Lower extremity movement quality in professional team sport athletes: Inter-rater agreement and relationships with quantitative results from the corresponding pattern.

BACKGROUND: Adequate movement control and quality can be prerequisite functions for performance of the lower extremity. The purposes of our work were 1) to explore the agreement of an efficient test battery assessing qualitative movement execution and 2) to determine its consistency with quantitative performance tests from the corresponding movement pattern. METHODS: The participants were professional male association football players competing in the first German Bundesliga. They performed four movement quality tests (Single-limb balance squat, Balance forward hop, Balance side hop, Balance 90° rotation hop) and the corresponding performance tests (Y-balance test, Forward hop for distance, Side hop test, Square hop test). Qualitative tests were judged by two experienced raters; the ratings were compared to determine inter-rater agreement using Kappa statistics. The relationship with the quantitative tests was determined using Spearman's rank correlations. RESULTS: Thirty participants (19 to 33 years old) were included in this study. We found an at least substantial level of agreement (Cohen's Kappa, 0.64-0.84) with an excellent percentage of exact (83-93%) agreement between the two raters for the movement quality tests. Our findings revealed that the quantitative test results are only slightly related to the movement quality outcomes (ρ(27) <|0.3| and P > 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: Consequently, the qualitative test results provide unique information and complement corresponding quantitative performance tests in professional football athletes. Their observational judgement of foot position, lower limb alignment and upper body control in sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes is agreeable.

Late-stage rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A multicentre randomised controlled trial (PReP).

BACKGROUND: At the completion of formal rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, functional capacity is only restored in a small proportion of affected individuals. Therefore, the end of formal rehabilitation is not the end of functional rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: To compare adherence to and effectiveness of a late-stage rehabilitation programme with usual care after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: This prospective, double-blind, multicentre, parallel group, randomised controlled trial, included people aged 18 to 35 years after formal rehabilitation completion (mean [SD] 241 [92] days post-reconstruction). Participants were block-randomised to a 5-month neuromuscular performance intervention (Stop-X group) or usual care (medically prescribed standard physiotherapy, individual formal rehabilitation, home-exercises). All outcomes were measured once/month. Primary outcome was the normalised knee separation distance on landing after drop jump. Baseline-adjusted linear mixed models were calculated. RESULTS: In total, 112 participants (Stop-X: 57; Usual care: 55,) were analysed. Initially, mean (SD) intervention frequency (units/week) was higher in the Stop-X than the Usual care group: 2.65 (0.96) versus 2.48 (1.14) units/week in the first and 2.28 (1.02) versus 2.14 (1.31) units/week in the second month. No between-group*time(*baseline)-differences were found for the primary outcome. Between-group*time-effects favoured the Stop-X-group at 2 months (fewer self-reported knee problems during sport, KOOS-SPORT) (estimate = 64.3, 95 % CI 24.4-104.3 for the Stop-X), more confidence to return to sport (ACL-RSI) (62.4, 10.7-114.2), fewer pain-associated knee problems (KOOS-PAIN) (82.8, 36.0-129.6), improved everyday activity abilities (KOOS-ADL) (71.1, 6.4-135.7), and improved limb symmetry index in the front hop for distance at 3 and 4 months (0.34, 0.10-0.57; 0.31, 0.08-0.54). No between-group*time-effects occurred for kinesiophobia, symptom-associated knee problems or balance hops performance. At the end of the intervention, 79 % of the Stop-X and 70 % of the Usual care participants (p < 0.05) had successfully returned to their pre-injury sport type and level. CONCLUSIONS: The Stop-X intervention was slightly superior to usual care as part of late-stage rehabilitation after ACL-reconstruction. The small benefit might justify its use after formal rehabilitation completion.

The End of the Formal Rehabilitation Is Not the End of Rehabilitation: Knee Function Deficits Remain After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To rate athletes' functional ability and return to sport (RTS) success at the end of their individual, formal, medically prescribed rehabilitation after anterior anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: In our prospective multicenter cohort study, 88 (42 females) adults aged 18-35 years after acute unilateral ACL rupture and subsequent hamstring grafting were included. All patients were prospectively monitored during their rehabilitation and RTS process until the end of their formal rehabilitation and RTS release. As outcome measures, functional hop and jump tests (front hop, balance hops, and drop jump screening test) and self-report outcomes (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, ACL-RTS after injury) were assessed. Literature-based cut-off values were selected to rate each performance as fulfilled or not. RESULTS: At 7.5 months (SD 2.3 months) after surgery, the percentage of participants meeting the functional thresholds ranged from 4% (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score SPORT) and over 44% (ACL-RTS after injury sum score) to 59% (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score activities of all daily living) in the self-report and from 29% (Balance side hop) to 69% (normalized knee separation distance) in performance testing. Only 4% fulfilled all the cut-offs, while 45% returned to the same type and level of sport. Participants who successfully returned to their previous sport (type and level) were more likely to be "over-cut-off-performers." CONCLUSIONS: The low share of the athletes who fulfilled the functional RTS criteria highlights the importance of continuing the rehabilitation measures after the formal completion to assess the need for and success of, inter alia, secondary-preventive therapies.

Feasibility, Reliability, and Validity of the Modified Forward Hop Test After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Double- Instead of Single-legged Landing is Reliable and Results in Greater Hopping Distance.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility, reliability, and validity of the Modified forward hop (MFH) test in participants after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). DESIGN: Reliability study. SETTING: Assessments were administered at different clinical locations in Germany and Switzerland by the same 2 investigators. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-eight active individuals participated in this study (N=48). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The participants performed MFHs and Forward hops for distance in a predetermined order. The feasibility of the MFH was quantified with proportions of successfully executed attempts and Pearson's χ2 test. Its reliability was estimated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM). Test validity was explored using Pearson's product moment correlation analyses. RESULTS: Fewer failed attempts were recorded among the participants (age: 30 [Standard deviation 11] years; 22 women, 26 (13) months post-surgery) when compared with the Forward hop for distance test (25/288 trials; 9% vs 72/288 trials; 25%). Within-session ICC values were excellent (>0.95) for both types of Forward hop tests, independent of the side examined. The SEM values were comparable between the Modified (injured: 5.6 cm, uninjured: 5.9 cm) and the classic Forward hop (injured: 4.3 cm, uninjured: 7.2 cm). CONCLUSION: The MFH is a feasible, reliable, and valid tool for judging neuromuscular performance after ACLR. If the aim of a hop for distance incorporates enhanced perceived or real landing safety, landing on both feet should be used.

Impact of a family-centred clinical care programme on short-term outcomes of very low-birth weight infants.

AIM: We evaluated the effects of a family-centred clinical care pathway and case management programme on short-term clinical outcome in a cohort of very low-birth weight (VLBW) infants. METHODS: The programme, named NeoPAss, was developed at the Department of Neonatology Children's hospital Passau in 2013. Short-term outcomes of infants were compared to matched controls from the Bavarian neonatology surveillance database before (n = 111; 2008-2012) and after implementation (n = 170; 2014-2017). RESULTS: After implementation the rate of late-onset sepsis was significantly lower (2.5% vs. 10.7%, p = 0.005) and the length of stay was significantly shorter (VLBW 28 to 31 weeks' gestational age (GA) 47.5 vs. 53.1 days, p = 0.047; <28 weeks' GA 79.4 vs. 91.9 days, p = 0.007) in the intervention group compared to controls. Infants were discharged with significantly lower weight (mean 2351 vs. 2539 g, p = 0.013). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of intraventricular haemorrhage (3.7% vs. 8.2%), necrotizing enterocolitis (0.6% vs. 1.9%) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (0% vs. 6.9%). CONCLUSION: Our data confirm that of other studies demonstrating a beneficial effect of family-centred care programmes and provides evidence that structured parental involvement is not associated with increased risk of infection in a VLBW cohort.

[Return to throwing sports after upper extremity injury and overuse : A criteria-based approach using an ulnar collateral ligament injury as an example]. / Zurück zum Wurfsport nach Verletzung und Überlastung an der oberen Extremität : Ein kriterienbasierter Ansatz am Beispiel einer Verletzung des Ligamentum collaterale ulnare.

BACKGROUND: Uniform procedures for rehabilitation and follow-up treatment after injuries and surgeries at the upper extremity do not exist. Accordingly, only a few approaches for the follow-up treatment of instabilities of the elbow joint have been described. OBJECTIVES: The authors show how rehabilitation before sport-specific training after rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament in a female handball player was objectivized and controlled using the results of functional tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The follow-up treatment of a semi-professional female handball player (aged 20) after rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament was objectivized and controlled using the return to activity algorithm. In addition to the comparisons with the values of the unaffected side, comparative results of 14 uninjured female handball players were used for guidance. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: The patient was able to participate fully in sport-specific training after 15 weeks and participate in her first competitive match after 20 weeks. On the affected side, she achieved a distance of 118% of her upper limb length on the medial reach of the upper quarter Y balance test and 63 valid contacts on the wall hop test. The values achieved at the end of rehabilitation were higher than the average values of the control group.

Quadriceps and hamstring anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction differ only marginally in function after the rehabilitation: a propensity score-matched case-control study.

PURPOSE: To determine potential quadriceps versus hamstring tendon autograft differences in neuromuscular function and return to sport (RTS)-success in participants after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: Case-control study on 25 participants operated on with an arthroscopically assisted, anatomic ipsilateral quadriceps femoris tendon graft and two control groups of 25 participants each, operated on with a semitendinosus tendon or semitendinosus-gracilis (hamstring) tendon graft ACL reconstruction. Participants of the two control groups were propensity score matched to the case group based on sex, age, Tegner activity scale and either the total volume of rehabilitation since reconstruction (n = 25) or the time since reconstruction (n = 25). At the end of the rehabilitation (averagely 8 months post-reconstruction), self-reported knee function (KOOS sum scores), fear of loading the reconstructed knee during a sporting activity (RSI-ACL questionnaire), and fear of movement (Tampa scale of kinesiophobia) were followed by hop and jump tests. Front hops for distance (jumping distance as the outcome) were followed by Drop jumps (normalised knee joint separation distance), and concluded by qualitative ratings of the Balanced front and side hops. Between-group comparisons were undertaken using 95% confidence intervals comparisons, effect sizes were calculated. RESULTS: The quadriceps case group (always compared with the rehabilitation-matched hamstring graft controls first and versus time-matched hamstring graft controls second) had non-significant and only marginal higher self-reported issues during sporting activities: Cohen's d = 0.42, d = 0.44, lower confidence for RTS (d = - 0.30, d = - 0.16), and less kinesiophobia (d = - 0.25, d = 0.32). Small and once more non-significant effect sizes point towards lower values in the quadriceps graft groups in the Front hop for distance limb symmetry values in comparison to the two hamstring control groups (d = - 0.24, d = - 0.35). The normalised knee joint separation distance were non-significantly and small effect sized higher in the quadriceps than in the hamstring groups (d = 0.31, d = 0.28). CONCLUSION: Only non-significant and marginal between-graft differences in the functional outcomes at the end of the rehabilitation occurred. The selection of either a hamstring or a quadriceps graft type cannot be recommended based on the results. The decision must be undertaken individually. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Contributors to self-report motor function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Numerous functional factors may interactively contribute to the course of self-report functional abilities after anterior cruciate ligament  (ACL)-reconstruction. This study purposes to identify these predictors using exploratory moderation-mediation models in a cohort study design. Adults with post unilateral ACL reconstruction (hamstring graft) status and who were aiming to return to their pre-injury type and level of sport were included. Our dependent variables were self-reported function, as assessed by the the KOOS subscales sport (SPORT), and activities of daily living (ADL). The independent variables assessed were the KOOS subscale pain and the time since reconstruction [days]. All other variables (sociodemographic, injury-, surgery-, rehabilitation-specific, kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia), and the presence or absence of COVID-19-associated restrictions) were further considered as moderators, mediators, or co-variates. Data from 203 participants (mean 26 years, SD 5 years) were finally modelled. Total variance explanation was 59% (KOOS-SPORT) and 47% (KOOS-ADL). In the initial rehabilitation phase (< 2 weeks after reconstruction), pain was the strongest contributor to self-report function (KOOS-SPORT: coefficient: 0.89; 95%-confidence-interval: 0.51 to 1.2 / KOOS-ADL: 1.1; 0.95 to 1.3). In the early phase (2-6 weeks after reconstruction), time since reconstruction [days] was the major contributor (KOOS-SPORT: 1.1; 0.14 to 2.1 / KOOS-ADL: 1.2; 0.43 to 2.0). Starting with the mid-phases of the rehabilitation, self-report function was no longer explicitly impacted by one or more contributors. The amount of rehabilitation [minutes] is affected by COVID-19-associated restrictions (pre-versus-post: - 672; - 1264 to - 80 for SPORT / - 633; - 1222 to - 45 for ADL) and by the pre-injury activity scale (280; 103 to 455 / 264; 90 to 438). Other hypothesised contributors such as sex/gender or age were not found to mediate the time or pain, rehabilitation dose and self-report function triangle. When self-report function is rated after an ACL reconstruction, the rehabilitation phases (early, mid, late), the potentially COVID-19-associated rehabilitation limitations, and pain intensity should also be considered. As, for example, pain is the strongest contributor to function in the early rehabilitation phase, focussing on the value of the self-report function only may, consequently, not be sufficient to rate bias-free function.

A fully fiber-integrated ion trap for portable quantum technologies.

Trapped ions are a promising platform for the deployment of quantum technologies. However, traditional ion trap experiments tend to be bulky and environment-sensitive due to the use of free-space optics. Here we present a single-ion trap with integrated optical fibers directly embedded within the trap structure, to deliver laser light as well as to collect the ion's fluorescence. This eliminates the need for optical windows. We characterise the system's performance and measure the ion's fluorescence with signal-to-background ratios on the order of 50, which allows us to perform internal state readout measurements with a fidelity over 99% in 600 [Formula: see text]s. We test the system's resilience to thermal variations in the range between 22 and 53 [Formula: see text]C, and the system's vibration resilience at 34 Hz and 300 Hz and find no effect on its performance. The combination of compactness and robustness of our fiber-coupled trap makes it well suited for applications in, as well as outside, research laboratory environments, and in particular for highly compact portable quantum technologies, such as portable optical atomic clocks. While our system is designed for trapping 40Ca+ ions the fundamental design principles can be applied to other ion species.

Optimised adaptive procedures and analysis methods for conducting speech-in-noise tests.

OBJECTIVE: Speech-in-noise testing is a valuable part of audiological test batteries. Test standardisation using precise methods is desirable for ease of administration. This study investigated the accuracy and reliability of different Bayesian and non-Bayesian adaptive procedures and analysis methods for conducting speech-in-noise testing. DESIGN: Matrix sentence tests using different numbers of sentences (10, 20, 30 and 50) and target intelligibilities (50 and 75%) were simulated for modelled listeners with various characteristics. The accuracy and reliability of seven different measurement procedures and three different data analysis methods were assessed. RESULTS: The estimation of 50% intelligibility was accurate and showed excellent reliability across the majority of methods tested, even with relatively few stimuli. Estimating 75% intelligibility resulted in decreased accuracy. For this target, more stimuli were required for sufficient accuracy and selected Bayesian procedures surpassed the performance of others. Some Bayesian procedures were also superior in the estimation of psychometric function width. CONCLUSIONS: A single standardised procedure could improve the consistency of the matrix sentence test across a range of target intelligibilities. Candidate adaptive procedures and analysis methods are discussed. These could also be applicable for other speech materials. Further testing with human participants is required.

[Judging movement quality in patients who sustained a knee ligament injury: a systematic review]. / Tests zur Beurteilung der Bewegungsqualität nach ligamentären Verletzungen des Kniegelenks: eine systematische Übersichtsarbeit.

BACKGROUND: Knee joint injury statistics are dominated by ruptures of the capsular ligament structures. Post-traumatic deficits in dynamic movement patterns are assessed quantitatively as well as qualitatively. The aim of this review was to compile tools that are used to assess the quality of movement after knee ligament injuries in adults. METHODS: A systematic search for original papers was carried out in the following primary sources: Ovid, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Both conservative and surgical treatment options were considered. PROSPERO registration of the study protocol: CRD42020175359. RESULTS: A total of 1153 papers were identified. Eleven original papers from four different working groups were included in this work. All papers assessed the quality of movement in adults after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. A total of 348 (70 deficient, 278 reconstructed) patients after an ACL injury and 119 adults with an intact ACL were examined in the studies included. CONCLUSION: It is possible to assess movement quality after a knee ligament injury with a low temporal and technical effort. The changes recorded result in a functional valgus, which, based on the study results, may be further differentiated into isolated knee valgus, medial collapse or postural collapse.

[Function-based tests to determine the return-to-activity state in patients with non-specific low back pain]. / Funktionelle Testungen zur Ermittlung des Return-to-Activity-Status bei Patienten mit unspezifischen Kreuzschmerzen.

BACKGROUND: Most people with back pain suffer from non-specific low back pain, for which no specific reasons can be found. Two out of three have recurrent pain episodes. To reduce the likelihood of recurrence and long-lasting pain, functional tests are increasingly used to determine the current functional status. This literature study evaluates evidence of functional tests in patients with non-specific low back pain and their validity related to the return-to-activity (RTA) status. The objective of this analysis is to give recommendations for specific activities and to assess the risk of chronification and recurrent pain. METHODS: PubMed-based literature search. Narrative review focusing on data from the past ten years. RESULTS: A total of twelve studies were included in the analysis. Overall, 33 different tests were identified for which positive statements regarding reliability, validity and relevance for the assessment of the RTA status in non-specific back pain could be made. The tests identified may be able to provide useful information when assessing the RTA status and to recognise yellow and blue flags in patients with non-specific low back pain. The ability to walk, the behaviour when lifting and carrying objects, motor control, muscle strength and mobility play a particular role. CONCLUSION: The determination of the RTA status in patients with non-specific low back pain should be patient-specific and based on biopsychosocial aspects rather than relying exclusively on movement-related tests. Exact statements regarding the point in time when patients can resume everyday activities and work without an increased risk of recurrence or chronicity do not seem possible with functional tests alone. The major influence of psychological and social factors on disease development, course and prognosis are limiting factors. Movement and strain-related tests can still be used to evaluate activities related to everyday life, to design therapy programs and to give patients confidence.

Interacting effects of frontal lobe neuroanatomy and working memory capacity to older listeners' speech recognition in noise.

Many older adults are struggling with understanding spoken language, particularly when background noise interferes with comprehension. In the present study, we investigated a potential interaction between two well-known factors associated with greater speech-in-noise (SiN) reception thresholds in older adults, namely a) lower working memory capacity and b) age-related structural decline of frontal lobe regions. In a sample of older adults (N = 25) and younger controls (N = 13) with normal pure-tone thresholds, SiN reception thresholds and working memory capacity were assessed. Furthermore, T1-weighted structural MR-images were recorded to analyze neuroanatomical traits (i.e., cortical thickness (CT) and cortical surface area (CSA)) of the cortex. As expected, the older group showed greater SiN reception thresholds compared to the younger group. We also found consistent age-related atrophy (i.e., lower CT) in brain regions associated with SiN recognition, namely the superior temporal lobe bilaterally, the right inferior frontal and precentral gyrus, as well as the left superior frontal gyrus. Those older participants with greater atrophy in these brain regions showed greater SiN reception thresholds. Interestingly, the association between CT in the left superior frontal gyrus and SiN reception thresholds was moderated by individual working memory capacity. Older adults with greater working memory capacity benefitted more strongly from thicker frontal lobe regions leading to better SiN recognition. Overall, our results fit well into the literature showing that age-related structural decline in auditory- and cognition-related brain areas is associated with greater SiN reception thresholds in older adults. However, we highlight that this association changes as a function of individual working memory capacity. We therefore believe that future interventions to improve SiN recognition in older adults should take into account the role of the frontal lobe as well as individual working memory capacity.

[Use of masks by children to prevent infection with SARS-CoV-2]. / Verwendung von Masken bei Kindern zur Verhinderung der Infektion mit SARS-CoV-2: Stellungnahme der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Pädiatrische Infektiologie (DGPI), des Berufsverbandes der Kinder- und Jugendärzte (bvkj e. V.), der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin (DGKJ), der Gesellschaft für Pädiatrische Pneumologie (GPP), der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Sozialpädiatrie und Jugendmedizin (DGSPJ), der Süddeutschen Gesellschaft für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin (SGKJ) und der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie (DGKJP).

After initial reluctance masks have emerged as an important means of restricting the spread of SARS-CoV­2, the new coronavirus causing COVID-19. Other simple measures are keeping a distance of at least 1 ½â€¯m from other persons and observing hygiene recommendations, including washing or even disinfecting the hands, coughing into the crook of the arm and remaining at home when sick. Combining the initial letters of the German words for the three measures (Abstand-Hygiene-Alltagsmaske, distance-hygiene-face mask) the acronym AHA was formed, a colloquial German word meaning that the speaker understood the information presented. This acronym was later extended by the letter "L", initial letter of "Lüften" meaning air ventilation for indoor rooms and arriving at AHA­L, recommended by the federal German Health Institute the Robert Koch Institute. In fact, masks including surgical masks and face coverings can form an effective barrier against the spread of the virus: protecting other people from droplets expelled from the throat of the speaker wearing a mask and even in part protecting the wearer from inhaling droplets emanating from other peoples' throats. Studies to find out if wearing masks might impose risks did not find essential problems: alterations of respiratory parameters due to an increased airway resistance remained within normal limits in healthy adults and even in asthmatics whose disease was well controlled; however, many adults expressed their unease with masks describing them as cumbersome and inconvenient. Emotional resistance against masks made it increasingly more difficult for them to use a mask. Efficient application of masks requires, in addition to a logical explanation of its effect, the evocation of empathy for vulnerable people who can be protected from catching a possibly deadly disease. In children there are very few data on adverse effects of wearing a mask although there is ample experience in children with serious diseases compromising defense against infectious agents acquired via respiratory mucus membranes; however, when using masks appropriately in children relevant adverse effects have not been reported and are not to be expected. Masks should only be used in children when they are healthy and awake and can remove the masks themselves anytime they like. Children 10 years or older can use masks efficiently when they have been informed beforehand appropriate to their age. Under these conditions they can also be obliged to wear masks in certain situations, for example while walking through the school building to their desk in class. To limit the period of wearing a mask normally they will be allowed to remove the mask when sitting in class and keeping their distance. Children in primary schools may use masks, but they should not be obliged to wear them and children in kindergartens should not use masks. This exemption of younger children does not expose school and kindergarten teachers to additional risks since the infectivity with SARS-CoV­2 is age-dependent and increases with age reaching adult values only after 12 years of age.

The effect of the electric trapping field on state-selective loading of molecules into rf ion traps.

Trapped molecular ions in pure rovibronic states are desirable in experiments ranging from cold chemistry to searches for physics beyond the Standard Model. Resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionisation (REMPI) can be used to prepare molecular ions in specific internal states with high fidelities. However, in the presence of electric fields, ionisation spectra exhibit frequency shifts and the ionisation thresholds are broadened. For this reason, REMPI studies are normally conducted in low and highly homogeneous electric fields, whereas the operating principle of rf ion traps requires electric fields that vary in space and time. In order to investigate the impact of this on the state-selectivity of REMPI in ion traps, we have simulated the expected broadening of the ionisation threshold under various operating conditions of a typical linear Paul trap. In many cases, the width of the ionisation threshold exceeds the separation between rotational energy levels, preventing state-selective ionisation. Careful choice of the trapping and laser parameters during loading can reduce this broadening, enabling state-selective ionisation in some instances. Where this strategy is not sufficient, the broadening can be reduced further by rapidly switching the trapping voltages off and on again during loading. This has been demonstrated experimentally for a Coulomb crystal of [Formula: see text] ions without descrystallising it.

Enhanced ion-cavity coupling through cavity cooling in the strong coupling regime.

Incorporating optical cavities in ion traps is becoming increasingly important in the development of photonic quantum networks. However, the presence of the cavity can hamper efficient laser cooling of ions because of geometric constraints that the cavity imposes and an unfavourable Purcell effect that can modify the cooling dynamics substantially. On the other hand the coupling of the ion to the cavity can also be exploited to provide a mechanism to efficiently cool the ion. In this paper we demonstrate experimentally how cavity cooling can be implemented to improve the localisation of the ion and thus its coupling to the cavity. By using cavity cooling we obtain an enhanced ion-cavity coupling of [Formula: see text] MHz, compared with [Formula: see text] MHz when using only Doppler cooling.

Strong Coupling of a Single Ion to an Optical Cavity.

Strong coupling between an atom and an electromagnetic resonator is an important condition in cavity quantum electrodynamics. While strong coupling in various physical systems has been achieved so far, it remained elusive for single atomic ions. Here, we achieve a coupling strength of 2π×(12.3±0.1) MHz between a single ^{40}Ca^{+} ion and an optical cavity, exceeding both atomic and cavity decay rates which are 2π×11.5 and 2π×(4.1±0.1) MHz, respectively. We use cavity assisted Raman spectroscopy to precisely characterize the ion-cavity coupling strength and observe a spectrum featuring the normal mode splitting in the cavity transmission due to the ion-cavity interaction. Our work paves the way towards new applications of cavity quantum electrodynamics utilizing single trapped ions in the strong coupling regime for quantum optics and quantum technologies.

Who gets ostracized? A personality perspective on risk and protective factors of ostracism.

Ostracism, excluding and ignoring others, results from a variety of factors. Here, we investigate the effect of personality on the likelihood of becoming a target of ostracism. Theorizing that individuals low in conscientiousness or agreeableness are at risk of getting ostracized, we tested our hypotheses within 5 preregistered studies: Four experiments investigating participants' willingness to ostracize targets characterized by different personality traits and a reverse correlation face modeling study where we determined and subsequently validated the stereotypical face of an ostracized person. A survey study within a representative German data panel further corroborated our findings. In line with our hypotheses, persons low in conscientiousness or agreeableness provoke more ostracism intentions (Studies 1, 2, and 4), are more likely to be actually ostracized by others (Study 3), represent the stereotype of an "ostracizable" person (Study 5), and report experiencing more ostracism (Study 6). Effects remained stable even after controlling for likability of the target (Study 2 and 4). Moreover, being described as negative on 1 personality dimension could not be compensated by being described as positive on the other (Study 4). In exploratory analyses, we further investigated the effects of openness to experience, neuroticism, and extraversion. In sum, we find evidence that personality affects the likelihood of becoming a target of ostracism, and that especially low agreeableness and conscientiousness represent risk factors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).