Visualization 1.avi

Movie demonstrating the force and compression sensing capability of the fiber-optic sensor. As the sensor is compressed by a commercial MEMS force sensor, the reflectance spectra collected at the proximal end of the fiber exhibit distinct changes in both the wavelengths and intensities of their numerous spectral peaks. These changes underlie the force sensing capability. In the images of the force sensor displayed in the left panel, the red arrow indicates the position of the front face of the optical fiber at the point of zero compression. This aids in the visualization of the compression, as the fiber tip can be seen to move beyond this point as the video plays. During compression the spectral peaks appear to move from right to left, and this perceived direction of motion is reversed during decompression. This visual effect is highlighted by the black arrow shown on the spectra, which indicates the perceived direction of motion

Updates on Whole-Dataset Analyses Using Apache Spark and the GUODA Data Service

Poster presented during SPNHC 2016 in Berlin, German

Whole-dataset Analyses Using Apache Spark

<p>Poster presented at TDWG 2015 conference in Nairobi, Kenya.</p

Prediction of Treatment Week Eight Response & Sustained Virologic Response in Patients Treated with Boceprevir Plus Peginterferon Alfa and Ribavirin

<div><p>Aim</p><p>Sustained virologic response (SVR) can be attained with boceprevir plus peginterferon alfa and ribavirin (PR) in up to 68% of patients, and short duration therapy is possible if plasma HCV RNA levels are undetectable at treatment week 8 (TW8 response). We have developed predictive models for SVR, and TW8 response using data from boceprevir clinical trials.</p><p>Methods</p><p>Regression models were built to predict TW8 response and SVR. Separate models were built for TW8 and SVR using baseline variables only, and compared to models with baseline variables plus HCV RNA change after 4 weeks of PR (TW4 delta). Predictive accuracy was assessed by c-statistics, calibration curves, and decision curve analyses. Nomograms were developed to create clinical decision support tools. Models were externally validated using independent data.</p><p>Results</p><p>The models that included TW4 delta produced the best discrimination ability. The predictive factors for TW8 response (n = 856) were TW4 delta, race, platelet count and ALT. The predictive factors for SVR (n = 522) were TW4 delta, HCV-subtype, gender, BMI, RBV dose and platelet count. The discrimination abilities of these models were excellent (C-statistics = 0.88, 0.80 respectively). Baseline models for TW8 response (n = 444) and SVR (n = 197) had weaker discrimination ability (C-statistic = 0.76, 0.69). External validation confirmed the predictive accuracy of the week 4 models.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>Models incorporating baseline and treatment week 4 data provide excellent prediction of TW8 response and SVR, and support the clinical utility of the lead-in phase of PR. The nomograms are suitable for point-of-care use to inform individual patient and physician decision-making.</p></div

Nomogram for predicting TW8 response in null responders, partial responders, relapsers and previously untreated patients treated with Boceprevir + PR.

<p>Instructions: This nomogram is a visual representation of the regression model built to predict TW8 response to boceprevir. It can be used to calculate a patient's predicted probability of becoming undetectable at TW8 if they have initiated boceprevir treatment. To use it, first circle the patients TW4 HCV-RNA on the TW4 HCV-RNA scale. By drawing a straight line upwards to the points scale. This represents the number of points for that patient based upon their TW4 HCV-RNA level. For example, if they have a value of ≤1500, the point score would be 100. Repeat this procedure for each of the variables presented in the nomogram. Once all point scores are determined, sum the total points and circle that value on the Total Points scale after the last variable. Draw a straight line downward from the Total Points scale to determine an individuals predicted probability of a TW8 response.</p

Nomogram for predicting SVR in null responders, partial responders, relapsers and previously untreated patients treated with Boceprevir + PR.

<p>Nomogram for predicting SVR in null responders, partial responders, relapsers and previously untreated patients treated with Boceprevir + PR.</p