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Measurement of the Composition of the Local Interstellar Cloud with the Interstellar Probe Mission
No full textThe proposed Interstellar Probe (IP) spacecraft will travel through the heliosphere and advance into the local interstellar medium (LISM) within roughly 16 years, i.e., with twice the speed as the Voyager spacecraft. IP will enable the dedicated exploration of the heliospheric boundary by imaging the heliosphere from inside and outside the heliopause, and by directly sampling the unknown LISM. IP will also enable in situ measurements in the undisturbed LISM beyond the heliospheric bow shock or bow wave. The measurement of the chemical composition of the neutral gas in the local interstellar cloud is an important element of the scientific investigations of IP. So far, the chemical composition of the LISM was mostly inferred from pickup ions in the solar wind, from anomalous cosmic rays, and from spectroscopic observations of nearby stars. We are designing a highly specialized mass spectrometer to measure the neutral gas at these extremely low densities. The expected species to be recorded are H, He, C, N, O, Ne, Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Ar, Ca, and Fe. In addition, this mass spectrometer will measure the isotope composition of D/H, 3He/4He, 22Ne/20Ne, and 36Ar/38Ar of the LISM with unprecedented accuracy. These measurements will take advantage of the long duration of the IP mission, allowing for long integration times
Dynamics of Sputtered Neutral Sodium Atoms in the Near‐Mercury Space
No full textThe solar wind sputtering in the magnetospheric polar cusp is an important source of heavy atoms in Mercury’s exosphere and magnetosphere. However, the majority of ejected atoms are neutral, undergoing an extended period before photoionization occurs. In this study, we employ an ab initio simulation to investigate the behavior of sodium (Na) atoms prior to their photoionization. Our results reveal that overall only approximately 2.7% of the sputtered atoms contribute to magnetospheric ions, while the vast majority of these ions (∼82.9%) escape into interplanetary space. The remaining fraction (14.4%) eventually returns to the planetary surface. For Na atoms ionized inside the magnetosphere, a larger proportion of Na+ (53.5%) is supplied to the magnetotail compared to the polar cusp (39.4%), which is due to the tailward acceleration caused by solar radiation. Additionally, the remaining Na+ (7.1%) contributes to the dayside ring current region, as demonstrated by the observation of the MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft. Our research introduces a perspective on Na+ transport in the magnetosphere that complements and coexists with traditional mechanisms
Exploring protocol development: Implementing systematic contextual memory to enhance real-time fMRI neurofeedback.
Get PDFOBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to explore the development and implementation of a protocol for real-time fMRI neurofeedback (rtfMRI-nf) and to assess the potential for enhancing the selective brain activation using stimuli from Virtual Reality (VR). In this study we focused on two specific brain regions, supplementary motor area (SMA) and right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG). Publications by other study groups have suggested impaired function in these specific brain regions in patients with the diagnoses Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Tourette's Syndrome (TS). This study explored the development of a protocol to investigate if attention and contextual memory may be used to systematically strengthen the procedure of rtfMRI-nf.
METHODS
We used open-science software and platforms for rtfMRI-nf and for developing a simulated repetition of the rtfMRI-nf brain training in VR. We conducted seven exploratory tests in which we updated the protocol at each step. During rtfMRI-nf, MRI images are analyzed live while a person is undergoing an MRI scan, and the results are simultaneously shown to the person in the MRI-scanner. By focusing the analysis on specific regions of the brain, this procedure can be used to help the person strengthen conscious control of these regions. The VR simulation of the same experience involved a walk through the hospital toward the MRI scanner where the training sessions were conducted, as well as a subsequent simulated repetition of the MRI training. The VR simulation was a 2D projection of the experience.The seven exploratory tests involved 19 volunteers. Through this exploration, methods for aiming within the brain (e.g. masks/algorithms for coordinate-system control) and calculations for the analyses (e.g. calculations based on connectivity versus activity) were updated by the project team throughout the project. The final procedure involved three initial rounds of rtfMRI-nf for learning brain strategies. Then, the volunteers were provided with VR headsets and given instructions for one week of use. Afterward, a new session with three rounds of rtfMRI-nf was conducted.
RESULTS
Through our exploration of the indirect effect parameters - brain region activity (directed oxygenated blood flow), connectivity (degree of correlated activity in different regions), and neurofeedback score - the volunteers tended to increase activity in the reinforced brain regions through our seven tests. Updates of procedures and analyses were always conducted between pilots, and never within. The VR simulated repetition was tested in pilot 7, but the role of the VR contribution in this setting is unclear due to underpowered testing.
CONCLUSION
This proof-of-concept protocol implies how rtfMRI-nf may be used to selectively train two brain regions (SMA and rIFG). The method may likely be adapted to train any given region in the brain, but readers are advised to update and adapt the procedure to experimental needs
The Impact of Alcohol Embolization on Pain Relief in Patients with Peripheral Venous Malformations: a comparative study.
No full textPURPOSE: Various treatment modalities have been applied for symptomatic venous malformations, with alcohol embolization being a common approach. However, the benefits and complications of this therapy require rigorous evaluation in the face of emerging new, targeted treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of alcohol embolization in pain management compared with conservative treatment, and to explore associated complications.
METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed at the Vascular Malformation Center, University Hospital Bern, from 2008 to 2022. Patients with peripheral simple venous malformations were included, one group underwent alcohol embolization and the other group received conservative treatment. Pain levels were measured using the Numeric Pain Scale (NRS). Inverse Probability of Treatment Weights (IPTW) were used to adjust for confounders such as severity of malformation indicated by number of tissues affected, localization, presence of hypertrophic tissue, history of thrombophlebitis, age, pain level at the initial visit. Primary and secondary outcomes included changes in maximum, average, and minimum pain levels.
RESULTS: Of 236 eligible patients, 93 underwent alcohol embolization and 143 received conservative treatment. Both groups showed a reduction in pain over time, with alcohol embolization resulting in a more pronounced reduction in average and minimal pain levels. However, there was no statistical evidence of an advantage of alcohol embolization in reducing maximum pain. Complications occurred in 14% of treated patients, but were generally manageable and did not lead to serious outcomes.
CONCLUSION: Alcohol embolization demonstrated a faster and more significant reduction in mean and minimum pain levels, but its efficacy in relieving maximum pain compared with conservative treatment remains inconclusive. The study highlights the need for a broader perspective on treatment outcomes beyond pain reduction. Future research should focus on holistic measures to improve the overall quality of life of patients with venous malformations and explore alternative therapies
Stadt für alle - Urban Citizenship und Stadtausweise in der Schweiz
No full textDer Verein Züri City Card lädt zum Podium zum Thema Urban Citizenship. Aber was bedeutet eigentlich Urban Citizenship? Für uns als Verein bedeutet das: Alle Menschen, die in einer Stadt leben, unabhängig von Nationalität und Aufenthaltsregelung, können ihre Grundrechte hinsichtlich Sicherheit, Recht, autonome Persönlichkeit, Gesundheit, Bildung, soziale und politische Teilnahme wahrnehmen. Sie verfügen über gleichwertigen Zugang zu den Leistungen der öffentlichen Dienste und sind berechtigt und eingeladen, sich an Verhandlungen über Zustand und Entwicklung ihrer Stadt aktiv zu beteiligen
Infrastructures of Solidarity. Analyzing the emergence of solidarity relations in the field of migration
Get PDFMigrants are often among the most vulnerable workers. This is particularly true for undocumented people. This precarity notwithstanding, migrant workers have been engaging in labor struggles all over the globe. Just recently, for example, Pakistani workers in Italy have been going on wildcat strikes at the company Mondo Convenienza; migrant workers in over 30 countries, including Turkey, France, the UK, Spain and Germany were protesting against Amazon on Black Friday in order to „Make Amazon Pay“. In Berlin, migrant workers went on a wildcat strike at the food delivery company Gorillas.
Such highly visible forms of resistance are not always possible. In Switzerland, for example, migrant live‐in care workers from Eastern European countries have been engaged in building up „infrastructures of solidarity“ among each other and in collaboration with trade unions and civil society actors to counter their disenfranchisement and exploitation. Such infrastructural practices include solidarity work, providing safe spaces, distributing counter‐knowledge and establishing different social and affective relations.
We invite to a hybrid workshop at which we ask conceptually whether the concept of “infrastructures of solidarity” captures aspects that a more common understanding of “solidarity” does not. Who is (not) part of these infrastructures of solidarity? How formal or informal, how ad‐hoc or sustainable are they
Transfer of preclinical study data on the influence of cimicifuga racemosaon functional changes in the hippocampus during menopause.
Get PDFMenopausal transition in women involves complex neurobiochemical changes linked to ovarian dysfunction, resulting in symptoms like vasomotor symptoms (VMS), sleep disturbances, anxiety, and cognitive impairments. Hormone replacement therapy is the first-line treatment. However, many women are reluctant to use HRT or have contraindications toward HRT and seek for alternatives. Non-hormonal therapies with extracts of Cimicifuga racemosa rhizomes like the isopropanolic extract (iCR, black cohosh) offer a promising alternative. A preclinical pilot study exploring iCR's effects on gene expression in the hippocampus and hypothalamus of ovarectomized (OVX) rats mimicking menopausal conditions identified important signaling pathways and CNS-based contributions to the multitargeted modes of action of iCR. Especially in the hippocampus, iCR compensated effects of OVX on gene expression profiles. These changes are reflected by the genes AVPR1A, GAL, CALCA, HCRT, PNOC, ESR1, ESR2 and TAC3 contributing to the formation of hot flushes or thermoregulation as well as to secondary effects such as blood pressure, metabolism, hormonal regulation, homeostasis, mood regulation, neuroendocrine modulation, regulation of sleep and arousal, and in learning, memory and cognition. To understand the mechanisms in the brain of estrogen-depressed animals (OVX) and subsequent iCR treatment we combined the results of the pilot study with those of up-to-date literature and tried to transfer the current knowledge to humans during menopausal transition and adaptation. Focus was laid on changes in the hippocampal function, that is disturbed by hormonal fluctuations, but can also be brought back into balance by iCR
Predictors of nodal positivity in clinically under-staged patients with colon cancer: A National Cancer Database study and proposal of a predictive scoring system.
Get PDFBACKGROUND
Colon cancer pathological and clinical staging may be disoncordant. This study assessed patients with colon cancer in whom the nodal status was clinically understaged.
METHODS
Patients with stage I-III clinical node-negative colon cancer from the National Cancer Database were included. Regression analyses were conducted to elucidate risk factors for clinical nodal understaging and a scoring system was developed to identify high-risk patients.
RESULTS
The study included 94,945 patients with 78.4 % of patients correctly staged and 21.6 % clinically understaged. The predictors of nodal positivity in clinically understaged patients were age <65 (OR 1.43), left-sided tumors (OR 1.41), elevated CEA (OR 2.03), moderately (OR 1.81) or poorly/undifferentiated tumors (OR 3.76), T1 tumors (OR 1.29), signet-ring cell histology (OR 2.26), and microsatellite-stable tumors (OR 1.4).
CONCLUSION
Patients with colon cancer and the above factors are more likely to have their nodal status clinically understaged. A scoring system has been developed to identify high-risk patients
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