bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concept of a multi sensor and freely configurable patient table for CT applications
Authors: Leopold Mathias , Hoffmann Thomas , Opfermann Klemens , Pannicke Enrico , Rose Georg , Woschke Elmar 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Conventional computed tomography (CT) systems are encapsulated in hardware and software. Integration of further imaging modalities and sensors which can acquire prior knowledge for dose saving image acquisition and reconstruction techniques are barely possible. Within the scope of our research project, an open interface and freely configurable CT system is now being developed. The integration of further modalities and sensors into this system is a main target. A subproject deals with a multi sensor patient table, which provides additional information through integrated sensors. In particular, force sensors are installed inside the patient table to determine the patient’s mass. This value can be used to specify the required tube voltage, so that a more precise setting can be made in comparison to today‘s clinical practice. Studys show that a more precise kVp estimation can significantly reduce patient dose. Sensors for the monitoring of respiration and pulse are also integrated into the setup of the patient table. On the one hand, these are designed to encourage the patients to minimize disturbing movements and on the other hand to generate trigger signals for the examination. In addition to the sensor concept of the table, a position control system for vertical and horizontal movement of the table is integrated. The position of the table can be adjusted using different input devices so that a fast and intuitive handling of the table movement can be achieved for standard diagnostic and CT guided interventional procedures. The communication between all sensors, actors and the CT ist realized via the Robot Operating System (ROS) framework.
Electrophoretic deposition of dielectric film on stimulation electrodes for the use in intraoperative neuromonitoring
Authors: Chen Karin J. , Oswald Johanna , Krüger Thilo 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is a material processing technology which uses direct current (DC) voltage to deposit thin layers on a metallic substrate. EPD is a promising coating technology for medical devices due to its advantages such as thin homogenous layers and a broad range of usable substrates. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate how EPD can be deployed successfully to apply an insulation layer on a stimulation electrode. The Mapping suction probe by inomed Medizintechnik GmbH, Germany, was coated in this investigation. The unique feature of this product is that it combines both a surgical vacuum and a stimulation probe and is used for brain tumour resection. As for the insulation layer, ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE) was chosen because of its good dielectric and biocompatible properties. ECTFE particles (Halar®6514, Solvay Specialty Polymer, Italy) were mixed with a solvent (Novec™ 7100DL Engineered Fluid, 3M™) to form a suspension. The coating process was partly automatized to ensure good repeatability and reproducibility. For coating, the stimulation probe was immersed in the suspension so that the counter electrode, a stainless-steel net, surrounded it equidistantly. A heat treatment of the coated device in an oven (FED56, Binder, Germany) was required afterwards to melt the deposited polymer particles. After the heat treatment, a glossy black layer (layer thickness 42 μm) was observed on the substrate. A smooth and homogenous surface confirmed that the coating is suitable for surgical application. However, due to a high evaporation rate of the solvent, the ratio of particles and solvent changes and the coating process will have to be controlled in the future to achieve a stable process. Further advantages of EPD such as short processing time, straightforward process flow and scalability enables high production quantities which is attractive for industrial application. EPD might be a promising coating technology for medical devices in the future.
Visualization of biomechanical model parameters by adapting methods from game development
Authors: Bolten Tobias , Kürten Andre , Kitzig Andreas , Naroska Edwin 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
In biosignal processing, the importance of modeling and simulation to assist the development of methods, algorithms and systems is increasing. However, models and simulation environments may also be used in the later application, e.g. to enable physicians, therapists and nurses to provide assistance in treatment. Most of the time, however, the difficulty is to implement and apply the rather complex model data or to evaluate the output of the model. For this purpose, the paper presents a method that intelligibly prepares the input data of a biomechanical model for the end user using a game development environment
Visualization of interfacial adhesive defects at dental restorations with spectral domain and polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography
Authors: Tetschke Florian , Golde Jonas , Walther Julia , Kirsten Lars , Koch Edmund , Hannig Christian , Rüger Claudia , Schneider Hartmut , Haak Rainer 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Restoration loss based on interfacial adhesive defects and associated caries at the restoration margin are the main causes for invasive replacement of dental restorations. Assessment of the interfacial quality based on clinical inspection and radiographic examination is often difficult and not reliable. In this work, we present spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) and polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PSOCT) for the evaluation of tooth-composite bond failure. Imaging of two composite restorations at the occlusal surface are presented using intensity-based images obtained by SDOCT and PSOCT based degree of polarization uniformity (DOPU). Both modalities revealed several defects beneath the surface such as inhomogeneous adhesive layers, marginal gaps and bubbles. In addition, DOPU representation showed an inhomogeneous structure within the composite material. OCT based imaging of dental restorations could add a valuable diagnostic tool for the evaluation of structural defects in clinical practice. The representation of polarization characteristics with the DOPU algorithm provides further information on the homogeneity of the restoration.
PromBERA: A preoperative eABR: An update
Authors: Polterauer Daniel , Neuling Maike , Müller Joachim , Hempel John-Martin , Mandruzzato Giacomo , Polak Marek 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Prior to cochlear implantation, audiological tests are performed to determine candidacy in subjects with a hearing loss. This is usually done by measuring the acoustic auditory brainstem response (ABR). Unfortunately, for some subjects, a reproducible ABR recording cannot be obtained, even at high acoustic levels. Having a healthy stimulating auditory nerve is required for cochlear implantation in order to benefit from the electrical pulses that are generated by the implant and to improve speech comprehension. In some subjects, this prerequisite cannot be measured using routine audiological tests. In this study, the feasibility of recording electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses (eABR) using a stimulating transtympanic electrode, placed on the round window niche, together with MED-EL clinical system is investigated. The results show that it is possible to record reproducible eABR measurements using PromBERA. The response was also confirmed with intraoperative eABR measurements that were stimulated using the implanted CI electrode array. Similarities between the intraoperative measurements and the preoperative recorded waveforms were observed. In summary, the integrity and excitability of the auditory nerve can be objectively measured using the PromBERA in subjects where standard clinical testing procedures are unable to provide the information required.
Automated particle analysis by Raman microscopy – a method development
Authors: Reske Thomas , Schmitz Klaus-Peter , Teske Michael , Eickner Thomas , Senz Volkmar , Grabow Niels 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Chemical identification of particles increasingly gains importance concerning regulatory affairs of medical devices. Particle numbers of samples very easily add up to orders larger than 1.000. Therefore an automated particle measurement is absolutely worthwhile. As a method of chemical identification Raman spectroscopy combined with microscopy is commonly used. The challenge is to distinguish small particles in a range of a few microns on a surface from the background. Different specimen holder made of glass, polymer (e.g. polycarbonate) or metal are commonly used. After the choice of suitable background parameters such as magnification, optical resolution, focal plane and brightness have to be optimized. The used software for Raman microscopy offers the possibility to select particles for the subsequent measurement. Therefore the xand y-coordinates of particles have to be added to a list manually and separately. This so called point list can be processed automatically. However, this procedure is very laborious and requires a high degree of user interaction especially in case of large particle numbers. Furthermore the software offers the possibility to perform a so called area scan, where a defined surface of the the specimen will be spectroscopically analyzed. The measurements are performed in defined distances on a grid, e.g. every 10 micrometer in xand y-direction. The choice of this tool leads to a large number of measuring points associated with an unwanted long measuring time. By means of the freely accessible software ImageJ an alternative path was found to relate xand y-coordinates to every particle. These coordinates can be imported into the point list of the software for Raman microscopy. Afterwards a Raman spectrum for every particle can be measured without further high effort in time.
Foetal heart rate signal spectral analysis by using time-varying autoregressive modelling
Authors: Fuentealba Patricio , Illanes Alfredo , Ortmeier Frank 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
During labour, foetal monitoring enables clinicians to prevent potential adverse outcomes, whose surveillance procedure is commonly based on analysis of cardiotocographic (CTG) signals. Unfortunately, this procedure is difficult because it involves human interpretation of highly complex signals. In order to improve the CTG assessment, different approaches based on signal processing techniques have been proposed. However, most of them do not consider the progression of the foetal response over time. In this work, we propose to study such progression along the foetal heart rate (FHR) signal by using spectral analysis based on time-varying autoregressive modelling. The main idea is to investigate if a particular FHR signal episode in the time-domain reflects dynamical changes in the frequency-domain that can help to assess the foetal condition. Results show that each FHR deceleration leaves a particular time-varying frequency signature described by the spectral energy components which could help to distinguish between a normal and a pathological foetus.
In vitro study of sirolimus release from nonwoven PLLA matrices
Authors: Illner Sabine , Kohse Stefanie , Michaelis Claudia , Reske Thomas , Grabow Niels , Schmitz Klaus-Peter , Eickner Thomas 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Sirolimus incorporated nonwoven polymer matrices were fabricated via electrospinning. Release kinetics considering different fiber diameters and layer thicknesses were investigated. In vitro drug release profiles were evaluated by measuring the drug concentration in an established drug release medium (0.9% saline solution with additives, not buffered) at predetermined time points. Furthermore, an NH3-plasma pretreatment was examined to ensure complete wetting from the beginning of the study. In comparison to thin drug-loaded PLLA spray coatings it was shown that the release of sirolimus is diffusion- and degradation-controlled regardless of the surface-to-volume ratio, though fiber diameters or a hydrophilization can affect its release kinetics.
Conceptual design of a personalized radiation therapy patch for skin cancer
Authors: Pashazadeh Ali , Castro Nathan , Morganti Elena , Hutmacher Dietmar , Lagotzki Sinja , Boese Axel , Friebe Michael 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Radiation therapy is a valuable option for treatment of skin cancer. In order to deliver the radiation dose to the superficial skin tumor, an X-ray source, electron beam radiation therapy or a radioisotope is applied. The effectiveness of these procedures is well established in the literature. Findings of some recent studies have indicated that beta particles can be of particular interest in suppressing skin tumor growth. Betaemitting radioisotopes are favorable because of the short penetration depth of their emitted particles. Beta radiation can induce significant damage in superficial skin tumor, and at the same time, result in enhanced protection of the underlying healthy tissues. In this study, we propose the design of a patch that can be used in beta radiation therapy of skin cancer patients. For that, we describe the components of this radioactive patch, as well as a proposal for the subsequent clinical application procedure. A scaffold was used as a substrate for embedding the desired beta-emitting radioisotope, and two layers of hydrogel to provide protection and shielding for the radioactively labelled scaffold. The proposed design could provide a universal platform for all beta-emitting radioisotopes. Depending on the depth of the tumor spread, a suitable beta emitter for that specific tumor can be selected and used. This is of particular and critical importance in cases where the tumor is located directly on top of the bone and for which the depth of penetration of radiation should be limited to only the tumor volume. The proposed design has the mechanical flexibility to adapt to curved body regions so as to allow the use in anatomically challenging areas of the body.
Cross-Correlation based comparison between the conventional 12-lead ECG and an EASI derived 12-lead ECG
Authors: Holderith Melanie , Schanze Thomas 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
The 12-channel ECG is an important tool used for the diagnosis and treatment of various cardiac and other related diseases. The recording procedure requires the exact placement of 10 electrodes on the patients, because incorrect placement can lead to improper signals and, consequently, to false diagnoses. In addition, the placement of 10 electrodes is time consuming, often interferes with clinical processes, and is less patient-friendly. One possible solution could be the usage of a vector-based, 5-electrode, 12-lead monitoring ECG system (EASI). The aim of this work is to establish a quantitative comparison between the conventional 12-lead ECG and an EASI ECG by cross-correlating signals of the same type. For this purpose, we used a conventional 12-lead ECG device, Schwarzer Cardiotek GmbH; and an EASI device, Schwarzer Cardiotek GmbH. All instruments were made available by the company CRS medical GmbH. Both devices were simultaneously connected to an informed, healthy volunteer and signals were recorded under resting conditions. Crosscorrelation functions were calculated and analysed by using Matlab R2015a between the same original and filtered signal types, e.g. conventional and EASI lead I. Time lags between the recordings were compensated adequately. All signals, up to two conventional signals, were of high quality. We found a high degree of correlations between 10 of 12 leads (r > 0.9). However, the conventional recording system is more sensible to artifacts, muscle activities and noise, very likely due to its more complex electrode configuration and larger electrical sensing area. A visual inspection of the conventional and EASI time courses by an expert also indicated that EASI is useful in clinical practice. We compared a conventional 12-lead ECG with an EASI ECG by signal correlations. The results indicate that EASI is well suited for cardiologic routine: simplified electrode placement and reasonable signal quality. However, additional investigations are required, especially to test EASI for diagnostic purposes and with more sophisticated statistical methods.
“MigraineMonitor” – Towards a System for the Prediction of Migraine Attacks using Electrostimulation
Authors: Stefke Andrea , Wilm Frauke , Richer Robert , Gradl Stefan , Eskofier Bjoern M. , Forster Clemens , Namer Barbara 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Migraine attacks can be accompanied by many different symptoms, some of them appearing within 24 hours before the onset of the headache. In previous work, reduced habituation to an electrical pain stimulus at the head was observed in the pre-ictal phase within 24 hours before the headache attack. Based on these results, this work presents an application to track influence factors on migraine attacks and an Arduino-based control unit which replaces the traditional approach of manual electrical stimulation. The usability of both components of the project was evaluated in separate user studies. Results of the usability study show a good acceptance of the systems with a mean SUS score of 92.4. Additionally, they indicate that the developed control unit may substitute the current manual electrical stimulation. Overall, the designed system allows standardized repeatable measurements and is a first step towards the home-use of a device for establishing a new method for migraine prediction.
Registration of pre- and postoperative surface scans for pediatric neurosurgery
Authors: Katanacho Manuel , Lack John-Certus , Fehlhaber Felix , Krüger Jörg 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
A software for automatic registration and differential visualization of pre- and postoperative surface scans for use in pediatric neurosurgery is developed and implemented. The core operations of the registration include an automatic head extraction, a rough registration by aligning the main axes, a depth map-based registration for robust determination and registration of feature points in the facial area, and a fine registration. A graphical user interface is implemented for the difference visualization and program control.
Enhancing EFL learners’ vocabulary learning through formative assessment: Is the effort worth expending?
Authors: Estaji Masoomeh , Mirzaii Mostafa 
Published: September 2018

AbstractDespite widespread agreement among ELT researchers that vocabulary lies at the heart of communicative competence, currently no consensus exists as to how learning of previously presented lexical items can be guaranteed. Given the inconclusiveness of findings, the present study attempted to delve into the differences in the learning of target vocabulary through formative assessment. To this end, 58 EFL learners assigned to two groups (the experimental and control group) took a vocabulary pretest. The target vocabulary was explicitly presented to both groups, and the experimental group underwent formative assessment of this vocabulary through such techniques as concept mapping, oral questioning, and vocabulary quizzes. In order to probe deep into the perceptions of formative assessment, two focus-group interviews were held with 14 participants of the experimental group. Finally, both groups sat a posttest whose results revealed that the participants in the experimental group outperformed the control group in terms of vocabulary learning. The findings showed that formative assessment can enable language learners to apply their newly gained lexical knowledge with syntactic correctness and semantic appropriateness. The interviews indicated that participants had a positive attitude toward formative assessment.
Managing understanding through English as a lingua franca
Authors: Koblizkova Andrea 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe paper offers insight into pragmatic aspects of English as a lingua franca (ELF) and potential implications for intercultural communication by presenting the results of research into rapport carried among Czech, English and German university students. The three cultural groups were compared in terms of their cultural independence in rapport management using multiple-choice discourse completion tasks MDCTs based on scenarios addressing specifically issues of face (face-threatening and face-saving acts), implicitness/explicitness, positive/negative politeness, and relational and transactional language functions. Their mutual and pairwise comparisons showed nuances in which the surveyed groups varied in their motivations. Though all the groups, regardless of their cultural background, overlapped in their genuine effort to make relational choices to maintain rapport, the English group manifested more relational interactions, and even at the cost of miscommunication they left the messages in the hands of a recipient. The English group tended to manifest explicitness only when there might be cost to their public status, whereas the Czech and German groups saw the value of interaction in explicit statement of the truth. They neglected the cost of face-threatening acts as they had not fully decoded the rapport impairment caused by the use of transactional interactions. The findings imply that ELF as a medium of intercultural communication needs to turn more attention to the values of the involved speakers and hearers, to equip them with competence to carefully formulate their own ideas as well as broaden their understanding of the motives of the others.
From a reader/listener to a speaker/writer: Student views confirm the need to develop English courses further towards productive, interactive skills
Authors: Pitkänen Kari K. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractOver the past decades, Finland has become more international, and the need for academic and professional language skills has increased and shifted towards productive skills. In this paper, I shall provide an overview of this development as seen through course catalogues from four decades, and compare it with real student needs, strengths and weaknesses. The material consists of course descriptions from the 1970s to the present, which are used to trace the evolution and development of English courses taught at the University of Helsinki Language Centre. These were contrasted with 365 CEFR self-assessments my students completed at the beginning of their faculty-specific English courses (English Academic and Professional Skills) and another data set consisting of 20 interviews of graduates who have used languages professionally. The results show that the language courses have been developed so that they focus more on productive skills, which the students find demanding but essential for coping academically and professionally. For new teachers developing their English courses, this paper provides a context to be considered in the development process.