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Aggregate drying is a crucial step in asphalt mixture production. Enhancing the model accuracy and controller performance of aggregate dryer burners is essential for consistent flame characteristics, reducing NOx emissions, and minimizing fuel consumption. This paper introduces a second-order nonlinear parametric model for coal powder burners that includes delay and noise. Model parameters were determined through experimental data using the Salp Swarm Algorithm, showing higher accuracy than models based on the least square method. A dual-layer model predictive control (MPC) based on this mathematical model was developed to improve the economic efficiency of the aggregate drying process. Simulation results showed that the dual-layer MPC saves 1.08 tons of coal every 10 h compared to a standard MPC. A full-scale prototype demonstrated average flame length, flame temperature, and NOx emissions of 4242.6 mm, 1729.4 °C, and 460.2 mg/m³, respectively, validating the accuracy of the proposed mathematical model and controller. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focus of this work is on the problem of the low efficiency and high pollution caused by the poor quality of coal, unstable loads and other factors in the pulverised coal combustion process. For this reason, a cyclone is installed at the second outlet of pulverised coal combustion devices. Multi-parameter and multi-objective optimizations were involved in the design of the cyclone. The influences of the structural parameters on the evaluation index have been rigorously analysed through the evaluation index of the internal flow field of the burner. Further, the genetic algorithm NSGA-II was applied to optimise the structural parameters of the cyclone based on Response Surface Model. The results showed that the outer diameter of the cyclone, the installation angle of the swirl vanes, and the number of swirl vanes had a significant impact on the combustion, as well as the NOX emission characteristics of pulverised coal. When the outer diameter of the cyclone was 500 mm, the number of swirl vanes was 12, and the installation angle of the swirl vanes was 48 degrees, the combustion efficiency of the pulverised coal burner was increased by 47.3%, and the NOX emissions were decreased by 19.1%.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the role of BMAL1 in promoting angiogenesis in cerebral glioma among athletes by regulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin-2 (ANG2). Methods: Human brain tumor cells, representative of gliomas often observed in athletes, were categorized into three groups: blank, control, and BMAL1-treated research group. Cell growth and apoptosis were analyzed using the MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. VEGF and ANG2 expressions, along with microvessel density (MVD), were assessed via immunohistochemistry. The Spearman rank test evaluated the correlation between VEGF and ANG2 levels. Further, groups A, B, and C (representing different pathological grades of human glioma tissues) and BMAL1-treated groups (D, E, and F) were compared to analyze BMAL1's role in modulating VEGF and ANG2. Results: The control group showed significantly lower cell survival and higher apoptosis rates compared to the blank group (P<0.05). Higher glioma grades correlated positively with increased apoptosis rates (P<0.05). VEGF, ANG2, and MVD expressions were significantly higher in the control group than in the blank group (P<0.05), with notable differences observed between the study and control groups (P<0.05). A positive correlation was found between glioma grade, MVD count, and the expressions of VEGF and ANG2 (P<0.05). Groups D, E, and F demonstrated significant differences in VEGF and ANG2 expressions, with group F exhibiting the highest levels (P<0.05), indicating BMAL1's regulatory effect on these angiogenic factors. Conclusion: The study confirms that BMAL1 regulates VEGF and ANG2 expression, promoting angiogenesis in cerebral glioma, a condition relevant to athletes due to their unique physiological stresses. This highlights the potential of targeting BMAL1 in developing therapeutic strategies for glioma angiogenesis in athletic populations, providing a novel approach to manage this challenging aspect of cerebral glioma treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the clinical features and treatment of skull base osteosarcoma., Methods: The clinical data of 18 patients with skull base osteosarcoma, who were admitted to the CAMS Cancer Hospital from January 2005 to November 2013, were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were followed up by telephone, outpatient review and other means. Fifteen patients were followed up, 4 cases received surgery only, and 11 cases received surgery with adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis was used to analyze the clinical data and Log rank method was used for verification., Results: Nine patients died among the 15 patients who were followed up for 3-103 months (mean 25.0 months): seven patients died of local recurrence, and two patients died of distant metastasis, and six patients were still alive. Four patients received surgery only, with a median survival time of 25.0 months, and 11 patients received comprehensive treatment, with a median survival time of 47.0 months (P = 0.02). Five patients received sub-total resection, with a mean survival time of 47.0 months, and 10 patients received total resection, with a mean survival time of 45.0 months (P = 0.37). The 1- and 2-year recurrence rates were 46.6% and 68.9%, respectively. The overall 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 82.4%, 61.8%, 36.0% and 36.0%, respectively, with a median survival time of 30.0 months., Conclusions: To compare the long bone and head and neck osteosarcoma with skull base osteosarcoma, the skull base osteosarcoma has a lower total resection rate, a higher recurrence rate, and a poorer prognosis. Radical surgery and comprehensive treatment are appropriate for skull base osteosarcoma.

Objective: To explore the factors that affect the curative effect and the best method of treatment for the patients with maxillofacial cavernous hemangiomas., Methods: 102 cases of maxillofacial cavernous hemangiomas were performed DSA examination and taken serial photography. According to the diameter, number and draining speed of efferent veins of the tumor, the cavernous hemangiomas were classified into two types-the high efferent speed and low efferent speed type. For all of them, were randomly performed embolization of efferent veins with absolute ethanol plus bleomycin-A5 intratumor injection (group I) and bleomycin-A5 intratumor injection alone (group II)., Results: The cure rate and general effective rate has significant difference (P < 0.01) between two groups in 70 patients with high efferent speed veins, while no significant difference (P > 0.05) in 32 patients with low efferent speed veins., Conclusions: This new classification is beneficial for seeking method of treatment. The embolization of efferent veins is an effective method for cavernous hemangioma with high efferent speed veins; but for the type with low efferent speed veins, bleomycin-A5 intratumor injection alone could acquire a good results.