Systemic immune-inflammation index combined with pediatric appendicitis score in assessing the severity and prognosis for paediatric appendicitis

BACKGROUND Pediatric appendicitis is a common cause of abdominal pain in children and is recognized as a significant surgical emergency.A prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential to prevent complications such as perforation and peritonitis.AIM To investigate the predictive value of the systemic immune-inflammation index(SII)combined with the pediatric appendicitis score(PAS)for the assessment of disease severity and surgical outcomes in children aged 5 years and older with appendicitis.METHODS Clinical data of 104 children diagnosed with acute appendicitis were analyzed.The participants were categorized into the acute appendicitis group and chronic appendicitis group based on disease presentation and further stratified into the good prognosis group and poor prognosis group based on prognosis.The SII and PAS were measured,and a joint model using the combined SII and PAS was constructed to predict disease severity and surgical outcomes.RESULTS Significant differences were observed in the SII and PAS parameters between the acute appendicitis group and chronic appendicitis group.Correlation analysis showed associations among the SII,PAS,and disease severity,with the combined SII and PAS model demonstrating significant predictive value for assessing disease severity[aera under the curve(AUC)=0.914]and predicting surgical outcomes(AUC=0.857)in children aged 5 years and older with appendicitis.CONCLUSION The study findings support the potential of integrating the SII with the PAS for assessing disease severity and predicting surgical outcomes in pediatric appendicitis,indicating the clinical utility of the combined SII and PAS model in guiding clinical decision-making and optimizing surgical management strategies for pediatric patients with appendicitis.

Optimizing Optical Attocells Positioning of Indoor Visible Light Communication System

Visible light communication(VLC),which is a prominent emerging solution that complements the radio frequency(RF)technology,exhibits the potential to meet the demands of fifth-generation(5G)and beyond technologies.The random movement of mobile terminals in the indoor environment is a challenge in the VLC system.The model of optical attocells has a critical role in the uniform distribution and the quality of communication links in terms of received power and signal-to-noise ratio(SNR).As such,the optical attocells positions were optimized in this study with a developed try and error(TE)algorithm.The optimized optical attocells were examined and compared with previous models.This novel approach had successfully increased minimum received power from−1.29 to−0.225 dBm,along with enhanced SNR performance by 2.06 dB.The bit error rate(BER)was reduced to 4.42×10−8 and 6.63×10−14 by utilizing OOK-NRZ and BPSK modulation techniques,respectively.The optimized attocells positions displayed better uniform distribution,as both received power and SNR performances improved by 0.45 and 0.026,respectively.As the results of the proposed model are optimal,it is suitable for standard office and room model applications.

Long-term and short-term stability characteristics of receiver inter system bias for BDS3/BDS2

The study of inter-system bias(ISB)is important for multi-system fusion and the performance of different signal compatibility.In this paper,the stability of ISB at the BDS3/BDS2 receiver end is calculated and analyzed for different time spans(DOY 060~090 in 2021)from a total of 31 MGEX and iGMAS stations.We adopted two estimation strategies,random walk and constant approach,using the precision products of orbit and clock bias provided by WUM,the influence of which on ISB was also analyzed.Our results showed that the ISB value varied little within a day,and the mean of daily ISB standard deviation was only 0.037 m when the observation condition was good.The signal reception was continuous,indicating a high ISB stability for one day.If extending the time series to one month,however,the ISB standard deviation calculated by constant approach,in which a constant ISB is estimated on a daily basis was about 0.1 m,and the results of adjacent days were not continuous,with no apparent pattern.Concerning the random walk approach,the obtained ISB time series also had a jump,and the conclusion was the same as that of the constant strategy.Besides,receiver types showed a strong regularity in ISB numerical situation,and the distribution of ISB values corresponding to the same receiver type was relatively close.Therefore,we conclude that the ISB parameters remain stable in the short term(one day)and less stable in the long-term period.It is recommended that the ISB term should be set as a constant estimate every day in BDS3/BDS2 solutions,regardless of receiver type consistency.

Designing optimal number of receiving traces based on simulation model

Currently, the selection of receiving traces in geometry design is mostly based on the horizontal layered medium hypothesis, which is unable to meet survey requirements in a complex area. This paper estimates the optimal number of receiving traces in field geometry using a numerical simulation based on a field test conducted in previous research （Zhu et al., 2011）. A mathematical model is established for total energy and average efficiency energy using fixed trace spacing and optimal receiving traces are estimated. Seismic data acquired in a complex work area are used to verify the correctness of the proposed method. Results of model data calculations and actual data processing show that results are in agreement. This indicates that the proposed method is reasonable, correct, sufficiently scientific, and can be regarded as a novel method for use in seismic geometry design in complex geological regions.

A 12 Gbit/s limiting amplifier using 2 GaAs HBT technology for fiber-optic transmission system

A 12 Gbit/s limiting amplifier for fiber-optic transmission system is realized in a 2μm GaAs HBT technology. The whole circuit consists of an input buffer, three similar amplifier cells, an output buffer for driving 50 ft transmission lines and a pair of feedback networks for offset cancellation. At a positive supply voltage of 2 V and a negative supply voltage of - 2V, the power dissipation is about 280 mW. The small-signal gain is higher than 46 dB and the input dynamic range is about 40 dB with a constant single-ended output voltage swing of 400 mV. Satisfactory eye-diagrams are obtained at the bit rate of 12 Gbit/s limited by the test set-up. The chip area is 1.15 mm ×0.7 mm.

Design and characterization of a multi-ring nested CMUT array for hydrophone

This paper presents the design,fabrication,packaging,and characterization of a high-performance CMUT array.The array,which features rectangular cells fabricated using a sacrificial release process,achieves a receiving sensitivity of-231.44 d B(re:1 V/μPa)with a 40 d B gain.Notably,the CMUT array exhibits a minimal sensitivity variation of just 0.87 d B across a temperature range of 0 to 60°C.Furthermore,the output voltage non-linearity at 1 k Hz is approximately 0.44%.These test results demonstrate that the reception performance of the 67-element CMUT array is superior to that of commercial transducers.The high performance and compact design of this CMUT array underscore its significant commercial potential for hydrophone applications.

The Lithosphere Structure and its Implication for Different Metallogenic Belts beneath the Eastern South China Block

The South China Block(SCB)was formed through the Neoproterozoic amalgamation of the Yangtze Block(YB),the Cathaysia Block(CB),and the accreted components of the Jiangnan orogenic belt(JNO),it is bounded by the Jiangshan–Shaoxing–Pingxiang fault(JSPF)and the Jiujiang–Shitai–Jishou fault(JSJF)(Yao et al.,2019).The SCB has undergone a series of complex geological events,including Paleozoic orogeny,Mesozoic collisions with the North China Craton(NCC)and the Indochina Block,as well as the intracontinental orogeny,leading to extensive lithospheric modifications and magmatic activities(Zhang H J et al.,2023;Fig.1).

The Tianma 65 m radio telescope at Shanghai

The Shanghai Tianma 65 m radio telescope(TMRT)is a large,fully rotatable radio telescope with multiple scientific purposes.The main body of the telescope and four low-frequency receiving systems,including L,C,and S/X bands,were completed between 2008 and 2012.From 2013 to 2017,four high-frequency receiving systems,including Ku,K,Ka,and Q bands,were constructed and their performance was comprehensively tested.There are three main innovations.(1)A fully movable large radio telescope system with advanced performance and complete functions has been built.(2)An advanced,reliable main reflector adjustment system has been completed,overcoming gravity deformation and creating a large antenna with a main reflective surface accuracy of 0.28 mm(root mean square)for any elevation.(3)Five innovative technologies have been developed to achieve high-precision pointing in any direction within 3″.The TMRT has made a crucial contribution to the orbital measurement and positioning of China’s lunar and deep space probes.Significantly enhancing China's ability to participate in international VLBI observations and radio astronomy,this has facilitated a series of achievements in observational radio astronomical research,in areas such as VLBI,spectral lines,and pulsars.

Beidou receiver based on anti-jamming antenna arrays with self-calibration for precise relative positioning

Unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs)may be subjected to unintentional radio frequency interference(RFI)or hostile jamming attack which will lead to fail to track global navigation satellite system(GNSS)signals.Therefore,the simultaneous realization of anti-jamming and high-precision carrier phase difference positioning becomes a dilemmatic problem.In this paper,a distortionless phase digital beamforming(DBF)algorithm with self-calibration antenna arrays is proposed,which enables to obtain distortionless carrier phase while suppressing jamming.Additionally,architecture of high precision Beidou receiver based on anti-jamming antenna arrays is proposed.Finally,the performance of the algorithm is evaluated,including antenna calibration accuracy,carrier phase distortionless accuracy,and carrier phase measurement accuracy without jamming.Meanwhile,the maximal jamming to signal ratio(JSR)and real time kinematic(RTK)positioning accuracy under wideband jamming are also investigated.The experimental results based on the real-life Beidou signals show that the proposed method has an excellent performance for precise relative positioning under jamming when compared with other anti-jamming methods.

Enhancing Indoor User Localization:An Adaptive Bayesian Approach for Multi-Floor Environments

Indoor localization systems are crucial in addressing the limitations of traditional global positioning system(GPS)in indoor environments due to signal attenuation issues.As complex indoor spaces become more sophisticated,indoor localization systems become essential for improving user experience,safety,and operational efficiency.Indoor localization methods based on Wi-Fi fingerprints require a high-density location fingerprint database,but this can increase the computational burden in the online phase.Bayesian networks,which integrate prior knowledge or domain expertise,are an effective solution for accurately determining indoor user locations.These networks use probabilistic reasoning to model relationships among various localization parameters for indoor environments that are challenging to navigate.This article proposes an adaptive Bayesian model for multi-floor environments based on fingerprinting techniques to minimize errors in estimating user location.The proposed system is an off-the-shelf solution that uses existing Wi-Fi infrastructures to estimate user’s location.It operates in both online and offline phases.In the offline phase,a mobile device with Wi-Fi capability collects radio signals,while in the online phase,generating samples using Gibbs sampling based on the proposed Bayesian model and radio map to predict user’s location.Experimental results unequivocally showcase the superior performance of the proposed model when compared to other existing models and methods.The proposed model achieved an impressive lower average localization error,surpassing the accuracy of competing approaches.Notably,this noteworthy achievement was attained with minimal reliance on reference points,underscoring the efficiency and efficacy of the proposed model in accurately estimating user locations in indoor environments.

A review of ToF-based LiDAR

In recent years,propelled by the rapid iterative advancements in digital imaging technology and the semiconductor industry,encompassing microelectronic design,manufacturing,packaging,and testing,time-of-flight(ToF)-based imaging systems for acquiring depth information have garnered considerable attention from both academia and industry.This technology has emerged as a focal point of research within the realm of 3D imaging.Owing to its relatively straightforward principles and exceptional performance,ToF technology finds extensive applications across various domains including human−computer interaction,autonomous driving,industrial inspection,medical and healthcare,augmented reality,smart homes,and 3D reconstruction,among others.Notably,the increasing maturity of ToF-based LiDAR systems is evident in current developments.This paper comprehensively reviews the fundamental principles of ToF technology and LiDAR systems,alongside recent research advancements.It elucidates the innovative aspects and technical challenges encountered in both transmitter(TX)and receiver(RX),providing detailed discussions on corresponding solutions.Furthermore,the paper explores prospective avenues for future research,offering valuable insights for subsequent investigations.

Fast measurement and prediction method for electromagnetic susceptibility of receiver

Aiming at evaluating and predicting rapidly and accurately a high sensitivity receiver’s adaptability in complex electromagnetic environments,a novel testing and prediction method based on dual-channel multi-frequency is proposed to improve the traditional two-tone test.Firstly,two signal generators are used to generate signals at the radio frequency(RF)by frequency scanning,and then a rapid measurement at the intermediate frequency(IF)output port is carried out to obtain a huge amount of sample data for the subsequent analysis.Secondly,the IF output response data are modeled and analyzed to construct the linear and nonlinear response constraint equations in the frequency domain and prediction models in the power domain,which provide the theoretical criteria for interpreting and predicting electromagnetic susceptibility(EMS)of the receiver.An experiment performed on a radar receiver confirms the reliability of the method proposed in this paper.It shows that the interference of each harmonic frequency and each order to the receiver can be identified and predicted with the sensitivity model.Based on this,fast and comprehensive evaluation and prediction of the receiver’s EMS in complex environment can be efficiently realized.

Dependence of Rydberg-atom-based sensor performance on different Rydberg atom populations in one atomic-vapor cell

The atomic-vapor cell is a vital component for Rydberg atomic microwave sensors,and impacts on overall capability of Rydberg sensors.However,the conventional analysis approach on effect of vapor-cell length contains two implicit assumptions,that is,the same atomic population density and buffer gas pressure,which make it unable to accurately capture actual response about effect of Rydberg-atom-based sensor performance on different Rydberg atom populations.Here,utilizing a stepped cesium atomic-vapor cell with five different dimensions at the same atomic population density and buffer gas pressure,the height and full width at half maximum of electromagnetically induced transparency(EIT)signal,and the sensitivity of the atomic superheterodyne sensor are comprehensively investigated under conditions of the same Rabi frequencies(saturated laser power).It is identified that EIT signal height is proportional to the cell length,full width at half maximum and sensitivity grow with the increment of cell length to a certain extent.Employing the coherent integration signal theory and atomic linear expansion coefficient method,theoretical analysis of the EIT height and sensitivity are further investigated.The results could shed new light on understanding and design of ultrahigh-sensitivity Rydberg atomic microwave sensors and find promising applications in quantum measurement,communication,and imaging.

Wideband spectrum sensing using step-sampling based on the multipath nyquist folding receiver

Wideband spectrum sensing with a high-speed analog-digital converter(ADC) presents a challenge for practical systems.The Nyquist folding receiver(NYFR) is a promising scheme for achieving cost-effective real-time spectrum sensing,which is subject to the complexity of processing the modulated outputs.In this case,a multipath NYFR architecture with a step-sampling rate for the different paths is proposed.The different numbers of digital channels for each path are designed based on the Chinese remainder theorem(CRT).Then,the detectable frequency range is divided into multiple frequency grids,and the Nyquist zone(NZ) of the input can be obtained by sensing these grids.Thus,high-precision parameter estimation is performed by utilizing the NYFR characteristics.Compared with the existing methods,the scheme proposed in this paper overcomes the challenge of NZ estimation,information damage,many computations,low accuracy,and high false alarm probability.Comparative simulation experiments verify the effectiveness of the proposed architecture in this paper.

Performance analysis of space-time transmit diversity techniques for multi-antenna WCDMA systems

Several space-time coding based transmit diversity techniques for wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) systems with four transmitter antennas are investigated. Performances of the rake receivers are analyzed and compared with those of the multi-antenna receive diversity techniques. Theoretical analysis shows that the multi-antenna transmit diversity techniques provide considerable performance gain at the mobile receiver in the wireless channel with less inherent multipath diversity, especially the G4 coding based scheme. Compared with the multi-antenna receive diversity techniques with the same diversity order, the transmit diversity techniques introduce much more multi-access plus multipath interference and require measures of interference suppression in the multi-user environments.

Enhancing XRF sensor-based sorting of porphyritic copper ore using particle swarm optimization-support vector machine(PSO-SVM)algorithm

X-ray fluorescence(XRF)sensor-based ore sorting enables efficient beneficiation of heterogeneous ores,while intraparticle heterogeneity can cause significant grade detection errors,leading to misclassifications and hindering widespread technology adoption.Accurate classification models are crucial to determine if actual grade exceeds the sorting threshold using localized XRF signals.Previous studies mainly used linear regression(LR)algorithms including simple linear regression(SLR),multivariable linear regression(MLR),and multivariable linear regression with interaction(MLRI)but often fell short attaining satisfactory results.This study employed the particle swarm optimization support vector machine(PSO-SVM)algorithm for sorting porphyritic copper ore pebble.Lab-scale results showed PSO-SVM out-performed LR and raw data(RD)models and the significant interaction effects among input features was observed.Despite poor input data quality,PSO-SVM demonstrated exceptional capabilities.Lab-scale sorting achieved 93.0%accuracy,0.24%grade increase,84.94%recovery rate,57.02%discard rate,and a remarkable 39.62 yuan/t net smelter return(NSR)increase compared to no sorting.These improvements were achieved by the PSO-SVM model with optimized input combinations and highest data quality(T=10,T is XRF testing times).The unsuitability of LR methods for XRF sensor-based sorting of investigated sample is illustrated.Input element selection and mineral association analysis elucidate element importance and influence mechanisms.

Crustal and uppermost mantle structure of the northeastern Qinghai-Xizang Plateau from joint inversion of surface wave dispersions and receiver functions with P velocity constraints

Lithospheric structure beneath the northeastern Qinghai-Xizang Plateau is of vital significance for studying the geodynamic processes of crustal thickening and expansion of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. We conducted a joint inversion of receiver functions and surface wave dispersions with P-wave velocity constraints using data from the Chin Array Ⅱ temporary stations deployed across the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Prior to joint inversion, we applied the H-κ-c method(Li JT et al., 2019) to the receiver function data in order to correct for the back-azimuthal variations in the arrival times of Ps phases and crustal multiples caused by crustal anisotropy and dipping interfaces. High-resolution images of vS, crustal thickness, and vP/vSstructures in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau were simultaneously derived from the joint inversion. The seismic images reveal that crustal thickness decreases outward from the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. The stable interiors of the Ordos and Alxa blocks exhibited higher velocities and lower crustal vP/vSratios. While, lower velocities and higher vP/vSratios were observed beneath the Qilian Orogen and Songpan-Ganzi terrane(SPGZ), which are geologically active and mechanically weak, especially in the mid-lower crust.Delamination or thermal erosion of the lithosphere triggered by hot asthenospheric flow contributes to the observed uppermost mantle low-velocity zones(LVZs) in the SPGZ. The crustal thickness, vS, and vP/vSratios suggest that whole lithospheric shortening is a plausible mechanism for crustal thickening in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, supporting the idea of coupled lithospheric-scale deformation in this region.

Iterative receivers for SFBC-OFDM systems with adaptive training scheme

This paper considers the design of iterative receivers for space-frequencyblock-coded orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (SFBC-OFDM) systems in unknown wirelessdispersive fading channels. An iterative joint channel estimation and symbol detection algorithm isderived. In the algorithm, the channel estimator performs alternately in two modes. During thetraining mode, the channel state information (CSI) is obtained by a discrete-Fourier-transform-basedchannel estimator and the noise variance and covariance matrix of the channel response is estimatedby the proposed method. In the data transmission mode, the CSI and transmitted data is obtainediteratively. In order to suppress the error propagation caused by a random error in identifyingsymbols, a simple error propagation detection criterion is proposed and an adaptive training schemeis applied to suppress the error propagation. Both theoretical analysis and simulation results showthat this algorithm gives better bit-error-rate performance and saves the overhead of OFDM systems.

Crustal structure in the Anyuan Coal Mine and its adjacent areas of Jiangxi Province by P-wave receiver functions

We collected high-quality teleseismic events recorded by 12 broadband seismographs deployed in the Anyuan Coal Mine and its adjacent areas in Pingxiang City,Jiangxi Province for nearly two years.The H-κ-c stacking method was employed to obtain the crustal thickness and Poisson's ratio distribution,then the characteristics of crustal structure below the stations were obtained by using the time-domain linear inversion method.The crustal thickness in the Anyuan Coal Mine and its adjacent areas ranges from approximately 32~35 km,with an average thickness of 33 km,which is consistent with the crustal thickness results in South China from previous studies using the receiver function method.The average Poisson's ratio of the crustal bulk composition in the study area varies between 0.22 and 0.25,which is lower than the global value with a 0.27 average,indicating a predominantly intermediate-acidic or felsic crustal composition.There is a weak negative correlation between Poisson's ratio and crustal thickness estimates in the Anyuan Coal Mine and its adjacent areas,suggesting that the absence of mafic-ultramafic materials in the lower crust is associated with the process of crustal delamination.The velocity inversion results indicate that the crustal structure including three velocity discontinuity interfaces,with the first at a depth of approximately 1.5 km,the second at about 10~15 km,and the third being the Moho.The study also indicates that the results obtained by the H-κ-c stacking method are significantly better than those obtained by the H-κmethod,effectively reducing the standard deviation and dispersion of crustal thickness and vP/vSratio.

Effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging and spiral computed tomography in the staging and treatment prognosis of colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a prevalent cancer type in clinical settings;its early signs can be difficult to detect,which often results in late-stage diagnoses in many patients.The early detection and diagnosis of CRC are crucial for improving treatment success and patient survival rates.Recently,imaging techniques have been hypothesized to be essential in managing CRC,with magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)and spiral computed tomography(SCT)playing a significant role in enhancing diagnostic and treatment approaches.AIM To explore the effectiveness of MRI and SCT in the preoperative staging of CRC and the prognosis of laparoscopic treatment.METHODS Ninety-five individuals admitted to Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University underwent MRI and SCT and were diagnosed with CRC.The precision of MRI and SCT for the presurgical classification of CRC was assessed,and pathological staging was used as a reference.Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of blood volume,blood flow,time to peak,permeability surface,blood reflux constant,volume transfer constant,and extracellular extravascular space volume fraction on the prognosis of patients with CRC.RESULTS Pathological biopsies confirmed the following CRC stages:23,23,32,and 17 at T1,T2,T3,and T4,respectively.There were 39 cases at the N0 stage,22 at N1,34 at N2,44 at M0 stage,and 51 at M1.Using pathological findings as the benchmark,the combined use of MRI and SCT for preoperative TNM staging in patients with CRC demonstrated superior sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy compared with either modality alone,with a statistically significant difference in accuracy(P<0.05).Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed the predictive values for laparoscopic treatment prognosis,as indicated by the areas under the curve for blood volume,blood flow,time to peak,and permeability surface,blood reflux constant,volume transfer constant,and extracellular extravascular space volume fraction were 0.750,0.683,0.772,0.761,0.709,0.719,and 0.910,respectively.The corresponding sensitivity and specificity values were also obtained(P<0.05).CONCLUSION MRI with SCT is effective in the clinical diagnosis of patients with CRC and is worthy of clinical promotion.