients who underwent surgery from 1992 to 2013. We assessed the preoperative clinical profile, clinical management, and operative complications. Overall, 2271 patients were enrolled in the study. Of these patients, 1193 (52.5%) had no BPO-related complications and 1078 (46.3%) had BPO-related complications. Compared with patients without BPO-related complications, those with BPO-related complications were older (p = 0.001) and usually had other urologic comorbidities (p = 0.003). Additionally, they tended to have more tissue resected (p 0.05). Among patients with BPO-related complications, compared with the bladder stone group, only the bladder stone+ group tended to have a greater urinary infection risk after transurethral resection of the prostate. Compared with patients with one or two BPO-related complications, those with three BPO-related complications tended to have a higher risk of pulmonary embolism and acute coronary syndrome (p

Aims To explore urodynamic characteristics and their clinical value in pelvic lipomatosis (PL) patients. Methods We reviewed the clinical information of 84 PL patients. A voiding pressure-flow study was used to classify patients into nonoutlet obstruction (NOO), latter-half-section obstruction (LHSO), or whole-section bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) groups. Urinary morphologic features were measured by imaging examination and cystoscopy. Results A unique LHSO that presented as sudden increasing detrusor pressure (Pdet) and decreasing flow rate in the latter half of voiding was observed for 52.4% (44 of 84) patients. Overall, 27.4% (23 of 84 patients) were diagnosed with BOO with whole-section increasing Pdet and decreasing flow rate. According to the morphologic feature analyses, the NOO patients had the largest angle of anteroposterior vesical walls (P

In this paper, we consider the spatial dynamics for a non-cooperative diffusion system arising from epidermal wound healing. We shall establish the spreading speed and existence of traveling waves and characterize the spreading speed as the slowest speed of a family of non-constant traveling wave solutions. We also construct some new types of entire solutions which are different from the traveling wave solutions and spatial variable independent solutions. The traveling wave solutions provide the healing speed and describe how wound healing process spreads from one side of the wound. The entire solution exhibits the interaction of several waves originated from different locations of the wound. To the best of knowledge of the authors, it is the first time that it is shown that there is an entire solution in the model for epidermal wound healing.

Triptolide is a bioactive natural products isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Clinical studies reveal that triptolide can be used in autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease and systemic lupus erythematosus. Recently, some studies revealed that triptolide has anti-tumor effects, which attracts more and more attention. This experiment aimed to explore the relationship between anti-tumor effects of triptolide and N-type polylactosamine. With increasing the concentration of triptolide, the viability of MCF-7 and HepG2 cells was reduced significantly and the polylactosamine expression on these cells declined as well. In addition, the expression of β1, 3-N-acetylglucosamine transferase (β3GnT8) participated in catalyzing the synthesis of N-type polylactosamine was also decreased and the expression of genes and proteins of downstream signaling was altered consequently. Finally, triptolide weakened the cancer cells invasion and migration. All of these indicate that triptolide can impair MCF-7 and HepG2 cells invasion and migration through downregulating the expression of polylactosamine chains. These studies establish that triptolide is a potential novel therapy in breast cancer and hepatic carcinoma

To re-assess the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification System (ASA grade) as predictive factors of complications after transurethral resection of prostate.This study retrospectively included and analyzed consecutive patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate at Peking University First Hospital between 1992 and 2013. A multivariate analysis was conducted to evaluate the connection of the ASA and CCI grades with the incidence of complications.This paper studied 2326 cases in total. The CCI and ASA grades were significantly correlated, with a Spearman ρ of 0.245 (P .001). No considerable differences among the patient cohorts with different CCI or ASA grades were observed in terms of day of catheter removal, surgical time, and prostate size. In addition, no considerable differences were observed in the different modified Clavien classification system scores of complications among patient cohorts with different grades of CCI.The majority of complications (86.9%) were of grades I, II, and III, whereas grade IV was less frequent (12.1%), and, after transurethral resection of the prostate, grade V was rare (1%). Males with an ASA grade ≥3 and higher CCI scores were more likely to demonstrate a higher incidence of morbidity than males with a lower grade. However, ASA grades and CCI scores were not independent predictors of complications because of the experience of the surgeon and progress in perioperative management and operative techniques. Therefore, for patients with more comorbidities and higher CCI scores or ASA grades, active surgical intervention is still suggested.

Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of the 30 mg extended release (ER) formulation of propiverine hydrochloride with the 4 mg ER formulation of tolterodine tartrate in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) in a non-inferiority trial. Patients and methods Eligible patients, aged 18-75 years and with symptoms of OAB, were enrolled in this multicentre, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, active-controlled study. After a 2-week screening period, patients were randomized at a 1:1 ratio to receive either propiverine ER 30 mg or tolterodine ER 4 mg daily during the 8-week treatment period. Efficacy was assessed using a 3-day voiding diary and patient's self-reported assessment of treatment effect. Safety assessment included recording of adverse events, laboratory test results, measurement of post-void residual urine and electrocardiograms. Results A total of 324 patients (244 female and 80 male) were included in the study. Both active treatments improved the variables included in the voiding diary and in the patient's self-reported assessment. The change from baseline in the number of voidings per 24 h was significantly greater in the propiverine ER 30 mg group compared with the tolterodine ER 4 mg group after 8 weeks of treatment (full analysis set [FAS] -4.6 ± 4.1 vs -3.8 ± 5.1; P = 0.005). Significant improvements were also observed for the change of urgency incontinence episodes after 2 weeks (P = 0.026) and 8 weeks (P = 0.028) of treatment when comparing propiverine ER 30 mg with tolterodine ER 4 mg. Both treatments were well tolerated, with a similar frequency of adverse drug reactions in both the propiverine ER 30 mg and tolterodine ER 4 mg groups (FAS 40.7 vs 39.5%; P = 0.8). More patients treated with tolterodine ER 4 mg discontinued the treatment because of adverse drug reactions compared with propiverine ER 30 mg (7.4 vs 3.1%). Conclusions Propiverine ER 30 mg was confirmed to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for patients with OAB symptoms. This first head-to-head study showed non-inferiority of propiverine ER 30 mg compared with tolterodine ER 4 mg.

In spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) measurement, accuracy of optic axis orientation is very important requirement. To reduce the error arising from the uncertainty in optic axis orientation, we applied multiple angles SE measurement performed on 6H-SiC with the optical axis perpendicular to the sample (0 0 0 1) surface in the 300–800 nm wavelength range at room temperature. The refractive indices and extinction coefficients for ordinary and extraordinary were both fitted by Cauchy dispersion model. The obtained results were of great agreement with literatures.

Future Telecommunication Network (TN) will be a syncretic network mainly focuses on processing multimedia information in cloud computing environment. This paper will study a cloud-based network congestion prototype using the theory and methods of Complex Network. We will discover the Power-law phenomena in the present Telecommunication Network and Internet congestion, which show robust to unexpected attack but very fragile to intentional attack. The innumerous future user and various businesses require the Telecommunication Network to provide high quality of business. The study of Complex Network indicates that real network have scale-free property and small-world property. We will design an adaptive Telecommunication Network congestion-monitoring prototype model based on Power-law to ensure the secure serves and QoS of Telecommunication Network.

Objectives This study assessed the effect of diet habits on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and sexual function in Chinese men with LUTS/benign prostatic hypertrophy (LUTS/BPH). Setting Multicentre study conducted between July 2013 and December 2013 in 11 hospitals in 3 geographic regions in China. Participants Overall, participants with LUTS/BPH accounted for 61.4% (2584/4208) of the respondents, whose data were processed in the following statistical analysis. Primary and secondary outcome measures LUTS and sexual function were assessed based on the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5) score. Prostate volume (PV) was determined by ultrasound. Results A total of 4208 participants met the inclusion criteria. The average age of the whole participants was 65.8±7.7 years. Overall, participants with LUTS/BPH accounted for 61.4% (2584/4208) of the respondents, whose data were processed in the following statistical analysis. Generally, prostate enlargement was greatest in south China. LUTS and male sexual dysfunction (MSD) were most severe in northwest China. Based on multivariable analysis, PV enlarged as the age (p

To determine the detailed association between overactive bladder (OAB) and peri-menopause syndrome (PMpS) in Chinese female physicians of peri-menopausal age. Data for this study were collected by administering questionnaires eliciting general information (peri-menopausal symptoms and OAB status) to middle-aged female physicians, from the directly affiliated three hospitals of Peking University in China. We used the overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) to verify the symptoms of OAB and the modified Kupperman menopausal index (KMI) to assess PMpS. Three hundred fifty-one questionnaires were finally evaluated. The average age was 47.1 ± 5.4 years. Overall, 7.4 % of respondents had OAB and 22.6 % had PMpS. There was a significant positive correlation between the severity of OAB and prevalence of OAB and PMpS. The prevalence of OAB in women with PMpS (KMI > 15) was significantly increased (18.99 vs. 4.44 %; P = 0.000). The average OABSS in women with PMpS was 2.67 ± 2.15, compared with 1.46 ± 1.50 in women without PMpS. The average KMI score in women with OAB was 16.04 ± 10.1, compared with 9.50 ± 8.13 in women without OAB (P = 0.000). Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that only BMI and PMpS were independent risk factors for OAB. In China, female physicians with menopausal symptoms tend to have a higher prevalence of OAB and more severe symptoms of OAB.

There is the lack of immersion in the equipped with virtual maintenance training system based on the virtual reality technology, which leads to the learners can't understand and grasp the learning content accurately and comprehensively, influencing the effect of teaching and training. In this paper, from the visual immersion, hearing immersion, touch immersion, direction immersion, expression immersion, language immersion six aspects to discuss how to improve the immersion of virtual maintenance training system.

Single crystal of Sr 3 NbGa 3 Si 2 O 14 was successfully grown using the conventional Czochralski technique. UV–VIS–NIR spectrometry and spectroscopic ellipsometry have been used to study the optical properties of SNGS crystal. From the transmission spectrum, the cut-off wavelength is determined to be 284 nm. Refractive indices of SNGS crystal were accurately determined in the wavelength region between 350 nm and 800 nm, based on the analysis of the transmission spectrum and SE measurements at multiple angles of incidence. The effects of varied values of k on n o and n e were also discussed. Furthermore, the phase matching angle of SNGS crystal is 39.00°.

As an emerging business model, software-as-a-service (SaaS) has proliferated over the past decade and there are signs to suggest that this growth is likely to continue or even accelerate in the near future. By hosting single-versioned software coupled with supplementary delivery and maintenance services, SaaS vendors can effectively differentiate their product offerings from that of traditional on-premise software (TOPS). This paper highlights discrepancies in licensing practices between SaaS and TOPS before developing a three-level pricing framework that presents a complete inventory of licensing options for the former. Next, our proposed framework is validated based on content analysis of licensing strategies adopted by 353 SaaS vendors. In doing so, we identify trends that permeate licensing strategies in the SaaS market. As such, our proposed framework not only offers a comprehensive overview of pricing options that are accessible to SaaS vendors, but it also aids SaaS vendors in constructing lucrative software licenses by bringing forth pricing options which may have been neglected otherwise.

In order to cope with the high complexity during the process of development, implementation and evolution of sophisticated enterprise information systems, reusing business models systematically is regarded as a feasible way in this paper. Since the key to reusing business models is to acquire them first, we studied the acquisition of reusable business models. By borrowing the ideas of multiple perspectives, typically including generation of views, instantiation of building blocks and derivation of models within extant enterprise modeling frameworks, this paper proposed a framework for acquiring reusable business models, which consisted of three dimensions, i.e., business views, instantiations, and reuse lifecycle. Further, this paper presented a roadmap for acquiring reusable business models based on the proposed framework.

A simple method for determining phase retardation and fast axis of a wave plate by using two-intensity measuring method is presented. In order to eliminate the influence of light source, double optical path method is adopted. In the first optical path, the wave plate is sandwiched between a polarizer and an analyzer, and the wave plate can be placed at any initial fast axis direction. A detector behind the analyzer is used to measure the output light intensity. In the second optical path, another detector is used to monitor the light intensity fluctuation. With rotation of the wave plate, the two-point intensity, maximum and minimum output light intensity, and the rotation angle at the first extreme point are measured in the first optical path. At the same time, in the second optical path the corresponding light intensity are detected. Base on the two-intensity and the rotation angle in the first optical path and the light intensity in the second optical path, the phase retardation and fast axis of the wave plate can be determined simultaneously. The advantage of this method is its simplicity of implementation, low cost, better accuracy and easier operation. We believe that the method reported in this paper should be a useful approach for measurement of a wave plate without the need to use complex and expensive apparatus.

Objectives To study whether the individual radiological findings can help predict diagnosis of pelvic lipomatosis (PL) or, specifically appreciate its progression. Methods Data from 32 clinically proven cases of PL and 25 controls were collected. Two reviewers were recruited for a blinded evaluation, image features were recorded in terms of: (1) bladder shape; (2) bladder-rectosigmoid morphological indexes including ratio of superior–inferior to anterior–posterior length of bladder (SI/AP), angle between anterior and posterior wall (AAP), relative length of posterior urethra (rLPU), angle between bladder and seminal vesicle (ABS) and rectosigmoid morphological index (RMI); (3) secondary complications. Results were evaluated by an unpaired t test and ROC analysis. Results The sensitivity and specificity were 40.6% and 100% for pear and banana-shaped bladder, 62.5% and 100% for SI/AP, 40.6% and 100% for AAP, 62.5% and 100% for ABS, 78.1% and 72% for rLPU, 59.4% and 96% for RMI, respectively. These radiological findings partially correlated with the severity of disease weighted by hydronephrosis and treatment grade. Image analysis demonstrated high prevalence of glandular cystitis (100%) and hydronephrosis (73.4%). Conclusion We conclude that PL is a progressive disease involving multiple pelvic organs with high prevalence of intractable cystitis and hydronephrosis. The imaging characteristics can help predict diagnosis and, specifically appreciate progression.

Fabricate the neodymium-doped lithium borate glass. In this paper, the transmission spectrum and the reflection spectrum of the borate glass doped with Nd 3+ are measured, using TU-1901 UV-Vis Spectrophotometer. There are four absorption peaks (525nm, 580nm, 745nm and 805nm ) between 200nm~850nm and the absorption cross sections of the peaks are 1.45 × 10 -20 cm 2 , 1.98 × 10 -20 cm 2 , 1.92 × 10 -20 cm 2 , 1.94 × 10 -20 cm 2 . The peaks are similar to the peaks of Nd: YAG in the visible range. The results show that the absorption peaks of the sample are intense and wide. By analyzing the absorption curve, it is found that the transition below the absorption edge corresponds to indirect transition. Furthermore, the band gap E g for indirect transition is 3.14eV, and the phonon energy E p is 180meV.

SiO 2 films have been widely applied in the production of electronic devices, integrated devices, optical thin film devices, sensors because of their desirable properties, such as good insulation, high light transmittance, strong corrosion resistance, good dielectric properties, etc. Amorphous silicon dioxide was fabricated by plasma enhanced chemical deposition on GaAs substrate. The thickness and refractive index are obtained by optical transmittance of the film, which are measured by ellipsometer. The deposition rate of the film and the refractive index are studied at different time, pressure, and the ratio of SiH 4 /N 2 O. The SiO 2 thin film growth rate remained basically unchanged versus time. The reaction chamber pressure, which make the SiO 2 thin film growth rate getting the peak, should be about 105Pa. But the SiO 2 thin film growth rate and the refractive index are anti-related. The enormous changes of the gas flow rate do not have huge impact to the response rate. However, the refractive index of SiO 2 thin film changed greatly when the SiH 4 flow increased the refractive index of the thin films is highest when the ratio of SiH 4 /N 2 O is 200:20.

SiO 2 films have been widely applied in the production of electronic devices, integrated devices, optical thin film devices, sensors because of their desirable properties, such as good insulation, high light transmittance, strong corrosion resistance, good dielectric properties, etc. Amorphous silicon dioxide was fabricated by plasma enhanced chemical deposition on GaAs substrate. The thickness and refractive index are obtained by optical transmittance of the film, which are measured by ellipsometer. The deposition rate of the film and the refractive index are studied at different time, pressure, and the ratio of SiH 4 /N 2 O. The SiO 2 thin film growth rate remained basically unchanged versus time. The reaction chamber pressure, which make the SiO 2 thin film growth rate getting the peak, should be about 105Pa. But the SiO 2 thin film growth rate and the refractive index are anti-related. The enormous changes of the gas flow rate do not have huge impact to the response rate. However, the refractive index of SiO 2 thin film changed greatly when the SiH 4 flow increased the refractive index of the thin films is highest when the ratio of SiH 4 /N 2 O is 200:20

[1] We use observations from the International Consortium for Atmospheric Research on Transport and Transformation (ICARTT) campaign over eastern North America in summer 2004, interpreted with a global 3-D model of tropospheric chemistry (GEOS-Chem), to improve and update estimates of North American influence on global tropospheric ozone and the effect of recent U.S. anthropogenic reductions on surface ozone pollution. We find that the 50% decrease in U.S. stationary NOx sources since 1999 has decreased mean U.S. boundary layer ozone concentrations by 6–8 ppbv in the southeast and 4–6 ppbv in the Midwest. The observed dO3/dCO molar enhancement ratio in the U.S. boundary layer during ICARTT was 0.46 mol mol−1, larger than the range of 0.3–0.4 from studies in the early 1990s, possibly reflecting the decrease in the NOx/CO emission ratio as well as an increase in the ozone production efficiency per unit NOx. North American NOx emissions during summer 2004 as constrained by the ICARTT observations (0.72 Tg N fossil fuel, 0.11 Tg N biomass burning, 0.28 Tg N lightning for 1 July to 15 August) enhanced the hemispheric tropospheric ozone burden by 12.4%, with comparable contributions from fossil fuel and lightning (5–6%), but only 1% from biomass burning emissions despite 2004 being a record fire year over Alaska and western Canada.

Existing enterprise modeling architectures can not provide effective support on expressing and reusing industrial knowledge. Industrial knowledge reuse oriented enterprise modeling for integrated management information systems (MIS) should be located between general purpose enterprise modeling and concrete enterprise application scheme, and an enterprise modeling framework for integrated MIS which is industrial knowledge reuse oriented is put forward in this paper. In this framework, a new lifecycle dimension was constructed by extending traditional lifecycle dimension and combing the multiple views mechanism of ARIS, knowledge reuse dimension was introduced to support the modeling and reusing industrial knowledge, and the language, methodology and tools dimension was introduced to express the sets of languages, methods and tools used in constructing, validating, maintaining and evolving enterprise models. Finally, the cement production industry was adopted as an example to illustrate how the framework can be employed to guide the reuse of industrial knowledge.

An integrated approach of mining association rules and meta-rules based on a hyper-structure is put forward. In this approach, time serial databases are partitioned according to time segments, and the total number of scanning database is only twice. In the first time, a set of 1-frequent itemsets and its projection database are formed at every partition. Then every projected database is scanned to construct a hyper-structure. Through mining the hyper-structure, various rules, for example, global association rules, meta-rules, stable association rules and trend rules etc. can be obtained. Compared with existing algorithms for mining association rule, our approach can mine and obtain more useful rules. Compared with existing algorithms for meta-mining or change mining, our approach has higher efficiency. The experimental results show that our approach is very promising.