High-Resolution and Large-Dynamic Range Fiber-Optic Sensors Based on Dual-Mode Direct Spectrum Interrogation Method.

Conventional optical fiber temperature/strain sensors often have to make compromises between the resolution and the dynamic range. Here we present a new method that meets the measurement requirements for both high resolution and large dynamic range. A high-quality optical fiber Fabry-Perot Interferometer (FPI) constructed using a pair of chirped fiber Bragg gratings is employed as the sensor and a dual-mode direct spectrum interrogation method is proposed to identify the small drift of external temperature or strain. As a proof-of-concept illustration, a temperature resolution of 0.2 °C within 30-130 °C is demonstrated. For strain sensing, the resolution can be 10 µÎµ within 0-1000 µÎµ. The measurement resolution can be improved further by routinely increasing the reflectivity of the CFBG and the cavity length and the sensor can also be mass-produced. This new sensing schema not only resolves the conflict between the resolution and the dynamic range of fiber-optic temperature/strain sensors but can also be extended to other sensors and measurands.

A latent pool of neurons silenced by sensory-evoked inhibition can be recruited to enhance perception.

To investigate which activity patterns in sensory cortex are relevant for perceptual decision-making, we combined two-photon calcium imaging and targeted two-photon optogenetics to interrogate barrel cortex activity during perceptual discrimination. We trained mice to discriminate bilateral whisker deflections and report decisions by licking left or right. Two-photon calcium imaging revealed sparse coding of contralateral and ipsilateral whisker input in layer 2/3, with most neurons remaining silent during the task. Activating pyramidal neurons using two-photon holographic photostimulation evoked a perceptual bias that scaled with the number of neurons photostimulated. This effect was dominated by optogenetic activation of non-coding neurons, which did not show sensory or motor-related activity during task performance. Photostimulation also revealed potent recruitment of cortical inhibition during sensory processing, which strongly and preferentially suppressed non-coding neurons. Our results suggest that a pool of non-coding neurons, selectively suppressed by network inhibition during sensory processing, can be recruited to enhance perception.

Accidental Conduction System Pacing in Patient with Displaced Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Leads.

A 69-year-old woman with a history of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction presented for device interrogation of her cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED), revealing lead and pulse generator displacement. Surprisingly, she exhibited a narrow QRS on the ECG despite an underlying right bundle branch block, suggesting unintentional conduction system pacing (CSP). Traditional cardiac resynchronization therapy has been widely used for patients with heart failure, but alternatives like CSP are emerging as viable options. Given the global rise in CIED utilization, regular follow-up, device troubleshooting, and embracing remote monitoring are essential to manage and optimize patient outcomes.

The perceived guilt and innocence of adults with developmental language disorder and adults with typical language during a mock interrogation.

PURPOSE: This study examined if there were differences in the guilty and not guilty judgments of adults with developmental language disorder (DLD) and those with typical language (TL) functioning. METHOD: Twenty-four adults (12 DLD, 12 TL) were assigned to either the guilty or not guilty conditions. Those in the guilty condition engaged in a mock crime while those in the not guilty condition were informed that a crime had been committed. Peer jurors were presented with video interrogations of the DLD (6 guilty, 6 not guilty) and TL (6 guilty, 6 not guilty) participants and were asked to make categorical judgments of guilty and not guilty and to indicate confidence in their judgments. RESULTS: In general, peer jurors were not accurate in their judgments of the accused, and were more likely to judge individuals with DLD as guilty relative to accused individuals with TL. Peer jurors were particularly poor at judging innocent adults with DLD as not guilty and guilty adults with TL as guilty. Despite this, peer jurors were more confident than not in their guilty and not guilty determinations. CONCLUSIONS: Peer jurors are confident in their judgments of the guilt of the accused when they should not be, particularly in the case of accused adults with DLD. Implications are discussed.

Forensic perspectives on postmortem CIED interrogation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) are a heterogeneous group of medical devices with increasingly sophisticated diagnostic capabilities, which could be exploited in forensic investigations. However, current guidelines are lacking clear recommendations on the topic. The first aim of this systematic review is to provide an updated assessment of the role of postmortem CIED interrogation, and to give practical recommendations, which can be used in daily practice. Secondly, the authors aim to determine the rates of postmortem CIED interrogation and autopsy investigations, the type of final rhythm detected close to death (with a focus on the significance of documented arrhythmias), as well as the role of postmortem CIED interrogation in the determination of final cause/time of death, and any potentially fatal device malfunctions. METHODS: A systematic search in MEDLINE and Scopus aiming to identify reports concerning postmortem human CIED interrogation was performed, including a systematic screening of reference lists. Case reports, letters to the editors, commentaries, review articles or guidelines were excluded, along with studies related to cardiac devices other than CIED. All data were pooled and analyzed using fixed-effects meta-analysis models, and the I2 statistic was used to assess heterogeneity. RESULTS: A total of 25 articles were included in the systematic review, enrolling 3194 decedent CIED carriers. Ten studies (40%) had a 100% autopsy rate, whereas in further 6 studies autopsy findings were variably reported; CIED interrogation was available from 22 studies (88%), and it was never performed prior to autopsy. The overall rate of successful postmortem CIED interrogation was 89%, with high heterogeneity among studies, mainly due to device deactivation/battery discharge. Twenty-four percent of CIED carriers experienced sudden cardiac death (SCD), whereas non-sudden cardiac and non-cardiac death (NSCD, NCD) were reported in 37% and 30% of decedents, respectively. Ventricular tachyarrhythmias were recorded in 34% of overall successfully interrogated CIED, and in 62% of decedents who experienced a SCD; of all ventricular tachyarrhythmias recorded, 40% was found in NSCD or NCD. A clear interpretation of the etiological role of recorded arrhythmias in the causation of death required integration with autopsy findings. Overall, potentially fatal device malfunctions were detected in 12% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Postmortem CIED interrogation is a valuable tool for the determination of the cause of death, and may complement autopsy. Forensic pathologists need to know the potential utility, pitfalls, and limitations of this diagnostic examination to make this tool as much reliable as possible.

Transcatheter Covered Stent Exclusion of Superior Sinus Venosus Defects.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter correction of sinus venosus defects (SVDs) using balloon-mounted covered stents provides an attractive surgical alternative. Surgery may be complicated by superior vena caval or right upper pulmonary vein (RUPV) stenosis, sinus nodal dysfunction, and residual additional pulmonary veins. OBJECTIVES: Being a new intervention, technical modifications would simplify the procedure, improve universal applicability, and reduce or tackle complications. METHODS: Patients were included if balloon interrogation of cavoatrial junction confirmed closure of SVD and redirected RUPV to the left atrium. A single-center experience was analyzed to summarize the procedural modifications over 8 years. Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) on follow-up was done to identify residual shunt, RUPV flows, and stent thrombosis. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients including 9 children with a median age of 35 years (range, 4-69 years) underwent SVD closure after balloon interrogation. Among 57 patients balloon interrogated in the first 5 years, 70% underwent transcatheter closure, with 2 failures. RUPV occlusion caused the exclusions. Inclusions improved to 94% among the subsequent 65 balloon interrogations when RUPV protection was implemented, with 1 failure. Stent embolization caused the 3 failures warranting surgery. Recent modifications included limited transesophageal echocardiogram without anesthesia, avoiding venovenous circuit, interrogation with semicompliant balloons, trans-septal RUPV protection, overlapping stents to permit additional vein drainage to superior vena cava and tackle embolizations. There were no deaths. Minor complications included stent embolizations stabilized in catheterization laboratory in 2 patients, left innominate vein jailing in 2 patients, insignificant residual flows, and nonocclusive asymptomatic stent thrombosis in 4 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Procedural success was 97%. Recent modifications increased patient inclusions, decreased complications, and simplified the intervention.

Highly local activation of inhibition at the seizure wavefront in vivo.

The propagation of a seizure wavefront in the cortex divides an intensely firing seizure core from a low-firing seizure penumbra. Seizure propagation is currently thought to generate strong activation of inhibition in the seizure penumbra that leads to its decreased neuronal firing. However, the direct measurement of neuronal excitability during seizures has been difficult to perform in vivo. We used simultaneous optogenetics and calcium imaging (all-optical interrogation) to characterize real-time neuronal excitability in an acute mouse model of seizure propagation. We find that single-neuron excitability is decreased in close proximity to the seizure wavefront but becomes increased distal to the seizure wavefront. This suggests that inhibitory neurons of the seizure wavefront create a proximal circumference of hypoexcitability but do not influence neuronal excitability in the penumbra.

The clinical use of remote parameter testing during cardiac implantable electronic devices implantation procedures: a single center, randomized, open-label, non-inferiority trial.

Background: A novel non-contact system for remote parameter testing and reprogramming offers an alternative method for assessing device parameters during cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) implantation without the need for physical contact with the manufacturer's clinical service technician. The safety and feasibility of using this system in CIEDs implantation procedures remains to be determined. Objective: Evaluate the safety and feasibility of remote parameter testing in CIEDs implantation procedures. Methods: A single center, randomized, open-label, non-inferiority trial (ChiCTR2200057587) was conducted to compare the two approaches for interrogating CIEDs during implantation procedures: routine interrogation performed by on-site technicians or remote interrogation performed by technicians using the 5G-Cloud Technology Platform. Patients aged ≥18 years and elected to receive CIEDs were eligible for inclusion. The primary endpoint was the completion rate of the parameter test. Safety and efficiency were evaluated in all randomly assigned participants. Results: A total of 480 patients were finally enrolled and were randomly assigned to routine group (n = 240) or remote group (n = 240). The primary endpoint was achieved by 100% in both groups (P = 0.0060 for noninferiority). The parameters of sensing, threshold, and impedance regarding the right atrium, right ventricle, and left ventricle had no statistical significance between the two groups (P > 0.05). Procedure time, parameter testing time, and both duration and dose of x-ray irradiation were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). Shut-open door frequency was significantly higher in the routine group than the remote group [6.00 (4.00, 8.00) vs. 0, P < 0.0001]. Notably, no clinical or technical complications were observed in the remote group. Conclusions: Remote parameter testing is safe and feasible across various devices implantation procedures. The utilization of remote parameter testing and reprogramming could represent an innovative approach to improve healthcare accessibility and unlock the full potential of secondary centers in managing CIEDs. The Registration Identification: ChiCTR2200057587.

Investigative fatigue: how sleep-circadian factors shape criminal investigations.

Investigating criminal complaints and identifying culprits to be prosecuted in the court of law is an essential process for law-enforcement and public safety. However, law-enforcement investigators operate under very challenging conditions due to stressful environments, understaffing, and public scrutiny, which factors into investigative errors (e.g. uncleared cases). This paper argues that one contributing factor to investigative failures involves sleep and circadian disruption of investigators themselves, known to be prevalent among law-enforcement. By focusing on investigative interviewing, this analysis illustrates how sleep and circadian disruption could impact investigations by considering three broad phases of (1) preparation, (2) information elicitation, and (3) assessment and corroboration. These phases are organized in a framework that outlines theory-informed pathways in need of empirical attention, with special focus on effort and decision-making processes critical to investigations. While existing evidence is limited, preliminary findings support some elements of investigative fatigue. The paper concludes by placing investigative fatigue in a broader context of investigative work while providing recommendations for future research throughout. This paper is part of the Sleep and Circadian Health in the Justice System Collection.

Beware of atrial pacing-induced ventricular depolarization: A case of lead malfunction.

Although ventricular capture during the atrial threshold test is possible, there are rare reports on the insulation defect and inactive leads thereof. In this case, we present a pacemaker-dependent patient with a history of pacemaker generator replacements. The patient experienced ventricular capture induced by atrial pacing due to adhesion of the atrial and ventricular leads with an insulation defect. The atrial lead was abandoned and a new lead was implanted. However, there was a significant decrease in ventricular impedance detected shortly after the new lead was implanted. When observing the phenomenon of atrial pacing-induced ventricular depolarization, one uncommon reason to consider is lead adhesive wear. It is important to pay attention to the contact and bending sites of the leads.

Medical and forensic aspects of performing a remote interrogation of persons with disabilities / Aspectos médicos y forenses de la realización de un interrogatorio a distancia a personas con discapacidad / Aspectos médicos e forenses da realização de um interrogatório remoto de pessoas com deficiências

The purpose of the study is to develop new proposals for improving criminal procedural legislation in the field of conducting remote investigative actions with disabled persons, taking into account their physiological and functional characteristics. Research material and methods: This study is based on an analysis of the norms regarding the criminal procedural legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and a number of foreign states that regulate the procedure for conducting remote investigative actions - as well as scientific publications on the research topic in the field of psychology and medicine. An integrated approach involves considering the studied phenomena of communication during an investigative action as a set of interconnected and interdependent elements, i.e., consideration of the issue from the medical, psychological and legal points of view. Situational and systemic types of analysis, complex sociological analysis, diagnostics and forecasting investigative situation were also used. Methods of analysis and synthesis, induction, deduction, methods of qualitative and quantitative analysis were employed to clarify the legal essence of the studied phenomenon. Findings: practical recommendations aimed at improving and developing the performance of remote investigative actions involving persons with disabilities (further ­ FWDs) y creating optimal conditions for the transfer of verbal, medical, and psychological information, as well as technical and forensic support for conducting RIAs. The following conclusions were made: in order to improve the current legislation, it is advisable to consider the issue of developing and including a special norm in the legislation, taking into account the characteristics of the communicative competencies of persons with disabilities. This norm regulates the procedure for conducting investigative actions involving the mute, deaf, blind and other persons with disabilities.

El objetivo del estudio es elaborar nuevas propuestas de mejora de la legislación procesal penal en el ámbito de la realización de actuaciones de investigación a distancia con personas con discapacidad, teniendo en cuenta sus características fisiológicas y funcionales. Material y métodos de investigación: Este estudio se basa en un análisis de las normas relativas a la legislación procesal penal de la República de Kazajstán y de una serie de Estados extranjeros que regulan el procedimiento para llevar a cabo acciones de investigación a distancia -, así como publicaciones científicas sobre el tema de investigación en el campo de la psicología y la medicina. Un enfoque integrado implica considerar los fenómenos estudiados de comunicación durante una acción de investigación como un conjunto de elementos interconectados e interdependientes, es decir, considerar la cuestión desde los puntos de vista médico, psicológico y jurídico. También se utilizaron los tipos de análisis situacional y sistémico, el análisis sociológico complejo, el diagnóstico y la previsión de la situación de investigación. Se emplearon métodos de análisis y síntesis, inducción, deducción, métodos de análisis cualitativo y cuantitativo para aclarar la esencia jurídica del fenómeno estudiado. Conclusiones: recomendaciones prácticas destinadas a mejorar y desarrollar la realización de acciones de investigación a distancia en las que participen personas con discapacidad (en adelante - RIA) y crear condiciones óptimas para la transferencia de información verbal, médica y psicológica, así como apoyo técnico y forense para la realización de las RIA. Se llegó a las siguientes conclusiones:con el fin de mejorar la legislación actual, es aconsejable considerar la cuestión de desarrollar e incluir una norma especial en la legislación, teniendo en cuenta las características de las competencias comunicativas de las personas con discapacidad. Esta norma regula el procedimiento para llevar a cabo acciones de investigación en las que estén implicadas personas mudas, sordas, ciegas y otras personas con discapacidad.

O objetivo do estudo é desenvolver novas propostas para aprimorar a legislação processual penal no campo da realização de ações investigativas remotas com pessoas com deficiência, levando em conta suas características fisiológicas e funcionais. Material e métodos de pesquisa: Este estudo baseia-se em uma análise das normas relativas à legislação processual penal da República do Cazaquistão e de vários países estrangeiros que regulamentam o procedimento para a realização de ações investigativas remotas, bem como em publicações científicas sobre o tópico de pesquisa no campo da psicologia e da medicina. Uma abordagem integrada envolve a consideração dos fenômenos estudados de comunicação durante uma ação investigativa como um conjunto de elementos interconectados e interdependentes, ou seja, a consideração da questão dos pontos de vista médico, psicológico e jurídico. Também foram usados tipos de análise situacional e sistêmica, análise sociológica complexa, diagnóstico e previsão da situação investigativa. Métodos de análise e síntese, indução, dedução, métodos de análise qualitativa e quantitativa foram empregados para esclarecer a essência legal do fenômeno estudado. Resultados: recomendações práticas com o objetivo de aprimorar e desenvolver o desempenho de ações investigativas remotas envolvendo pessoas com deficiência (mais adiante - FWDs), criando condições ideais para a transferência de informações verbais, médicas e psicológicas, bem como suporte técnico e forense para a realização de RIAs. Foram feitas as seguintes conclusões: para aprimorar a legislação atual, é aconselhável considerar a questão do desenvolvimento e da inclusão de uma norma especial na legislação, levando em conta as características das competências comunicativas das pessoas com deficiência. Essa norma regulamenta o procedimento para conduzir ações investigativas envolvendo pessoas mudas, surdas, cegas e outras pessoas com deficiência.

Remaining silent during interrogation.

In many Western jurisdictions, criminal suspects undergoing police interrogations have the right to remain silent. In this experiment, we examined the effects of remaining silent during police questioning on laypersons' perceptions of a suspect. Participants (N = 126) read one of three mock-interview transcripts (i.e. admission, denial or silence) and indicated the extent to which they agreed or disagreed that a male suspect in a missing person case was guilty, cooperative, trustworthy and rational. Participants expressed stronger agreement that the suspect was guilty when he admitted guilt than when he denied involvement or remained silent. When the suspect remained silent, participants viewed the suspect as less cooperative than when the suspect denied or admitted guilt and as less rational than when the suspect denied committing the crime. Our findings provide some support for the notion that remaining silent during police questioning may be viewed unfavourably by external observers.

Validity and effectiveness of interrogation techniques: A meta-analytic review.

The gathering of information through the use of interrogation techniques in the context of human intelligence (HUMINT) has a long and elusive history within applied settings of law enforcement and the military and civilian intelligence/counterterrorism community. However, psychological research has yet to catch up to systematically address pressing matters regarding the validity and effectiveness of common interrogation methods and a conceptual framework for relevant psychological factors. A promising, comprehensive contribution is the Taxonomy of Interrogation Methods (ToIM), which aims to integrate multiple approaches within the field of interrogation. In this paper, we utilized the ToIM model as a foundation for a meta-analytic review on the validity and effectiveness of interrogation techniques. We systematically integrated the existing evidence from 60 studies in order to determine which techniques from six domains of the ToIM produce valuable information. The results indicate that Rapport and Relationship Building, Presentation of Evidence and Cognitive Facilitation (an additional domain beyond the ToIM) are valid approaches to optimize both the amount of information gathered as well as its accuracy. The evidence is insufficient to conclude the effectiveness of techniques from the other four domains. Overall, the results are in line with the general notion in the field that a positive relationship with a suspect/source is the key to gather valuable information.

A Spectrally Interrogated Polarimetric Optical Fiber Sensor for Current Measurement with Temperature Correction.

We report on a study of the temperature dependence of the response of a BSO crystal based polarimetric current sensor with spectral interrogation. Two possible interrogation schemes are discussed. The spectral dependence of the optical rotation along the crystal caused by temperature and current changes is investigated, and approximate dependences for the sensitivities to current SI and temperature ST are derived. A mixed term in the response with spectral interrogation is revealed, the elimination of which is achieved by tracking wavelength shifts Δλ1 and Δλ2 of two distinct extrema in the polarimetric response. A temperature independent second degree equation for the current changes ΔI as a function of the measured spectral shifts is derived and tested.

A Rare Intrathecal Pump Complication Caused by Prolonged Seroma Leading to a Potential Pump Pocket Fill: A Near Miss.

Intrathecal drug delivery systems have been used with increasing frequency in patients with chronic intractable pain. Common complications of intrathecal drug delivery systems include surgical bleeding, spinal cord injury, fractured or migrated catheter, meningitis, pump failure, granuloma formation, cerebral spinal fluid leak, and hygroma formation. We present a rare near-miss case that could have led to the inadvertent filling of an intrathecal pump pocket with a high concentration of narcotic and local anesthetic. This situation arose due to the discovery of a prolonged intrathecal pump pocket seroma during a routine maintenance and refill procedure.

Phase Interrogation Sensor Based on All-Dielectric BIC Metasurface.

The low performance of sensors based on an all-dielectric metasurface limits their application compared to metallic counterparts. Here, for the first time, an all-dielectric BIC (bound states in the continuum) metasurface is employed for highly sensitive phase interrogation refractive index sensing. The proposed sensor is well analyzed, fabricated, and characterized. Experimentally, a high-performance BIC-based microfluidic sensing chip with a Q factor of 1200 is achieved by introducing symmetry breaking. A refractive index sensor with high figure of merit of 418 RIU-1 is demonstrated, which is beneficial to the phase interrogation. Notably, we measure a record phase interrogation sensitivity of 2.7 × 104 deg/RIU to the refractive index, thus enabling the all-dielectric BIC to rival the refractive index detection capabilities of metal-based sensors such as surface plasmon resonance. This scheme establishes a pivotal role of the all-dielectric metasurface in the field of ultrahigh sensitivity sensors and opens possibilities for trace detection in biochemical analysis and environment monitoring.

On-line determination of the water cut and chlorine impurities in crude oil using a pulsed beam of fast neutrons.

A neutron-based sensor has been developed able to measure the water cut and the chlorine content in crude oil. The sensor is based upon the use of a pulsed fast neutron source. Two different cases were studied. Case ''A'': chlorine detection with no water present and case ''B'': water cut measurements with no chlorine present. The minimum detection limits for case A and case B were found to be (62 ± 6) mg/L and (2 ± 2) vol%, respectively.

Simultaneous Transcatheter Closure of Coexistent Superior Sinus Venosus Defects and Oval Fossa Defects.

Device closure has become the preferred procedure for treating oval fossa defects in the last two decades. More recently, transcatheter sinus venosus defect (SVD) closure has emerged as an alternative to surgery. Transcatheter stenting aims to overcome potential late surgical complications such as stenosis of the superior vena cava (SVC) and right upper pulmonary vein (RUPV), as well as sinus node dysfunction. Balloon interrogation of the cavoatrial junction is able to identify patients who are suitable candidates for nonsurgical closure. Successful closure is possible when the balloon seals the SVD and redirects the RUPV towards the left atrium. Oval fossa (secundum) defects can coexist in approximately 9-16% of patients with SVD. Among a group of 80 patients who underwent transcatheter closure of SVD, five adult patients aged between 22 and 52 years also required device closure of an associated oval fossa defect. The procedure involved simultaneous balloon interrogation of both the SVD and oval fossa defect, with continuous monitoring of the RUPV using bilateral femoral venous sheaths. Covered stent exclusion of the SVD was performed with concurrent device closure of the oval fossa defect using 12-36 mm atrial septal occluders. During the procedure, two patients required protective balloon inflation in the RUPV while expanding the covered stent. In one patient, a higher small accessory RUPV was intentionally left to drain into the SVC through the struts of a bare stent anchoring the covered stent in the upper SVC. In another patient, a second overlapping covered stent was used to address residual flows from a fabric tear that became apparent after balloon deflation. There were no vascular complications and only one patient exhibited an insignificant 6 mm residual flow from the caudal edge of the SVD during a follow-up of 5 to 72 months. In conclusion, the closure of both SVD and associated oval fossa defects can be successfully performed in a single procedure, with comparable procedural times and favourable mid-term outcomes.

Optical Monitoring of In Situ Iron Loading into Single, Native Ferritin Proteins.

Ferritin is a protein that stores and releases iron to prevent diseases associated with iron dysregulation in plants, animals, and bacteria. The conversion between iron-loaded holo-ferritin and empty apo-ferritin is an important process for iron regulation. To date, studies of ferritin have used either ensemble measurements to quantify the characteristics of a large number of proteins or single-molecule approaches to interrogate labeled or modified proteins. Here we demonstrate the first real-time study of the dynamics of iron ion loading and biomineralization within a single, unlabeled ferritin protein. Using optical nanotweezers, we trapped single apo- and holo-ferritins indefinitely, distinguished one from the other, and monitored their structural dynamics in real time. The study presented here deepens the understanding of the iron uptake mechanism of ferritin proteins, which may lead to new therapeutics for iron-related diseases.