Design, development and characterisation of a FPGA platform for multi-motor electric vehicle control

Two three-phase squirrel-cage induction motors are used as a propulsion system of an electric vehicle (EV). A simple XC3S1000 FPGA is used to simultaneously control both electric motors, with field oriented control and space vector modulation techniques. To electronically distribute the torque between the two electric motors, a simple, yet effective, strategy based on a uniform torque distribution has been implemented. Experimental results obtained with a multi-motor EV prototype demonstrate the proper operation of the proposed system

Interplay between distribution of live cells and growth dynamics of solid tumours

Experiments show that simple diffusion of nutrients and waste molecules is not sufficient to explain the typical multilayered structure of solid tumours, where an outer rim of proliferating cells surrounds a layer of quiescent but viable cells and a central necrotic region. These experiments challenge models of tumour growth based exclusively on diffusion. Here we propose a model of tumour growth that incorporates the volume dynamics and the distribution of cells within the viable cell rim. The model is suggested by in silico experiments and is validated using in vitro data. The results correlate with in vivo data as well, and the model can be used to support experimental and clinical oncology

A hepatitis C avidity test for determining recent and past infections in both plasma and dried blood spots

DBS testing has been used successfully to detect HCV antibody positive individuals. Determining how long someone has been infected is important for surveillance initiatives. Antibody avidity is a method that can be used to calculate recency of infection. A HCV avidity assay was evaluated for both plasma and DBS. Study design: To measure antibody avidity a commercial HCV ELISA was modified using 7 M urea. The plasma samples were split into: group 1 (recently infected N = 19), group 2 (chronic carrier N = 300) and group 3 (resolved infection N = 82). Mock DBS made from group 1 (N = 12), group 2 (N = 50), group 3 (N = 25) and two seroconverter panels were evaluated. 133 DBS taken from patients known to have a resolved infection or be a chronic carrier were also tested. The avidity assay cut-off was set at AI ≤ 30 for a recent infection. Using sequential samples the assay could detect a recent infection in the first 4–5 months from the point of infection. Most of the false positive results (AI < 30 among cases known not to have had recent infection) were detected among known resolved infections, in both the plasma and DBS; as a result, a testing algorithm has been designed incorporating both PCR and two dilution factors. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay on plasma was 100% and 99.3%, respectively, while DBS had 100% sensitivity and 98.3% specificity. The HCV avidity assay can be used to distinguish between chronic and recent infection using either plasma or DBS as the sample type

Bioenergética de juveniles de langosta de quelas rojas, Cherax quadricarinatus, alimentados con dos dietas artificiales

The metabolic response of juvenile Australian red claw lobster, Cherax quadricarinatus, fed two artificial diets (Rangen with 35% protein and Cherax1 with 32% protein of vegetable substrate), acclimated to the preferred temperature of 28 ° C, was evaluated in a dynamic respirometer, measuring oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion during fasting and feeding. Survival and growth were also determined. The energy consumed by juveniles in the food (C) was (mean ± s): 3614.1 ± 591.3 and 1967 ± 493.8 (J day-1 g-1 ) with Cherax1 and Rangen respectively. Energy eliminated in the feces (F) equivalent to 42.6 Joules by organisms that were fed Cherax1 represented a low energy loss in the percentage distribution, with a higher metabolic efficiency compared to the diet Rangen. The highest percentage of protein supplied through the food was channeled to growth, for all treatments, in which lobsters used a mixture of lipid-protein as the main energy substrate to meet their metabolic requirements. There was no difference in survival, but the juveniles fed Cherax1 had a higher specific growth rate and a 2.2 times higher weight gain than those fed with Rangen. The results show that the experimental diet Cherax1, formulated with plant products, can be considered as a high quality, efficient feed for this species, and that it is a good potential replacement for various commercial diets.Se evaluó la respuesta metabólica de juveniles de langosta australiana de quelas rojas, Cherax quadricarinatus, alimentados con dos dietas artificiales (Rangen con 35% de proteína y Cherax1 con 32% de proteína de sustrato vegetal), aclimatados a la temperatura preferida de 28 ºC en un respirómetro dinámico, midiendo el consumo de oxígeno y la excreción amoniacal durante el ayuno y la alimentación, y determinándose además la mortalidad y el crecimiento. La energía consumida por los juveniles en el alimento (C) fue de (3614.1 ± 591.3 y de 1967 ± 493.8 (J día-1 g-1 ) con Cherax1 y Rangen respectivamente. La energía eliminada en las heces (F) en los organismos que se alimentaron con Cherax1, equivalente a 42.6 Joules, representó una baja pérdida de energía en la distribución porcentual, presentando una mayor eficiencia metabólica en comparación con la dieta Rangen. El mayor porcentaje de la proteína suministrada a través del alimento ingerido fue canalizado hacia el crecimiento, ya que en los diferentes tratamientos los organismos utilizaron una mezcla de lípidos-proteínas como el principal sustrato energético para cubrir sus requerimientos metabólicos. No se encontraron diferencias en la mortalidad, pero los juveniles alimentados con Cherax1 presentaron un mejor índice de rendimiento, una mayor tasa de crecimiento específica y un incremento en peso 2.2 veces mayor. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran que la dieta experimental Cherax1 puede ser considerada como un alimento de buena calidad y eficiencia para esta especie, por lo que puede sustituir diversas dietas comerciales

Relationship Between Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Blood Levels of Epstein-Barr Virus in Children in North-Western Tanzania: A Case Control Study.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas (NHL) are common in African children, with endemic Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) being the most common subtype. While the role of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) in endemic BL is known, no data are available about clinical presentations of NHL subtypes and their relationship to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) load in peripheral blood of children in north-western, Tanzania. A matched case control study of NHL subtypes was performed in children under 15 years of age and their respective controls admitted to Bugando Medical Centre, Sengerema and Shirati district designated hospitals in north-western, Tanzania, between September 2010 and April 2011. Peripheral blood samples were collected on Whatman 903 filter papers and EBV DNA levels were estimated by multiplex real-time PCR. Clinical and laboratory data were collected using a structured data collection tool and analysed using chi-square, Fisher and Wilcoxon rank sum tests where appropriate. The association between NHL and detection of EBV in peripheral blood was assessed using conditional logistic regression model and presented as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). A total of 35 NHL cases and 70 controls matched for age and sex were enrolled. Of NHLs, 32 had BL with equal distribution between jaw and abdominal tumour, 2 had large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and 1 had NHL-not otherwise specified (NHL-NOS). Central nervous system (CNS) presentation occurred only in 1 BL patient; 19 NHLs had stage I and II of disease. Only 1 NHL was found to be HIV-seropositive. Twenty-one of 35 (60%) NHL and 21 of 70 (30%) controls had detectable EBV in peripheral blood (OR = 4.77, 95% CI 1.71 - 13.33, p = 0.003). In addition, levels of EBV in blood were significantly higher in NHL cases than in controls (p = 0.024). BL is the most common childhood NHL subtype in north-western Tanzania. NHLs are not associated with HIV infection, but are strongly associated with EBV load in peripheral blood. The findings suggest that high levels of EBV in blood might have diagnostic and prognostic relevance in African children

Effect of maternal Schistosoma mansoni infection and praziquantel treatment during pregnancy on Schistosoma mansoni infection and immune responsiveness among offspring at age five years.

INTRODUCTION: Offspring of Schistosoma mansoni-infected women in schistosomiasis-endemic areas may be sensitised in-utero. This may influence their immune responsiveness to schistosome infection and schistosomiasis-associated morbidity. Effects of praziquantel treatment of S. mansoni during pregnancy on risk of S. mansoni infection among offspring, and on their immune responsiveness when they become exposed to S. mansoni, are unknown. Here we examined effects of praziquantel treatment of S. mansoni during pregnancy on prevalence of S. mansoni and immune responsiveness among offspring at age five years. METHODS: In a trial in Uganda (ISRCTN32849447, http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN32849447/elliott), offspring of women treated with praziquantel or placebo during pregnancy were examined for S. mansoni infection and for cytokine and antibody responses to SWA and SEA, as well as for T cell expression of FoxP3, at age five years. RESULTS: Of the 1343 children examined, 32 (2.4%) had S. mansoni infection at age five years based on a single stool sample. Infection prevalence did not differ between children of treated or untreated mothers. Cytokine (IFNγ, IL-5, IL-10 and IL-13) and antibody (IgG1, Ig4 and IgE) responses to SWA and SEA, and FoxP3 expression, were higher among infected than uninfected children. Praziquantel treatment of S. mansoni during pregnancy had no effect on immune responses, with the exception of IL-10 responses to SWA, which was higher in offspring of women that received praziquantel during pregnancy than those who did not. CONCLUSION: We found no evidence that maternal S. mansoni infection and its treatment during pregnancy influence prevalence and intensity of S. mansoni infection or effector immune response to S. mansoni infection among offspring at age five years, but the observed effects on IL-10 responses to SWA suggest that maternal S. mansoni and its treatment during pregnancy may affect immunoregulatory responsiveness in childhood schistosomiasis. This might have implications for pathogenesis of the disease

Systematic reviews of complementary therapies - an annotated bibliography. Part 1: Acupuncture

Background Complementary therapies are widespread but controversial. We aim to provide a comprehensive collection and a summary of systematic reviews of clinical trials in three major complementary therapies (acupuncture, herbal medicine, homeopathy). This article is dealing with acupuncture. Potentially relevant reviews were searched through the register of the Cochrane Complementary Medicine Field, the Cochrane Library, Medline, and bibliographies of articles and books. To be included articles had to review prospective clinical trials of acupuncture; had to describe review methods explicitly; had to be published; and had to focus on treatment effects. Information on conditions, interventions, methods, results and conclusions was extracted using a pretested form and summarized descriptively. Results From a total of 48 potentially relevant reviews preselected in a screeening process 39 met the inclusion criteria. 22 were on various pain syndromes or rheumatic diseases. Other topics addressed by more than one review were addiction, nausea, asthma and tinnitus. Almost unanimously the reviews state that acupuncture trials include too few patients. Often included trials are heterogeneous regarding patients, interventions and outcome measures, are considered to have insufficient quality and contradictory results. Convincing evidence is available only for postoperative nausea, for which acupuncture appears to be of benefit, and smoking cessation, where acupuncture is no more effective than sham acupuncture. Conclusions A large number of systematic reviews on acupuncture exists. What is most obvious from these reviews is the need for (the funding of) well-designed, larger clinical trials

Plan de negocios para la implementaci?n de una cadena de food trucks de comida fusi?n peruano-venezolana en la ciudad de Lima

En los ?ltimos a?os la migraci?n de venezolanos al pa?s por crisis pol?tica y econ?mica que en la actualidad viven est? ha generado la entrada al pa?snuevos productos gastron?micos como la arepa, esto se observa en reportaje realizado por Per? 21 donde se puede ver a venezolanos vendiendo este producto en el gir?n de la uni?n en el centro de Lima (Per? 21). De all? surge la idea de la crear un producto novedoso e innovador, que consiste en la fusi?n de los m?s tradicionales platos de la cocina peruana con la arepa venezolana, es por esto que se plantearon como objetivo general la viabilidad comercial, operativa, legal y econ?mica para la implementaci?n de una cadena de ?food Truck? de comida fusi?n peruano - venezolana en Lima Metropolitana, apoyado en los siguientes objetivos espec?ficos: - Realizar una investigaci?n de mercado para conocer la demanda de comida venezolana, perfil del consumidor y atributos valorados por los consumidores. - Establecer los factores cr?ticos de ?xito para el desarrollo de una cadena de ?food truck?. - Definir las acciones estrat?gicas para la puesta en marcha y gesti?n del negocio en los puntos de venta elegidos. - Desarrollar el plan comercial y operativo para implementar la idea de negocio. - Evaluar la viabilidad econ?mica del negocio de venta de comida r?pida fusi?n peruano-venezolana en ?food truck?

On the Implications of a Sex Difference in the Reaction Times of Sprinters at the Beijing Olympics

Elite sprinters offer insights into the fastest whole body auditory reaction times. When, however, is a reaction so fast that it represents a false start? Currently, a false start is awarded if an athlete increases the force on their starting block above a given threshold before 100 ms has elapsed after the starting gun. To test the hypothesis that the fastest valid reaction times of sprinters really is 100 ms and that no sex difference exists in that time, we analyzed the fastest reaction times achieved by each of the 425 male and female sprinters who competed at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. After power transformation of the skewed data, a fixed effects ANOVA was used to analyze the effects of sex, race, round and lane position. The lower bounds of the 95, 99 and 99.9% confidence intervals were then calculated and back transformed. The mean fastest reaction time recorded by men was significantly faster than women (p<0.001). At the 99.9% confidence level, neither men nor women can react in 100 ms, but they can react in as little as 109 ms and 121 ms, respectively. However, that sex difference in reaction time is likely an artifact caused by using the same force threshold in women as men, and it permits a woman to false start by up to 21 ms without penalty. We estimate that female sprinters would have similar reaction times to male sprinters if the force threshold used at Beijing was lowered by 22% in order to account for their lesser muscle strength

A phase 1/2, open-label, multicenter study of isatuximab in combination with cemiplimab in patients with lymphoma

Patients with relapsed or refractory lymphoma have limited treatment options, requiring newer regimens. In this Phase 1/2 study (NCT03769181), we assessed the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of isatuximab (Isa, anti-CD38 antibody) in combination with cemiplimab (Cemi, anti-programmed death-1 [PD-1] receptor antibody; Isa&nbsp;+&nbsp;Cemi) in patients with classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). In Phase 1, we characterized the safety and tolerability of Isa&nbsp;+&nbsp;Cemi with planned dose de-escalation to determine the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D). Six patients in each cohort were treated with a starting dose of Isa&nbsp;+&nbsp;Cemi to determine the RP2D. In Phase 2, the primary endpoints were complete response in Cohort A1 (cHL anti-PD-1/programmed death-ligand 1 [PD-L1] naïve), and objective response rate in Cohorts A2 (cHL anti-PD-1/PD-L1 progressors), B (DLBCL), and C (PTCL). An interim analysis was performed when the first 18 (Cohort A1), 12 (Cohort A2), 17 (Cohort B), and 11 (Cohort C) patients in Phase 2 had been treated and followed up for 24&nbsp;weeks. Isa&nbsp;+&nbsp;Cemi demonstrated a manageable safety profile with no new safety signals. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed at the starting dose; thus, the starting dose of each drug was confirmed as the RP2D. Based on the Lugano 2014 criteria, 55.6% (Cohort A1), 33.3% (Cohort A2), 5.9% (Cohort B), and 9.1% (Cohort C) of patients achieved a complete or partial response. Pharmacokinetic analyses suggested no effect of Cemi on Isa exposure. Modest clinical efficacy was observed in patients with cHL regardless of prior anti-PD-1/PD-L1 exposure. In DLBCL or PTCL cohorts, interim efficacy analysis results did not meet prespecified criteria to continue enrollment in Phase 2 Stage 2. Isa&nbsp;+&nbsp;Cemi did not have a synergistic effect in these patient populations