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This paper studies an input to state stabilizing control of networked control systems (NCSs) under a specified packet dropout rate. By considering packet dropouts in the NCSs, the transmission intervals are categorized by small delay intervals (packet-dropout-free case) and large delay intervals (packet-dropout case). Based on such classifications, we establish the concept of average packet dropout rate (ADR) to characterize the quality of service (QoS) for networks. Then, a switched systems approach is used to derive the ISS (input to state stability) conditions by exploiting Lyapunov theory and input delay approach for a specified ADR. In what follows, the controller design method for the NCSs under a specified ADR is reached by solving linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). According to the proposed results, a control and communication co-design method is developed such that one can design the controller gain according to QoS. Finally, simulations on self-steering control of autonomous vehicles are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed co-design method. • Average packet dropout rate (ADR) is developed to characterize arbitrariness of packet dropouts rather than a specified probability distributions. • A switched systems model can be used to describe the couplings between control and communication in the NCSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The new “prognostic stage” in the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) incorporated important biologic factors such as estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2), histologic grade and TNM stage into one system. The objective of this study was to evaluate the “prognostic stage” in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 18 database. Methods 10053 LABCs diagnosed between 2010 and 2013 were enrolled. TNM stage was based on AJCC 7th edition. Comparisons of biologic factor proportions among stage changes were performed using Pearson's chi-square test. Breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and log rank testing with pairwise comparisons between different stages was conducted. Cox models were fitted to assess the independent prognostic factors. Results The prognostic stage grouped LABC into six stages: IB-IIIC among which IB-IIIA had a relatively better survival. It reassigned 74% LABCs to a different tumor stage. 60.4% cases in grade III and 68.3% cases with triple negative breast cancer were upstaged while 57.1% cases with ER/PR dual positivity were down staged. It was an independent prognostic factor of LABC. There were statistically significant survival differences among stage IB-IIIA, IIIB and IIIC. Among each TNM stage, there were statistically significant survival differences among stage changes. Conclusions The prognostic stage provided accurate prognostic information for LABC compared with anatomic TNM stage. It will lead to accuracy in prognosis prediction and optimal treatment selection, and therefore, better outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Standard mastectomy has long been the recommended breast surgical treatment for non-metastatic inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). The objective of this population-based study was to evaluate the significance of various breast surgical treatments for this highly aggressive subtype. Methods The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program registry was searched to identify women with non-metastatic IBC receiving standard treatment including breast surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy diagnosed between 1998 and 2013. Comparisons of the proportions of various breast surgery procedures over the years were performed using Pearson's chi-square test. Breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier product limit method and compared across groups using the log-rank statistic. Cox models were then fitted to compare the association between various breast surgical procedures and BCSS or OS after adjusting for patient and tumor characteristics. Results A total of 3374 cases were identified. Over the years, the proportion of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM), breast reconstruction and both were increasing. The proportion of implant-based reconstruction was also increasing with no difference in survival compared with other types of reconstruction. There was no statistically significant difference in BCSS or OS among various breast surgery treatments, such as breast conserving surgery, CPM, breast reconstruction and standard unilateral mastectomy. Conclusions Breast surgery is of great significance to the clinical outcome of IBC. Standard mastectomy should not be the only recommended breast surgical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]