bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and pilot testing of a 26‐gauge impedance‐electromyography needle in wild‐type and ALS mice
Authors: Rutkove Seward B. , Le Mai , Ruehr Sophie A. , Nagy Janice A. , Semple Carson , Sanchez Benjamin
Published: April 2022

Introduction/Aims

Needle impedance‐electromyography (iEMG) is a diagnostic modality currently under development that combines intramuscular electrical impedance with concentric electromyography (EMG) in a single needle. We designed, manufactured, and tested a prototype iEMG needle in a cohort of wild‐type (WT) and SOD1G93A amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mice to assess its ability to record impedance and EMG data.

Methods

A new six‐electrode, 26‐gauge, iEMG needle was designed, manufactured and tested. Quantitative impedance and qualitative “gestalt” EMG were performed sequentially on bilateral quadriceps of 16‐wk‐old SOD1G93A ALS (N = 6) and WT (N = 6) mice by connecting the needle first to an impedance analyzer (with the animal at rest) and then to a standard EMG system (with the animal fully under anesthesia to measure spontaneous activity and briefly during awakening to measure voluntary activity). The needle remained in the muscle throughout the measurement period.

Results

EMG data were qualitatively similar to that observed with a commercially available concentric EMG needle; fibrillation potentials were observed in 84% of the ALS mice and none of the WT mice; motor unit potentials were also readily identified. Impedance data revealed significant differences in resistance, reactance, and phase values between the two groups, with ALS animals having reduced reactance and resistance values.

Discussion

This work demonstrates the feasibility of a single iEMG needle conforming to standard dimensions of size and function. Further progress of iEMG technology for enhanced neuromuscular diagnosis and quantification of disease status is currently in development.
Implementing a rapid fetal exome sequencing service: What do parents and health professionals think?
Authors: Mellis Rhiannon , Tapon Dagmar , Shannon Nora , Dempsey Esther , Pandya Pranav , Chitty Lyn S. , Hill Melissa
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Prenatal exome sequencing (pES) for the diagnosis of fetal abnormalities is being introduced more widely in clinical practice. Here we explore parents' and professionals' views and experiences of pES, to identify perceived benefits, concerns, and support needs.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 parents and 20 health professionals (fetal medicine and clinical genetics) with experience of rapid pES prior to implementation in the English National Health Service. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.

Results

Parents and professionals were largely positive about pES, emphasising clinical and psychosocial benefits of a timely, definitive diagnosis in pregnancy. Concerns included parental anxiety related to the timing of pES results or uncertain findings, a need for guidelines for case selection and reporting, and ensuring sufficient capacity for counselling, phenotyping and variant interpretation. Professionals were concerned non‐genetics professionals may not be equipped to counsel parents on the complexities of pES.

Conclusion

These findings highlight important issues for clinical implementation of pES. Expert counselling is required to enable parents to make informed decisions during a stressful time. To achieve this, professionals need further education and training, and fetal medicine and genetics services must work closely together to ensure parental understanding and appropriate support.
Type 1 diabetes and pro cycling: 10 years of learning from the professionals
Authors: Scott Sam N , Hayes Charlotte , Castol Rafael , Fontana Federico Y
Published: April 2022

People living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are recommended to undertake regular exercise to maintain health and wellbeing. However, the effects of exercise on glucose concentration are complex, and despite advances in supportive technologies and insulins, exercise remains a challenge for people living with T1D. Despite the challenges, Team Novo Nordisk (TNN) has demonstrated that with planning and determination, people with T1D can successfully pursue endurance sports. TNN has developed, refined, and adapted evidence‐based scientific strategies for managing nutrition and glycaemia in elite‐level athletes with T1D participating in ultra‐endurance events. Advances in technologies, such as continuous glucose monitoring, have facilitated non‐invasive and comprehensive observation of the TNN riders, who are supported by a multidisciplinary team of doctors, coaches, researchers, and nutritionists to formulate individualised data‐driven strategies. This article highlights the current learnings and data‐informed strategies being employed to assist management of diabetes in a professional endurance sport environment, almost 10 years after the publication of ‘Lessons from the professionals: diabetes and pro cycling’ (2013). In recent years, TNN has placed a high level of emphasis on research to improve safety and athletic performance while also striving to make these insights widely available to benefit the broader community. Copyright © 2022 John Wiley & Sons.
Erythema annulare centrifugum associated with insulin therapy: a case report
Authors: Mohapatra Liza , Mangaraj Swayamsidha
Published: April 2022

A 52‐year‐old man with type 2 diabetes presented with peripherally spreading erythematous annular eruptions around the insulin injection sites on the anterior thighs. These lesions appeared shortly after initiation of subcutaneous premix human insulin injection. On examination, two well‐defined annular erythematous plaques of size around 10cm x 5cm with a rim of trailing scale over the margin were seen over the anterior aspect of bilateral thighs. He underwent assessment for diabetic complications screening and other relevant investigations. Histopathological examination of the lesion revealed uninvolved epidermis along with classical coat sleeve appearance of perivascular lymphocytic infiltration and dermal oedema in the upper dermis, which was suggestive of a diagnosis of erythema annulare centrifugum (EAC). The lesions resolved completely in two weeks after stoppage of insulin.

Insulin administration is associated with many cutaneous adverse reactions such as lipohypertrophy, lipoatrophy, oedema and allergic reactions. Allergic reactions to insulin may be localised cutaneous ones or systemic ones necessitating stoppage or change of insulin preparation. EAC is an uncommon inflammatory dermatologic condition whose exact aetiology is unknown and most probably represents delayed type hypersensitivity to various allergens. To the best of our knowledge, the association of insulin therapy induced EAC has not been previously reported in the literature. Copyright © 2022 John Wiley & Sons.
Lessons from France on the regulation of Internet pornography: How displacement effects, circumvention, and legislative scope may limit the efficacy of Article 23
Authors: Thurman Neil , Nalmpatian Asmik , Obster Fabian
Published: April 2022

In 2020, the French Parliament passed an amendment that put the country at the forefront of attempts by democratic states to restrict young people's access to legal online pornography. This study examines the necessity for and potential efficacy of the amendment, Article 23, through a comparative analysis of emerging legislative and regulatory approaches in France, the UK, Canada, Utah, and Germany, and through a survey of French 15‐, 16‐, and 17‐year‐olds. Among other things, our survey shows that 41% of 15‐, 16‐, and 17‐year‐olds in France visit dedicated pornographic sites, on average monthly and often much more frequently. However, the range of media platforms via which French adolescents are exposed to pornography, their knowledge about technologies that could circumvent age verification, and the power, scope, and implementation of Article 23 may limit the legislation's efficacy. Our findings suggest the mechanisms that may limit its efficacy include media displacement, socio‐technical circumvention, and the Article's relatively broad and imprecise nature. This study has implications for legislators and regulators in democratic countries beyond France as they too grapple with the challenges of regulating online pornography. Furthermore, it extends the often contradictory and/or limited evidence that exists about adolescents' consumption of pornography.
Properties of Hydroxyl‐Terminal Polybutadiene (HTPB) and Its Use as a Liner and Binder for Composite Propellants: A Review of Recent Advances
Authors: Quagliano Amado Javier Carlos , Ross Pablo Germán , Mattos Silva Murakami Lidia , Narciso Dutra Jorge Carlos
Published: April 2022

This paper reviews hydroxyl‐terminal polybutadiene (HTPB) used as liner and binder for composite propellants, applied in rocket motors studied throughout the last decades, emphasizing the recent advances. The contribution aims to show the importance of HTPB in the propellant composition and on the liner coating of the rocket motor, which is in contact with the propellant grain. This paper also shows that many researchers have thoroughly studied several properties of HTPB, which are relevant to its role in liners and propellants. We have also reviewed analytical techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) as a characterization technique for HTPB and HTPB‐based polyurethanes. Reflection and transfectants FTIR may be a future trend in studies about polymeric matrices for liners and propellants, and in the area of propellant formulations that use energetic binders, graphene and nanomaterials.
The competitive effects of IPOs on industry rivals
Authors: Henry Joseph J.
Published: April 2022

I study the impact of initial public offerings (IPOs) on industry rival performance. Instrumenting for IPO completion with post‐IPO filing NASDAQ returns, I find no impact of IPOs on average rival sales growth, return on sales (ROS), or Tobin’s q after 3 years. However, post‐IPO rival performance varies with rival financial constraints. Relative to peers, rivals with low cash or high leverage exhibit lower sales growth, ROS, and q values, accompanied by lower capital expenditures and employment growth. I provide causal evidence of the competitive impact of IPOs and highlight the competitive cost of financial constraints following industry IPO activity.
Role of the Metal Atom in a Carbon‐Based Single‐Atom Electrocatalyst for LiS Redox Reactions
Authors: Xie Shuai , Chen Xingjia , Wang Chao , Lu Yin‐Rui , Chan Ting‐Shan , Chuang Cheng‐Hao , Zhang Jing , Yan Wensheng , Jin Song , Jin Hongchang , Wu Xiaojun , Ji Hengxing
Published: April 2022

Carbon‐based single metal atom catalysts (SACs) are being extensively investigated to improve the kinetics of the Li–S redox reaction, which is greatly important for batteries with cell‐level energy densities >500 W h kg‐1. However, there are contradictory reports regarding the electrocatalytic activities of the different metal atoms and the role of the metal atom in LiS chemistry still remains unclear. This is due to the complex relationship between the catalytic behavior and the structure of carbon‐based SACs. Here, the catalytic behavior and active‐site geometry, oxidation state, and the electronic structure of different metal centers (Fe/Co/Ni) embedded in nitrogen‐doped graphene, and having similar physicochemical characteristics, are studied. Combining X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, density functional theory calculations, and electrochemical analysis, it is revealed that the coordination‐geometry and oxidation state of the metal atoms are modified when interacting with sulfur species. This interaction is strongly dependent on the hybridization of metal 3d and S p‐orbitals. A moderate hybridization with the Fermi level crossing the metal 3d band is more favorable for LiS redox reactions. This study thus provides a fundamental understanding of how metal atoms in SACs impact LiS redox behavior and offers new guidelines to develop highly active catalytic materials for high‐performance LiS batteries.
Loss of corneal nerves and brain volume in mild cognitive impairment and dementia
Authors: Ponirakis Georgios , Hamad Hanadi Al , Khan Adnan , Petropoulos Ioannis N. , Gad Hoda , Chandran Mani , Elsotouhy Ahmed , Ramadan Marwan , Gawhale Priya V. , Elorrabi Marwa , Gadelseed Masharig , Tosino Rhia , Arasn Anjum , Manikoth Pravija , Abdelrahim Yasmin H.M. , Refaee Mahmoud A , Thodi Noushad , Vattoth Surjith , Almuhannadi Hamad , Mahfoud Ziyad R. , Bhat Harun , Own Ahmed , Shuaib Ashfaq , Malik Rayaz A.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

This study compared the capability of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain volumetry for the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, participants with no cognitive impairment (NCI), MCI, and dementia underwent assessment of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), MRI brain volumetry, and CCM.

Results

Two hundred eight participants with NCI (n = 42), MCI (n = 98), and dementia (n = 68) of comparable age and gender were studied. For MCI, the area under the curve (AUC) of CCM (76% to 81%), was higher than brain volumetry (52% to 70%). For dementia, the AUC of CCM (77% to 85%), was comparable to brain volumetry (69% to 93%). Corneal nerve fiber density, length, branch density, whole brain, hippocampus, cortical gray matter, thalamus, amygdala, and ventricle volumes were associated with cognitive impairment after adjustment for confounders (All P’s < .01).

Discussion

The diagnostic capability of CCM compared to brain volumetry is higher for identifying MCI and comparable for dementia, and abnormalities in both modalities are associated with cognitive impairment.
Preclinical evaluation of drug treatment options for sleep‐related epileptiform spiking in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Jin Nanxiang , Gureviciene Irina , Atalay Aysu Naz , Häkli Sara , Ziyatdinova Sofya , Tanila Heikki
Published: April 2022

Introduction

There are no published data on prospective clinical studies on drug treatment options for sleep‐related epileptiform spiking in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

Using video‐EEG with hippocampal electrodes in 17 APP/PS1 transgenic male mice we assessed the effects of donepezil and memantine, anti‐seizure drugs levetiracetam and lamotrigine, gamma‐secretase inhibitor semagacestat, anti‐inflammatory minocycline and adenosine receptor antagonist istradephylline on density of cortical and hippocampal spikes during sleep.

Results

Levetiracetam decreased the density of hippocampal giant spikes and cortical spikes. Lamotrigine reduced cortical single spikes and spike‐wave discharges but dramatically increased hippocampal giant spikes. Memantine increased cortical single spikes and spike‐wave discharges dose‐dependently. Memantine and istradephylline decreased total sleep time while levetiracetam increased it. Lamotrigine decreased REM sleep duration. Other drugs had no significant effects.

Discussion

Levetiracetam appears promising for treating sleep‐related epileptiform spiking in AD while lamotrigine should be used with caution. Donepezil at low doses appeared neutral but the memantine effects warrant further studies.
Modified retrograde intubation through the cricothyroid membrane in a cat with temporomandibular joint ankylosis
Authors: Kim Dalhae , Lee Inhyung , Son Won‐gyun
Published: April 2022

A 6‐month‐old, 2.9‐kg, male, Korean short hair cat was referred for inadequate mouth opening (4 mm), and condylectomy was scheduled for ankylosis of the left temporomandibular joint. Retrograde intubation via the cricothyroid membrane was planned since direct visualisation of the larynx was not possible. In dorsal recumbency, the cricothyroid membrane was punctured with an 18‐gauge needle, and a J‐tip guidewire, inserted via the needle, was advanced and identified at the mouth. A 6‐Fr truncated feeding tube was inserted from the mouth to the cricothyroid membrane along the guidewire. The guidewire was removed, and the tip of the feeding tube was advanced as an anterograde guide to the inner trachea. Subsequently, an endotracheal tube was inserted along the feeding tube. Capnography was used to confirm correct intubation. Condylectomy was performed on the left temporomandibular joint, and the patient recovered from anaesthesia uneventfully. Retrograde intubation is less invasive than tracheostomy or cricothyroidotomy, and the cricothyroid membrane has been suggested as a suitable site for guidewire insertion in humans and dogs. However, when resistance is encountered during the advancement of endotracheal tube using the traditional technique without the anterograde guide, it may be difficult to distinguish where the resistance occurred leading to damage or oesophageal displacement in cats with relatively fragile airway. This report suggests that retrograde intubation via the cricothyroid membrane can be performed in cats with limited visualisation of the larynx, and an anterograde guide following the retrograde wire could reduce the potential damage or oesophageal displacement.
Climate and hydrological seasonal effects on household water insecurity: A systematic review
Authors: Broyles Lauren M. T. , Pakhtigian Emily L. , Rosinger Asher Y. , Mejia Alfonso
Published: April 2022

Household water insecurity (HWI) can have far‐reaching consequences for human health and well‐being, yet little is known about how environmental seasonality contributes to HWI variation. Using a systematic literature review, we examined the following questions: (1) How does environmental seasonality affect HWI? and (2) How do the effects vary over time? We also highlighted strategic areas for future research. We conducted the search using Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, and EBSCO Academic Search Complete, with an end search date of February 3, 2021; only English‐language studies were included. Articles were included in the review if analysis studied seasonal temperature, precipitation, or freshwater variation and individual or household experiences with household water adequacy, water reliability, water affordability, or water safety. Bias was evaluated via hand assessment, and articles of poor quality were excluded. Studies that focused on extreme weather events or water insecurity at community or watershed levels were omitted. We identified 67 articles, the majority of which were cross‐sectional (n = 46, 68.7%). Among longitudinal studies (n = 21, 31.3%), only one used a quantitative HWI scale, while the rest relied on proxies (n = 20, 95.2%). Our review also revealed literature gaps related to unequal coverage of freshwater ecosystem habitat types and forms of environmental seasonality. There is a need for more attention to extreme climate events, such as a prolonged multiyear drought. With changing climate expected to exacerbate weather patterns with serious implications, especially for vulnerable populations, understanding seasonality in HWI is important for crafting sustainable engineering and policy responses to water insecurity.

This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change

Engineering Water > Sustainable Engineering of Water
Foundations
Authors: Marcus Pamela M.
Published: April 2022

The ability to understand cancer screening data does not require an extensive background in biostatistics, biology, or oncology. Rather, it requires clear thinking, an open mind, and knowledge of a small set of foundational concepts, which are presented in this chapter. Cancer screening, the routine, periodic testing for signs of cancer among individuals who have no symptoms, is explained and its goals, at both an individual and population level, are discussed. Reasons that have driven the decision to screen for certain cancers in the US are presented, as are reasons that have driven the choice of who to screen. The clinical activities that come before and after application of the screening test, including invitation to be screened, diagnostic evaluation of a positive test, and cancer diagnosis, as well as the need to consider them when evaluating cancer screening, are discussed. Organized screening programs and opportunistic screening are compared and their strengths and weaknesses are noted. The most frequently used metrics of benefit of cancer screening are presented along with arguments for and against their use. The reason why efficacy, the ability of cancer screening to lead to a benefit in an experimental setting, does not guarantee effectiveness, the ability to lead to a benefit in a community setting, is discussed. The chapter closes with discussion of a central issue in cancer screening: the practice turns some healthy individuals into cancer patients, perhaps with no gain.
Datenschutz- und Sicherheitsanalyse von Mobilen Learning Apps
Authors: Dass Sunny , Kreutzer Michael , Schreiber Linda , Simo Fhom Hervais
Published: April 2022

In den letzten Jahren hat die Popularität von mobilen Learning Apps für Kinder und Jugendliche stark zugenommen – insbesondere im Kontext der aktuell herrschenden Corona-Pandemie, in der der Präsenz-Schulbetrieb mehrfach stark eingeschränkt werden musste. Im Rahmen dieses Beitrags untersuchen wir, inwieweit Android Learning Apps vor dem Hintergrund der DSGVO die Privatheit ihrer Nutzenden (i. d. R. Minderjährige) gewährleisten bzw. Anforderungen an Datensicherheit erfüllen. Die Datengrundlage für die Untersuchung besteht aus 199 Learning Apps aus dem Google Play Store. Die Analyse unterteilt sich in zwei Schritte: die grobgranulare und die feingranulare Analyse. Die grobgranulare Analyse befasst sich mit Beobachtungen und statistischen Erkenntnissen, welche direkt aus den bereits gesammelten Metadaten der Apps ersichtlich sind. Weiterhin werden die Ergebnisse hinsichtlich Datenschutz und Datensicherheit kritisch hinterfragt, indem Metadaten bezüglich Datenschutzerklärung und Berechtigungen eingestuft werden. Die feingranulare Analyse baut auf der grobgranularen Analyse auf. Hierbei wird das Android Package (APK) mittels Tools zur statischen und dynamischen Analyse genauer betrachtet. Des Weiteren werden das Vorhandensein und die Qualität von Maßnahmen zur Absicherung des Datenverkehrs der ausgewählten Apps untersucht und bewertet. Wir stellen fest, dass viele Learning Apps Datenschutzrichtlinien oder sichere Datenübertragung bieten, die Apps auf unsichere Weise implementiert sind und oft eine zum Teil niedrige Codequalität vorweisen, was auf zusätzliche Cybersicherheits- und Datenschutzrisiken schließen lässt.
Zum Konflikt zwischen Accessibility und Privacy
Authors: Rogalla Irmhild , Reichert Tilla
Published: April 2022

Zunächst wird an konkreten Beispielen gezeigt, dass die digitale Welt für Menschen mit Behinderungen nicht problemlos zugänglich ist (Accessibility) und darüber hinaus unterschiedliche Konflikte zwischen Accessibility und Privacy bestehen. Zu den Konflikten tragen verschiedene Aspekte nicht hinreichender oder nicht vorhandener Accessibility wie Privacy bei. Die Ursachen für diese Situation liegen teilweise sehr früh und sehr tief in den Entwicklungsprozessen moderner Software und IT-Systeme, in mangelndem Bewusstsein wie fehlendem Wissen um entsprechende Anforderungen bei Entwickler:innen und Verantwortlichen. Eine Lösung dafür bietet der Europäische Standard EN 16234-1:2019 „e-Competence Framework (e-CF) – A common European Framework for ICT Professionals in all industry sectors“. In seiner neuesten Fassung werden unter anderem Accessibility und Privacy als „transversal aspects“ besonders hervorgehoben und alle IT-Fach- und Führungskräfte zu ihrer Berücksichtigung verpflichtet.
Warum Wettbewerbspolitik auch die Privatsphäre berücksichtigen muss
Authors: Blankertz Aline
Published: April 2022

Europäische und deutsche Gesetzgeber:innen und Behörden sind sich einig, dass sie die negativen Folgen von Marktkonzentration begrenzen wollen. Doch inwieweit wirkt sich fehlender Wettbewerb auf den Schutz der Privatsphäre aus? Im Kontext des Facebook-Verfahrens werden v. a. zwei verschiedene Ansätze beleuchtet – einerseits, inwiefern Konzentration den Umfang der gesammelten bzw. genutzten Daten beeinflusst, und andererseits, wie Konzentration sich auf die Verhandlungsposition der Nutzer:innen auswirkt. Dieser Beitrag zeigt auf, dass der erste Ansatz nur spärlich empirisch gestützt ist, während der zweite weiterer konzeptioneller Ausarbeitung bedarf. Im Anschluss wird untersucht, inwieweit nicht nur Marktkonzentration, sondern fehlende Befähigung von Verbraucher:innen dazu führt, dass es keinen wirksamen Wettbewerb um besseren Datenschutz gibt. Beide Teile schließen mit politischen Handlungsempfehlungen ab.
Maschinelles Lernen und das Recht auf Nichtwissen
Authors: Kreutzer Michael , Mittermeier Johanna
Published: April 2022

Das Recht auf Nichtwissen ist ein Teil der informationellen Selbstbestimmung. Als Persönlichkeitsschutz wurde es bislang überwiegend aus medizinischer Sicht betrachtet, dort ist es anerkannt und wird angewendet. Durch den Output Maschineller Lernsysteme, die u. a. mit persönlichen Daten trainiert werden, kann das aufgeklärte Recht auf Nichtwissen ebenfalls bedroht werden. Selbstanalysen, Selbstoptimierungsvorschläge und ggf. Hinweise zur Anpassung, die auf diesem Wege erstellt werden, bergen Gefahren für die freie Entfaltung der Persönlichkeit und sozialisatorischer Beziehungen – die vermittelte Information ist irreversibel. Dieser Beitrag ordnet die technischen Möglichkeiten zu Selbstanalysen, Selbstoptimierungsvorschlägen und Prognosen durch Maschinelles Lernen ein und verknüpft diese mit einer philosophischen Betrachtung entlang folgender Fragestellung: Wie steht es um die Freiheit der Entscheidung, ob das Individuum durch Maschinelles Lernen berechnete, auf sich bezogene Analysen wissen sollen muss oder ob es sich dazu entschließen darf, diese nicht wissen zu wollen.
Deanonymisierung im Tor-Netzwerk – Technische Möglichkeiten und rechtliche Rahmenbedingungen
Authors: Wittmer Sandra , Platzer Florian , Steinebach Martin , Yannikos York
Published: April 2022

Eine anonyme Nutzung des Internets wird durch die Verwendung sogenannter „Darknet-Technologien“ wie der Tor-Software ermöglicht und ist hierzulande grundrechtlich geschützt. Neben zahlreichen positiven Verwendungszwecken werden solche Technologien allerdings oft auch zur anonymen Begehung von Straftaten eingesetzt. Da ein Verbot von Anonymisierungstechnologien sowohl aus technischer, als auch aus rechtlicher Sicht abzulehnen ist, wendet sich dieser Beitrag den Möglichkeiten der Strafverfolgung im Tor-Netzwerk zu. Es werden Vorgehensweisen zur Identifizierung tatverdächtiger Personen vorgestellt und aus rechtlicher Perspektive bewertet, ob diese von den derzeit existierenden Ermittlungsbefugnissen der Strafverfolgungsbehörden gedeckt wären. Anhand dieser Erkenntnisse soll eine Diskussionsgrundlage für strafrechtliche Ermittlungen im Tor-Netzwerk geschaffen werden, ohne die Legitimität einer anonymen Nutzung des Internets grundsätzlich in Frage zu stellen.
Non-conformal behavior of holographic entanglement measures
Authors: Ali-Akbari M. , Asadi M. , Amrahi B.
Published: April 2022

Abstract

We evaluate the holographic entanglement entropy, HEE, holographic mutual information, HMI, and holographic entanglement of purification, EoP, in a non-conformal model at zero and finite temperature. In order to find the analytical results we consider some specific regimes of the parameter space. We find that the non-conformal effects decrease the redefined HEE and increase the redefined HMI and EoP in the all studied regimes. On the other side, the temperature effects increase (decrease) the redefined HEE (HMI) in the all studied regimes while it has no definite effect on the redefined EoP. Finally, from the information point of view, we find that in the vicinity of the phase transition the zero temperature state is more favorable than the finite temperature one.
Vagusnervstimulation bei schwer zu behandelnden Depressionen
Authors: Reif-Leonhard C. , Reif A. , Baune B. T. , Kavakbasi E.
Published: April 2022

Einführung

Seit 20 Jahren ist die Vagusnervstimulation (VNS) eine europaweit zugelassene invasive Therapieoption für therapieresistente Depressionen (TRD). Im Gegensatz zu geläufigeren Behandlungen wie EKT sind Kenntnisse über VNS sowohl in der Allgemeinbevölkerung als auch in Fachkreisen gering.

Methoden

In diesem narrativen Review geben wir eine klinisch und wissenschaftlich fundierte Übersicht über die VNS. Hypothesen zum Wirkmechanismus sowie die aktuelle Evidenzlage zur Wirksamkeit werden dargestellt. Das perioperative Management, das Nebenwirkungsprofil und die Nachbetreuung einschließlich Dosistitration werden beschrieben. Ein Vergleich über internationale Leitlinienempfehlungen zur VNS findet sich ebenfalls. Ferner formulieren wir Kriterien, die bei der Auswahl geeigneter Patienten hilfreich sind.

Ergebnisse

Die elektrischen Impulse werden über den N. vagus afferent weitergeleitet und stimulieren über verschiedene Wege ein neuromodulatorisches zerebrales Netzwerk. Viele Studien und Fallserien zeigten die Wirksamkeit von VNS als adjuvantes Verfahren bei TRD. Der Effekt tritt mit einer Latenz von 3 bis 12 Monaten ein und steigt möglicherweise mit der Dauer der VNS. Unter der Beachtung der Stimulationsempfehlungen sind die Nebenwirkungen für die meisten Patienten tolerabel.

Fazit

Die VNS ist eine zugelassene, wirksame und gut verträgliche Langzeittherapie für chronische und therapieresistente Depressionen. Weitere Sham-kontrollierte Studien über einen längeren Beobachtungszeitraum sind zur Verbesserung der Evidenz wünschenswert.
Management decisions of an Academic Radiology Department during COVID-19 pandemic: the important support of a business analytics software
Authors: Laghi Andrea , Tamburi Virginia , Polici Michela , Anibaldi Paolo , Marcolongo Adriano , Caruso Damiano
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To analyze the response in the management of both radiological emergencies and continuity of care in oncologic/fragile patients of a radiology department of Sant’Andrea Academic Hospital in Rome supported by a dedicated business analytics software during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Imaging volumes and workflows for 2019 and 2020 were analyzed. Information was collected from the hospital data warehouse and evaluated using a business analytics software, aggregated both per week and per quarter, stratified by patient service location (emergency department, inpatients, outpatients) and imaging modality. For emergency radiology subunit, radiologist workload, machine workload, and turnaround times (TATs) were also analyzed.

Results

Total imaging volume in 2020 decreased by 21.5% compared to that in 2019 (p < .001); CT in outpatients increased by 11.7% (p < .005). Median global TAT and median code-blue global TAT were not statistically significantly different between 2019 and 2020 and between the first and the second pandemic waves in 2020 (all p > .09). Radiologist workload decreased by 24.7% (p < .001) during the first pandemic wave in 2020 compared with the same weeks of 2019 and showed no statistically significant difference during the second pandemic wave, compared with the same weeks of 2019 (p = 0.19).

Conclusions

Despite the reduction of total imaging volume due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 compared to 2019, management decisions supported by a dedicated business analytics software allowed to increase the number of CT in fragile/oncologic outpatients without significantly affecting emergency radiology TATs, and emergency radiologist workload.

Key Points

• During the COVID-19 pandemic, management decisions supported by business analytics software guaranteed efficiency of emergency and preservation of fragile/oncologic patient continuity of care.

• Real-time data monitoring using business analytics software is essential for appropriate management decisions in a department of radiology.

• Business analytics should be gradually introduced in all healthcare institutions to identify strong and weak points in workflow taking correct decisions.
Microwave ablation versus parathyroidectomy for the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism: a cohort study
Authors: Wei Ying , Zhao Zhen-long , Cao Xiao-jing , Peng Li-li , Li Yan , Wu Jie , Yu Ming-an
Published: April 2022

Objective

To compare the clinical outcomes between microwave ablation (MWA) and parathyroidectomy (PTX) for the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT).

Materials and methods

This retrospective study enrolled 212 patients with pHPT treated by either MWA (MWA group) or PTX (PTX group) from January 2015 to October 2020. The baseline data were balanced through propensity score matching. Clinical cure was evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared between the MWA and PTX groups. The risk factors related to persistent or recurrent pHPT were screening out using a Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Results

After propensity score matching, a total of 174 patients were enrolled in the present study, with 87 patients in each group. During the follow-up period (median, 28.5 months), there were no differences between the two groups regarding the clinical cure (hazard ratio, 1.71; 95% confidence interval: 0.81-3.62; p = .155), persistent pHPT rate (13.8% vs. 10.3%, p = .643), recurrent pHPT rate (6.9% vs. 3.4%, p = .496), or major complications (6.9% vs. 3.4%, p = .496). MWA resulted in a shorter procedure time (30 min vs. 60 min), smaller incision length (0.1 cm vs. 7 cm) and slightly higher costs (25745 CNY vs. 24111 CNY) (all p < .001). High levels of preoperative intact parathyroid hormone (p = .01) and multiple pHPT nodules (p < .001) were independent risk factors for recurrent and persistent pHPT in the two groups.

Conclusion

MWA and PTX have comparable clinical outcomes for pHPT. MWA has a shorter procedure time and smaller incision length.

Key Points

• There were no differences in terms of clinical cure, persistent pHPT, recurrent pHPT, or major complications between MWA and PTX in the treatment of pHPT.

• MWA is minimally invasive and results in a shorter procedure time.

• Multiple nodules and high levels of iPTH were the independent risk factors for recurrent and persistent pHPT.
Explaining away results in more robust visual tracking
Authors: Gao Bo , Spratling Michael W.
Published: April 2022

Many current trackers utilise an appearance model to localise the target object in each frame. However, such approaches often fail when there are similar-looking distractor objects in the surrounding background, meaning that target appearance alone is insufficient for robust tracking. In contrast, humans consider the distractor objects as additional visual cues, in order to infer the position of the target. Inspired by this observation, this paper proposes a novel tracking architecture in which not only is the appearance of the tracked object, but also the appearance of the distractors detected in previous frames, taken into consideration using a form of probabilistic inference known as explaining away. This mechanism increases the robustness of tracking by making it more likely that the target appearance model is matched to the true target, rather than similar-looking regions of the current frame. The proposed method can be combined with many existing trackers. Combining it with SiamFC, DaSiamRPN, Super_DiMP, and ARSuper_DiMP all resulted in an increase in the tracking accuracy compared to that achieved by the underlying tracker alone. When combined with Super_DiMP and ARSuper_DiMP, the resulting trackers produce performance that is competitive with the state of the art on seven popular benchmarks.
COH-fluid induced metasomatism of peridotites in the forearc mantle
Authors: Sieber Melanie J. , Yaxley Gregory M. , Hermann Jörg
Published: April 2022

Devolatilization of subducting lithologies liberates COH-fluids. These may become partially sequestered in peridotites in the slab and the overlying forearc mantle, affecting the cycling of volatiles and fluid mobile elements in subduction zones. Here we assess the magnitudes, timescales and mechanism of channelized injection of COH-fluids doped with $${\mathrm{Ca}}_{\mathrm{aq}}^{2+}$$

Ca

aq

2
+

, $${\mathrm{Sr}}_{\mathrm{aq}}^{2+}$$

Sr

aq

2
+

and $${\mathrm{Ba}}_{\mathrm{aq}}^{2+}$$

Ba

aq

2
+

into the dry forearc mantle by performing piston cylinder experiments between 1–2.5 GPa and 600–700 °C. Cylindrical cores of natural spinel-bearing harzburgites were used as starting materials. Based on mineral assemblage and composition three reaction zones are distinguishable from the rim towards the core of primary olivine and orthopyroxene grains. Zone 1 contains carbonates + quartz ± kyanite and zone 2 contains carbonates + talc ± chlorite. Olivine is further replaced in zone 3 by either antigorite + magnesite or magnesite + talc within or above antigorite stability, respectively. Orthopyroxene is replaced in zone 3 by talc + chlorite. Mineral assemblages and the compositions of secondary minerals depend on fluid composition and the replaced primary silicate. The extent of alteration depends on fluid CO2 content and fluid/rock-ratio, and is further promoted by fluid permeable reaction zones and reaction driven cracking. Our results show that COH-fluid induced metasomatism of the forearc mantle is self-perpetuating and efficient at sequestering $${\mathrm{Ca}}_{\mathrm{aq}}^{2+}$$

Ca

aq

2
+

, $${\mathrm{Sr}}_{\mathrm{aq}}^{2+}$$

Sr

aq

2
+

, $${\mathrm{Ba}}_{\mathrm{aq}}^{2+}$$

Ba

aq

2
+

and CO2aq into newly formed carbonates. This process is fast with 90% of the available C sequestered and nearly 50% of the initial minerals altered at 650 °C, 2 GPa within 55 h. The dissolution of primary silicates under high COH-fluid/rock-ratios, as in channelized fluid flow, enriches SiO2aq in the fluid, while CO2aq is sequestered into carbonates. In an open system, the remaining CO2-depleted, Si-enriched aqueous fluid may cause Si-metasomatism in the forearc further away from the injection of the COH-fluid into peridotite.
Current clinical practice and outcome of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for early breast cancer: analysis of individual data from 94,638 patients treated in 55 breast cancer centers
Authors: Ortmann O. , Blohmer J.-U. , Sibert N. T. , Brucker S. , Janni W. , Wöckel A. , Scharl A. , Dieng S. , Ferencz J. , Inwald E. C. , Wesselmann S. , Kowalski C. ,   for 55 breast cancer centers certified by the German Cancer Society, Denisjuk E. , Csorba R. , Rezek D. , Peschel S. , Denschlag D. , Schad F. , Dieterle D. , Lex B. , Rieger L. , Flock F. , Cramer A. , Strittmatter H.-J. , Bettscheider J. , Lindner C. , Stefek A. , Pauker W. , Hönig A. , Schrauder M. , D.Seeger  , Kleine-Tebbe A. , Bleimehl A. , Groh U. , Gebauer G. , Vollert H.-W. , Zorr A. , Friedmann W. , Krabisch P. , Fritz S. , Schwämmle A. , Lucke W. , Schmatloch S. , Heyl W. , Deuschle P. , Arfsten M. , Scheler P. , Bleimehl A. , Ruf-Dördelmann A. , Brückner B. , Bauer L. , Koch M. , Monner J. , Nixdorf A. , Merte A. , Beldermann F. , Blohmer J.-U. , Janni W. , Felberbaum R. , De Wilde R. L. , Bolkenius P. , Lebrecht A. , Ortmann O. , Solomayer E.-F. , Hartmann S. , Hartkopf A.
Published: April 2022

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is frequently used in patients with early breast cancer. Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated similar survival after NACT or adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT). However, certain subtypes may benefit more when NACT contains regimes leading to high rates of pathologic complete response (pCR) rates. In this study we analyzed data using the OncoBox research from 94,638 patients treated in 55 breast cancer centers to describe the current clinical practice of and outcomes after NACT under routine conditions. These data were compared to patients treated with ACT. 40% of all patients received chemotherapy. The use of NACT increased over time from 5% in 2007 up to 17.3% in 2016. The proportion of patients receiving NACT varied by subtype. It was low in patients with HR-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer (5.8%). However, 31.8% of patients with triple-negative, 31.9% with HR-negative/HER2-positive, and 26.5% with HR-positive/HER2-positive breast cancer received NACT. The rates of pCR were higher in patients with HR-positive/HER2-positive, HR-negative/HER2-positive and triple-negative tumors (36, 53 and 38%) compared to HR-positive/HER2-negative tumors (12%). PCR was achieved more often in HER2-positive and triple-negative tumors over time.

This is the largest study on use and effects of NACT in German breast cancer centers. It demonstrates the increased use of NACT based on recommendations in current clinical guidelines. An improvement of pCR was shown in particular in HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancer, which is consistent with data from randomized controlled trails.
High-temperature oxidation of proximal basaltic pyroclasts, 1886 Tarawera, New Zealand
Authors: Moore Hannah C. , Carey Rebecca J. , Houghton Bruce F. , Jutzeler Martin , White James D. L.
Published: April 2022

Microlite crystallization in erupting basalt can occur in the conduit, in flight, or in situ after deposition. Distinguishing the products of primary versus secondary (post-fragmentation) crystallization can be challenging in near-vent environments, but is vital for interpreting shallow conduit conditions from pyroclast textures. Here, we examine pyroclasts of the 1886 basaltic Plinian eruption of Tarawera volcano, New Zealand, to assess the roles of primary versus secondary crystallization of microlites. Lapilli and ash were selected from (a) an ultra-proximal section (T47), < 100 m from vent, which is dominated by pyroclasts derived from the Plinian jet and column margin, and (b) a medial fall deposit section (T43), 2.5 km from the fissure, which contains products from the umbrella cloud. Strong contrasts in pyroclast groundmass crystallinities exist between sections, from near-holocrystalline (90–97% void-free corrected; VFC) in T47 pyroclasts to highly crystalline (77–83% VFC) in T43 pyroclasts. Subhedral-euhedral Fe–Ti microlites (< 3 μm) are ubiquitous and abundant in T47 pyroclasts, whereas they are virtually absent in T43 pyroclasts. Olivine is present in both T47 and T43 pyroclasts but evidence of its subsolidus transformation is only seen in T47 clasts, whereas in T43 clasts olivine is fresh. Near-complete crystallization of the groundmass and subsolidus transformation of olivine in the ultraproximal T47 clasts are evidence that post-depositional modification of primary pyroclast textures occurred in ultra-proximal environments at Tarawera as a response to high residual temperatures and oxidizing conditions, aided by short transport times of relatively coarse ejecta at high accumulation rates, likely supplemented by intense vent-derived heat. Ultra-proximal basaltic eruption products can continue to crystallize after deposition and are thus unlikely to be faithful indictors of shallow conduit magmatic processes; we recommend the use of medial and distal products instead.
Do responsive sleep interventions impact mental health in mother/infant dyads compared to extinction interventions? A pilot study
Authors: Blunden Sarah , Osborne Joanne , King Yaroslava
Published: April 2022

Methods to improve sleep in infants commonly involve some ignoring (extinction) but are often unpopular with mothers worried about infant distress when left to cry. Alternative more responsive methods are needed. This pilot study evaluated stress, maternal depressive symptomology and sleep in mother/infant dyads, between Responsive, Controlled Crying and Control groups. From 199 mother/infant dyads from any cultural background, 41 infants 4–12 months were randomly allocated to Responsive (RG, n = 15), Controlled Crying (CCG, n = 18) or Controls (Treatment as Usual, TAUG, n = 8), with 10 withdrawing after randomisation. Infant sleep (7-day sleep diaries) and stress (oral cortisol on two nights), maternal self-reported stress (Subjective Units of Distress, SUDS), maternal perceived infant distress (MPI-S) and symptoms of maternal depression (Edinburgh Post-natal Depression Scale, EPDS) were measured four times across 8 weeks. Sleep duration was not different between groups but Responsive woke less (p = .008). There were no differences in cortisol between groups across time points. Maternal SUDS was positively correlated with infant cortisol and MPI-S (p < 0.05) and mothers in the Responsive group were significantly less stressed (p = 0.02) and reported less symptoms of depression (p < 0.05). Findings in this small sample show Responsive methods are comparable to the extinction (Controlled Crying) in sleep outcomes but from a relational and maternal mental health perspective, are less stressful, offering families potential choices of sleep interventions.
DFT modeling approach for operational risk assessment of railway infrastructure
Authors: Weik Norman , Volk Matthias , Katoen Joost-Pieter , Nießen Nils
Published: April 2022

Reliability engineering of railway infrastructure aims to understand failure processes and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of investments and maintenance planning such that a high quality of service is achieved. While formal methods are widely used to verify the design specifications of safety-critical components in train control, quantitative methods to analyze the service reliability associated with specific system designs are only starting to emerge. In this paper, we strive to advance the use of formal fault-tree modeling for providing a quantitative assessment of the railway infrastructure’s service reliability in the design phase. While, individually, most subsystems required for route-setting and train control are well understood, the system’s reliability to globally provide its designated service capacity is less studied. To this end, we present a framework based on dynamic fault trees that allows to analyze train routability based on train paths projected in the interlocking system. We particularly focus on the dependency of train paths on track-based assets such as switches and crossings, which are particularly prone to failures due to their being subject to weather and heavy wear. By using probabilistic model checking to analyze and verify the reliability of feasible route sets for scheduled train lines, performance metrics for reliability analysis of the system as a whole as well as criticality analysis of individual (sub-)components become available. The approach, which has been previously discussed in our paper at FMICS 2019, is further refined, and additional algorithmic approaches, analysis settings and application scenarios in infrastructure and maintenance planning are discussed.
Continuity of Formal Power Series Products in Nonlinear Control Theory
Authors: Gray W. Steven , Palmstrøm Mathias , Schmeding Alexander
Published: April 2022

Formal power series products appear in nonlinear control theory when systems modeled by Chen–Fliess series are interconnected to form new systems. In fields like adaptive control and learning systems, the coefficients of these formal power series are estimated sequentially with real-time data. The main goal is to prove the continuity and analyticity of such products with respect to several natural (locally convex) topologies on spaces of locally convergent formal power series in order to establish foundational properties behind these technologies. In addition, it is shown that a transformation group central to describing the output feedback connection is in fact an analytic Lie group in this setting with certain regularity properties.