Towards robust probabilistic maps in Deep Brain Stimulation. exploring the impact of patient number, stimulation counts, and statistical approaches

Introduction Probabilistic Stimulation Maps (PSMs) are increasingly employed to identify brain regions associated with optimal therapeutic outcomes in Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). However, their reliability and generalizability are challenged by the limited size of most patient cohorts and the inherent variability introduced by different statistical methods and input data configurations. This study aimed to investigate the geometrical variability of Probabilistic Sweet Spots (PSS) as a function of both the number of patients (nPat) and the number of stimulations per patient (nStim), and to model a stability boundary defining the minimum data requirements for obtaining geometrically stable PSS. Methods Three statistical approaches–Bayesian t -test, Wilcoxon test with False Discovery Rate (FDR) correction, and Wilcoxon test with nonparametric permutation correction–were applied to two patient cohorts: a primary cohort of 36 patients undergoing DBS for Parkinson’s Disease (PD), and a secondary cohort of 61 patients treated for Essential Tremor (ET), used to assess generalizability. Stimulation test data was collected intra-operatively for the first cohort and post-operatively for the second one. Geometric stability was evaluated based on variability in PSS volume extent and centroid location. Results The analysis revealed a non-linear trade-off between nPat and nStim to yield stable PSS. A stability boundary was defined, representing the minimum combinations of nPat–nStim required for anatomically robust PSS. Among the tested methods, the Bayesian t -test achieved stability with smaller sample sizes (∼15 patients) and demonstrated a consistent performance across both cohorts. In contrast, the Wilcoxon-based methods showed variable behavior between cohorts, which differed in symptom type and testing phase (intra-operative testing vs. post-operative screening). Discussion The proposed PSS stability boundary provides a practical reference for designing DBS studies and stimulation screening protocols aimed at probabilistic mapping. The Bayesian t -test emerged as a reliable method across both cohorts, supporting its potential in studies with limited sample sizes and scenarios where the method needs to be readily generalized to varying symptoms. These findings underscore the importance of considering both cohort size and stimulation count in probabilistic DBS mapping and call for further investigation into method-specific sensitivities to clinical and procedural factors

Peer group age composition. Associations with children’s engagement in childcare

This observational study investigated associations between classroom age composition and 3-year-olds’ engagement in Swiss mixed-age childcare, accounting for multiple contextual and individual factors. Using the inCLASS tool, observers rated 3-year-olds’ engagement with caregivers, peers, and tasks across 407 observation cycles with 54 children. Situational age composition was operationalized by four indicators: peer group age range, median age, number of infants (<18 months), and number of children older than 4 years per cycle. Multilevel structural equation models revealed no significant associations between age-composition indicators and engagement quality. Thus, age differences neither advantaged nor disadvantaged children’s social behavior in childcare. Instead, situational activity setting, group size, number of caregivers, and peer group stability emerged as significant predictors of engagement. Social skills and child sex were also linked to observed behavior. We discuss why prior findings on age composition are mixed and highlight the need for further evidence on how mixed-age contexts shape early social and learning outcomes

Löffelzwerge, Kriechtiere, (Schein-)Riesen und Mythenjäger – Meine Wegbegleiter und Wegbereiter zum Doing Age

Der Beitrag dokumentiert die Abschiedsvorlesung von Klaus R. Schroeter an der FHNW in Olten (Schweiz) im Dezember 2024. Er beginnt mit einem Prolog zum Abschiedssymposion Doing Age: Narrationen, Positionen und Richtungen in der Alterssoziologie, in dem die Zielvorgaben der Tagung umrissen werden. Im Anschluss werden mit a) dem relationalen Zugang, b) dem zeitlichen und räumlichen Zugang, c) dem materiellen und somatischen Zugang, d) dem affektiven Zugang und e) dem habituellen und existentialistischen Zugang fünf Pfade eines praxeologischen Verständnisses des Doing Age hervorgehoben

CLEAN and multiscale CLEAN for STIX in Solar Orbiter

CLEAN is a well-established deconvolution approach to Fourier imaging at radio wavelengths and hard X-ray energies. One of the main limitations of CLEAN for hard X-ray imaging is that it requires a final convolution step by means of a convolution kernel whose width is strongly user dependent, and moreover, under-resolution effects are often introduced. This paper describes a multiscale version of CLEAN that is specifically tailored to the reconstruction of images from measurements observed by the Spectrometer/Telescope for Imaging X-rays (STIX) on board Solar Orbiter. Using synthetic STIX data, this study shows that multiscale CLEAN might represent a reliable solution to the two CLEAN limitations described above. Further, we show the performances of CLEAN and its multiscale release in reconstructing experimental real scenarios characterized by complex emission morphologies

Swiss Golf Club Benchmarking

Swiss golf clubs face rising operational costs, competitive pressure, and increasing expectations from members and guests. While benchmarking is widely recognised as a useful management tool, existing approaches lack standardisation and practical applicability. Differences in business models, outsourcing practices, and internal definitions limit the comparability of performance data across clubs

Wie erreichen wir Jugendliche? Politische Bildung in der Aufmerksamkeitsökonomie

Wir leben in einer digitalisierten Gesellschaft. Mehr Inhalte und Anliegen als je zuvor buhlen um unsere Aufmerksamkeit. Für die Politische Bildung stellen sich gewichtige Fragen: Wie lassen sich Jugendliche erreichen? Wie können ihnen relevante Kompetenzen und notwendiges Wissen vermittelt werden? Ein Blick auf ihre Medienwelt und erfolgreiche Praxisbeispiele zeigt: Es braucht Digital Citizenship Education.https://chstiftung.ch/ch-blog/wie-erreichen-wir-jugendlich