An evaluation of ureteral diameter ratio and vesicoureteral reflux index in the treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux

Objective:Vesicoureteral reflux(VUR)index is a simple,validated tool that reliably predicts significant improvement and spontaneous resolution of primary reflux in children.The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the ureter diameter ratio(UDR)and VUR index(VURx)of patients treated with endoscopic injection(EI)and ureteroneocystostomy(UNC)methods in the pediatric age group due to primary VUR.Methods:Patients under the age of 18 years old who underwent EI and UNC with the diagnosis of primary VUR between January 2011 and September 2021 were determined as the participants.The UDR was assessed using voiding cystourethrography,and the VURx score was determined prior to treatment based on hospital records included in the study.Results:A total of 255 patients,60(23.5%)boys and 195(76.5%)girls,with a mean age of 76.5(range 13.0e204.0)months,were included in the study.EI was applied to 130(51.0%)patients and UNC was applied to 125(49.0%)patients due to primary VUR.The optimum cut-off for the distal UDR was obtained as 0.17 with sensitivity and specificity of 73.0%and 63.0%,respectively.The positive and negative predictive values were 66.0%and 70.0%,respectively.Conclusion:When the UDR and VURx score are evaluated together for the surgical treatment of primary VUR in the pediatric age group,it is thought that it may be useful in predicting the clinical course of the disease and evaluating surgical treatment options.

Finding the Minimum Ratio Traveling Salesman Tour by Artificial Ants

Ants of artificial colony are able to generate good solutions to the famous traveling salesman problem (TSP). We propose an artificial ants algorithm for solving the minimum ratio TSP, which is more general than the standard TSP in combinatorial optimization area. In the minimum ratio TSP, another criterion concerning each edge is added, that is, the traveling salesman can have a benefit if he travels from one city to another. The objective is to minimize the ratio between total costs or distances and total benefits. The idea of this type of optimization is in some sense quite similar to that of traditional cost-benefit analysis in management science. Computational results substantiate the solution quality and efficiency of the algorithm.

Optimization of the reflux ratio of benzene-toluene stage distillation columns by the Cuckoo algorithm

In this study, an enthalpy-concentration method was applied in order to model a steady state continuous benzene-toluene mixture distillation column. For a distillation tower such as the benzene- toluene splitter, there are relatively few degrees of freedom that can be manipulated in order to minimize the total annualized cost. The reflux ratio can influence the steady-state operating point and therefore influence the total annualized cost. The trade-offs between reflux ratios and total annualized cost were discussed. The Cuckoo optimization algorithm was applied to obtain a correlation for the optimum value of the reflux ratio as a power function of the economic parameters of energy price and capital cost. The results show that, at low energy price or high capital cost, the optimum reflux factor is high.

Minimum Amount of Extracting Solvent of a Separation of Two Rare Earth Components

A significant development in the theory of countercurrent extraction will be presented in this article. New expressions of the term in countercurrent extraction process analysis, “Adjacent Stage Impurity Ratio” (ASIR), are deduced. Furthermore, based on the term together with mass balance and extraction equilibrium, the conditions where a given countercurrent extraction separation operation can have minimum amounts of both extracting solvent and scrubbing agent solution can be estimated, and the equations of the two minimum amounts can be deduced. It was found that the equations for a two-component separation using a single aqueous or organic feed are exactly the same as they appeared in the theory initially established in 1970s. Unlike its earlier version, the present derivation does not involve feed-stage-composition hypothesis, and also has the advantage of dealing with a double-feed system where both aqueous and organic feeds are simultaneously employed whereas the earlier theory can only analyze a separation using a single aqueous or organic feed.

Minimum MSE Weighted Estimator to Make Inferences for a Common Risk Ratio across Sparse Meta-Analysis Data

The paper aims to discuss three interesting issues of statistical inferences for a common risk ratio (RR) in sparse meta-analysis data. Firstly, the conventional log-risk ratio estimator encounters a number of problems when the number of events in the experimental or control group is zero in sparse data of a 2 × 2 table. The adjusted log-risk ratio estimator with the continuity correction points based upon the minimum Bayes risk with respect to the uniform prior density over (0, 1) and the Euclidean loss function is proposed. Secondly, the interest is to find the optimal weights of the pooled estimate that minimize the mean square error (MSE) of subject to the constraint on where , , . Finally, the performance of this minimum MSE weighted estimator adjusted with various values of points is investigated to compare with other popular estimators, such as the Mantel-Haenszel (MH) estimator and the weighted least squares (WLS) estimator (also equivalently known as the inverse-variance weighted estimator) in senses of point estimation and hypothesis testing via simulation studies. The results of estimation illustrate that regardless of the true values of RR, the MH estimator achieves the best performance with the smallest MSE when the study size is rather large and the sample sizes within each study are small. The MSE of WLS estimator and the proposed-weight estimator adjusted by , or , or are close together and they are the best when the sample sizes are moderate to large (and) while the study size is rather small.

Ratio of Gravitational Force to Electric Force from Empirical Equations in Terms of the Cosmic Microwave Background Temperature

Previously, we presented several empirical equations using the cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature. Next, we propose an empirical equation for the fine-structure constant. Considering the compatibility among these empirical equations, the CMB temperature (Tc) and gravitational constant (G) were calculated to be 2.726312 K and 6.673778 × 10−11 m3∙kg−1∙s−2, respectively. Every equation could be explained in terms of the Compton length of an electron (λe), the Compton length of a proton (λp) and a. Furthermore, every equation could also be explained in terms of Avogadro’s number and the number of electrons in 1 C. However, the ratio of the gravitational force to the electric force cannot be uniquely determined when the unit of the Planck constant (Js) is changed. In this study, we showed that every equation can be described in terms of Planck constant. From the assumption of minimum mass, the ratio of gravitational force to electric force could be elucidated.

Lower bound on BER performance for maximal ratio combining with weighting errors

The theoretical lower bounds on mean squared channel estimation errors for typical fading channels are presented by the infinite-length and non-causal Wiener filter and the exact closed-form expressions of the lower bounds for different channel Doppler spectra are derived. Based on the obtained lower bounds on mean squared channel estimation errors, the limits on bit error rate （BER） for maximal ratio combining （MRC） with Gaussian distributed weighting errors on independent and identically distributed （i. i. d） fading channels are presented. Numerical results show that the BER performances of ideal MRC are the lower bounds on the BER performances of non-ideal MRC and deteriorate as the maximum Doppler frequency increases or the SNR of channel estimate decreases.

OPERATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF BATCH DISTILLATION FOR A BINARY SYSTEM

Batch distillation,basically different from continuous distillation which is a steady stateprocess,appears to be an unsteady state process in its mathematical description.The theoreticalanalysis of its operation comprises a concomitant consideration of the stage-wise separation andthe equations of material balance as well as enthalpy balance.Based upon the batch distillationpractice of NMP-water system,this paper reveals the necessity and advantage of a computerizedtreatment for this purpose.Numerical results not only explain the experimental phenomena andprovide a design scheme,but also lead to the optimization of the operation condition.

Minimum wall pressure coefficient of orifice plate energy dissipater

Orifice plate energy dissipaters have been successfully used in large-scale hydropower projects due to their simple structure, convenient construction procedure, and high energy dissipation ratio. The minimum wall pressure coefficient of an orifice plate can indirectly reflect its cavitation characteristics： the lower the minimum wall pressure coefficient is, the better the ability of the orifice plate to resist cavitation damage is. Thus, it is important to study the minimum wall pressure coefficient of the orifice plate. In this study, this coefficient and related parameters, such as the contraction ratio, defined as the ratio of the orifice plate diameter to the flood-discharging tunnel diameter; the relative thickness, defined as the ratio of the orifice plate thickness to the tunnel diameter; and the Reynolds number of the flow through the orifice plate, were theoretically analyzed, and their relationships were obtained through physical model experiments. It can be concluded that the minimum wall pressure coefficient is mainly dominated by the contraction ratio and relative thickness. The lower the contraction ratio and relative thickness are, the larger the minimum wall pressure coefficient is. The effects of the Reynolds number on the minimum wall pressure coefficient can be neglected when it is larger than 10^5. An emoirical expression was presented to calculate the minimum wall oressure coefficient in this study.

Flow Characteristics in Compact Thermal Spray Coating Systems with Minimum Length Nozzle

In this study, numerical analysis is performed to adopt the equivalence ratio on the high velocity oxygen fuel （HVOF） thermal spray coating systems equipped with a minimum length nozzle. The analysis is applied to investigate the axisymmetric, steady-state, turbulent, and chemically combusting flow both within the torch and in a free jet region between the torch and the substrate to be coated. The combustion is modeled using a single-step and eddy-dissipation model which assumes that the reaction rate is limited by the turbulent mixing rate of the fuel and oxidant. As the diameter of the nozzle throat is increased, the location of the Mach shock disc moves backward from the nozzle exit. As the throat diameter and the divergent portion are 6 mm and 8 mm, respectively, the pressure in the HVOF system is the lowest at the chamber and the expanding gas is steadily maintained with both high velocity and high temperature for different equivalence ratios. Thus, relatively minor amendments of the equivalence ratio and the geometry of HVOF can lead to improved control over coating characteristics.

改良型A^(2)O-MBR工艺处理低碳氮比污水的实验研究

为强化A^(2)O-MBR工艺脱氮除磷效果,对国家管网集团某场站点生活污水进行实验研究,进行工艺工况调整和条件优化。分析碳氮比、回流比、水力停留时间对出水水质的影响。实验结果表明,在碳氮比为6~7,膜池直接回流到缺氧池条件下,改良型A^(2)O-MBR工艺的最终COD出水为13.54 mg/L,TN和TP的平均去除率达到了80.26%和80.13%,出水水质完全满足地表水环境质量标准(GB 3838—2002)地表准Ⅳ类水的要求。实验表明,该工艺在脱氮除磷方面有显著效果,在降解污染和整体达标排放方面发挥着重要的作用,且能为厂站小型生活污水处理站提标改造的技术参数选择提供参考。

相变腔冷凝现象对沸腾-凝结共存相变传热的影响

针对平板热管均热器内部狭小空间存在着强烈的沸腾与凝结相互作用,以去离子水为工质,可视化实验研究了冷凝面上发生的凝结现象及其对相变腔传热性能的影响。通过分析冷凝面上液滴的形成、长大、汇聚成液膜、滴落,以及气液界面产生气泡随气流运动对冷凝液膜的冲刷作用,揭示了不同热流密度和充液率时相变腔冷凝面传热传质特性对沸腾-凝结共存相变传热影响的内在机理。实验结果表明:受重力影响,水蒸气在冷凝面上凝结有液滴和液膜共存并相互转化的特性,冷凝面热阻在相变腔总热阻中占比65%~88%,适宜的充液率有利于沸腾气泡冲刷冷凝壁面,加快冷凝液的回流,改善冷凝面及相变腔的传热性能;随着热流密度的增大,沸腾过程变得剧烈,冷凝面受沸腾气泡的冲刷频率提高,冷凝液回流速度加快,冷凝面热阻减小,传热性能得到提高。

兼顾传输功率和衰减因素的同轴线半径比优化方法

针对传统的通用型同轴线产品设计、制造基础理论缺陷和目前微波采油现场利用地下石油管构建超长、功率容量大及能量损耗小的井筒同轴线工程需求,进行通用型同轴线结构优化理论和设计方法研究;突破经典的单因素优化方法约束,基于同轴线上传输功率、能量损耗与衰减系数三者之间固有的物理关系,构造兼顾最大传输功率和最小衰减系数双重因素影响的目标函数数学模型;提出同轴线半径比优化设计方法。结果表明:通用型同轴线的外、内导体半径比最优值为2.11,特性阻抗标称值为45Ω;同轴线传输特性对其导体半径比的变化很敏感,应用经典的单因素优化结果不能满足使用要求,只有兼顾最大传输功率和最小衰减系数双重因素影响才能使通用型同轴线具有通用性功能,本文的理论结果与同轴线单模传输公式相结合,构成了完整的通用型同轴线结构优化设计理论体系。

三电平混合全桥DC-DC变换器回流功率优化控制

针对三电平混合全桥双向DC-DC变换器存在的回流功率较大的问题,本文以回流功率最小化为目标,提出了一种基于双重移相控制的回流功率优化控制策略。首先,建立了三电平混合全桥DC-DC变换器的数学模型,分析了变换器回流功率和传输功率的特性关系;然后,以回流功率作为目标函数,通过KKT条件法将不同模式的等式和不等式约束条件转换为约束函数,并构建拉格朗日多项式函数求最佳移相比组合;最后,为提高系统动态响应的快速性,采用了环内直接功率控制方法,实现了变换器在面对突发情况时系统能迅速实现动态响应。仿真结果表明,在输入电压和负载突变时,本文提出的改进优化控制策略可以有效减小回流功率,提高系统的动态响应性能。

砂-粉混合料颗粒接触状态的临界条件确定

砂-粉混合料被广泛应用于高速铁路路基、人工筑岛及海底沉管隧道垫层等重大工程,如何科学地表征砂-粉混合料复杂的颗粒接触状态及连续演变的力学行为特征,并深入揭示其对混合料静/动力学特性的影响已是一项紧迫的基础性科学研究任务。本文基于代表性砂-粉混合料的基本物理性能指标及力学特性指标试验数据,验证Rahman等提出的区分“细粒填充砂粒”和“砂粒悬浮细粒”的阈值细粒含量FCth半经验公式预测能力。基于理想二元介质材料的理论最小孔隙比计算方法,提出确定中间性态土颗粒接触状态临界条件参量FC_(in-min)和FC_(in-max)的方法,分析各参数对FC_(in-min)和FC_(in-max)的影响规律,建立基于基本物理性能指标的FC_(in-min)和FC_(in-max)预测方法,最终提出全FC范围(FC=0~100%)的砂-粉混合料各颗粒接触状态临界条件参量的有效评价方法。

OFDM系统中一种A-MMSE信道估计算法

针对正交频分复用(Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing,OFDM)系统中最小均方误差(Minimum Mean Squared Error,MMSE)信道估计算法误码率(BER)高的问题,提出一种平均最小均方误差(Averaged-Minimum Mean Squared Error,A-MMSE)信道估计算法。该算法首先基于802.11n标准而构造了一种新的导频结构,收发两端分别进行降采样和过采样处理,利用已知训练序列和导频获得信道频域响应。仿真结果表明,所提出的A-MMSE信道估计算法与传统的MMSE算法相比,在BER为10^(-3)时,信噪比改善了约8dB。因而所提出的信道估计算法能明显改善系统的BER性能。

斜截面抗剪强度上限值和预应力混凝土梁最小配筋率计算理论研究

文章遵循基本力学原理,从结构理论出发,推导修正后的混凝土梁斜截面抗剪强度上限值理论与公式,首次给出考虑斜箍筋特殊效应后的斜截面抗剪强度上限值的理论与方法;抗剪实验梁结果证明所提出的抗剪强度上限值理论与方法的正确性;基于预应力束应力全过程分析,首次推导并提出了预应力混凝土梁双值最小配筋率理论与计算方法,明确了预应力混凝土梁最小配筋率存在两个临界点,合理的预应力混凝土梁配筋率在两个临界点形成的范围之内,计算实例证明预应力混凝土梁双值最小配筋率理论的正确性。

静置工况条件下掺氢天然气浓度分布规律

利用天然气管道进行掺氢输送已成为氢能及天然气输送领域的热点和重点,但当前业界对于掺氢天然气在管道输送和停输静置过程中是否会自发分层一直存在较大争议。为了厘清该问题,以掺氢天然气在管道中静置这一极端工况为例,基于热力学能量最小原理,推导了在重力场作用下掺氢天然气浓度分布数学模型,并采用Peng-Robinson真实气体状态方程对该数学模型进行了求解,最后研究了甲烷—氢气二元组分混合气体在4种典型场景高度和5种掺氢比下氢浓度随高度的分布规律。研究结果表明:(1)在重力影响下管道顶部和底部的氢浓度存在差异,但其受高度差的影响显著,对于米级的水平管道、几十米级的一般城镇楼宇天然气立管、百米级的高层楼宇天然气立管,氢浓度随高度变化的差异微小,可完全忽略氢分层;(2)对于千米级大落差的掺氢天然气管道,当掺氢比不超过20%时,氢分层仍可忽略,但当掺氢比很高时(例如50%)管道顶部和底部的氢浓度差将超过1%,此时需考虑工程实际情况评估能否忽略氢分层;(3)西气东输某管道考虑真实气体组成、掺氢比20%、管道落差200 m时,各气体组分的浓度随落差高度的分布规律揭示了在实际工程中此类落差高度的掺氢天然气氢分层可忽略。结论认为,对于掺混均匀的掺氢天然气在静置这种最容易发生分层的极端工况下,如果不存在千米级极端大落差和极端大掺氢比,掺氢天然气管道分层现象可完全忽略;该认识从理论上厘清了目前关于掺氢天然气分层现象的争议,对掺氢天然气管道安全输送具有重要指导意义。

基于活动性检测动态估计噪声的心音降噪算法

针对基于小波分解和最优改进对数幅度谱估计的心音降噪算法存在噪声残留和心音失真的问题,提出一种基于心音活动性检测(HSAD)动态估计噪声的心音降噪算法。通过设计的HSAD判断当前心音帧是否为基础心音帧(FHS),根据判断结果分别采用改进最小值控制递归平均(IMCRA)算法和递归平滑算法对噪声功率进行动态估计与更新,采用非因果先验信噪比,实现心音信号的降噪。实验结果表明,提出算法能更好在提升降噪性能的同时,降低FHS的失真。

A^(2)/O+反硝化深床滤池在城镇污水处理厂深度经济脱氮的运行优化

脱氮是当前城镇污水处理的重点,其中A^(2)/O+反硝化滤池工艺是生活污水处理主流工艺,四川省岷江流域某城镇污水处理厂通过优化进水流量分配比、调节溶解氧和内回流比、碳源筛选等工艺试验,综合考察了工艺调控措施对系统脱氮效能的提升以及脱氮成本的经济化控制。结果表明,A^(2)/O池进水100%进入厌氧区、内回流比200%、A^(2)/O池末端溶解氧控制在1.5 mg/L、反硝化深床滤池投加液体复合碳源,在有效深度脱氮的同时节约运行费用,总氮指标满足岷沱江标准,脱氮费用降低0.37元/m^(3)。