Radiation efficiency of a distribution of baffled pistons with arbitrary phases.

The radiation resistance and efficiency of a collection of circular pistons, randomly placed on a plane and vibrating with arbitrary phases, are expressed as a combination of the self- and mutual-radiation components. We use the first product or bridge theorem to construct the directivity pattern of this type of arrangement and the radiation properties are calculated according to Bouwkamp's impedance theorem. To illustrate the versatility of our approach, we refer to special cases for symmetric arrangements, for example, to compare with the modal radiation efficiency in structures having "regular" modal patterns.

Observational, prospective, phase 4 study in patients with first-line recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck treated with cetuximab and platinum-based therapy: DIRECT.

BACKGROUND: Cetuximab plus platinum-based therapy (PBT) followed by cetuximab maintenance until progression (EXTREME) is a guideline-recommended first-line treatment option in recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN). DIRECT (Dose Intensity RElative to CeTuximab) was the first phase 4 observational study evaluating EXTREME administration in the real-world setting. AIMS: The primary aim of this study was to assess the relative dose intensity of cetuximab in patients with R/M SCCHN treated with first-line cetuximab according to the EXTREME regimen. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients were ≥18 years old and eligible to receive cetuximab/PBT. Primary endpoint was cetuximab relative dose intensity (RDI). Of prospectively enrolled patients (n = 157), 119 received ≥1 cycle of EXTREME. Practices differing from the EXTREME trial were 5-fluorouracil omission (14%), maintenance cetuximab given every other week (54%), prior cetuximab, disease-free interval <6 months. 64% of patients reached cetuximab RDI ≥80%; mean cetuximab RDI was 88%. 46% of patients received maintenance cetuximab (mean RDI, 91%). Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 4.5 and 9.4 months. No new/unexpected safety findings were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The DIRECT study showed that first-line cetuximab plus PBT was a feasible, beneficial first-line treatment regimen in patients with R/M SCCHN in the real-world setting.

[Evaluation of drug interactions in patients treated for a lung or digestive cancer]. / Évaluation des interactions médicamenteuses chez des patients traités pour un cancer pulmonaire ou digestif.

INTRODUCTION: Cancer patients are particularly at risk for drug interactions. However, in oncology, this risk has not been studied in depth in France. The main objective of this study was to describe the proportion of drug interactions in patients with lung or digestive cancer. METHODS: The drug prescriptions of 93 patients were analyzed from may 27th, 2019 to July 07th, 2019 using two software programs (Thériaque™ and DDI Predictor™) in oncology patients hospitalized in our comprehensive cancer center. RESULTS: Of the 88 patients included in the study, 544 drug interactions were identified, in 66 patients (75.0%, 95% CI: 64.6-83.6). For 20/88 patients (22.7% CI: 14.5-32.9) a non-recommended combination or a theoretical contraindication was reported. Etoposide was the anticancer molecule most involved in combinations that are contraindicated or not recommended. No combinations defined as not recommended or contraindicated were observed in any of the 49 patients treated with chemotherapy during their hospitalization. The most common toxicities were alertness and metabolic disorders, including hyperkalemia. The use of three or more drugs was a risk factor for drug interactions (83 vs. 23%, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Drug interactions remain a major concern in cancer hospitalized patients. It is important to continue and strengthen the collaboration between physicians and pharmacists in order to better prevent their occurrence.

Viscoelastic shear modulus measurement of thin materials by interferometry at ultrasonic frequencies.

This paper presents a technique for measuring the complex shear modulus of thin slabs of viscoelastic solids based on the measurement of the reflection and transmission of plane shear waves through a sample inserted between two delays lines. Reproducible shear wave transmission through the sample is achieved by inserting bond layers with controlled thickness between the delay lines and the sample and by characterizing beforehand the bond rheology. The frequency dependent complex shear modulus is quantitatively evaluated from the transmission and reflection coefficients using an exact model of interferences within the delay line-bond-sample-bond-delay line sandwich and by selecting the solution among the muliple solutions of the inverse problem from considerations on time of flight and sample thickness. Thanks to its reproducibility and accuracy, this method appears as an original and efficient technique for quantitatively characterizing the high frequency shear modulus of attenuating materials.

Compared characteristics of current vs. past smokers at the time of diagnosis of a first-time lung or head and neck cancer: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Active smoking at the time of diagnosis of a first head & neck (H&N) or lung cancer is associated with a worse cancer outcome and increased mortality. However, the compared characteristics of active vs. former smokers at cancer diagnosis are poorly known. METHODS: In 371 subjects with a first H&N or lung cancer, we assessed: 1) socio-demographic features; 2) lifelong types of smoking; 3) alcohol use disorder identification test (AUDIT); 4) cannabis abuse screening test (CAST); and 5) Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Using a multivariable regression model, we compared the profile of current smokers and past smokers. RESULTS: Current smokers more frequently exhibited H&N cancer (OR 3.91; 95% CI [2.00-6.51]; p <  0.0001) and ever smoking of hand-rolled cigarettes (OR 2.2; 95% CI [1.25-3.88]; p = 0.007). Among subjects with lung cancer (n = 177), current smoking was primarily associated with ever smoking of hand-rolled cigarettes (OR 2.88; 95% CI [1.32-6.30]; p = 0.008) and negatively associated with age (OR 0.92; 95% CI [0.89-0.96]; p <  0.001). Among subjects with H&N cancer (n = 163), current smokers exhibited a significantly greater AUDIT score (OR = 1.08; 95% CI [1.01-1.16]; p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: At the time of diagnosis of the first lung or H&N cancer, current smoking is highly associated with previous type of smoking and alcohol drinking patterns. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01647425 ; Registration date: July 23, 2012.

One Single Static Measurement Predicts Wave Localization in Complex Structures.

A recent theoretical breakthrough has brought a new tool, called the localization landscape, for predicting the localization regions of vibration modes in complex or disordered systems. Here, we report on the first experiment which measures the localization landscape and demonstrates its predictive power. Holographic measurement of the static deformation under uniform load of a thin plate with complex geometry provides direct access to the landscape function. When put in vibration, this system shows modes precisely confined within the subregions delineated by the landscape function. Also the maxima of this function match the measured eigenfrequencies, while the minima of the valley network gives the frequencies at which modes become extended. This approach fully characterizes the low frequency spectrum of a complex structure from a single static measurement. It paves the way for controlling and engineering eigenmodes in any vibratory system, especially where a structural or microscopic description is not accessible.

Interfacial Instability during Granular Erosion.

The complex interplay between the topography and the erosion and deposition phenomena is a key feature to model granular flows such as landslides. Here, we investigated the instability that develops during the erosion of a wet granular pile by a dry dense granular flow. The morphology and the propagation of the generated steps are analyzed in relation to the specific erosion mechanism. The selected flowing angle of the confined flow on a dry heap appears to play an important role both in the final state of the experiment, and for the shape of the structures. We show that the development of the instability is governed by the inertia of the flow through the Froude number. We model this instability and predict growth rates that are in agreement with the experiment results.

Selection of ultimately ill cancer patients able to fulfill a questionnaire: Identification of inherent biases.

AIM: Physical or psychological well-being is an essential component of quality care assessment in palliative unit. This assessment is mainly based on self-assessment (questionnaires or interviews). The aim of this study is to compare the clinical characteristics of patients able to fulfill a questionnaire and those not able to do that. METHODS: The clinical characteristics of 166 cancer patients admitted in palliative care unit from December 2006 to February 2008 have been collected. Characteristics of patients able to fulfill a questionnaire (80, 48.2%) have been compared to other patients (86, 51.8%). Moreover, functional independence measure (FIM) had been evaluated by nurses. RESULTS: Median age (60 versus 62) and sex ratio (40/40 versus 42/44) are similar in both groups. Lung primaries are significantly less frequent in patients able to fulfill the questionnaire (4% versus 17%, P=0.005). Patients able to fulfill the questionnaire had had better performance status (Karnofsky Index≤30%: 54% versus 21%, P<0.0001). The total score of FIM (56.0 versus 91.5, P<0.00001) and the median overall survivals (2.3 weeks versus 6.6 weeks, P=0.0001) were significantly lower in the group of patients non able to fulfill the questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: Patients able to fulfill a questionnaire represent only 48.2% of all consecutive admitted patients. These patients are not representative of all patients since they had better performance status, they are less dependent and they display significant better survival. We have to think about new methods to avoid the biases generated by the use of patient-reported outcomes.

Erosion dynamics of a wet granular medium.

Liquid may give strong cohesion properties to a granular medium, and confer a solidlike behavior. We study the erosion of a fixed circular aggregate of wet granular matter subjected to a flow of dry grains inside a half-filled rotating drum. During the rotation, the dry grains flow around the fixed obstacle. We show that its diameter decreases linearly with time for low liquid content, as wet grains are pulled out of the aggregate. This erosion phenomenon is governed by the properties of the liquids. The erosion rate decreases exponentially with the surface tension while it depends on the viscosity to the power -1. We propose a model based on the force fluctuations arising inside the flow, explaining both dependencies: The capillary force acts as a threshold and the viscosity controls the erosion time scale. We also provide experiments using different flowing grains, confirming our model.