bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Data-Driven Modeling-Free Differential-Inversion-Based Iterative Control: A Wafer Stage Example
Authors: Zhang Zezhou , Zou Qingze
Published: January 2021

In this paper, an optimal data-driven modeling-free differential-inversion-based iterative control (OMFDIIC) method is proposed for both high performance and robustness in the presence of random disturbances. Achieving high accuracy and fast convergence is challenging as the system dynamics behaviors vary due to the external uncertainties and the system bandwidth is limited. The aim of the proposed method is to compensate for the dynamics effect without modeling process and achieve both high accuracy and robust convergence, by extending the existed modeling-free differential-inversion-based iterative control (MFDIIC) method through a frequency- and iteration-dependent gain. The convergence of the OMFDIIC method is analyzed with random noise/disturbances considered. The developed method is applied to a wafer stage, and shows a significant improvement in the performance.
Ionic Polymer Metal Composite Sensors With Engineered Interfaces (eIPMCs): Compression Sensing Modeling and Experiments
Authors: Histed Rebecca , Ngo Justin , Hussain Omar A. , Lapins Chantel , Leang Kam K. , Liao Yiliang , Aureli Matteo
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we examine the development of tailored 3D-structured (engineered) polymer-metal interfaces to create enhanced ionic polymer-metal composite (eIPMC) sensors towards soft, self-powered, high sensitivity strain sensor applications. First, a physics-based chemoelectromechanical model is developed to predict the sensor behavior of eIPMCs by incorporating structure microfeature effects in the mechanical response of the material. The model incorporates electrode surface properties, such as microscale feature thickness, size and spacing, to help define the mechanical response and transport characteristics of the polymer-electrode interface. Second, two novel approaches are described to create functional samples of eIPMC sensors using fused deposition manufacturing and inkjet printing technologies. Sample eIPMC sensors are fabricated for experimental characterization. Finally, experimental results are provided to show superior performance in the sensing capabilities compared to traditional sensors fabricated from sheet-form material. The results also validate important predictive aspects of the proposed minimal model.
Trajectory Generation From Paths for Autonomous Ground Vehicles
Authors: Lin Letian , Zhu J. Jim
Published: January 2021

Path-to-trajectory conversion problem for car-like autonomous ground vehicles has been studied in various ways. It is challenging to generate a trajectory which is dynamically feasible for the vehicle and comfortable for the passengers. An important practical concern of low computational costs makes the problem even more difficult. In this work, a path-to-trajectory converter is developed using a novel receding-horizon type suboptimal algorithm. By transforming the dynamic constraints to a longitudinal velocity limit function in the velocity-acceleration phase plane, a time-sub-optimal trajectory satisfying the dynamic constraints and the initial boundary condition is generated by computing the maximum constant acceleration in the down-range horizon. The portion of the trajectory approaching the end of the path is generated in reverse time. As illustrated by some simulation results and validation on a full-scale Kia Soul EV, the proposed path-to-trajectory conversion algorithm is able to account for dynamic constraints of the vehicle and guarantees passenger comfort.
Roll Maneuverability of Flapping Flight Winged Systems
Authors: Vejdani Hamid
Published: January 2021

The goal of this paper is to study the effect of wing flapping kinematics on roll maneuverability of flapping flight systems. Inspired from birds maneuvering action, we study the effect of asymmetric flapping angular velocities of the wings on generating roll motions on the body. To expand the generality of the results, the equations of motion are written dimensionless. The effect of aerodynamic parameter, forward velocity and wing inertia are presented. The results show that applying asymmetric velocities during flight is useful for relatively larger wings.
Motorized and Functional Electrical Stimulation Induced Cycling via Switched Adaptive Concurrent Learning Control
Authors: Casas Jonathan , Chang Chen-Hao , Duenas Victor H.
Published: January 2021

Cycling induced by functional electrical stimulation (FES) with motorized assistance is a rehabilitative approach for individuals with movement impairments. In this paper, an adaptive controller is designed for cadence tracking by switching across multiple muscle groups and an electric motor. The control design and analysis are based on a recently developed adaptive method called integral concurrent learning and an invariance-like tool to ensure stability of switched adaptive systems. A Lyapunov-based stability analysis for the overall switched rider-cycle system is segregated into two phases. During the first phase when sufficient learning has not been attained, which is quantified by a finite excitation condition, global asymptotic tracking and bounded parameter estimation are guaranteed. In the second phase, global exponential tracking and parameter convergence is ensured after the finite excitation condition is satisfied for all the subsystems within a finite time.
Stability and Control of Chaplygin Beanies Coupled to a Platform Through Nonholonomic Constraints
Authors: Buchanan Blake , Travers Matthew , Choset Howie , Kelly Scott
Published: January 2021

Many multi-agent systems in nature are comprised of agents that interact with, and respond to, the dynamics of their environment. In this paper, we approach the study of such agent environment interactions through the study of passively compliant vehicles coupled to their environment via simple nonholonomic constraints. We first consider a single passively compliant Chaplygin beanie atop a platform having translational compliance, introduce the reduced equations for the system using the notion of nonholonomic momentum, and provide proof for its stability under arbitrary deformations of the elastic element modeling its compliance. We then direct our focus to results concerning the frequency response and control of passive Chaplygin beanies under actuation of the platform, discuss rich dynamical features arising from periodic actuation, and develop rules by which control can be exerted to collect and disperse multiple passive vehicles. We then discuss how the latter of these results clarifies the extent to which stable behavior can be excited in the system through exogenous control.
Effect of Short-Term Weather Predictions on Model Predictive Trajectory Tracking Performance of Unmanned Surface Vessels
Authors: Armentor Benjamin , Stevens Joseph , Madsen Nathan , Durand Andrew , Vaughan Joshua
Published: January 2021

For mobile robots, such as Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs), limiting error from a target trajectory is necessary for effective and safe operation. This can be difficult when subjected to environmental disturbances like wind, waves, and currents. This work compares the tracking performance of an ASV using a Model Predictive Controller that includes a model of these disturbances. Two disturbance models are compared. One prediction model assumes the current disturbance measurements are constant over the entire prediction horizon. The other uses a statistical model of the disturbances over the prediction horizon. The Model Predictive Controller performance is also compared to a PI-controlled system under the same disturbance conditions. Including a disturbance model in the prediction of the dynamics decreases the trajectory tracking error over the entire disturbance spectrum, especially for longer horizon lengths.
Interaction-Aware Behavior Planning for Autonomous Vehicles Validated With Real Traffic Data
Authors: Li Jinning , Sun Liting , Zhan Wei , Tomizuka Masayoshi
Published: January 2021

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) need to interact with other traffic participants who can be either cooperative or aggressive, attentive or inattentive. Such different characteristics can lead to quite different interactive behaviors. Hence, to achieve safe and efficient autonomous driving, AVs need to be aware of such uncertainties when they plan their own behaviors. In this paper, we formulate such a behavior planning problem as a partially observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP) where the cooperativeness of other traffic participants is treated as an unobservable state. Under different cooperativeness levels, we learn the human behavior models from real traffic data via the principle of maximum likelihood. Based on that, the POMDP problem is solved by Monte-Carlo Tree Search. We verify the proposed algorithm in both simulations and real traffic data on a lane change scenario, and the results show that the proposed algorithm can successfully finish the lane changes without collisions.
Hooked on mushrooms: Preparation and mechanics of a bioinspired soft probabilistic fastener
Authors: Sharma Preeti , Saggiomo Vittorio , van der Doef Vincent , Kamperman Marleen , A. Dijksman Joshua
Published: January 2021

Probabilistic fasteners are known to provide strong attachment onto their respective surfaces. Examples are Velcro® and the “3M dual lock” system. However, these systems typically only function using specific counter surfaces and are often destructive to other surfaces such as fabrics. Moreover, the design parameters to optimize their functionality are not obvious. Here, we present a surface patterned with soft micrometric features inspired by the mushroom shape showing a nondestructive mechanical interlocking and thus attachment to fabrics. We provide a scalable experimental approach to prepare these surfaces and quantify the attachment strength with rheometric and video-based analysis. In these “probabilistic fasteners,” we find that higher feature densities result in higher attachment force; however, the individual feature strength is higher on a low feature density surface. We interpret our results via a load-sharing principle common in fiber bundle models. Our work provides new handles for tuning the mechanical attachment properties of soft patterned surfaces that can be used in various applications including soft robotics.
Genomic Sequences and Analysis of Five SARS-CoV-2 Variants Obtained from Patients in Lambayeque, Peru
Authors: Aguilar-Gamboa Franklin Rómulo , Salcedo-Mejía Luis Alberto , Serquén-López Luis Miguel , Mechan-Llontop Marco Enrique , Tullume-Vergara Percy Omar , Bonifacio-Briceño Juan José , Salas-Asencios Ramsés , Silva Díaz Heber , Cárdenas Juan P.
Published: January 2021

Here, we report the genomic sequences of five severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) strains obtained from nasopharyngeal samples from five tested COVID-19-infected patients from the Lambayeque region in Peru during early April 2020.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Adaptations in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms following Long-Term Exposure to an Alginate Oligomer Therapy
Authors: Oakley Juliette L. , Weiser Rebecca , Powell Lydia C. , Forton Julian , Mahenthiralingam Eshwar , Rye Philip D. , Hill Katja E. , Thomas David W. , Pritchard Manon F.
Published: January 2021

The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens within biofilms in the cystic fibrosis lung results in increased morbidity. An inhalation therapy derived from alginate, OligoG CF-5/20, is currently in clinical trials for cystic fibrosis patients.
Supplemental Material: The Permian Monos Formation: Stratigraphic and detrital zircon evidence for Permian Cordilleran arc development along the southwestern margin of Laurentia (northwestern Sonora, Mexico)
Authors: Dobbs S.C. , al. et
Published: January 2021

Detailed facies and petrographic information and U-Pb detrital zircon data from the Monos Formation.
Mycoplasma hominisseptic arthritis in a patient with hypogammaglobinaemia and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Bozo Naila , Ravn Christen , Justesen Ulrik Stenz , Dahlerup Rasmussen Line
Published: January 2021

We describe the case ofMycoplasma hominisseptic arthritis in a 58-year-old woman with a history of rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis on immunosuppressive therapy with rituximab. Treatment with anti-CD20 antibodies (eg, rituximab) leads to an immediate depletion of B cells and hence risk of reductions in immunoglobulins and increased risk of infections. This effect may last long after drug cessation.M. hominisis commensal to the genitourinary tract in sexually active adults. ExtragenitalM. hominisinfections including septic arthritis are rare, but hypogammaglobulinaemia is a predisposing factor. AsM. hominisrequires extended culture, special media or PCR analysis, it is not tested routinely, which in many cases delays diagnosis and correct treatment. In our case, a diagnosis ofM. hominisseptic arthritis was made after 9 weeks by PCR analysis and culture of joint fluid. The patient responded well to an 8-week treatment course of moxifloxacin and doxycycline.
Placoid lesions of the retina: progress in multimodal imaging and clinical perspective
Authors: Marchese Alessandro , Agarwal Aniruddha Kishandutt , Erba Stefano , Scialdone Antonio , Miserocchi Elisabetta , Bandello Francesco , Introini Ugo , Jampol Lee M , Casalino Giuseppe
Published: January 2021

Placoid lesions of the retina may be secondary to a wide spectrum of acquired inflammatory conditions that have been reported as single entities with different presentation and clinical course. These conditions include acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy, persistent placoid maculopathy, serpiginous choroiditis, serpiginous-like choroiditis, relentless placoid chorioretinitis and acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis. In this article, we will group these conditions under the name of ‘placoids’. The recognition of the specific condition may be challenging in clinical practice, often resulting in diagnostic and therapeutic delay. Given the complex nature of placoids and their similarities, a systematic approach including differentiating between infectious and non-infectious aetiologies increases the chance of reaching the correct diagnosis. Detailed history and comprehensive clinical examination are the first steps to formulate a diagnostic hypothesis that should be corroborated by multimodal imaging and appropriate investigations. The advent of multimodal imaging has made it possible to extensively study placoids and revealed a constellation of specific findings that may help clinicians in the diagnostic process. The treatment of the conditions other than syphilis is complex and sometimes challenging. Our article is aimed at giving an overview of the individual entities associated with placoids and discussing the differential diagnosis. A practical and systematic approach is then proposed.
Association between vaping and health outcomes in patients with opioid use disorder: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Sanger Nitika , D"Elia Alessia , Sanger Stephanie , Rosic Tea , Samaan M Constantine , Kapczinski Flávio , de Souza Russell J , Thabane Lehana , Samaan Zainab
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Vaping behaviour has increased in popularity and is particularly important to examine how it effects health outcomes in vulnerable populations, including those with opioid use disorder (OUD). With polysubstance use including cigarette and cannabis use being highly prevalent in the OUD population and cannabis/nicotine increasingly being consumed by vaping, vaping may have an important contribution to health outcomes in these individuals. The primary objective of this review is to systematically assess the literature related to patients with OUD and the effects vaping has shown on their physical and mental health.

Method and analysis

A systematic search of databases including MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Library, Cochrane Clinical Trials Registry, the National Institutes for Health Clinical Trials Registry and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform from inception to 31 December 2020 will be conducted. Identified citations will be screened by two reviewers to determine eligibility at the title and abstract level, and then at the full text and data extraction phases. Any disagreements in inclusion will be resolved through unblinded discussion by these reviewers, with any remaining disagreements being resolved by a third reviewer. Data collection from eligible studies will be conducted according to the data extraction form tested prior to abstraction. Included studies will be examined for quality and bias and will be meta-analysed where applicable. This protocol is reported in keeping with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines.

Ethics and dissemination

The results for this review will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals, posters and presentations at scientific conferences. Additionally, we are collaborating with the Canadian Addiction Treatment Centre clinics to help disseminate the findings for this review. As this is a systematic review, no ethics approval is needed.

Review registration number

CRD42020178441.
Early Chronic Kidney Disease Care Programme delays kidney function deterioration in patients with stage I–IIIa chronic kidney disease: an observational cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Niu Shu-Fen , Wu Chung-Kuan , Chuang Nai-Chen , Yang Ya-Bei , Chang Tzu-Hao
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To investigate the effect of the Early Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Care Programme on CKD progression in patients with CKD stage I–IIIa.

Design

Observational cohort study.

Setting

Taipei Medical University Research Database from three affiliated hospitals.

Participants

Adult non-pregnant patients with CKD stage I–IIIa from Taipei Medical University Research Database between 1 January 2012 and 31 August 2017 were recruited. These patients were divided into Early CKD Care Programme participants (case) and non-participants (control). The models were matched by age, sex, estimated glomerular filtration rate and CKD stage with 1:2 propensity score to reduce bias between two groups.

Outcome measures

The risks of CKD stage I–IIIa progression to IIIb between Early CKD Care Programme participants and non-participants.

Results

Compared with the control group, the case group demonstrated more comorbidities and higher proportions of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, gout, dyslipidaemia, heart disease and cerebrovascular disease, but had lower risk of progression to CKD stage IIIb before and (HR 0.72; 95% CI 0.61 to 0.85) and after (adjusted HR (aHR) 0.67; 95% CI 0.55 to 0.81) adjustments. Moreover, Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed the cumulative incidence of CKD stage IIIb was significantly lower in the case group than in the control group. Finally, the programme was an independent protective factor against progression to stage IIIb, especially in patients with CKD stage IIIa before (HR 0.72; 95% CI 0.61 to 0.85) and after (aHR 0.67; 95% CI 0.55 to 0.81) adjustments.

Conclusions

The Early CKD Care Programme is an independent protective factor against progression of early CKD.
Is an integrated model of school eye health delivery more cost-effective than a vertical model? An implementation research in Zanzibar
Authors: Chan Ving Fai , Omar Fatma , Yard Elodie , Mashayo Eden , Mulewa Damaris , Drake Lesley , Wepo Mary , Minto Hasan
Published: January 2021

Objective

To review and compare the cost-effectiveness of the integrated model (IM) and vertical model (VM) of school eye health programme in Zanzibar.

Methods and analysis

This 6-month implementation research was conducted in four districts in Zanzibar. Nine and ten schools were recruited into the IM and VM, respectively. In the VM, teachers conducted eye health screening and education only while these eye health components were added to the existing school feeding programme (IM). The number of children aged 6–13 years old screened and identified was collected monthly. A review of project account records was conducted with 19 key informants. The actual costs were calculated for each cost categories, and costs per child screened and cost per child identified were compared between the two models.

Results

Screening coverage was 96% and 90% in the IM and VM with 297 children (69.5%) from the IM and 130 children (30.5%) from VM failed eye health screening. The 6-month eye health screening cost for VM and IM was US$6 728 and US$7 355. The cost per child screened for IM and VM was US$1.23 and US$1.31, and the cost per child identified was US$24.76 and US$51.75, respectively.

Conclusion

Both models achieved high coverage of eye health screening with the IM being a more cost-effective school eye health delivery screening compared with VM with great opportunities for cost savings.
Do rugby league players under-report concussion symptoms? A cross-sectional study of elite teams based in Australia
Authors: Longworth Thomas , McDonald Andrew , Cunningham Corey , Khan Hussain , Fitzpatrick Jane
Published: January 2021

Objective

To determine the rate of under-reporting of concussion and its symptoms in elite rugby league players in Australia.

Methods

The study was conducted in the preseason of the 2020 National Rugby League (NRL) competition.

A total of 151 male, NRL club contracted rugby league players across three professional clubs participated.

The participants completed a voluntary, anonymous survey exploring player demographics, concussion data, under-reporting instances and reasons for under-reporting over the 2018 and 2019 rugby league seasons.

Results

17.2% of surveyed players reported sustaining a likely concussion over the past 2 years and not reporting to medical staff. 22% of NRL first grade players admitted to not reporting at least one concussion during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. The most common reasonnotto report was the player ‘not wanting to be ruled out of the game or training session’ (57.7%), followed by ‘not wanting to let down the coaches or teammates’ (23.1%). 85.4% of surveyed players reported having concussion education by their club in the previous two seasons.

Conclusions

17.2 % of elite rugby league players in Australia chose not to report likely concussive episodes and concussion-related symptoms during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Clinicians need to be aware of under-reporting in athletes when assessing players following head injuries. The findings highlight the need for development of validated, objective testing for concussion following sports-associated head injury.
Fried-food consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality: a meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Qin Pei , Zhang Ming , Han Minghui , Liu Dechen , Luo Xinping , Xu Lidan , Zeng Yunhong , Chen Qing , Wang Tieqiang , Chen Xiaoliang , Zhou Qionggui , Li Quanman , Qie Ranran , Wu Xiaoyan , Li Yang , Zhang Yanyan , Wu Yuying , Hu Dongsheng , Hu Fulan
Published: January 2021

Objective

We performed a meta-analysis, including dose–response analysis, to quantitatively determine the association of fried-food consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in the general adult population.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science for all articles before 11 April 2020. Random-effects models were used to estimate the summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs.

Results

In comparing the highest with lowest fried-food intake, summary RRs (95% CIs) were 1.28 (1.15 to 1.43; n=17, I2=82.0%) for major cardiovascular events (prospective: 1.24 (1.12 to 1.38), n=13, I2=75.7%; case–control: 1.91 (1.15 to 3.17), n=4, I2=92.1%); 1.22 (1.07 to 1.40; n=11, I2=77.9%) for coronary heart disease (prospective: 1.16 (1.05 to 1.29), n=8, I2=44.6%; case–control: 1.91 (1.05 to 3.47), n=3, I2=93.9%); 1.37 (0.97 to 1.94; n=4, I2=80.7%) for stroke (cohort: 1.21 (0.87 to 1.69), n=3, I2=77.3%; case–control: 2.01 (1.27 to 3.19), n=1); 1.37 (1.07 to 1.75; n=4, I2=80.0%) for heart failure; 1.02 (0.93 to 1.14; n=3, I2=27.3%) for cardiovascular mortality; and 1.03 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.12; n=6, I2=38.0%) for all-cause mortality. The association was linear for major cardiovascular events, coronary heart disease and heart failure.

Conclusions

Fried-food consumption may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and presents a linear dose–response relation. However, the high heterogeneity and potential recall and misclassification biases for fried-food consumption from the original studies should be considered.
Inability of granule polarization by NK cells defines tumor resistance and can be overcome by CAR or ADCC mediated targeting
Authors: Eitler Jiri , Wotschel Natalie , Miller Nicole , Boissel Laurent , Klingemann Hans G , Wels Winfried , Tonn Torsten
Published: January 2021

Background

On encountering a susceptible target, natural killer (NK) cells mediate cytotoxicity through highly regulated steps of directed degranulation. Cytotoxic granules converge at the microtubule organizing center and are polarized toward the immunological synapse (IS), followed by granule exocytosis. NK cell retargeting by chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) or mAbs represents a promising strategy for overcoming tumor cell resistance. However, little is known about the lytic granule dynamics of such retargeted NK cells toward NK-cell-resistant tumors.

Methods

Here, we used spinning disk confocal microscopy for live-cell imaging to analyze granule-mediated NK cell cytotoxicity in ErbB2-targeted CAR-expressing NK-92 cells (NK-92/5.28.z) and high-affinity FcR transgenic NK-92 cells plus Herceptin toward ErbB2-positive breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-453), which are resistant to parental NK-92.

Results

Unmodified NK-92 cells cocultured with resistant cancer cells showed stable conjugate formation and granule clustering, but failed to polarize granules to the IS. In contrast, retargeting by CAR or FcR+Herceptin toward the MDA-MB-453 cells enabled granule polarization to the IS, resulting in highly effective cytotoxicity. We found that in NK-92 the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway was activated after contact with resistant MDA-MB-453, while phospholipase C-γ (PLCγ) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) were not activated. In contrast, retargeting by CAR or antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) provided the missing PLCγ and MEK/ERK signals.

Conclusions

These observations suggest that NK cells can create conjugates with resistant cancer cells and respond by granule clustering, but the activation signals are insufficient to induce granule polarization and consequent release of lytic enzymes. Retargeting by CAR and/or the FcR/mAb (ADCC) axis provide the necessary signals, leading to granule polarization and thereby overcoming tumor cell resistance.

Keywords: NK cells, NK-92, haNK, ADCC, Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR), breast cancer, cancer immunotherapy, live-cell imaging, granule polarization
Clinical impact of COVID-19 on patients with cancer treated with immune checkpoint inhibition
Authors: Rogiers Aljosja , Pires da Silva Ines , Tentori Chiara , Tondini Carlo Alberto , Grimes Joseph M , Trager Megan H , Nahm Sharon , Zubiri Leyre , Manos Michael , Bowling Peter , Elkrief Arielle , Papneja Neha , Vitale Maria Grazia , Rose April A N , Borgers Jessica S W , Roy Severine , Mangana Joanna , Pimentel Muniz Thiago , Cooksley Tim , Lupu Jeremy , Vaisman Alon , Saibil Samuel D , Butler Marcus O , Menzies Alexander M , Carlino Matteo S , Erdmann Michael , Berking Carola , Zimmer Lisa , Schadendorf Dirk , Pala Laura , Queirolo Paola , Posch Christian , Hauschild Axel , Dummer Reinhard , Haanen John , Blank Christian U , Robert Caroline , Sullivan Ryan J , Ascierto Paolo Antonio , Miller Jr Wilson H , Stephen Hodi F , Suijkerbuijk Karijn P M , Reynolds Kerry L , Rahma Osama E , Lorigan Paul C , Carvajal Richard D , Lo Serigne , Mandala Mario , Long Georgina V
Published: January 2021

Background

Patients with cancer who are infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are more likely to develop severe illness and die compared with those without cancer. The impact of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) on the severity of COVID-19 illness is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether ICI confers an additional risk for severe COVID-19 in patients with cancer.

Methods

We analyzed data from 110 patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 while on treatment with ICI without chemotherapy in 19 hospitals in North America, Europe and Australia. The primary objective was to describe the clinical course and to identify factors associated with hospital and intensive care (ICU) admission and mortality.

Findings

Thirty-five (32%) patients were admitted to hospital and 18 (16%) died. All patients who died had advanced cancer, and only four were admitted to ICU. COVID-19 was the primary cause of death in 8 (7%) patients. Factors independently associated with an increased risk for hospital admission were ECOG ≥2 (OR 39.25, 95% CI 4.17 to 369.2, p=0.0013), treatment with combination ICI (OR 5.68, 95% CI 1.58 to 20.36, p=0.0273) and presence of COVID-19 symptoms (OR 5.30, 95% CI 1.57 to 17.89, p=0.0073). Seventy-six (73%) patients interrupted ICI due to SARS-CoV-2 infection, 43 (57%) of whom had resumed at data cut-off.

Interpretation

COVID-19–related mortality in the ICI-treated population does not appear to be higher than previously published mortality rates for patients with cancer. Inpatient mortality of patients with cancer treated with ICI was high in comparison with previously reported rates for hospitalized patients with cancer and was due to COVID-19 in almost half of the cases. We identified factors associated with adverse outcomes in ICI-treated patients with COVID-19.
Fracture-free probability and predictors of new symptomatic fractures in sandwich, ordinary-adjacent, and non-adjacent vertebrae: a vertebra-specific survival analysis
Authors: Liu Jin , Tang Jing , Gu Zuchao , Zhang Yu , Yu Shenghui , Liu Hao
Published: January 2021

Background

It is unclear whether the sandwich vertebra, is at higher risk of new symptomatic fractures (NSFs), and whether prophylactic augmentation might benefit patients with sandwich vertebrae.

Objective

To compare fracture-free probabilities of sandwich, ordinary-adjacent, and non-adjacent vertebrae, and identify predictors of NSFs.

Methods

Data were retrospectively analyzed for patients who had undergone vertebral augmentation resulting in sandwich vertebrae. NSF rates were determined and predictors were identified using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

The analysis included 1408 untreated vertebrae (147 sandwich, 307 ordinary-adjacent, 954 non-adjacent vertebrae) in 125 patients. NSFs involved 19 sandwich, 19 ordinary-adjacent, and 16 non-adjacent vertebrae. The NSF rate was significantly higher in the patients with sandwich vertebrae (27.2%) than among all patients (14.8%). At the vertebra-specific level, the NSFs rate was 12.9% for sandwich vertebrae, significantly higher than 6.2% for ordinary-adjacent and 1.7% for non-adjacent vertebrae. The corresponding fracture-free probabilities of sandwich, ordinary-adjacent, and non-adjacent vertebrae were 0.89, 0.95, and 0.99 at 1 year, and 0.85, 0.92, and 0.98 at 5 years (p<0.05). Cox modeling identified the following as predictors for occurrence of an NSF in a given vertebra: vertebra location, type of vertebrae, number of augmented vertebrae, and puncture method.

Conclusion

Sandwich vertebrae are at higher risk of NSFs than ordinary-adjacent and non-adjacent vertebrae, and several NSF risk factors were identified. Since 85% of sandwich vertebrae are fracture-free for 5 years and NSF risk increases with the number of augmented vertebrae, prophylactic augmentation of every sandwich vertebra may be unnecessary.
Inflammaging as a link between autoimmunity and cardiovascular disease: the case of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Santos-Moreno Pedro , Burgos-Angulo Gabriel , Martinez-Ceballos Maria Alejandra , Pizano Alejandro , Echeverri Dario , Bautista-Niño Paula K , Roks Anton J M , Rojas-Villarraga Adriana
Published: January 2021

Currently, traditional and non-traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease have been established. The first group includes age, which constitutes one of the most important factors in the development of chronic diseases. The second group includes inflammation, the pathophysiology of which contributes to an accelerated process of vascular remodelling and atherogenesis in autoimmune diseases. Indeed, the term inflammaging has been used to refer to the inflammatory origin of ageing, explicitly due to the chronic inflammatory process associated with age (in healthy individuals). Taking this into account, it can be inferred that people with autoimmune diseases are likely to have an early acceleration of vascular ageing (vascular stiffness) as evidenced in the alteration of non-invasive cardiovascular tests such as pulse wave velocity. Thus, an association is created between autoimmunity and high morbidity and mortality rates caused by cardiovascular disease in this population group. The beneficial impact of the treatments for rheumatoid arthritis at the cardiovascular level has been reported, opening new opportunities for pharmacotherapy.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on injury prevalence and pattern in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Region: a multicenter study by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, Washington, DC
Authors: Chodos Marc , Sarani Babak , Sparks Andrew , Bruns Brandon , Gupta Shailvi , Michetti Christopher P , Crane Joshua , Hall Erin , Trankiem Christine T , Abouassaly Chadi , Haut Elliott R , Etchill Eric , Kovler Mark L , Williams Mallory , Zeineddin Ahmad , Estroff Jordan
Published: January 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching effects on healthcare systems and society with resultant impact on trauma systems worldwide. This study evaluates the impact the pandemic has had in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Region as compared with similar months in 2019.

Design

A retrospective multicenter study of all adult trauma centers in the Washington, DC region was conducted using trauma registry data between January 1, 2019 and May 31, 2020. March 1, 2020 through May 31, 2020 was defined as COVID-19, and January 1, 2019 through February 28, 2020 was defined as pre-COVID-19. Variables examined include number of trauma contacts, trauma admissions, mechanism of injury, Injury Severity Score, trauma center location (urban vs. suburban), and patient demographics.

Results

There was a 22.4% decrease in the overall incidence of trauma during COVID-19 compared with a 3.4% increase in trauma during pre-COVID-19. Blunt mechanism of injury decreased significantly during COVID-19 (77.4% vs. 84.9%, p<0.001). There was no change in the specific mechanisms of fall from standing, blunt assault, and motor vehicle crash. The proportion of trauma evaluations for penetrating trauma increased significantly during COVID-19 (22.6% vs. 15.1%, p<0.001). Firearm-related and stabbing injury mechanisms both increased significantly during COVID-19 (11.8% vs. 6.8%, p<0.001; 9.2%, 6.9%, p=0.002, respectively).

Conclusions and relevance

The overall incidence of trauma has decreased since the arrival of COVID-19. However, there has been a significant rise in penetrating trauma. Preparation for future pandemic response should include planning for an increase in trauma center resource utilization from penetrating trauma.

Level of evidence

Epidemiological, level III.
Production performance and oxidative stability of milk enriched with n-3 fatty acids in Holstein cows fed flaxseed meal
Authors: Rico D.E. , Gervais R. , Schwebel L. , Lebeuf Y. , Chouinard P.Y.
Published: January 2021

Six Holstein cows were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin Square design to investigate the effect of flaxseed meal on production performance and oxidative stability of milk enriched with n-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed oil was abomasally infused to all cows at 243 g·d−1 which increased milk concentration of α-linolenic acid from 3.08 (pretrial) up to 53.0 mg·g−1 fat. On a dry matter basis, dietary treatments were canola meal (CM; 165 g·kg−1), flaxseed meal (FM; 165 g·kg−1), and CM (165 g·kg−1) + vitamin E (VE; 300 IU·kg−1). Pre-planned contrasts were CM vs. FM and VE vs. FM. No difference was observed on dry matter intake, milk production, and yield of milk protein, and lactose for any of the contrasts evaluated. However, fat yield tended to be lower with FM relative to CM but was not different from VE. Milk enterolactone concentration was 6.8-fold greater with FM than with CM, whereas milk tocopherol was increased by 3.4-fold with VE relative to FM. Increased concentrations of enterolactone or tocopherol were not efficient to significantly modify the time course of appearance of propanal, hexanal, hept-cis-4-enal, and 1-octen-3-one in milk during storage evaluated for 10 d at 4 °C.
Toward charged $$Z_{cs}(3985)$$ structure under a reflection mechanism
Authors: Wang Jun-Zhang , Zhou Qin-Song , Liu Xiang , Matsuki Takayuki
Published: January 2021

Very recently, the BESIII Collaboration reported a charged hidden-charm structure with strangeness in the recoil mass of $$K^+$$

K
+

of a process $$e^+e^-\rightarrow D_s^{*-}D^0K^+$$

e
+

e
-

→

D
s

∗
-

D
0

K
+

or $$D_s^{-}D^{*0}K^+$$

D
s
-

D

∗
0

K
+

, which is named as $$Z_{cs}(3985)^{-}$$

Z

cs

(
3985
)

-

. The newly observed charged structure can be treated as a partner structure with strangeness of well-known $$Z_{c}(3885)^{-}$$

Z
c

(
3885
)

-

reported in a process $$e^+e^-\rightarrow D^{*-}D^0\pi ^+$$

e
+

e
-

→

D

∗
-

D
0

π
+

. In this work, we propose a reflection picture to understand the nature of $$Z_{cs}(3985)$$

Z

cs

(
3985
)

. By performing a combined analysis for the line shape of the recoil mass distribution of $$K^+$$

K
+

at five energy points $$\sqrt{s}=4.628, 4.641, 4.661, 4.681, 4.698$$

s

=
4.628
,
4.641
,
4.661
,
4.681
,
4.698

GeV, we find that the $$Z_{cs}(3985)$$

Z

cs

(
3985
)

can be explained as a reflection structure of charmed-strange meson $$D_{s2}^{*}(2573)$$

D

s
2

∗

(
2573
)

, which is produced from the open-charm decay of Y(4660) with a $$D_s^*$$

D
s
∗

meson. Furthermore, we predicted the angular distribution of final state $$D_s^{*-}$$

D
s

∗
-

in process $$e^+e^-\rightarrow D_s^{*-}D^0K^+$$

e
+

e
-

→

D
s

∗
-

D
0

K
+

based on our proposed reaction mechanism, which may be an essential criterion to test the non-resonant nature of $$Z_{cs}(3985)$$

Z

cs

(
3985
)

further.
Classical capacities of memoryless but not identical quantum channels
Authors: Oskouei Samad Khabbazi , Mancini Stefano
Published: January 2021

We study quantum channels that vary on time in a deterministic way, that is, they change in an independent but not identical way from one to another use. We derive coding theorems for the entanglement-assisted and unassisted classical capacities. We then specialize the theory to lossy bosonic quantum channels and show the existence of contrasting examples where capacities can or cannot be drawn from the limiting behavior of the lossy parameter.
The solution-gel phase transition in aqueous solutions of agarose
Authors: Asadova A. H. , Masimov E. A.
Published: January 2021

Thermal hysteresis and stability of agarose–water gelling systems were studied by the spectrophotometer for different concentrations at different temperatures. Gelation temperature depends on the concentration of agarose. With the increase in the concentration of agarose gelation temperature, strength of agarose increases too. With the increase in the concentration of polymer solvent–gel phase transition, gel melting happens at higher temperatures. The price of enthalpy was determined (150.0127 KC/mol). In gelation process, the phase separation is completed and in this process, the value of this [Formula: see text] equally increases.
Sigma-Prikry forcing II: Iteration Scheme
Authors: Poveda Alejandro , Rinot Assaf , Sinapova Dima
Published: January 2021

In Part I of this series [A. Poveda, A. Rinot and D. Sinapova, Sigma-Prikry forcing I: The axioms, Canad. J. Math. 73(5) (2021) 1205–1238], we introduced a class of notions of forcing which we call [Formula: see text]-Prikry, and showed that many of the known Prikry-type notions of forcing that center around singular cardinals of countable cofinality are [Formula: see text]-Prikry. We showed that given a [Formula: see text]-Prikry poset [Formula: see text] and a [Formula: see text]-name for a non-reflecting stationary set [Formula: see text], there exists a corresponding [Formula: see text]-Prikry poset that projects to [Formula: see text] and kills the stationarity of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we develop a general scheme for iterating [Formula: see text]-Prikry posets and, as an application, we blow up the power of a countable limit of Laver-indestructible supercompact cardinals, and then iteratively kill all non-reflecting stationary subsets of its successor. This yields a model in which the singular cardinal hypothesis fails and simultaneous reflection of finite families of stationary sets holds.
Direct Seamless Parametrization
Authors: Levi Zohar
Published: January 2021

We present a method for seamless surface parametrization. Recent popular methods first generate a cross-field, where curvature is concentrated at singular vertices. Next, in a separate step, the surface is laid out in the domain subject to derived seamlessness constraints. This decoupling of the process into two independent problems, each with its own objective, leads to suboptimal results. In contrast, our method solves both problems together using domain variables.

The key ingredient to the robustness of our method is a rounding strategy based on local estimation. The insight is that testing a small patch to decide between two likely possibilities is a good estimator.

Most distortion measures can be used with our method, which get minimized consistently throughout the pipeline. Our method also enables feature alignment, as well as alignment to principle curvatures, and isotropic and anisotropic scaling.
Neural Light Transport for Relighting and View Synthesis
Authors: Zhang Xiuming , Fanello Sean , Tsai Yun-Ta , Sun Tiancheng , Xue Tianfan , Pandey Rohit , Orts-Escolano Sergio , Davidson Philip , Rhemann Christoph , Debevec Paul , Barron Jonathan T. , Ramamoorthi Ravi , Freeman William T.
Published: January 2021

The light transport (LT) of a scene describes how it appears under different lighting conditions from different viewing directions, and complete knowledge of a scene’s LT enables the synthesis of novel views under arbitrary lighting. In this article, we focus on image-based LT acquisition, primarily for human bodies within a light stage setup. We propose a semi-parametric approach for learning a neural representation of the LT that is embedded in a texture atlas of known but possibly rough geometry. We model all non-diffuse and global LT as residuals added to a physically based diffuse base rendering. In particular, we show how to fuse previously seen observations of illuminants and views to synthesize a new image of the same scene under a desired lighting condition from a chosen viewpoint. This strategy allows the network to learn complex material effects (such as subsurface scattering) and global illumination (such as diffuse interreflection), while guaranteeing the physical correctness of the diffuse LT (such as hard shadows). With this learned LT, one can relight the scene photorealistically with a directional light or an HDRI map, synthesize novel views with view-dependent effects, or do both simultaneously, all in a unified framework using a set of sparse observations. Qualitative and quantitative experiments demonstrate that our Neural Light Transport (NLT) outperforms state-of-the-art solutions for relighting and view synthesis, without requiring separate treatments for both problems that prior work requires. The code and data are available at http://nlt.csail.mit.edu.
Effectiveness of Price Limit on Stock Market Network: A Time‐Migrated DCCA Approach
Authors: He Hongzeng , Dai Shufen
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we investigated the effectiveness of price limit on stock market with the correlation study and complex network technology. We proposed a time‐migrated DCCA cross‐correlation coefficient which is beneficial to detect the asynchronous correlations of nonstationary time series. The stock market network is constructed with the threshold method based on time‐migrated DCCA. The effectiveness of the price limit during the stock market crash period is studied based on the time‐migrated DCCA stock market network. The results indicate that the time‐migrated DCCA ensures more relevant results than the equal‐time DCCA method. An interesting finding is that the price limit has different effects on the stock market network at different stages of dynamic evolution. Market stabilization will be lowered and the systemic risk will be increased if the price limit is enhanced. Such studies are relevant for a better understanding of the stock market and have a significant contribution to the stock market in reality.
Antitumor Effects of Paeoniflorin on Hippo Signaling Pathway in Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Niu Kai , Liu Yanling , Zhou Zijun , Wu Xuefeng , Wang Huaiwu , Yan Jingzhe
Published: January 2021

Background. Paeoniflorin has been reported to exert antitumor effects on human cancers. However, the role of paeoniflorin in gastric cancer and the underlying molecular mechanism are unelucidated. Therefore, we determined whether paeoniflorin could exhibit anticancer activity in gastric cancer cells. Methods. MTT was used to measure the viability of cells after paeoniflorin treatment. FACS was performed to examine cell apoptosis. Wound healing and transwell invasion assays were conducted to examine cell migratory and invasive activities. Western blotting was used to explore the mechanism by which paeoniflorin exerted tumor suppressive effects. Results. We found that paeoniflorin suppressed cell growth, enhanced apoptosis, and reduced cell invasion. Notably, we showed that paeoniflorin inhibited the expression of TAZ in gastric cancer cells. The overexpression of TAZ abrogated the antitumor activity of paeoniflorin in gastric cancer cells. In contrast, the downregulation of TAZ promoted the tumor suppressive effects of paeoniflorin treatment. Conclusion. Hence, targeting TAZ with paeoniflorin could be a novel approach for the treatment of human gastric cancer.