Pair-matching Method Research Articles

Antiplatelet can improve the short-term prognosis of type 2 myocardial infarction caused by acute respiratory failure

Abstract Background Type 2 myocardial infarction (T2MI) is characterized by myocardial infarction resulting from an imbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand, without the rupture of acute atherosclerotic plaque. Antiplatelet therapy is the cornerstone of treatment for Type 1 myocardial infarction, however, its efficacy in T2MI remains unclear. Purpose This study aimed to explore the impacts of antiplatelets on prognosis in patients with T2MI caused by acute respiratory failure. Methods The data for this study were derived from the Health and Medical Big Data Superplatform, comprising a retrospective cohort of patients admitted to and discharged from 72 secondary and tertiary hospitals from 2010 to 2023. A total of 4708 patients with T2MI due to acute respiratory failure were included. Participants were divided into two groups: those receiving antiplatelet therapy and those not. T2MI caused by acute respiratory failure was defined as NSTEMI patients caused by respiratory failure without percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance covariates between the groups, followed by building a multivariable Cox regression model to further adjust for potential confounders. Covariates adjusted in multivariable Cox regression included antiplatelet, anticoagulant, and lipid-lowering drug use during hospitalization, age, sex, KILLIP classification, history of diabetes, hypertension, percutaneous coronary intervention, stroke, renal insufficiency, cerebral hemorrhage, and atrial fibrillation. One-to-one matching was performed based on propensity scores using the nearest available pair matching method with a caliper width of 0.01. The primary endpoint was Net Adverse Clinical Events (NACE) within 1 month, including myocardial infarction, cardiac death, stroke and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) criteria type 3 or 5. Results Following 1:1 propensity score matching, a total of 1418 participants were enrolled in the final study sample, with 709 patients retained in each group. Patients using antiplatelet were more likely to use ACEI/ARB, CCB, and β-blockers during hospitalization, all p<0.05.Compared to non-antiplatelet therapy group, the use of antiplatelet was associated with a 0.69 times risk of 1-month NACE (aHR, 0.69; p<0.001), a 0.69 times risk of 1-month Major Adverse Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Events (MACCE) (aHR, 0.69; p<0.001), a 0.70 times risk of 1-month cardiac death (aHR, 0.70; p<0.001), and a 0.70 times risk of 1-month all-cause mortality (aHR, 0.70; p<0.001); with no statistical significance for other clinical outcomes (p > 0.05) (Figure 1). Conclusions The present study suggested that patients receiving antiplatelet therapy had a lower incidence of one-month NACE, primarily due to a reduction in major cardiac death and MACCE at 1 month.

Application of anticoagulants in the perioperative period of pci for patients with a history of atrial fibrillation and NSTEMI: a real-world, large multicenter retrospective clinical study

Abstract Backgrounds The optimal management for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD) remains unclear, particularly regarding anticoagulants use and ischemia-bleeding balance risks. This study aims to investigate the impact of perioperative anticoagulant use on patients with AF and acute non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Methods Data for this study were obtained from a retrospective cohort of patients admitted to and discharged from 72 secondary and tertiary hospitals from 2010 to 2023. A total of 150,530 patients were enrolled, including 74,373 NSTEMI patients. Patients were divided into anticoagulants and non-anticoagulants groups. A total of 1,358 patients were included in the non-anticoagulant group, and 3,541 patients were included in the anticoagulant group. Patients in each group were one-to-one matched based on propensity scores using the nearest available pair matching (PSM) method with a caliper width equal to 0.01. The primary endpoints were major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular adverse events (MACCE), including cardiovascular death, recurrent myocardial infarction, and stroke. Secondary endpoints included cardiovascular death, recurrent myocardial infarction, BARC type 3 bleeding, and cerebral hemorrhage. Follow-up time points were set at 1 month,3 months, and 6 months. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results After PSM matching, each group consisted of 809 patients. The anticoagulant group had a higher proportion of males, a higher prevalence of patients with a history of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, and hyperlipidemia, while proportions of patients with Killips classification of III/IV and history of chronic kidney disease were lower. Anticoagulant use during the perioperative period significantly reduced the occurrence of MACCE at the primary endpoint at 1 month (aHR 0.57; P < 0.001), 3 months (aHR 0.57; P = 0.023), and 6 months (aHR 0.57; P < 0.001). At the secondary endpoint, anticoagulants use was associated with a lower incidence of cardiogenic death at 1 month,3 months, and 6 months (aHR 0.55; P <0.001), (aHR 0.55; P <0.001), (aHR 0.56; P <0.001), lower risk of myocardial infarction recurrence at 3 months and 6 months (aHR 0.47; P = 0.02), (aHR 0.44; P <0.001), without increasing the risk of bleeding events, including BARC type 3 bleeding and cerebral hemorrhage. Conclusion Perioperative anticoagulant use during PCI can reduce the occurrence of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and stroke recurrence within 6 months post-surgery without increasing bleeding events in AF and NSTEMI patients. Therefore, for patients with AF, it is recommended to consider combining anticoagulant therapy with dual antiplatelet therapy during the perioperative period, if no contraindications.

Multicenter evaluation of mechanical thrombectomy for distal medium vessel occlusions with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale Scores ≥ 6 and ≤ 6.

While mechanical thrombectomy is considered standard of care for large vessel occlusions, scientific evidence to support treatment for distal and medium vessel occlusions remains scarce. To evaluate feasibility, safety, and outcomes in patients with low National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores undergoing mechanical thrombectomy for treatment of distal medium vessel occlusions. Retrospective data review and analysis of prospectively maintained databases at 41 academic centers in North America, Asia, and Europe between January 2017 and January 2022. Characteristics and outcomes were compared between groups with low stroke scale score (≤ 6) versus and higher stroke scale scores (> 6). Propensity score matching using the optimal pair matching method and 1:1 ratio was performed. Data were collected on a total of 1068 patients. After propensity score matching, there were a total of 676 patients included in the final analysis, with 338 patients in each group. High successful reperfusion rates were seen in both groups, 90.2% in ≤ 6 and 88.7% in the > 6 stroke scale groups. The frequency of excellent and good functional outcome was seen more common in low versus higher stroke scale score patients (64.5% and 81.1% versus 39.3% and 58.6%, respectively). The 90-day mortality rate observed in the ≤ 6 stroke scale group was 5.3% versus 13.3% in the > 6 stroke scale group. Mechanical thrombectomy in distal and medium vessel occlusions, specifically in patients with low stroke scale scores is feasible, though it may not necessarily improve outcomes over IVT.

Efficiency of use of carbon ferrozine-containing sorbent in the diets of lactating cows and rabbits

The article discusses the research results of the radiological efficiency of the carbon ferrocin-containing 137Cs sorbent produced at the Institute of Nature Management of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus on cattle and small farm animals.The experiment was held at the Branch of the “Agro-Vetka” JSC “Vetka Agroservice” farm located in the Vetka district, Gomel region, Belarus, and involved two groups of lactating cows, 5 heads each. The experiment group, unlike the control one, was given a sorbent at a rate of 40 g per head per day mixed in the diet. Milk samples of the cows of the experiment and control groups were taken on the 0, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17 and 20th day of the experiment. Starting from the 5th day and up to the 20th day of sorbent feeding, a 1.7 to 4.5 time decrease in the 137Cs content in milk was observed.The sorbent cost in the experiment group per 1 thousand Bq of the obtained difference (against the control group) in the 137Cs content in milk was 0.65 rubles. The ferrocin use for the same purpose can be approximately 5.2 times more expensive.The adsorption efficiency of 137Cs by domestic sorbents based on carbon and ferrocin on small farm animals was studied. The experiment lasted 30 days and involved 4 groups of the 3-month Pannon White male rabbits, including 1 control and 3 experiment groups, three rabbits per each group. The experiment groups were formed using a pair matching method. Ferrocin and carbon-modified sorbents were mixed into the composition of rabbit compound feed.The 1st group received 0.2 g ferrocin per head at a rate of 100 mg per 1 kg of live weight. The 2nd and 3rd groups were given 2 and 4 g of carbon ferrocin-containing sorbent per head, respectively, at a rate of 1 and 2 g per 1 kg of live weight, respectively. The effect of the carbon and ferrocyanide (5 %)-modified sorbent at a dose of 2 and 4 grams per rabbit is by a factor of 1.4 and 2.6, respectively, more effective than the application of ferrocin alone. A dose of 4 grams of the carbon-modified sorbent is by a factor 1.8 more effective than that of 2 grams.The costs associated with 1 thousand Bq difference in accumulation of 137Cs in rabbit meat in the “carbon sorbent 2 g/head” and “carbon sorbent 4 g/head” groups is respectively 0.93 rubles, or 7.6 times, and 0.83 rubles, or 4.0 times, lower than those in the “ferrocyn” group.

ВЫРАЩИВАНИЕ ТЕЛОК МОЛОЧНОГО НАПРАВЛЕНИЯ

This article shows the results of scientific research on raising the Holstein-Friesian heifers from birth to 12 months of age, with the introduction to their feeding regimen of "Neomilk" whole milk replacer, as well as the "Gavryusha" commercial prestarter and starter during the preweaning period and the extruded feed called "NFT KATU," produced by S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University during the preweaning and postweaning periods. Three groups of calves were formed using a pair-matching method for the main research. Studies on body weight dynamics were conducted at the Aina Dairy Farm LLP with the calculation of daily average, relative, and absolute weight gains. At three months of age, the body weight of heifers in the second test group exceeded that of the control and the first test group by 7.8 kg (8.8%) and 6.8 kg (7.7%), respectively. At six months of age, the difference increased to 34.4 kg (30.7%) and 23.4 kg (19.2%). By 12 months of age, the gap widened to 106 kg (47.3%) and 77 kg (33.4%). Outline characteristics were also analyzed by taking measurements and calculating body condition indexes of the heifers. An analysis of the feeds used in animal feeding was conducted. The chemical composition analysis of the feeds revealed that the extruded feed had the highest protein content reaching 12.9%, which was 2.8% and 1.5% more than bran and "Gavryusha" prestarter, respectively.

Multi-Dimensional Parameter Estimation in Polarimetric ULA with Cross-Distribution Dipole Pairs

This paper investigates the estimation of parameters—including the elevation angle, azimuth angle, polarization auxiliary angle, polarization phase difference, frequency and range of near-field sources in a Polarimetric Uniform Linear Array (P-ULA) with defective electromagnetic vector sensors. The cross-distribution dipole pairs are alternately placed in the xoy plane and yoz plane, respectively, and the whole array is divided into two subarrays, where subarray 1 consists of all of the dipole pairs placed in the xoy plane, while the dipole pairs placed in yoz plane are gathered in subarray 2. Specifically, the polarization auxiliary angle and the polarization phase difference, as well as the elevation and azimuth angles of the sources, are firstly estimated based on the Fourth-Order Cumulant (FOC) matrix in each subarray. Moreover, a decoupling method is developed to obtain the elevation and azimuth. Subsequently, the frequency and range are estimated based on the FOC matrix. Then, the parameter pair matching method is performed in order to match the pairs. Finally, an analysis of the Cramér-Rao Bound (CRB) is provided, and comparisons of the root mean square error with respect to the different input signal-to-noise ratios and number of snapshots, among different estimation methods, are implemented in the environment of additive white gaussian noise. The simulation results are provided in order to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method for multi-dimensional parameter estimation.

Multi‐target pair‐matching method based on angle information in transmit/receive‐receive synergetic High Frequency Surface Wave Radar

In the past few decades, the target location methods in transmit/receive-receive (T/R-R) synergetic High Frequency Surface Wave Radar (HFSWR) have received extensive attention from the signal processing community. However, there are few studies on the method of parameter pair-matching for multi-target scene. In this paper, a computationally efficient multi-target pair-matching method based on angle information only in T/R-R synergetic HFSWR is developed. The proposed method is realised by dealing with three vectors composed of the first column, the first row and diagonal entries of the correlation matrix, instead of performing the singular value decomposition (SVD) of the correlation matrix. Simultaneously, the proposed method is a computationally efficient subspace algorithm, which only uses the angle information to complete the purpose of multi-target pair-matching. The simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Immunogenicity of BNT162b2 Vaccine in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease on Infliximab Combination Therapy: A Multicenter Prospective Study.

Background: Vaccination is a promising strategy to protect vulnerable groups like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients against COVID-19 and associated severe outcomes. COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials excluded IBD patients taking infliximab with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine (infliximab combination). Therefore, we sought to evaluate serologic responses to COVID-19 vaccination with the mRNA vaccine, BNT162b2, in patients with IBD receiving infliximab combination therapy compared with healthy participants. Method: This was a multicenter prospective study. Patients with IBD were recruited at the time of attendance at infusion center between 1 August 2021, and 15 September 2021. Our primary outcome were the concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies 4–10 weeks after vaccination with two doses of BNT162b2 vaccine in patients with IBD taking infliximab combination therapy (study group) compared with a healthy participants group (control group). Both study and control groups were matched for age, sex, and time-since-last-vaccine-dose using optimal pair-matching method. Results: In total, 116 participants were recruited in the study, 58 patients in the study group and 58 in the control group. Median (IQR) IgG concentrations were lower in the study group (99 BAU/mL (40, 177)) than the control group (139 BAU/mL (120, 188)) following vaccination (p = 0.0032). Neutralizing antibodies were also lower in the study group compared with the control group (64% (23, 94) vs. 91% (85, 94), p < 0.001). The median IgA levels in the study group were also significantly lower when compared with the control group (6 U/mL (3, 34) vs. 13 U/mL (7, 30), p = 0.0097). In the study group, the percentages of patients who achieved positive IgG, neutralizing antibody and IgA levels were 81%, 75%, and 40%, respectively. In the control group, all participants (100%) had positive IgG and neutralizing antibody levels while 62% had positive IgA levels. Conclusion: In patients with IBD receiving infliximab combination therapy, SARS-CoV2 IgG, IgA, and neutralizing antibody levels after BNT162b2 vaccination were lower compared with healthy participants. However, most patients treated with infliximab combination therapy seroconverted after two doses of the vaccine.

Next-generation osteometric sorting: Using 3D shape, elliptical Fourier analysis, and Hausdorff distance to optimize osteological pair-matching.

Determining which bilateral bones belong to the same person based on shape and size similarity is called pair-matching and it is instrumental for sorting commingled skeletons. To date, pair-matching has popularly been accomplished by visual inspection and/or linear caliper measurements; however, attention is turning increasingly to computational analysis. In this paper, we investigate a fast three-dimensional (3D) computerized shape-analysis method for whole-bone pair-matching using a test sample of 14 individuals (23 femora, 26 humeri, and 26 tibiae). Specifically, the method aims to find bilateral pairs using, as the shape signature criterion, a single 3D outline that snakes around each bone's perimeter as described by a 3D elliptical Fourier analysis function. This permits substantial 3D-point-cloud data reduction, that is, to 0.02% of the starting c.500,000 point cloud or just 100 points, while preserving key 3D shape information. The mean Hausdorff distance (Hd) was applied to measure the distance between each mirrored right-side outline to every left-side outline in pairwise fashion (132, 168 and 169 comparisons, respectively). Both thresholds and lowest Hd were investigated as pair-match criteria, with the lowest Hd producing the best performance results for searches jointly utilizing right-left and left-right directions for comparison: true positive rates of 1.00 (10/10), 1.00 (12/12), and 0.92 (11/12) for the femora, humeri, and tibiae, respectively. The computational time to calculate 469 pairwise 3D comparisons on a single stock-standard Intel® Core™ i7-4650U CPU @ 1.70GHz was 5s. This short data processing time makes the method viable for real-world application.

The effect of audit partner style on financial statement comparability

ABSTRACT Several studies provide evidence that auditors play an important role in the implementation of accounting comparability. We extend this line of research by examining whether comparability in accounting earnings between two firms is affected by auditor industry expertise measured at the partner level. Using 45,741 pairs of firms over the period 2003–2016, we find that the accounting comparability between two firms in a pair is higher when they are audited by the same expert partner than when they are audited by the same non-expert partner. The findings suggest that the degree of accounting comparability within a partner’s clientele is influenced by the industry expertise of the individual audit partner. Specifically, expert partners are more likely to provide consistent implementation of auditing standards and enforcement of accounting standards across their client base. These findings are robust to various sensitivity tests including using alternative measures of comparability, industry expertise and pair-matching methods.

Computer-Based 3D Simulation Method in Dental Occlusion Education: Student Response and Learning Effect

Occlusion is a fundamental subject in dental education, and occlusal adjustment is clinically essential in daily dental practices. This study aimed to assess the effects of computer-based 3D simulations on learner responses and learning effect on the principles of occlusal adjustment in undergraduate dental students in comparison with the traditional approach. Two teaching methods, i.e., paper-based 2D presentation and computer-based 3D simulation, were used for teaching the occlusal adjustment concepts. Sixty dental students were divided into two groups using a pair-matching randomization method. In the 2D presentation group, a textbook with 2D illustrations was used. 3D graphic dental models and computer design software were applied in the 3D simulation group. After the course, an attitudinal survey and examination were conducted to evaluate the participants’ feedback and the learning effects resulting from the teaching methods. The independent t test was used to compare the test scores between groups (with α = 0.5). Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated to investigate the agreement between the survey data and test scores. Most of the students’ feedback indicated that the 3D simulation method would be effective in acquiring knowledge on occlusion and jaw movement. The examination scores were significantly higher in the 3D simulation group compared with those in the 2D presentation group in the questions for centric relation (P = 0.034). Conversely, the scores were insignificant in the questions for eccentric relation (P = 0.403). There was no correlation observed between the survey data and the actual examination score. Computer-based 3D simulation could increase the participants’ expectations and learning effects in dental occlusion education. Further studies in diversified learning environments are required on the efficacy of digital educational modality.

Anti-Tanking Pair Matching before an Elimination Phase of a Two-Phase Tournament

Perverse incentives are ubiquitous in different economic settings. In sports, they often take the form of temptation to deliberately lose matches (the phenomenon known as tanking or sandbagging). In practice, there were even such pathological situations as when a soccer team intentionally scored an own goal. We show how and when the temptation is generated by the current pair matching method, the one applied after the first phase of many popular tournaments, including the most prestigious soccer championships. If the organizers of important sporting contests do not introduce any organizational innovations, they risk serious match-fixing scandals. We introduce an alternative procedure and show that its practical implementation could radically mitigate the risk. We perform a comparative analysis of the methods. We analyze the format “Winners and Runners-up Advancing from Two Adjacent Groups”, particularly its FIFA World Cup variant. In order to quantify the benefits of switching from the current method to the proposed one, we refer to simulation results. The expected decrease in temptation probability is about 83% and could be even about 90% if we additionally implement the suggested scheduling innovation.

Feasibility and efficiency of double-agent versus single-agent concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is the mainstay of treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. It remains unclear whether double-agent CCRT (d-CCRT) is more effective than single-agent CCRT (s-CCRT). In this study, we compared the treatment efficiency and toxicity of d-CCRT with s-CCRT in NPC patients. Patients with stage II-IV NPC treated with d-CCRT or s-CCRT were retrospectively reviewed. The d-CCRT group patients were compared with s-CCRT group patients for overall survival (OS), locoregional relapse-free survival (LRRFS), disease-free survival (DFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and toxicity. Differences in baseline characteristics were adjusted using the pair-matching method. In this study, 933 patients who received CCRT for NPC between 2011 and 2014 were pair-matched at a 1:2 ratio (n=311 for d-CCRT; n=622 for s-CCRT). The d-CCRT treated patients showed no significant advantages in terms of 4-year OS (87.2% vs. 85.5%), DFS (84.1% vs. 79.5%), LRRFS (94.6% vs. 91.8%), DMFS (87.5% vs. 85.5%) compared with s-CCRT treated patients (P=0.450, 0.106, 0.203, 0.366, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that CCRT regimen had no significant effects on survival. In the d-CCRT group, the incidence of grade 3-4 hematological toxicities was significantly higher. The d-CCRT regimen did not confer significant survival benefits compared with the s-CCRT regimen in the treatment of stage II-IV NPC patients. Furthermore, patients treated with the d-CCRT regimen experienced greater hematological toxicity.

THE USE OF NON-CONVENTIONAL SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDS IN CATTLE AND LAYER DIET

It was undertook a number of studies on the effects of introducing new non-conventional vegetable supplementary feeds in the diets of dairy cows and industrial laying hens. Plants are not cultivated for their production, but they refer to wild crops growing in the natural habitat in sufficient quantities. The purpose of the research was to determine the effect of introducing non-conventional vegetable supplementary feeds on the productive qualities of cows and laying hens; quality of products (milk, eggs); nutrient digestibility (use) of laying hens and reproductive functions of cows; and to identify the economic efficiency of using these supplementary feeds by changing feed conversion ratio. The composition of supplementary feeds for cows included sea furbelow, creeping pine needles, lichens. Supplementary feeds consisting of sea furbelow flour and wild crops were introduced into the diet of laying hens: fireweed or rosebay willowherb, stinging nettle, and creeping pine needles. The studies were conducted at the agricultural enterprises. The experiments were performed on Ayrshire and Holstein cows of different lactation periods and the Hisex White laying hens of various age and productive periods. Randomized regimens were used, including 2-5 levels of feeding. The groups of cows were formed by the analog to pair matching method; laying hens were formed by the analog to group matching method and were kept in equal zoohygienic conditions. During group formation, no significant differences in body weight and productivity between the formed groups were revealed (P&gt; 0.05), which indicates the correct selection of groups for the research. As a result, cows improved reproductive functions, increased milk yield, milk fat content and feed conversion; hens showed the intensification of metabolic processes, contributing to an increase in productivity, feed conversion and egg quality (P 0.05), which indicates the effectiveness of using new supplementary feeds.

2-D DOA Estimation for Incoherently Distributed Sources Considering Mixed Circular and Noncircular Signals in Massive MIMO System

In practical environment, the received signals cannot be regarded as point sources due to the existence of signal scattering phenomena. Incoherently distributed source model is suitable for this realistic scenarios. The incoherently distributed DOA estimators based on noncircular property can provide a better performance. However, these estimators are not fit for the mixed circular and noncircular signals. In this paper, a conjugate generalized shift invariance algorithm is proposed for incoherently distributed sources comprising of circular and noncircular signals. The general array manifold (GAM) model of incoherently distributed source is established by one-order Taylor series approximation. To utilize the noncircular property, each incoherently distributed circular source is separated as two strictly incoherently distributed noncircular sources. A generalized shift invariance property is derived by dividing the whole uniform rectangular array (URA) into four overlapping subarrays. Then, a modified conjugate generalized least square (CGLS) ESPRIT algorithm is proposed to obtain the central DOAs, which can improve the estimation accuracy without any spectrum searching. In addition, a pair matching method and an angular spreads estimation algorithm are also designed based on the GAM model for this mixed sources scenario. Furthermore, the Cramer-Rao bound (CRB) of proposed algorithm is given and analyzed under the mixed incoherently distributed sources scenario. Numerical results illustrate the validity of the proposed algorithm in this realistic scenario.

Three-Dimensional Geometry of Phalanges as a Proxy for Pair-Matching: Mesh Comparison Using an ICP Algorithm.

Forensic anthropologists are frequently faced with the challenge of individualizing and sorting commingled remains in a variety of scenarios. A number of protocols have been proposed to standardize the methodological approach to individuating commingled remains, some of which are focused on pair-matching. A recent study by Karell et al. (2016) proposed a virtual method for pair-matching humeri using a semi-automatic procedure that gave encouraging results. With regards to the phalanges, there are only a handful of studies focusing on identifying and siding phalanges, as well as exploring their directional and functional asymmetry. Yet, they are still as important as every other bone when sorting commingled human remains in various situations, such as archaeological common burials and mass graves, commingled decomposed remains resulting from atrocities, accidents or natural disasters. This study investigates a new method for pair-matching, a common individualization technique, using digital three-dimensional models of bone: mesh-to-mesh value comparison (MVC) as proposed by Karell et al. (2016). The MVC method digitally compares the entire three-dimensional geometry of two bones using an iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm to produce a single value as a proxy for their similarity. The method is automated with the use of Viewbox software 4.1 beta for a simultaneous comparison of all possible pairs. For this study, 515 phalanges from 24 individuals of mixed ancestry were digitized using CT scans and the 3D modeling program AMIRA 5.3.3. The models were also hollowed (internal information of compact and trabecular bone removed) to test the method with simulated surface scan models. The subsequent data-over 73,000 comparisons-were assessed using sensitivity and specificity rates via ROC analysis to indicate how well the automated version of MVC pair-matched phalanges. The best bone in terms of pair-matching was the proximal phalanx of Digit 3 with 87.5% sensitivity and 92.4% specificity rates at a threshold value of 0.488 for the unhollowed bones. The specificity drops slightly (91.1%) when the hollowed models are compared. To compare the performance of the method in all phalanges, the specificity was set to 95%-allowing for a 5% acceptable error-and the adjusted sensitivity was compared. The highest sensitivity, namely 68.8%, was noted for Digit 2 proximal phalanx for both unhollowed and hollowed models. Thus far, our preliminary results indicate that the MVC method performs well when pair-matching phalanges, though it is less accurate than pair-matching other types of bones. The introduction of 95% specificity threshold allows for rejecting pairs in great confidence, which could, for instance, significantly reduce the number of DNA comparisons required for the remaining possible matches. In addition, the similar results obtained from hollowed and unhollowed models indicate that the internal information included in the unhollowed models adds little to the identification of true pairs. This means that if a CT scan is not available, the method could be applied to surface models produced by light and laser scanners as well. While additional work needs to be done to verify these preliminary results, this research has the potential to expand the repertoire of individualization methods.

A Formula Adaptive Pixel Pair Matching Steganography Algorithm

Pixel pair matching (PPM) is widely used in digital image steganography. As an important derivation, adaptive pixel pair matching method (APPM) offers low distortion and allows embedded digits in any notational system. However, APPM needs additional space to store, calculate, and query neighborhood set, which needs extra cost. To solve these problems, a formula adaptive pixel pair matching (FAPPM) method is proposed in this paper. The basic idea of FAPPM is to use the formula to get the stego image pixel pair without searching the neighborhood set for the given image pixel pair. This will allow users to embed secret message directly without storing and searching the look-up table. Experimental results and analysis show that the proposed method could embed secret data directly without searching the neighborhood sets by using a formula and it still maintains flexibility in the selection of notional system, high image quality, and strong anti-steganalysis ability.

An Automated Two‐dimensional Pairwise form Registration Method for Pair‐matching of Fragmented Skeletal Remains

This study introduces an automated pairwise method for osteological pair-matching of fragmented skeletal remains using two-dimensional fragmented outlines extracted from photographs. The form data are used in pairwise iterative closest point registrations with rigid transformations. A modified version of the average Hausdorff distance is calculated to remove any coordinate correspondences with outline fracture margins, which allow the distance analysis of fragmented outlines. A dilation modification to the Hausdorff distance is proposed creating a greater separation between true- and false-pairs. The sample consists of 122 calcanei (61 pairs) from the UI-Stanford collection. Performance statistics are provided for simulated fragmented and complete assemblages. Results indicate up to 98% accuracy for fragmented and complete assemblages. The dilated Hausdorff distance performed similarly across assemblages, but showed a slight decrease in performance for the complete assemblage. This approach provides a useful short listing tool to reduce the number of visual comparisons required in large commingled assemblages.

Stokes parameters and 2-D DOAs estimation of polarized sources with an L-shaped coprime array

In this paper, a sparse reconstruction based approach to estimate Stokes parameters and 2-D DOAs of polarized sources is proposed in case of unknown number of sources. An L-shaped coprime array composed of dipole-dipole pairs, where a dipole in the dipole-dipole pair is placed on x-axis and the other is placed on z-axis, is used to reduce the mutual coupling across two dipoles in the dipole-dipole pair. In order to estimate the elevation of polarized sources, an orthogonal matching pursuit algorithm with the identification of the sources' number (OMP-isn) is proposed. In our proposed approach, the quasi deterministic maximum likelihood (qDML) test step is added in each iteration of algorithm. In addition, a refining grid step is also added in each iteration to reduce the estimation error incurred by the grid mismatch. The OMP algorithm and sparse iterative covariance-based estimation (SPICE) method are employed to estimate the azimuth of polarized sources. In order to pari the azimuth with the elevation, a pair-matching method is proposed based on the l2-norm and l1-norm (l2/l1) minimization. Based on the pairing azimuth and elevation, Stokes parameters of polarized sources are estimated by using Least Squares (LS) or Total Least Squares (TLS). The stochastic CRB is derived for the 2-D DOAs and Stokes parameters of polarized sources. Simulations are used to verify the performance of the proposed approach.

Abstract P1-07-23: The quality and quantity of visceral fat tissue are associated with insulin resistance and survival outcome after chemotherapy for patients with early-stage breast cancer

Abstract Background: Obesity and insulin resistance are associated with inferior levels of chemosensitivity and overall prognosis for breast cancer (BC) treatment. Recent studies suggest that the quality and quantity of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) play a significant role in adipocyte function, and are related to insulin resistance. We therefore tested the hypothesis that high amount and low quality of VAT worsen treatment outcomes via insulin resistance mechanisms. Patients and Methods: We examined two independent studies: a cross-sectional study (cohort 1) and a retrospective study (cohort 2). Cohort 1 included 106 women with early-stage BC who were undergoing surgery. Patients with normal weight (17.5&amp;lt; body mass index [BMI, kg/m2] ≤25, n = 53) and overweight/obese patients (BMI &amp;gt;25, n = 53) were selected by a pair-matching method. Insulin resistance was evaluated by HOMA-R: fasting insulin (microU/L) × fasting glucose (nmol/L)/22.5. And insulin-like growth factor (IGF) family including IGF-1 and IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) were measured before beginning treatment. The amounts of visceral fat (aVAT) was measured by 3-dimensional volumetric software using the stocked computed tomography (CT) imaging data. The quality of VAT was assessed based on the mode value of CT Hounsfield Unit of VAT (VAT-HU) at navel level of CT axial view. The association between the former variables and the quality and quantity of VAT was analyzed. Cohort 2 included 271 patients who received chemotherapy in the neo-adjuvant (NAC) or adjuvant setting. Imaging analysis was performed in the same way, and the association between those values and survival outcome after chemotherapy was analyzed by retrospective chart review. Results: In cohort 1, aVAT was significantly correlated with serum insulin and HOMA-R levels (Pearson's R 0.44 and 0.42, respectively; P&amp;lt;0.05). On comparing the two groups divided by BMI, the levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP3 were not significantly different between the normal weight and the overweight/obese groups (P = 0.31 and 0.77, respectively). However, the overweight/obese group demonstrated significantly higher HOMA-R (P&amp;lt;0.05). In cohort 2, aVAT was significantly correlated with BMI (P&amp;lt;0.05). In a multivariate analysis, pathological complete responses were not associated with aVAT (P = 0.60). After a median follow-up of 112 months, tertile stratification revealed that the third tertile of aVAT had a significantly shorter distant disease free survival (DDFS) in the NAC setting (p&amp;lt;0.05). When adjusted by covariates in the Cox proportional regression model, aVAT and VAT-HU demonstrated significant contribution to a worsened DDFS ([p&amp;lt;0.05, hazard ratio {HR} 1.39; 95% confidence interval {CI} 1.11 to 1.75] and [p&amp;lt;0.05, HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.43], respectively). Conclusions: Our study found that high amounts and low quality of VAT worsen treatment outcomes. Furthermore, we found that insulin resistance was related to those two factors. Although further validation is needed, our present work suggests the importance of evaluating the quality and quantity of visceral fat for estimating insulin resistance and treatment outcomes after chemotherapy for patients with early-stage BC. Citation Format: Iwase T, Sangai T, Nagashima T, Sakakibara M, Fujimoto H, Sawabe Y, Nagashima K, Otsuka M. The quality and quantity of visceral fat tissue are associated with insulin resistance and survival outcome after chemotherapy for patients with early-stage breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-07-23.