ABSTRACT In this paper, we present a male patient from Xinjiang with fever of unknown origin and significant weight loss for more than 1 month. He was admitted to hospital with negative Rose Bengal test (RBT) and decreased leucocyte count. Ultrasound revealed splenomegaly and abdominal computed tomography, which showed multiple hypodense splenic nodules. The patient was suspected of lymphoma or tuberculosis. Pathological biopsy suggested brucellosis infection following splenectomy. Anti-Brucella treatment was effective and his temperature gradually returned to normal. During the follow-up, the patient's RBT result turned to positive and he was instructed to continue the anti-Brucella drug regimen. His temperature, weight, white blood cell count, other laboratory examinations, and imaging findings all returned to normal during the 6-month follow-up after the treatment.

To extend the variety of lump ores that are used in the COREX shaft furnace and to optimize iron ore blending, the original evaluation method for iron ores that was proposed by Voestalpine AG has been improved. Physicochemical and metallurgical properties of iron ores, including Sishen lump ore and CVRD pellets, which are currently used in the COREX process, and three other lump ores, were assessed and compared. Ore matching principles were proposed and five optimized iron ore blending schemes designed and verified by laboratory experiments to prove the effectiveness of the improved evaluation method. The replacement of Sishen lump ore by the alternative L2 and L3 lump ores without varying the proportion of CVRD pellets could improve the degree of reduction and rate of metallization, and decrease the bonding index. Based on the results of laboratory test work and industrial- trials, an ore blending scheme of 60% CVRD, 20% L2, and 20% L3 is recommended for use in the COREX process.

This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) mediated hypoxia-induced permeability changes in bladder endothelial cells. Models of in vitro hypoxic cell culture of bladder cancer, bladder cancer cells with low HIF-1α expression and HIF-1α RNA interference (RNAi) expression vector were established. Western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to detect the expression of HIF-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in each group. Bladder cell permeability was determined. Results showed that protein and mRNA expression of HIF-1α and VEGF at 3 and 12 h of hypoxia were significantly higher than normal control (P<0.05), and peaked at 12 h. HIF-1α and VEGF expression in the hypoxic group and hypoxic+3-(5′-hydroxymethyl-2′-furyl)-1-benzyl indazole (YC-1) group were significantly higher than normal control (P<0.05), while expression in the hypoxic+YC-1 group was significantly lower than the hypoxic group (P<0.05). Bladder cell permeability in the hypoxic and hypoxic+YC-1 group were significantly increased compared to normal control (P<0.05), while in the hypoxic+YC-1 group was significantly decreased compared to the hypoxic group (P<0.05). Most of the cells in the stably transfected HIF-1α RNAi expression vector pcDNA6.2-GW/EmGFP-miR-siHIF-1α expressed green fluorescence protein (GFP) under fluorescence microscope. pcDNA6.2-GW/EmGFP-miR-siHIF-1α could significantly inhibit HIF-1α gene expression (P<0.05). HIF-1α and VEGF expression in the hypoxic group and siHIF-1α hypoxic group were significantly higher than normal group (P<0.05), while expression in the siHIF-1α hypoxic group was significantly lower than the hypoxic group (P<0.05). Findings suggest that HIF-1α is an important factor in the increase of bladder cancer cell permeability.

RESUMEN Se ha diseñado una caja de herramientas de optimización por enjambre de partículas simulado autogenerado que, automáticamente, genera parámetros de control PI de manera rápida en PSCAD. Esta caja de herramientas funciona mediante el uso de la simulación de transitorios para evaluar la función objetivo, y converge los valores de aptitud de la función objetivo a través del algoritmo PSO durante la simulación de tiempo de ejecución de los sistemas HVDC de alimentación múltiple. Aquí, la función de error cuadrático integral (ISE-OF) se utiliza para realizar esta tarea. Para hacer la caja de herramientas más rápida, se establecieron rangos para el valor generado PSO que limitan el tiempo de adquisición de datos para la función objetivo considerando únicamente el tiempo de transición de un sistema. Además, esta caja tiene la capacidad de optimizar varios controladores al mismo tiempo. Los valores de PI se generan más rápidamente y los resultados dejan ver un rendimiento notablemente mejorado de un sistema durante el arranque y, en condiciones de falla. En el presente trabajo se muestran los resultados experimentales.

ABSTRACT Simulated Self-Generated - Particle Swarm optimization (SSG-PSO) toolbox that automatically generates PI control parameters very quickly in PSCAD is designed. This toolbox operates by utilizing transient simulation to evaluate objective function and converges the fitness values of objective function through PSO algorithm during run time simulation of Multi-infeed HVDC systems. Integral Square Error-Objective Function (ISE-OF) is used to accomplish the task. To make the toolbox faster, ranges are set for PSO generated value that limit the time of data acquisition for the objective function by only considering transition time of a system. This toolbox has a capability to optimize multiple controllers at same time. The PI values are generated faster and the results are showing markedly improved performance of a system during startup and under fault condition. The experimental results are presented in this paper.

Abstract This paper investigates the dynamic response of rectangular prestressed membrane subjected to concentrated impact load based on multiple scale perturbation method. The governing equations of motion of nonlinear vibration are derived based on the Föppl large deflection theory and Galerkin method. By introducing different time scales to consider the process of vibration, the results of dynamic response are obtained by applying the multiple scale perturbation method. Furthermore, the effects of pretension force, velocity of load and dimension of membrane on the dynamic response of membrane are discussed. The present work studies the problem of the dynamic response of prestressed membrane subjected to concentrated impact load in different time scales, and provides a more accurate theoretical model for design of membrane structure.

The effect of particle size on the flotation kinetics of a low-rank coal was compared using air bubbles and oily bubbles. Five kinetic models were applied to the data from the tests to derive the relationships between the flotation rate constant, the ultimate recovery, and the particle size fraction. The results show that oily bubble flotation (OBF) resulted in a lower ash content and higher combustible recovery than air bubble flotation (ABF), especially for the -125 μm size fraction. It was found that the flotation of a low-rank coal in individual size fractions using air bubbles and oily bubbles can be best described by a first-order model with rectangular distribution of tendency to float and the classical first-order model respectively. OBF yielded higher ultimate combustible and ultimate ash recoveries. The flotation rate constants for OBF were higher in all the models except for the fully mixed reactor model. The ultimate recovery values and modified rate constants first increased and then decreased as the size fraction decreased. The trend of the flotation rate constants as a function of the size fraction was similar in all the models except for the fully mixed reactor model.

Resumo Introdução: O basquetebol é um dos esportes mais praticados na atualidade, o qual envolve gestos e movimentos que exigem apoio unipodal. Amplitude de movimento de dorsiflexão (ADMD), equilíbrio e controle postural podem influenciar o desempenho deste esporte. Objetivo: Comparar e correlacionar medidas de equilíbrio, controle postural e ADMD de tornozelo entre atletas de basquetebol amadores e não-atletas. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, composto por 122 participantes. Estes foram distribuídos em grupo controle (GC = 61) e grupo basquete (GB = 61). Cada grupo foi subdivido em outros dois, de acordo com a idade: 12-14 e 15-18 anos. Todos foram avaliados para equilíbrio postural com Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), controle postural com Step-down teste e ADMD foi testada com Weight-bearing lunge test (WBLT). As diferenças entre os grupos foram comparadas pelo teste de medidas repetidas e análise de variância multivariada. Distâncias normalizadas dos alcances no SEBT foram analisadas e correlacionados com o WBLT e Step-down test. Resultados: Não houve diferença entre os grupos nos escores do WBLT (P = .488) e Step-down test (P = .916). A pontuação para alcance anterior (P = .001) e escore total de SEBT (P = .030) foram maiores no GB. Os valores para alcance posterolateral (P = .001) e posteromedial (P = .001) do SEBT foram maiores no GB de 15-18 anos. A correlação entre distância anterior do SEBT e WBLT foi significativa no GB de 12-14 anos (r = 0.578, P = .008) e no GC de 15-18 anos (r = 0.608, P = .001). Conclusão: O equilíbrio foi melhor no GB, embora adolescentes de 15-18 anos possuam melhor controle de equilíbrio para alcances posteromedial e posterolateral do SEBT.

Abstract Introduction: Basketball is one of the most popular sports involving gestures and movements that require single-leg based support. Dorsiflexion range of motion (DROM), balance and postural control may influence the performance of this sport. Objective: To compare and correlate measures of balance, postural control and ankle DROM between amateur basketball athletes and non-athletes. Methods: Cross-sectional study, composed by 122 subjects allocated into one control group (CG = 61) and one basketball group (BG = 61). These groups were subdivided into two other groups by age: 12-14 years and 15-18 years. The participants were all tested for postural balance with the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), postural control with the Step-down test and DROM with the Weight-bearing lunge test (WBLT). Between-groups differences were compared using repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance. Normalized reaching distances were analyzed and correlated with the WBLT and Step-down test. Results: There was no difference in the scores of WBLT (P = .488) and Step-down test (P =. 916) between the groups. Scores for the anterior reach (P = .001) and total score of SEBT (P = .030) were higher in BG. The values for the posterolateral (P = .001) and posteromedial reach (P = .001) of SEBT were higher in BG at the age of 15-18. The correlation between the anterior reach of the SEBT and WBLT was significant in BG between 12-14 years (r = 0.578, P = .008), and in the CG between 15-18 years (r = 0.608, P=.001). Conclusion: The balance was better in the BG, although adolescents between 15-18 years have better balance control for the posteromedial and posterolateral reaches of the SEBT.

The modes of occurrence of arsenic and the effects of low-intensity leaching-flotation on arsenic removal from coal slime from the Tanggongta Plant, Inner Mongolia, China were investigated. The coal slime was examined using hydride generation inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and X-ray diffraction to obtain the content of elements and the major minerals. The modes of occurrence of arsenic in minerals were determined using selective leaching, float-and-sink analysis, and polarized light microscopy. The results indicate that pyrite is the dominant carrier of arsenic in the coal slime, which predominantly exists in association with clay. Significant proportion of the arsenic is removed by a low-intensity leaching-flotation process, consistent with the data from selective leaching and flotation of gangue. The results show that low intensity leaching-alkali washing-flotation is more efficient than direct flotation and low-intensity leaching-flotation.

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) biological patch for abdominal wall reconstruction and in the treatment of infant and neonatal giant omphalocoele as well as other large abdominal wall defects. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the surgical use of an ADM biological patch for reconstructing the abdominal wall was performed. Eleven infants with giant omphalocoele, one with an iatrogenic large abdominal wall defect, and one with a large abdominal wall hernia were treated by filling the abdominal wall defect with the biological patch and expanding the abdominal cavity volume to avoid sharply increased pressure after the direct suture closure of the abdominal incision. This procedure obtained good results. Results: Infants with giant omphalocoele had good results in 10 of 11 cases (the parents of one patient ended treatment). One infant with an iatrogenic abdominal wall defect and one with a large abdominal wall hernia had good results; at follow-up, neither infant has had complications. Conclusion: Large abdominal wall defects in neonates and infants can be reconstructed by ADM patches with good results.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Este estudio tiene como objetivo investigar la viabilidad del uso del parche de matriz dérmica acelular (MDA) biológico para la reconstrucción de la pared abdominal y el tratamiento de onfaloceles gigantes, así como otros defectos de la pared abdominal en infantes y neonatos. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo del uso quirúrgico del parche biológico de MDA para reconstruir la pared abdominal. Once infantes con onfalocele, uno con un defecto iatrogénico grande de la pared abdominal, y otro con una hernia grande de la pared abdominal, fueron tratados rellenando el defecto de la pared abdominal con el parche biológico y ampliando el volumen de la cavidad abdominal, para evitar un aumento agudamente considerable de la presión tras el cierre de la sutura directa de la incisión abdominal. Este procedimiento dio buenos resultados. Resultados: Los infantes con onfalocele gigante tuvieron buenos resultados en 10 de los 11 casos (los padres de un paciente dieron por terminado el tratamiento). Un niño con defecto iatrogénico de la pared abdominal y uno con una hernia grande de la pared abdominal tuvieron buenos resultados. En el seguimiento, ninguno de los niños tuvo complicaciones. Conclusión: Los defectos grandes de la pared abdominal en recién nacidos y niños pequeños pueden ser reconstruidos con parches de MDA con buenos resultados.

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of minimally invasive tonsil surgery for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in children. Tonsil ablation or turbinate reduction was performed on 49 pediatric patients with OSAHS by minimally invasive tonsil surgery. In order to evaluate the efficacy of surgery, a comparison was conducted between pre-operation and post-operation data in terms of the symptoms, signs and polysomnography test. Total effectiveness rate of the surgery was 83.7%. Subgroup analysis was also performed based on the severity of their conditions: mild, moderate, and severe groups had an effectiveness rate of 90.0, 88.9, and 66.7%, respectively (Hc=6.665, P<0.05). Postoperatively, the apnea-hypopnea index, the minimum oxygen saturation (SaO2), and corresponding symptoms improved compared to pre-operation conditions (P<0.05). Minimally invasive tonsil surgery was a safe and effective method for treating OSAHS in children.

Microwave sulphating roasting was applied to zinc oxide fume from a fuming furnace for the removal of F and Cl. The effect of important parameters such as roasting temperature, holding time. and vapour flow were investigated and the process conditions were optimized using response surface methodology. The results showed that the effects of roasting temperature and holding time on the removal efficiency of F and Cl were most significant, and the effect of vapour flow is of much lower importance. The defluorination and dechlorination efficiency increased rapidly as the roasting temperature and holding time increased, while the vapour flow had little effect. The defluorination efficiency could reach 91.3% while the dechlorination efficiency could reach 89.5%, under the process conditions of roasting temperature 655°C, holding time 65.2 minutes, and vapour flow of 6.8 ml/min. The results showed that the removal of F and Cl from zinc oxide fume using a microwave direct roasting process is feasible and reliable.

The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) for reflux disease in adult patients with laryngopharyngeal symptoms. A comprehensive search of Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Ovid EBM Reviews, and PubMed was performed for English-language literature about laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), in September 2014. The papers were filtered using pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eight papers were identified and included in this meta-analysis. The sample comprised a pooled total of 370 patients, of which 210 and 160 patients took PPIs and placebo, respectively. The difference between PPIs and placebo groups in overall improvement of symptoms in adult patients with LPR was not statistically significant (RR=1.22; 95%CI=0.93-1.58; P=0.149). The difference in cough improvement was also not significant between PPIs and placebo groups (RR=0.65; 95%CI=0.30-1.41; P=0.279).

ABSTRACT This study aims to investigate the causes and treatment experience of severe abdominal infection after orthotopic liver transplantation. Clinical data were retrospectively analysed in perioperative severe abdominal infection of 186 orthotopic liver transplantation cases from March 2004 to November 2011. Among the 186 patients, 16 cases had severe abdominal infection: five cases had bile duct anastomotic leakage-inducing massive hydrops and infection under liver interstice, 10 cases had extensive bleeding of surgical wound leading to massive haematocele and infection around the liver, and one case had postoperative lower oesophageal fistula leakage causing massive hydrops and infection under the left diaphragm. After definite diagnosis, 12 cases underwent surgery within three days, with no death. Among the four cases that underwent surgery three days after diagnosis, one case died of multiple-organ failure five days after abdominal cavity exploration, which was performed 21 days after liver transplantation. Severe abdominal infections after liver transplantation were the most common causes of death in perioperative liver transplantation. Comprehensive treatment with efficacious antibiotics, multiple-organ support, controlled surgical removal of the lesion, and adequate drainage establishment was the key to the entire treatment.

RESUMEN Este estudio persigue investigar las causas y la experiencia en el tratamiento de la infección abdominal severa después del trasplante ortotópico de hígado. Se analizaron retrospectivamente los datos clínicos de la infección abdominal severa perioperatoria en 186 casos de trasplante ortotópico de hígado, de marzo de 2004 a noviembre de 2011. De los 186 pacientes, 16 casos tuvieron infección abdominal grave; cinco casos tuvieron hidropesía masiva con fuga anastomótica del conducto biliar e infección debajo del intersticio del hígado; 10 casos tuvieron sangrado profuso de la herida quirúrgica que condujo a un hematocele masivo e infección en el hígado; y un caso tuvo una fuga postoperatoria de la fístula esofágica inferior que le causó hidropesía masiva e infección bajo el diafragma izquierdo. Después del diagnóstico definitivo, 12 casos recibieron intervención quirúrgica en tres días, sin que se produjeran muertes. Entre los cuatro casos que experimentaron cirugía tres días después del diagnóstico, un caso murió de fallo orgánico múltiple cinco días después de la exploración de la cavidad abdominal, que le fue realizada 21 días después del trasplante hepático. Las infecciones abdominales graves tras el trasplante hepático fueron las causas más comunes de muerte en el trasplante perioperatorio del hígado. El manejo integral con antibióticos eficaces, el soporte multiorgánico, el retiro quirúrgico controlado de la lesión, y el establecimiento de un drenaje adecuado fueron la clave del tratamiento completo.

The phenolic compound profiles in the skins of white grapes, containing ten wine grape and six table grape cultivars grown in the National Grape Germplasm Resource Nursery at the Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute of China, were investigated using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The objective of this study was to evaluate if phenolic compound profiles can be used as indictors to differentiate the quality of wine and table grape cultivars. Significant differences in phenolic compound profiles were observed among these grape cultivar skins. The highest content of total hydroxybenzoic acids, total hydroxycinnamic acids, total flavan-3-ols, total flavones and flavonols and total stilbenes was observed in the skin of the Canada Muscat, Rommel, Kadin parmac, Bacchus and Silvaner cultivars respectively. A great compositional difference was observed among these grape cultivars regarding the individual hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonols. Cluster analysis showed that three table grape cultivars, namely Canada Muscat, Rommel and Kadin parmac, possessed significantly different phenolic compound profiles compared to the other grape cultivars. These results suggested that phenolic compound patterns and contents played important roles in evaluating the quality of table and wine grapes and might provide useful information on grape breeding and winemaking in China.

In the traditional retail industry, some supermarket chains and department stores have been maintaining strong positions as the market comes to maturity. They can make use of the strong positions to squeeze their suppliers and obtain extra earnings. This situation may be challenged by the rapid development of e-commerce. Consumers' purchase habits have been changing and many manufacturers are starting to sell goods through electronic retailers, in addition to their traditional distribution channels. This paper analyzes price and service competition in the dualchannel supply chain with both pure play Internet and strong bricks-and mortar retailers, investigates the influence of retailer power and proposes some competitive strategies for traditional retailer under e-commerce environment. The demand model is proposed based on consumer utility theory, and Stackelberg theory is used to analyze the game process in which the manufacturer is the leader and the two retailers, acting simultaneously, are the followers. The equilibrium price and service decisions of the supply chain members are reached. The analysis of the competitive strategy is divided into two parts. Firstly, the influence of the retailer power on members of the supply chain is examined. We find that although the traditional retailer can use its power to depress the wholesale price, this strategy cannot help the traditional retailer increase its profit. Secondly, other competitive strategies of the traditional retailer are analyzed and the traditional retailer is found to be able to improve its operating status through adjusting prices and services via specific actions.