Personalisable Clinical Decision Support System.

We introduce a Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) as an operation of translational medicine. It is based on random forests, is personalisable and allows a clear insight into the decision making process. A well-structured rule set is created and every rule of the decision making process can be observed by the user (physician). Furthermore, the user has an impact on the creation of the final rule set and the algorithm allows the comparison of different diseases as well as regional differences in the same disease

PECLIDES Neuro: A Personalisable Clinical Decision Support System for Neurological Diseases.

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's impact millions of people worldwide. Early diagnosis has proven to greatly increase the chances of slowing down the diseases' progression. Correct diagnosis often relies on the analysis of large amounts of patient data, and thus lends itself well to support from machine learning algorithms, which are able to learn from past diagnosis and see clearly through the complex interactions of a patient's symptoms and data. Unfortunately, many contemporary machine learning techniques fail to reveal details about how they reach their conclusions, a property considered fundamental when providing a diagnosis. Here we introduce our Personalisable Clinical Decision Support System (PECLIDES), an algorithmic process formulated to address this specific fault in diagnosis detection. PECLIDES provides a clear insight into the decision-making process leading to a diagnosis, making it a gray box model. Our algorithm enriches the fundamental work of Masheyekhi and Gras in data integration, personal medicine, usability, visualization, and interactivity. Our decision support system is an operation of translational medicine. It is based on random forests, is personalisable and allows a clear insight into the decision-making process. A well-structured rule set is created and every rule of the decision-making process can be observed by the user (physician). Furthermore, the user has an impact on the creation of the final rule set and the algorithm allows the comparison of different diseases as well as regional differences in the same disease. The algorithm is applicable to various decision problems. In this paper we will evaluate it on diagnosing neurological diseases and therefore refer to the algorithm as PECLIDES Neuro

A platform for collaborative quality assurance of bibliographical references and notes

In scientific work it is common to work in teams, while dealing with an abundance of literature. With the help of a literature management software these can be collected and managed as well as exported in bibliographies. Many online sources offer functionalities to import references into reference management tools. However, the entries are often incomplete or faulty. Hence, this thesis covers a concept for a reference management platform that supports collaborative work and quality assurance of references. The main ideas are to use a group functionality to support collaboration and a rating system for the quality assurance. Additionally, the users can edit reference entries to improve their quality. As part of this thesis, a prototype was implemented which supports both aspects.Beim wissenschaftlichen Arbeiten wird üblicherweise in Teams gearbeitet. Dabei befasst man sich mit einer Menge von Literatur. Diese kann mit Hilfe von einem Literaturverwaltungsprogramm gesammelt und verwaltet, sowie in Literaturlisten exportiert werden. Viele Onlinequellen bieten die Möglichkeit an Referenzen in Literaturverwaltungsprogramme zu importieren. Jedoch sind diese Referenzen oft unvollständig oder fehlerhaft. Deshalb befasst sich diese Arbeit mit einem Konzept für eine Literaturverwaltungsplattform welche gemeinschaftliches Arbeiten und Qualitätssicherung von Literaturangaben unterstützt. Die Hauptideen sind eine Gruppenfunktion für das Zusammenarbeiten von mehreren Personen und ein Bewertungssystem zur Qualitätssicherung. Darüber hinaus können die Benutzer eine Quellenangabe bearbeiten und somit verbessern. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wurde ein Prototyp implementiert welche beide Aspekte unterstützt

The Scattering of Electromagnetic Waves from Two-Dimensional Randomly Rough Penetrable Surfaces

An accurate and efficient numerical simulation approach to electromagnetic wave scattering from two-dimensional, randomly rough, penetrable surfaces is presented. The use of the M\"uller equations and an impedance boundary condition for a two-dimensional rough surface yields a pair of coupled two-dimensional integral equations for the sources on the surface in terms of which the scattered field is expressed through the Franz formulas. By this approach, we calculate the full angular intensity distribution of the scattered field that is due to a finite incident beam of $p$-polarized light. We specifically check the energy conservation (unitarity) of our simulations (for the non-absorbing case). Only after a detailed numerical treatment of {\em both} diagonal and close-to-diagonal matrix elements is the unitarity condition found to be well-satisfied for the non-absorbing case (${\mathcal U}>0.995$), a result that testifies to the accuracy of our approach.Comment: Revtex, 4 pages, 2 figure

Introducing a New Technique for Fascial Closure to Avoid Renal Allograft Compartment Syndrome in Pediatric Recipients: The Use of Tutoplast® Fascia Lata

Introduction: Renal allograft compartment syndrome (RACS) is a complication that infrequently occurs after renal transplantation. Tight muscle closure may lead to RACS due to compression of renal parenchyma or kinking of the renal vessels. Many techniques have been proposed in an attempt to achieve tension-free closure, which can be specially challenging in child recipients. We present our experience with Tutoplast® Fascia Lata (RTI Surgical Tutogen Medical GmbH Industriestrasse 6, 91077 Neunkirchen am Brand, Germany) closure. Methods: All pediatric patients who underwent renal transplantation in our center between 2012 and 2021 were reviewed. Eight patients with Tutoplast® Fascia Lata placed at the time of initial transplantation were identified. Donor and recipient characteristics, Doppler ultrasound findings, and overall patient and graft survival rates were analyzed. Results: Doppler ultrasound was performed intra-operatively after abdominal wall closure. If any sign of vascular compromise was seen, the abdominal wall was opened and the graft was revised. The Tutoplast® Fascia Lata implant was used to perform tension-free fascia closure and, afterwards, a Doppler ultrasound was performed to confirm the optimal renal artery perfusion and venous patency. Three of the renal transplantations were from a cadaver donor, with two of them en bloc. Living donor transplantation was performed in four cases. Among which, there was a case of auto-transplantation due to bilateral renal artery stenosis. None of the patients presented any complications of either short or long term that was derived from the abdominal closure with Tutoplast® Fascia Lata. There was also no record of graft failure till datum. Conclusions: Restricted volume of the recipient pelvic cavity and the size discrepancy between the recipient pelvic cavity space and the donor adult kidney may lead to RACS. Other situations that occur more infrequently, i.e., as en bloc or auto-transplantation, are prone to suffer the same problem. Tutoplast® Fascia Lata is a safe option for these patients

Heat and shear stability of particle stabilised foams for application in gluten‑free bread

Erworben im Rahmen der Schweizer Nationallizenzen (http://www.nationallizenzen.ch) ​Bread forms an integral part of the daily diet in many cultures worldwide. At the same time, a signifcant number of people try to avoid wheat-based products for either health reasons or due to personal preferences. The absence of a protein network in gluten free bread afects its structure, taste, texture and shelf-life. This paper suggests a technological solution to this issue that uses a pre-foamed mass of gluten free raw materials which is mixed with the bread’s ingredients, then kneaded and baked to form a high quality gluten free bread. To survive the high shear stresses during kneading and temperature increase during baking, the foam requires exceptional stability. This stability was achieved through particle stabilisation of the bubble inter faces. Both of the tested foams (with and without particles) exhibited thermal stability up to 80 °C. However, resistance to shear stresses was higher in the particle stabilised foams. Of all the tested particles, linseed press cake and banana powder led to the best results. In conclusion, particle stabilised foams seem very well suited to applications in gluten free baked goods. Further application potential is seen for vegan foamed desserts

Comprehensive systematic review summary: Treatment of tics in people with Tourette syndrome and chronic tic disorders

Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy of treatments for tics and the risks associated with their use. Methods This project followed the methodologies outlined in the 2011 edition of the American Academy of Neurology\u27s guideline development process manual. We included systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials on the treatment of tics that included at least 20 participants (10 participants if a crossover trial), except for neurostimulation trials, for which no minimum sample size was required. To obtain additional information on drug safety, we included cohort studies or case series that specifically evaluated adverse drug effects in individuals with tics. Results There was high confidence that the Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics was more likely than psychoeducation and supportive therapy to reduce tics. There was moderate confidence that haloperidol, risperidone, aripiprazole, tiapride, clonidine, onabotulinumtoxinA injections, 5-ling granule, Ningdong granule, and deep brain stimulation of the globus pallidus were probably more likely than placebo to reduce tics. There was low confidence that pimozide, ziprasidone, metoclopramide, guanfacine, topiramate, and tetrahydrocannabinol were possibly more likely than placebo to reduce tics. Evidence of harm associated with various treatments was also demonstrated, including weight gain, drug-induced movement disorders, elevated prolactin levels, sedation, and effects on heart rate, blood pressure, and ECGs. Conclusions There is evidence to support the efficacy of various medical, behavioral, and neurostimulation interventions for the treatment of tics. Both the efficacy and harms associated with interventions must be considered in making treatment recommendations

Assessment of the suitability of millet for the production of pasta

In temperate climate zones such as Switzerland, wheat is exposed to increasing heat and water stress due to climate change. Millet is a promising alternative crop with a high heat resistance and the additional benefit of being gluten-free. However, the market for organic Swiss millet within Switzerland is saturated with the current product portfolio of flakes or dehulled millet. Therefore, novel end products with a high millet content, such as pasta, could play a key role in increasing consumer demand. Against this background, the suitability of the millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) variety Alba for producing spaghetti was investigated. To optimize the quality of the millet spaghetti, different pre-treatments and recipes were tested, i.e., hull particles were sieved out of the flours and blends with other gluten-free and gluten-containing flours were tested. Finally, the best types of spaghetti were subject to sensory testing, and the color and texture were both quantified. In addition, nutritional quality was assessed. The analytical results showed that a firmness comparable to durum spaghetti was reached for pure millet, 50% millet mixed with 50% corn and rice flour (95:5), and 15% millet mixed with 85% durum wheat. The brownish appearance, slightly rough surface, and nutty flavor of the spaghetti made from millet was especially popular among consumers with a diet-conscious lifestyle. The millet pasta had a high content of iron, zinc and dietary fiber. Since the production processes were able to be implemented in industry without major additional costs, implementation in the market seems feasible

Die Grabungen 2002-2004 auf dem Plateau St. Marcel

Der Mont Lassois, nahe der Kleinstadt Châtillon-sur-Seine, Dép. Côte d’Or gelegen, ist einer der bedeutendsten spätbronze- und eisenzeitlichen Fundplätze Frankreichs. Der landschaftsbeherrschende Zeugenberg innerhalb einer Seinetalweitung besteht aus zwei unterschiedlich hohen Plateaus mit steilen bis mäßig steilen Hängen. Im Süden liegt das Plateau des Mont Roussillon mit der Pfarrkirche Saint Marcel, im Norden befindet sich in einer Höhe von 306 m üNN das Plateau Mont Saint-Marcel mit einer Ausdehnung von 42 ha. Auf dem Plateau Saint Marcel wurden 2002 und 2003 jeweils vierwöchige Lehr- und Forschungsgrabungen unter der Leitung von D. Krausse und A. Haffner durchgeführt. Grundlage für die Schnitte A und B war eine kleinflächige geomagnetische Prospektion durch das Landesamt für Denkmalpflege Baden-Württemberg. Archäologisch wurde auf einer Länge von 14 m ein west-östlich verlaufender Graben bis zur Plateaukante untersucht, der eine Breite von etwa 70 cm und eine Tiefe von rund 90 cm aufweist. Die Grabeneinfüllung war stellenweise sehr steinreich und wies Hinweise auf Pfostenverkeilung auf; weitere Abschnitte sind als stark humos gekennzeichnet; sie waren durchsetzt mit Keramikscherben, Tierknochen, vereinzelt Kleinfunden aus Metall, Bein und Lignit. Nahe dem östlichen Plateaurand wurden weiterhin zwei rechtwinklig zu dem genannten Graben verlaufende Gräben erkannt. Im Jahr 2003 wurde die Fläche C auf der Basis des Magnetogramms angelegt. Die Grabung erbrachte eine große spätbronze- oder früheisenzeitliche Siedlungsgrube sowie zwei parallel verlaufende Grabenabschnitte. Der südöstliche Grabenabschnitt gehört zu dem großen Umfriedungssystem der zentralen komplexen Hausstruktur. Auf der Grundlage des geomagnetischen Gesamtplanes und vor dem Hintergrund der Antragstellung wurden für die achtwöchige Kampagne 2004 zwei Flächen ausgewählt. Hierbei handelte es sich zum einen um die West-Ost orientierte Gebäudestruktur mit apsidialem, mehrreihigem Westabschluss und Binnengliederung im Kontext mit dem Umfriedungssystem. Zum anderen sollte ein Areal untersucht werden, das Aussagen zum Charakter der Pfostenstrukturen sowie zu einer Graben- und Durchgangssituation im Bereich der Westhälfte des Plateaus erlaubt (Fläche E). Vor dem Hintergrund der geomagnetischen Prospektion und den Ergebnissen der französischen und österreichischen Grabungen wird deutlich, dass die in Fläche D erstmalig untersuchten Befunde einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Genese und Struktur dieses späthallstattzeitlichen Fürstensitzes leisten werden

Effect of particle characteristics and foaming parameters on resulting foam quality and stability

Highlights: • Use of particles without emulsifier reduced median bubble size and improved foam stability. • Combining PGE emulsifier and particles resulted in higher foam stability. • Particularly low drainage was observed in particle stabilized foams using banana powder. • Increases in particle size and wetting angle correlated with reduced drainage. • High shear rates were strongly associated with narrower bubble size distributions.In this study, the effects of ten different food-grade particles on bubble quality and stabilization of particle-stabilized food foams in batch and continuous foaming with and without polyglycerol ester (PGE) as an emulsifier were investigated. Particle properties, such as contact angle and porosity, and varying process parameters, such as shear rate and gas fraction, were assessed with respect to their impact on bubble size x50,0, bubble size distribution width and drainage. The smallest bubble size x50,0 in foams without PGE could be achieved with banana powder (88 μm), calcium carbonate (89 μm) and microcrystalline cellulose (79 μm) particles. In comparison, the smallest size in the reference without particles were 105 μm. Combining the use of particles with PGE further reduced bubble size by up to 57% and drainage by up to 100%. Increasing the shear rate from 4922 s−1 (35 μm) to 9844 s−1 (14 μm) resulted in smaller mean bubble sizes and significantly narrower bubble size distributions whereas no distinct correlation between gas fraction and resulting bubble size was found. This study shows that using suitable particles in combination with an optimized foaming process promotes both bubble quality and the stability of foams