Introduction to multi-point design strategies for aero engines

Classic gas turbine design relies on the definition of a design point, and the subsequent assessment of the design on a range of off-design conditions. On the design point, both component sizing (e.g., in terms of physical dimensions or in terms of map scaling parameters) and a solution to the off-design governing equations are established. With this approach, it is however difficult to capture the contradicting requirements on the full operating envelope. Thus, practical design efforts rely on various multi-point design approaches. This paper introduces a simplified notation of such multi-point approaches via synthesis matching tables. It then summarizes two academic state-of-the-art multi-point design schemes using such tables in a comprehensible fashion. The target audience are students and engineers familiar with the basics of classic cycle design and analysis looking for a practical introduction to such multi-point design approaches. Application examples are given in terms of a simple turbojet and a typical geared turbofan as modeled in state-of-the-art academic cycle design and analysis efforts. The results of the classic design point approach are compared to those of multi-point approaches

European data on stem cell mobilization with plerixafor in patients with nonhematologic diseases: an analysis of the European consortium of stem cell mobilization.

BACKGROUND: Plerixafor with granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been shown to enhance stem cell mobilization in patients with multiple myeloma and lymphoma with previous mobilization failure. In this European named patient program we report the experience in insufficiently mobilizing patients diagnosed with nonhematologic diseases. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients with germ cell tumor (n=11), Ewing sarcoma (n=6), Wiscott-Aldrich disease (n=5), neuroblastoma (n=4), and other nonhematologic diseases (n=7) were included in the study. Plerixafor was limited to patients with previous or current stem cell mobilization failure and given after 4 days of G-CSF (n=21) or after chemotherapy and G-CSF (n=12) in patients who mobilized poorly. RESULTS: Overall, 28 (85%) patients succeeded in collecting at least 2 710(6)/kg body weight (b.w.) CD34+ cells (median, 5.0 710(6)/kg b.w. CD34+ cells; range, 2.0 710(6)-29.5 710(6)/kg b.w. CD34+ cells), and five (15%) patients collected a median of 1.5 710(6)/kg b.w. CD34+ cells (range, 0.9 710(6)-1.8 710(6)/kg b.w. CD34+ cells). Nineteen patients proceeded to transplantation. The median dose of CD34+ cells infused was 3.3 710(6)/kg b.w. (range, 2.3 710(6)-6.7 710(6)/kg b.w. CD34+ cells). The median numbers of days to neutrophil and platelet engraftment were 11 (range, 9-12) and 15 (range, 10-25) days, respectively. CONCLUSION: These data emphasize the role of plerixafor in combination with G-CSF or chemotherapy and G-CSF as an effective mobilization regimen with the potential of successful stem cell collection. Accordingly, plerixafor seems to be safe and effective in patients with nonhematologic diseases. Larger prospective studies are warranted to further assess its use in these patients

European data on stem cell mobilization with plerixafor in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma patients. A subgroup analysis of the European Consortium of stem cell mobilization.

The effectiveness of the novel hematopoietic stem cell mobilizing agent plerixafor was evaluated in nationwide compassionate use programs in 13 European countries. A total of 580 poor mobilizers with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and multiple myeloma (MM) were enrolled. All patients received plerixafor plus granulocyte CSF with or without chemotherapy. Overall, the collection yield was significantly higher in MM patients (>2.0 7 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg: 81.6%; >5.0 7 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg: 32.0%) than in NHL patients (>2.0 7 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg: 64.8%; >5.0 7 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg: 12.6%; P2.0 7 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg: 81.5%; >5.0 7 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg: 22.2%) than in NHL patients (P=0.013). In a subgroup analysis, there were no significant differences in mobilization success comparing patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma. Our data emphasize the role of plerixafor in poor mobilizers, but further strategies to improve the apheresis yield especially in patients with NHL are required

Evidence for wobbling excitation in 161Lu

High-spin states in 161Lu were investigated using the EUROBALL spectrometer. A previously known triaxial superdeformed band has been extended to higher spins and a new band with similar characteristics has been discovered. Comparison to systematically occurring wobbling bands in Lu isotopes strongly suggests that these two bands represent the nw = 0 and 1 wobbling excitations in 161Lu

The T=2 mirrors 36Ca and 36S : a test for isospin symmetry of shell gaps at the driplines

The first excited 2+ state of 36Ca has been identified by its gamma -decay, exploiting the two-step fragmentation technique at the FRS-RISING setup at GSI. This is the heaviest Tz=-2 nucleus in the Segre chart in which a gamma -decay of an excited state has been observed. A stable beam of 40Ca at 420A MeV impinged on a primary 9Be target. Out of the secondary beam of fragmentation products, 37Ca was separated by the FRS and struck on a second 9Be target at the final focus of the FRS. The energy for the 21+ decay of 36Ca was determined to be 3015(16) keV, which is 276 keV lower than in its T=2 mirror 36S. This mirror energy difference (MED) is discussed in the framework of shell model calculations using a 16O core, the sd shell isospin symmetric interaction USD and experimental single-particle energies from 17O and 17F. The results show that the MED within the sd shell provide a sensitive test for the evolution of the N, Z=14,16 subshell gaps towards the driplines. Especially the N, Z=16 gap is determined by Thomas-Ehrman shift in the A=17, T=1/2 isospin doublet, while Coulomb effects are found to have marginal influence

Two-Particle Separation Energies in the Superdeformed Well

The location of nuclear closed shells, as evidenced through discontinuities in binding energy and one-and two-particle separation energy systematics, remains one of the simplest tests of global nuclear models. How shell gaps evolve, whether with increasing mass, increasing neutron: proton ratio or increasing deformation, is still uncertain, and it has recently been suggested that one must go beyond a static meanfield picture to include the effects of dynamic fluctuations in the nuclear shape even in the ground state. The identification of key properties which may distinguish between competing approaches is thus vital. Comparison of the binding energies of superdeformed nuclei in the A approximate to 190 region shows that two-proton separation energies are higher in the superdeformed state than in the normal state, despite the probably lower Coulomb barrier and lower total binding energy. Possible reasons for this difference are discussed. This somewhat counterintuitive result provides a critical test for global nuclear models

Autologous haematopoietic stem cell mobilisation in multiple myeloma and lymphoma patients: a position statement from the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation.

Autologous haematopoietic SCT with PBSCs is regularly used to restore BM function in patients with multiple myeloma or lymphoma after myeloablative chemotherapy. Twenty-eight experts from the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation developed a position statement on the best approaches to mobilising PBSCs and on possibilities of optimising graft yields in patients who mobilise poorly. Choosing the appropriate mobilisation regimen, based on patients' disease stage and condition, and optimising the apheresis protocol can improve mobilisation outcomes. Several factors may influence mobilisation outcomes, including older age, a more advanced disease stage, the type of prior chemotherapy (e.g., fludarabine or melphalan), prior irradiation or a higher number of prior treatment lines. The most robust predictive factor for poor PBSC collection is the CD34 + cell count in PB before apheresis. Determination of the CD34 + cell count in PB before apheresis helps to identify patients at risk of poor PBSC collection and allows pre-emptive intervention to rescue mobilisation in these patients. Such a proactive approach might help to overcome deficiencies in stem cell mobilisation and offers a rationale for the use of novel mobilisation agents. © 2014 Macmillan Publishers Limited