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Recognizing various human actions in video is a challenging task, which is also one of the key tasks in computer vision. It has received extensive attention from AI researchers Bakker et al. (2003), Bruderlin and Williams (1995), Cardle et al. (2003), Carlsson (1996, 1999), Clausen and Kurth (2004). It has important applications in human behavior analysis, artificial intelligence, and video surveillance. Compared with still image classification, the time component of video provides important clues for recognition, so multiple human actions can be recognized based on motion information. In addition, video provides natural data enhancement for individual images. For motion recognition from videos, appearance and temporal dynamics are two key and complementary cues. In this work, we formulate a human motion recognition framework based on 2D spatial feature fusion of Kinect bone data. This method utilizes the human body structure and spatial geometry to represent human body structure and extract features. Meanwhile, it combines the active action and auxiliary action features of two spatial dimensions by layering, and leverages the pervasively used support vector machine and hidden Markov model to classify human body structure. Noticeably, it is difficult to extract its information due to the limitations of background clutter, viewpoint change, scale change, different lighting conditions and camera movement. In this way, while learning the classification information of human behavioral categories, designing effective representations is the key to deal with these challenges. In this work, a method for human motion recognition in video based on ResNext network is proposed. Based on our proposed ResNeXt network, using the data of RGB and optical flow, we can extract more appearance characteristics and temporal features of human actions, so as to better achieve the classification of actions. The utilization of video time segmentation method can capture the long range of time in video, in order to make better use of the longer range of time information in video. Comprehensive experimental results have shown that the proposed method improves the performance of UCF101 and HMDB51 motion recognition data sets to a certain extent.

Bending Pneumatic Artificial Muscles (PAMs) are particularly attractive and extensively applied to the soft grasper, snake-like robot, etc. To extend the application of PAMs, we fabricate a Multi-directional Bending Pneumatic Artificial Muscle (MBPAM) that can bend in eight directions by changing the pressurized chambers. The maximum bending angle and output force are 151° and 0.643 N under the pressure of 100 kPa, respectively. Additionally, the Finite Element Model (FEM) is established to further investigate the performance. The experimental and numerical results demonstrate the nonlinear relationship between the pressure and the bending angle and output force. Moreover, the effects of parameters on the performance are studied with the validated FEM. The results reveal that the amplitude of waves and the thickness of the base layer can be optimized. Thus, multi-objective optimization is performed to improve the bending performance of the MBPAM. The optimization results indicate that the output force can be increased by 7.8% with the identical bending angle of the initial design, while the bending angle can be improved by 8.6% with the same output force. Finally, the grasp tests demonstrate the grip capability of the soft four-finger gripper and display the application prospect of the MBPAM in soft robots.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS To evaluate the application and advantages of coblation tonsillectomy with inferior pole capsule preservation in pediatric patients with tonsillar hypertrophy and recurrent tonsillitis. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective chart review. METHODS A total of 726 children who were diagnosed with either tonsillar hypertrophy or recurrent tonsillitis were included. Children were divided into two groups according to the surgical technique: conventional coblation tonsillectomy and coblation tonsillectomy with inferior pole capsule preservation. The duration of surgery, intraoperative hemorrhage volume, and postoperative pain, as well as postoperative hemorrhage data in the format of time, location, and degree were compared between the two groups. RESULTS Of the 726 children included, conventional coblation tonsillectomy was performed in 320 children, coblation tonsillectomy with inferior pole capsule preservation was performed in 406 children. There were no significant differences in duration of surgery or intraoperative hemorrhage volume between the two groups. Children who underwent coblation tonsillectomy with inferior pole capsule preservation showed a remarkable improvement in postoperative pain on days 3 and 5 postoperatively. Additionally, the coblation tonsillectomy with inferior pole capsule preservation group exhibited a significantly lower total postoperative hemorrhage rate, secondary hemorrhage rate, and hemorrhage rate in the inferior pole compared with that in the conventional coblation tonsillectomy group. During the 1-year follow-up period, no cases of tonsillar re-hypertrophy or recurrent tonsillitis were observed in either group. CONCLUSION For pediatric tonsillar hypertrophy and recurrent tonsillitis, coblation tonsillectomy with inferior pole capsule preservation is a safe and effective technique, capable of reducing postoperative pain and hemorrhage, especially secondary hemorrhage at the inferior pole. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3b Laryngoscope, 131:1157-1162, 2021.

The shortage of freshwater resources is becoming increasingly serious. A thermal power plant coupled with a low-temperature multi-effect distillation seawater desalination (single-stage thermal vapor compressor (TVC)) has been widely used. To reduce the water production cost effectively, a two-stage TVC is proposed in this study. The simulation work for the system performance under single- and two-stage TVC is analyzed. Results show that the performance of the system coupled with the two-stage TVC is superior under most conditions, and an optimal intermediate pressure (16 kPa) of the two-stage TVC is found for minimum coal consumption. When the power plant load is higher than 70% THA, the cogeneration system performs well, and the motive steam of the two-stage TVC comes from extraction point No. 5. Otherwise, the motive steam that comes from extraction point No. 4 is a suitable choice. The maximum coal consumption reduction value is 1.48 t/h. To deal with the low operation load of power plants in China, 60% THA load of power plant is a suitable choice for two-stage TVC of power-water cogeneration system.

As the evaluation of distributed energy system (DES) is a complex problem, multi-criteria is necessary to fully evaluate the performance for different systems. In this paper, a novel multi-criteria evaluation method was established to assess the comprehensive performance of DES from economic, energy and environment criterions. Before constructing a multi-level indexes system, index correlation analysis was carried out to ensure the independence of indexes. Considering the advantages and disadvantages of subjective and objective methods, AHP-entropy method was proposed by integrating analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and information entropy method together to assign weights to the indexes. Finally, the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method was applied to determine the optimal DES scheme. The case study indicated that the evaluation results of this method were in accordance with the reality, which could provide a reference for the selection of DES solutions.

Background Reconstruction of hemiglossectomy defects requires careful flap design to avoid adverse functional and aesthetic outcomes. Methods Hemitongue specimens were obtained from minipigs to study the three-dimensional anatomy and to define anatomic landmarks for precise measurements of flap requirement. The concept developed in animal models was then applied to hemiglossectomy reconstruction in clinical practice. Sixty-one patients were randomly enrolled into the following two groups: a "five-point eight-line segment" (FIPELS) flap design group (28 patients) and a conventional group (33 patients). Functional and aesthetic outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results All flaps designed with the FIPELS technique matched the hemiglossectomy defects without the need for flap trimming, thus reducing the operating time (P = .03). Swallowing functions, speech intelligibility, and aesthetic outcomes were superior in the FIPELS group than that in the conventional group (P Conclusions The FIPELS flap design for hemiglossectomy reconstruction yields improved functional and aesthetic outcomes compared to a conventional flap design.

Background Airway management, including noninvasive endotracheal intubation or invasive tracheostomy, is an essential treatment strategy for patients with deep neck space abscess (DNSA) to reverse acute hypoxia, which aids in avoiding acute cerebral hypoxia and cardiac arrest. This study aimed to develop and validate a novel risk score to predict the need for airway management in patients with DNSA. Methods Patients with DNSA admitted to 9 hospitals in Guangdong Province between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2020, were included. The cohort was divided into the training and validation cohorts. The risk score was developed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and logistic regression models in the training cohort. The external validity and diagnostic ability were assessed in the validation cohort. Results A total of 440 DNSA patients were included, of which 363 (60 required airway management) entered into the training cohort and 77 (13 required airway management) entered into the validation cohort. The risk score included 7 independent predictors (p < 0.05): multispace involvement (odd ratio [OR] 6.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.79–23.07, p < 0.001), gas formation (OR 4.95, 95% CI 2.04–12.00, p < 0.001), dyspnea (OR 10.35, 95% CI 3.47–30.89, p < 0.001), primary region of infection, neutrophil percentage (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02–1.18, p = 0.015), platelet count to lymphocyte count ratio (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.01, p = 0.010), and albumin level (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.80–0.92, p < 0.001). Internal validation showed good discrimination, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.951 (95% CI 0.924–0.971), and good calibration (Hosmer–Lemeshow [HL] test, p = 0.821). Application of the clinical risk score in the validation cohort also revealed good discrimination (AUC 0.947, 95% CI 0.871–0.985) and calibration (HL test, p = 0.618). Decision curve analyses in both cohorts demonstrated that patients could benefit from this risk score. The score has been transformed into an online calculator that is freely available to the public. Conclusions The risk score may help predict a patient’s risk of requiring airway management, thus advancing patient safety and supporting appropriate treatment.

Background: At present, with the continuous development of the epidemic, scholars at home and abroad have paid great attention to Corona Virus Discrease 2019(COVID-19), especially with SARS, comprehensive biology combined and carried out a series of research and discussion. Research on such topics has gradually increased, but the hot topics of research still not clear. Purpose: The goal of the research was to perform a systematic review on the use of biomedicine in medical research with the aim of understanding the global progress on COVID-19 research outcomes, content, methods, and study groups involved. Methods: The SARS documents were retrieved in the core collection of Web of Science, and analyze the data with Excel and VOSviewer.to perform bibliometric analysis of publication trends, author orders, countries, institutions, collaboration relationships, research hot spots, diseases studied, and research methods. Data Synthesis: A total of 50,744 original research articles were included. The number of articles published in the first 3 years showed an overall upward trend and then gradually declined to basically the same. It accounts for 2.087% of the total number of posts, reaching a peak of 31050 in 2020, accounting for 61.190% of the total. From 6,976 journals, 18 journals with more than 250 articles published, more than half of the journals are in JCR Zone 1, and most of the influence factors are between 2-7 points; the included literature involves 61684 authors, and most of the authors are scattered. The included literature involved 9738 institutions. Among the first 18 institutions, more than 80% were colleges and hospitals. A total of 37,817 keywords are listed, with an average of 2.65 keywords. The top 7 in frequency of use are acute lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, respiratory-distress-syndrome, aras, mechanical ventilation, and mortality. The centrality is more than 7000, and the number of occurrences is more than 1000. The research direction of SARS focuses on: RESPIRATORY SYSTEM, INFECTIOUS DISEASES, PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, BIOCHEMISTRY MOLECULAR BIOLOGY and HEALTH CARE SCIENCES SERVICES, which are all higher than 27% of the total, and the records are higher than 13,900. High-frequency keyword clustering and overlay view analysis: (1) In terms of mechanism research, gene structure, virus detection, outbreak prevention and protection, etc. are the major research hotspots. (2) In terms of target therapy, animal molecular experiments such as protein, activation, modle mode, potent inhibitors, laboratory tests, and immune response are the research hotspots. Conclusions: Based on the research of SARS literature, preliminary research suggests that COVID-19 research will increase rapidly by multiples, and the popularity of research continues. In terms of public health and epidemic prevention, the world still needs to form a stronger team. It needs to do a good job of inheritance, achieve full prevention and control performance, innovate results, and explore potential areas with reference to common word clustering and knowledge graphs to promote the emergence of authoritative innovation. Research trends will expand from the development of diagnostics and treatments to the human-society-biological environment, making important contributions to the global fight against the epidemic.

Soft pneumatic actuators (SPAs) that can twist dominantly provide a promising solution for the design of soft robots due to their flexibility, compliance, and easy fabrication. However, the torsional SPAs also face challenges such as overpressure risk and small torsion angle. To tackle those challenges, a new type of torsional SPAs is designed based on the reversible, cooperative buckling of elastomer, which yields a torsion angle of 1.94 deg/mm and an output torque of 26 N .mm with a secure operation pressure. Moreover, this actuator can achieve a wide range of torsional motion by varying the structure parameters, including the height of actuators and the pitch of helical chambers. The relationship between structure parameters and actuator performance is investigated experimentally, and experimental results show that the torsion angle and output torque increase with the height growing from 20 to 44 mm, while decrease with the pitch rising from 75 to 150 mm. The effect of different materials used for constructing the actuator is also studied numerically, and results show that the output torque can be improved by changing the materials. Additionally, several soft machines constructed by utilizing the actuators as a torsional joint are able to perform different manipulating tasks, such as screwing the light bulb, grasping and rotating objects. The actuator developed in this paper is capable of extending the researches on SPAs and offering an alternative for the actuation of soft machines.

BACKGROUND Harvesting an optimally thinned anterolateral thigh flaps is a challenge in overweight individuals and in the Western population. The authors describe a novel honeycomb technique to achieve a superthin anterolateral thigh flap in overweight patients. METHODS Forty patients with a body mass index greater than 25 kg/m(2) who required a thinned anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction were assigned randomly to a honeycomb technique group or a microdissection technique group. The honeycomb technique group underwent flap thinning with the Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator, and flap thinning was performed with a conventional microdissection technique in the microdissection technique group. Perfusion of all flaps was measured by indocyanine green fluorescence angiography before and after thinning. Hypoperfusion was defined as 30 percent. RESULTS The mean body mass index was 28.6 ± 2.0 kg/m(2) and 27.3 ± 1.9 kg/m(2) in the honeycomb group and the microdissection group, respectively. Flap size, perforator, type of dissection, and initial perfusion were comparable between the two groups. However, significantly more patients (nine of 21) experienced final hypoperfusion in the microdissection group than in the honeycomb group (two of 19) (p = 0.034). In addition, blood loss and final flap thickness were significantly lower in the honeycomb group (p < 0.05), and the duration of thinning was comparable between the two groups. No flap necrosis was found in either group. CONCLUSION The honeycomb technique in combination with the Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator and indocyanine green angiography was able to remove adipose tissue but protect the integrity of the subcutaneous vascular plexus to reduce potential risk of jeopardizing flap perfusion while obtaining a superthin anterolateral thigh flap in an overweight population. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic, II.

The operational flexibility of combined heat and power (CHP) units is highly required owing to the high penetration level of intermittent renewable power. Traditional CHP units should run in heat-controlled mode, which limits their operational flexibility. Therefore, the heat–power decoupling of CHP units is necessary. In this study, steam ejectors are used in designing low-cost and highly efficient heat–power decoupling systems with simple structures. Three new CHP systems integrated with ejectors are proposed, and multiple system parameters are optimized. The heat–power decoupling performances and energy consumption characteristics of the three reformed systems are also compared. Results show that all three reformed systems can achieve heat–power decoupling, and System II (coupled with two ejectors in series) has the largest peak-load regulating capacity (ΔPe) of 94.8 MW. System III (coupled with two ejectors in parallel) shows the best energy and exergy efficiencies. Compared with the Basic System, System III can enhance energy efficiency by 13.47% and the exergy efficiency by 13.46% at ΔPe of 40 MW. This study provides a promising approach for utilizing steam ejectors in enhancing flexibility for CHP plants.

Following several accidents, designers have paid greater attention to nuclear power plant safety. The passive containment cooling system (PCCS) was first used in third-generation innovative type nuclear power plants to improve safety. In this paper, the basics of the PCCS and its tube external condensation heat transfer characteristic are reviewed. The condensation heat transfer characteristic exerts effects on two categories: the operating and structure parameters. Some empirical correlations are carefully summarized to broaden the heat transfer calculation methods. Research on experiments and empirical correlations revealed that both operating and structure parameters play an important role in the tube external condensation heat transfer characteristic of the PCCS. Moreover, experimental and numerical modeling that highlight investigations of the tube bundle, curved tube and under ocean condition heat transfer characteristic should be explored in future studies.

A 660 MW supercritical coal-fired power plant with feedwater heater coupled with a steam ejector is applied to address nitrogen oxide (NOx) removal problem under low load conditions. The present study conducts simulation on design and operation strategy for this coupled system. Results show that the system can effectively improve NOx removal efficiency, and improvement is significant under low unit loads. When unit load is 40% THA condition, NOx removal efficiency of the coupled system reaches 70.77%, whereas selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system should be cut off under benchmark condition. A new system is then proposed to deal with the operation problem under extremely low and high loads. This improvement method is effective under extremely low loads, and NOx removal efficiency remains efficient when the unit approximates 20% THA condition. When unit load rate is higher than 75% THA condition, the plant thermal efficiency could be improved by adjusting primary pressure of steam ejector. This study may serve as reference for the design of power plants to ensure efficient NOx removal ability under low loads.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:13:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2017-08-01 Background Endoscopically assisted selective neck dissection (SND) has recently been applied in clinical N0 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, nothing is known of the immune response after surgery. Methods A total of 60 patients with cT1-2N0 OSCC randomly underwent endoscopically assisted SND and open operations. The serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1b, TNF-a, CRP, cortisol, ACTH, and growth hormone were analyzed before the start of the surgery (T0) and at 2 (T1), 6 (T2), 24 (T3), and 72 h (T4) after surgery. Results A total of 31 patients were randomized for endoscopic SND, whereas 29 underwent open procedures. The release of IL-6, IL-10 and CRP was significantly lower in the endoscopic group than in the open surgery group (p < 0.05), and cortisol levels were also lower in the endoscopic group (p < 0.05). Conclusions Endoscopic SND could effectively provide lower inflammatory responses and surgical stress, reducing peri-operative trauma and accelerating recovery. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation of Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital Department of Otorhinolaryngology Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Dental School of Araçatuba Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Morphologic & Biochemical Lab of Pediatric Hematology Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Dental School of Araçatuba Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)

Objective The advantages and limitations of the endoscopy-assisted transoral approach (EATA) and external approaches (EAs) in resection of parapharyngeal space tumors (PSTs) remain unclear. In our study, we compared the use of the EATA and the EAs for the resection of large, benign PSTs. Study Design Forty-four patients with PSTs were divided into the EATA and EA groups. The perioperative and postoperative outcomes of the patients were evaluated. Results All of the tumors were completely removed. However, the procedure was converted to an open procedure for four patients in the EATA group and for six patients in the EA group who required endoscopic assistance. The intraoperative blood loss, amount and duration of drainage, postoperative pain, total hospital stay, and cosmetic outcomes were superior in the EATA group (P Conclusions Use of the EATA for resection of large, benign PSTs decreased the surgical invasiveness of the procedure and resulted in better aesthetic outcomes. However, use of the combined surgical approach allowed for improved access for the resection of PSTs.

A 660 MW supercritical coal-fired power plant coupled with a steam ejector is proposed to increase the feedwater temperature, which is used to ensure the NOx reduction ability under a low load. The simulation work for the system performance under different steam sources of feedwater heater, feedwater regenerative heating systems and steam sources of steam ejector is carried out. Results indicate that it’s a favorable choice to increase the water temperature through adding No. 0 feedwater heater coupled with steam ejector, because NOx removal efficiency increases from 68.97% (benchmark condition) to 74.66% under 50% THA condition, and it would improve the plant thermal efficiency while the standard coal consumption rate would decrease 0.5 g (kW h) −1 . Meanwhile, results conclude that it has superior performance than the system by No. 1 feedwater heater coupled with steam ejector. Finally, it’s found that it is more suitable when the primary flow is from the platen superheater outlet. It also finds that the system performance (the induced flow is from No. 1 steam extraction) is more efficient compared with systems that the induced flow is from the cold or hot reheat steam.

The ejector refrigeration integrated in the air-conditioning system is a promising technology, because it could be driven by the low grade energy. In the present study, a theoretical calculation based on the real gas property is put forward to estimate the ejector refrigeration system performance under overall modes (critical/sub-critical modes). The experimental data from literature are applied to validate the proposed model. The findings show that the proposed model has higher accuracy compared to the model using the ideal gas law, especially when the ejector operates at sub-critical mode. Then, the performances of the ejector refrigeration circle using different refrigerants are analyzed. R290 and R134a are selected as typical refrigerants by considering the aspects of COP, environmental impact, safety and economy. Finally, the ejector refrigeration performance is investigated under variable operation conditions with R290 and R134a as refrigerants. The results show that the R290 ejector circle has higher COP under critical mode and could operate at low evaporator temperature. However, the performance would decrease rapidly at high condenser temperature. The performance of R134a ejector circle is the opposite, with relatively lower COP, and higher COP at high condenser temperature compared to R290.

A few modified approaches have been reported for performing endoscope-assisted dissections of benign parotid tumors, but none that use incisions totally hidden in a natural furrow. This study evaluated the feasibility of performing endoscope-assisted extracapsular dissections of benign parotid tumors using a single cephaloauricular furrow incision. Forty-six patients with benign parotid superficial lobe tumors were randomly divided into two groups: an endoscope-assisted (21 patients) group or a conventional (25 patients) surgery group. Perioperative and postoperative outcomes of the patients were evaluated, including the maximum diameter of the tumors, length of the incision, operating time, estimated blood loss during the operation, amount and duration of drainage, satisfaction scores based on the cosmetic results, perioperative complications, and follow-up information. The diameters of the tumors were comparable between the groups, and all operations were successfully performed as planned. The mean length of the incision in the endoscope-assisted group (3.6 ± 0.5 cm) was significantly shorter than that in the conventional group (9.1 ± 1.9). Meanwhile, the intraoperative blood loss, amount of drainage, perioperative complications, and cosmetic outcomes were all improved in the endoscope-assisted group. No tumor recurrence was found during 11–40 months of follow-up. Cephaloauricular furrow incisions were totally and naturally hidden in this procedure. Endoscope-assisted extracapsular dissections of benign parotid tumors via a small cephaloauricular furrow incision were found to be feasible and reliable, providing a minimally invasive approach and a satisfactory appearance.

Increasing production and recovery from low-pressure natural gas fields in China is highly desirable. A two-stage ejector (TSE) is proposed to deal with this situation. The effect of the second stage geometrical factors (area and length to diameter ratios) on the TSE performance is analyzed through the numerical technique, as well as the operational factors. Results show that the improvement effect becomes larger under relatively larger induced pressure and area ratio. However, choosing a lower area ratio is more suitable because its performance is superior at low induced pressure. An optimal length to diameter ratio exists for the maximum entrainment ratio, and it varies with operational factors. In the present study, it's a good choice when the length to diameter ratio equals to 5. TSE has better entrained capacity compared than single stage ejector, when the primary or induced pressure is higher than the design value. Meanwhile, TSE has better entrained capacity when the pressure of the first stage induced inlet is higher than that of second stage induced inlet.

This paper deals with an exergetic analysis of the flue gas pre-dried lignite-fired power system (FPLPS) based on the boiler with open pulverizing system (OPSB) to explore the energy-saving potential of the FPLPS. A steady-state simulation was performed to obtain thermodynamic properties of process streams in a 600 MW unit. Results indicated that the plant efficiency of the FPLPS was relatively 3.42% higher than that of the conventional lignite-fired power system (CLPS). The improvement benefited from the integration of the flue gas dryer with the OPS, in which the dryer exhaust gas was separated from coal powders and prevented from recycling in the furnace. Consequently, the exergy destruction in the combustion process was reduced by 2.32%-pts for increased flame temperature, and the exergy loss of the boiler exhaust gas was reduced by 0.68%-pts for decreased temperature. Moreover, the dryer exergy efficiency was only 20.20% due to considerable exergy destructions in the moisture evaporation and the mixing of drying agents. The proposed retrofitting option by extracting cold flue gas from the economizer outlet could increase the plant efficiency by 0.33% relatively. Finally, attempts were made to examine the influence of varying pre-drying parameters on system performances.

The mechanical energy loss during the mixing process and the momentum waste in the diffuser are the main reasons for the relative low entrainment ratio. In the present study, the ejector with bypass is adopted to utilize the momentum in the diffuser, hoping to increase the entrainment ratio. The influence of operational and bypass geometrical factors on the entrained capacity is analyzed through CFD method. The results show that there is always an optimal location (around the place where the lowest pressure is) for the maximum entrainment ratio, and it moves downstream as the motive or induced pressure increases. Meanwhile, the increment enlarges as the motive pressure increases, and the improvement would enlarge from 10.7% to 32.8% when the motive pressure increases from 0.3 MPa to 0.4 MPa. Moreover, it is still an effective method to improve ejector performance by enlarging bypass inlet area when the bypass is installed in the optimal location. The same conclusion could be drawn when the inclination angle decreases, especially when the motive pressure is greater than the design value. Compared with the ejector without bypass, the maximum improvement could be high up to 48.7% while the inlet area is 4 mm × 8 mm and angle is 15°.

Objectives A no-flap design based on actual tongue anatomy has been reported to achieve precise reconstruction, but large carcinologic tongue defects remain extremely challenging to treat. The aim of this pilot study was to explore an anatomy-based flap design for precision subtotal tongue reconstruction. Material and methods Thirty-five patients were randomly divided into two groups, a “five-points eight-line-segments” (FIPELS) technique flap design group (18 patients) and a conventional surgery group (17 patients), to undergo subtotal tongue reconstruction. All patients received an anterolateral thigh flap with nerve coaptation to the lingual or glossopharyngeal nerve. Swallowing function, speech intelligibility, and cosmetic results were assessed with a Likert scale, and epicritic and proprioceptive sensitivity and thermosensation of the neotongue were investigated. Outcomes were analyzed, and a p-value Results The FIPELS flaps were significantly larger than conventionally designed flaps. All flaps healed uneventfully, except in two patients who presented with partial necrosis. Relative to patients in the conventional group, patients in the FIPELS group showed significantly improved swallowing function (p = 0.043) and cosmetic results (p = 0.017) but not speech intelligibility (p = 0.154). Patients in the two groups recovered comparably in terms of epicritic and proprioceptive sensitivity and thermosensation. Conclusion The anatomy-based FIPELS technique is an innovative and effective solution for subtotal tongue reconstruction.

In order to improve the energy utilization efficiency of thermal power plants and to solve the heating shortage problem in China, the absorption heat pump is usually employed to recover the heat of turbine exhaust steam for heating supply. In the existing references, few researchers considered the heating load characteristics when designing the recovery system. In this paper, the design thought of heat recovery system of turbine exhaust steam using absorption heat pump for heating supply based on heating load characteristics was presented. With an engineering case, the heat recovery system was designed and its economic efficiency was calculated.

A new 1D model using the real gas property is proposed to predict ejector performance at critical and sub-critical operational modes, while most previous 1D models usually used the ideal gas property and only predicted ejector performance at critical mode operation. Constant pressure mixing is assumed to occur inside the constant area section of the ejector at critical and sub-critical mode operation, and the effectiveness of the model is verified against experimental data. The results show that the proposed model accurately predicts ejector performance over all ranges of operation. The 1D model is a useful tool for predicting ejector performance within larger refrigeration cycle models.

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.

Based on the preliminary validation of the numerical results with an experiment, the steady results of different tip clearance size effects on the performance and tip leakage vortex of counter-rotating compressor were discussed. The predicted results showed that the stable margin and isentropic efficiency of the counter-rotating compressor decreased with increasing of the tip clearance size. Furthermore, increasing the tip clearance size had a greater negative effect on the performance of the upstream rotor than the downstream rotor. Detailed flow field analyses further demonstrated that the unstable flow occurred in the two counter-rotating rotors with greater tip clearance size. The rotor downstream was the main unstable factor which caused the counter-rotating compressor to breakdown when a smaller tip clearance size was used.

BACKGROUND: Gnathodiaphyseal dysplasia (GDD) is a rare skeletal disorder that has not been well studied. METHODS: Sanger sequencing, whole-genome sequencing, and bioinformatics and structural modeling analyses were performed. RESULTS: A family with patients with fibro-osseous lesions of the jawbones were initially diagnosed with cherubism. Sequencing of SH3BP2, which is the causal gene of cherubism, revealed no pathogenic mutation. Through whole-genome sequencing, we identified a novel mutation c.1067G>T (p.C356F) in ANO5, and bioinformatics analyses and structural modeling showed that the mutation was deleterious. Because ANO5 is the gene responsible for GDD, we reappraised the clinical data of the patients, and the diagnosis was corrected to atypical GDD. A review of the literature showed that 67% of GDD cases confirmed by molecular testing were initially misdiagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: The novel mutation c.1067G>T (p.C356F) in ANO5 is responsible for the atypical GDD observed in our patients. GDD should be included in the differential diagnosis for patients with fibro-osseous lesions.

In pulverized coal-fired plant, the U-type bend is commonly used in flue gas and pulverized coal pipe system to due to the constraints of outer space. And gas-solid two-phase flow exists in these pipelines. The erosion of the pipe has significant effect on the safety and reliability of pipelines. In present paper, the erosion characteristics of U-type bend were investigated through CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) method. The wear distribution on the pipe wall was obtained. And the particle flow characteristics in U-type bend were analyzed. The influence of inlet velocity, mass loading rate and particle size on the erosion rate was studied as well. Result suggested that the maximum erosion rate increases exponentially with the increase of inlet velocity. And maximum erosion rate increases linearly with the increasing mass loading rate. Increasing particle size can aggravate the wear on the pipe wall.

Increasing production and recovery from the mature oil and gas fields often requires a boosting system when the gas pressure is lower than that demanded by the transportation or process system. The supersonic ejector, considered to be a cost-effective way to boost the production of a low-pressure gas well, was introduced into the industrial field. However, the exploitation of natural gas often accompanies with water. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique was employed to investigate the two-phase effect (water droplets) on the performance of natural gas ejector for the motive pressure ranging from 11.0 MPa to 13.0 MPa, induced pressure from 3.0 MPa to 5.0 MPa, and backpressure from 5.1 MPa to 5.6 MPa, while the injected water flow rate was less than 0.03 kg s−1. The numerical results show that the entrainment ratio of the two-phase operation was higher than that of the single-phase operation with the variation of backpressure. Meanwhile, the entrainment ratio increased with the increase of injec...

Supersonic ejectors are applied to increase production and recovery from mature oil and gas fields.Compared to compressors, natural gas ejectors are a cost-effective way to boost the production of lowpressure natural gas wells. In this study, two main ejector geometrical factors, the primary nozzle exitposition (NXP) and the mixing tube length to diameter ratio (R), are investigated based on the CFDtechnique. Additionally, these two geometrical factors are proved to be influential factors with respect toejector performance, including not only the entrainment ratio but also the pressure ratio. The numericalresults show that the optimum NXP for the entrainment ratio varies from 3.6 to 7.2 mm, but for thepressure ratio, it is in the range of 1.2e7.2 mm. The optimum value R decreases with increasing primaryflow pressure, and the optimum R for the entrainment ratio varies from 2 to 8, but for the pressure ratio,it is in the range of 3e7. The CFD technique is found to be an effective performance predictor and alsoprovides an insightful understanding of the flow and mixing process within the ejector. This study mayprovide a beneficial reference for the design of supersonic ejectors and may be helpful for further ap-plications in boosting natural gas production. 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic value of pathological indicators to predict the efficacy of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps. A total of 53 patients with CRS with nasal polyps, who had undergone endoscopic surgery at least one year before, were surveyed for their clinical symptoms. Surgical specimen biopsies were consulted and related pathological indicators were measured. The association between the main symptoms of CRS with nasal polyps following ESS and pathological indicators were statistically analyzed. The main symptoms of patients with CRS with nasal polyps following ESS were nasal congestion, thick nasal discharge, rhinorrhea or sneezing. Goblet cells are associated with the symptoms of sneezing and thick nasal discharge, pathological gland formation is associated with dizziness, and the degree of tissue edema is associated with post-nasal discharge (P

Increasing production and recovery from mature oil and gas fields often requires a boosting system. Introducing natural gas ejectors can be considered to be a cost-effective way for boosting the production of low-pressure natural gas wells. The CFD technique was employed to investigate the effects of the geometrical factors of natural gas ejectors, the optimal geometrical factors were obtained by numerical simulation to maximize entrainment ratio. Numerical results show that the optimal inclination angle of the mixing chamber was 14°, the optimal diameter ratio of the mixing tube to primary nozzle throat was 1.7, the optimal length to diameter ratio of the mixing tube was 5.0 and the optimal inclination angle of the diffuser was 1.43°. In order to validate the numerical results, a field experiment was carried out. The entrainment ratios obtained by the numerical simulation agreed well with the field data, giving a maximum entrainment ratio up to 93%, proving the optimized geometrical factors of a natural gas ejector. This study may provide a beneficial reference for the design of supersonic ejectors and be helpful for the further applications in boosting natural gas production.

Backgroud IL-22 regulates various processes and has been linked to diverse effects. However, the importance of IL-22 in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR) remains poorly understood. This study sought to evaluate the levels of IL-22 and IL-17A in AR patients and their association with clinical severity of AR. Methods Thirty-six AR patients and 22 normal controls were enrolled in this study. The frequencies of IL-22+, IL-17A+, and IL-9+ T helper (Th) cells in peripheral blood of AR patients and normal controls were examined by flow cytometry. Serum levels of IL-22 and IL-17A in AR patients and normal controls were determined by ELISA. The clinical relevance of the percentages of IL-22+ and IL-17A+ Th cells as well as serum IL-22 and IL-17A levels were evaluated. Results The frequencies of IL-22+ and IL-17A+ Th cells, but not IL-9+ Th cells, were significantly increased compared with those in normal controls (p < 0.05). Frequencies of IL-22+ and IL-17A+ Th cells in peripheral blood of AR patients significantly correlated with visual analog scale scores of nasal symptoms (nasal congestion and rhinorrhea; p < 0.05). Moreover, the serum levels of IL-22 and IL-1 were significantly increased compared with those in normal controls (p < 0.05) and significantly correlated with the levels of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae specific IgE in AR patients. Conclusion Our findings suggested that IL-22 as well as IL-17A may play an important role in the regulation of Th2-skewed inflammation in AR patients.

Selective neck dissection (SND) in clinical N0 (cN0) cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has been performed by surgeons using a retroauricular or modified facelift approach with robotic or endoscopic assistance. However, these procedures provide cosmetic satisfaction at the cost of possible maximal invasiveness. In this prospective study, we introduced and evaluated the feasibility as well as surgical invasiveness and cosmetic outcome of endoscopically-assisted SND via a small submandibular approach.Forty-four patients with cT1-2N0 oral SCC (OSCC) were randomly divided into two groups of endoscopically-assisted SND and conventional SND. Perioperative and postoperative outcomes of patients were evaluated, including the length of the incision, operating time for neck dissection, estimated blood loss during the operation, amount and duration of drainage, total hospitalization period, total number of lymph nodes retrieved, satisfaction scores based on the cosmetic results, perioperative local complications, shoulder syndrome, and follow-up information.The mean operation time in the endoscopically-assisted group (126.04 ± 12.67 min) was longer than that in the conventional group (75.67 ± 16.67 min). However, the mean length of the incision was 4.33 ± 0.76 cm in the endoscopically-assisted SND group, and the amount and duration of drainage, total hospital stay, postoperative shoulder pain score, and cosmetic outcomes were superior in the endoscopically-assisted SND group. Additionally, the retrieved lymph nodes and complications were comparable.Endoscopically-assisted SND via a small submandibular approach had a longer operation time than the conventional approach. However, endoscopically-assisted SND was feasible and reliable while providing minimal invasiveness and satisfactory appearance.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of an endoscope-assisted partial parotidectomy through a modified retroauricular incision. Patients and Methods: Thirty patients with benign parotid superficial lobe tumors with a diameter of 2.4 ± 0.5 cm, located in the anterior portion of the inferior auricular lobule, underwent an endoscope-assisted partial-superficial parotidectomy. A retrograde approach through a small skin incision was used. An additional 30 patients who underwent conventional surgeries were used as controls. The operation time, operative bleeding volume and subjective satisfaction with the incision scar were compared between the groups. Results: All operations were successfully performed. The endoscopic surgery duration (74.8 ± 15.7 min), bleeding volume (12.7 ± 3.9 ml) and incision length (4.8 ± 0.4 cm) differed between the groups (p = 0.001). The mean patient satisfaction score was 8.6 ± 1.2 in the endoscope-assisted surgery group and 5.4 ± 1.3 in the control group (p = 0.001). There were no tumor recurrences during the 9-36 months of follow-up. Conclusion: Endoscope-assisted partial-superficial parotidectomy via a modified retroauricular incision is a feasible method for the treatment of benign parotid superficial lobe tumors located in the anterior portion of the inferior auricular lobule. The main advantage of this procedure was that the small operative scars improved the cosmetic results.

Considering the new questions in Strategic Information Planning (SIP), we put forward a improved SIP methodology based on Strategic Business Analysis (SBA). It bring forward a formula for Strategic Matching Degree (SMD), so as to identify the key business and key information system. It also proposes a key business analysis & adjustment process under dynamic environment. As a result, the SBA method can reduce IT investment and increase IT planning work efficiency.

The aim of the study is to report the feasibility of endoscope-assisted second branchial cleft cyst resection via a small incision along the skin line on the lateral neck. In total, 41 patients from the Department of Otolaryngology, Foshan Hospital of Yat-sen University were randomly assigned to conventional (20 patients) or endoscope-assisted (21 patients) second branchial cleft cyst resection. The patient clinical characteristics, operation time, operative bleeding volume, postoperative complications, and subjective satisfaction with the incision scar (measured using a visual analog scale) were compared between the groups. All 41 s branchial cleft cyst resections were successfully performed, and the wounds healed uneventfully. The bleeding volume (6.3 ± 2.5 ml) and incision length (2.7 ± 0.3 cm) differed between the groups (P < 0.00). The mean patient satisfaction score was 8.0 ± 0.8 in the endoscope-assisted surgery group and 6.4 ± 0.9 in the control group (P < 0.00). All of the patients in the endoscope-assisted surgery group were satisfied with their cosmetic results. No marginal nerve palsy occurred. No complications such as bleeding, salivary fistula, or paresis of the marginal mandibular branch occurred. All of the patients were disease free through a follow-up period of 6-24 months (median: 14 months). Endoscope-assisted second branchial cleft cyst resection via a small incision along the dermatoglyph on the lateral neck is a feasible technique. This procedure may serve as an alternative approach, allowing a minimally invasive incision and better cosmetic results.

With the business development of large enterprise groups, the collaborative office platform has many administrative, business, work flow processing system, these flow systems respectively issue discrete tasks, there is no a unified task tracking and evaluation method. This paper put forward a multi task tracking evaluation model (MTEM) based on group Enterprise Collaborative Office Platform (ECOP), the model can be on different flow system under their respective task tracking, and we put forward a multi-task performance evaluation. The paper can help the large enterprise group to increase ECOP information integration level, and it has an important reference value for improving collaborative office management level and work efficiency.

An effective way to boost natural gas production from low pressure gas field was introduced in the paper. The supersonic ejector used the energy of high pressure gas wells, which was generally wasted through the choke valve, as its power supply to boost the low pressure gas production. The field experiment of the natural gas ejector was carried out, and the performance of the ejector was also presented. Moreover, the production of low pressure natural gas well was compared when the natural gas ejector was used or not. The economic analysis shows that the recovery period of the capital was less than several months.

Purpose: Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) is an effective Chinese plant-derived medicine for colitis in the clinic, but the underlying molecular mechanisms of its use remain poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms involved in its therapeutic action. Methods: A colitis mouse model was induced by oxazolone enema. TMP was administered at 80 mg/kg/day and sulphasalazine (SASP) was used as positive control and administered at 100 mg/kg/day for the treatment of colitis. On the fourth day after enema, mice were sacrificed. The inflammatory response was assessed by the disease activity index and histology. Colon mucosa was isolated and biochemically analyzed. In addition, in vitro studies were performed to evaluate the activity of TMP in Caco-2 cells. Results: Our results showed that TMP improved the colonic inflammatory status as evidenced by histological findings, as well as SASP. These effects were associated with a decrease in nucleus translocation of NF-κB. Paired with this inhibitive activity, there was a decrease in downstream signaling, such as C-MYC, iNOS and COX-2. In vitro assays revealed that TMP inhibited NF-κB translocation and its downstream production of inflammatory factors, such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8, and that ROS production that was induced by LPS in Caco-2 cells. Conclusion: TMP improved the colitis induced by oxazoline, and its activity was associated with inhibition of NF-κB translocation, and subsequent inhibition of pro-inflammatory factor production and oxidative stress.

When the ejector was applied in the natural gas exploitation and sea water desalination industries, the ejector always operated on the two phase operation, because of the primary fluid or the induced fluid usually companying some water inside. The water inside the primary and induced gas will affect the ejector performance. In the present study, the experimental and CFD methods were used to investigate the two phase flow inside the ejector, when the water was injected into the induced flow. The results show that: when the water was injected into the induced flow, the experimental results decreased, as well as numerical results. The numerical results agreed with the experimental data, with the maximum deviations less than 20% for critical mode and less than 40% for sub-critical mode.