Abstract-A very efficient energy-management system for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), using neural networks (NNs), was developed and tested. The system minimizes the energy requirement of the vehicle and can work with different primary power sources like fuel cells, microturbines, zinc-air batteries, or other power supplies with a poor ability to recover energy from a regenerative braking, or with a scarce power capacity for a fast acceleration. The experimental HEV uses lead-acid batteries, an ultracapacitor (UCAP) bank, and a brushless dc motor with nominal power of 32 kW, and a peak power of 53 kW. The digital signal processor (DSP) control system measures and stores the following parameters: primary-source voltage, car speed, instantaneous currents in both terminals (primary source and UCAP), and actual voltage of the UCAP. When UCAPs were installed on the vehicle, the increase in range was around 5.3% in city tests. However, when optimal control with NN was used, this figure increased to 8.9%. The car used for this experiment is a Chevrolet light utility vehicle (LUV) truck, similar in shape and size to Chevrolet S-10, which was converted to an electric vehicle (EV) at the Universidad Católica de Chile. Numerous experimental tests under different conditions are compared and discussed.

Metastases from primary tumors are responsible for most cancer deaths. It has been shown that circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can be detected in the peripheral blood of patients with a variety of metastatic cancers and that the presence of these cells is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Characterization of CTCs in metastatic cancer patients could provide additional information to augment management of the disease. Here, we describe a novel approach for the identification of molecular markers to detect and characterize CTCs in peripheral blood. Using an integrated platform to immunomagnetically isolate and immunofluorescently detect CTCs, we obtained blood containing z100 CTCs from one metastatic colorectal, one metastatic prostate, and one metastatic breast cancer patient. Using the RNA extracted from the CTC-enriched portion of the sample and comparing it with the RNA extracted from the corresponding CTCdepleted portion, for the first time, global gene expression profiles from CTCs were generated and a list of cancerspecific, CTC-specific genes was obtained. Subsequently, samples immunomagnetically enriched for CTCs from 74 metastatic cancer patients and 50 normal donors were used to confirm by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR CTC-specific expression of selected genes and to show that gene expression profiles for CTCs may be used to distinguish normal donors from advanced cancer patients as well as to differentiate among the three different metastatic cancers. Genes such as AGR2, S100A14, S100A16, FABP1, and others were found useful for detection of CTCs in peripheral blood of advanced cancer patients. (Cancer Res 2005; 65(12): 4993-7)

PURPOSE Germline testing (GT) is a central feature of prostate cancer (PCA) treatment, management, and hereditary cancer assessment. Critical needs include optimized multigene testing strategies that incorporate evolving genetic data, consistency in GT indications and management, and alternate genetic evaluation models that address the rising demand for genetic services. METHODS A multidisciplinary consensus conference that included experts, stakeholders, and national organization leaders was convened in response to current practice challenges and to develop a genetic implementation framework. Evidence review informed questions using the modified Delphi model. The final framework included criteria with strong (> 75%) agreement (Recommend) or moderate (50% to 74%) agreement (Consider). RESULTS Large germline panels and somatic testing were recommended for metastatic PCA. Reflex testing—initial testing of priority genes followed by expanded testing—was suggested for multiple scenarios. Metastatic disease or family history suggestive of hereditary PCA was recommended for GT. Additional family history and pathologic criteria garnered moderate consensus. Priority genes to test for metastatic disease treatment included BRCA2, BRCA1, and mismatch repair genes, with broader testing, such as ATM, for clinical trial eligibility. BRCA2 was recommended for active surveillance discussions. Screening starting at age 40 years or 10 years before the youngest PCA diagnosis in a family was recommended for BRCA2 carriers, with consideration in HOXB13, BRCA1, ATM, and mismatch repair carriers. Collaborative (point-of-care) evaluation models between health care and genetic providers was endorsed to address the genetic counseling shortage. The genetic evaluation framework included optimal pretest informed consent, post-test discussion, cascade testing, and technology-based approaches. CONCLUSION This multidisciplinary, consensus-driven PCA genetic implementation framework provides novel guidance to clinicians and patients tailored to the precision era. Multiple research, education, and policy needs remain of importance.

In the search for better efficiency, an auxiliary energy system (AES) for electric vehicles (EVs) was designed, implemented, and tested. The system, which is composed of an ultracapacitor bank and a buck-boost converter, was installed in an EV, which is powered by a lead-acid battery pack and a 54-kW brushless dc motor. Two control strategies where developed: one based on heuristics and the other based on an optimization model using neural networks. These strategies were translated to algorithms and implemented in a digital signal processor, and their performance was evaluated in urban driving. The results were incorporated to an economic evaluation of the system, which shows that the reduction in costs would only justify the inclusion of this type of system in a lead-acid battery-powered vehicle if the battery life is extended by 50% or more, which is unlikely. The same results were extrapolated to a case in which the lead-acid batteries are replaced by a fuel cell. In this case, the costs of different power support systems were evaluated, such as ultracapacitors and high-specific-power lithium-based batteries. The results showed a significant cost reduction when AES configurations are included in contrast to a system powered by fuel cells only. Also, the cost reduction was higher when using ultracapacitors for this purpose.

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Background The prescence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the peripheral blood of cancer patients and their frequency has been correlated with disease status. Methods In this study, CTCs were characterized by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy after immunomagnetic enrichment from 7.5‐ml blood samples collected from patients with prostate cancer in evacuated blood‐draw tubes that contained an anticoagulant and a preservative. Events were classified as tumor cell candidates if they expressed cytokeratin, lacked CD45, and stained with the nucleic acid dye 4,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole. Results In the blood of prostate cancer patients, only few of these events were intact cells. Other CTC events appeared as damaged cells or cell fragments by microscopy. By flow cytometry, these events stained variably with 4,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole and frequently expressed the apoptosis‐induced, caspase‐cleaved cytokeratin 18. Similar patterns of cell disintegration were observed when cells of the prostate line LNCaP were exposed to paclitaxel before spiking the cells into normal blood samples. Conclusions The different observed stages of tumor cell degradation or apoptosis varied greatly between patients and were not found in blood of normal donors. Enumeration of CTCs and identification of CTCs undergoing apoptosis may provide relevant information to evaluate the response to therapy in cancer patients. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

The neutron emission from a small and fast plasma focus operating in deuterium is presented. The system operates at low energy in the hundred of joules range ͑880 nF capacitor bank, 38 nH, 20-35 kV, 176 -539 J, ϳ300 ns current rise time͒. The neutrons were measured by means of a silver activation counter, and the total neutron yield versus deuterium gas filling pressure was obtained. For discharges operating at 30 kV charging voltage, the maximum neutron yield was (1.06 Ϯ0.13)ϫ10 6 neutrons per shot at 9 mbar.

A comprehensive analysis of scaling laws for plasma focus devices producing neutrons is presented. Similarities and differences in plasma focus devices working with stored energies ranging from 1 MJ to 0.1 J are found. First, a brief review listing the most important results achieved by the Thermonuclear Plasma Department of the Chilean Nuclear Energy Commission, CCHEN, is presented. The aim of the work at CCHEN has been to characterize the physics of dense plasma foci and also to carry out the design and construction of smaller devices-in terms of both input energy and size-capable of providing dense hot plasmas. Certain scaling rules have been found from this research. These rules combined with other scaling laws have been applied to design and construct plasma focus devices with storage energy in a region never explored before (tens of joules and less than 1 J). Thus, a comprehensive analysis also including results from other groups is presented. In particular, all the devices, from the largest to the smallest, maintain the same value of ion density, magnetic field, plasma sheath velocity, Alfvén speed and the quantity of energy per particle. Therefore, fusion reactions are even possible to obtain in ultraminiature devices (driven by generators of 0.1 J for example), as they are in the larger devices (driven by generators of 1 MJ). However, the stability of the plasma pinch highly depends on the size and energy of the device. * This paper was presented as an invited talk at the 29th International Conference on Phenomena in Ionized Gases (ICPIG XXIX) held in Cancun, Mexico on 12-17 July 2009. See stacks.