Search

Previous studies have suggested that there is a positive correlation between prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels and prostate volume (PV). A better understanding of the possible influence of PV on a ratio of free to total PSA (f/tPSA) may improve the diagnostic value of the prostate disease. The study group consisted of 342 men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). All patients underwent urinary tract ultrasonography and had tests carried out on PSA, serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, LDL and blood pressure. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the associations between prostate volume and f/tPSA value. We found no obvious relationship between prostate volume and f/tPSA value when PSA >10 ng/ml but did observe a positive correlation when 4 ng/ml < PSA ＜ 10 ng/ml (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.0012; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0009–0.0248). With increasing prostate volume, multivariate analysis showed an obvious increase in f/tPSA value (HR: 0.0011; 95% CI: 0.0007–0.0015) (p ≤.0001). We confirmed that prostate volume could affect the f/tPSA levels in serum. There was an obvious positive correlation between prostate volume and f/tPSA level when PSA levels were between 4 and 10ng/dl. There was no significant correlation between prostate volume and f/tPSA value when PSA >10 ng/ml. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multi-agent reinforcement learning method based on action prediction of other agents is proposed. In the multi-agent system, the action selection of a learning agent must be effected by other agents' action. Therefore, joint-state and joint-action are involved in reinforcement learning system. The method of agent action prediction based on the probabilistic neural network is proposed. So the joint-action is formed and multi-agent reinforcement learning is implemented. Furthermore, the application of the proposed method in cooperation strategy learning of robot soccer is studied. Through mutually learning with environment, multiple robot system can master behavior strategy and realize multiple robots coordination and cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two treatments of color image segmentation with information entropy were introduced. ① The layers of the image are analyzed with whole information entropy and the segmentation resolution can be self-adapted; ② The image is segmented with patch information entropy by segmenting the image in patch. According to the segmentation results, it can be found that the image segmentation with alterable resolution is more similar to the processing character of human vision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal structure of a novel dimeric zinc(II) complex, [ZnL(H 2 O)] 2 (ClO 4 ) 2 ·4H 2 O (L = N -(bis(2-pyridyl)methyl)-2-pyridinecarboxamide), has been determined by X-ray diffraction. In this complex each planar N py -N amido -N py moiety of the ligand coordinates to one zinc ion and the pendant pyridine of one [ZnL] unit completes the coordination sphere of a [ZnL] neighbor. Units of the complex are connected in a two-dimensional network by intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The thermodynamic properties of the ligand with bivalent metal ions Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) were studied by potentiometric titration and the order of the stability constants is in agreement with the Irving-Williams series. The dimeric complex is stabilized through ligand sharing, as confirmed by the crystal structure and thermodynamic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Methods Results Conclusion In patients with frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), palpitations may not always be directly caused by PVCs, and therefore, it is essential to establish symptom‐rhythm correlations to determine the appropriate treatment. This study aims to analyze the palpitations and related factors in patients with frequent PVCs.The study enrolled patients with frequent PVCs who were not combined with other arrhythmias or structural heart disease. Through face‐to‐face consultation, patients were divided into symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. For symptomatic patients, the correlation between palpitations and PVC was further evaluated based on the temporal consistency of symptom onset and PVC occurrence. The demographic, clinical, and electrocardiogram features of the patients in each group were compared.Of the 214 patients enrolled, 124(57.9%) experienced palpitations. Compared to the asymptomatic group, the symptomatic group had a higher proportion of females (63.7% vs. 47.8%; p = .020) and a higher proportion of subjects with anxiety (44.4% vs.14.4%; p = .000). Within the symptomatic patients, 72 (33.60%) who had palpitations that were clearly correlated with PVCs were classified as the PVC‐relevant group. In this group, the PVC CI ratios were significantly lower (55% [52% −60%] vs. 62% [55% −67%]; p = .001) and the Post‐PVC CI were longer (1170 [1027–1270] vs. 1083 [960–1180] ms; p = .018) than in the PVC‐irrelevant group.A direct relationship between palpitations and PVCs could be established only in a minority of patients with frequent PVCs. PVCs with a relatively short PVC CI and a long post‐PVC CI were more likely to cause palpitations, whereas palpitations lasting only a few seconds were more likely to be directly relevant to PVCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]