Anterior mediastinal masses and thymic cysts

Cystic lesions of the anterior mediastinum in children suggest a well-known group of benign lesions that are comparatively frequent.Thymic cysts(TCs)are mostly positioned in the anterior mediastinum and some patients in the neck.Benign TCs classified as congenital intra-thoracic mesothelial cysts are commonly asymptomatic and have slight clinical significance.Multilocular TC,which can mimic another anterior mediastinal cystic tumor and is seen in adults,is more clinically important.It is a sporadic mediastinal lesion thought to arise in the course of acquired inflammation.Congenital mediastinal cysts represent 3%-6%of all mediastinal tumors and 10%-18%of radiologically reported mediastinal masses.Mediastinal TCs are uncommon and it is hard to know their true incidence.About 60%of cases with mediastinal TCs are asymptomatic,and the remainder of patients complains of nonspecific symptoms(e.g.,chest pain,dyspnea,or cough).The literature suggests that most cysts are benign,but an indefinite percentage may have a neoplastic process and result in significant compressive symptoms over time.Clinical symptoms of TCs vary depending on the location.In addition,frequent symptoms at the appearance of enlarged benign thymic and mediastinal cysts generally contain compressive symptoms(e.g.,respiratory distress,thymic pain,and symptoms related to Horner syndrome,hoarseness,dysphonia,dyspnea,orthopnea,wheezing,and fever).Many TCs have cystic density and a neat border and are simple to diagnose with radiological imaging.However,some TCs are hard to identify before surgery and may be misidentified as thymomas depending on their site and computed tomography results.Excision by thoracotomy,median sternotomy,or video-assisted techniques is essential for conclusive diagnosis,management,and abolition of relapse of anterior mediastinal masses and TCs.Histopathologic examination may be required after surgery.Considering the extent of the mass and the preliminary inability to make a definitive diagnosis,en bloc excision of the cyst was thought to be preferred to circumvent likely complications(e.g.,perforation,spillage of the contents,or incomplete excision).

Learning the parameters of a class of stochastic Lotka-Volterra systems with neural networks

In this paper,we propose a neural network approach to learn the parameters of a class of stochastic Lotka-Volterra systems.Approximations of the mean and covariance matrix of the observational variables are obtained from the Euler-Maruyama discretization of the underlying stochastic differential equations(SDEs),based on which the loss function is built.The stochastic gradient descent method is applied in the neural network training.Numerical experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of our method.

Optimization strategies for operational parameters of Rydberg atom-based amplitude modulation receiver

The Rydberg atom-based receiver, as a novel type of antenna, demonstrates broad application prospects in the field of microwave communications. However, since Rydberg atomic receivers are nonlinear systems, mismatches between the parameters of the received amplitude modulation(AM) signals and the system's linear workspace and demodulation operating points can cause severe distortion in the demodulated signals. To address this, the article proposes a method for determining the operational parameters based on the mean square error(MSE) and total harmonic distortion(THD) assessments and presents strategies for optimizing the system's operational parameters focusing on linear response characteristics(LRC) and linear dynamic range(LDR). Specifically, we employ a method that minimizes the MSE to define the system's linear workspace, thereby ensuring the system has a good LRC while maximizing the LDR. To ensure that the signal always operates within the linear workspace, an appropriate carrier amplitude is set as the demodulation operating point. By calculating the THD at different operating points, the LRC performance within different regions of the linear workspace is evaluated, and corresponding optimization strategies based on the range of signal strengths are proposed. Moreover, to more accurately restore the baseband signal, we establish a mapping relationship between the carrier Rabi frequency and the transmitted power of the probe light, and optimize the slope of the linear demodulation function to reduce the MSE to less than 0.8×10^(-4). Finally, based on these methods for determining the operational parameters, we explore the effects of different laser Rabi frequencies on the system performance, and provide optimization recommendations. This research provides robust support for the design of high-performance Rydberg atom-based AM receivers.

Rockburst prediction based on multi-featured drilling parameters and extreme tree algorithm for full-section excavated tunnel faces

The suddenness, uncertainty, and randomness of rockbursts directly affect the safety of tunnel construction. The prediction of rockbursts is a fundamental aspect of mitigating or even eliminating rockburst hazards. To address the shortcomings of the current rockburst prediction models, which have a limited number of samples and rely on manual test results as the majority of their input features, this paper proposes rockburst prediction models based on multi-featured drilling parameters of rock drilling jumbo. Firstly, four original drilling parameters, namely hammer pressure (Ph), feed pressure (Pf), rotation pressure (Pr), and feed speed (VP), together with the rockburst grades, were collected from 1093 rockburst cases. Then, a feature expansion investigation was performed based on the four original drilling parameters to establish a drilling parameter feature system and a rockburst prediction database containing 42 features. Furthermore, rockburst prediction models based on multi-featured drilling parameters were developed using the extreme tree (ET) algorithm and Bayesian optimization. The models take drilling parameters as input parameters and rockburst grades as output parameters. The effects of Bayesian optimization and the number of drilling parameter features on the model performance were analyzed using the accuracy, precision, recall and F1 value of the prediction set as the model performance evaluation indices. The results show that the Bayesian optimized model with 42 drilling parameter features as inputs performs best, with an accuracy of 91.89%. Finally, the reliability of the models was validated through field tests.

Cranny density parameters and porosity measured by elastic wave method in quasi-isotropic cranny rock masses

According to the characteristic of elastic waves propagation in medium and the application of elastic waves method in rock mass engineering, the cranny mass with random crannies was regarded as quasi-isotropic cranny mass. In accordance with the rock rupture mechanics, principle of energy balance and Castiglano＇s theorem, the relationship of effective dynamic parameters of elasticity （E, v, G） and cranny density parameters or porosity was put forward. On this basis, through the theory of elastic waves propagation in isotropic medium, the relationship between the elastic wave velocity and cranny density parameters and porosity was set up. The theoretical research results show that, in this kind of cranny rock masses, there is nonlinear relationships between the effective dynamic parameters of elasticity and wave velocities and the cranny density parameter or porosity; and with the increase of cranny density parameter or porosity of cranny rock masses, the effective dynamic modulus and the elastic wave velocities of cranny rock masses will decrease; and at the same time, when the cranny density parameter or porosity is very small, the effective dynamic modulus of elasticity and the elastic wave velocities change with the cranny density parameter, which can explain the sensitivity of effective elastic parameters and elastic wave velocities to cranny rock masses.

Numerical method to determine mechanical parameters of engineering design in rock masses

This paper proposes a new continuity model for engineering in rock masses and a new schematic method for reporting the engineering of rock continuity. This method can be used to evaluate the mechanics of every kind of medium;and is a new way to determine the mechanical parameters used in engineering design in rock masses. In the numerical simulation, the experimental parameters of intact rock were combined with the structural properties of field rock. Theexperimental results for orthogonally-jointed rock are given. The results included the curves of the stress-strain relationship of some rock masses, the curve of the relationship between the dimension Δ and the uniaxial pressure-resistant strength σc of these rock masses, and pictures of the destructive procedure of some rock masses in uniaxial or triaxial tests, etc. Application of the method to engineering design in rock masses showed the potential of its application to engineering practice.

Determination of mechanical parameters for jointed rock masses

Combining with empirical method, laboratory test and numerical simulation, a comprehensive system was presented to determine the mechanical parameters of jointed rock masses. The system has the following four functions: (1) Based on the field investigation of joints, the system can consider rock mass structures, by using network simulation technology. (2) Rock samples are conducted by numerical simulation with the input engineering mechanical parameters of rocks and joints obtained from laboratory tests. (3) The whole stress-strain curve of jointed rock masses under certain normal stress can be plotted from numerical simulation, and then the shear strength parameters of jointed rock masses can be obtained from the whole stress-strain curves under different normal stresses. (4) The statistical values of mechanical parameters of jointed rock masses can be determined according to numerical simulation. Based on the statistical values, combining with engineering experiences and geological investigations, the comprehensive mechanical parameters of jointed rock masses can be achieved finally. Several cases are presented to prove the engineering feasibility and suitability of this system.

Application of BP neural network model with fuzzy optimization in retrieval of biomass parameters

The retrieval of the biomass parameters from active/passive microwave remote sensing data （10.2 GHz） is performed based on an iterative inversion of BP neural network model with fuzzy optimization. The BP neural network is trained by a set of the measurements of active and passive remote sensing and the ground truth data versus Day of Year during growth. Once the network training is complete, the model can be used to retrieve the temporal variations of the biomass parameters from another set of observation data. The model was used in weights and microware observation data of wheat growth in 1989 to retrieve biomass parameters change of wheat growth this year. The retrieved biomass parameters correspond well with the real data of the growth, which shows that the BP model is scientific and sound.

Interaction between systemic iron parameters and left ventricular structure and function in the preserved ejection fraction population:a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND Left ventricular(LV)remodeling and diastolic function in people with heart failure(HF)are correlated with iron status;however,the causality is uncertain.This Mendelian randomization(MR)study investigated the bidirectional causal relationship between systemic iron parameters and LV structure and function in a preserved ejection fraction population.METHODS Transferrin saturation(TSAT),total iron binding capacity(TIBC),and serum iron and ferritin levels were extracted as instrumental variables for iron parameters from meta-analyses of public genome-wide association studies.Individuals without myocardial infarction history,HF,or LV ejection fraction(LVEF)<50%(n=16,923)in the UK Biobank Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study constituted the outcome dataset.The dataset included LV end-diastolic volume,LV endsystolic volume,LV mass(LVM),and LVM-to-end-diastolic volume ratio(LVMVR).We used a two-sample bidirectional MR study with inverse variance weighting(IVW)as the primary analysis method and estimation methods using different algorithms to improve the robustness of the results.RESULTS In the IVW analysis,one standard deviation(SD)increased in TSAT significantly correlated with decreased LVMVR(β=-0.1365;95%confidence interval[CI]:-0.2092 to-0.0638;P=0.0002)after Bonferroni adjustment.Conversely,no significant relationships were observed between other iron and LV parameters.After Bonferroni correction,reverse MR analysis showed that one SD increase in LVEF significantly correlated with decreased TSAT(β=-0.0699;95%CI:-0.1087 to-0.0311;P=0.0004).No heterogeneity or pleiotropic effects evidence was observed in the analysis.CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated a causal relationship between TSAT and LV remodeling and function in a preserved ejection fraction population.

Probabilistic analysis of tunnel face seismic stability in layered rock masses using Polynomial Chaos Kriging metamodel

Face stability is an essential issue in tunnel design and construction.Layered rock masses are typical and ubiquitous;uncertainties in rock properties always exist.In view of this,a comprehensive method,which combines the Upper bound Limit analysis of Tunnel face stability,the Polynomial Chaos Kriging,the Monte-Carlo Simulation and Analysis of Covariance method(ULT-PCK-MA),is proposed to investigate the seismic stability of tunnel faces.A two-dimensional analytical model of ULT is developed to evaluate the virtual support force based on the upper bound limit analysis.An efficient probabilistic analysis method PCK-MA based on the adaptive Polynomial Chaos Kriging metamodel is then implemented to investigate the parameter uncertainty effects.Ten input parameters,including geological strength indices,uniaxial compressive strengths and constants for three rock formations,and the horizontal seismic coefficients,are treated as random variables.The effects of these parameter uncertainties on the failure probability and sensitivity indices are discussed.In addition,the effects of weak layer position,the middle layer thickness and quality,the tunnel diameter,the parameters correlation,and the seismic loadings are investigated,respectively.The results show that the layer distributions significantly influence the tunnel face probabilistic stability,particularly when the weak rock is present in the bottom layer.The efficiency of the proposed ULT-PCK-MA is validated,which is expected to facilitate the engineering design and construction.

A Novel On-Site-Real-Time Method for Identifying Characteristic Parameters Using Ultrasonic Echo Groups and Neural Network

On-site and real-time non-destructive measurement of elastic constants for materials of a component in a in-service structure is a challenge due to structural complexities,such as ambiguous boundary,variable thickness,nonuniform material properties.This work develops for the first time a method that uses ultrasound echo groups and artificial neural network(ANN)for reliable on-site real-time identification of material parameters.The use of echo groups allows the use of lower frequencies,and hence more accommodative to structural complexity.To train the ANNs,a numerical model is established that is capable of computing the waveform of ultrasonic echo groups for any given set of material properties of a given structure.The waveform of an ultrasonic echo groups at an interest location on the surface the structure with material parameters varying in a predefined range are then computed using the numerical model.This results in a set of dataset for training the ANN model.Once the ANN is trained,the material parameters can be identified simultaneously using the actual measured echo waveform as input to the ANN.Intensive tests have been conducted both numerically and experimentally to evaluate the effectiveness and accuracy of the currently proposed method.The results show that the maximum identification error of numerical example is less than 2%,and the maximum identification error of experimental test is less than 7%.Compared with currently prevailing methods and equipment,the proposefy the density and thickness,in addition to the elastic constants.Moreover,the reliability and accuracy of inverse prediction is significantly improved.Thus,it has broad applications and enables real-time field measurements,which has not been fulfilled by any other available methods or equipment.

Classification and assessment of rock mass parameters in Choghart iron mine using P-wave velocity

Engineering rock mass classification,based on empirical relations between rock mass parameters and engineering applications,is commonly used in rock engineering and forms the basis for designing rock structures.The basic data required may be obtained from visual observation and laboratory or field tests.However,owing to the discontinuous and variable nature of rock masses,it is difficult for rock engineers to directly obtain the specific design parameters needed.As an alternative,the use of geophysical methods in geomechanics such as seismography may largely address this problem.In this study,25 seismic profiles with the total length of 543 m have been scanned to determine the geomechanical properties of the rock mass in blocks Ⅰ,Ⅲ and Ⅳ-2 of the Choghart iron mine.Moreover,rock joint measurements and sampling for laboratory tests were conducted.The results show that the rock mass rating（RMR） and Q values have a close relation with P-wave velocity parameters,including P-wave velocity in field(V;).P-wave velocity in the laboratory(V;) and the ratio of V;V;(i.e.K;= V;/V;.However,Q value,totally,has greater correlation coefficient and less error than the RMR,In addition,rock mass parameters including rock quality designation（RQD）,uniaxial compressive strength（UCS）,joint roughness coefficient（JRC） and Schmidt number（RN） show close relationship with P-wave velocity.An equation based on these parameters was obtained to estimate the P-wave velocity in the rock mass with a correlation coefficient of 91%.The velocities in two orthogonal directions and the results of joint study show that the wave velocity anisotropy in rock mass may be used as an efficient tool to assess the strong and weak directions in rock mass.

Model Parameters Identification and Backstepping Control of Lower Limb Exoskeleton Based on Enhanced Whale Algorithm

Exoskeletons generally require accurate dynamic models to design the model-based controller conveniently under the human-robot interaction condition.However,due to unknown model parameters such as the mass,moment of inertia and mechanical size,the dynamic model of exoskeletons is difficult to construct.Hence,an enhanced whale optimization algorithm(EWOA)is proposed to identify the exoskeleton model parameters.Meanwhile,the periodic excitation trajectories are designed by finite Fourier series to input the desired position demand of exoskeletons with mechanical physical constraints.Then a backstepping controller based on the identified model is adopted to improve the human-robot wearable comfortable performance under cooperative motion.Finally,the proposed Model parameters identification and control are verified by a two-DOF exoskeletons platform.The knee joint motion achieves a steady-state response after 0.5 s.Meanwhile,the position error of hip joint response is less than 0.03 rad after 0.9 s.In addition,the steady-state human-robot interaction torque of the two joints is constrained within 15 N·m.This research proposes a whale optimization algorithm to optimize the excitation trajectory and identify model parameters.Furthermore,an enhanced mutation strategy is adopted to avoid whale evolution’s unsatisfactory local optimal value.

RESEARCH ON EQUIVALENT PROCESSES OF ROCK MASS PARAMETERS WITH ANCHOR PILES

Using normal and shear rigid coefficients of intact rock and fracture plane, rigidly normal, shear equivalent rigid coefficients of fissure rock mass are conducted. On the basis of hypotheses of small displacement of rock mass, principle of superposition, irrelevance of strength parameters C and T and Coulomb theory, formulas to calculate equivalent strength parameters C and phi of equivalent continuous mass from fissured rock mass with anchor piles are given. The achievement is extremely valuable in integral stability analysis of the rock mass slope and important in promoting the research of the rock mass's constitutive relation.

Estimating Aboveground Fresh Biomass of Different Cotton Canopy Types with Homogeneity Models Based on Hyper Spectrum Parameters

AGB （aboveground fresh biomass） is one of the most important parameters of the crop condition monitored with remote sensing. Hyper spectrum remote sensing with the fine spectrum information becomes the efficient method estimating the vegetation AGB. The research was conducted in Xinjiang, the largest cotton planting region of China. The paper analyzed the correlation between the cotton AGB and reflective spectrum and the first derivative spectrum, and the variation coefficient of the waveband reflectance. According to the analysis above, all of 23 parameters, including the hyper spectrum reflectance, the first derivative spectrum parameters and normalization vegetation indexes, were established. And then the estimation models on cotton AGB of relaxing and compact canopy type were established and tested respectively. The tested results showed that Fgo1, [901,502], [901,629], [901,672] among the reflective spectral parameters and D525, D956, D1019, D1751 among the first derivative spectral parameters had the homogenous effect on different cotton canopy types, and the determination coefficients of the models above all arrive at the significant level of 0.99 confidence interval. At last, the tested results of the homogeneity models for different canopy types indicated the parameters of [901, 502], [901,629], [901,672] have more satisfying veracity than others, and the relative errors are as low as 17.0, 16.3 and 16.7% correspondingly; in contrast, the estimation veracity of the first derivative spectrum parameters of single waveband is low.

Correlation between dose-volume parameters and rectal bleeding after 12 fractions of carbon ion radiotherapy for prostate cancer

BACKGROUND Carbon ion radiotherapy(CIRT)is currently used to treat prostate cancer.Rectal bleeding is a major cause of toxicity even with CIRT.However,to date,a correlation between the dose and volume parameters of the 12 fractions of CIRT for prostate cancer and rectal bleeding has not been shown.Similarly,the clinical risk factors for rectal bleeding were absent after 12 fractions of CIRT.AIM To identify the risk factors for rectal bleeding in 12 fractions of CIRT for prostate cancer.METHODS Among 259 patients who received 51.6 Gy[relative biological effectiveness(RBE)],in 12 fractions of CIRT,15 had grade 1(5.8%)and nine had grade 2 rectal bleeding(3.5%).The dose-volume parameters included the volume(cc)of the rectum irradiated with at least x Gy(RBE)(Vx)and the minimum dose in the most irradiated x cc normal rectal volume(Dx).RESULTS The mean values of D6cc,D2cc,V10 Gy(RBE),V20 Gy(RBE),V30 Gy(RBE),and V40 Gy(RBE)were significantly higher in the patients with rectal bleeding than in those without.The cutoff values were D6cc=34.34 Gy(RBE),D2cc=46.46 Gy(RBE),V10 Gy(RBE)=9.85 cc,V20 Gy(RBE)=7.00 cc,V30 Gy(RBE)=6.91 cc,and V40 Gy(RBE)=4.26 cc.The D2cc,V10 Gy(RBE),and V20 Gy(RBE)cutoff values were significant predictors of grade 2 rectal bleeding.CONCLUSION The above dose-volume parameters may serve as guidelines for preventing rectal bleeding after 12 fractions of CIRT for prostate cancer.

Parameter Optimization of Tuned Mass Damper Inerter via Adaptive Harmony Search

Dynamic impacts such as wind and earthquakes cause loss of life and economic damage.To ensure safety against these effects,various measures have been taken from past to present and solutions have been developed using different technologies.Tall buildings are more susceptible to vibrations such as wind and earthquakes.Therefore,vibration control has become an important issue in civil engineering.This study optimizes tuned mass damper inerter(TMDI)using far-fault ground motion records.This study derives the optimum parameters of TMDI using the Adaptive Harmony Search algorithm.Structure displacement and total acceleration against earthquake load are analyzed to assess the performance of the TMDI system.The effect of the inerter when connected to different floors is observed,and the results are compared to the conventional tuned mass damper(TMD).It is indicated that the case of connecting the inerter force to the 5th floor gives better results.As a result,TMD and TMDI systems reduce the displacement by 21.87%and 25.45%,respectively,and the total acceleration by 25.45%and 19.59%,respectively.These percentage reductions indicated that the structure resilience against dynamic loads can be increased using control systems.

Determination of Mass Transfer Parameters During Deep Fat Frying of Rice Crackers

The accuracy of the knowledge of mass transfer parameters （effective moisture diffusivity, mass transfer Biot number and mass transfer coefficient） in the case of frying food, is essential and important for designing, modeling and process optimization. This study is undertaken to develop an approach for determining mass transfer parameters during frying of spherical rice cracker in sunflower oil at 150, 170 and 190 ℃. These parameters were evaluated from the plots of dimensionless concentration ratios against time of frying. Effective moisture diffusivity, mass transfer Biot number and mass transfer coefficient ranged between 1.24×10^-8 to 2.36×10^-8 m^2/s, 1.96 to 2.34 and 5.51×10^-6 to 9.70×10^-6 m/s, respectively. Effective moisture diffusivity and mass transfer coefficient were found to increase with an increasing frying temperature, whereas mass transfer Biot number decreased. An Arrhenius-type relationship was found between effective diffusivity coefficient and frying temperature.

The influence of in ovo injection with the prebiotic DiNovoon the development of histomorphological parameters of the duodenum, body mass and productivity in large-scale poultry production conditions

Background: Among various feed additives currently used in poultry nutrition, an important role is played by bioactive substances, including prebiotics. The beneficial effect of these bioactive substances on the gastrointestinal tract and immune system give rise to improvements in broiler health and performance nutrition, thus increasing the productivity of these birds. An innovative method for introducing bioactive substances into chickens is the in ovo injection into eggs intended for hatching. The aim of the study was to evaluate the development of histomorphological parameters of the duodenum and productivity in chickens injected in ovo with the prebiotic DiNovo~?(extract of Laminaria species of seaweed, BioA tlantis Ltd., Ireland) on d 12 of incubation, under large-scale, high density poultry production conditions.Results: There was no significant impact of the injection of DiNovo~? prebiotic on the production parameters of broiler chickens(body weight, FCR, EBI and mortality) obtained on d 42 of rearing. No significant impact of the DiNovo~? injection on the duodenum weight and length was observed, as wel as on the CSA, diameter and muscular layer thickness of the duodenum. The in ovo injection of DiNovo~? significantly increased the width of the duodenal vil i(P < 0.05) and crypt depth(P < 0.01) of chickens on d 21 of rearing. Other histomorphological parameters of duodenal vil i at d 42 of chickens rearing such as: the height, width, and cross section area of vil i were significantly greater in chickens from the control group compared to those from the DiNovo~? group(P < 0.05 and P < 0.01).Conclusions: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that injection of DiNovo~? prebiotic into the air chamber of egg significantly influences the histomorphological parameters on d 21 of rearing without negatively affecting productivity in chickens at the end of rearing.

Calculating Models of Mass Action Concentrations for Fe-P and Cr-P Melts and Optimization of Their Thermodynamic Parameters

Based on the phase diagrams, reliable reference experimental data and the coexistence theory of metallic melts structure involving compound formation, calculating models of mass action concentrations for Fe-P and Cr-P melts have been formulated. At the same time, some of their thermodynamic parameters have been optimized. The calculated results not only agree well with the measuredvalues, but also obey the mass action law rigorously, this in turn shows that these models can reflect the structural characteristics of corresponding melts.