Effects of leukapheresis protocol, cell processing and cryopreservation on the generation of monocyte-derived DC for immune therapy

Background Many clinical trials of DC-based immunotherapy involve administration of monocyte-derived DCs (Mo-DC) on multiple occasions. We aimed to determine the optimal cell processing procedures and timing (leukapheresis, RBC depletion and cryopreservation) for generation of Mo-DC for clinical purposes. Methods Leukapheresis was undertaken using a COBE Spectra. Two instrument settings were compared - the standard semi-automated software (Version 4.7) (n = 10) and the fully automated software (Version 6.0) (n = 40). Density gradient centrifugation using Ficoll, Percoll, a combination of these methods or neither for RBC depletion were compared. Outcomes (including cell yield and purity) were compared for cryopreserved unmanipulated monocytes and cryopreserved Mo-DC. Results Software Version 6.0 provided significantly better enrichment for monocytes (P

Towards rope shovel automation operation information system

The road to electric rope shovel automation is marked with technological innovations that include an increase in operational information available to mining operations. The CRCMining Shovel Operator Information System not only collects machine operational data but also provides the operator with knowledge-of-performance and influences his/her performance to achieve higher productivity with reduced machine duty. The operator’s behaviour is one of the most important aspects of the man-machine interaction to be considered before semi- or fully-automated shovel systems can be realised. This paper presents the results of the rope shovel studies conducted by CRCMining between 2002 and 2004, provides information on current research to improve shovel performance and briefly discusses the implications of human-system interactions on future designs of autonomous machines.