Simultaneous Pairs Research Articles

The Relationship Between Patient Perceived Pain and the Numerical Rating System: A Prospective Validation Using Electronic Health Record Data.

We developed a method of using the Clinically Aligned Pain Assessment (CAPA) measures to reconstruct the Numeric Rating System (NRS). We used an observational retrospective cohort study design with prospective validation using de-identified adult patient data derived from a major health system. Data between 2011-2017 were used for development and 2018-2020 for validation. All included patients had at least one NRS and CAPA measurement at the same time. An ordinal regression model was built with CAPA components to predict NRS scores. We identified 6,414 and 3,543 simultaneous NRS-CAPA pairs in the development and validation dataset, respectively. All CAPA components were significantly related to NRS, with RMSE of 1.938 and Somers' D of 0.803 on the development dataset, and RMSE of 2.1 and Somers' D of 0.74 when prospectively validated. Our model was capable of accurately reconstructing NRS based on CAPA and was exact when the NRS was [0,7].

Comparison of QT interval readings between smartwatch ECG combined with artificial intelligence and 12-lead ECG in subjects hospitalized for antiarrhythmic drug initiation and follow-up

Abstract Background/Introduction Class III antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) are effective for the maintenance of sinus rhythm (SR) in subjects with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, several require initial hospitalization for QT interval monitoring using the 12-lead ECG. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using a smartwatch single lead ECG combined with a deep learning algorithm for routine QT interval determination in the context of AAD initiation. Methods A deep learning model was developed using smartwatch and Holter ECG recordings to estimate corrected QT intervals. To evaluate the performance of this model, we carried out a prospective study on subjects hospitalized for initiation of sotalol and/or dofetilide. Subjects recorded near simultaneous (maximal 2 minutes apart) smartwatch ECGs (Apple Watch Series 6) and 12-lead ECG (Mac 5500 HD ECG or GE Carescape B450) right before and 2-3 hours after drug administration twice a day for 2-3 days. Blinded double annotation followed by adjudication of disagreement provided a reference heart rhythm (NSR or AF) and QTc interval. The tangent method was used for QTc interval determination. Bland-Altman analysis was performed to assess the agreement between QTc measures. Results Fifty subjects (mean age 67.4±10.9 years, 64% male) were enrolled in the study from February 2022 to October 2022. Out of 386 monitoring visits, 321 near simultaneous pairs of ECGs were collected with a mean delay of +15.0±41.1s for the smartwatch ECG compared to the 12-lead ECG. Overall, a mean QTcF reference value of 419.9±34.0 ms was observed (435.2±38.4 ms for QTcB, r=0.83 between annotators[BL2] ). Among the 139 pairs with 12-lead ECG found in NSR, we observed a mean QTcF difference of +19.7 ms and limits of agreements equal to -21.5 ms and 60.8 ms, with AI-facilitated measurement. In comparison, a mean QTcF difference of +22.5 ms and limits of agreements equal to -23.8 ms and 68.8 ms were observed for manual readings of smartwatch ECGs instead. Conclusion(s): Our findings suggest that a smartwatch ECG deep learning approach can estimate the QT interval with a fair agreement compared to standard 12-lead monitoring during AAD initiation. This measurement method appears to be at least as accurate as manual measurements on smartwatch ECGs. With further validation, the smartwatch-based automatic detection of QT interval prolongation, could be used for a faster, safe, and extended outpatient QT interval monitoring.Bland-Altman plots

Single-layer Compton camera based on a 1 mm thick pixelated CDTE detectors

Compton camera is a novel γ-camera paradigm that relies upon the kinematics of Compton scattering for image reconstruction. A Conventional Compton camera uses two layers of sensors - the Absorber and the Scatterer. This work reports the proof of concept of a single-layer Compton camera (SLCC) where simultaneous Compton pairs events are registered in a single High-Z semiconductor sensor. The Hybrid pixel detector (HPD) is 1 mm thick, 256 x 256 square pixels with 55 μm pixel pitch CdTe sensor bonded to a Timepix3 readout ASIC. The superior spectroscopic imaging and fast timing capabilities of the Timepix3 readout ASIC coupled with a microscopic and highly pixelated CdTe enable simultaneous event detection of multi-energies occurring at multiple positions. The concept was exemplified by measuring the 122 KeV γ-ray emitted from a 57Co radioisotope source at two positions. Data were captured in the Timepix3 data-driven mode with the KATHERINE readout system via Gigabyte Ethernet data transfer. A bespoke Compton kinematics criterion algorithm implemented in Python 3 IDE was used for data analysis and Compton’s image reconstruction. Numerous events (5.2 million) were captured for 30-minute acquisitions. However, due to the thin nature of CdTe, fewer events (≈ 0.01 %) met the Compton event selection criteria. Nevertheless, the algorithm accurately pinpointed the radioisotope’s location, demonstrating proof of concept of the SLCC system.

Classification images for aerial images capture visual expertise for binocular disparity and a prior for lighting from above.

Using a novel approach to classification images (CIs), we investigated the visual expertise of surveyors for luminance and binocular disparity cues simultaneously after screening for stereoacuity. Stereoscopic aerial images of hedges and ditches were classified in 10,000 trials by six trained remote sensing surveyors and six novices. Images were heavily masked with luminance and disparity noise simultaneously. Hedge and ditch images had reversed disparity on around half the trials meaning hedges became ditch-like and vice versa. The hedge and ditch images were also flipped vertically on around half the trials, changing the direction of the light source and completing a 2 × 2 × 2 stimulus design. CIs were generated by accumulating the noise textures associated with "hedge" and "ditch" classifications, respectively, and subtracting one from the other. Typical CIs had a central peak with one or two negative side-lobes. We found clear differences in the amplitudes and shapes of perceptual templates across groups and noise-type, with experts prioritizing binocular disparity and using this more effectively. Contrariwise, novices used luminance cues more than experts meaning that task motivation alone could not explain group differences. Asymmetries in the luminance CIs revealed individual differences for lighting interpretation, with experts less prone to assume lighting from above, consistent with their training on aerial images of UK scenes lit by a southerly sun. Our results show that (i) dual noise in images can be used to produce simultaneous CI pairs, (ii) expertise for disparity cues does not depend on stereoacuity, (iii) CIs reveal the visual strategies developed by experts, (iv) top-down perceptual biases can be overcome with long-term learning effects, and (v) CIs have practical potential for directing visual training.

Clinical Evaluation of the ECG Noise Extraction Tool as a Component of ECG Analysis Algorithms Evaluation.

The aim of this work is to demonstrate the performance of the ECG noise extraction tool (ECGNExT) which provides estimates of ECG noise that are not significantly different from the inherent noise in an ECG generated by motion artifacts and other sources. In addition, this paper elaborates on use of ECGNExT in an algorithm evaluation context comparing two QRS detection algorithms. 140 simultaneous pairs of clean ECGs and ECGs corrupted with motion-induced noise from 29 participants under five different and separate motion conditions were collected and analyzed. Estimates of the noise component of the ECGs recorded with noise were obtained using ECGNExT and were then added to the clean ECGs yielding estimated ECGs with noise. Root mean squared error (RMSE) between the recorded and estimated ECGs with noise was calculated for temporal comparison, and band powers of the signals were calculated for spectral comparison. A t-test revealed that the mean RMSE < 150-microvolts with p-value < 0.001 and, and equivalence tests showed that the band powers of the two ECGs were statistically equivalent with . ECGNExT can reliably estimate the underlying ECG noise while preserving temporal and spectral features. We previously proposed ECGNExT as a component of ECG analysis algorithm testing during noise conditions and reported its performance based on simulated ECG data. This work provides additional support of the performance and functionality of the ECGNExT algorithm from a study with pairs of simultaneously recorded ECGs with and without noise from human subjects.

Nearly Simultaneous Pairs and Triplets of Historical Destructive Earthquakes with Distant Epicenters in the Italian Apennines

Abstract Historical seismic catalogs of Italy record several instances of pairs or triplets of large earthquakes (Mw&amp;gt;6.7) along the Apennine chain, occurring on the same date or within a short time frame (days or weeks). Some of these events have mesoseismic areas tens of kilometers apart and/or seismogenic structures located more than 1–3 times the fault length away. Although in the case of aligned and/or contiguous faults, their cascading activation can be explained by variations in static Coulomb stress, in the case of distant faults, this mechanism could sometimes be replaced by what is known as dynamic triggering, which is caused by the passage of seismic waves generated by a remote source. In this study, I analyze three significant ancient seismic sequences that occurred in the south-central Apennines, suggesting that the extent of the destructive effects of these earthquakes can be attributed to remote dynamic triggering, causing the activation of different and unrelated seismogenic structures within a specific time frame.

Coincidence measurements of two quantum-correlated photon pairs widely separated in the frequency domain

Quantum correlation is a key concept characterizing the properties of quantum light sources and is important for developing quantum applications with superior performance. In particular, it enables photon pairs that are widely separated in the frequency domain, one in the visible region, the other in the infrared region, to be used for quantum infrared sensing without direct detection of infrared photons. Here, simultaneous multiwavelength and broadband phase matching in a nonlinear crystal could provide versatile photon-pairs source for broadband infrared quantum sensing. This paper describes direct generation and detection of two quantum-correlated photon pairs produced via simultaneous phase-matched processes in periodic crystals. These simultaneous photon pairs provide a correlated state with two frequency modes in a single pass. To confirm the correlation, we constructed an infrared-photon counting system with two repetition-synchronized fiber lasers. We performed coincidence measurements between two pairs, 980 nm and 3810 nm, and 1013 nm and 3390 nm, which yielded coincidence-to-accidental ratios of 6.2 and 6.5, respectively. We believe that our novel correlated light source with two separate pairs in the visible and infrared region complements a wide-range of multi-dimensional quantum infrared processing applications.

Are Activity Wrist-Worn Devices Accurate for Determining Heart Rate during Intense Exercise?

The market for wrist-worn devices is growing at previously unheard-of speeds. A consequence of their fast commercialization is a lack of adequate studies testing their accuracy on varied populations and pursuits. To provide an understanding of wearable sensors for sports medicine, the present study examined heart rate (HR) measurements of four popular wrist-worn devices, the (Fitbit Charge (FB), Apple Watch (AW), Tomtom runner Cardio (TT), and Samsung G2 (G2)), and compared them with gold standard measurements derived by continuous electrocardiogram examination (ECG). Eight athletes participated in a comparative study undergoing maximal stress testing on a cycle ergometer or a treadmill. We analyzed 1,286 simultaneous HR data pairs between the tested devices and the ECG. The four devices were reasonably accurate at the lowest activity level. However, at higher levels of exercise intensity the FB and G2 tended to underestimate HR values during intense physical effort, while the TT and AW devices were fairly reliable. Our results suggest that HR estimations should be considered cautiously at specific intensities. Indeed, an effective intervention is required to register accurate HR readings at high-intensity levels (above 150 bpm). It is important to consider that even though none of these devices are certified or sold as medical or safety devices, researchers must nonetheless evaluate wrist-worn wearable technology in order to fully understand how HR affects psychological and physical health, especially under conditions of more intense exercise.

Markerless motion tracking with simultaneous MV and kV imaging in spine SBRT treatment—a feasibility study

Objective. Motion tracking with simultaneous MV-kV imaging has distinct advantages over single kV systems. This research is a feasibility study of utilizing this technique for spine stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) through phantom and patient studies. Approach. A clinical spine SBRT plan was developed using 6xFFF beams and nine sliding-window IMRT fields. The plan was delivered to a chest phantom on a linear accelerator. Simultaneous MV-kV image pairs were acquired during beam delivery. KV images were triggered at predefined intervals, and synthetic MV images showing enlarged MLC apertures were created by combining multiple raw MV frames with corrections for scattering and intensity variation. Digitally reconstructed radiograph (DRR) templates were generated using high-resolution CBCT reconstructions (isotropic voxel size (0.243 mm)3) as the reference for 2D–2D matching. 3D shifts were calculated from triangulation of kV-to-DRR and MV-to-DRR registrations. To evaluate tracking accuracy, detected shifts were compared to known phantom shifts as introduced before treatment. The patient study included a T-spine patient and an L-spine patient. Patient datasets were retrospectively analyzed to demonstrate the performance in clinical settings. Main results. The treatment plan was delivered to the phantom in five scenarios: no shift, 2 mm shift in one of the longitudinal, lateral and vertical directions, and 2 mm shift in all the three directions. The calculated 3D shifts agreed well with the actual couch shifts, and overall, the uncertainty of 3D detection is estimated to be 0.3 mm. The patient study revealed that with clinical patient image quality, the calculated 3D motion agreed with the post-treatment cone beam CT. It is feasible to automate both kV-to-DRR and MV-to-DRR registrations using a mutual information-based method, and the difference from manual registration is generally less than 0.3 mm. Significance. The MV-kV imaging-based markerless motion tracking technique was validated through a feasibility study. It is a step forward toward effective motion tracking and accurate delivery for spinal SBRT.

Delivery of graphene oxide nanosheets modulates glutamate release and normalizes amygdala synaptic plasticity to improve anxiety-related behavior.

Graphene oxide nanosheets (GO) were reported to alter neurobiological processes involving cell membrane dynamics. GO ability to reversibly downregulate specifically glutamatergic synapses underpins their potential in future neurotherapeutic developments. Aberrant glutamate plasticity contributes to stress-related psychopathology and drugs which target dysregulated glutamate represent promising treatments. We find that in a rat model of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a single injection of GO to the lateral amygdala following the stressful event induced PTSD-related behavior remission and reduced dendritic spine densities. We explored from a mechanistic perspective how GO could impair glutamate synaptic plasticity. By simultaneous patch clamp pair recordings of unitary synaptic currents, live-imaging of presynaptic vesicle release and confocal microscopy, we report that GO nanosheets altered the probability of release enhancing the extinction of synaptic plasticity in the amygdala. These findings show that the modulation of presynaptic glutamate release might represent an unexplored target for (nano)pharmacological interventions of stress-related disorders.

343. Relevance of Use of Anaerobic Blood Culture Bottle for the Diagnosis of Bacteremia

Abstract Background Blood cultures remain the cornerstone for the diagnosis of bacteremia. Although an anaerobic blood culture bottle can recover facultative and obligate anaerobes, routine use of an anaerobic bottle paired with an aerobic bottle remains controversial. We aimed to evaluate the role of anaerobic bottle for the diagnosis of bacteremia. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study in a tertial hospital in Japan from January 2019 to September 2021. Blood culture results were collected from microbiology laboratory records. Blood cultures for which simultaneous pairs of aerobic and anaerobic bottles were collected and from which a single organism was recovered were included. Positive blood cultures were considered as a single episode of bacteremia when obtained within 14 consecutive days. Results A total of 22677 blood cultures were collected, with 22650 bottles were paired. In 2962 paired blood cultures of which one or both bottles were positive, 1079 episodes of clinically significant monomicrobial bacteremia were observed. In these episodes, 898 had a positive aerobic bottle, while 789 had a positive anaerobic bottle, with 608 had both positive bottles. In 181 episodes (16.8%), clinically significant organisms were isolated in an anaerobic bottle without concomitant positive aerobic bottle. In these anaerobic bottles, 146 facultative and 35 obligate anaerobes were recovered. The most common facultative anaerobe was Escherichia coli (30 isolates), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (27 isolates). Bacteroides fragilis (11 isolates) was the most common obligate anaerobe. Conclusion Recovery of clinically significant facultative and obligate anaerobes from anaerobic bottle alone was observed in 17% of episodes, which supports that the routine collection of both aerobic and anaerobic bottles is relevant. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

Leveraging vocabulary tree for simultaneous match pair selection and guided feature matching of UAV images

Structure from Motion (SfM) has been a golden standard technique for UAV image orientation. However, the high combinational complexity of match pairs and the high outlier ratio of initial matches become two major issues in SfM-based image orientation. This paper presents an integrated workflow to achieve simultaneously match pair selection and guided feature matching for image orientation. The core idea of the proposed algorithm is to explore the index structure of both inverted and direct indexes in the context of vocabulary tree-based image retrieval. First, the similarity scores between one query image and database images are calculated by using the word-image index structure stored in the inverted index, and match pairs are selected with a distance or ratio threshold-independent strategy. Second, by using a large vocabulary tree for descriptor quantification, guided feature matching is achieved by using the image-word index structure stored in the direct index, which restricts the searching space of nearest descriptors and achieves the direct assignment of candidate matches, instead of the nearest neighbor searching (NNS) method. Finally, integrated with an incremental SfM workflow, the performance of the proposed algorithm has been comprehensively verified through the analysis and comparison by using four UAV datasets that cover varying test sites. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves match pair selection with linear time complexity and provides refined matches with speedup ratios ranging from 156 to 228 (2 to 3) compared with the CPU (GPU)-based NNS matching method. In addition, it can achieve competitive precision in both relative bundle adjustment (BA) without ground control points (GCPs) and absolute BA with GCPs.

Highlights from Recent Cancer Literature

Highlights from Recent Cancer Literature

Abstract 10175: An Artificial Intelligence-Based Smartwatch Ecg Analysis Improves the Detection of Atrial Arrhythmia

Introduction: Smartwatch ECGs (SW-ECG) have been identified as a noninvasive solution to assess abnormal heart rhythms, especially atrial arrhythmias (AA) which are related to stroke risk. This study assesses the detection of AA with the Apple Watch and compares the accuracy of two algorithms, the original companion application (ECG 1.0 App) and a novel deep neural network (DNN), in a population typical of an electrophysiology department. Hypothesis/Objective: To determine if a novel DNN can improve the detection of AA on SW-ECGs. Methods: 146 simultaneous pairs of 12-lead ECGs (GE Mac 2000 or Mindray BeneHeart R12) and SW-ECGs have been collected on 144 patients from the electrophysiology department of one tertiary center. 12-lead ECGs were adjudicated by an expert electrophysiologist as 40 AA and 106 not AA and considered as ground truth. The SW-ECGs were processed by the ECG 1.0 App and the DNN in parallel. The proportions of inconclusive diagnoses returned and the performances were assessed and compared. Results: Overall, the ECG 1.0 App yielded inconclusive diagnoses for 25% (37/146) of all SW-ECGs while the DNN reduced that number to 1% (2/146). After excluding SW-ECGs with an inconclusive diagnosis (37/146), the ECG 1.0 App and the DNN had a sensitivity of 62% (95% CI, 55%-70%) and 96% (95% CI, 93%-99%) respectively, and both had a specificity of 95% (95% CI, 92%-99%). Conclusions: A novel DNN improved the performance for the detection of AA. It reduced the burden of inconclusive diagnostics by 24% and improved the sensitivity by 34% with no change in specificity. Routine application of this SW-ECG analysis offers significant promise in arrhythmia diagnosis. Further investigations are needed to assess the classification of atrial arrhythmias more precisely.

On Similarity Measures for Stochastic and Statistical Modeling

In this work, our goal is to present and discuss similarity techniques for ordered observations between time series and non-time dependent data. The purpose of the study was to measure whether ordered observations of data sets are displayed at or close to, the same time points for the case of time series and with the same or similar frequencies for the case of non-time dependent data sets. A simultaneous time pairing and comparison can be achieved effectively via indices, advanced indices and the associated index matrices based on statistical functions of ordered observations. Hence, in this work we review some previously defined standard indices and propose new advanced dimensionless indices and the associated index matrices which are both easily interpreted and provide efficient comparison of the series involved. Furthermore, the proposed methodology allows the analysis of data with different units of measurement as the indices presented are dimensionless. The applicability of the proposed methodology is explored through an epidemiological data set on influenza-like-illness (ILI). We finally provide a thorough discussion on all parameters involved in the proposed indices for practical purposes along with examples.

The Relationship Between Heart Rate and Body Temperature in Critically Ill Patients.

The presence of tachycardia in critically ill patients is frequently used as an indication of severity of illness and to guide treatment decisions but can be influenced by body temperature, thus confounding its interpretation. There are few data available on the relationship between body temperature and heart rate in critically ill patients. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Mixed medical-surgical university hospital ICU. All patients admitted to the ICU between November 2006 and August 2019. Body temperature was recorded in the electronic medical records at least hourly, from invasive measurements (esophageal probe, indwelling urinary catheter, pulse contour cardiac output monitoring system, or pulmonary artery catheter) or manual tympanic recordings. Heart rate was monitored continuously and hourly values were recorded in the electronic medical record. Change in heart rate with change in body temperature was assessed by extracting pairs of simultaneous body temperature and corresponding heart rate measurements from the electronic medical record: 472,941 simultaneous pairs were obtained from the 9,046 patients admitted during the study period. Each 1°C increase in body temperature between 32.0°C and 42.0°C was associated with an 8.35 beats/min increase in heart rate. Crude linear regression showed an r2 of 0.855 between body temperature and heart rate. Heart rate increased more in females than in males (9.46 vs 7.24 beats/min for each 1°C, p < 0.0001); this relationship was not affected by age or adrenergic drugs. The increase in heart rate was related to the severity of organ dysfunction. Increase in body temperature is associated with a linear increase in heart rate of 9.46 beats/min/°C in female and 7.24 beats/min/°C in male patients. These observations will help to correctly interpret heart rate values at different body temperatures and enable more accurate evaluation of other factors associated with tachycardia.

Isotopic and Water Relation Responses to Ozone and Water Stress in Seedlings of Three Oak Species with Different Adaptation Strategies

The impact of global changes on forest ecosystem processes is based on the species-specific responses of trees to the combined effect of multiple stressors and the capacity of each species to acclimate and cope with the environment modification. Combined environmental constraints can severely affect plant and ecological processes involved in plant functionality. This study provides novel insights into the impact of a simultaneous pairing of abiotic stresses (i.e., water and ozone (O3) stress) on the responses of oak species. Water stress (using 40 and 100% of soil water content at field capacity—WS and WW treatments, respectively) and O3 exposure (1.0, 1.2, and 1.4 times the ambient concentration—AA, 1.2AA, and 1.4AA, respectively) were carried out on Quercus robur L., Quercus ilex L., and Quercus pubescens Willd. seedlings, to study physiological traits (1. isotope signature [δ13C, δ18O and δ15N], 2. water relation [leaf water potential, leaf water content], 3. leaf gas exchange [light-saturated net photosynthesis, Asat, and stomatal conductance, gs]) for adaptation strategies in a Free-Air Controlled Exposure (FACE) experiment. Ozone decreased Asat in Q. robur and Q. pubescens while water stress decreased it in all three oak species. Ozone did not affect δ13C, whereas δ18O was influenced by O3 especially in Q. robur. This may reflect a reduction of gs with the concomitant reduction in photosynthetic capacity. However, the effect of elevated O3 on leaf gas exchange as indicated by the combined analysis of stable isotopes was much lower than that of water stress. Water stress was detectable by δ13C and by δ18O in all three oak species, while δ15N did not define plant response to stress conditions in any species. The δ13C signal was correlated to leaf water content (LWC) in Q. robur and Q. ilex, showing isohydric and anisohydric strategy, respectively, at increasing stress intensity (low value of LWC). No interactive effect of water stress and O3 exposure on the isotopic responses was found, suggesting no cross-protection on seasonal carbon assimilation independently on the species adaptation strategy.

Survival and prognostic tests in a real-world phase II experience with a safe, moderate-dose, sequential chemotherapy (CT) algorithm (ALGO) for metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PANC).

e16763 Background: Gemcitabine (G), 5-fluorouracil (F), leucovorin (L), irinotecan (I), and oxaliplatin (O), (GFLIO) is safe, employs moderate 1/2-1/3 dosages, offers expanded eligibility (0-2 ECOG PS; no age limit)). Each step reverse resistance (RR) to CT; drug synergism 4-6 simultaneous pairs) improve responses (Rs) and survival (S) (Bruckner ASCO 05, 08, 11, AntiCancer Res 2016; 36 (1), 2018; 38 (1) (ACR), and the immune system (Correale P: J. Immunother 2014; 37). M Caraglia: Front Oncol. 2019). Methods: Eligibility: intent to treat active metastatic PANC, no prior CT: any age: PS 0-2 and expected &gt; 6 weeks S. IRB required safety &lt; 1/10 severe events. ALGO in mg/m2: G 500, F 12-1500 over 24 hrs, L 180, I 80, day2 O (GFLIO) q2 wks, and on progression added in sequence, day 2, docetaxel 20-25 and good counts only mitomycin C 3-6 then bevacizumab 10mg/kg with prior monitoring and modifications (ACR). Median 12, 18, 24 mos Overall Survival (OS), Kaplan Meier estimates with 95% CI were evaluated with age, sex and normal nl and abnl baseline bloods: neutrophils N ANC; Lymphs Ly ALC; platelets; albumin (ALB); Alkaline phosphatase (Alk Ph) abn N alb 3.5 N/L; 2.1 L/monocyte ratios and the A.L.A.N (AS) composite prognostic score (M. Salati E.J.Ca. 2019; 117: 84-90). Results: OS @ 6, 12, 18 &amp; 24 mos, for 53 pts, was 75; 57; 36; 26 % (+/- 8-10%). Median M S was 14.5 mo (CI 9-17mos); S @ all ages ≥ 60, 65 or 70, was not inferior. Women's M S 17 mo. was &gt; men's 10.5: 95/65; 75/46; 48/29; 42/29%. AS for abnl tests was: 0 (18pts): 93: 81: 48; 34% &amp; MS 17 mo vs 1-2 (23)90: 58;42;32% &amp; MS 15.5mo vs 3-4 (12)MS 3 mo. Pts with best 17-14.5 mo MS had nl AS 0 &gt; Alb &gt; AS 1-2 &gt; APh &gt; ANC. Pts with worst 3-6 mo MS had abnl: AS 3-4 &lt; Alb &lt; ANC. No pt had severe infection, neuropathy or gastroenteritis. Pts -/+ 75-100gm ascorbic acid, 25, did not have inferior S in ALAN subsets (H.Bruckner AACR 17). Conclusions: The sequential moderate dose CT ALGO improves eligbility and provides pts with metastatic PANC of any age a well tolerated CT regimen with a high therapeutic index and strong, 12, 18, 24 mo, survival. Prognostic tests can identify subgroups ≥ 75% with favorable vs. unfavorable criteria and improve personalized choices and measures to remedy individual risk factors. Clinical trial information: NCT01905150 .

Predictive cues and spatial attentional bias for alcohol: Manipulations of cue-outcome mapping

Previous studies suggest that cues predicting the outcome of attentional shifts provide a measure of anticipatory alcohol-related attentional bias that is correlated with risky drinking and has high reliability. However, this is complicated by potential contributions of visual features of cues to reliability, unrelated to their predictive value. Further, little is known of the sensitivity of the bias to variations in cue-outcome mapping manipulations, limiting our theoretical and methodological knowledge: Does the bias robustly follow varying cue-outcome mappings, or are there automatic cue-related associative processes involved? The current studies aimed to address these issues. Participants performed variations of the cued Visual Probe Task (cVPT) in which cues were non-predictive; in which there were multiple cue pairs, used simultaneously and serially; and in which the cue-outcome mapping was reversed. The major findings were, first, that previously found reliability cannot be attributed to aspects of the cues not related to outcome-prediction; second, that reliability of the bias does not survive deviations from a simple, consistent cue-outcome mapping; third, that all predictive versions of the task showed a bias towards alcohol; fourth, that the bias did not simply follow awareness of the cue-outcome mapping; and finally, that only in the case of simultaneous multiple cue pairs, an association with risky drinking was replicated. The results provide support for the reliability of the anticipatory attentional bias for alcohol, suggest that relatively persistent associative processes underlie the bias in the alcohol context, and provide a foundation for future work using the cVPT.

Computing three-point correlation function randoms counts without the randoms catalogue

ABSTRACT As we move towards future galaxy surveys, the three-point statistics will be increasingly leveraged to enhance the constraining power of the data on cosmological parameters. An essential part of the three-point function estimation is performing triplet counts of synthetic data points in random catalogues. Since triplet counting algorithms scale at best as $\mathcal {O}(N^2\log N)$ with the number of particles and the random catalogues are typically at least 50 times denser than the data; this tends to be by far the most time-consuming part of the measurements. Here, we present a simple method of computing the necessary triplet counts involving uniform random distributions through simple one-dimensional integrals. The method speeds up the computation of the three-point function by orders of magnitude, eliminating the need for random catalogues, with the simultaneous pair and triplet counting of the data points alone being sufficient.