AIM: To determine the role of scintigraphy in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding of unknown Iocalisation. METHODS: We performed retrospective analyses on 92 patients receiving scintigraphies from 1993 to...AIM: To determine the role of scintigraphy in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding of unknown Iocalisation. METHODS: We performed retrospective analyses on 92 patients receiving scintigraphies from 1993 to 2000 in the University of Regensburg hospital, which were done for Iocalisation of GI bleeding as a diagnostic step after an unsuccessful endoscopy. In addition to the scintigraphies, further diagnostic steps such as endoscopy, angiography or operations were performed. In some of the scintigraphies with negative results, a provocation test for bleeding with heparinisation was carried out. RESULTS: 73% of all scintigraphies showed a positive result. In 4.5% of the positive results, the source was located in the stomach, in 37% the source was the small bowel, in 25% the source was the right colon, in 4.5% the source was the left colon, and in 20% no clear Iocalisation was possible. Only 4% of all scintigraphies were false positive. A reliable positive scintigraphy was independent of the age of the examined patient. A provocation test for bleeding with heparin resulted in an additional 46% of positive scintigraphies with a reliable Iocalisation in primary negative scintigraphies. CONCLUSION- Our results show that scintigraphy and scintigraphy with heparin provocation tests are reliable procedures. They enable a reliable Iocalisation in about half of the obscure GI-bleeding cases. Scintigraphy is superior to angiography in locating a bleeding. It is shown that even in the age of video capsule endoscopy and double-balloon enteroscopy, scintigraphy provides a reliable and directed localization of GI bleeding and offers carefully targeted guidance for other procedures.展开更多
In order to improve lesion localisation in small-bowel capsule endoscopy,a modified capsule design has been proposed incorporating localisation and-in theorystabilization capabilities.The proposed design consists of a...In order to improve lesion localisation in small-bowel capsule endoscopy,a modified capsule design has been proposed incorporating localisation and-in theorystabilization capabilities.The proposed design consists of a capsule fitted with protruding wheels attached to a spring-mechanism.This would act as a miniature odometer,leading to more accurate lesion localization information in relation to the onset of the investigation(spring expansion e.g.,pyloric opening).Furthermore,this capsule could allow stabilization of the recorded video as any erratic,non-forward movement through the gut is minimised.Three-dimensional(3-D)printing technology was used to build a capsule prototype.Thereafter,miniature wheels were also 3-D printed and mounted on a spring which was attached to conventional capsule endoscopes for the purpose of this proof-of-concept experiment.In vitro and ex vivo experiments with porcine small-bowel are presented herein.Further experiments have been scheduled.展开更多
To understand the deformational behaviours of geosynthetics-reinforced soil retaining walls(GRS RWs),a series of plane-strain shaking table tests was conducted on retaining wall models.The backfill of the models was m...To understand the deformational behaviours of geosynthetics-reinforced soil retaining walls(GRS RWs),a series of plane-strain shaking table tests was conducted on retaining wall models.The backfill of the models was made of poorly graded gravel.Deformations and strains in the gravelly backfill induced by seismic loading are recorded in real time,which are of importance to understand the seismic strength and stability of the GRS RW systems,as strain localisation development in the backfill and foundation is related to the degree of strength degradation of the system.In the present study,we aimed at quantifying the induced deformations of the GRS RW models due to shaking.Digital image correlation(DIC)technique was then employed to analyse and provide full-field deformation and motion images with the models.It is demonstrated that,unlike conventional contact devices that are yet limited to provide quantities of a singular and fixed location,DIC provides deformation and motion of the area of interests to reveal the evolution of localisation.展开更多
We study via numerical experiments the localisation property of an acoustic wave in a viscoelastic soft medium containing randomly-distributed air bubbles. The behaviours of the oscillation phases of bubbles are parti...We study via numerical experiments the localisation property of an acoustic wave in a viscoelastic soft medium containing randomly-distributed air bubbles. The behaviours of the oscillation phases of bubbles are particularly investigated in various cases for distinguishing efficiently the acoustic localisation from the effects of acoustic absorption caused by the viscosity of medium. The numerical results reveal the phenomenon of 'phase transition' characterized by an unusual collective oscillation of bubbles, which is an effective criterion to unambiguously identify the acoustic localisation in the presence of viscosity. Within the localisation region, the phenomenon of phase transition persists, and a remarkable decrease in the fluctuation of the oscillation phases of bubbles is observed. The localisation phenomenon will be impaired by the enhancement of the viscosity factors, and the extent to which the acoustic wave is localised may be determined by appropriately analyzing the values of the oscillation phases or the amount of reduction of the phase fluctuation. The results are particularly significant for the practical experiments in an attempt to observe the acoustic localisation in such a medium, which is in general subjected to the interference of the great ambiguity resulting from the effect of acoustic absorption.展开更多
A novel radar-based system for longwall coal mine machine localisation is described. The system, based on a radar-ranging sensor and designed to localise mining equipment with respect to the mine tunnel gate road infr...A novel radar-based system for longwall coal mine machine localisation is described. The system, based on a radar-ranging sensor and designed to localise mining equipment with respect to the mine tunnel gate road infrastructure, is developed and trialled in an underground coal mine. The challenges of reliable sensing in the mine environment are considered, and the use of a radar sensor for localisation is justified. The difficulties of achieving reliable positioning using only the radar sensor are examined. Several probabilistic data processing techniques are explored in order to estimate two key localisation parameters from a single radar signal, namely along-track position and across-track position, with respect to the gate road structures. For the case of across-track position, a conventional Kalman filter approach is sufficient to achieve a reliable estimate. However for along-track position estimation, specific infrastructure elements on the gate road rib-wall must be identified by a tracking algorithm. Due to complexities associated with this data processing problem, a novel visual analytics approach was explored in a 3D interactive display to facilitate identification of significant features for use in a classifier algorithm. Based on the classifier output, identified elements are used as location waypoints to provide a robust and accurate mining equipment localisation estimate.展开更多
The paper presents a computational model for elastic waves in a structured weld adjacent to the free surface of an elastic solid. The main emphasis is on the interaction of waves with the micro-structure of the weld. ...The paper presents a computational model for elastic waves in a structured weld adjacent to the free surface of an elastic solid. The main emphasis is on the interaction of waves with the micro-structure of the weld. Effects of localisation and channeling of waves are addressed. A model of a grain structure within the weld is also considered.展开更多
The Dictyostelium discoideum AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) snfA subcellular localization was studied in AX2 and stable HPF strains by use of AMPK antipeptide antibody and goat anti-rabbit Alexa-Flour 488-conjuga...The Dictyostelium discoideum AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) snfA subcellular localization was studied in AX2 and stable HPF strains by use of AMPK antipeptide antibody and goat anti-rabbit Alexa-Flour 488-conjugated IgG antibody. The AMPK exhibited cytosolic localization patterns and uniform focalised concentrations in wild type and the strains alike. Constitutive activation and attenuation of the α subunit expression did not affect subcellular distribution of AMPK. However, snfA expression was more intense in strains in which AMPK was constitutively active compared with the AX2 but lesser in attenuation strains. The localisation of the snfA reinforced the putative standing that it had a plethora of cytoplasmic functions. Moreover, the oxidative cellular function would require a ubiquitous system and might coordinately regulate responses to metabolic requirements. Furthermore, the developmental phases of the life cycle would support the cytosolic localization;and since organelles were potentially reorganized or removed entirely during the transition from vegetative living to fruiting body morphology. This study provided insight into the subcellular distribution of AMPK in Dictyostelium discoideum. We demonstrated that AMPK localization was steady in AX2 and derived strains whether constitutively active or anti-sense inhibited depicting extreme genetic states.展开更多
A novel algorithm for localising a robot in a known two-dimensional environment is presented in this paper. An occupancy grid representing the environment is first converted to a distance function that encodes the dis...A novel algorithm for localising a robot in a known two-dimensional environment is presented in this paper. An occupancy grid representing the environment is first converted to a distance function that encodes the distance to the nearest obstacle from any given location. A Chamfer distance based sensor model to associate observations from a laser ranger finder to the map of the environment without the need for ray tracing, data association, or feature extraction is presented. It is shown that the robot can be localised by solving a non-linear optimisation problem formulated to minimise the Chamfer distance with respect to the robot location. The proposed algorithm is able to perform well even when robot odometry is unavailable and requires only a single tuning parameter to operate even in highly dynamic environments. As such, it is superior than the state-of-the-art particle filter based solutions for robot localisation in occupancy grids, provided that an approximate initial location of the robot is available. Experimental results based on simulated and public domain datasets as well as data collected by the authors are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.展开更多
In this paper,for the first time,an experimental proof of concept for utilising time reversal(TR)in the acoustic regime to localise partial discharge(PD)sources was presented using a single sensor.To achieve this,an e...In this paper,for the first time,an experimental proof of concept for utilising time reversal(TR)in the acoustic regime to localise partial discharge(PD)sources was presented using a single sensor.To achieve this,an experimental setup comprising a water tank,acoustic transducers for signal transmission and reception,and 2D scanners was developed.The performance of the proposed method was evaluated across various scenarios,encompassing different PD source locations and sensor placements,barriers obstructing the line of sight between the receiving sensor and PD sources,varying levels of noise,and different frequency bandwidths for the PD sources.The experimental results demonstrate a near-zero localisation error in all considered examples.The achieved resolution was approximately half of the minimum wavelength.Furthermore,the acoustic TR method exhibits remarkable precision in source localisation,even when faced with obstacles such as a multi-layered metallic cylinder and in scenarios lacking a direct line of sight between the sensor and the source.The accuracy of acoustic TR's localisation remained robust in the presence of noise,showcasing resilience at signal-to-noise ratio levels as low as−20 dB.Additionally,the performance of the acoustic TR method remained consistent across a broad frequency spectrum,spanning from 60 to 200 kHz.展开更多
Shanghai’s modern architectural heritage in the 19th and early 20th centuries is an essential aspect of modern Chinese architectural history because of its outstanding characteristics and well-preserved conditi...Shanghai’s modern architectural heritage in the 19th and early 20th centuries is an essential aspect of modern Chinese architectural history because of its outstanding characteristics and well-preserved conditions.Modern Shanghai architecture was transformed by the importation of Western structural technologies and materials in addition to their forms and institutions.After 100 years of development since 1843,there were over 100 important buildings in the Bund area by 1943.These buildings were built in different periods using the best available structural technologies.This study focuses on the technological dimension of modern Shanghai architecture.Based on an architectural survey and a literature investigation of the Bund buildings,this study explores the evolution of modern structural technologies in Shanghai by analysing the Bund buildings’key structural factors.The influences of the localisation and implementation of Western architecture’s building technologies in Shanghai were also analysed,including time of importation,characteristics and integration of local craftsmanship and materials.This study focuses on the method and analyses of architectural technology history from not only technological and historical perspectives,but also a social sciences perspective.展开更多
Sections of three seagrass species(Halophila ovalis,Cymodocea serrulata and Halodule pinifolia)were assessed for endophytes based on differential staining using light and fluorescence microscopy method.Acridine orange...Sections of three seagrass species(Halophila ovalis,Cymodocea serrulata and Halodule pinifolia)were assessed for endophytes based on differential staining using light and fluorescence microscopy method.Acridine orange and aniline blue detected endophytic fungi in 20%and 10%of the segments,respectively,whereas lactophenol cotton blue was more sensitive to detect the fungal hyphae in 70%of the segments.Hyphae were the principal fungal structures generally observed under the cuticle,within the epidermal cells,mesophyll(Parenchyma)cells and occasionally within the vascular tissue that varied in type,size and location within the leaf tissue.Present study also recorded the sporulation for the first time from the seagrass endophytes.Successfully amplified products of the ITS region of endophytic fungal DNA,directly from seagrass tissue and also from culture-dependent fungal DNA clearly depicted the presence of endophytic fungi in H.ovalis with two banding patterns(903 and 1381 bp)confirming the presence of two dominant fungal genera.The fingerprinting of endophytic fungal community within the seagrass tissue was assessed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis(DGGE)that derived with multiple bands that clarified the presence of more than one taxon within the seagrass tissue.展开更多
Impact ground pressure events occur frequently in coal mining processes,significantly affecting the personal safety of construction workers.Real-time microseismic monitoring of coal rock body rupture information can p...Impact ground pressure events occur frequently in coal mining processes,significantly affecting the personal safety of construction workers.Real-time microseismic monitoring of coal rock body rupture information can provide early warnings,and the seismic source location method is an essential indicator for evaluating a microseismic monitoring system.This paper proposes a nonlinear hybrid optimal particle swarm optimisation(PSO)microseismic positioning method based on this technique.The method first improves the PSO algorithm by using the global search performance of this method to quickly find a feasible solution and provide a better initial solution for the subsequent solution of the nonlinear optimal microseismic positioning method.This approach effectively prevents the problem of the microseismic positioning method falling into a local optimum because of an over-reliance on the initial value.In addition,the nonlinear optimal microseismic positioning method further narrows the localisation error based on the PSO algorithm.A simulation test demonstrates that the new method has a good positioning effect,and engineering application examples also show that the proposed method has high accuracy and strong positioning stability.The new method is better than the separate positioning method,both overall and in three directions,making it more suitable for solving the microseismic positioning problem.展开更多
BACKGROUND Neoadjuvant/perioperative chemotherapy is the recommended treatment for advanced stages of gastric cancer(>T2,N+)before tumour resection in many European guidelines.However,there is no consensus as to wh...BACKGROUND Neoadjuvant/perioperative chemotherapy is the recommended treatment for advanced stages of gastric cancer(>T2,N+)before tumour resection in many European guidelines.However,there is no consensus as to whether perioperative chemotherapy is as effective in distal as in proximal tumours,in addition to a relevant uncertainty concerning appropriate treatment modalities for elderly patients.AIM To investigate the role of perioperative chemotherapy in advanced gastric cancer in patients from a German tertiary clinic with respect to efficacy,localisation,and age.METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of 158 patients from our clinic with adenocarcinoma of the stomach or the gastroesophageal junction who underwent resection between 2008 and 2016.The data were evaluated particularly in relation to patient age,tumour site,and perioperative therapy.RESULTS Administration of perioperative chemotherapy did not lead to a significant survival advantage in our study population.The 5-year survival rates were 40%for patients who received perioperative chemotherapy and 29%for the group without perioperative chemotherapy(P=0.125).Our patients were on average distinctly older than patients in most of the published randomised controlled trials.Patients elder than 75 years received perioperative chemotherapy far less frequently.Patients with a proximal tumour received perioperative chemotherapy much more often.CONCLUSION This analysis reconfirms our previous data concerning the effectiveness of perioperative chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer.There is reasonable doubt that the quality of the existing randomized controlled trials is sufficient to generally justify perioperative chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer independent of tumour localization or age.展开更多
Deep repository in geological formations is the preferential solution considered in many countries to manage high-level nuclear wastes. In Switzerland, the Opalinus Clay is a candidate host rock. In this context, in s...Deep repository in geological formations is the preferential solution considered in many countries to manage high-level nuclear wastes. In Switzerland, the Opalinus Clay is a candidate host rock. In this context, in situ and laboratory tests are conducted on Opalinus Clay to demonstrate the feasibility of deep disposal in this argillaceous formation. This paper presents a constitutive model able to fit the experimental data obtained from some triaxial tests conducted by Jahns(2013) on cores from borehole Schlattingen SLA-1. The elasto-plastic behaviour of Opalinus Clay is reproduced thanks to a DruckerPrager model, taking into account the anisotropy behaviour of this sedimentary rock. The objective is to employ a single set of parameters representative of the material. In a second version of the model, the stress-dependence of the elastic properties and damage are taken into account. Finally, the parameters calibrated with experimental tests are used to simulate the excavation of a gallery with a second gradient approach.展开更多
This work investigated the chemical and electrochemical mechanisms of localised corrosion triggered by CaS·xMgO·y Al2O3·TiN complex inclusions in high strength low alloy steel(HSLAS)under a simula...This work investigated the chemical and electrochemical mechanisms of localised corrosion triggered by CaS·xMgO·y Al2O3·TiN complex inclusions in high strength low alloy steel(HSLAS)under a simulated marine environment.Special focus was given to the role of the TiN portion of the inclusion on the initiation and growth of the corrosion pits.The thermodynamic process of pitting initiation was investigated by Gibbs free energy,Pourbaix diagram and first principle calculation.Localised corrosion is mainly induced by inclusions and triggered by dissolution of adjacent distorted matrix.Chemical dissolution of CaS portion in CaS·xMgO·y Al2O3·TiN complex inclusion creates an acidic aggressive environment that accelerates the further dissolution of inclusion and matrix.Galvanic coupling effect between TiN inclusion and matrix is directly verified.TiN covered with a TiOfilm acts as the cathodic phase in galvanic corrosion,although it has a lower Volta potential than the matrix.This is an unusual correlation with the scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy result,which has been explained for this special system.展开更多
We investigate the relationship between the transmission and the layer distance of double-layer gold slit arrays by using the finite-difference time-domain method. The results show that the transmission properties can...We investigate the relationship between the transmission and the layer distance of double-layer gold slit arrays by using the finite-difference time-domain method. The results show that the transmission properties can be influenced strongly by layer distance. We attribute the two types of resonant modes to surface plasmon resonance and the localised waveguide resonance. We find that the localised waveguide transmission peak redshifts and becomes broader with increasing layer distance D. We also describe and explain the splitting, shift, and degeneration of the surface plasmon resonant transmission peak theoretically. In addition, to clarify the physical mechanism of the transmission behaviours, we analyse the distributions of electric field and total energy for the three transmission peaks with distance D = 45 nm for the double-layer system. Light transporting behaviours are mostly concentrated in the region of the slits as well as the interspaces of the two layers, and for different resonant wavelengths the electric field and energy distributions are different. It is expected that the results obtained here will be helpful for designing subwavelength metallic grating devices.展开更多
The convergence of Internet of Things(IoT),vehicularad hoc network(VANET),and mobile ad hoc network relies on sensor networks to gather data from nodes or objects.These networks involve nodes,gateways,and anchors,oper...The convergence of Internet of Things(IoT),vehicularad hoc network(VANET),and mobile ad hoc network relies on sensor networks to gather data from nodes or objects.These networks involve nodes,gateways,and anchors,operating on limited battery power,mainly used in broadcasting.IoT applications,like healthcare,smart cities,and transportation,often need position data and face challenges in delay sensitivity.Localisation is important in ITS and VANETs,influencing autonomous vehicles,collision warning systems,and road information dissemination.A robust localisation system,often combining GPS with techniques like Dead Reckoning and Image/Video Localisation,is essential for accuracy and security.Artificial intelligence(AI)integration,particularly in machine learning,enhances indoor wireless localisation effectiveness.Advancements in wireless communication(WSN,IoT,and massive MIMO)transform dense environments into programmable entities,but pose challenges in aligning self‐learning AI with sensor tech for accuracy and budget considerations.We seek original research on sensor localisation,fusion,protocols,and positioning algorithms,inviting contributions from industry and academia to address these evolving challenges.展开更多
Slash pine(Pinus elliottii Engelm.var.elliottii)is a resin-producing species grown worldwide for significant economic benefits for wood production.Resin tapping cre-ates a carbon sink at the expense of carbon allocati...Slash pine(Pinus elliottii Engelm.var.elliottii)is a resin-producing species grown worldwide for significant economic benefits for wood production.Resin tapping cre-ates a carbon sink at the expense of carbon allocation for growth and consequently,wood production may be reduced.Non-structural carbohydrates comprising starch and sugars stored in plant organs,may serve as intermediate pools between assimilation and utilisation.However,the effect of resin tapping between tree growth and non-structural carbo-hydrates is not well understood.This study investigated(1)the effects of resin tapping on radial growth,(2)the effects of resin tapping on non-structural carbohydrate pools in different compartments,and(3)the feasibility of resin pro-duction without disruption of tree growth.Twenty one-year-old slash pines were subjected to resin tapping over two suc-cessive years.Non-structural carbohydrate concentrations in needles,branches,stem phloem,and roots of tapped and untapped trees in summer and winter were determined after the second year of resin harvest.The results showed that tapping had no significant effects on annual increments.Starch was the dominant non-structural carbohydrate frac-tion,regardless of tissues and season,and constituted up to 99%of the total non-structural carbohydrates in the phloem and roots.Glucose and fructose were the dominant sugars;sucrose was negligible.Compared with the controls,tapped trees showed 26%lower non-structural carbohydrate concen-tration in the phloem above the tapping wound in summer,which was attributable to the decreased abundance of starch,glucose,fructose,and sucrose.In winter,the altered non-structural carbohydrate profiles in the phloem above the tap-ping wounding were minimised as a result of recovery of the sugar concentrations.In contrast to free sugars,which accu-mulated substantially in needles and branches during winter,starch was enriched in the phloem,roots,and current-year needles.The results provide evidence for a localised effect of resin tapping,and highlight the observation that resin extrac-tion does not always cause a sacrifice in wood growth under a moderate resin-tapping intensity in slash pine plantations.展开更多
Silicon quantum dots fabricated by nanosecond pulsed laser in nitrogen, oxygen or air atmosphere have enhanced photoluminescence (PL) emission with the stimulated emission observed at about 700 nm. It is difficult t...Silicon quantum dots fabricated by nanosecond pulsed laser in nitrogen, oxygen or air atmosphere have enhanced photoluminescence (PL) emission with the stimulated emission observed at about 700 nm. It is difficult to distinguish between the photoluminescence peaks emitted from samples prepared in different atmospheres. The reason for the appearance of similar peaks may be the similar distribution of the localised states in the gap for different samples when silicon dangling bonds of quantum dots are passivated by nitrogen or oxygen. It is revealed that both the kind and the density of passivated bonds on quantum dot surface prepared in oxygen or nitrogen have a strong influence on the enhancement of PL emission.展开更多
Machine learning algorithms are trained and compared to identify and to characterise the impact on typical aerospace panels of different geometry.Experimental activities are conducted to build a proper impacts’datase...Machine learning algorithms are trained and compared to identify and to characterise the impact on typical aerospace panels of different geometry.Experimental activities are conducted to build a proper impacts’dataset.Polynomial regression algorithm and artificial neural network are applied and optimised to panels without stringer to test their capability to identify the impacts.Subsequently,the algorithms are applied to panels reinforced with stringers that represent a significant increase of complexity in terms of dynamic features of the system to test:the focus is not only on the impact position’s detection but also on the event’s severity.After the identification of the best algorithm,the corresponding machine learning model is deployed on an ARM processor minicomputer,implementing an impact detection system,able to be installed on board an aerial vehicle,making it a smart aircraft equipped with an artificial intelligence decision-making system.展开更多
摘要AIM: To determine the role of scintigraphy in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding of unknown Iocalisation. METHODS: We performed retrospective analyses on 92 patients receiving scintigraphies from 1993 to 2000 in the University of Regensburg hospital, which were done for Iocalisation of GI bleeding as a diagnostic step after an unsuccessful endoscopy. In addition to the scintigraphies, further diagnostic steps such as endoscopy, angiography or operations were performed. In some of the scintigraphies with negative results, a provocation test for bleeding with heparinisation was carried out. RESULTS: 73% of all scintigraphies showed a positive result. In 4.5% of the positive results, the source was located in the stomach, in 37% the source was the small bowel, in 25% the source was the right colon, in 4.5% the source was the left colon, and in 20% no clear Iocalisation was possible. Only 4% of all scintigraphies were false positive. A reliable positive scintigraphy was independent of the age of the examined patient. A provocation test for bleeding with heparin resulted in an additional 46% of positive scintigraphies with a reliable Iocalisation in primary negative scintigraphies. CONCLUSION- Our results show that scintigraphy and scintigraphy with heparin provocation tests are reliable procedures. They enable a reliable Iocalisation in about half of the obscure GI-bleeding cases. Scintigraphy is superior to angiography in locating a bleeding. It is shown that even in the age of video capsule endoscopy and double-balloon enteroscopy, scintigraphy provides a reliable and directed localization of GI bleeding and offers carefully targeted guidance for other procedures.
基金Supported by SynMed UK related to this workDr.Koulaouzidis A has also received lecture honoraria from Dr Falk PharmaUnited kingdom
摘要In order to improve lesion localisation in small-bowel capsule endoscopy,a modified capsule design has been proposed incorporating localisation and-in theorystabilization capabilities.The proposed design consists of a capsule fitted with protruding wheels attached to a spring-mechanism.This would act as a miniature odometer,leading to more accurate lesion localization information in relation to the onset of the investigation(spring expansion e.g.,pyloric opening).Furthermore,this capsule could allow stabilization of the recorded video as any erratic,non-forward movement through the gut is minimised.Three-dimensional(3-D)printing technology was used to build a capsule prototype.Thereafter,miniature wheels were also 3-D printed and mounted on a spring which was attached to conventional capsule endoscopes for the purpose of this proof-of-concept experiment.In vitro and ex vivo experiments with porcine small-bowel are presented herein.Further experiments have been scheduled.
基金the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and their financial support through the JSPS Fellowship Programme to conduct research activities at the University of Tokyo.
摘要To understand the deformational behaviours of geosynthetics-reinforced soil retaining walls(GRS RWs),a series of plane-strain shaking table tests was conducted on retaining wall models.The backfill of the models was made of poorly graded gravel.Deformations and strains in the gravelly backfill induced by seismic loading are recorded in real time,which are of importance to understand the seismic strength and stability of the GRS RW systems,as strain localisation development in the backfill and foundation is related to the degree of strength degradation of the system.In the present study,we aimed at quantifying the induced deformations of the GRS RW models due to shaking.Digital image correlation(DIC)technique was then employed to analyse and provide full-field deformation and motion images with the models.It is demonstrated that,unlike conventional contact devices that are yet limited to provide quantities of a singular and fixed location,DIC provides deformation and motion of the area of interests to reveal the evolution of localisation.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos.10804050 and 10874086)the Ministry of Education of China (Grant Nos.20060284035 and 705017)
摘要We study via numerical experiments the localisation property of an acoustic wave in a viscoelastic soft medium containing randomly-distributed air bubbles. The behaviours of the oscillation phases of bubbles are particularly investigated in various cases for distinguishing efficiently the acoustic localisation from the effects of acoustic absorption caused by the viscosity of medium. The numerical results reveal the phenomenon of 'phase transition' characterized by an unusual collective oscillation of bubbles, which is an effective criterion to unambiguously identify the acoustic localisation in the presence of viscosity. Within the localisation region, the phenomenon of phase transition persists, and a remarkable decrease in the fluctuation of the oscillation phases of bubbles is observed. The localisation phenomenon will be impaired by the enhancement of the viscosity factors, and the extent to which the acoustic wave is localised may be determined by appropriately analyzing the values of the oscillation phases or the amount of reduction of the phase fluctuation. The results are particularly significant for the practical experiments in an attempt to observe the acoustic localisation in such a medium, which is in general subjected to the interference of the great ambiguity resulting from the effect of acoustic absorption.
摘要A novel radar-based system for longwall coal mine machine localisation is described. The system, based on a radar-ranging sensor and designed to localise mining equipment with respect to the mine tunnel gate road infrastructure, is developed and trialled in an underground coal mine. The challenges of reliable sensing in the mine environment are considered, and the use of a radar sensor for localisation is justified. The difficulties of achieving reliable positioning using only the radar sensor are examined. Several probabilistic data processing techniques are explored in order to estimate two key localisation parameters from a single radar signal, namely along-track position and across-track position, with respect to the gate road structures. For the case of across-track position, a conventional Kalman filter approach is sufficient to achieve a reliable estimate. However for along-track position estimation, specific infrastructure elements on the gate road rib-wall must be identified by a tracking algorithm. Due to complexities associated with this data processing problem, a novel visual analytics approach was explored in a 3D interactive display to facilitate identification of significant features for use in a classifier algorithm. Based on the classifier output, identified elements are used as location waypoints to provide a robust and accurate mining equipment localisation estimate.
基金supported by a scholarship funded by Serco Technical Assurance Services
摘要The paper presents a computational model for elastic waves in a structured weld adjacent to the free surface of an elastic solid. The main emphasis is on the interaction of waves with the micro-structure of the weld. Effects of localisation and channeling of waves are addressed. A model of a grain structure within the weld is also considered.
摘要The Dictyostelium discoideum AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) snfA subcellular localization was studied in AX2 and stable HPF strains by use of AMPK antipeptide antibody and goat anti-rabbit Alexa-Flour 488-conjugated IgG antibody. The AMPK exhibited cytosolic localization patterns and uniform focalised concentrations in wild type and the strains alike. Constitutive activation and attenuation of the α subunit expression did not affect subcellular distribution of AMPK. However, snfA expression was more intense in strains in which AMPK was constitutively active compared with the AX2 but lesser in attenuation strains. The localisation of the snfA reinforced the putative standing that it had a plethora of cytoplasmic functions. Moreover, the oxidative cellular function would require a ubiquitous system and might coordinately regulate responses to metabolic requirements. Furthermore, the developmental phases of the life cycle would support the cytosolic localization;and since organelles were potentially reorganized or removed entirely during the transition from vegetative living to fruiting body morphology. This study provided insight into the subcellular distribution of AMPK in Dictyostelium discoideum. We demonstrated that AMPK localization was steady in AX2 and derived strains whether constitutively active or anti-sense inhibited depicting extreme genetic states.
摘要A novel algorithm for localising a robot in a known two-dimensional environment is presented in this paper. An occupancy grid representing the environment is first converted to a distance function that encodes the distance to the nearest obstacle from any given location. A Chamfer distance based sensor model to associate observations from a laser ranger finder to the map of the environment without the need for ray tracing, data association, or feature extraction is presented. It is shown that the robot can be localised by solving a non-linear optimisation problem formulated to minimise the Chamfer distance with respect to the robot location. The proposed algorithm is able to perform well even when robot odometry is unavailable and requires only a single tuning parameter to operate even in highly dynamic environments. As such, it is superior than the state-of-the-art particle filter based solutions for robot localisation in occupancy grids, provided that an approximate initial location of the robot is available. Experimental results based on simulated and public domain datasets as well as data collected by the authors are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
摘要In this paper,for the first time,an experimental proof of concept for utilising time reversal(TR)in the acoustic regime to localise partial discharge(PD)sources was presented using a single sensor.To achieve this,an experimental setup comprising a water tank,acoustic transducers for signal transmission and reception,and 2D scanners was developed.The performance of the proposed method was evaluated across various scenarios,encompassing different PD source locations and sensor placements,barriers obstructing the line of sight between the receiving sensor and PD sources,varying levels of noise,and different frequency bandwidths for the PD sources.The experimental results demonstrate a near-zero localisation error in all considered examples.The achieved resolution was approximately half of the minimum wavelength.Furthermore,the acoustic TR method exhibits remarkable precision in source localisation,even when faced with obstacles such as a multi-layered metallic cylinder and in scenarios lacking a direct line of sight between the sensor and the source.The accuracy of acoustic TR's localisation remained robust in the presence of noise,showcasing resilience at signal-to-noise ratio levels as low as−20 dB.Additionally,the performance of the acoustic TR method remained consistent across a broad frequency spectrum,spanning from 60 to 200 kHz.
摘要Shanghai’s modern architectural heritage in the 19th and early 20th centuries is an essential aspect of modern Chinese architectural history because of its outstanding characteristics and well-preserved conditions.Modern Shanghai architecture was transformed by the importation of Western structural technologies and materials in addition to their forms and institutions.After 100 years of development since 1843,there were over 100 important buildings in the Bund area by 1943.These buildings were built in different periods using the best available structural technologies.This study focuses on the technological dimension of modern Shanghai architecture.Based on an architectural survey and a literature investigation of the Bund buildings,this study explores the evolution of modern structural technologies in Shanghai by analysing the Bund buildings’key structural factors.The influences of the localisation and implementation of Western architecture’s building technologies in Shanghai were also analysed,including time of importation,characteristics and integration of local craftsmanship and materials.This study focuses on the method and analyses of architectural technology history from not only technological and historical perspectives,but also a social sciences perspective.
基金The Ministry of Environment,Forests and Climate Change,Govt.of India supported this work through research project with which seagrass samples were made available for the study.
摘要Sections of three seagrass species(Halophila ovalis,Cymodocea serrulata and Halodule pinifolia)were assessed for endophytes based on differential staining using light and fluorescence microscopy method.Acridine orange and aniline blue detected endophytic fungi in 20%and 10%of the segments,respectively,whereas lactophenol cotton blue was more sensitive to detect the fungal hyphae in 70%of the segments.Hyphae were the principal fungal structures generally observed under the cuticle,within the epidermal cells,mesophyll(Parenchyma)cells and occasionally within the vascular tissue that varied in type,size and location within the leaf tissue.Present study also recorded the sporulation for the first time from the seagrass endophytes.Successfully amplified products of the ITS region of endophytic fungal DNA,directly from seagrass tissue and also from culture-dependent fungal DNA clearly depicted the presence of endophytic fungi in H.ovalis with two banding patterns(903 and 1381 bp)confirming the presence of two dominant fungal genera.The fingerprinting of endophytic fungal community within the seagrass tissue was assessed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis(DGGE)that derived with multiple bands that clarified the presence of more than one taxon within the seagrass tissue.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province,China.(No,222300420596).
摘要Impact ground pressure events occur frequently in coal mining processes,significantly affecting the personal safety of construction workers.Real-time microseismic monitoring of coal rock body rupture information can provide early warnings,and the seismic source location method is an essential indicator for evaluating a microseismic monitoring system.This paper proposes a nonlinear hybrid optimal particle swarm optimisation(PSO)microseismic positioning method based on this technique.The method first improves the PSO algorithm by using the global search performance of this method to quickly find a feasible solution and provide a better initial solution for the subsequent solution of the nonlinear optimal microseismic positioning method.This approach effectively prevents the problem of the microseismic positioning method falling into a local optimum because of an over-reliance on the initial value.In addition,the nonlinear optimal microseismic positioning method further narrows the localisation error based on the PSO algorithm.A simulation test demonstrates that the new method has a good positioning effect,and engineering application examples also show that the proposed method has high accuracy and strong positioning stability.The new method is better than the separate positioning method,both overall and in three directions,making it more suitable for solving the microseismic positioning problem.
摘要BACKGROUND Neoadjuvant/perioperative chemotherapy is the recommended treatment for advanced stages of gastric cancer(>T2,N+)before tumour resection in many European guidelines.However,there is no consensus as to whether perioperative chemotherapy is as effective in distal as in proximal tumours,in addition to a relevant uncertainty concerning appropriate treatment modalities for elderly patients.AIM To investigate the role of perioperative chemotherapy in advanced gastric cancer in patients from a German tertiary clinic with respect to efficacy,localisation,and age.METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of 158 patients from our clinic with adenocarcinoma of the stomach or the gastroesophageal junction who underwent resection between 2008 and 2016.The data were evaluated particularly in relation to patient age,tumour site,and perioperative therapy.RESULTS Administration of perioperative chemotherapy did not lead to a significant survival advantage in our study population.The 5-year survival rates were 40%for patients who received perioperative chemotherapy and 29%for the group without perioperative chemotherapy(P=0.125).Our patients were on average distinctly older than patients in most of the published randomised controlled trials.Patients elder than 75 years received perioperative chemotherapy far less frequently.Patients with a proximal tumour received perioperative chemotherapy much more often.CONCLUSION This analysis reconfirms our previous data concerning the effectiveness of perioperative chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer.There is reasonable doubt that the quality of the existing randomized controlled trials is sufficient to generally justify perioperative chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer independent of tumour localization or age.
摘要Deep repository in geological formations is the preferential solution considered in many countries to manage high-level nuclear wastes. In Switzerland, the Opalinus Clay is a candidate host rock. In this context, in situ and laboratory tests are conducted on Opalinus Clay to demonstrate the feasibility of deep disposal in this argillaceous formation. This paper presents a constitutive model able to fit the experimental data obtained from some triaxial tests conducted by Jahns(2013) on cores from borehole Schlattingen SLA-1. The elasto-plastic behaviour of Opalinus Clay is reproduced thanks to a DruckerPrager model, taking into account the anisotropy behaviour of this sedimentary rock. The objective is to employ a single set of parameters representative of the material. In a second version of the model, the stress-dependence of the elastic properties and damage are taken into account. Finally, the parameters calibrated with experimental tests are used to simulate the excavation of a gallery with a second gradient approach.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.51871024,51822401 and 52104319)the National Science and Technology Resources Investigation Program of China(No.2019FY101400)。
摘要This work investigated the chemical and electrochemical mechanisms of localised corrosion triggered by CaS·xMgO·y Al2O3·TiN complex inclusions in high strength low alloy steel(HSLAS)under a simulated marine environment.Special focus was given to the role of the TiN portion of the inclusion on the initiation and growth of the corrosion pits.The thermodynamic process of pitting initiation was investigated by Gibbs free energy,Pourbaix diagram and first principle calculation.Localised corrosion is mainly induced by inclusions and triggered by dissolution of adjacent distorted matrix.Chemical dissolution of CaS portion in CaS·xMgO·y Al2O3·TiN complex inclusion creates an acidic aggressive environment that accelerates the further dissolution of inclusion and matrix.Galvanic coupling effect between TiN inclusion and matrix is directly verified.TiN covered with a TiOfilm acts as the cathodic phase in galvanic corrosion,although it has a lower Volta potential than the matrix.This is an unusual correlation with the scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy result,which has been explained for this special system.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 60708014)the Science Foundation for Postdoctorate of China (Grant No. 2004035083)+2 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province of China (Grant No. 06JJ2034)the Excellent Doctorate Dissertation Foundation of Central South University of China (Grant No. 2008yb039)the Hunan Provincial Innovation Foundation for Postgraduate (Grant No. CX2009B029)
摘要We investigate the relationship between the transmission and the layer distance of double-layer gold slit arrays by using the finite-difference time-domain method. The results show that the transmission properties can be influenced strongly by layer distance. We attribute the two types of resonant modes to surface plasmon resonance and the localised waveguide resonance. We find that the localised waveguide transmission peak redshifts and becomes broader with increasing layer distance D. We also describe and explain the splitting, shift, and degeneration of the surface plasmon resonant transmission peak theoretically. In addition, to clarify the physical mechanism of the transmission behaviours, we analyse the distributions of electric field and total energy for the three transmission peaks with distance D = 45 nm for the double-layer system. Light transporting behaviours are mostly concentrated in the region of the slits as well as the interspaces of the two layers, and for different resonant wavelengths the electric field and energy distributions are different. It is expected that the results obtained here will be helpful for designing subwavelength metallic grating devices.
摘要The convergence of Internet of Things(IoT),vehicularad hoc network(VANET),and mobile ad hoc network relies on sensor networks to gather data from nodes or objects.These networks involve nodes,gateways,and anchors,operating on limited battery power,mainly used in broadcasting.IoT applications,like healthcare,smart cities,and transportation,often need position data and face challenges in delay sensitivity.Localisation is important in ITS and VANETs,influencing autonomous vehicles,collision warning systems,and road information dissemination.A robust localisation system,often combining GPS with techniques like Dead Reckoning and Image/Video Localisation,is essential for accuracy and security.Artificial intelligence(AI)integration,particularly in machine learning,enhances indoor wireless localisation effectiveness.Advancements in wireless communication(WSN,IoT,and massive MIMO)transform dense environments into programmable entities,but pose challenges in aligning self‐learning AI with sensor tech for accuracy and budget considerations.We seek original research on sensor localisation,fusion,protocols,and positioning algorithms,inviting contributions from industry and academia to address these evolving challenges.
基金The work was supported by the General Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31,470,635)the Fundamental Research Funds of the Chinese Academy of Forestry(No.CAFYBB2017ZX001-3).
摘要Slash pine(Pinus elliottii Engelm.var.elliottii)is a resin-producing species grown worldwide for significant economic benefits for wood production.Resin tapping cre-ates a carbon sink at the expense of carbon allocation for growth and consequently,wood production may be reduced.Non-structural carbohydrates comprising starch and sugars stored in plant organs,may serve as intermediate pools between assimilation and utilisation.However,the effect of resin tapping between tree growth and non-structural carbo-hydrates is not well understood.This study investigated(1)the effects of resin tapping on radial growth,(2)the effects of resin tapping on non-structural carbohydrate pools in different compartments,and(3)the feasibility of resin pro-duction without disruption of tree growth.Twenty one-year-old slash pines were subjected to resin tapping over two suc-cessive years.Non-structural carbohydrate concentrations in needles,branches,stem phloem,and roots of tapped and untapped trees in summer and winter were determined after the second year of resin harvest.The results showed that tapping had no significant effects on annual increments.Starch was the dominant non-structural carbohydrate frac-tion,regardless of tissues and season,and constituted up to 99%of the total non-structural carbohydrates in the phloem and roots.Glucose and fructose were the dominant sugars;sucrose was negligible.Compared with the controls,tapped trees showed 26%lower non-structural carbohydrate concen-tration in the phloem above the tapping wound in summer,which was attributable to the decreased abundance of starch,glucose,fructose,and sucrose.In winter,the altered non-structural carbohydrate profiles in the phloem above the tap-ping wounding were minimised as a result of recovery of the sugar concentrations.In contrast to free sugars,which accu-mulated substantially in needles and branches during winter,starch was enriched in the phloem,roots,and current-year needles.The results provide evidence for a localised effect of resin tapping,and highlight the observation that resin extrac-tion does not always cause a sacrifice in wood growth under a moderate resin-tapping intensity in slash pine plantations.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos.10764002 and 60966002)the National Key Laboratory of Surface Physics at Fudan University
摘要Silicon quantum dots fabricated by nanosecond pulsed laser in nitrogen, oxygen or air atmosphere have enhanced photoluminescence (PL) emission with the stimulated emission observed at about 700 nm. It is difficult to distinguish between the photoluminescence peaks emitted from samples prepared in different atmospheres. The reason for the appearance of similar peaks may be the similar distribution of the localised states in the gap for different samples when silicon dangling bonds of quantum dots are passivated by nitrogen or oxygen. It is revealed that both the kind and the density of passivated bonds on quantum dot surface prepared in oxygen or nitrogen have a strong influence on the enhancement of PL emission.
摘要Machine learning algorithms are trained and compared to identify and to characterise the impact on typical aerospace panels of different geometry.Experimental activities are conducted to build a proper impacts’dataset.Polynomial regression algorithm and artificial neural network are applied and optimised to panels without stringer to test their capability to identify the impacts.Subsequently,the algorithms are applied to panels reinforced with stringers that represent a significant increase of complexity in terms of dynamic features of the system to test:the focus is not only on the impact position’s detection but also on the event’s severity.After the identification of the best algorithm,the corresponding machine learning model is deployed on an ARM processor minicomputer,implementing an impact detection system,able to be installed on board an aerial vehicle,making it a smart aircraft equipped with an artificial intelligence decision-making system.