Sidelobe elimination for generalized synthetic discriminant functions by a two-filter correlation and subsequent postprocessing of the intensity distributions

One of the most important problems in optical pattern recognition by correlation is the appearance of sidelobes in the correlation plane, which causes false alarms. We present a method that eliminate sidelobes of up to a given height if certain conditions are satisfied. The method can be applied to any generalized synthetic discriminant function filter and is capable of rejecting lateral peaks that are even higher than the central correlation. Satisfactory results were obtained in both computer simulations and optical implementation.

High c-Met expression in stage I-II pancreatic adenocarcinoma: proposal for an immunostaining scoring method and correlation with poor prognosis.

AIMS: c-Met is an emerging biomarker in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC); there is no consensus regarding the immunostaining scoring method for this marker. We aimed to assess the prognostic value of c-Met overexpression in resected PDAC, and to elaborate a robust and reproducible scoring method for c-Met immunostaining in this setting. METHODS AND RESULTS: c-Met immunostaining was graded according to the validated MetMab score, a classic visual scale combining surface and intensity (SI score), or a simplified score (high c-Met: ≥20% of tumour cells with strong membranous staining), in stage I-II PDAC. A computer-assisted classification method (Aperio software) was developed. Clinicopathological parameters were correlated with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival(OS). One hundred and forty-nine patients were analysed retrospectively in a two-step process. Thirty-seven samples (whole slides) were analysed as a pre-run test. Reproducibility values were optimal with the simplified score (kappa = 0.773); high c-Met expression (7/37) was associated with shorter DFS [hazard ratio (HR) 3.456, P = 0.0036] and OS (HR 4.257, P = 0.0004). c-Met expression was concordant on whole slides and tissue microarrays in 87.9% of samples, and quantifiable with a specific computer-assisted algorithm. In the whole cohort (n = 131), patients with c-Met(high) tumours (36/131) had significantly shorter DFS (9.3 versus 20.0 months, HR 2.165, P = 0.0005) and OS (18.2 versus 35.0 months, HR 1.832, P = 0.0098) in univariate and multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Simplified c-Met expression is an independent prognostic marker in stage I-II PDAC that may help to identify patients with a high risk of tumour relapse and poor survival.

Gene Expression Profiling of Desmoid Tumors by cDNA Microarrays and Correlation with Progression-Free Survival.

PURPOSE: Because desmoid tumors exhibit an unpredictable clinical course, translational research is crucial to identify the predictive factors of progression in addition to the clinical parameters. The main issue is to detect patients who are at a higher risk of progression. The aim of this work was to identify molecular markers that can predict progression-free survival (PFS). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Gene-expression screening was conducted on 115 available independent untreated primary desmoid tumors using cDNA microarray. We established a prognostic gene-expression signature composed of 36 genes. To test robustness, we randomly generated 1,000 36-gene signatures and compared their outcome association to our define 36-genes molecular signature and we calculated positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV). RESULTS: Multivariate analysis showed that our molecular signature had a significant impact on PFS while no clinical factor had any prognostic value. Among the 1,000 random signatures generated, 56.7% were significant and none was more significant than our 36-gene molecular signature. PPV and NPV were high (75.58% and 81.82%, respectively). Finally, the top two genes downregulated in no-recurrence were FECH and STOML2 and the top gene upregulated in no-recurrence was TRIP6. CONCLUSIONS: By analyzing expression profiles, we have identified a gene-expression signature that is able to predict PFS. This tool may be useful for prospective clinical studies. Clin Cancer Res; 21(18); 4194-200. ©2015 AACR.

Measuring individuals' response quality in self-administered psychological tests : an introduction to Gendre's functional method

The functional method is a new test theory using a new scoring method that assumes complexity in test structure, and thus takes into account every correlation between factors and items. The main specificity of the functional method is to model test scores by multiple regression instead of estimating them by using simplistic sums of points. In order to proceed, the functional method requires the creation of hyperspherical measurement space, in which item responses are expressed by their correlation with orthogonal factors. This method has three main qualities. First, measures are expressed in the absolute metric of correlations; therefore, items, scales and persons are expressed in the same measurement space using the same single metric. Second, factors are systematically orthogonal and without errors, which is optimal in order to predict other outcomes. Such predictions can be performed to estimate how one would answer to other tests, or even to model one's response strategy if it was perfectly coherent. Third, the functional method provides measures of individuals' response validity (i.e., control indices). Herein, we propose a standard procedure in order to identify whether test results are interpretable and to exclude invalid results caused by various response biases based on control indices.

Preliminary integrated magnetostratigraphic and biostratigraphic correlation in the Miocene Lorca Basin (Murcia, SE Spain).

The Lorca basin is one of the Neogene basins OS South Eastern Spain. The infilling Tortonian-Messinian deposits are mainly composed OS marls and reach up to 1,200 m in thickness. A biostratigraphic survey OS these deposits, assisted by the determination OS the magnetic polarity reversal pattern Sor most OS these deposits (900 m), has enabled the Tortonian-Messinian chronostratigraphy to be precised. The close sampling space for biostratigraphic determination has enabled the accurate location OS Sour main biostratigraphic events than can be correlated with charactenstic events of the Mediterranean biostratigraphic Zones. In addition, the location OS the TortonianNessinian boundary has been accurately placed at some 150 m below the main gypsurn unit outcropping in the basin. The integrated bio-magnetostratigraphic data fiom the studied section allows a tentative interpretation OS the identified magnetozones. Thus, a correlation to the Geomagnetic Polarity Time Scale is presented for more than 900 m of pre-evaporite Miocene stratigraphic succession fiom the Lorca basin. Moreover, about 15' OS anticlockwise rotation has been detected. Its significance is evaluated in the basin geodynamic framework.

Identifying Pertinent Variables for Nonresponse Follow-Up Surveys : Lessons Learned from 4 Cases in Switzerland

All social surveys suffer from different types of errors, of which one of the most studied is non-response bias. Non-response bias is a systematic error that occurs because individuals differ in their accessibility and propensity to participate in a survey according to their own characteristics as well as those from the survey itself. The extent of the problem heavily depends on the correlation between response mechanisms and key survey variables. However, non-response bias is difficult to measure or to correct for due to the lack of relevant data about the whole target population or sample. In this paper, non-response follow-up surveys are considered as a possible source of information about non-respondents. Non-response follow-ups, however, suffer from two methodological issues: they themselves operate through a response mechanism that can cause potential non-response bias, and they pose a problem of comparability of measure, mostly because the survey design differs between main survey and non-response follow-up. In order to detect possible bias, the survey variables included in non-response surveys have to be related to the mechanism of participation, but not be sensitive to measurement effects due to the different designs. Based on accumulated experience of four similar non-response follow-ups, we studied the survey variables that fulfill these conditions. We differentiated socio-demographic variables that are measurement-invariant but have a lower correlation with non-response and variables that measure attitudes, such as trust, social participation, or integration in the public sphere, which are more sensitive to measurement effects but potentially more appropriate to account for the non-response mechanism. Our results show that education level, work status, and living alone, as well as political interest, satisfaction with democracy, and trust in institutions are pertinent variables to include in non-response follow-ups of general social surveys. - See more at: https://ojs.ub.uni-konstanz.de/srm/article/view/6138#sthash.u87EeaNG.dpuf

Spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC): nova técnica para avaliação do coração fetal

As malformações cardíacas são as mais freqüentes anomalias congênitas ao nascimento, entretanto, a sua detecção pré-natal pela ultra-sonografia convencional permanece baixa. As ultra-sonografias de terceira e quarta dimensões surgiram no início da década de 90, apresentando grandes aplicações em obstetrícia, principalmente nos casos de diagnósticos duvidosos à ultra-sonografia bidimensional. O spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC) representa grande avanço na área de ultra-som de quarta dimensão; constitui-se em um software acoplado ao aparelho Voluson 730 Expert, que permite a aquisição volumétrica do coração fetal e suas conexões vasculares. As análises volumétricas são realizadas nos modos multiplanar e de renderização, podendo-se também utilizar o Doppler. Apresenta, como grandes vantagens, a aquisição rápida e a possibilidade de análise posterior por especialistas em ecocardiografia fetal. Pode ser aplicada para a pesquisa de quaisquer cardiopatias congênitas, pois permite a aquisição de qualquer plano, diferentemente do ultra-som bidimensional. Sua principal desvantagem está relacionada aos movimentos fetais. A maior difusão do método pode permitir um aumento na detecção de malformações cardíacas, pois possibilita ao ultra-sonografista geral encaminhar, via Internet, os volumes para a análise por especialistas em ecocardiografia fetal.

Erreurs innées du métabolisme: transition enfant-adulte [Inborn errors of metabolism: transition from childhood to adulthood].

Les erreurs innées du métabolisme (EIM) sont dues à des mutations de gènes codant pour des enzymes du métabolisme et sont classées selon trois grands groupes de maladies: 1) intoxications; 2) déficit énergétique et 3) déficit de synthèse ou catabolisme des maladies complexes. Le progrès thérapeutique des vingt dernières années a permis d'améliorer le pronostic des enfants atteints d'EIM. Ces enfants grandissent et doivent être pris en charge à l'adolescence et à l'âge adulte par des équipes spécialisées. Cette médecine métabolique pour adultes est une discipline relativement nouvelle avec une information limitée chez l'adulte. Les recommandations pédiatriques sont extrapolées à la prise en charge des adultes tout en intégrant les différentes étapes de vie (indépendance sociale, grossesse, vieillissement et éventuelles complications tardives). Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) are due to mutations of genes coding for enzymes of intermediary metabolism and are classified into 3 broad categories: 1) intoxication, 2) energy defect and 3) cellular organelles synthesis or catabolism defect. Improvements of therapy over these last 20 years has improved prognosis of children with IEM. These children grow up and should have their transition to specialized adult care. Adult patients with IEM are a relatively new phenomenon with currently only limited knowledge. Extrapolated pediatric guidelines are applied to the adult population taking into account adult life stages (social independence, pregnancy, aging process and potential long-term complications).

Research networks and inventors’ mobility as drivers of innovation evidence from Europe

We investigate the importance of the labour mobility of inventors, as well as the scale, extent and density of their collaborative research networks, for regional innovation outcomes. To do so, we apply a knowledge production function framework at the regional level and include inventors’ networks and their labour mobility as regressors. Our empirical approach takes full account of spatial interactions by estimating a spatial lag model together, where necessary, with a spatial error model. In addition, standard errors are calculated using spatial heteroskedasticity and autocorrelation consistent estimators to ensure their robustness in the presence of spatial error autocorrelation and heteroskedasticity of unknown form. Our results point to the existence of a robust positive correlation between intraregional labour mobility and regional innovation, whilst the relationship with networks is less clear. However, networking across regions positively correlates with a region’s innovation intensity.

Subthalamic (STN) Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson's Disease (PD): Correlation Between the Location of the Stimulated Contacts and the Clinical Effects in 14 Patients

Objectives: To correlate the chronic stimulated electrode position on postoperative MRI with the clinical response obtained in PD patients. Material and Method: We retrospectively reviewed 14 consecutive parkinsonian patients who were selected for STN-DBS surgery. Coordinates were determined on an IR T2 MRI coronal section per pendicular to AC-PC plane 3 mm posterior to midcommissural point (MCP) and 12 mm lateral to the midline the inferior aspect of subthalamic region. A CRW stereotactic frame was used for the surgical procedure. A 3D IR T2 MRI was performed postoperatively to determine the location of the stimulated contact in each patient. The clinical results were assessed independently by the neurological team. Results: All but 2 patients had monopolar stimulation. The mean coordinates of the stimulated contacts were: AP ^ ÿ4:23G1:4, Lat ^ 1:12G0:15, Vert ^ ÿ4:1 G2:7 to the MCP. With a mean follow-up of 8 months, all stimulated patients had a significant clinical improvement (preop/postop «ON» UPDRS: 25:8G7:0= 23:3 G8:6; preop/postop «OFF» UPDRS: 50:2G11:4=26:0 G7:8), 60% of them without any antiparkinsonian drug. Conclusion: According to the stereotactic atlas of Schaltenbrand and Warren and the 3D shape of the STN, our results show that our targetting is accurate and almost all the stimulated contacts are comprised in the STN volume. This indicates that MRI is a safe, precise and reproducible procedure for targetting the STN. The location of the stimulated contact within the STN volume is a good predictor of the clinical results.

Neural synchrony indexes impaired motor slowing after errors and novelty following white matter damage.

In humans, action errors and perceptual novelty elicit activity in a shared frontostriatal brain network, allowing them to adapt their ongoing behavior to such unexpected action outcomes. Healthy and pathologic aging reduces the integrity of white matter pathways that connect individual hubs of such networks and can impair the associated cognitive functions. Here, we investigated whether structural disconnection within this network because of small-vessel disease impairs the neural processes that subserve motor slowing after errors and novelty (post-error slowing, PES; post-novel slowing, PNS). Participants with intact frontostriatal circuitry showed increased right-lateralized beta-band (12-24 Hz) synchrony between frontocentral and frontolateral electrode sites in the electroencephalogram after errors and novelty, indexing increased neural communication. Importantly, this synchrony correlated with PES and PNS across participants. Furthermore, such synchrony was reduced in participants with frontostriatal white matter damage, in line with reduced PES and PNS. The results demonstrate that behavioral change after errors and novelty result from coordinated neural activity across a frontostriatal brain network and that such cognitive control is impaired by reduced white matter integrity.

Mammographic density in asymptomatic menopausal women: correlation with clinical and sonographic findings

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate mammographic breast density in asymptomatic menopausal women in correlation with clinical and sonographic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mammograms and clinical and sonographic findings of 238 asymptomatic patients were retrospectively reviewed in the period from February/2022 to June/2006. The following variables were analyzed: mammographic density patterns, sonographic findings, patients' age, parity, body mass index and use of hormone replacement therapy. RESULTS: Age, parity and body mass index showed a negative correlation with breast density pattern, while use of hormone replacement therapy showed a positive correlation. Supplementary breast ultrasonography was performed in 103 (43.2%) patients. Alterations which could not be visualized at mammography were found in 34 (33%) of them, most frequently in women with breast density patterns 3 and 4. CONCLUSION: The authors concluded that breast density patterns were influenced by age, parity, body mass index and time of hormone replacement therapy. Despite not having found any malignant abnormality in the studied cases, the authors have observed a predominance of benign sonographic abnormalities in women with high breast density patterns and without mammographic abnormalities, proving the relevance of supplementary ultrasonography to identify breast lesions in such patients.