Academic literature on the topic 'SOC.035'

Mesh creation is one of the primary tasks in implementing the Finite Element Method (FEM) to solve two- and three-dimensional boundary value problems. However, the whole procedure becomes tedious and problematic when higher-order finite elements are employed to construct mesh and prepare corresponding element data. In this study, we strive to develop a versatile algorithm for discretizing the two-dimensional domain using linear, quadratic, and cubic triangular finite elements. The algorithm is developed based on n vertices (actual or more in number) that constitute the boundary of the domain, along with a computed (n+1)-th point such as the centroid. The algorithm, using this input, generates an initial mesh consisting of n triangular elements. Then, in every subsequent step, the algorithm increases the number of triangles in the mesh fourfold compared to the previous step. The algorithm we present here can employ (a) straight-sided (linear, quadratic, and cubic) triangular elements to generate the mesh for domains with polygonal boundaries and (b) both straight-sided and curved (quadratic and cubic) triangular elements with two straight sides and one curved side to generate meshes for domains with curved boundaries. Thus, the algorithm generates the desired meshes if the vertices are specified once at the initial step. Additionally, the inclusion of the mathematical expression of the curved boundary enables the algorithm to generate the fine mesh for the curved domain utilizing higher-order curved and straight-sided triangular elements. We also present a computer code in MATLAB incorporating the algorithm to create the mesh, prepare the element's data, and determine the element's connectivity. GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. 43.1 (2023) 017- 035

5044 Background: TMB has emerged as a novel biomarker of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICPI) response in a wide variety of malignancies, but not yet in PSCC. Methods: 397 clinically advanced PSCC underwent hybrid capture based comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) to evaluate all classes of genomic alterations (GA). TMB was determined on up to 1.1 Mb of sequenced DNA and categorized into three groups: <10 mutations/Megabase [muts/Mb] (low), 10-19 muts/Mb (high), and >20 muts/Mb (very high). MSI was determined on 114 loci. Genome-wide loss of heterozygosity (gLOH) was determined using validated pipelines and PD-L1 expression by IHC (TPS and Dako 22C3). Statistical comparisons utilized the Bonferonni correction method. Results: There were 339 (85.4%) TMB low, 40 (10.1%) TMB 10-19 and 18 (4.5%) TMB very high PSCC cases. The mean age of PSCC with very high TMB at 70.1 yrs was older than TMB low at 63.4 yrs (p=.08). The GA per tumor frequencies ranged from 5.4 to 5.5 in the 3 groups. There were no significant differences in genomic ancestry among the 3 groups. The TMB 10-19 and TMB very high tended to feature an APOBEC genomic mutational signature more than the TMB low PSCC cases (74 and 76% vs 44%). MSI high status was absent in the TMB low PSCC, but was present in 7.5% in the TMB 10-19 and 11.8% in the TMB very high cases. gLOH levels above 16% were similar in all 3 groups and ranged from 6.2 to 9.4%. GA associated with differences in TMB status in the PSCC cases included higher PIK3CA GA in TMB 10-19 (40.0%) vs TMB low (18.3%; p=.035) and TMB very high (66.7%) vs low (p=.0002). CDKN2A GA were higher in TMB low (45.7%) than the combined TMB 10-19 + very high (25.9%; p=.049). GA in KMT2D were higher in the combined TMB 10-19 + very high (29.3%) than TMB low (7.7%; p=0002). FGFR3 GA were similar in all 3 groups. In total, 6.5% of all GA were predicted to be of germline nature. The highest proportions of germline GA were seen for HRR genes ATM and CHEK2 (both 40%) and BRCA2 (37.5%) and PMS2 (40%) linked to Lynch syndrome. PD-L1 expression was not significantly different among the 3 groups with TMB low (78.3%), TMB 10-19 (64.2%) and TMB very high (54.5%). HPV identification was more frequent as TMB increased: 28.3% for TMB low, 50.0% for TMB high and 58.8% for TMB very high groups. Conclusions: The evaluation of PSCC by CGP based on TMB levels reveals significant differences in biomarkers for the near 15% of cases that have TMB ≥10 muts/Mb. TMB and MSI status can also serve as biomarkers of response to SOC anti-PD1 based on the current FDA indications. These data may be useful to provide rationale for inclusion of PSCC in basket or umbrella trials testing novel monotherapies or combination therapies. [Table: see text]

Society’s desire to sequester C in soils, thereby reducing the net loss of CO2 (a greenhouse gas) to the atmosphere, is well known. It is also accepted that the choice of appropriate agricultural management practices adopted by producers will affect this goal. However, quantification of the extent and rate at which it can be achieved is uncertain. A crop rotation experiment that was initiated in 1957 on a thin Black chernozemic clay soil at Indian Head, Saskatchewan, was managed using conventional tillage until changed to zero tillage in 1990. Soil was sampled (0- to 7.5- and 7.5- to 15-cm depths) in May 1987 and 1997 to determine the effects of treatments on soil organic C (SOC) and total N. The rotations were: fallow-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (F-W), F-W-W, continuous wheat (Cont W), legume green manure (GM)-W-W, and F-W-W-hay (legume-grass)-hay-hay (F-W-W-H-H-H). The monoculture cereal rotations were either fertilized with N and P based on soil tests or unfertilized, while the legume systems were both unfertilized. There was also a F-W-W (N+P) treatment in which the straw was baled and removed. When the experiment was changed to zero tillage management in 1990, the fertilizer protocol was changed to satisfy the “moist soil” criteria. Consequently, higher rates of N and P were added thereafter to the fallow crop, resulting in a positive yield response of wheat grown on fallow, where before there was no response to fertilizer. Over the 10-yr period (1987-1997) fertilized soil gained C and N, but unfertilized soil did not. For example fertilized F-W, F-W-W and Cont W gained about 4, 5 and 2 Mg C ha–1 in the 10-yr period. During this period, C emissions from manufacture and transportation of N fertilizer was 0.28, 0.53 and 0.90. Mg ha–1 for these three rotations, respectively. These results suggest that without adequate fertility, conversion to zero tillage may not always result in an increase in soil C or N. By 1997, fertilizer increased soil C and N in F-W-W and Cont W, and soil C and N were greater in F-W-W-H-H-H than in GM-W-W and lowest in F-W-W (all unfertilized). Straw removal had no significant effect on C or N. The analysis showed that C inputs from crop residues was the main factor influencing SOC changes. Key words: C sequestration, crop rotation, fertilizer, grain yields, total N, tillage

Changes in soil properties reflect the success or failure of reclamation practices on abandoned wellsites. We examined the effect on soil properties of four (0, 50, 100 and 150%) topsoil replacement depths (TRD) and five amendment treatments [compost, manure, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) straw, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) hay, check] aimed at reclaiming three wellsites (Strathmore, Hesketh and Rosedale) in southcentral Alberta. TRD treatment differences were consistent across all wellsites, with 30 to 32% higher soil organic carbon (SOC) on the 150% TRD compared to the 0% TRD. Initially, the alfalfa treatment showed higher levels of nitrate-nitrogen (e.g., 26 mg kg-1 vs. 3 to 7 mg kg-1 for the other amendment treatments in the 15- to 30-cm depth at Strathmore in fall 1998), which was related to its rapid breakdown and mineralization of organic N. After 40 mo (June 1997-October 2000), the average amounts (n = 3 wellsites) of added C conserved near the soil surface were: compost (65 ±10% SE) > manure (45 ±16% SE) > alfalfa (28 ±11% SE) > straw (23 ± 6% SE). Our results show that organic amendments play an important role in improving soil properties related to long-term productivity of reclaimed wellsites, especially where topsoil is scarce or absent. Key words: Wellsite reclamation, topsoil depth, organic amendments, soil quality

BackgroundPsoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease with heterogenous musculoskeletal manifestation (arthritis, spondylitis, enthesitis, dactylitis) and extra-musculoskeletal manifestation (skin and nail psoriasis). In addition, PsA is commonly associated with comorbidities such as metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases where IL-17 is a key driver of this disease.Izokibep is a unique IL-17A inhibitor with extraordinary potency and small molecular size designed to overcome the limitations of monoclonal antibodies such as poor tissue distribution.Here, we report 16-week phase 2 results in patients with active PsA.ObjectivesTo assess efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity of izokibep versus placebo.MethodsThis is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-groups, dose-finding trial studying bi-weekly 80 mg or 40 mg izokibep administered subcutaneously versus placebo until Week 16 (Period 1) and dose-controlled treatment until Week 46 (Period 2). PsA patients had to have ≥3 swollen and ≥3 tender joints of the 66/68 joint count, and an inadequate response to previous NSAIDs, csDMARDs or TNF inhibitor therapy. The primary endpoint was to evaluate ACR50 responses of 80 mg bi-weekly versus placebo at Week 16. Key secondary endpoints were ACR20/70, MDA, DAS28, DAPSA, SPARCC, LDI, PASI as well as tolerability and safety. Efficacy outcome measures were assessed in all patients who received at least one dose of study treatment. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04713072.Results135 patients were randomized and treated between June 2020 and July 2021 in 22 European sites located in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland and Spain.At baseline, patients had a mean age of 48.5 (SD 12.0) years, a mean BMI of 29.0 (SD 4.8) kg/m2, a mean swollen joint count (SJC) of 9.9 (SD 6.6), and a mean tender joint count (TJC) of 16.7 (SD 10.4). The mean PsA disease duration was 7.1 (SD 7.8) years. 13% failed previous TNF inhibitor treatment and 80% received a concomitant csDMARD.At Week 16, the confirmatory primary endpoint ACR50 response rate was met (p=0.0003). ACR50 response rate was 52% in the 80 mg group, 48% in the 40 mg and 13% in the placebo group. The ACR20/50/70 response rates up to Week 16 by treatment group are presented in Figure 1.Figure 1.ACR20/50/70 response ratesSJC and TJC rapidly decreased with active treatment as indicated in Table 1.Table 1.SJC and TJC by visit until Week 16Mean SJC (SD)Mean TJC (SD)Study WeekPlacebo Q2W N=4440 mg Q2WN=4480 mg Q2WN=47Placebo Q2WN=4440 mg Q2WN=4480 mg Q2WN=47BL9.2 (6.4)10.1 (7.0)10.4 (6.4)16.4 (11.3)16.7 (10.3)17.0 (9.7)28.4 (6.1)7.3 (6.5)7.6 (7.6)14.9 (10.0)13.3 (9.5)13.8 (10.7)47.7 (7.7)6.0 (7.0)5.6 (6.2)14.1 (11.8)12.5 (11.6)11.2 (9.2)86.0 (6.2)3.5 (4.1)3.7 (4.7)10.5 (7.5)9.0 (10.5)7.4 (7.2)125.1 (5.2)2.6 (3.4)2.3 (3.4)10.9 (8.7)8.1 (8.9)6.0 (6.7)165.0 (5.7)2.4 (3.7)1.7 (2.7)10.7 (9.1)7.1 (7.7)5.6 (6.8)There was a dose-response relationship and a fast onset of response.No serious or severe adverse events occurred during Period 1. The three most frequently affected System Organ Classes (SOCs) were SOC General disorders and administration site conditions comprising mainly mild injection site reactions or erythema followed by SOC Infections and infestations and SOC Metabolism and nutrition disorders. One mild, transient vulvovaginal Candida infection with active treatment was reported. Apart from injection site reactions there were no apparent differences in the occurrence of adverse events between active and placebo patients.ConclusionIn this phase 2 study, izokibep showed a dose-dependent high degree of efficacy in patients with active PsA having failed previous treatment. Overall, izokibep was well tolerated.These data strongly support further clinical development.ReferencesNoneAcknowledgementsAffibody AB, Sweden, and ACELYRIN Inc, USA, funded this study and participated in the study design, research, analysis, data collection, interpretation of data, reviewing, and approval of this publication. All authors participated in the drafting, review, and approval of this publication.Disclosure of InterestsFrank Behrens Shareholder of: Pfizer, Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Novartis, Speakers bureau: Amgen, Horizon, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Genzyme, Flexion, AbbVie, Consultant of: AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Flexion, Janssen, Pfizer, Sanofi, Regeneron, SUN Pharma Advanced Research, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Janssen, Chugai, Celgene, Roche, Alan Kivitz, Peter C. Taylor Consultant of: AbbVie, Biogen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Fresenius, Galapagos, Gilead, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Lilly, Nordic Pharma, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, and UCB, Grant/research support from: Celgene and Galapagos, Dieter Wetzel Consultant of: Acino, Affibody, Biotest, Cheplapharm, CSL Behring, Mundipharma, Roche, Sandoz, Temmler, Nikolai C Brun Employee of: Affibody AB, Jan Brandt-Juergens Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi-Aventis, Novartis, Lilly, MSD, UCB, BMS, Janssen, Medac, Gilead, Affibody, Paid instructor for: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi-Aventis, Novartis, Lilly, MSD, UCB, BMS, Janssen, Medac, Gilead, Affibody, Edit Drescher: None declared, Eva Dokoupilova: None declared, Anna Rowińska-Osuch: None declared, Nadia Abdel-Kader Martin Speakers bureau: Pfizer in 2011, Kurt de Vlam Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, UCB, Paid instructor for: Amgen, Galapagos, UCB, Consultant of: Eli Lilly, Johnson &Johnson, Novartis Galapagos, UCB, Grant/research support from: Celgene

Resource allocation is one of the crucial challenges to the decision-makers. It has a significant impact on the profitability of any company. Freight transport is one type of resource allocation; here the decision-maker has to choose the quantity of products for delivering at a minimum cost from the several plants/factories/sources to the several destinations/ warehouses. We have conducted a comparative study based on secondary data to figure out the best technique for solving the freight transportation problems. Here we have selected 40 balanced and unbalanced problems randomly with dimensions 3×3 to 7×7. We have selected 23 existing methods, some of them are popular and some are recently developed. We compare these 23 methods regarding firstly the optimal solution criterion, and secondly which one can give us the solution in the least step or short time. We have checked the solution at first manually, then by GNU Octave to figure out if there is any inconsistency. Here, the GNU octave is chosen for its easy acceptance and easy input procedure. On our selected problems, the findings show us that the Faster STrongly Polynomial method (FSTP) is best if we consider the least step but concerning the short time MOdifiedDIstribution method worked on Vogel's Approximation Method, well known as VAM-MODI is performing the best. GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. 42.1 (2022) 035- 049

Recent research has developed service-oriented solutions for reconfigurable hardware, with a top-down functional approach supported by virtual instrumentation systems like "NI LV" - National Instruments LabVIEW. The broad spectrum of Cloud-based management and deployment of such solutions - including resource-intensive "Cloud compilation" in case of using FPGA - have a great potential for ODL (Open and Distance Learning), as being distributed and easily interfaced with our "target user" that can be a trainee not very professional with HDL (Hardware Description Languages). The paper goes beyond consolidated solutions using NI LV like RIO (Reconfigurable Input-Output), aiming to approach also the processing, not at the level of modern SoC (Systems on Chip), but on cellular-"tissue"/"fabric" structures like CA (Cellular Automata) or IFA (Intelligent Fabric of Automata). The authors are presenting a demonstrator based on Xilinx Spartan family of FPGA, with prototypes of elementary processing machines built to be easily put together in scalable configurations. There are approached the memory segmentation solutions, oriented for the employment of communication data-bases, e.g. tables for flows identification, classification and routing in modern streaming. The specific FPGA configurations are oriented on the use of the micro-automata for digit processing, with predictive calculations like those using PCRE - Perl Compatible Regular Expressions ("regex") - in order to recognize the "digital fingerprint" of multimedia flows. There are discussed use-cases oriented to packet processing in groups of virtual machines that execute specific tasks of routing, fragmentation, encapsulation, coding etc. with an event-driven control that can be extended to "policies" that are able to be dynamically modified.