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We present improved algorithms for the Steiner tree problem with the minimum number of Steiner points and bounded edge length. Given n terminal points in a 2D Euclidean plane and an edge length bound, the problem asks to construct a spanning tree of n terminal points with minimal Steiner points such that every edge length of the spanning tree is within the given bound. This problem is known to be NP-hard and has practical applications such as relay node placements in wireless networks, wavelength-division multiplexing(WDM) optimal network design, and VLSI design. The best-known deterministic approximation algorithm has O(n3) running time with an approximation ratio of 3. This paper proposes an efficient approximation algorithm using the Voronoi diagram that guarantees an approximation ratio of 3 in O(n log n) time. We also present the first exact algorithm to find an optimal Steiner tree for given three terminal points in constant time. Using this exact algorithm, we improve the 3-approximation algorithm with better performance regarding the number of required Steiner points in O(n log n) time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flameless combustion has advantages such as low pollution and uniform temperature in the combustion chamber, making it an excellent option for heat exchangers. Previous studies have focused solely on the flameless combustion phenomenon, without considering its interaction with the target being heated. In this study, we conducted experimental and computational fluid analyses on a cylindrical reformer for reverse air injection flameless combustion. Typically, small-scale reformers of 10 kW or less are coaxial triple-tube cylindrical reformers. In contrast, multitubular reformers are used for larger-scale applications, since the heat transfer rate in single-burner cylindrical reformers decreases sharply as the scale increases. Flameless combustion, with high heat transfer efficiency, helps overcome the limitation of premixed burner. Compared with conventional premixed burners, flameless burner decreases the combustion gas outlet temperature by 30% at 25 kW while reducing energy consumption by 24% (owing to the high heat transfer rate) for a given cooling fluid outlet temperature. Furthermore, it is shown that introducing a ring at the combustion chamber exit can enhance combustion gas recirculation. The experimental result was confirmed through computational fluid analysis. It is concluded that for reverse air injection flameless combustion, the combustion gas recirculation rate in the combustion chamber is strongly related to the heat transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the impact of UV treatment on the surface functionality and adsorption capacity of biochar, with the goal of enhancing its effectiveness as an adsorbent for toluene. The surface and near-surface functionality and structure of biochar were studied to evaluate the impact of UV treatment by utilizing X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) techniques. Biochar was generated by pyrolyzing wood chips at 900 °C without any oxidant injection in order to increase their carbon content. To boost biochar's adsorption capability, UV irradiation on the biochar is utilized before and during the penetration process. Toluene was selected as the target absorbing material. The equilibrium adsorption capacity and rate were simulated using the Wheeler equation. It was found that the adsorption capacity of biochar increased significantly after pretreatment with ultraviolet light irradiation with a wavelength of 254 nm and an intensity of 280 μW/cm2 and reached a saturated state after 15 h. SEM and XPS showed that the UV-biochar modification technology not only improved the pore structure of biochar, but also increased the content of -O-containing functional groups on the surface of biochar and improved the adsorption capacity of biochar. The experimental results for sample M50_Uu demonstrated significant improvement in adsorption performance. The adsorption saturation time increased by 80%, and the equilibrium adsorption capacity rose from 12.80 mg/g to 54.60 mg/g. The main reason for the adsorption capacity increase by UV treatment is functional group formation, of which rate linearly increases with pretreatment energy until 11 W·hr/gbiochar, after which the increase rate is slow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising technology of green hydrogen supply systems is expected to be on the horizon. Hydrogen is a clean and renewable energy source with the highest energy content by weight among the fuels and contains about six times more energy than ammonia. Meanwhile, ammonia is the most popular substance as a green hydrogen carrier because it does not carry carbon, and the total hydrogen content of ammonia is higher than other fuels and is thus suitable to convert to hydrogen. There are several pathways for hydrogen production. The considered aspects herein include hydrogen production technologies, pathways based on the raw material and energy sources, and different scales. Hydrogen can be produced from ammonia through several technologies, such as electrochemical, photocatalytic and thermochemical processes, that can be used at production plants and fueling stations, taking into consideration the conversion efficiency, reactors, catalysts and their related economics. The commercial process is conducted by using expensive Ru catalysts in the ammonia converting process but is considered to be replaced by other materials such as Ni, Co, La, and other perovskite catalysts, which have high commercial potential with equivalent activity for extracting hydrogen from ammonia. For successful engraftment of ammonia to hydrogen technology into industry, integration with green technologies and economic methods, as well as safety aspects, should be carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theoretical evaluation of the biochar production process using a biomass gasifier has been carried out herein. Being distinguished from the previous research trend examining the use of a biomass gasifier, which has been focused on energy efficiency, the present study tries to figure out the effect of biochar production rate on the overall process performance because biochar itself has now been given a spotlight as the main product. Biochar can be utilized for agricultural and industrial purposes, along with the benefit of climate change mitigation. A thermodynamic model based on chemical equilibrium analysis is utilized to demonstrate the effect of biochar production rate on the producer gas characteristics such as gas composition, LHV (lower heating value) and cold gas efficiency. Three gasifier models using chemical equilibrium model are reconstructed to simulate biochar-producing gasifiers, and seven kinds of biomass are considered as feed material. Depending on the assumptions applied to the models as well as the biomass types, the results of the simulation show a large variance, whereas the biochar yield rate increases. Through regression analysis with a generalized reduced gradient optimization method, simplified equations to estimate the cold gas efficiency (CGE) and LHV of producer gas of the biochar production process were derived as having six parameters of biomass LHV, fractions of ash, carbon and water, reduction zone temperature, and biochar yield rate. The correlation factors between the thermodynamic model and the regression model are 96.54% and 98.73% for the LHV of producer gas and CGE, respectively. These equations can supply the pre-estimation of the theoretical maximum performance of a planning biochar plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare pharmacokinetics, safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity between SB8, a bevacizumab biosimilar, and the European Union (EU) and United States (US) reference products (bevacizumab-EU, bevacizumab-US). Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, and single-dose study, healthy volunteers were randomized to receive a 3 mg/kg dose of SB8, bevacizumab-EU, or bevacizumab-US via intravenous infusion. Primary endpoints were area under the concentration–time curve from time zero to infinity (AUCinf) and to the last quantifiable concentration (AUClast), and maximum observed serum concentration (Cmax). Bioequivalence was achieved if 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for the ratios of the geometric least squares means (LSMeans) of primary endpoints were within the predefined bioequivalence margins of 80.00–125.00%. Safety and immunogenicity were also investigated. Results: The 90% CIs for the geometric LSMean ratios of AUCinf, AUClast and Cmax were all within the prespecified bioequivalence margins. Geometric LSMean ratios for SB8/bevacizumab-EU, SB8/bevacizumab-US and bevacizumab-EU/bevacizumab-US were 88.01%, 88.48% and 100.54% for AUCinf, 88.65%, 89.08% and 100.49% for AUClast and 99.59%, 101.15% and 101.56% for Cmax, respectively. Incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) across treatment groups was comparable (SB8: 50.0%, bevacizumab-EU: 37.5%, bevacizumab-US: 53.8%). Most TEAEs were mild and considered as not related to the study drug. No deaths or treatment discontinuations due to adverse events occurred. Incidence of anti-drug antibodies was also comparable between all groups and no neutralizing antibodies were detected. Conclusion: This study demonstrated pharmacokinetic bioequivalence and similar safety and immunogenicity profiles of SB8 to both reference products, bevacizumab-EU and bevacizumab-US, and of bevacizumab-EU to bevacizumab-US. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02453672 (submitted date); EudraCT number: 2015-001,026-41. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oscillations of neural activity permeate sensory systems. In the visual system, broadband gamma oscillations (30–80 Hz) are thought to act as a communication mechanism underlying perception. However, these oscillations show widely varying frequency and phase, providing constraints for coordinating spike timing across areas. Here, we examined Allen Brain Observatory data and performed causal experiments to show that narrowband gamma (NBG) oscillations (50–70 Hz) propagate and synchronize throughout the awake mouse visual system. Lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) neurons fired precisely relative to NBG phase in primary visual cortex (V1) and multiple higher visual areas (HVAs). NBG neurons across areas showed a higher likelihood of functional connectivity and stronger visual responses; remarkably, NBG neurons in LGN, preferring bright (ON) versus dark (OFF), fired at distinct NBG phases aligned across the cortical hierarchy. NBG oscillations may thus serve to coordinate spike timing across brain areas and facilitate communication of distinct visual features during perception. [Display omitted] • Narrowband gamma (NBG; 50–70 Hz) spreads throughout the mouse visual system • NBG in higher visual areas depends on retinotopically aligned V1 activity • NBG promotes stronger, faster, and more selective visual spiking • NBG phase precisely aligns spikes of LGN ON versus OFF neurons Neural oscillations pervade sensory systems; it remains unclear how oscillations coordinate spiking across brain areas. Shin et al. show synchronized narrowband gamma (NBG) oscillations across the thalamus, primary visual cortex, and higher visual areas. NBG improves sensory coding and aligns spikes of neurons preferring brights versus darks, a fundamental aspect of vision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study proposes a novel method referred to as the loss component analysis (LCA) to represent the current state of fuel cells. • LCA is a diagnostic method derived from independent component analysis. • The proposed fuel cell diagnosis method analyzes the fuel cell state using probability density functions. • The method can diagnose a fuel cell state by obtaining weight parameters assigned to each loss component. • Consistent diagnostic results and interpretations were possible for simulation and all the experimental data. This study proposed a novel method referred to as the loss component analysis (LCA) to represent the current state of fuel cells. The LCA method was derived from an independent component analysis (ICA) and used probability density functions of activation, ohmic, and concentration losses. This method determined three weights related to each loss component reflecting the fuel cell states, and the fuel cell conditions were diagnosed using deviations in weight from the reference weight at the normal state. The maximum increase in weight allocated to each loss component was found to have the most significant impact on changes in the state of the fuel cell from its normal state. Moreover, LCA was applied to both the data obtained from empirical models and the data acquired through experiments that mimic the three faults that could occur during fuel cell operation. The results were compared to demonstrate the validity of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims SB4 has been developed as a biosimilar of etanercept. The primary objective of the present study was to demonstrate the pharmacokinetic (PK) equivalence between SB4 and European Union -sourced etanercept (EU-ETN), SB4 and United States-sourced etanercept (US-ETN), and EU-ETN and US-ETN. The safety and immunogenicity were also compared between the treatments. Methods This was a single-blind, three-part, crossover study in 138 healthy male subjects. In each part, 46 subjects were randomized at a 1:1 ratio to receive a single 50 mg subcutaneous dose of the treatments (part A: SB4 or EU-ETN; part B: SB4 or US-ETN; and part C: EU-ETN or US-ETN) in period 1, followed by the crossover treatment in period 2 according to their assigned sequences. PK equivalence between the treatments was determined using the standard equivalence margin of 80-125%. Results The geometric least squares means ratios of AUCinf, AUClast and Cmax were 99.04%, 98.62% and 103.71% (part A: SB4 vs. EU-ETN); 101.09%, 100.96% and 104.36% (part B: SB4 vs. US-ETN); and 100.51%, 101.27% and 103.29% (part C: EU-ETN vs. US-ETN), respectively, and the corresponding 90% confidence intervals were completely contained within the limits of 80-125 %. The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events was comparable, and the incidence of the antidrug antibodies was lower in SB4 compared with the reference products. Conclusions The present study demonstrated PK equivalence between SB4 and EU-ETN, SB4 and US-ETN, and EU-ETN and US-ETN in healthy male subjects. SB4 was well tolerated, with a lower immunogenicity profile and similar safety profile compared with those of the reference products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In previous methods designed based on field oriented (and/or weakening) control, high performance of current control is required for position control of permanent magnet (PM) stepper motors. This paper proposes a simplified torque modulated microstepping (STMMS) based on singular perturbation theory for position control of the PM stepper motors. Since a two phase frame PM stepper motor model involves slow and fast dynamics, singular perturbation theory is applied to improve the transient response and to reduce the ripple. The torque modulated microstepping method is applied with a simplified current tracking control law obtained from singular perturbed system analysis. Using applied conditions and stability proofs, we find that the proposed control design procedure is simplified. This eliminates the high-bandwidth control efforts for the current tracking required in the previous methods. Furthermore, the STMMS does not use current feedback for the current tracking. It is shown that high performance in the current tracking does not necessarily entail high performance in the position tracking. The proposed method was validated by simulation and experimental results. It is observed that the STMMS not only improved transient response but also reduced ripple in position control over the previous method. Furthermore, the STMMS used the input voltages less than the previous method does. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the load balancing and coverage problem of femtocell networks in indoor environment. We propose a novel framework exploiting the Voronoi diagram with respect to the radio propagation distance. Our initial power assignment scheme achieves maximal indoor coverage with minimized maximum required transmit power, which results in reduced interference. Our approach can adopt any radio propagation model to achieve more accurate coverage for an indoor environment with various obstacles. Time varying data traffic may cause unbalanced data load of base stations producing traffic overload. Our dynamic power control algorithm redistributes the data load by automatically adjusting transmit power levels according to data traffic estimation while preserving coverage. Moreover, we present an algorithm to cope with the dynamic deletion and insertion of femto base stations. Simulations show that the proposed scheme achieves better coverage, reduced interference, and good load balance compared to previous algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a method of enhanced nonlinear damping control for a class of singularly perturbed interconnected nonlinear systems (SPINSs). Instead of simply canceling out the interconnection between slow and fast subsystems, the proposed method transforms SPINS into a feedback connection of two output strictly passive subsystems. Then, enhanced nonlinear damping is implemented to improve the transient behavior of slow subsystem. The proposed method provides weighting factors for each tracking error which enable the energy function to be designed to shape the tracking performance for each state. We also design an augmented state observer to estimate unknown disturbances and unmeasurable states. Using a composite Lyapunov function, we prove that the origin of the tracking error dynamics is globally exponentially stable. It is also analyzed that the tracking errors are globally uniformly ultimately bounded for a time-varying bounded disturbance. Experiments were performed to evaluate the tracking performance of the proposed method and our results validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes microstepping via a proximate in-phase current estimator (PIpCE) to improve position control performance with reduced torque ripples in permanent-magnet (PM) stepping motors. In conventional microstepping control, low-pass filters (LPFs) are used to filter out measurement noise resulting from the implemented current feedback loops. However, the phase lag caused by LPFs can degrade position control performance. In this paper, we propose a current tracking controller with PIpCE. The globally uniformly ultimately bounded current tracking error is proved via the Lyapunov theory. The proposed PIpCE also enhances current tracking performance over that of the conventional method. The proposed controller not only reduces the torque ripple caused by the phase lag but also increases the operational range of microstepping by pushing the electromechanical resonance frequency to a high-frequency region. We experimentally validated the effectiveness of the proposed method and observed that this method provides uniform position tracking performance without step-out or speed reversal, even in high-speed operation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: SB2, a biosimilar to infliximab reference product (INF), has an identical amino acid sequence and similar physicochemical functional properties to its reference product. The primary objective of this study is to demonstrate pharmacokinetic (PK) bioequivalence between SB2 and EU-sourced INF (EU-INF), between SB2 and US-sourced INF (US-INF), and between EU-INF and US-INF. Methods: This study was a randomized, single-blind, three-arm, parallel group study in 159 healthy subjects. All subjects received a single 5 mg/kg intravenous infusion of study drug and then were observed for 10 weeks to study PK, safety and immunogenicity. The primary PK parameters were area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) from time zero to infinity (AUC), AUC from time zero to the last quantifiable concentration (AUC) and maximum concentration ( C). Bioequivalence for the primary PK parameters was to be concluded using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) if the 90 % confidence intervals (CIs) for the ratio of geometric least squares means (LSMeans) of the treatments compared were completely contained within the pre-defined equivalence margin, 0.8-1.25. Results: All of the 90 % CIs for the geometric LSMean ratios of primary PK parameters for each comparison were within the pre-defined equivalence margin. The proportion of subjects who experienced treatment-emergent adverse events was comparable between treatments. The incidences of anti-drug antibodies between the three treatments were comparable. Conclusion: This study demonstrated biosimilarity of SB2 to its marketed reference products of infliximab in terms of PK equivalence in healthy subjects. SB2 was generally well tolerated and showed comparable safety and immunogenicity profiles to the reference products (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01922336). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Empirical antifungal therapy prevents invasive fungal infections in patients with cancer. This study assessed the empirical efficacy of intravenous itraconazole in pediatric patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and investigated the pharmacokinetics and clinical implications. Methods: Oral itraconazole syrup was started (2.5 mg/kg twice daily) for prophylaxis, and patients with persistent neutropenic fever for more than 2 days were switched to intravenous itraconazole (5 mg/kg twice daily for 2 days for induction and 5 mg/kg daily for maintenance) as empirical treatment. Empirical antifungal efficacy was assessed retrospectively in 159 transplantations, and a full pharmacokinetic study was prospectively conducted in six of these patients. Successful antifungal efficacy was defined as the fulfillment of all components of a five-part composite end point. Results: The overall empirical antifungal success rate fulfilling all criteria was 42.1 %. No death or drug-related serious adverse events occurred during the study. Mean trough plasma concentration of itraconazole after oral prophylaxis and intravenous induction were 577.2 and 1659.7 μg/L, respectively. Mean area under the concentration-time curve of itraconazole and its metabolite at steady state were 42,837 ± 24,746 μg·h/L and 63,094 ± 19,255 μg·h/L. Conclusions: Intravenous itraconazole was effective and safe as an empirical antifungal agent in pediatric patients; this was due to the fast and satisfactory increase in drug concentration by switching from oral to intravenous therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a phase-compensated microstepping (PCMS) for permanent-magnet stepper motors in order to overcome the steady-state position error (SSPE) limitation of conventional microstepping without position feedback. An additional phase to compensate for the SSPE is injected into the desired currents for PCMS. Proportional–integral (PI) current feedback with feedforward is proposed in order to guarantee the desired currents for PCMS. Given a desired position error and a desired velocity, the additional phase is calculated in order to ensure the desired position error. In the proposed method, the structure of the PI current feedback with feedforward is not modified, and the additional phase can be obtained by a linear interpolation with an offline generated lookup table. Therefore, it can be easily applied to existing industrial applications without any costs for additional hardwares. The experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Highlights: [•] Photocatalytic ozonation removes dichloroacetonitrile at the highest rate. [•] The operating parameters were optimized for photocatalytic ozonation. [•] Solar photocatalytic ozonation provides complete removal of dichloroacetonitrile. [•] Solar photocatalytic ozonation has higher energy efficiencies than other systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The application of a disturbance observer (DOB) and a variable structure controller (VSC) to current control of microstepping for permanent-magnet stepper motors (PMSMs) is studied. This is a recent approach to the current regulation of PMSM that results in improvement of position tracking performance of microstepping using only current feedback. We designed the DOB to estimate back electromotive force (EMF) in the form of a high-pass filter. Since the PMSM is a two-input one-output minimum-phase nonlinear system, the asymptotic convergence of the currents to the desired currents guarantees the asymptotic convergence of the position to the desired position in microstepping. Therefore, in order to compensate for the estimation errors of back EMFs and to guarantee the desired currents required for microstepping, the VSC is designed with a state feedback controller. The current tracking error and the integral of the current tracking error are proven to asymptotically converge to zero. Since the proposed method does not require any transformations or the calculation of sinusoidal terms, its structure is simple. The least lower bound of the absolute steady-state position tracking error during a constant-velocity period is estimated in order to analyze the performance of the proposed method. Our experimental results validate the performance of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Background: The progestin dienogest was developed for oral contraception, endometriosis treatment and menopause management. Dienogest's pharmacokinetics have been primarily studied in Caucasian women. This study evaluated the single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetics of dienogest in Korean women. Study Design: Sixteen healthy Korean adult women received a single administration of 2 mg dienogest, followed by multiple once-daily administrations for 14 days. The single-dose administration and the final dose of the multiple administrations were each followed by blood sampling over 60 h. Results: The mean (SD) maximum serum concentration after multiple doses of dienogest was slightly increased compared with that after a single dose [from 51.6 (9.6) to 56.6 (11.9) ng/mL], as was the area under the concentration–time curves (AUC)0–24h [from 503 (56.3) to 613 (90.7) ng∙h/mL]. The linearity factor calculated by AUCs of single and multiple doses is 1.00±0.14, and the terminal half-life remained unchanged when single dosing and multiple dosing were compared. Conclusions: The present study described the single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetic profiles of dienogest in Korean women and showed linear pharmacokinetics of dienogest at steady state. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We present a new approach to position control based on microstepping for the current regulation of permanent magnet stepper motor (PMSM), which consists of a Lyapunov-based controller and a passive nonlinear observer for output feedback controller design. It is shown, theoretically and by the means of experiments, that the Lyapunov-based controller with a passive nonlinear observer results in better position tracking performance of the microstepping using only the output feedback. The principle and stability of microstepping are shown using the Lyapunov method. The Lyapunov-based controller is developed in order to guarantee the desired current of microstepping for the improvement of the position tracking. The passive nonlinear observer is designed to estimate the full state using only the position feedback. Passivity theory is a tool to tune the observer gain for the PMSM. The observer gain tuning is simple and intuitive using the passivity theorem. Using a passive nonlinear observer results in the separation principle. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The dynamic response of low-density self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold has been investigated with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) under non-faradaic conditions and contact angle measurements. The impedance of low-density 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid (LD-MHA) SAMs is compared with that of densely-packed MHA and tetraethylammonium–MHA (TEA–MHA) ion-pair monolayers in 0.1M KCl (pH 8.4). The films composed of ion-pairs and loosely-packed MHA have higher capacitance and are more permeable to ions than fully-packed MHA SAMs. The impedance phase angle of the LD-MHA SAM at 0.1Hz decreases reversibly by 10° upon scanning the applied potential from −0.1V to +0.3V (vs. SCE). Fitting the impedance data to an equivalent circuit correlates the decrease in phase angle with an order-of-magnitude drop in monolayer resistance (i.e. increase in the ionic permeability of the monolayer). The ion-pair and dense MHA SAMs do not exhibit an increase in permeability upon scanning the applied potential from −0.1V to +0.3V (vs. SCE). The capacitances of the LD-MHA and TEA–MHA films exhibit a small, but significant (15%), change with applied potential between −0.1V and +0.3V (vs. SCE). The impedance of the LD-MHA SAM is found to be independent of the electrolyte concentration (0.01–1M KCl), and displays hysteresis with the direction of the potential scan. Receding contact angle measurements performed at −0.1V and +0.3V using the same electrolyte show that the higher ionic permeability of the LD-MHA SAM at +0.3V is caused by a voltage-induced structural change (molecular re-organization) within the film. The agreement between EIS measurements performed at pH 3.3 and pH 8.4 shows that electrostatic attraction between a negatively-charged thiol tailgroup and oppositely-charged gold electrode is not required for this structural change to occur. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to analyze the change in water and fat density within the bone marrow using the GE Revolution dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) platform using two-material decomposition analyses at extremity, spine, and pelvic fracture sites compared to normal bone marrow at equivalent anatomic sites in adult patients who sustained blunt trauma. Methods: This retrospective study included 26 consecutive adults who sustained blunt torso trauma and an acute fracture of the thoracolumbar vertebral body, pelvis, or upper and lower extremities with a total of 32 fractures evaluated. Two-material decomposition images were analyzed for quantitative analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using the paired t-test and Shapiro–Wilk test for normality. Results: There were statistically significant differences in the water and fat densities in the bone marrow at the site of an extremity, vertebral body, or pelvic fracture when compared to the normal anatomic equivalent (p < 0.01). Conclusion: In this preliminary study, DECT basis material images, using water (calcium) and fat (calcium) decomposition illustrated significant differences in water and fat content between fracture sites and normal bone in a variety of anatomical sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many battery state of charge (SOC) estimation methods have been studied for decades; however, it is still difficult to precisely estimate SOC because it is nonlinear and affected by many factors, including the battery state and charge–discharge conditions. The extended Kalman filter (EKF) is generally used for SOC estimation, however its accuracy can decrease owing to the uncertain and inaccurate parameters of battery models and various factors with different time scales affecting the SOC. Herein, a SOC estimation method based on the EKF is proposed to obtain robust accuracy, in which the errors are compensated by a long short-term memory (LSTM) network. The proposed approach trains the errors of the EKF results, and the accurate SOC is estimated by applying calibration values corresponding to the condition of the battery and its load profiles with the help of LSTM. Furthermore, a multi-LSTM structure is implemented, and it adopts the ensemble average to guarantee estimation accuracy. SOC estimation with a root mean square error of less than 1% was found to be close to the actual SOC calculated by coulomb counting. Moreover, once the EKF model was established and the network trained, it was possible to predict the SOC online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which discussed the polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/dibenzofuran (PCCD/F) emission in municipal solid waste incinerators. Information on incineration; Discussion on the PCCD/F emission measurements; Details on the prediction model of the study; Analysis of the flue gas and PCCD/F emission of the incinerators.

Presents information on a study that investigated the combustion performance of municipal solid waste incinerators through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling. Evaluation of CFD analysis gas flow inside the incinerator; Parameters for performance evaluation of incinerators; Traditional approach in minimizing emissions; Conclusions.

In this paper, we propose a nonlinear position control using only position feedback to guarantee the tolerances for position tracking errors and yaw. In the proposed method, both mechanical and electrical dynamics are considered. The proposed method consists of the nonlinear position controller and nonlinear observer. The nonlinear position controller is designed by a backstepping procedure using the barrier Lyapunov function to satisfy the constraints of position error and yaw. The nonlinear observer is developed to estimate full state using only position feedback. The stability of the closed-loop system is proven using Lyapunov and input-to-state stabilities. Consequently, the proposed method satisfies the constraints of position error and yaw using only position feedback for the planar motor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A numerically efficient method for frequency estimation by Interpolation on DFT coefficients. • The use of generic cosine-sum windows for interference suppression. • Performance that nearly achieves the Cramer–Rao bounds. This paper presents an algorithm for estimating frequency of a complex sinusoid from three DFT coefficients. In particular, we consider the case where the signal is multiplied by a generic cosine-sum window for interference suppression. The algorithm is an interpolator that uses the peak sample in the DFT of the data and its two neighbors. The interpolator is based on a numerically efficient procedure which guarantees convergence to a solution. Performance of the proposed interpolator is shown to be nearly optimum and comparable to the best interpolator in the literature, while the computational burden required for the proposed algorithm is much lower than the generic numerical methods available. Degradation of performance due to interference is also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a robust nonlinear position control for permanent magnet stepper motors. We develop a new single-input single-output model that consists of position, velocity, and acceleration using a commutation scheme to lump a system function and an external disturbance into a disturbance. An augmented observer is designed to estimate the position, velocity, acceleration, and disturbance. Because the disturbance refers to external disturbance, acceleration dynamics, and parameter uncertainties, it is difficult to accurately estimate disturbance without the high observer gain. It may result in the degradation of the position tracking performance. The nonlinear controller is then developed using backstepping to suppress the position tracking error using the input-to-state stability property. The key innovation of the proposed method is the design of the nonlinear gain to suppress the position tracking error according to the disturbance estimation error. Thus, the use of the high observer gain to accurately estimate the disturbance can be avoided. The proposed control algorithm was experimentally verified using the PM stepper motor control system and can be easily implemented in real-time using position measurements only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic disease causing acute hemorrhagic fever. Accurate identification of mutations and phylogenetic characterization of RVF virus (RVFV) require whole-genome analysis. Universal primers to amplify the entire RVFV genome from clinical samples with low copy numbers are currently unavailable. Thus, we aimed to develop universal primers applicable for all known RVFV strains. Based on the genome sequences available from public databases, we designed eight pairs of universal PCR primers covering the entire RVFV genome. To evaluate primer universality, four RVFV strains (ZH548, Kenya 56 (IB8), BIME-01, and Lunyo), encompassing viral phylogenetic diversity, were chosen. The nucleic acids of the test strains were chemically synthesized or extracted via cell culture. These RNAs were evaluated using the PCR primers, resulting in successful amplification with expected sizes (0.8–1.7 kb). Sequencing confirmed that the products covered the entire genome of the RVFV strains tested. Primer specificity was confirmed via in silico comparison against all non-redundant nucleotide sequences using the BLASTn alignment tool in the NCBI database. To assess the clinical applicability of the primers, mock clinical specimens containing human and RVFV RNAs were prepared. The entire RVFV genome was successfully amplified and sequenced at a viral concentration of 108 copies/mL. Given the universality, specificity, and clinical applicability of the primers, we anticipate that the RVFV universal primer pairs and the developed method will aid in RVFV phylogenomics and mutation detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method of measuring the residence time distribution (RTD) of flow is proposed using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) with an argon tracer. As a proof-of-concept study, the method is applied to measure the RTDs of two flow devices that mimic a plug flow tube and a well-stirred vessel at cold (non-reacting) conditions. Argon emission lines are first observed to avoid interference with the lines of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen and their areas are calibrated to provide the argon concentration. Argon is injected to the air stream as a Heaviside (step) function, and the RTDs are obtained by differentiating the temporal changes in the argon concentration traced using LIBS. The method is expected to be used for designing reactors and validating the results of numerical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The aim of this study was to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model of udenafil and its active metabolite, DA-8164, in healthy subjects and patients with hepatic impairment (HI) and to estimate the optimal dosing recommendations for patients with HI. Methods An open label, three parallel group, age and weight matched control study was conducted in 18 volunteers, six healthy subjects ( n = 6) and patients with mild (Child-Pugh class A, n = 6) and moderate HI (Child-Pugh class B, n = 6). Serial blood samples were collected for up to 72 h after a single administration of udenafil 100 mg. A population PK model was developed using non-linear mixed effects modelling ( nonmem, ver. 7.2). The simulated data from the final PK model and original data of healthy subjects were compared to identify the optimal dose for patients with HI. Results A two compartment model for both udenafil and DA-8164 best described the data. Prothrombin time on metabolic clearance of udenafil to DA-8164 was included in the final model as a covariate. Compared with the AUC(0, tlast) value after administration of udenafil 100 mg to healthy subjects, the geometric mean ratios (95% confidence interval) after 100 mg and 75 mg udenafil administration were 1.21 (1.10, 1.32) and 0.74 (0.67, 0.81) in patients with mild HI, respectively. Meanwhile, those were 1.55 (1.43, 1.67) and 1.02 (0.92, 1.12) in patients with moderate HI, respectively. Conclusions This study suggests that the recommended doses of udenafil are 100 mg and 75 mg in patients with mild and moderate HI, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both entity typing and relation extraction from text corpora are widely used to identify the semantic types of an entity and a relation in a knowledge graph (KG). Most existing approaches rely on a pre-defined set of entity types and relation types in a KG. They thus cannot map entity mentions (relation mentions) to unseen entity types (relation types). To fundamentally overcome the limitations, we should add new semantic types of entities and relations to a KG schema. However, schema expansion traditionally requires manual conceptualization through a user’s observation on the text corpus while assuming the existence of suitable target KG schemas. In this work, we propose an Active learning framework for Knowledge graph Schema Expansion (AKSE), which can generate a new semantic type for KG schemas, without depending on a set of target schemas and human users’ observation. Specifically, a granularity based active learning algorithm determines whether a KG schema requires new semantic types or not. We also introduce a KG schema attention-based neural method which assigns semantic types to the entities and relationships extracted. To the best of our knowledge, our work is the first study to expand a KG schema with active learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biologics are increasingly vital medicines that significantly reduce morbidity as well as mortality, yet access continues to be an issue even in apparently wealthy countries, such as the USA. While patient access is expected to improve with the introduction of biosimilars, misperceptions in a significant part based on terminology continue to make a sustained contribution by biosimilars difficult. Patients are and will continue to suffer needlessly if biosimilars continue to be impugned. Consequently, it is increasingly urgent that semantics are clarified, and in particular, the implication that interchangeable biologics are better biosimilars dismissed. This paper distinguishes between the real differences between biologics that matter clinically to patients and discusses the actual meaning of a US Food and Drug Administration designation of interchangeability for a biosimilar product. This will help highlight where there is need for further Food and Drug Administration education and which stakeholders likely need that education the most. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding brain function requires repeatable measurements of neural activity across multiple scales and multiple brain areas. In mice, large scale cortical neural activity evokes hemodynamic changes readily observable with intrinsic signal imaging (ISI). Pairing ISI with visual stimulation allows identification of primary visual cortex (V1) and higher visual areas (HVAs), typically through cranial windows that thin or remove the skull. These procedures can diminish long-term mechanical and physiological stability required for delicate electrophysiological measurements made weeks to months after imaging (e.g., in subjects undergoing behavioral training). Here, we optimized and directly validated an intact skull ISI system in mice. We first assessed how imaging quality and duration affect reliability of retinotopic maps in V1 and HVAs. We then verified ISI map retinotopy in V1 and HVAs with targeted, multi-site electrophysiology several weeks after imaging. Reliable ISI maps of V1 and multiple HVAs emerged with ~ 60 trials of imaging (65 ± 6 min), and these showed strong correlation to local field potential (LFP) retinotopy in superficial cortical layers (r2 = 0.74–0.82). This system is thus well-suited for targeted, multi-area electrophysiology weeks to months after imaging. We provide detailed instructions and code for other researchers to implement this system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: GC1113, a hybrid Fc-fused erythropoietin, is a novel erythropoiesis-stimulating agent that is expected to have an extended duration of action. The preclinical data showed that the hemoglobin increase lasted longer following GC1113 administration than it did following the administration of darbepoetin alfa (NESP). This study aimed to investigate the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic characteristics and tolerability profiles of GC1113 in humans after single intravenous or subcutaneous administration and to compare the results with those for darbepoetin alfa. Methods: A dose-block randomized, placebo- and active-controlled, dose-escalation phase I clinical trial was conducted in 96 healthy volunteers. Blood samples were collected before and up to 672 h after drug administration and the serum erythropoietin concentration following the GC1113 or darbepoetin alfa administration was measured by an ELISA. The reticulocyte counts were measured for pharmacodynamic assessments. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters were determined using non-compartmental methods. Results: The reticulocyte count-time profiles in the intravenous GC1113 3-5 μg/kg groups were comparable with those of the darbepoetin alfa 30 μg group. After subcutaneous administration of GC1113, reticulocyte count peaked later and decreased more slowly than it did following darbepoetin alfa administration. GC1113 (0.3-5 μg/kg intravenous, 1-8 μg/kg subcutaneous) was well-tolerated in the volunteers, and no immunogenicity was observed. Conclusion: GC1113 was tolerated and effective in the studied dose range; these findings could be applied to further clinical studies with patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper we present an output feedback nonlinear control for position tracking of electro-hydraulic systems (EHSs). Although previous nonlinear control methods improved the position tracking performance of EHS, all of the methods require full state feedback. However, due to cost and space limitations, it is not always possible to measure the full state of the EHS. The proposed method consists of a high gain observer and a passivity-based controller. The high gain observer is designed to estimate the full state, and the passivity-based control is implemented for position tracking. In order to design the passivity-based controller with the high gain observer, a defined Lyapunov condition guarantee that the origin of the tacking error dynamics is exponentially stable by selecting the controller gain. The stability of the closed-loop is studied using the singular perturbation theorem. The performance of the proposed method is validated through simulations and experiments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Quantitative pain assessment in human beings is useful for developing new analgesics. This study assessed the analgesic effect of remifentanil in 20 healthy Korean men using three pain models to investigate whether these models can be used in Asians. The study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-way cross-over study. The subjects received intravenous remifentanil with doses starting at 0.01 μg/kg/min. and increasing by 0.01 μg/kg/min. up to 0.10 μg/kg/min. in one session; they received placebo in another session. Heat pain thresholds were assessed at dose levels of 0.02, 0.05, 0.08 and 0.10 μg/kg/min. Pressure pain threshold and tolerance and mechanical pain threshold were assessed at 0.08 μg/kg/min. Remifentanil dose-dependently increased the heat pain threshold. The differences (95% confidence interval) between remifentanil and placebo were 1.54° C (0.78, 2.31), 1.82° C (1.11, 2.54) and 2.47° C (1.55, 3.38) at 0.05, 0.08 and 0.10 μg/kg/min. remifentanil, respectively. Remifentanil conferred a significantly higher pressure pain threshold and tolerance than placebo ( p = 0.0001). There was a trend of increasing mechanical pain threshold with remifentanil, although it was not statistically significant. The results suggest that heat pain and pressure pain models are valid in East Asians for assessing analgesic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Recently, we can see an increasing amount of dam damage or failure due to aging, earthquakes occurrence and unusual changes in weather. For this reason, dam safety is gaining more importance than ever before in terms of disaster management at a national level. Therefore, the government is trying to come up with an array of legal actions to secure consistent dam safety. Other dam management organizations are also taking various institutional and technical measures for the same purpose. The Korea Water Resource Corporation (Kwater) which is currently operating and managing 30 large dams, has developed a dam safety management system, KDSMS, for consistent and efficient dam safety management. The KDSMS consists of dam and reservoir data, a hydrological information system, a field inspection and data management system, instrumentation and monitoring system including earthquake monitoring, a field investigation and safety evaluation system, and a collective information system. The KDSMS is a kind of enterprise management system which has been developed to deal with safety management of each field, research center, and headquarter office and their correlation as well as detailed safety information management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The expression of aquaporin-1 (AQP1) protein, a water channel, in the choroid plexus epithelium was examined in the rat to determine the role of AQP1 in the pathophysiology of systemic hyponatremia. Systemic hyponatremia was produced by coadministration of 30ml hypotonic dextrose solution (140mM) intraperitoneally and 3μg 1-deamino-8-d-arginine vasopressin (dDAVP) subcutaneously. This hydration protocol produced severe systemic hyponatremia: 2h after drug administration, normonatremic serum osmolarity and Na+ concentration (296±5mOsm/L and 140±5mM) were reduced to 252±5mOsm/L and 117±2mM, respectively. AQP1 expression in the third ventricle choroid plexus epithelium was determined by using immunohistochemistry and quantitative immunoblot analysis. After 2h of systemic hyponatremia, AQP1 expression was significantly increased by 28.2±2.7% (n =6, P <0.05), whereas it was attenuated to 15.7±2.2% (n =6, P <0.05) after 6h of systemic hyponatremia. In addition, TUNEL staining revealed apoptotic granule cells in the dentate gyrus (DG) adjacent to the third ventricle with a peak measured 2h after the start of the systemic hyponatremia protocol, while virtually no apoptotic granule cells left 6h after the start of the hyponatremic treatment. These findings suggest that AQP1-mediated excessive water influx into the brain through the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier during systemic hyponatremia may elevate the intracranial pressure and result in the apoptotic brain cell death. Thus, AQP1 in the choroid plexus may play an important role in the pathogenesis of systemic hyponatremia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: This study evaluates clinical and laboratory parameters, as well as extravasation and hematoma size on CTA as potential predictors of conventional angiogram (CA) results.Methods: This is a retrospective study of 380 adult patients presenting with pelvic trauma over a 9-year period. Of these patients, 91 were found to have active arterial extravasation on initial CTA. Statistical analysis between the two groups +CA versus -CA was performed to determine whether clinical and laboratory parameters, as well as extravasation size and hematoma size could predict CA results.Results: There were no significant differences in all clinical and laboratory data, including hemodynamic instability (defined as systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg) on presentation (22.2% vs. 21.4%), except for Glasgow Coma Scale (p = 0.015) when comparing the two groups. Extravasation size and hematoma size as continuous or categorical variables were not predictive of subsequent positive CA. Secondary analysis demonstrated no association between select parameters (i.e., hematocrit, systolic blood pressure, and lactate) and subsequent positive CA while controlling for extravasation size or hematoma size.Conclusion: Clinical and laboratory parameters in blunt pelvic trauma with arterial hemorrhage were not significantly associated with subsequent conventional angiography results, once accounting for degree of hemorrhage. The area of the foci of active extravasation and hematoma size in the axial plane were not significantly associated with the need for embolization. We conclude from these findings that catheter angiography should be considered in patients with blunt pelvic trauma found to have active arterial extravasation, regardless of size of bleed or the patient's clinical or laboratory values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• SB8 and reference bevacizumab (BEV) were equivalent per the risk ratio of best ORR. • Survival outcomes further supported the biosimilarity between SB8 and BEV. • Safety, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity were comparable between SB8 and BEV. Efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), and immunogenicity of the biosimilar candidate SB8 was compared to its reference product bevacizumab (BEV) in patients with metastatic or recurrent nonsquamous non―small cell lung cancer. Patients were randomized (1:1) in a phase III, double-blind study to receive intravenous SB8 or BEV 15 mg/kg with paclitaxel/carboplatin every 3 weeks for 24 weeks, followed by SB8 or BEV maintenance monotherapy. The primary endpoint was best overall response rate (ORR) by 24 weeks. Secondary endpoints included survival outcomes, safety, PK, and immunogenicity. 763 patients (SB8, n = 379; BEV, n = 384) were randomized; baseline characteristics were well balanced. Best ORR in the FAS was 47.6% and 42.8%, and best ORR in the PPS was 50.1% and 44.8% for SB8 and BEV, respectively. The risk ratio of best ORR was 1.11 (90% CI, 0.975−1.269), and the risk difference in best ORR was 5.3% (95% CI, −2.2%–12.9%). Median survival outcomes were comparable between SB8 and BEV: progression-free survival was 8.50 vs 7.90 months, respectively (HR [95% CI], 0.99 [0.83–1.18]; p = 0.9338); overall survival was 14.90 vs 15.80 months, respectively (HR [95% CI], 1.03 [0.83–1.28]; p = 0.7713); and duration of response was 7.70 vs 7.00 months, respectively (HR [95% CI], 1.05 [0.81–1.37]; p = 0.6928). Severity and incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events, PK, and immunogenicity were comparable between SB8 and BEV. This study demonstrated equivalence between SB8 and BEV in terms of best ORR risk ratio, with comparable safety, PK, and immunogenicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We fabricated a novel microreactor with stainless steel wire-mesh supports coated with Ni-based hydrotalcite catalysts for dry reforming of methane (DRM) reaction. Catalytic performance and long-term stability of microreactor was tested by stacking the stainless steel wire-mesh support catalysts to allow parallel and cross-sectional flow to stacking configurations. Conversion rates of CH 4 and CO 2 were measured and found to be 92% and 95% respectively, and syngas ratio of 0.92 was obtained. Only a small decrease of about 3–4% in conversion rates was observed after 100 h of reaction which could be due to whisker like carbon formation as carbon nanofibers (CNFs). Investigation of spent catalysts revealed that surfaces of support catalysts were not fully covered with CNFs, leaving active sites for reactant gases with little effect on long-term stability. In addition to CNFs, in situ formation of γ-Al 2 O 3 flakes were obtained during long-term DRM reaction from the parent FeAl powder that was used for annealing of stainless steel wire-mesh supports to increase the adhesion of hydrotalcite-derived spinel catalysts. Effect of γ-Al 2 O 3 flakes on microreactor's performance turned out to be very useful because sites of γ-Al 2 O 3 flakes further prevented the deposition of carbon on surface and acted as active sites for reactant gases. Moreover, stacking of stainless steel wire-mesh support catalysts for parallel and cross-sectional flow configurations caused the better mixing of reactant gases due to the tortuosity of the narrow porous microstructure of the support. The excellent throughput was verified by numerical calculations using CFD simulations. [Display omitted] • High efficiency dry reforming of methane was achieved with a novel microreactor. • FeAl coated stainless steel meshes were used for catalyst support with excellent adhesion at high temperature. • Coking was effectively suppressed by the formation of of γ-Al 2 O 3 flakes on the mesh surface. • Stacking of mesh supports caused the better mixing of reactant gases in the microreactor.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A secondary air jet at an industrial combustor, such as an incinerator, has a strong effect on the gas-phase combustion and on the emission control of flue gases, such as CO and NOx, at the secondary combustion chamber. The secondary air’s mixing performance is influenced by the jet configuration, including the orifice shape, size, and interval. In this study, we carried out a visualization experiment to analyze the penetration behavior of a secondary air jet system as a function of the jet penetration coefficient ( C ) and momentum flux ratio ( J ), based on previous research studies. We used a laser sheet beam and a fog generator to observe the penetration of the secondary air jet. The mass ratio of the secondary to the primary air was 0.24, and all experiments were carried out in atmospheric conditions. According to our experimental results, the penetration depth appeared shorter compared with the results of previously published research studies, which indicated that the optimum jet configuration with proper penetration of staggered jets occurs when C was equal to five. Results showed that the jets could not generate proper intersecting flow but collided at the center plane, indicating that the penetration depth was not enough for optimum mixing. The main differences in experimental conditions compared with the previously conducted research studies relate to the use of J values that are one order higher. The choice of J values induced high turbulence, and resulted in a high total viscosity, thereby obstructing the intersection of staggered jets. It also led to a smaller orifice size comparing to the duct depth. Therefore, a higher C value should be assigned to a higher J value of staggered jet configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study conducted experiments on humid air condensation during heat transfer in an air preheating exchanger attached to a home condensing boiler to improve thermal efficiency. An etchant composed of sulfuric acid and sodium nitrate was used to create roughness on the heat exchanger surface made from STS430J1L. A counter flow heat exchanger was fabricated to test the performance of heat transfer. Results showed that the overall heat transfer coefficients of all specimens treated with etchant improved with respect to the original specimens (not treated with etchant), and the overall heat transfer coefficient of the 60 s etching specimen increased by up to 15%. However, the increasing rate of the heat transfer coefficient was disproportional to the etching time. When the etching time specifically increased above 60 s, the heat transfer coefficient decreased. This effect was assumed to be caused by surface characteristics such as contact angle. Furthermore, a smaller contact angle or higher hydrophilicity leads to higher heat transfer coefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) blockade with ipilimumab prolongs survival in patients with metastatic melanoma. CTLA-4 blockade and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-secreting tumor vaccine combinations demonstrate therapeutic synergy in preclinical models. A key unanswered question is whether systemic GM-CSF (sargramostim) enhances CTLA-4 blockade.Objective: To compare the effect of ipilimumab plus sargramostim vs ipilimumab alone on overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic melanoma.Design, Setting, and Participants: The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) conducted a US-based phase 2 randomized clinical trial from December 28, 2010, until July 28, 2011, of patients (N = 245) with unresectable stage III or IV melanoma, at least 1 prior therapy, no central nervous system metastases, and ECOG performance status of 0 or 1.Interventions: Patients were randomized to receive ipilimumab, 10 mg/kg, intravenously on day 1 plus sargramostim, 250 μg subcutaneously, on days 1 to 14 of a 21-day cycle (n = 123) vs ipilimumab alone (n = 122). Ipilimumab treatment included induction for 4 cycles followed by maintenance every fourth cycle.Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary end point: comparison of length of OS. Secondary end point: progression-free survival (PFS), response rate, safety, and tolerability.Results: Median follow-up was 13.3 months (range, 0.03-19.9). Median OS as of December 2012 for ipilimumab plus sargramostim was 17.5 months (95% CI, 14.9-not reached) vs 12.7 months (95% CI, 10.0-not reached) for ipilimumab. The 1-year survival rate for ipilimumab plus sargramostim was 68.9% (95% CI, 60.6%-85.5%) compared to 52.9% (95% CI, 43.6%-62.2%) for ipilimumab alone (stratified log-rank 1-sided P = .01; mortality hazard ratio 0.64 [1-sided 90% repeated CI, not applicable-0.90]). A planned interim analysis was conducted at 69.8% of expected events (104 observed with 149 expected deaths). Planned interim analysis using the O'Brien-Fleming boundary was crossed for improvement in OS. There was no difference in PFS. Median PFS for ipilimumab plus sargramostim was 3.1 months (95% CI, 2.9-4.6) vs 3.1 months (95% CI, 2.9-4.0) for ipilimumab alone. Grade 3 to 5 adverse events occurred in 44.9% (95% CI; 35.8%-54.4%) of patients in the ipilimumab plus sargramostim group vs 58.3% (95% CI, 49.0%-67.2%) of patients in the ipilimumab-alone group (2-sided P = .04).Conclusion and Relevance: Among patients with unresectable stage III or IV melanoma, treatment with ipilimumab plus sargramostim vs ipilimumab alone resulted in longer OS and lower toxicity, but no difference in PFS. These findings require confirmation in larger studies with longer follow-up.Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01134614. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex hormones have long been considered to play an important role in bone turnover rate, periodontal diseases, and wound healing. We have studied the effect of porcine testis steroid extract (PTSE), an extract of porcine testes, which holds a good ratio of 19-nortestosterone (nandrolone), testosterone, androstenedione, 17β-estradiol, and estrone, on the healing rate of a standardized full-thickness linear wound on the back of the rat. Skin punch or carbon dioxide (CO2) laser methods were used to create the deep skin injury in two groups of animals. The animals were treated with the PTSE cream, control cream and Vaseline (control) to find out the effect in re-epithelialization, contraction, and formation of granulation and scar tissues. Histological examination after 21 days showed 100, 87.4, and 80.5% recovery of epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, respectively in the PTSE-treated animals. Similarly, on the 15th day of treatment, complete healing of intact skin was observed in the PTSE cream-treated animals among the laser radiation group. Even though the beginning of re-epithelialization phase and completion of serum crust formation was also observed in the base cream- and Vaseline-treated animals respectively, the complete healing cycle was observed only in the PTSE-treated group. The white blood cell count in the PTSE-treated group showed that PTSE cream is nontoxic to animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Accidental leakage of hydrogen in residential fuel cell systems can be dangerous because hydrogen has a high risk of inflammation or explosion when stagnant in a space. Thus, ventilation of residential fuel cell systems should be properly designed to reduce the hydrogen stagnation inside the system enclosure and thus to enhance the safety. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted to predict the hydrogen dispersion and exhaust behaviors in residential fuel cell systems equipped with a forced ventilation device. A realistic three-dimensional geometric model for the system enclosure was constructed based on the actual dimension and appearance of a commercial residential fuel cell system. The flow pattern and hydrogen concentration in residential fuel cell systems were investigated by varying the air intake position and the air intake area in CFD simulations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted to study the liquid water transport behaviors in flow channels of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The effects of geometries and surface properties of flow channels on the liquid water exhaust capabilities were quantitatively analyzed based on the exhaust time and stagnant volume data obtained by the CFD simulations. Two different liquid morphologies were found to develop during the two-phase (water/air) transport in flow channels: liquid film morphology for hydrophobic channels and droplet morphology for hydrophilic channels. It was also observed that hydrophobic channels exhausted liquid water much faster than hydrophilic channels, but the stagnant liquid volume in corners of hydrophobic channels was larger than that of hydrophilic channels. The exhaust capability results determined by the quantitative analysis were explained by referring to the different morphologies of liquid water in flow channels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A simple dynamic model was proposed to describe the transient output characteristics of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Physical parameters for the proposed model were estimated based on the steady and transient results experimentally obtained using a commercial PEMFC (1.2 kW Nexa power module, Ballard Power Systems Inc.). In the transient experiments, the load current was varied according to the high–low current step and the high–low current sweep schedules. The practical applicability of the proposed dynamic model was demonstrated by comparing the measured and the predicted output behaviors of the Nexa PEMFC power module for prescribed load current schedules. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]