DunHuangStitch: Unsupervised Deep Image Stitching of Dunhuang Murals.

The digital construction of cultural heritage promotes communication and sharing of digital cultural resources across time and space. Digital storage serves as the foundation for the digital construction of cultural artifacts. In the digital storage of Dunhuang murals, image stitching plays a critical role in restoring the complete image of the cave murals. Traditional image stitching methods are constrained by the detection accuracy of feature points and are not fit for stitching low-texture murals. Despite deep learning-based image stitching methods, parallax misalignment and ghosting are still prevalent issues. For this reason, we perform the first Dunhuang mural stitching based on deep learning in this paper. This is in response to the need for digitizing and storing Dunhuang murals. Two mural stitching datasets are constructed, and we design a progressive regression image alignment network and a feature differential reconstruction soft-coded seam stitching network. We also introduce a soft-coded seam quality evaluation method. The algorithm presented in this paper achieves state-of-the-art alignment and stitching performance in the mural stitching task through unsupervised learning with a smaller number of model parameters, which provides technical support for the digitization and preservation of Dunhuang murals. The codes and models will be available at https://github.com/MmelodYy/DunHuangStitch.

Application of multi-objective optimization in the study of anti-breast cancer candidate drugs.

In the development of anti-breast cancer drugs, the quantitative structure-activity relationship model of compounds is usually used to select potential active compounds. However, the existing methods often have problems such as low model prediction performance, lack of overall consideration of the biological activity and related properties of compounds, and difficulty in directly selection candidate drugs. Therefore, this paper constructs a complete set of compound selection framework from three aspects: feature selection, relationship mapping and multi-objective optimization problem solving. In feature selection part, a feature selection method based on unsupervised spectral clustering is proposed. The selected features have more comprehensive information expression ability. In the relationship mapping part, a variety of machine learning algorithms are used for comparative experiments. Finally, the CatBoost algorithm is selected to perform the relationship mapping between each other, and better prediction performance is achieved. In the multi-objective optimization part, based on the analysis of the conflict relationship between the objectives, the AGE-MOEA algorithm is improved and used to solve this problem. Compared with various algorithms, the improved algorithm has better search performance.

Antiocclusion Visual Tracking Algorithm Combining Fully Convolutional Siamese Network and Correlation Filtering.

Machine learning only uses single-channel grayscale features to model the target, and the filter solution process is relatively simple. When the target has a large change relative to the initial frame, the tracking effect is poor. When there is the same kind of target interference in the target search area, the tracking results will be poor. The tracking algorithm based on the fully convolutional Siamese network can solve these problems. By learning the similarity measurement function, the similarity between the template and the target search area is evaluated, and the target area is found according to the similarity. It adopts offline pre-training and does not update online for tracking, which has a faster tracking speed. According to this study, (1) considering the accuracy and speed, the target tracking algorithm based on correlation filtering performs well. A sample adaptive update model is introduced to eliminate unreliable samples, which effectively enhances the reliability of training samples. With simultaneous changes in illumination and scale, fast motion and in-plane rotation IPR can still be maintained. (2) Determined by calculating the Hessian matrix, in the Struck function, Bike3 parameter adjustment can achieve fast tracking, and Boat5 ensures that the system stability is maintained in the presence of interference factors. The position of the highest scoring point in the fine similarity score map of the same size as the search image is obtained by bicubic interpolation as the target position. (3) The parallax discontinuity caused by the object boundary cannot be directly processed as a smooth continuous parallax. The MeanShift vector obtained by calculating the target template feature and the feature to be searched can increase the accuracy by 53.1%, reduce the robustness by 31.8%, and reduce the error by 28.6% in the SiamVGG algorithm.

A Dynamic Adaptive Weighted Differential Evolutionary Algorithm.

This study proposed a dynamic adaptive weighted differential evolution (DAWDE) algorithm to solve the problems of differential evolution (DE) algorithm such as long search time, easy stagnation, and local optimal solution. First, adaptive adjustment strategies of scaling factor and crossover factor are proposed, which are utilized to dynamically balance the global and local search, and avoid premature convergence. Second, an adaptive mutation operator based on population aggregation degree is proposed, which takes population aggregation degree as the amplitude coefficient of the basis vector to determine the influence degree of the optimal individual on the mutation direction. Finally, the Gauss perturbation operator is introduced to generate random disturbance and accelerate premature individuals to jump out of the local optimum. The simulation results show that the DAWDE algorithm can obtain better optimization results and has the characteristics of stronger global optimization ability, faster convergence, higher solution accuracy, and stronger stability compared with other optimization algorithms.

Image Encryption Algorithm Based on an Improved ML Neuron Model and DNA Dynamic Coding.

Aiming at the problems of small key space, low security, and low algorithm complexity in a low-dimensional chaotic system encryption algorithm, an image encryption algorithm based on the ML neuron model and DNA dynamic coding is proposed. The algorithm first performs block processing on the R, G, and B components of the plaintext image to obtain three matrices, and then constructs a random matrix with the same size as the image components through logistic mapping and performs DNA encoding, DNA operation, and DNA decoding on the two parts. Second, it performs determinant permutation on the matrix by two different chaotic sequences obtained by logistic mapping iteration. Finally, it merges the block and image components to complete the image encryption and obtain the ciphertext image. Wherein, DNA encoding, DNA operation, and DNA decoding methods are all randomly and dynamically determined by the chaotic sequence generated by the ML neuron chaotic system. According to simulation results and performance analysis, the algorithm has a larger key space, can effectively resist various statistical and differential attacks, and has better security and higher complexity.

Coexistence and different determinants of posttraumatic stress disorder and posttraumatic growth among Chinese survivors after earthquake: role of resilience and rumination.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) are two different outcomes that may occur after experiencing traumatic events. Resilience and rumination are two important factors that determine the development of these outcomes after trauma. We investigated the association between these two factors, PTSD and PTG, among Chinese survivors in an earthquake. With a convenience sample of 318 survivors from earthquake, we measured trauma exposure, PTSD, PTG, resilience, and rumination (Impact of Event Scale-Revised, Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, 10 item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Ruminative Response Scale). Then we used bivariate correlation and structural equation modeling to examine the structure of relations among these factors. Results showed that resilience and reflective rumination have a positive effect on PTG (ß = 0.32, p < 0.001; ß = 0.17, p = 0.049). Earthquake exposure, brooding rumination and depressed-related rumination are related with higher level of PTSD (ß = 0.10, p = 0.021; ß = 0.33, p < 0.001; ß = 0.36, p < 0.001). The findings suggest distinct determinants of the negative and positive outcomes, and this may provide better understanding about the risk and protective factors for traumatic reactions.

Treatment of upper urinary calculi with Chinese minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a single-center experience with 12,482 consecutive patients over 20 years.

The Chinese minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) was a modified version of standard PCNL which utilizes smaller tract and sheaths. The aim of this study was to present our experience on its efficacy and safety, and to grade its complications according to the modified Clavien classification. Between 1992 and 2011, 12,482 patients who underwent 13,984 MPCNL procedures entered this study. Data on stone size, access number, operative time, hospital length of stay, stone-free rate (SFR), and complications according to the modified clavien system were evaluated prospectively. Their mean age of patients was 47.6 years (range 0.6-93). The mean stone size was 3.2 ± 0.8 (1.4-7.4) cm. The mean operative time was 83 ± 38 min. Mean hemoglobin drop was 13.5 ± 11.3 g/L. Mean hospital stay was 10.3 ± 6.4 days (2-22 days). The initial SFR after first procedure was 78.6 %. In 14.7 % of cases with a second look, the SFR increase to 89.9 %. At 3 months after auxiliary procedures (re-PCNL, ureterorenoscopy, and shock wave lithotripsy), the overall SFR was achieved to 94.8 %. A total of 3,624 complications (25.92 %) were observed in 2,591 (18.53 %) procedures. There were 2,355 grade I (16.84 %), 706 grade II (5.05 %), 553 grade III (3.95 %), 7 grade IV (0.05 %), and three death of grade V (0.02 %) complications. This large-scale, contemporary analysis confirms MPCNL is still a safe and efficacious treatment option of kidney stones with a high stone-free rate and uncommon rate of high grade complications.

Evaluation of a novel fascial dilator modified with scale marker in percutaneous nephrolithotomy for reducing the X-ray exposure: a randomized clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of the fascial dilators modified with a scale marker in reducing fluoroscopy time during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). METHOD: In a randomized clinical trial, eligible 100 consecutive patients anticipated to undergo single-tract PCNL were randomly assigned into two groups by the closed envelope method, to compare the efficacy and safety of the modified scale fascial dilator (group 1, n=50) and traditional nonscale fascial dilator (group 2, n=50) with respect to the X-ray exposure duration as well as the outcome of PCNL. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between group 1 and group 2 regarding to the initial successful access rate (100% v 96%), operative time (79.4 v 83.7 minutes), the initial stone-free rate (82% v 81.3%), complications (24% v 20%), and bleeding required blood transfusion (4% v 6%) (all p>0.05). The mean operative duration and fluoroscopic time for tract dilation in group 1 and group 2 were 164.4 ± 19 seconds v 168.3 ± 14 seconds, and 3.2 ± 0.9 seconds v 22.2 ± 4.6 seconds, (p=0.250 and p<0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the use of nonscaled dilators, using the scaled fascial dilators for a percutaneous access in PCNL was found to be associated with less radiation hazards along with similar stone-free rate and complications.

Minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy with multiple mini tracts in a single session in treating staghorn calculi.

There has been continuing controversy regarding multiple tracts in a percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) session that may bring more complications, especially severe bleeding need for transfusion, even nephrectomy. Little tracts may bring less trauma to renal parenchyma than standard PCNL tracts. We carried minimally invasive PCNL (MPCNL) in treating staghorn calculi with multiple 16Fr percutaneous tracts in a single session, in an attempt to get high stone free with little trauma, and compared the morbidity of standard PCNL procedures in a prospective trial. A total of 54 consecutive patients with staghorn calculi were prospectively randomized for MPCNL (29) and PCNL (25). The size and location of stone, operative parameters, number of tracts, stone-free rate, operating time, hospital stay and complications were analyzed. In MPCNL group, a total of 67 percutaneous tracts were established in 29 renal units, while 28 tracts in 25 renal units in PCNL group. Compared to PCNL, MPCNL was associated with higher clearance rate (89.7 vs. 68%, p = 0.049), less chance need for adjunctive procedure of SWL or second-look PCNL (24.1 vs. 60%, p = 0.007), while a similar complication rate (37.9 vs. 52%, p = 0.300). In conclusion, with the development of instruments and increased experience, judiciously made multiple percutaneous tracts in a single session of MPCNL for treating staghorn calculi were safe, feasible and efficient with an acceptable morbidity.

Chinese minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy: the Guangzhou experience.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) using a small tract is controversial, and its indication is considered limited. In our center, however, we have performed Chinese minimally invasive PCNL regularly for managing upper-tract calculi. We report our experience. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our technique is not just about using smaller instruments and tracts. Our overall approach is different from the standard PCNL. We preferred a middle caliceal puncture via the 11th rib space and also relied mainly on a strong irrigant current for stone fragment removal. We reviewed and analyzed the prospectively collected database on patients who underwent minimally invasive (MPCNL) from 2001 to 2005. RESULTS: A total of 4760 MPCNL procedures were performed in 3610 kidneys. There were 1240 staghorn stones and 85 ureteral stones. There were 14 transplanted kidneys and 27 cases of horseshoe kidneys. The average operative time was 78 minutes. The stone-free rate at postoperative day 2 was 89%. The major complication rate was 0.86%. CONCLUSION: Our experience with the Chinese MPCNL shows that it is safe and effective for managing all kinds of upper-tract calculi.

Does a smaller tract in percutaneous nephrolithotomy contribute to high renal pelvic pressure and postoperative fever?

OBJECTIVE: High renal pelvic pressure brings systemic absorption of irrigation fluid containing bacteria or endotoxins, which leads to postoperative fever. We inspected the renal pelvic pressure (RPP) in vivo during minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) to investigate whether a 14- to 18-French percutaneous tract and perfusion would bring high RPP and postoperative fever. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between July 2005 and December 2007, 80 patients were selected for RPP measurement during MPCNL. The RPP was measured by a baroceptor connected to the open-ended ureteric catheter, which was indwelling retrogradely in the renal pelvic. A computer recorded the RPP each second, and all the data were evaluated statistically with SPSS 12.0 software. RESULTS: During MPCNL with 14-, 16-, 18-, and double-16-French percutaneous tracts, the mean RPP was 24.55, 16.49, 11.22, and 6.64 mm Hg, respectively. Logistical analysis suggested that postoperative fever did not correlate to gender (P = 0.195), age (P = 0.641), urinary tract infection (P = 0.663), white blood cell > or = 10 x 10(9)/L in routine postoperative blood examination (P = 0.751), or an occurrence of renal pelvic pressure > or = 30 mm Hg in the operation (P = 0.662), although infection calculi (P = 0.000), percutaneous tract (P = 0.029), mean RPP (P = 0.036), mean RPP > or = 20 mm Hg (P = 0.013), accumulated time of RPP > or = 30 mm Hg (P = 0.010), and RPP > or = 30 mm Hg longer than 50 s (P = 0.024) may contribute a postoperative fever. CONCLUSION: Renal pelvic pressure generally remains lower than the backflow level (30 mm Hg) during MPCNL via a 14- to 18-French percutaneous tract. Any factors that brought about poor drainage would result in temporarily elevated RPP greater than 30 mm Hg, and many such occurrences of high pressure would have an accumulating effect, which means enough backflow to cause bacteremia and postoperative fever.

[Complications of minimally-invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the occurrence and management of complications following minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL). METHODS: The data of 4326 cases of MPCNL from January 2001 to February 2006 were reviewed, including 2451 male cases and 1875 female cases. Their age ranged from 4 to 82 years with a mean of 42 years. Of 4326 cases, 1221 cases had simple nephrolithiasis, 1735 staghorn nephrolithiasis, 386 upper ureterolithiasis, 90 serious stone street after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, and 894 residual calculi after open surgery. RESULTS: Among the 4326 cases of MPCNL, complications occurred in 445 cases (10.3%). Of the 445 cases, 20 had massive hemorrhage, 13 pleural injuries, 1 colonic perforation, 343 fever attacks (T > 38 degrees C), 13 septic shocks, 16 perinephric urinoma, 9 perinephric abscess, 26 renal perforating injuries, 1 guide wire misled into inferior vena cava, 3 died. CONCLUSIONS: MPCNL is a minimally invasive operation. However, serious complications would occur if the procedure were ignored. The improvement in the prevention and management of complications can promote the application of this procedure.

Minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy for staghorn calculi: a novel single session approach via multiple 14-18Fr tracts.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) (14-18Fr percutaneous tract) to treat staghorn calculi via multiple percutaneous tracts in a single session procedure, and evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of this technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From March 2001 to November 2005, 100 patients with staghorn calculi were treated by MPCNL via multiple percutaneous tracts. The size and location of the stone, operative parameters, number of tracts, stone-free rate, operating time, hospital stay, and complications were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of 209 percutaneous tracts were established in 100 renal units during 128 operations including 28 second-look procedures. The mean operating time was 107 minutes (range 43 to 130 min) and the mean hospital stay was 9.4 days (range 6 to 13 d). The initial stone clearance rate of 72% after the first session was improved to 93% after a second-look procedure in 28 patients. The mean blood loss was 112 mL (range 64 to 483 mL), 3 patients required blood transfusion and 1 patient with branched renal arterial injury during puncture received a highly elective embolism. Seven patients had a postoperative fever of 38.5 degrees C or greater, whereas 4 patients had mild hydropneumothorax. CONCLUSIONS: With the development of instrument and increased experience, judiciously made multiple percutaneous tracts in a single session MPCNL for treating staghorn calculi in selected cases is safe, feasible, and efficient with an acceptable morbidity.

[Treating renal carcinoma with ablation or ablation combined with 125I seed implantation: a report of eleven cases].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Recently, multi-needles radiofrequency ablation and brachyradiotherapy have been used to treat some solid tumors, such as liver cancer and prostate cancer. This study was to explore the feasibility and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation or ablation combined with 125I seed implantation on treating renal carcinoma. METHODS: From Jun. 2000 to Feb. 2004, 11 patients with a total of 13 renal carcinoma lesions were treated with ablation or ablation combined with (125)I seed implantation, including 6 cases of renal carcinoma of solitary kidney, 2 cases of renal carcinoma combined with contralateral renal atrophy resulted from ureteric stone, 1 case of bilateral tumor, and 2 cases with general conditions contraindicated to surgery. Of the 13 lesions, 1 was resected by open operation, 6 were treated with multi-needles radiofrequency ablation, and 6 were treated with ablation and simultaneous (125)I seed implantation around tumor margin. RESULTS: The patients were followed-up for 6-46 months (mean 27 months). One patient died of cardiac muscle infarction 4 months after operation. Of the 10 alive patients, 2 with recurrent tumors 7 months and 13 months after operation were treated with ablation again, 1 with postoperative uremia was treated with intermittent peritoneal dialysis, the rest 7 had normal renal function. CONCLUSION: Multi-needles radiofrequency ablation or ablation combined with (125)I seed implantation would be an option in the treatment for patients with renal carcinoma of solitary kidney or bilateral kidney lesions, or for patients can't suffer from surgery.

[Effects of ureteral stents on rabbit upper urinary tract urodynamics].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of ureteral stent placement on ureteral peristalsis and the time course of renal pelvic pressure changes. METHOD: Forty rabbits were randomized equally into 8 groups, including a control group without placement of ureteral stents. The other 7 groups received ureteral stent placement, which were retained for 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 12 weeks respectively. When the rabbits were bred for the specified time periods, ureteral peristalsis was observed and renal pelvic pressure measured. RESULT: The renal pelvic pressure was initially increased after the stent placement, but then followed by gradual decreases. Ureteral peristalsis was not observed after the stent placement. CONCLUSION: Ureteral stent is a factor for causing obstruction in normal ureter.

[Treatment of upper urinary calculi with the PCNL technique (Experience of 20 years)].

OBJECTIVE: To sum up experience of 20 years for treating upper urinary calculi with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) at our institute and assess the safety, feasibility and superiority of the technique. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 4,014 patients suffering from upper urinary calculi, who were treated with PCNL of 4,014 cases, traditional PCNL was performed in 358, two stage "mini perc" technique in 520 and minimally invasive PCNL in 3,136. RESULTS: The success rates were 90%, 95% and 98%, the stone free rates were 82%, 86% and 91%. Major complications rates were 5.3%, 1.2% and 0.5%, respectively,with single tract in 3,027 cases and multiple tracts in 987 cases. A total of 5,571 PCNLs were performed in 4,014 patients. CONCLUSION: By improvement and innovation of this technique, percutaneous nephrolithotomy can reach the high success rate and stone free rate, with less morbidity and wide clinical indications.

[Endoscopic management of bilateral ureteral obstruction after radiotherapy].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: It is difficult to stent the obstructed ureters cystoscopically in patients with renal failure caused by radiotherapy for abdominal or pelvic tumors. Commonly draining the kidney with nephrostomy is the only method for the patients. However, external nephrostomy impacts on life quality of the patients. We reported our experience in stenting the obstructed ureters using minimally invasive percutaneous nephrostomy combined with ureteroscopy, and investigated viability of endoscopic treatment for bilateral ureteral strictures following radiotherapy. METHODS: Indwelling double pigtail stents in ureter by minimally invasive percutaneous nephrostomy combined with ureteroscopy was carried out in 19 patients with bilateral ureteral strictures following radiotherapy. The clinical outcomes including ureteral drainage and renal function were reviewed. RESULTS: Bilateral retrograde placement of double pigtail stent was performed in 2 cases. Indwelling different size double pigtail stents in unilateral ureters were carried out in 17 cases. The patients were followed-up for 1-24 months. Renal function was improved excellently in 17 cases, with serum creatinine level of 45 micromol/L to 113 micromol/L. Two patients had poor renal function improvement after ureteral stenting and were converted to percutaneous nephrostomy for draining the kidney. CONCLUSION: Indwelling different size double pigtail stents simultaneously in unilateral ureter by minimally invasive percutaneous nephrostomy is safe, simple, and effective in treating bilateral ureteral obstruction following radiotherapy.