Deep learning performance compared to healthcare experts in detecting wrist fractures from radiographs: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of deep learning (DL) algorithms in the diagnosis of wrist fractures (WF) on plain wrist radiographs, taking healthcare experts consensus as reference standard.

METHODS

Embase, Medline, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched in the period from 1 Jan 2012 to 9 March 2023. Eligible studies were patients with wrist radiographs for radial and ulnar fractures as the target condition, studies using DL algorithms based on convolutional neural networks (CNN), and healthcare experts consensus as the minimum reference standard. Studies were assessed with a modified QUADAS-2 tool, and we applied a bivariate random-effects model for meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy data.

RESULTS

Our study was registered at PROSPERO with ID: CRD42023431398. We included 6 unique studies for meta-analysis, with a total of 33,026 radiographs. CNN performance compared to reference standards for the included articles found a summary sensitivity of 92% (95% CI: 80%-97%) and a summary specificity of 93% (95% CI: 76%-98%). The generalized bivariate I-squared statistic indicated considerable heterogeneity between the studies (81.90%). Four studies had one or more domains at high risk of bias and two studies had concerns regarding applicability.

CONCLUSION

The diagnostic accuracy of CNNs was comparable to that of healthcare experts in wrist radiographs for investigation of WF. There is a need for studies with a robust reference standard, external data-set validation and investigation of diagnostic performance of healthcare experts aided with CNNs.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

DL matches healthcare experts in diagnosing WFs, which potentially benefits patient diagnosis.

Cover crop root morphology rather than quality controls the fate of root and rhizodeposition C into distinct soil C pools

Cover crops increase carbon (C) inputs to agricultural soils, and thus have the potential to mitigate climate change through enhanced soil organic carbon (SOC) storage. However, few studies have explored the fate of belowground C inputs associated with varying root traits into the distinct SOC pools of mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC) particulate organic carbon (POC). Therefore, a packed 0.5 m column trial was established with 0.25 m topsoil and 0.25 m subsoil with four cover crops species (winter rye, oilseed radish, chicory, and hairy vetch) known to differ in C:N ratio and root morphology. Cover crops were 14 CO2 -labeled for 3 months, and then, half of the columns were sampled to quantify root and rhizodeposition C. In the remaining columns, plant shoots were harvested and the undisturbed soil and roots were left for incubation. Bulk soil from both sampling times was subjected to a simple fractionation scheme, where 14 C in the <50 and >50 μm fraction was assumed to represent MAOC and POC, respectively. The fast-growing rye and radish produced the highest root C. The percentage loss of C via rhizodeposition (%ClvR) showed a distinct pattern, with 22% for the more branched roots (rye and vetch) and 6%-8% for the less branched roots (radish and chicory). This suggests that root morphology plays a key role in determining rhizodeposition C. After 1 year of incubation at room temperature, the remaining MAOC and POC were positively correlated with belowground inputs in absolute terms. However, topsoil MAOC formation efficiencies (cover crop-derived MAOC remaining as a share of belowground inputs) were higher for vetch and rye (21% and 15%, respectively) than for chicory and radish (9% and 10%, respectively), suggesting a greater importance of rhizodeposition (or indirectly, root morphology) than solely substrate C:N ratio for longer term C stabilization.

Assessment of lettuces grown in urban areas for human consumption and as bioindicators of atmospheric pollution

This study proposes using the network of urban gardens to grow vegetables and to monitor air quality, and it also evaluates whether food grown on a clean substrate in an urban environment is safe for consumption. For this purpose, lettuces were exposed to different degrees of air pollution in five locations in the city of Copenhagen, plus a reference site. Six specimens were placed at each site and, after the exposure period, half of each sample was washed. Subsamples were then digested by a total extraction method and a bioaccessible extraction method, and the concentration of 23 elements subsequently measured by ICP-MS. The results showed that exposed samples in areas of higher atmospheric pollution accumulated a larger amount of trace elements associated with typical urban sources. They also highlighted the importance of washing food to remove particles that adhere to their surface. However, bioaccessibility testing demonstrated the importance of including bioaccessibility in risk analyses and how this factor varies depending on the type of matrix. In this case, bioaccessibility was higher for plant tissue than for particulate matter. Lastly, metal concentrations in lettuce were compared with legal values and an analysis of daily intake showed that the levels in Copenhagen were within limits for the protection of human health.

Scale-up of the Internet-based Professional Learning to help teachers promote Activity in Youth (iPLAY) intervention: a hybrid type 3 implementation-effectiveness trial

BACKGROUND

Whole-of-school programs have demonstrated success in improving student physical activity levels, but few have progressed beyond efficacy testing to implementation at-scale. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the scale-up of the 'Internet-based Professional Learning to help teachers promote Activity in Youth' (iPLAY) intervention in primary schools using the RE-AIM framework.

METHODS

We conducted a type 3 hybrid implementation-effectiveness study and collected data between April 2016 and June 2021, in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. RE-AIM was operationalised as: (i) Reach: Number and representativeness of students exposed to iPLAY; (ii) Effectiveness: Impact of iPLAY in a sub-sample of students (n = 5,959); (iii) Adoption: Number and representativeness of schools that received iPLAY; (iv) Implementation: Extent to which the three curricular and three non-curricular components of iPLAY were delivered as intended; (v) Maintenance: Extent to which iPLAY was sustained in schools. We conducted 43 semi-structured interviews with teachers (n = 14), leaders (n = 19), and principals (n = 10) from 18 schools (11 from urban and 7 from rural locations) to determine program maintenance.

RESULTS

Reach: iPLAY reached ~ 31,000 students from a variety of socio-economic strata (35% of students were in the bottom quartile, almost half in the middle two quartiles, and 20% in the top quartile).

EFFECTIVENESS

We observed small positive intervention effects for enjoyment of PE/sport (0.12 units, 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.20, d = 0.17), perceptions of need support from teachers (0.26 units, 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.53, d = 0.40), physical activity participation (0.28 units, 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.47, d = 0.14), and subjective well-being (0.82 units, 95% CI: 0.32 to 1.32, d = 0.12) at 24-months. Adoption: 115 schools received iPLAY.

IMPLEMENTATION

Most schools implemented the curricular (59%) and non-curricular (55%) strategies as intended. Maintenance: Based on our qualitative data, changes in teacher practices and school culture resulting from iPLAY were sustained.

CONCLUSIONS

iPLAY had extensive reach and adoption in NSW primary schools. Most of the schools implemented iPLAY as intended and effectiveness data suggest the positive effects observed in our cluster RCT were sustained when the intervention was delivered at-scale.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ACTRN12621001132831.

OUP accepted manuscript

During germination, the seed releases nutrient-rich exudates into the spermosphere, thereby fostering competition between resident microorganisms. However, insight into the composition and temporal dynamics of seed-associated bacterial communities under field conditions is currently lacking. This field study determined the temporal changes from 11 to 31 days after sowing in the composition of seed-associated bacterial communities of winter wheat as affected by long-term soil fertilization history, and by introduction of the plant growth-promoting microbial inoculants Penicillium bilaiae and Bacillus simplex. The temporal dynamics were the most important factor affecting the composition of the seed-associated communities. An increase in the relative abundance of genes involved in organic nitrogen metabolism (ureC and gdhA), and in ammonium oxidation (amoA), suggested increased mineralization of plant-derived nitrogen compounds over time. Dynamics of the phosphorus cycling genes ppt, ppx and cphy indicated inorganic phosphorus and polyphosphate cycling, as well as phytate hydrolysis by the seed-associated bacteria early after germination. Later, an increase in genes for utilization of organic phosphorus sources (phoD, phoX and phnK) indicated phosphorus limitation. The results indicate that community temporal dynamics are partly driven by changed availability of major nutrients, and reveal no functional consequences of the added inoculants during seed germination.

Classification of recurrent depression with seasonal pattern: a comparison between two diagnostic instruments

Introduction

The validity of the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ) in diagnosing Seasonal Affective Disorder is questionable. In 2004 the Seasonal Health Questionnaire (SHQ) was proposed as a more appropriate screening instrument for depression with a seasonal pattern.

Objectives/aims

To compare the performance of the SPAQ, the most commonly used tool for assigning a diagnosis of SAD, with the SHQ, which uses the DSM-IV criteria for recurrent depression with seasonal pattern.

Methods

Two samples of approximately 200 medical students in Tromsø, Norway (69° north) and Ferrara, Italy (44° north), filled in both questionnaires. Prevalence of recurrent depression with seasonal pattern was calculated according to gender and latitude of living, with both instruments. Using SHQ diagnosis as the gold standard, sensitivity and specificity of the SPAQ as a diagnostic instrument was ascertained.

Results

The prevalence of depression with seasonal pattern measured by SPAQ was 12% in Norway and 14.5% in Italy, the difference was not significant. Prevalence was highest in females in both countries (Norway: males 4.2%, females 14.7%, Italy: males 2.3%, females 18.8%), but the difference was only significant in Italy (p = 0.007). According to SHQ, the corresponding figures in Norway 5.9% and 7.1% (p = 0.77) and in Italy 3.9% and 3% (p = 0.75). The specificity of the SPAQ was 88.8% and the sensitivity was 47.3%.

Conclusion

Compared to a DSM-IV diagnosis of depression with seasonal pattern as measured by the SHQ, the SPAQ seriously overestimates the prevalence of seasonal depression, especially in women, and the sensitivity is far too low.

The Intensity-Modulated Pelvic Node and Bladder Radiotherapy (IMPART) Trial: A Phase II Single-Centre Prospective Study

AIMS

Node-positive bladder cancer (NPBC) carries a poor prognosis and has traditionally been treated palliatively. However, surgical series suggest that a subset of NPBC patients can achieve long-term control after cystectomy and lymph node dissection. There is little published data regarding the use of radiotherapy to treat NPBC patients. This is in part due to concerns regarding the toxicity of whole-pelvis radiotherapy using conventional techniques. We hypothesised that, using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), the pelvic nodes and bladder could be treated within a radical treatment volume with acceptable toxicity profiles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Intensity-modulated Pelvic Node and Bladder Radiotherapy (IMPART) trial was a phase II single-centre prospective study designed to assess the feasibility of delivering IMRT to treat the bladder and pelvic nodes in patients with node-positive or high-risk node-negative bladder cancer (NNBC). The primary end point was meeting predetermined dose constraints. Secondary end points included acute and late toxicity, pelvic relapse-free survival and overall survival.

RESULTS

In total, 38 patients were recruited and treated between June 2009 and November 2012; 22/38 (58%) had NPBC; 31/38 (81.6%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy; 18/38 (47%) received concurrent chemotherapy; 37/38 (97%) patients had radiotherapy planned as per protocol. Grade 3 gastrointestinal and genitourinary acute toxicity rates were 5.4 and 20.6%, respectively. At 1 year, the grade 3 late toxicity rate was 5%; 1-, 2- and 5-year pelvic relapse-free survival rates were 55, 37 and 26%, respectively. The median overall survival was 1.9 years (95% confidence interval 1.1-3.8) with 1-, 2- and 5-year overall survival rates of 68, 50 and 34%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Delivering IMRT to the bladder and pelvic nodes in NPBC and high-risk NNBC is feasible, with low toxicity and low pelvic nodal recurrence rates. Long-term control seems to be achievable in a subset of patients. However, relapse patterns suggest that strategies targeting both local recurrence and the development of distant metastases are required to improve patient outcomes.

The effects of straw or straw-derived gasification biochar applications on soil quality and crop productivity: A farm case study

Thermal gasification of straw is a highly efficient technology that produces bioenergy and gasification biochar that can be used as a soil amendment, thereby returning non-renewable nutrients and stable carbon, and securing soil quality and crop productivity. A Danish on-farm field study investigated the impact of traditional straw incorporation vs. straw removal for thermal gasification bioenergy production and the application of straw gasification biochar (GB) on soil quality and crop production. Two rates of GB were applied over three successive years in which the field was cropped with winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) and winter wheat, respectively, to assess the potential effects on the soil carbon pool, soil microorganisms, earthworms, soil chemical properties and crop yields. The application of GB did not increase the soil organic carbon content significantly and had no effect on crop yields. The application of straw and GB had a positive effect on the populations of bacteria and protists, but no effect on earthworms. The high rate of GB increased soil exchangeable potassium content and soil pH indicating its potassium bioavailability and liming properties. These results suggest, that recycling GB into agricultural soils has the potential to be developed into a system combining bioenergy generation from agricultural residues and crop production, while maintaining soil quality. However, future studies should be undertaken to assess its long-term effects and to identify the optimum balance between straw removal and biochar application rate.

Factors influencing early retirement intentions in Australian rural general practitioners

BACKGROUND

The Australian general practice workforce is ageing. This and a trend towards higher exit intentions and earlier retirement make it increasingly important to identify those work and personal factors affecting intention to leave, which are amenable to change.

AIMS

To assess the various work, occupational and individual health factors associated with early retirement intentions among Australian rural general practitioners (GPs) that may be amenable to intervention.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of GPs practising in rural Australia. Odds ratios of early retirement intentions across work, occupational and individual health factors were calculated.

RESULTS

There were 92 participants (response rate 56%), and 47% of responders intended to retire before 65. GPs with medium to high burnout levels had higher odds of intending to retire. Increased job satisfaction and work ability scores were associated with decreased retirement intentions, whereas increased physical and mental work ability demands were associated with an increase in retirement intentions. Absenteeism was not related to retirement intentions but presenteeism was. GPs reporting any work-related sleep problems were found to have a 3-fold increase in the odds of early retirement intentions. The odds of early retirement intentions also increased with higher psychological distress, worsening general health and longer working hours.

CONCLUSIONS

From a health policy reform perspective, the greatest impact on reducing early retirement intentions among ageing GPs could potentially be made by intervening in areas of working hours, burnout and work-related sleep issues, followed by job satisfaction, psychological distress, health, general workability and mental and physical work ability.

127I and 129I species and transformation in the Baltic proper, Kattegat, and Skagerrak basins

Occurrence of anthropogenic (129)I in seawater has provided invaluable information about water circulation and exchange rates, but results on (129)I species (iodide and iodate) are limited and only available for surface water. We here present the first extensive results on (129)I and (127)I species in samples of seawater depth profiles, which were collected in August 2006 and April 2007 in the Skagerrak, Kattegat, and Baltic Proper. The results expose ≤10% annual reduction of iodate as (129)I is transported from the English Channel along the Dutch coast and German Bight into the Skagerrak and Kattegat. The results also suggest strong variability between surface and bottom seawater with respect to the predominant iodine species. Distribution of iodide and iodate of both (127)I and (129)I in the Kattegat mainly reflects water mixing process rather than speciation transformation. In water of the Baltic Proper, high (127)I(-)/(127)IO(3)(-) and (129)I(-)/(129)IO(3)(-) values suggest effective reduction of iodate with a maximum rate of 8 × 10(-7) ((127)IO(3)(-)) and 6 × 10(-14) ((129)IO(3)(-)) (g/m(3).day). The reduction process of iodate seems to be related to decomposition of organic matter and photochemically induced reactions.

Acknowledging illness and treatment needs in first-time admitted psychiatric patients

PURPOSE

Help-seeking and service utilization depends on the patients' interpretation of their illness and treatment needs. Worry, denial of illness, need for treatment and need for hospitalization in first-time admitted patients was studied.

SUBJECTS

New patients in two mental hospitals were consecutively recruited. Three hundred and thirty-four satisfied the inclusion criteria and 251 gave informed consent. One hundred and ninety-six had complete datasets (56% of those eligible).

METHODS

Demography was recorded with the Minimal Basic Dataset by Ruud et al. (1993). Experiences of hospitalisation were measured with the Patient's Experience of Hospitalisation Questionnaire by Carskey et al. (1992). MINI was used for diagnosing and SCL-90-R by Derogatis (1997) for subjective symptoms. Standard multiple regressions were performed with the PEH subscales (Denial, Worry, Need for treatment and Need for hospitalisation) as dependents and demography, diagnosis and SCL-90-R subscales as explanatory variables.

RESULTS

(a) Psychoticism and the diagnosis of schizophrenia were associated with little worrying, denial of illness, of treatment needs and of need for hospitalisation. (b) Anxiety and affective disorders were related to worries, acknowledgement of illness, need for treatment and for hospitalisation.

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to patients with mainly anxiety and affective disorders, psychotic patient tended to deny illness-related worries, that they had an illness and that they needed treatment and hospitalisation. An affective disorder together with suicidal thoughts (not attempts) was a strong drive towards hospital admission.

Adaptive-predictive organ localization (a-POLO) in the clinic: Updated results in hypofractionated bladder radiotherapy

282

Background: The A-POLO strategy allows the optimal 'plan of the day' to be selected online for radiotherapy (RT) delivery. The methodology is implemented in a phase II study of patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer who are not suitable for cystectomy/daily RT and are receiving hypofractionated RT.

Methods: Planning scans were performed at 0 and 30 minutes post void (CT0 and CT30). Three conformal plans were created (small, intermediate, large) ( Table ). Patients were prescribed 6Gy weekly for 5–6 weeks. A pre-RT cone beam CT (CBCT) scan and online set-up correction were performed. The plan giving the optimal target coverage was selected by 2 observers. Offline plan selection was also carried out by an independent observer. A post-RT CBCT was acquired to calculate the percentage of the CTV covered by 95% of the dose (V95). The mean A- POLO volume was compared to our previous institutional standard PTV (1.5cm isotropic margins) (PTViso). Outcome data were collected.

Results: A total of 77 RT fractions were delivered to 14 patients. The small plan was delivered for 38 (49%) fractions and the large for 6 (8%) fractions. The concordance rate between online and offline plan selection was 71/77 (92%). The mean CTV V95 was 99% (patient mean range 97–100%). The mean time between the pre- and post-treatment CBCT was 15 minutes. The mean reduction between PTViso and mean A-POLO PTV was 42% (range 16– 59%). 2 patients had grade (G) 3 (CTCv3.0) treatment-related acute toxicity. There have been no treatment-related G4 acute or G3 late toxicities. With a median follow-up of 7.3 months 10 patients are alive with 8 disease free (1 local and 1 distant relapse).

Conclusions: Implementation of A-POLO RT is feasible, well tolerated, and associated with good concordance in 'plan of the day' selection. An individualized treatment plan can be delivered with each fraction to achieve a reduction in PTV compared to PTViso with maintenance of target coverage.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Planning outcomes and acute toxicity of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for treatment of bladder and pelvic lymph nodes

297

Background: We implemented an IMRT protocol for simultaneous treatment of bladder and pelvic lymph nodes (LN) and report the planning outcomes and acute toxicity of patients treated using this technique.

Methods: 13 patients were treated with a 5-field step and shoot IMRT technique. Inclusion criteria were: radiological evidence of pelvic LN metastases; stage T3/T4; high risk pathology or post-cystectomy with persistent/recurrent disease. Anisotropic margins were applied to the whole bladder CTV (0.5 cm laterally/inferiorly, 1 cm posteriorly, 1.5 cm superiorly/anteriorly) to create PTV1. 0.5 cm margins were applied to the pelvic LN CTV to create PTV2. PTVs 1/2 were prescribed 52 Gy in 32 fractions. 1 cm margins were applied to the involved bladder to create PTV3 (prescribed 64Gy). 0.5 cm margins were applied to the involved LN volumes to create PTV4 (prescribed 60 Gy). Post cystectomy patients were planned using PTVs 2/4 only. Dose volume histograms for organs at risk (rectum, femoral heads and other bowel) were calculated and compared with local dose constraints. Acute toxicity was assessed according to common toxicity criteria v3.0 and recorded weekly during treatment. Treatment verification was performed by cone beam CT.

Results: All treatment plans achieved target coverage of > 95% volume to > 95% prescription dose for each PTV. All patients achieved rectal and femoral head dose constraints. 2 patients did not meet V45 other bowel constraints but proceeded with treatment as all other dose limits were achieved. At the time of abstract submission 13 patients had completed treatment. 2 were treated for relapse post-cystectomy and did not have GU toxicities recorded. Maximum experienced acute toxicities were recorded. 9/11 patients experienced acute GU toxicity (G1=3, G2=1, G3=5). 6/13 patients experienced acute GI toxicity (G1=3, G2=3). 9/13 patients developed other acute toxicities (G1=7, G2=2). No patients developed ≥G3 non-GU toxicity.

Conclusions: Bladder and pelvic LN IMRT allows patients with high risk locoregional bladder cancer to meet preset dose constraints, appears feasible and has a comparable rate of acute toxicity to conventional bladder-only radiotherapy treatment.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Iodine isotopes (129I and 127I) in the Baltic Proper, Kattegat, and Skagerrak basins

Radioactive anthropogenic pollution has raised concerns about the present and future environmental status of the semienclosed Baltic Sea. We here study the distribution and inventory of the anthropogenic radioactive (129)I in water depth profiles collected from 16 sites in August 2006 and 19 sites in April 2007 in the Baltic Proper and related Kattegat and Skagerrak basins. The results reveal considerable differences of (129)I concentration in terms of spatial and temporal variability and expose relatively high concentrations in the deep waters. Variability in the concentration of (127)I, stable natural isotope of iodine, seems to follow changes in the seawater salinity, but in oxygen-poor bottom waters sediment diagenetic release may contribute to the concentration of both isotopes in the water body. Inventory estimates show that (129)I in August 2006 (24.2 ± 15.4 kg) is higher than that in April 2007 (14.4 ± 8.3 kg) within the southern and central Baltic Proper whereas almost a constant load occurs in the Kattegat Basin. Calculated model inventory shows correspondence to empirical data and provides a guideline for future environmental assessment on the impact of (129)I load in the studied region.

New fin-line devices for radiofrequency exposure of small biological samples in vitro allowing whole-cell patch clamp recordings

The development and analysis of three waveguides for the exposure of small biological in vitro samples to mobile communication signals at 900 MHz (GSM, Global System for Mobile Communications), 1.8 GHz (GSM), and 2 GHz (UMTS, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) is presented. The waveguides were based on a fin-line concept and the chamber containing the samples bathed in extracellular solution was placed onto two fins with a slot in between, where the exposure field concentrates. Measures were taken to allow for patch clamp recordings during radiofrequency (RF) exposure. The necessary power for the achievement of the maximum desired specific absorption rate (SAR) of 20 W/kg (average over the mass of the solution) was approximately P(in)  = 50 mW, P(in)  = 19 mW, and P(in)  = 18 mW for the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2 GHz devices, respectively. At 20 W/kg, a slight RF-induced temperature elevation in the solution of no more than 0.3 °C was detected, while no thermal offsets due to the electromagnetic exposure could be detected at the lower SAR settings (2, 0.2, and 0.02 W/kg). A deviation of 10% from the intended solution volume yielded a calculated SAR deviation of 8% from the desired value. A maximum ±10% variation in the local SAR could occur when the position of the patch clamp electrode was altered within the area where the cells to be investigated were located.

Electron crystallography of aluminum alloy phases

A series of structure analyses during 1994-2001 by electron crystallographic techniques applied to phases in aluminum alloys are reviewed. Methods for structure solution employ electron diffraction intensity data collected by the precession technique, by selected area micro-diffraction and by the convergent-beam technique. High-resolution electron microscope images (HRTEM) are treated by different kind of processing, including exit wave reconstruction. Crystallographic calculations are performed either by direct method or Patterson and Fourier procedures, assuming kinematical scattering, or by refinement from models derived from HRTEM images. Dynamical scattering calculations can be introduced in the refinement stage or as a correction procedure applied to part of the intensity data. The phases studied include primary Al-Fe-(Si) particles, Al-Mn-Si dispersoids, Al-Co quasicrystals and two types of precipitate phases in age-hardening Al-Mg-Si and Al-Zn-Mg alloys.

Clopenthixol and flupenthixol depot preparations in outpatient schizophrenics. II. Factor analysis of the CPRS sub-scale for schizophrenia

Eleven factors were obtained by factor analysing the CPRS results from a longitudinal treatment process study in chronic schizophrenics during maintenance phase. Such factors may give more reliable information than the single item. Two factors--"anxiety-depression-asthenia" and "psychotic" (psychotic schizophrenic symptoms and signs)--nonpsychotic rating of anxiety and depressive symptoms as well as definite psychotic-schizophrenic symptoms, respectively--demonstrated special value for the clinical work, i.e. being relevant instrument for monitoring a treatment process.

Exposure set-ups for in vivo experiments using radial waveguides

Radial waveguide set-ups are introduced as exposure devices for long-term experiments with large numbers of non-restrained animals exposed simultaneously. Methods are presented to ensure well-defined exposure conditions even for potentially overmoded waveguides and for the exposure of large groups of animals per cage. The proposed methods are applied for a four-generation study being performed on up to 2500 mice exposed to a generic UMTS test signal at prescribed averaged whole body specific absorption rates (SARs). The variation of the whole body SAR due to the movement of the mice inside the cage is calculated by using the finite-difference time-domain method and detailed animal models for selected configurations of the mice inside the cage for all stages of the study.

Structure analysis of embedded nano-sized particles by precession electron diffraction. η′-precipitate in an Al–Zn–Mg alloy as example

The Vincent-Midgley precession technique has been used to collect three-dimensional electron diffraction intensity data from a dispersion of coherent precipitates in a matrix. In order to suppress severe effects from multiple diffraction via matrix reflections, a fairly large precession (tilt) angle had to be used. This implied a high background from the surrounding matrix, and limited the number of reflections that could be measured from patterns on image plates. The heavily faulted hexagonal eta'-precipitates (a = 0.496 nm, c = 1.405 nm) with thickness 3-5 nm occur in four equivalent orientations relative to the aluminium matrix; with frequent overlap of reflections. A model of the average structure in the space group P6(3)/mmc with assumed composition Mg(2)Zn(5-x)Al(2+x), have been derived by Patterson analysis and intensity comparisons.