Initial Curve Research Articles

Determination of Trapping Parameters of Tl2In2S3Se Layered Single Crystal by Thermoluminescence

AbstractThermoluminescence (TL) measurements are performed to evaluate the trap states in Tl2In2S3Se layered single crystals. TL experiments are conducted with varying temperature from 10 to 300 K and warming rates from 0.2 to 1.0 K s−1. From the analysis of both initial rise and curve fitting methods, the activation energy of the traps is obtained as 23 meV. The Chen's method is also used to find activation energy. By means of this technique, the activation energy of the TL glow curve is calculated as 25 meV. From both Chen's method and curve fitting method, the existence of mixed order of kinetics in Tl2In2S3Se crystal is found. The cross section to capture of the trap center is found out from the results of curve fitting method. The trap distribution of the crystals is investigated with different temperatures of illumination at a constant warming rate of 0.8 K s−1. The temperatures of illumination change from 10 to 22 K. As a result of the increase in temperatures of illumination, the peak maximum values move to higher temperatures and intensity of the TL curves decreases. This behavior shows us that quasicontinuous traps distribution is present in Tl2In2S3Se layered single crystals.

Interior design and pattern innovation design study based on generic algorithm logistics information

Interior design takes up a very important role in art design. As one of the most important and general part of pattern design, flower pattern design has always been the theme to which people pay most attention. This article first states the adaptive genetic algorithm, and then builds curvilinear fitting method which is based on the adaptive genetic algorithm. Furthermore, the researchers did tests on the algorithm and got the result: using this method can make the initial design project vary, and offers an effective method for flower pattern innovation design. They also used fitting operation for image materials to provide the most direct linear materials for planners, and added ways to offer initial curves of pattern design.

Observed Type II supernova colours from the Carnegie Supernova Project-I

We present a study of observed Type II supernova (SN~II) colours using optical/near-infrared photometric data from the \textit{Carnegie Supernovae Project-I}. We analyse four colours ($B-V$, $u-g$, $g-r$, and $g-Y$) and find that SN~II colour curves can be described by two linear regimes during the photospheric phase. The first ($s_{\rm 1,colour}$) is steeper and has a median duration of $\sim 40$ days. The second, shallower slope ($s_{\rm 2,colour}$) lasts until the end of the "plateau" ($\sim 80$ days). The two slopes correlate in the sense that steeper initial colour curves also imply steeper colour curves at later phases. As suggested by recent studies, SNe~II form a continuous population of objects from the colour point of view as well. We investigate correlations between the observed colours and a range of photometric and spectroscopic parameters including the absolute magnitude, the $V$-band light-curve slopes, and metal-line strengths. We find that less luminous SNe~II appear redder, a trend that we argue is not driven by uncorrected host-galaxy reddening. While there is significant dispersion, we find evidence that redder SNe~II (mainly at early epochs) display stronger metal-line equivalent widths. Host-galaxy reddening does not appear to be a dominant parameter, neither driving observed trends nor dominating the dispersion in observed colours. Intrinsic SN~II colours are most probably dominated by photospheric temperature differences, with progenitor metallicity possibly playing a minor role. Such temperature differences could be related to differences in progenitor radius, together with the presence or absence of circumstellar material close to the progenitor stars.

A Fast Hybrid Level Set Model for Image Segmentation Using Lattice Boltzmann Method and Sparse Field Constraint

A novel hybrid-fitting energy-based active contours model in the level set framework is proposed. The method fuses the local image fitting term and the global image fitting term to drive the contour evolution, and a special extra term that penalizes the deviation of the level set function from a signed distance function is also included in our method, so the complex and costly reinitialization procedure is completely eliminated. Our model can efficiently segment the images with intensity inhomogeneity no matter where the initial curve is located in the image. In its numerical implementation, two efficient numerical schemes are used to ensure the sufficient efficiency of the evolution process, one is the Lattice Boltzmann Model (LBM), which is used for breaking the restrictions on time step, the other is the Sparse Field Method (SFM), which is introduced for fast local computation. Compared with the traditional schemes, these two strategies can further shorten the time consumption of the evolution process, this allows the level set to quickly reach the true target location. The extensive and promising experimental results on numerous synthetic and real images have shown that our method can efficiently improve the image segmentation performance, in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and robustness.

Learning curve analysis of transapical NeoChord mitral valve repair.

Transapical off-pump mitral valve intervention with neochordae implantation is a novel, minimally invasive procedure for treatment of degenerative mitral valve regurgitation. The aim of this study was to apply control charts (CUSUM curves) to monitor the performance of NeoChord repair during the initial phase of its adoption. The first 112 consecutive patients who underwent NeoChord repair at our institution between November 2013 and March 2016 were included in the analysis. Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium criteria for 1-year patient success was utilized to determine failed procedures. Control charts had predetermined acceptable and unacceptable failure rates of 5% and 15%, respectively. The actual incidence of 1-year-patient failure was 11% (12 of 112 cases), with a cluster of failures within the first 20 cases. The CUSUM analysis demonstrated an initial learning curve; however, the upper boundary (alarm line) was never crossed. The reassurance line was first crossed after 40 procedures and performance remained stable after 49 procedures. NeoChord repair is a safe procedure, and the results are maintained through the 1-year follow-up. A relative high number of implants were required to overcome the learning curve at our institution due to the concurrent development of patient selection criteria and the technical refinement of the procedure. Future studies are needed to assess the evolution of the learning curve after the wide adoption of the procedure across European and North American centres.

Robust active contour via additive local and global intensity information based on local entropy

Active contour-based image segmentation can be a very challenging task due to many factors such as high intensity inhomogeneity, presence of noise, complex shape, weak boundaries objects, and dependence on the position of the initial contour. We propose a level set-based active contour method to segment complex shape objects from images corrupted by noise and high intensity inhomogeneity. The energy function of the proposed method results from combining the global intensity information and local intensity information with some regularization factors. First, the global intensity term is proposed based on a scheme formulation that considers two intensity values for each region instead of one, which outperforms the well-known Chan–Vese model in delineating the image information. Second, the local intensity term is formulated based on local entropy computed considering the distribution of the image brightness and using the generalized Gaussian distribution as the kernel function. Therefore, it can accurately handle high intensity inhomogeneity and noise. Moreover, our model is not dependent on the position occupied by the initial curve. Finally, extensive experiments using various images have been carried out to illustrate the performance of the proposed method.

“Microendoscopic” versus “pure endoscopic” surgery for spinal intradural mass lesions: a comparative study and review

Background ContextEndoscopy is increasingly being used for minimal invasiveness and panoramic visualization, with unclear efficacy and safety among spinal intradural mass. ObjectiveThe present study aims to compare microendoscopic and pure endoscopic surgery for spinal intradural lesions. Materials and methodsSpinal intradural lesions operated using endoscopic or access ports were categorized into “microendoscopic” (predominant microscope use) or “pure endoscopic” (stand-alone endoscopy) surgery, and were studied with respect to clinico-radiological features, techniques, perioperative course, histopathology, clinical, and radiological outcome at minimum of 3 months. ResultsAmong 34 patients studied, the initial 15 had “microendoscopic” surgery, 16 had “pure-endoscopic” surgery, and 3 had “mixed” use. There were 18 nerve sheath tumors, 6 meningiomas, 6 cysts, 2 ependymomas, ranging in size from 1.5 to as large as 6.8 cm (21%≥4 cm), including 4 in craniovertebral junction (CVJ). Intermuscular or paraspinous approach was utilized, followed by small bony fenestration or interlaminar corridor. Even larger tumors could be excised using expandable ports or “sliding delivery” technique. Although visualization of sides and angles was better with endoscope, hemostasis and dural closure had steep learning curve, necessitating the use of microscope in the initial cases. Clinical improvement and radiological resolution could be achieved in all. There was no significant difference between the groups. The change in Nurick grade had significant correlation with only the dimension of lesion (p=.03) and preoperative grade (p=.05). ConclusionsThis is probably the first report of spinal endoscopy for intradural tumors in CVJ or as big as 7 cm. Endoscopy is effective and safe for even large tumors with better visualization of sides and angles, albeit with hemostasis and dural closure having initial learning curve. Wide heterogeneity of surgical terminologies in the literature on these procedures warrants consensus for uniform reporting.

LapTrain: multi-modality training curriculum for laparoscopic cholecystectomy-results of a randomized controlled trial.

Multiple training modalities for laparoscopy have different advantages, but little research has been conducted on the benefit of a training program that includes multiple different training methods compared to one method only. This study aimed to evaluate benefits of a combined multi-modality training program for surgical residents. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) was performed on a porcine liver as the pre-test. Randomization was stratified for experience to the multi-modality Training group (12h of training on Virtual Reality (VR) and box trainer) or Control group (no training). The post-test consisted of a VR LC and porcine LC. Performance was rated with the Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) score by blinded experts. Training (n = 33) and Control (n = 31) were similar in the pre-test (GOALS: 13.7 ± 3.4 vs. 14.7 ± 2.6; p = 0.198; operation time 57.0 ± 18.1 vs. 63.4 ± 17.5min; p = 0.191). In the post-test porcine LC, Training had improved GOALS scores (+ 2.84 ± 2.85 points, p < 0.001), while Control did not (+ 0.55 ± 2.34 points, p = 0.154). Operation time in the post-test was shorter for Training vs. Control (40.0 ± 17.0 vs. 55.0 ± 22.2min; p = 0.012). Junior residents improved GOALS scores to the level of senior residents (pre-test: 13.7 ± 2.7 vs. 18.3 ± 2.9; p = 0.010; post-test: 15.5 ± 3.4 vs. 18.8 ± 3.8; p = 0.120) but senior residents remained faster (50.1 ± 20.6 vs. 25.0 ± 1.9min; p < 0.001). No differences were found between groups on the post-test VR trainer. Structured multi-modality training is beneficial for novices to improve basics and overcome the initial learning curve in laparoscopy as well as to decrease operation time for LCs in different stages of experience. Future studies should evaluate multi-modality training in comparison with single modalities. German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00011040.

Standardized reporting of appendicitis-related findings improves reliability of ultrasound in diagnosing appendicitis in children.

Our objective was to increase ultrasound reliability for diagnosing appendicitis in an academic children's hospital emergency department (ED) through a multidisciplinary quality improvement initiative. A retrospective review of ultrasound use in patients diagnosed with appendicitis in our ED from 1/1/2011 to 6/30/2014 established a baseline cohort. From 8/1/2014 to 7/31/2015 a diagnostic algorithm that prioritized ultrasound over CT was used in our ED, and a standardized template was implemented for the reporting of appendicitis-related ultrasound findings by our radiologists. Of 627 patients diagnosed with appendicitis in the ED during the retrospective review, 46.1% (n=289) had an ultrasound. After implementation of the diagnostic algorithm and standardized ultrasound report, 88.4% (n=236) of 267 patients diagnosed with appendicitis had an ultrasound (p<0.01). The frequency of indeterminate results decreased from 44.3% to 13.1%, and positive results increased from 46.4% to 66.1% in patients with appendicitis (p<0.01). The sensitivity of ultrasound (indeterminate counted as negative) increased from 50.6% to 69.2% (p<0.01). Ultrasound reliability for the diagnosis of appendicitis in children can be improved through standardized results reporting. However, these changes should be made as part of a multidisciplinary quality improvement initiative to account for the initial learning curve necessary to increase experience. Level II, Study of Diagnostic Test.

Phase formation and magnetic hardening mechanism of TbCu7 type Sm-Fe-N powders

(Sm0.7Zr0.3)x(Fe0.9Co0.1)100−x (x = 9.1,10.7,10.9,12.6,13.4) alloys almost consistof TbCu7 type phase were prepared by rapid quenching technique and annealing. A series of TbCu7 type Sm-Zr-Fe-Co-N magnetically hard powders were prepared through nitrogenization of the alloys. With (Sm0.7Zr0.3) content increases, the coercivity increased but magnetization decreases. TbCu7-type nitride powder with coercivity of 10.8 kOe can be obtained when x = 13.6. The initial magnetization curves of the powders indicate that the coercivity should be controlled by pinning mechanism.

An efficient design method for LED surface sources in three-dimensional rotational geometry using projected angle difference An efficient design method for LED surface sources

An efficient method is proposed for the design of prescribed rotational illumination on the far or near field using the edge-ray principle. By this method, the prescribed illuminance on the prescribed location can be determined by projected angle difference in a two-dimensional design process for LED extended sources. Profiles of the lens with two initial curves on the centre can be calculated based on the relationship between the illuminance and the projected angle difference. The initial optical systems we calculated are close to the prescribed illumination despite the influence of skew rays. More importantly, a prescribed illumination on the near field can be achieved accurately and quickly by using this method, which is better than the usual luminous intensity distribution design methods for LED extended sources.

Redefining the learning curve for robotic esophagectomy.

132 Background: Minimally invasive esophagectomy(MIE) has demonstrated superior outcomes compared to open approaches. The myriad of techniques has precluded the recommendation of a standard approach. The robotic approach has increased steadily. We have previously published our series defining the learning curve for this approach. The purpose of this study is to redefine the learning curve for robotic-assisted esophagogastrectomy with respect to operative time, conversion rates, and patient safety. Methods: We have prospectively followed all patients undergoing robotic-assisted esophagogastrectomy and compared operations performed at our institutions by a single surgeon in successive cohorts. Our measures of proficiency included: operative times, conversion rates, and complications. Statistical analyses were undertaken utilizing Spearman regression analysis and Mann-Whitney U test. Significance was accepted with 95 % confidence. Results: We identified 203 patients (166 [81.8%] male: 37 [18.2%] female) of median age of 67.2 (30-90) years who underwent robotic-assisted esophagogastrectomies for malignant esophageal disease. One-hundred sixty six were adenocarcinoma, 26 were squamous cell carcinoma and 11 were other. R0 resections was performed in 202 (99.5%) of patients. The median lymph node harvest was 18 (6-63). Neoadjuvant chemoradiation was administered to 157 (77.4%) patients. A significant reduction in operative times (p &lt;0.005) following completion of 20 procedures was identified (514 ± 106 min vs. 415± 91 min compared to subsequent 80 cases and further reduced with the subsequent 100 cases 397 ± 71.9 min) p&lt;0.001. Complications decreased after the initial learning curve of 29 cases, p=0.04. However there was an increase in complications after 90 cases in which there was an increase in the Charleson morbidity index, p&lt;0.01 indicating higher risk patients which tapered after case 115. Conclusions: For surgeons proficient in performing minimally-invasive esophagogastrectomies, the learning curve for a robotic-assisted procedure appears to begin near proficiency after 20 cases however as more complex cases are undertake there appears to be an additional learning curve which is surpassed after 90 cases.

Repeated Morphine Produces Sensitization to Reward and Tolerance to Antiallodynia in Male and Female Rats with Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy.

Paclitaxel is a cancer chemotherapy drug with adverse effects that include chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain (CINP) as well as depression of behavior and mood. In the clinical setting, opioids are often used concurrently with or after chemotherapy to treat pain related to the cancer or CINP, but repeated opioid exposure can also increase the risk of opioid abuse. In this study, male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were used to test the hypothesis that repeated 3.2-mg/kg doses of morphine would induce tolerance to its antinociceptive effects in a mechanical sensitivity assay and increased expression of its abuse-related rewarding effects in an assay of intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS). Three weeks after four injections of vehicle or 2.0 mg/kg of paclitaxel, the initial morphine dose-effect curves were determined in both assays. Subsequently, rats were treated with 3.2 mg/kg per day morphine for 6 days. On the final day of testing, morphine dose-effect curves were redetermined in both assays. On initial exposure, morphine produced dose-dependent antiallodynia in the assay of mechanical sensitivity, but it produced little or no rewarding effects in the assay of ICSS. After 6 days of repeated treatment, morphine antiallodynia decreased, and morphine reward increased. Females exhibited greater morphine reward on initial exposure than males, but repeated morphine eliminated this sex difference. These results suggest that repeated morphine may produce tolerance to therapeutically beneficial analgesic effects of morphine but increased sensitivity to abuse-related rewarding effects of morphine in subjects treated with paclitaxel.

Singularities of the area preserving curve shortening flow with a free boundary condition

We consider the area preserving curve shortening flow with Neumann free boundary conditions outside of a convex domain or at a straight line. We give a criterion on initial curves that guarantees the appearance of a singularity in finite time. We prove that the singularity is of type II. Furthermore, if these initial curves are convex, then an appropriate rescaling at the finite maximal time of existence yields a grim reaper or half a grim reaper as limit flow. We construct examples of initial curves satisfying the mentioned criterion.

Continuous tenor extension of affine LIBOR models with multiple curves and applications to XVA

We consider the class of affine LIBOR models with multiple curves, which is an analytically tractable class of discrete tenor models that easily accommodates positive or negative interest rates and positive spreads. By introducing an interpolating function, we extend the affine LIBOR models to a continuous tenor and derive expressions for the instantaneous forward rate and the short rate. We show that the continuous tenor model is arbitrage-free, that the analytical tractability is retained under the spot martingale measure, and that under mild conditions an interpolating function can be found such that the extended model fits any initial forward curve. This allows us to compute value adjustments (i.e. XVAs) consistently, by solving the corresponding ‘pre-default’ BSDE. As an application, we compute the price and value adjustments for a basis swap, and study the model risk associated to different interpolating functions.

Lumbar Lordosis Correction With Interbody Hyperlordotic Cages: Initial Experience, Learning Curve, Technical Aspects, and Complication Incidence

Analysis of the initial experience on learning curve, technical differences and perioperative or early postoperative complications using lumbar hyperlordotic anterior and lateral interbody cages for the correction of lumbar lordosis as compared with the usage of regular lordotic cages. Initial 21 consecutive patients were treated with 13 hyperlordotic anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) cages and 8 hyperlordotic extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) cages. The mean patient age was 64 years, and the mean lumbar hypolordosis was 23°. No significant procedure-related technical differences were found between the hyperlordotic and nonhyperlordotic ALIF cages. Slightly significant procedure-related technical differences were found between hyperlordotic and nonhyperlordotic XLIF cages. The complication type and occurrence were comparable. Sagittal balance correction of lumbar lordosis using hyperlordotic ALIF and XLIF cages is a relatively safe surgical procedure with a short learning curve for those surgeons already familiar with anterior and lateral retroperitoneal procedures.

Managing Traps and Pitfalls During Initial Steps of an ECMO Retrieval Program Using a Miniaturized Portable System: What Have We Learned From the First Two Years?

The aim of this study was to provide early and mid-term results of the newly established extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) retrieval service in a tertiary cardiothoracic center using the miniaturized portable Cardiohelp System (Maquet, Rastatt, Germany). A particular attention was paid to organizational and logistic specifics as well as challenges and pitfalls associated with initial phase of the program. From January 2015 until January 2017 a heterogenic group of 28 consecutive patients underwent ECMO implantation in distant hospitals for acute cardiac, pulmonary or combined failure as a bridge-to-decision and were subsequently transported to our institution. Each cannulation was performed bedside on intensive care units (ICU) using the Seldinger's technique. Early outcomes and mid-term overall survival with up to two-year follow-up along with the impact of ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on outcome were presented. Also, changes in hemodynamics and tissue perfusion factors 24 h after ECMO implantation were evaluated. ECMO implantations were performed in 15 distant departments with the median distance of 23(10;40) (maximum 60) km. A total of 15 patients (54%) were cannulated under CPR with the median duration of 30(20;110) (maximum 180) min. After 24 h of support there were significant improvements in SvO2 (P = 0.021), mean arterial pressure (P = 0.027), FiO2 (P = 0.001), lactate (P = 0.001), and pH (P < 0.001). The mean ECMO support duration was 96 ± 100 (maximum 384) hours, whereas 11 patients (40%) were weaned off support and discharged from hospital. Overall cumulative survival in patients without the need for CPR was 61.5% at one week and 38.5% at 1 month, 6 month, and 1 year, whereas patients requiring CPR survived in 40% at one week, and 33.3% at 1 month, 6 month, and 1 year (Log-Rank (Mantel-Cox) P = 0.374, Breslow (Generalized Wilcoxon) P = 0.162). Our initial experience shows that launching new ECMO retrieval programs in centers with sufficient ICU capacities and local ECMO experience can be feasible and associated with acceptable "real world" results despite the initial learning curve. Rapid logistical organization and team flexibility are the key points to ensure comparable survival of patients requiring prolonged CPR.

In-situ magnetic force microscopy analysis of magnetization and demagnetization behavior in Al3+ substituted Sr-hexaferrite

The sintering temperature of an Al3+ substituted Sr-hexaferrite composite was systematically varied from 1180 °C to 1280 °C resulting in different microstructures. The grain size was found to range from a few hundred nanometers to several hundred micrometers depending on Al content and sintering temperature. Adding an Al substituted powder to a commercial powder increased the coercivity from 360 mT to 470 mT, at the same time, decreasing remanence from 350 mT to 305 mT. Magnetization and demagnetization processes from the thermally demagnetized state (TDS) and DC-demagnetized state (DCD) have been investigated systematically by in-situ magnetic force microscopy (MFM) under magnetic field. From the surface domain contrast a polarization was derived which quantitatively matches the global i.e. bulk polarization obtained by superconducting quantum interface device (SQUID) magnetometry. The shape of the initial polarization curve and the polarization from the DCD state were correlated with the in-situ MFM data revealing a distinctly different magnetization behavior depending on grain size. The presented results enable a better understanding of local nucleation mechanisms, global influences of pinning centers and further opportunities to improve rare earth (RE) free permanent magnets based on ferrites.

Deep Convolutional Level Set Method for Image Segmentation

Level Set Method is a popular method for image segmentation. One of the problems in Level Set Method is finding the right initial surface parameter, which implicitly affects the curve evolution and ultimately the segmentation result. By setting the initial curve too far away from the target object, Level Set Method could potentially miss the target altogether, whereas by setting the initial curve as general as possible – i.e. capturing the whole image – makes Level Set Method susceptible to noise. Recently, deep-learning methods, especially Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), have been proven to achieve state-of-the-art performance in many computer vision tasks such as image classification and detection. In this paper, a new method is proposed, called Deep Convolutional Level Set Method (DCLSM). The idea is to use the CNN object detector as a prior for Level Set Method segmentation. Using DCLSM it is possible to significantly improve the segmentation accuracy and precision of the classic Level Set Method. It was also found that the prior used in the proposed method is the lower and upper bound for DCLSM’s precision and recall, respectively.

Superior Biochemical Recurrence and Long-term Quality-of-life Outcomes Are Achievable with Robotic Radical Prostatectomy After a Long Learning Curve—Updated Analysis of a Prospective Single-surgeon Cohort of 2206 Consecutive Cases

BackgroundOur earlier analysis suggested that robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) achieved superiority over open radical prostatectomy (ORP) in terms of positive surgical margin (PSM) rates and functional outcomes. ObjectiveWith larger sample size and longer follow-up, the objective of this study update is to assess whether our previous findings are upheld and whether the improved PSM rates for RARP after an initial learning curve compared with ORP—as observed in our earlier analysis—ultimately resulted in improved biochemical control. Design, setting, and participantsProspective observational study comparing two surgical techniques; 2271 consecutive men underwent RARP (1520) or ORP (751) at a single centre from 2006 to 2016. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisDemographic and clinicopathological data were prospectively collected. The EPIC-QOL questionnaire was administered at baseline and 1.5, 3, 6, 12, and 24 mo. Multivariate linear regression modelled the difference in quality of life (QOL) domains against case number; logistic and Cox regression modelled the differences in PSM and biochemical recurrence (BCR) hazard ratios (HR), respectively. Results and limitationsA total of 2206 men were included in BCR/PSM analysis and 1045 consented for QOL analysis. Superior pT2 surgical margins, early and late sexual outcomes, and early urinary outcomes were upheld and became more robust (narrowing of 95% confidence intervals [CIs]). The risk of BCR was initially higher for RARP, improved after 191 RARPs, and was 35% lower (hazard ratio [HR] 0.65, 95% CI 0.47–0.90) at final RARP, plateauing after 226 RARPs. Improved late (12–24 mo) urinary bother scores (adjusted mean difference [AMD]=4.7, 95% CI 1.3–8.0) and irritative–obstructive scores (AMD=3.8, 95% CI 0.9–5.6) at final RARP were demonstrated. Limitations include observational single surgeon data, possible residual confounding, and short follow-up. ConclusionsThe results from this updated analysis demonstrate that RARP can be beneficial for patients of high-volume surgeons, although more randomised studies and studies with survival outcomes are needed. Patient summaryRobot-assisted radical prostatectomy was able to improve functional and oncological outcomes in this single surgeon's learning curve.