Spectral Theory for Schrödinger Operators with δ-Interactions Supported on Curves in R^3

The main objective of this paper is to systematically develop a spectral and scattering theory for self-adjoint Schrödinger operators with δ-interactions supported on closed curves in R^3. We provide bounds for the number of negative eigenvalues depending on the geometry of the curve, prove an isoperimetric inequality for the principal eigenvalue, derive Schatten–von Neumann properties for the resolvent difference with the free Laplacian, and establish an explicit representation for the scattering matrix

The Impact of Acute Psychosocial Stress on Magnetoencephalographic Correlates of Emotional Attention and Exogenous Visual Attention

Stress-induced acute activation of the cerebral catecholaminergic systems has often been found in rodents. However, little is known regarding the consequences of this activation on higher cognitive functions in humans. Theoretical inferences would suggest increased distractibility in the sense of increased exogenous attention and emotional attention. The present study investigated the influence of acute stress responses on magnetoencephalographic (MEG) correlates of visual attention. Healthy male subjects were presented emotional and neutral pictures in three subsequent MEG recording sessions after being exposed to a TSST-like social stressor, intended to trigger a HPA-response. The subjects anticipation of another follow-up stressor was designed to sustain the short-lived central catecholaminergic stress reactions throughout the ongoing MEG recordings. The heart rate indicates a stable level of anticipatory stress during this time span, subsequent cortisol concentrations and self-report measures of stress were increased. With regard to the MEG correlates of attentional functions, we found that the N1m amplitude remained constantly elevated during stressor anticipation. The magnetic early posterior negativity (EPNm) was present but, surprisingly, was not at all modulated during stressor anticipation. This suggests that a general increase of the influence of exogenous attention but no specific effect regarding emotional attention in this time interval. Regarding the time course of the effects, an influence of the HPA on these MEG correlates of attention seems less likely. An influence of cerebral catecholaminergic systems is plausible, but not definite

Stress System Dynamics during “Life As It Is Lived”: An Integrative Single-Case Study on a Healthy Woman

Little is known about the dynamic characteristics of stress system activity during “life as it is lived”. Using as representative a study design as possible, this investigation sought to gain insights into this area. A healthy 25-year-old woman collected her entire urine over a period of 63 days in 12-h intervals (126 measurements) to determine cortisol and neopterin (immune activation marker) levels. In addition, she filled out questionnaires on emotional state and daily routine in 12-h intervals, and was interviewed weekly to identify emotionally negative and positive everyday incidents. Adjusted cross-correlational analyses revealed that stressful incidents were associated with cyclic response patterns in both urinary cortisol and urinary neopterin concentrations. Urinary cortisol levels first decreased 12–24 h after stressful incidents occurred (lag 1: −.178; p = 0.048) and then increased a total of 72–84 h later (lag 6: +.224; p = 0.013). Urinary neopterin levels first increased 0–12 h before the occurrence of stressful incidents (−lag 1: +.185; p = 0.040) and then decreased a total of 48–60 h following such stressors (lag 4: −.181; p = 0.044). Decreases in urinary neopterin levels were also found 24–36 and 48–60 h after increases in pensiveness (lag 2: −.215; p = 0.017) and depressiveness (lag 4: −.221; p = 0.014), respectively. Findings on emotionally positive incidents sharply contrasted with those dealing with negative experiences. Positive incidents were followed first by urinary cortisol concentration increases within 12 h (lag 0: +.290; p = 0.001) and then by decreases after a total of 60–72 h (lag 5: −.186; p = 0.039). Urinary neopterin levels first decreased 12–24 h before positive incidents occurred (−lag 2: −.233; p = 0.010) and then increased a total of 12–24 h following these incidents (lag 1: +.222; p = 0.014). As with previous investigations on patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), this study showed that stress system response can be considerably longer and more complex and differentiated than findings from conventional group studies have suggested. Further integrative single-case studies will need to be conducted in order to draw firm conclusions about stress system dynamics under real-life conditions

Meteorological observations during POLARSTERN cruise PS125

The meteorological observatory Polarstern issues synoptical reports every 3 hours during times of ship operation. The reports are distritubed via global networks of the World Meteorological Organisation. When designated weather observers are onboard manual observations are included in the reports. For times that are not covered by an observer automatic reports are issued. All observations are made in compliance with standards of the World Meteorological Organisation and those of the German Weather Service (DWD). This dataset compiles all synoptical reports issued during Polarstern cruise PS125

Socioeconomic deprivation is inversely associated with measles incidence:a longitudinal small-area analysis, Germany, 2001 to 2017

Rohleder S, Stock C, Bozorgmehr K. Socioeconomic deprivation is inversely associated with measles incidence:a longitudinal small-area analysis, Germany, 2001 to 2017. Euro surveillance : bulletin Europeen sur les maladies transmissibles = European communicable disease bulletin. 2021;26(17): 1900755.BackgroundAlthough measles is endemic throughout the World Health Organization European Region, few studies have analysed socioeconomic inequalities and spatiotemporal variations in the disease's incidence.AimTo study the association between socioeconomic deprivation and measles incidence in Germany, while considering relevant demographic, spatial and temporal factors.MethodsWe conducted a longitudinal small-area analysis using nationally representative linked data in 401 districts (2001-2017). We used spatiotemporal Bayesian regression models to assess the potential effect of area deprivation on measles incidence, adjusted for demographic and geographical factors, as well as spatial and temporal effects. We estimated risk ratios (RR) for deprivation quintiles (Q1-Q5), and district-specific adjusted relative risks (ARR) to assess the area-level risk profile of measles in Germany.ResultsThe risk of measles incidence in areas with lowest deprivation quintile (Q1) was 1.58 times higher (95% credible interval (CrI):1.32-2.00) than in those with highest deprivation (Q5). Areas with medium-low (Q2), medium (Q3) and medium-high deprivation (Q4) had higher adjusted risks of measles relative to areas with highest deprivation (Q5) (RR:1.23, 95%CrI:0.99-1.51; 1.05, 95%CrI:0.87-1.26 and 1.23, 95%CrI:1.05-1.43, respectively). We identified 54 districts at medium-high risk for measles (ARR>2) in Germany, of which 22 were at high risk (ARR>3).ConclusionSocioeconomic deprivation in Germany, one of Europe's most populated countries, is inversely associated with measles incidence. This association persists after demographic and spatiotemporal factors are considered. The social, spatial and temporal patterns of elevated risk require targeted public health action and policy to address the complexity underlying measles epidemiology

Meteorological observations during POLARSTERN cruise PS122/3

The meteorological observatory Polarstern issues synoptical reports every 3 hours during times of ship operation. The reports are distritubed via global networks of the World Meteorological Organisation. When designated weather observers are onboard manual observations are included in the reports. For times that are not covered by an observer automatic reports are issued. All observations are made in compliance with standards of the World Meteorological Organisation and those of the German Weather Service (DWD). This dataset compiles all synoptical reports issued during Polarstern cruise PS122/3