Optimal Expansion Research Articles

Optimal Expansion Planning of a Self-Healing Distribution System Considering Resiliency Investment Alternatives

Optimal Expansion Planning of a Self-Healing Distribution System Considering Resiliency Investment Alternatives

Computed tomography for prediction of stent underexpansion after percutaneous recanalization of calcified coronary chronic total occlusions

Abstract Background Coronary calcifications are the leading cause of stent underexpansion after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and are commonly encountered in chronic total occlusions (CTO). Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is uniquely suited for pre-procedural assessment of coronary calcifications. Recently quantitative CCTA, providing exact volumes of each plaque component, has shown additional value in future risk assessment compared with conventional qualitative CCTA. Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate whether CCTA predicts intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-defined suboptimal stent expansion following percutaneous recanalization of calcified CTO lesions. Methods We retrospectively identified consecutive patients with a CCTA performed within 6-months prior to successful PCI of a calcified CTO (defined as calcification within the target lesion on CCTA). All patients had final IVUS of implanted stents (Figure 1). Patients requiring atherectomy were excluded. The primary outcome was IVUS-derived stent expansion index (SEI), defined as stent area divided by vessel area (both measured at the site of maximum calcium). SEI<0.4 indicated suboptimal stent expansion. The site of maximum calcium was a cross-section with greatest calcium arc on pre-stent IVUS within the target lesion. CCTA calcium analysis was performed by a researcher blinded to the IVUS and angiography results. Measurements included total-, vessel-, and lesion-specific calcium score (CAC), total calcium length, maximum calcium thickness and maximum CT calcium attenuation at the target lesion defined as occlusion site and adjacent severely diseased segments. Calcium quantification was performed using a semi-automated software to obtain volumes and burdens of calcified and non-calcified plaque components within the target lesion. Results The cohort included 43 patients (age 64.9±10.0 years, 88% males) with 43 CTO lesions. Mean final stent area at maximum calcium by IVUS was 8.2±2.1mm². Mean SEI was 0.47±0.1, and suboptimal SEI of <0.4 was found in 10 (23.3%) lesions. Lesions with suboptimal stent expansion (SEI<0.4) were characterized by numerically higher total-, vessel- and lesion-specific CAC, higher maximum calcium attenuation, greater calcium length and remodeling index compared with patients with optimal stent expansion (Table 1). However, only calcified plaque volume (105 [IQR 27-271] vs. 29 [4-96]mm³, P=0.02) and calcified plaque burden (16 [7-24] vs. 6 [1-10]%, P=0.03) were significantly greater in lesions with suboptimal stent expansion compared with lesions with optimal stent expansion, respectively. Calcified plaque volume ≥51 mm³ within the target lesion predicted suboptimal stent expansion with 70% sensitivity and 62.5% specificity (AUC 0.74). Conclusion CCTA-derived calcium volume identifies CTO lesions at greater risk of stent underexpansion. Such lesions require more aggressive plaque modification prior to stent implantation.

TCT-390 Characteristics Associated With Optimal Stent Expansion in Patients With Calcified Lesions Receiving Rotational Atherectomy With or Without Cutting Balloon: A Secondary Analysis From the ROTA-CUT Randomized Trial

TCT-390 Characteristics Associated With Optimal Stent Expansion in Patients With Calcified Lesions Receiving Rotational Atherectomy With or Without Cutting Balloon: A Secondary Analysis From the ROTA-CUT Randomized Trial

Innovative Approaches to Expansion Loop Design for Enhanced Piping System Durability

Expansion loops are critical components in piping systems, designed to manage stress caused by thermal expansion and contraction, thereby ensuring the system's durability and safety. This study investigates innovative approaches to optimizing expansion loop design, focusing on improving the performance and reliability of piping systems under various operational conditions. The research examines multiple configurations, including alterations in loop length, shape modifications, and the incorporation of additional loops, to assess their impact on stress distribution within the system. While the primary focus of this study is on static stress analysis, transient operational factors, such as water hammer, were also considered in the analysis to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the loop configurations' performance under various conditions. The findings demonstrate that while increasing the loop length can effectively reduce stress, alternative designs, such as double loops or modified shapes, offer superior stress management, particularly in space-constrained environments. The study concludes that optimal expansion loop design should accommodate thermal expansion and provide robustness against potential transient effects, contributing to a more reliable piping system. These insights provide valuable guidelines for the design and optimization of piping systems across various industrial applications.

Safety, efficacy, and optical coherence tomography insights into intravascular lithotripsy for the modification of non-eruptive calcified nodules: A prospective observational study.

Non-eruptive calcium nodules (CNs) are commonly seen in heavily calcified coronary artery disease. They are the most difficult subset for modification, and may result in stent damage, malapposition and under-expansion. There are only limited options available for non-eruptive CN modification. Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) is being explored as a potentially safe and effective modality in these lesions. This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of the use of IVL for the modification of non-eruptive CNs. The study also explored the OCT features of calcium nodule modification by IVL. This is a single-center, prospective, observational study in which patients with angiographic heavy calcification and non-eruptive CN on OCT and undergoing PCI were enrolled. The primary safety endpoint was freedom from perforation, no-reflow/slow flow, flow-limiting dissection after IVL therapy, and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) during hospitalization and at 30 days. MACE was defined as a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), and ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization (TLR). The primary efficacy endpoint was procedural success, defined as residual diameter stenosis of <30% on angiography and stent expansion of more than 80% as assessed by OCT. A total of 21 patients with 54 non-eruptive CNs undergoing PCI were prospectively enrolled in the study. Before IVL, OCT revealed a mean calcium score of 3.7 ± 0.5 and a mean MLA at CN of 3.9 ± 2.1 mm2. Following IVL, OCT revealed calcium fractures in 40 out of 54 (74.1%) CNs with an average of 1.05 ± 0.72 fractures per CN. Fractures were predominantly observed at the base of the CN (80%). Post IVL, the mean MLA at CN increased to 4.9 ± 2.3 mm2. After PCI, the mean MSA at the CN was 7.9 ± 2.5 mm2. Optimal stent expansion (stent expansion >80%) at the CN was achieved in 85.71% of patients. All patients remained free from MACE during hospitalization and at the 30-day follow-up. At 1-year follow-up, all-cause death had occurred in 3 (14.3%) patients. This single-arm study demonstrated the safety, efficacy, and utility of the IVL in a subset of patients with non-eruptive calcified nodules. In this study, minimal procedural complications, excellent lesion modifications, and favorable 30-day and 1-year outcomes were observed.

Next-generation BCMA-targeted chimeric antigen receptor CARTemis-1: the impact of manufacturing procedure on CAR T-cell features.

CAR therapy targeting BCMA is under investigation as treatment for multiple myeloma. However, given the lack of plateau in most studies, pursuing more effective alternatives is imperative. We present the preclinical and clinical validation of a new optimized anti-BCMA CAR (CARTemis-1). In addition, we explored how the manufacturing process could impact CAR-T cell product quality and fitness. CARTemis-1 optimizations were evaluated at the preclinical level both, in vitro and in vivo. CARTemis-1 generation was validated under GMP conditions, studying the dynamics of the immunophenotype from leukapheresis to final product. Here, we studied the impact of the manufacturing process on CAR-T cells to define optimal cell culture protocol and expansion time to increase product fitness. Two different versions of CARTemis-1 with different spacers were compared. The longer version showed increased cytotoxicity. The incorporation of the safety-gene EGFRt into the CARTemis-1 structure can be used as a monitoring marker. CARTemis-1 showed no inhibition by soluble BCMA and presents potent antitumor effects both in vitro and in vivo. Expansion with IL-2 or IL-7/IL-15 was compared, revealing greater proliferation, less differentiation, and less exhaustion with IL-7/IL-15. Three consecutive batches of CARTemis-1 were produced under GMP guidelines meeting all the required specifications. CARTemis-1 cells manufactured under GMP conditions showed increased memory subpopulations, reduced exhaustion markers and selective antitumor efficacy against MM cell lines and primary myeloma cells. The optimal release time points for obtaining the best fit product were > 6 and < 10 days (days 8-10). CARTemis-1 has been rationally designed to increase antitumor efficacy, overcome sBCMA inhibition, and incorporate the expression of a safety-gene. The generation of CARTemis-1 was successfully validated under GMP standards. A phase I/II clinical trial for patients with multiple myeloma will be conducted (EuCT number 2022-503063-15-00).

Optimal investment of distribution energy resources via energy performance contracts: An evolutionary game approach

Investment in distributed energy resources (DERs) is crucial for the expansion of distribution networks. However, traditional methods often lack comprehensive project management throughout their entire lifecycle and precise matching between distribution network operator (DNO) and energy consumer (EC) at the investment level. To address these issues, this paper proposes a novel investment model based on energy performance contracts (EPCs). Three EPC mechanisms are introduced: energy shared savings model (ESSM), energy guaranteed saving model (EGSM), and energy cost trust model (ECTM). Additionally, DERs investment strategies under EPC mechanisms are proposed to satisfy full-process management of project and precise matching between EC and DNO. The investment and operation problem is solved by an evolutionary game theory that ensures bounded rational agent to achieve satisfactory expected returns through repeated dynamic games. Results from the case study of an actual urban 37-bus system demonstrate that different EPC mechanisms are suitable for various scenarios depending on the EC's profit demand and project scale. The proposed model provides a comprehensive framework for DERs investment, considering the interests of both DNO and EC, and promotes the optimal expansion of distribution networks in a more practical and effective manner.

A Vehicle-to-Grid planning framework incorporating electric vehicle user equilibrium and distribution network flexibility enhancement

The rapid surge in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, coupled with advancements in charging technologies, emphasizes the critical necessity for expanding EV recharging infrastructure. Simultaneously, the Distribution Network (DN) encounters escalating challenges in meeting charging demand during peak traffic periods. Consequently, there is a mounting demand for the deployment of innovative Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technologies to augment the DN’s flexibility in power dispatch and alleviate travel costs for EV users. Hence, this paper proposes an EV-user-equilibrium-(UE)-constrained V2G planning framework that enhances flexibility in the DN. The framework aims to ascertain the optimal placement and capacity of EV charging stations (EVCSs) and V2G charging piles within the Transportation Network (TN). It takes into account the equilibrium condition stemming from competitive EV charging and routing behaviors alongside the optimal expansion of DN energy resources to accommodate the electricity supplied by the V2G piles. This study commences by analyzing EV drivers’ travel decisions, considering the influence of charging and V2G pile locations and sizes. Subsequently, we tackle the Traffic Assignment Problem with User Equilibrium (TAP-UE) model to characterize the steady-state traffic flow distribution of EVs. Following this, we formulate the optimization model for the Coordinated Power and Transportation Network (CPTN), which encompasses the optimal expansion of DN facilities and traffic flow regulation under UE conditions. To mitigate the computational complexity associated with the V2G planning model, we introduce a series of linearization methods to obtain a manageable Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) solution. Finally, to validate the efficacy of our proposed planning framework, we apply it to two test systems, including a real-world case study. Through these case studies, we explore the necessity and potential benefits of V2G technologies.

Perception-Driven Soft-Edge Occlusion for Optical See-Through Head-Mounted Displays.

Systems with occlusion capabilities, such as those used in vision augmentation, image processing, and optical see-through head-mounted display (OST-HMD), have gained popularity. Achieving precise (hard-edge) occlusion in these systems is challenging, often requiring complex optical designs and bulky volumes. On the other hand, utilizing a single transparent liquid crystal display (LCD) is a simple approach to create occlusion masks. However, the generated mask will appear defocused (soft-edge) resulting in insufficient blocking or occlusion leakage. In our work, we delve into the perception of soft-edge occlusion by the human visual system and present a preference-based optimal expansion method that minimizes perceived occlusion leakage. In a user study involving 20 participants, we made a noteworthy observation that the human eye perceives a sharper edge blur of the occlusion mask when individuals see through it and gaze at a far distance, in contrast to the camera system's observation. Moreover, our study revealed significant individual differences in the perception of soft-edge masks in human vision when focusing. These differences may lead to varying degrees of demand for mask size among individuals. Our evaluation demonstrates that our method successfully accounts for individual differences and achieves optimal masking effects at arbitrary distances and pupil sizes.

Integrating vision and lidar based hyperlocal metadata for optimal capacity expansion planning in hillside road networks

The rapidly expanding population and scarcity of affordable housing in many urban areas, such as Los Angeles, have resulted in large inventories of structures in hilly landscapes. Such urbanization has also rendered road capacities inadequate in many instances, with hazards such as floods, fires, and earthquakes posing additional risks to such inventory. Planning construction activities such as widening, structural, and geotechnical retrofits to increase capacity and resiliency by cutting through slopes and incorporating landslide protection measures requires hyperlocal information for road segments in hillside areas. Performing traditional surveys for large areas of such road networks can be both time-consuming and cost prohibitive. At the same time, data acquired from satellites may not provide the required spatial resolution for planning, especially regarding road-adjacent features such as slopes. This paper proposes a novel framework to fuse hyperlocal data regarding road and adjacent slopes gathered from the street-level mobile mapper equipped with cameras and lidar into the network design problem (NDP) to develop an optimal road width expansion plan. The hyperlocal features are derived from a colorized point cloud map and deep learning techniques to estimate the relevant features in hillside landscapes. Specifically, a deep learning-based segmentation and detection algorithms combined with novel point cloud processing techniques are used to obtain a spatially dense profile of the road and the adjacent slope. By leveraging such hyperlocal information, we explore all the potential road capacity and improvement options for road capacity expansion. Furthermore, we demonstrate the advantages of our proposed method over conventional techniques, particularly working with budget constraints. In terms of novel contributions, incorporating hyperlocal information into NDP for hillside road capacity expansion is novel, as well as algorithms to automatically detect and characterize relevant roadside features from remotely sensed lidar point clouds.

Multi-period optimal capacity expansion planning scheme of regional integrated energy systems considering multi-time scale uncertainty and generation low-carbon retrofit

With increasingly challenging climate crisis, carbon neutrality has become a necessary path for the whole world. However, there still lacks a comprehensive investigation on the optimal capacity expansion planning for a low-carbon transformation while considering multiple uncertainties. In this paper, a multi-period optimal capacity expansion planning scheme for regional integrated energy systems considering multi-time scale uncertainties and generation low-carbon retrofit is proposed. First, to better describe the short-time scale uncertainty caused by renewable energy and load fluctuations, a multi-dimensional tempo-spatial correlated scenario generation method is proposed to more accurately capture stochastic features with the least amounts of representative scenarios. Second, a multi-period optimal planning model considering generation low-carbon retrofit and short-/long-time scale uncertainties is developed. The proposed model combines information gap decision theory and chance constraints to stress both uncertainties simultaneously, which is further linearized to facilitate the computation. Third, an improved bilinear Benders decomposition (IBBD) method is utilized to efficiently solve the proposed large-scale optimal planning problem. Finally, numerical experiments of a real world test system of WF city show: 1) the maximum errors of PDF and CDF between generated scenarios and historical data are 0.108 and 0.016, validating the effectiveness of the proposed scenario generation method; 2) the low-carbon retrofit reduces system carbon emissions by 14.12 × 107 kg, while the total system cost is $956,411,387 with additional energy coupling units and renewables installed, indicating the reliability of the multi-period planning model; 3) the IBBD algorithm demonstrates applicability and efficiency in solving the proposed multi-period optimal expansion planning problem, reducing computation time by over 80.39 % compared to commercial solvers, such as GUROBI.

A novel squirrel-cat optimization based optimal expansion planning for distribution system

AimIn recent years, renewable distributed generation (DG) has grown to deliver sustainable electricity with minimal environmental impact. However, renewable DG poses new provocation in the distribution system expansion planning problem (DSEP). To address those problems, this paper suggests a new mathematical model for distribution system expansion plans using a novel hybrid optimization strategy. MethodThe optimal expansion plan for the distribution system is achieved using the hybrid optimization model, named Squirrel Search Insisted Cat Swarm Optimization (SSI-CS) algorithm. The proposed hybrid optimization algorithm is developed with the incorporation of the characteristics features of Squirrel search optimization (SSA) algorithm and Cat Swarm Optimization (CSO) Algorithm to optimize the solar capacity, wind capacity and biomass capacity. This combination aims to strike a balance between global and local optimization, ultimately leading to better cost-effective results. The Distribution systems variables like DG type, size/capacity, location, real power, reactive power, and the solar and wind capacity during load demand uncertainty act as the input to the proposed hybrid optimization algorithm. The main objective of attaining minimal cost for the expansion plan of the distribution system is checked, and the cycle is repeated until obtaining the optimal solution (minimum cost). ResultThe experimental analysis using an IEEE-33 bus system with 5 system states is executed in MATLAB/Simulink. The suggested SSI-CS model attained a minimal operational cost of 7433.4 which better than GWO, SSA and CSO. ConclusionHence, the proposed SSI-CS shows promise as an efficient and effective approach for distribution system expansion planning.

Expansion and characterization of immune suppressive CD56(bright)Perforin(-) regulatory-like natural killer cells in chronic graft-versus-host disease

Background: Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT). Previously, in large patient cohorts, we identified increased numbers of CD56brightPerforin− regulatory-like NK cells (NKreg-like) associated with cGvHD suppression. Thus, we hypothesized that NKreg-like cells may be a potential candidate for cGvHD cell therapy. Aim: To expand NKreg-like cells while maintaining regulatory phenotype and function. Methods: Total NK cells were first expanded with IL-2, which was then combined with rapamycin, Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGF-β1), NECA (Adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) agonist), metformin, or dexamethasone, to prevent change in cell phenotype/function. The functional characteristics were evaluated via T cell suppression assays and the phenotype was measured using flow cytometry. The optimal expansion protocol was compared in terms of function and metabolism for three NK expansion media, and cells from cord vs. peripheral blood. Further, expanded NKreg-like cell gene expression was characterized using bulk RNA sequencing. Finally, NKreg-like cells were differentiated from CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and compared in terms of proliferation and function. Results: The expansion of total NK cells found the addition of TGF-β1 and/or NECA with the pulsing of rapamycin in IL-2 containing media to prevent NKreg-like differentiation (up to 200-fold expansion). Expanded NKreg-like cells maintained a phenotype, transcriptome, and T cell suppression similar to freshly isolated NKreg-like cells. NKreg-like expansion was greatest in the Immunocult media (up to 300-fold), and NKreg-like cells from peripheral blood demonstrated significantly greater proliferation than cells isolated from cord blood (65-fold). The metabolic profile of NKreg-like and cytolytic NK cells appeared similar at baseline, though rapamycin induced a shift to oxidative over glycolytic metabolism. Further, we demonstrated that suppressive NKreg-like cells may alternatively be expanded from CD34+ cells isolated from cord blood, reaching an average 340-fold expansion. Conclusions: In conclusion, our studies have optimized two alternative expansion approaches for deriving functional NKreg-like cells. Additionally, evaluating the transcriptomic and metabolic characteristics provides useful information regarding NKreg-like cell function and differentiation. With further optimization and in vivo validation, we may work towards preparing these cells as a therapy for cGvHD.

Evaluation of Adjoint-Optimized Holes—Part I Baseline Performance

Abstract With the advent of the use of additive manufacturing to build gas turbine components, the design space for new hole geometries is essentially unlimited. Recently, a computational adjoint-based optimization method was used to design shaped film cooling holes fed by internal co-flow and cross-flow channels. The associated Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes computations predicted that the holes optimized for use with cross-flow (X-AOpt) and co-flow (Co-AOpt) would significantly increase adiabatic effectiveness. However, only the X-AOpt hole was tested experimentally in this previous study. Though the experimentally measured performance for this hole was much less than computationally predicted, it still had a 75% improved performance compared to the conventional 7-7-7-shaped hole. In the current study, the X-AOpt and Co-AOpt-shaped holes were experimentally evaluated using measurements of adiabatic effectiveness and overall cooling effectiveness. Coolant was fed to the holes with an internal co-flow channel. For reference, experiments were also conducted with the baseline 7-7-7-shaped hole, and a 15-15-1-shaped hole (shown in a previous study to be the optimum expansion angles for a shaped hole). Furthermore, overall cooling effectiveness measurements were made with engine-scale models to evaluate the performance of additively manufactured (AM) X-AOpt and Co-AOpt holes with a realistic metal build. Results from this study confirmed that the X-AOpt hole had a 75% increase in adiabatic effectiveness compared to the 7-7-7-shaped hole. However, the Co-AOpt hole had only a 30% increase in adiabatic effectiveness, substantially less than had been computationally predicted. Measurements of overall cooling effectiveness for the engine-scale models and the large-scale models followed similar trends.

Optimal control set expansion method for three‐phase voltage source converter with slip window selection and online parameter modification

AbstractFinite control set model predictive control (FCS‐MPC) has been widely used in the control of three‐phase voltage source converter (VSC), but its control performance declines sharply at low sampling frequencies. This paper proposes an optimal control set expansion method with slip window selection and online parameter modification to improve the performance and robustness of FCS‐MPC. First, the performance of different control set expansion methods is compared. Then, an optimal control set expansion method that carries 12 virtual vectors is proposed. Last, a slip window selection strategy and an online parameter modification algorithm are proposed to reduce the computational burden and improve the controller's robustness respectively. Experimental result show that the proposed method significantly improves the control accuracy and carries good robustness and anti‐disturbance ability. Compared with existing typical MPC strategies, the proposed method obtains better current quality with lower switching frequency and requires less calculation. Moreover, the design of the proposed method is simple and there is no weighting factor to be tuned, which increases the method's practicality.

Effect of wall length on an interacting supersonic rectangular jet

PurposeThis study aims to study the interaction effects between a rectangular supersonic jet with a flat wall computationally using wall length as a parameter. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of change in wall length on supersonic core length (SCL) reduction, jet deflection and jet decay behavior.Design/methodology/approachThe design Mach number and aspect ratio at the rectangular exit were 1.8 and 2, respectively. To study the wall length effects on jet-wall interactions, wall length (Lw) was varied as 0.5Dh, 1Dh, 2Dh, 4Dh and 8Dh, where Dh was the hydraulic diameter of the nozzle exit. The flat wall with the matching width of the rectangular exit section of a supersonic nozzle was placed at the nozzle exit such that the supersonic jet grazed past the wall. The studies were carried out at over-expansion [nozzle pressure ratio (NPR) = 4], near optimum expansion (NPR = 6) and under-expansion (NPR = 8) levels.FindingsResults indicated that significant reduction in wall-bounded SCL was noticed in the range of 0.5Dh ≤ Lw ≤ 1Dh for both over-expansion and under-expansion conditions. At Lw ≥ 4Dh, SCL got enhanced at NPR = 4 and 6 but had a negligible effect at NPR = 8.Practical implicationsThrust vector control, noise reduction and easy take-off for high-speed aircraft.Originality/valueThe effect of change in flat wall length on interaction characteristics of a rectangular supersonic jet was not studied before in terms of SCL reduction and jet decay behavior.

BA-Optimized Variable Domain Fuzzy PID Control Algorithm for Water and Fertilizer Ratio Control System in Cotton Field

Due to the time-varying, hysteresis and nonlinear characteristics of fertilizer concentration control in the water–fertilizer ratio control system, common control algorithms such as PID and fuzzy PID cannot obtain the expected control effect. In order to accurately control the cotton field water–fertilizer ratio regulation system drip irrigation process of the water–fertilizer ratio that will be controlled within a reasonable range, it is needed to design a bat-optimized variable-domain fuzzy PID water–fertilizer ratio control strategy, through the use of bat algorithm to find out the optimal expansion factor and the best domain of the current conditions, and then according to the changes in working conditions to automatically adjust the fuzzy control of the domain, through the control of the valve openings to change the fertilizer pump back to the amount of water. Realize the fast and precise control of fertilizer concentration in the water–fertilizer ratio control system. Comparative tests were conducted to verify the traditional PID, fuzzy PID, variable domain fuzzy PID and bat-optimized variable-domain fuzzy PID control algorithms. The results show that: if the water–fertilizer ratio is adjusted to 50:1 from the startup, the adjustment time required to reach the target water–fertilizer ratio under the bat-optimized variable-domain fuzzy PID control is 15.29 s, and the maximum overshooting amount is 16.28%, which is a smaller adjustment time and overshooting amount; if the water–fertilizer ratio is adjusted to 40:1 from 50:1, the advantages of bat-optimized variable-domain fuzzy PID are more obvious, with the best balance of response speed, overshooting amount and optimal control effect. In terms of response speed, overshooting amount and regulation time, the optimal balance is achieved, showing the optimal control effect. It is proved that the performance of the water–fertilizer ratio regulation system in cotton field under bat-optimized variable-domain fuzzy PID control designed in this paper can meet the actual production requirements, and these findings can help to develop precise irrigation technology for cotton cultivation under drip irrigation conditions.

Evolution of current-carrying string networks

Cosmic string networks are expected to form in early Universe phase transitions via the Kibble mechanism and are unavoidable in several Beyond the Standard Model theories. While most predictions of observational signals of string networks assume featureless Abelian-Higgs or Nambu-Goto string networks, in many such extensions the networks can carry additional degrees of freedom, including charges and currents; these are often generically known as superconducting strings. All such degrees of freedom can impact the evolution of the networks and therefore their observational signatures. We report on the results of 20483 field theory simulations of the evolution of a current-carrying network of strings, highlighting the different scaling behaviours of the network in the radiation and matter eras. We also report the first numerical measurements of the coherence length scales for the charge and current and of the condensate equation of state, and show that the latter mainly depends on the expansion rate, with chirality occurring for the matter era. Qualitatively, the fact that the matter era is the optimal expansion rate for these networks to reach scaling is in agreement with recent analytic modelling.

Tumor reactive T cells from the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with leptomeningeal disease from melanoma.

2027 Background: Leptomeningeal disease (LMD) is a devastating complication from cancer, with a median survival of 6-8 weeks. The incidence of LMD is highest in melanoma (5-25%) carrying the worst prognosis. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) showed complete and durable responses in patients with advanced metastatic melanoma. CSF-derived T cell populations in LMD shift to more exhausted phenotypes compared to extracranial and brain metastases. Ex vivo large T cell expansion can overcome this shortfall, with adoptive T cell transfer representing a novel therapeutic approach to treat melanoma LMD (M-LMD). The goal of this study is to optimize rapid CSF-derived tumor reactive T cell expansion in M-LMD, and evaluate the immune microenvironment in CSF compared to peripheral immunity and anti-tumoral response. Methods: CSF was collected from M-LMD patients (n=6) via lumbar puncture or Ommaya. Cells were plated following established TIL culture protocols to determine optimal expansion conditions i.e.: 1) 6000 IU/mL IL-2, 2) IL-2+OKT3, 3) IL-2+anti-4-1BB agonistic antibody, 4) IL-2+IL-7+IL-15+IL-21, 5) IL-2+anti-CD3/CD28 human dynabeads, &amp; 6) IL-2+anti-CD3/CD28/CD137 human dynabeads. After 4 weeks, T cells were propagated via rapid expansion protocol (REP) and phenotyped for CD4+ and CD8+ T cells with flow cytometry. T cells were co-cultured for 18-24 hours with HLA-matched melanoma cell lines to assess functionality, and IFN-y levels evaluated in supernatant. Ongoing studies are evaluating other biomarkers i.e., chemokines via Luminex. To examine the expanded TCR clonotypes, TCR beta seq was done in CSF-derived T cells at different times point of expansion and peripheral T cells. Results: Collected CSF yielded an average 8.12e4 viable cells for expansion (range 5e2-2.43e6). After initial culture in IL-2, 61.9% of samples showed increased cell yield with an average 101.68-fold expansion (range 2.35-1054). PreREP T cells were predominantly CD4+ (45.7%). REP was completed with a 100% success rate (mean 187.47-fold expansion). Post-REP flow cytometry analysis revealed similar results with further expansion of T cells. Additional culture supplements (Methods #2-6) produced similar expansion with a reduced T cell input requirement and demonstrated the potential to enrich for CD8+ T cells. M-LMD T cells were highly functional, producing substantial levels of IFN-y in response to HLA-matched melanoma cell lines. Anti-CD3/CD28 produced a larger expansion of T cells with higher levels of IFN-y. Preliminary TCR beta sequencing data revealed a distinct clonal distribution between peripheral and CSF-derived T cells. Conclusions: Therapies for LMD patients are desperately needed. Results demonstrate successful expansion of T cells ex vivo from CSF in M-LMD. Results raise potential to use autologous CSF-derived T cells as therapeutic strategy for patients with LMD.

Analysis of MRI features and associated factors of the pituitary neuroendocrine tumor streaky sign.

Observation of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors with streaky sign on MRI, analysis of their features on imaging and further investigation of the relationship between the direction of the streak sign and the direction of optimal tumor expansion. The MR images of 237 patients with pituitary neuroendocrine tumors were retrospectively analyzed. The streaky-like high signal with a substantial length of more than 10 mm and obvious enhancement on T1WI was defined as the streaky sign. Finally, 66 patients were included in the study, comprising 33 patients with streaky sign pituitary neuroendocrine tumors and 33 randomly selected patients with non-streaky sign pituitary neuroendocrine tumors. The general condition of these 66 patients, the imaging features of the tumor, and the measurement and analysis of the direction of the streaky sign in relation to the direction of optimal tumor extension were observed and analyzed. On MRI, 85 streaky signs were observed. The average deviation between the direction angle of all the streaky signs and the optimal extension direction angle of the tumor was approximately 11°. The longest streaky sign angle was positively correlated with the optimal extension angle of the tumor, with a correlation coefficient of 0.967. The presence of a streaky sign of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors may indicate a dilated sinus or a small blood vessel. Its direction is highly consistent with the optimal extension direction of the tumor, which has a certain supporting effect on the long-distance growth of the tumor.