Ca50 estimation based on Neural Network and smooth variable structure filter

CA50 and IMEP (indicated mean effective pressure) are two critical parameters indicating the combustion process and work output. CA50 and IMEP are playing important roles in advanced combustion modeling and control for compression-ignition and spark-ignition engines. However, both CA50 and IMEP are calculated by using the in-cylinder pressure trace, the failure or aging/wearing of cylinder pressure sensors can significantly damage the accuracy of CA50 and IMEP. In this paper, the effects of different measurement error sources, especially the pressure offset and thermal shock, on CA50 and IMEP are analyzed. The results show that thermal shock reduces the IMEP calculation accuracy, while the CA50 is sensitive to all measurement errors. To improve the accuracy and reliability of CA50 calculation, a neural network was trained to capture the CA50 by utilizing other in-cylinder information, including the temperature, pressure, oxygen concentration, injection mass as well as injection time. By treating the CA50 as "dummy" state, smooth variable structure filter is used to integrate the CA50 calculated from in-cylinder pressure and the neural network. The experimental results validate the accuracy and robustness of the proposed method.

Treatment outcomes of IMEP as a front-line chemotherapy for patients with peripheral T-cell lymphomas

Background

This study aimed to assess the treatment outcomes of ifosphamide, mesna, etoposide, and prednisolone (IMEP) combination regimen as a front-line chemotherapy in patients with peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs).

Methods

Clinical data of 38 newly diagnosed PTCLs patients who underwent IMEP at Busan Paik Hospital from January 2002 to December 2013 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

The overall response rate was 68.5%, with 21 (55.3%) complete response/complete response unconfirmed and 6 (15.8%) partial response (PR). The median follow-up duration was 25.5 months (range, 0.2-87.3). The median overall survival was not reached and 2-year survival rate was 67%. The median progression free survival was 23 months. The most frequently reported adverse effects higher than grade 3 were hematologic toxicities including neutropenia (68.4%), thrombocytopenia (42.1%). There was no treatment-related mortality.

Conclusion

IMEP regimen is effective and safe as a front-line chemotherapy in patients with PTCLs.