The fluidization conditions in a fluidized bed can vary dramatically, from bubbling to circulating fluidization. Considering the dielectric properties and the rapid movement of the solids in fluidized beds, electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) is particularly suitable for measuring the concentration and distribution of solids in fluidized beds. This paper reports the use of a square ECT sensor to investigate the behaviour of fluidized beds, showing the unique advantages of using ECT in measuring cross-sectional concentration profiles of solids. Different fluidization regimes manifest different characteristics, in terms of the concentration distribution of solids.

Technical advancements significantly improve earlier diagnosis of cervical cancer, but accurate diagnosis is still difficult due to various factors. We develop an artificial intelligence assistive diagnostic solution, AIATBS, to improve cervical liquid-based thin-layer cell smear diagnosis according to clinical TBS criteria. We train AIATBS with >81,000 retrospective samples. It integrates YOLOv3 for target detection, Xception and Patch-based models to boost target classification, and U-net for nucleus segmentation. We integrate XGBoost and a logical decision tree with these models to optimize the parameters given by the learning process, and we develop a complete cervical liquid-based cytology smear TBS diagnostic system which also includes a quality control solution. We validate the optimized system with >34,000 multicenter prospective samples and achieve better sensitivity compared to senior cytologists, yet retain high specificity while achieving a speed of <180s/slide. Our system is adaptive to sample preparation using different standards, staining protocols and scanners.

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Background: Laparoscopic resection is increasingly used in colorectal cancer (CRC). It has been suggested to carry short-term benefits in safety, recovery, and preservation on immune function for patients with CRC. However, the impact of laparoscopic resection on natural killer (NK) cells is largely unclear. Methods: A total of 200 patients with CRC across Dukes A/B/C stages were randomly assigned to laparoscopic or open resection. The blood samples were collected before and after the surgery. The total number of NK cells was quantified by flow cytometer. Lytic units 35 toward K562 was used to quantify NK cells activity. The outcomes between the groups across pathological stages were also analyzed. Results: The number and activity of NK cells decreased after the surgery in both groups. The laparoscopic group showed a faster recovery rate of NK cells function than the control group as assessed by cell count and lytic activity. Natural killer cells were impaired in a higher degree in patients at Dukes B/C stages. The recovery of NK cells to baseline level at day 7 postsurgery was observed in the laparoscopic group across all 3 stages. Conclusion: Generally, laparoscopically assisted surgery resulted in a better preservation on NK cells function. A better outcome was observed in patients with CRC at Dukes B/C stages.