Theoretical scheme on numerical conformal mapping of unbounded multiply connected domain by fundamental solutions method

A potentially theoretical scheme in the fundamental solutions method, different from the conventional one, is proposed for numerical conformal mappings of unbounded multiply connected domains. The scheme is introduced from an algorithm on numerical Dirichlet problem, based on the asymptotic theorem on extremal weighted polynomials. The scheme introduced in this paper has the characteristic called invariant and dual

Examining disjointedness of dot patterns based on a three-stage serial processing model of symmetry cognition

Rotational and reflectional transformations were applied to dot patterns in a square grid generating cyclic (Cn) and dihedral (Dn) groups (n = 1, 2, 4). Judgments of disjointedness (the inverse of unifiedness) of 8-, 13- and 21-dot patterns were compared with poorness (the inverse of goodness) and complexity (the inverse of simplicity) judgments. Results found were (a) disjointedness and complexity of 8-dot D2 linear patterns decreased by an anisotropic spatial filter, (b) three cognitive judgments for the patterns other than the linear patterns monotonically decreased as a function of group order, (c) disjointedness of C2n and Dn (n = 1, 2) were indistinguishable and were processed in a former-stage of group theoretical model, and poorness and complexity were distinguished in C2n and Dn while being processed in a latter-stage, (d) complexity increased monotonically as the number of dots increased. While 13- and 21-dot patterns results were insignificant, disjointedness judgments were lowest in 8-dot patterns, and influence of poorness was ineffectual. We have proposed a three-stage serial processing model of symmetry cognition

Japanese Lung Cancer Society Guidelines for Stage IV NSCLC With EGFR Mutations

Patients with NSCLC in East Asia, including Japan, frequently contain EGFR mutations. In 2018, we published the latest full clinical practice guidelines on the basis of those provided by the Japanese Lung Cancer Society Guidelines Committee. The purpose of this study was to update those recommendations, especially for the treatment of metastatic or recurrent EGFR-mutated NSCLC. We conducted a literature search of systematic reviews of randomized controlled and nonrandomized trials published between 2018 and 2019 that multiple physicians had reviewed independently. On the basis of those studies and the advice from the Japanese Society of Lung Cancer Expert Panel, we developed updated guidelines according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. We also evaluated the benefits of overall and progression-free survival, end points, toxicities, and patients’ reported outcomes. For patients with NSCLC harboring EGFR-activating mutations, the use of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR TKIs), especially osimertinib, had the best recommendation as to first-line treatment. We also recommended the combination of EGFR TKI with other agents (platinum-based chemotherapy or antiangiogenic agents); however, it can lead to toxicity. In the presence of EGFR uncommon mutations, except for an exon 20 insertion, we also recommended the EGFR TKI treatment. However, we could not provide recommendations for the treatment of EGFR mutations with immune checkpoint inhibitors, including monotherapy, and its combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy, because of the limited evidence present in the literature. The 2020 Japanese Lung Cancer Society Guidelines can help community-based physicians to determine the most appropriate treatments and adequately provide medical care to their patients

Association between age at disease onset of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis and clinical presentation and short-term outcomes

Objectives: ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) can affect all age groups. We aimed to show that differences in disease presentation and 6 month outcome between younger- A nd older-onset patients are still incompletely understood. Methods: We included patients enrolled in the Diagnostic and Classification Criteria for Primary Systemic Vasculitis (DCVAS) study between October 2010 and January 2017 with a diagnosis of AAV. We divided the population according to age at diagnosis: <65 years or ≥65 years. We adjusted associations for the type of AAV and the type of ANCA (anti-MPO, anti-PR3 or negative). Results: A total of 1338 patients with AAV were included: 66% had disease onset at <65 years of age [female 50%; mean age 48.4 years (s.d. 12.6)] and 34% had disease onset at ≥65 years [female 54%; mean age 73.6 years (s.d. 6)]. ANCA (MPO) positivity was more frequent in the older group (48% vs 27%; P = 0.001). Younger patients had higher rates of musculoskeletal, cutaneous and ENT manifestations compared with older patients. Systemic, neurologic,cardiovascular involvement and worsening renal function were more frequent in the older-onset group. Damage accrual, measured with the Vasculitis Damage Index (VDI), was significantly higher in older patients, 12% of whom had a 6 month VDI ≥5, compared with 7% of younger patients (P = 0.01). Older age was an independent risk factor for early death within 6 months from diagnosis [hazard ratio 2.06 (95% CI 1.07, 3.97); P = 0.03]. Conclusion: Within 6 months of diagnosis of AAV, patients >65 years of age display a different pattern of organ involvement and an increased risk of significant damage and mortality compared with younger patients