Search

Generating high-quality synthetic data is crucial for addressing challenges in medical imaging, such as domain adaptation, data scarcity, and privacy concerns. Existing image quality metrics often rely on reference images, are tailored for group comparisons, or are intended for 2D natural images, limiting their efficacy in complex domains like medical imaging. This study introduces a novel deep learning-based non-reference approach to assess brain MRI quality by training a 3D ResNet. The network is designed to estimate quality across six distinct artifacts commonly encountered in MRI scans. Additionally, a diffusion model is trained on diverse datasets to generate synthetic 3D images of high fidelity. The approach leverages several datasets for training and comprehensive quality assessment, benchmarking against state-of-the-art metrics for real and synthetic images. Results demonstrate superior performance in accurately estimating distortions and reflecting image quality from multiple perspectives. Notably, the method operates without reference images, indicating its applicability for evaluating deep generative models. Besides, the quality scores in the [0, 1] range provide an intuitive assessment of image quality across heterogeneous datasets. Evaluation of generated images offers detailed insights into specific artifacts, guiding strategies for improving generative models to produce high-quality synthetic images. This study presents the first comprehensive method for assessing the quality of real and synthetic 3D medical images in MRI contexts without reliance on reference images.

Generating high-quality synthetic data is crucial for addressing challenges in medical imaging, such as domain adaptation, data scarcity, and privacy concerns. Existing image quality metrics often rely on reference images, are tailored for group comparisons, or are intended for 2D natural images, limiting their efficacy in complex domains like medical imaging. This study introduces a novel deep learning-based non-reference approach to assess brain MRI quality by training a 3D ResNet. The network is designed to estimate quality across six distinct artifacts commonly encountered in MRI scans. Additionally, a diffusion model is trained on diverse datasets to generate synthetic 3D images of high fidelity. The approach leverages several datasets for training and comprehensive quality assessment, benchmarking against state-of-the-art metrics for real and synthetic images. Results demonstrate superior performance in accurately estimating distortions and reflecting image quality from multiple perspectives. Notably, the method operates without reference images, indicating its applicability for evaluating deep generative models. Besides, the quality scores in the [0, 1] range provide an intuitive assessment of image quality across heterogeneous datasets. Evaluation of generated images offers detailed insights into specific artifacts, guiding strategies for improving generative models to produce high-quality synthetic images. This study presents the first comprehensive method for assessing the quality of real and synthetic 3D medical images in MRI contexts without reliance on reference images.

Producing less than 20,000 units on average annually in California, the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) cannot meet the outsized demand for subsidized housing alone . This report examines alternatives to the Low Income Housing Tax Credit in the State of California, with particular emphasis on the Los Angeles market. This report analyzes project feasibility in today’s conditions, as well as an analysis of the financial impact that certain international policies could have on affordable housing development at the project level. The analyses aim to illustrate possible project models as additional options beyond LIHTC, and demonstrate the value of including higher income projects within an affordable housing system on being able to leverage more debt, equity and other financial resources and thereby produce more affordable housing at all levels.

Quantum error correction has given us a natural language for the emergence of spacetime, but the black hole interior poses a challenge for this framework: at late times the apparent number of interior degrees of freedom in effective field theory can vastly exceed the true number of fundamental degrees of freedom, so there can be no isometric (i.e. inner-product preserving) encoding of the former into the latter. In this paper we explain how quantum error correction nonetheless can be used to explain the emergence of the black hole interior, via the idea of “non-isometric codes protected by computational complexity”. We show that many previous ideas, such as the existence of a large number of “null states”, a breakdown of effective field theory for operations of exponential complexity, the quantum extremal surface calculation of the Page curve, post-selection, “state-dependent/state-specific” operator reconstruction, and the “simple entropy” approach to complexity coarse-graining, all fit naturally into this framework, and we illustrate all of these phenomena simultaneously in a soluble model.

We propose an algebraic definition of ER=EPR in the GN → 0 limit, which associates bulk spacetime connectivity/disconnectivity to the operator algebraic structure of a quantum gravity system. The new formulation not only includes information on the amount of entanglement, but also more importantly the structure of entanglement. We give an independent definition of a quantum wormhole as part of the proposal. This algebraic version of ER=EPR sheds light on a recent puzzle regarding spacetime disconnectivity in holographic systems with O $$ \mathcal{O} $$ (1/GN) entanglement. We discuss the emergence of quantum connectivity in the context of black hole evaporation and further argue that at the Page time, the black hole-radiation system undergoes a transition involving the transfer of an emergent type III1 subalgebra of high complexity operators from the black hole to radiation. We argue this is a general phenomenon that occurs whenever there is an exchange of dominance between two competing quantum extremal surfaces.

Acute stimulation of M1 or M4 muscarinic cholinergic receptors reduces cocaine abuse-related effects in mice and rats. The combined activation of these receptor subtypes produces synergistic effects on some behavioural endpoints in mice. M1 and M1 + M4 receptor stimulation in a cocaine vs. food choice assay in rats and microdialysis in rats showed delayed and lasting “anticocaine effects”. Here, we tested whether these putative lasting neuroplastic changes are sufficient to occlude the reinforcing effects of cocaine at the behavioural level in mice. Mice were pre-treated with the M1 receptor partial agonist VU0364572, M4 receptor positive allosteric modulator VU0152100, or VU0364572 + VU0152100 two weeks prior to acquisition of cocaine intravenous self-administration (IVSA). Male C57BL/6JRj mice received vehicle, VU0364572, VU0152100, or VU0364572 + VU0152100. Female mice were tested with two VU0364572 + VU0152100 dose combinations or vehicle. To attribute potential effects to either reduced rewarding effects or increased aversion to cocaine, we tested VU0364572 alone and VU0364572 + VU0152100 in acquisition of cocaine-conditioned place preference (CPP) in male mice using an unbiased design. The acquisition of cocaine IVSA was drastically reduced and/or slowed in male and female mice receiving VU0364572 + VU0152100, but not either drug alone. Food-maintained operant behaviour was unaffected, indicating that the treatment effects were cocaine-specific. No treatment altered the acquisition of cocaine-CPP, neither in the post-test, nor in a challenge 14 days later. The cocaine IVSA findings confirm unusual long-lasting “anticocaine” effects of muscarinic M1 + M4 receptor stimulation. Thus, in mice, simultaneous stimulation of both receptor subtypes seems to produce potential neuroplastic changes that yield lasting effects., Acute stimulation of M1 or M4 muscarinic cholinergic receptors reduces cocaine abuse-related effects in mice and rats. The combined activation of these receptor subtypes produces synergistic effects on some behavioural endpoints in mice. M1 and M1 + M4 receptor stimulation in a cocaine vs. food choice assay in rats and microdialysis in rats showed delayed and lasting “anticocaine effects”. Here, we tested whether these putative lasting neuroplastic changes are sufficient to occlude the reinforcing effects of cocaine at the behavioural level in mice. Mice were pre-treated with the M1 receptor partial agonist VU0364572, M4 receptor positive allosteric modulator VU0152100, or VU0364572 + VU0152100 two weeks prior to acquisition of cocaine intravenous self-administration (IVSA). Male C57BL/6JRj mice received vehicle, VU0364572, VU0152100, or VU0364572 + VU0152100. Female mice were tested with two VU0364572 + VU0152100 dose combinations or vehicle. To attribute potential effects to either reduced rewarding effects or increased aversion to cocaine, we tested VU0364572 alone and VU0364572 + VU0152100 in acquisition of cocaine-conditioned place preference (CPP) in male mice using an unbiased design. The acquisition of cocaine IVSA was drastically reduced and/or slowed in male and female mice receiving VU0364572 + VU0152100, but not either drug alone. Food-maintained operant behaviour was unaffected, indicating that the treatment effects were cocaine-specific. No treatment altered the acquisition of cocaine-CPP, neither in the post-test, nor in a challenge 14 days later. The cocaine IVSA findings confirm unusual long-lasting “anticocaine” effects of muscarinic M1 + M4 receptor stimulation. Thus, in mice, simultaneous stimulation of both receptor subtypes seems to produce potential neuroplastic changes that yield lasting effects.

Acute stimulation of M1 or M4 muscarinic cholinergic receptors reduces cocaine abuse-related effects in mice and rats. The combined activation of these receptor subtypes produces synergistic effects on some behavioural endpoints in mice. M1 and M1 + M4 receptor stimulation in a cocaine vs. food choice assay in rats and microdialysis in rats showed delayed and lasting “anticocaine effects”. Here, we tested whether these putative lasting neuroplastic changes are sufficient to occlude the reinforcing effects of cocaine at the behavioural level in mice. Mice were pre-treated with the M1 receptor partial agonist VU0364572, M4 receptor positive allosteric modulator VU0152100, or VU0364572 + VU0152100 two weeks prior to acquisition of cocaine intravenous self-administration (IVSA). Male C57BL/6JRj mice received vehicle, VU0364572, VU0152100, or VU0364572 + VU0152100. Female mice were tested with two VU0364572 + VU0152100 dose combinations or vehicle. To attribute potential effects to either reduced rewarding effects or increased aversion to cocaine, we tested VU0364572 alone and VU0364572 + VU0152100 in acquisition of cocaine-conditioned place preference (CPP) in male mice using an unbiased design. The acquisition of cocaine IVSA was drastically reduced and/or slowed in male and female mice receiving VU0364572 + VU0152100, but not either drug alone. Food-maintained operant behaviour was unaffected, indicating that the treatment effects were cocaine-specific. No treatment altered the acquisition of cocaine-CPP, neither in the post-test, nor in a challenge 14 days later. The cocaine IVSA findings confirm unusual long-lasting “anticocaine” effects of muscarinic M1 + M4 receptor stimulation. Thus, in mice, simultaneous stimulation of both receptor subtypes seems to produce potential neuroplastic changes that yield lasting effects., Acute stimulation of M1 or M4 muscarinic cholinergic receptors reduces cocaine abuse-related effects in mice and rats. The combined activation of these receptor subtypes produces synergistic effects on some behavioural endpoints in mice. M1 and M1 + M4 receptor stimulation in a cocaine vs. food choice assay in rats and microdialysis in rats showed delayed and lasting “anticocaine effects”. Here, we tested whether these putative lasting neuroplastic changes are sufficient to occlude the reinforcing effects of cocaine at the behavioural level in mice. Mice were pre-treated with the M1 receptor partial agonist VU0364572, M4 receptor positive allosteric modulator VU0152100, or VU0364572 + VU0152100 two weeks prior to acquisition of cocaine intravenous self-administration (IVSA). Male C57BL/6JRj mice received vehicle, VU0364572, VU0152100, or VU0364572 + VU0152100. Female mice were tested with two VU0364572 + VU0152100 dose combinations or vehicle. To attribute potential effects to either reduced rewarding effects or increased aversion to cocaine, we tested VU0364572 alone and VU0364572 + VU0152100 in acquisition of cocaine-conditioned place preference (CPP) in male mice using an unbiased design. The acquisition of cocaine IVSA was drastically reduced and/or slowed in male and female mice receiving VU0364572 + VU0152100, but not either drug alone. Food-maintained operant behaviour was unaffected, indicating that the treatment effects were cocaine-specific. No treatment altered the acquisition of cocaine-CPP, neither in the post-test, nor in a challenge 14 days later. The cocaine IVSA findings confirm unusual long-lasting “anticocaine” effects of muscarinic M1 + M4 receptor stimulation. Thus, in mice, simultaneous stimulation of both receptor subtypes seems to produce potential neuroplastic changes that yield lasting effects.

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) have emerged as a critical component in maintaining power system stability through frequency regulation. Their rapid response and flexible characteristics have generated considerable interest among researchers. This study focuses on the provision of a fast frequency response service, known as Dynamic Containment Frequency Response (DCFR), in Great Britain (GB). It conducts a detailed assessment of BESS-based DCFR service for frequency regulation and State-of-charge (SOC) management, including the configuration constraints set out by the energy recovery rules and SOC management impact. A methodology is presented to investigate the performance of DCFR-based BESS in a power system, alongside a stability analysis focusing on the impact of the SOC management mechanism. The stability study investigates the potential influential factors of battery SOC management when providing DCFR via root locus. For simulation case studies, a power imbalance estimation method is utilized for gaining the input. Based on the stability analysis results, key BESS configuration parameters are examined in an integrated power system model: C-rate, SOC management range, ratio and target. Another influential factor, SOC management time delay, is also analyzed. Finally, a comparison between DCFR and the previous frequency regulation service, Enhanced Frequency Response (EFR), is conducted. The study reveals that improper SOC management in DCFR can lead to SOC oscillation, adversely affecting performance. However, with proper configuration, DCFR offers more favorable outcomes than EFR in terms of frequency quality, SOC levels, and battery degradation.

Since the available treatments are not highly effective to combat cancer, therefore, the alternative strategies are unavoidable. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is one of the emerging approaches which is target specific and minimally invasive. This study explores the successful development of Poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) and their augmented effects achieved by integrating curcumin (Cur) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) in the polymeric layer and silica’s pores, respectively. The synthesized nanocarriers (Cur-PLGA-cMSNs) have shown preferential targeting to the cellular organelles facilitated by CTAB’s and Cur’s affinity to mitochondria. CTAB and Cur-based PDT induced oxidative stress and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in dysfunctional mitochondria and triggered apoptotic pathways. PLGA coating has produced multifunctional effects, including; gatekeeping effects at pore openings, providing an extra loading site, enhancing the hemocompatibility of MSNs, and masking the free cur-related prolonged coagulation time. Cur-PLGA-cMSNs, as a multifaceted and combative approach with synergistic effects demonstrate promising potential to enhance outcomes in cancer treatment.

During the Enlightenment, people from the middling sort organised themselves into 56 patriotic societies in Denmark, Norway, and the German duchies of Schleswig and Holstein. The number of members totalled several thousand. They undertook educational and industrial reforms and participated in public debates on the need for social and political modernisation. The founding of patriotic societies was a widespread European phenomenon and they played a key role in the Nordic Enlightenment. Yet, they have not been the subject of European or national studies before. Their emergence reflected that modern bureaucratic states were in the making, and that public administrative infrastructures and welfare institutions were expanding. These developments created a need to integrate citizens and imbue them with a spirit of community. This monograph presents the first coherent investigation of the patriotic societies in a large, European multinational and multilingual realm. Its comparative outlook situates the intellectual and cultural developments in the Nordic countries as an integral part of the European Enlightenment. Furthermore, it offers new perspectives on tensions between patriotism, nationalism and universal values as they developed during the Enlightenment, as well as how freedom, the buzzword of the Enlightenment, implied new forms of discipline.

A likelihood analysis of the observables in deeply virtual exclusive photoproduction off a proton target, $ep \rightarrow e' p' \gamma'$, is presented. Two processes contribute to the reaction: deeply virtual Compton scattering, where the photon is produced at the proton vertex, and the Bether-Heitler process, where the photon is radiated from the electron. We consider the unpolarized process for which the largest amount of data with all the kinematic dependences are available from corresponding datasets with unpolarized beams and unpolarized targets from Jefferson Lab. We provide and use a method which derives a joint likelihood of the Compton form factors, which parametrize the deeply virtual Compton scattering amplitude in QCD, for each observed combination of the kinematic variables defining the reaction. The unpolarized twist-two cross section likelihood fully constrains only three of the Compton form factors (CFFs). The impact of the twist-three corrections to the analysis is also explored. The derived likelihoods are explored using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods. Using our proposed method we derive CFF error bars and covariances. Additionally, we explore methods which may reduce the magnitude of error bars/contours in the future., Comment: 22 pages, 11 figures

Using the equations of motion of QCD and Lorentz invariance relations, we show a new, more direct way of obtaining the decomposition of the proton's quark transverse angular momentum into its spin and orbital components. The new decomposition can be understood as a twist-three relation, with the quark transverse spin described by the parton distribution $g_T$. We find that the orbital component can be expressed in terms of a moment in the quark transverse momentum, $k_T$, of the generalized transverse momentum-dependent distribution $F_{12}$, or alternatively in terms of the twist-three generalized parton distributions $H_{2T}$ and $\widetilde{E}_{2T}$., Comment: 10 pages

Deeply virtual exclusive scattering processes (DVES) serve as precise probes of nucleon quark and gluon distributions in coordinate space. These distributions are derived from generalized parton distributions (GPDs) via Fourier transform relative to proton momentum transfer. QCD factorization theorems enable DVES to be parameterized by Compton form factors (CFFs), which are convolutions of GPDs with perturbatively calculable kernels. Accurate extraction of CFFs from DVCS, benefiting from interference with the Bethe-Heitler (BH) process and a simpler final state structure, is essential for inferring GPDs. This paper focuses on extracting CFFs from DVCS data using a variational autoencoder inverse mapper (VAIM) and its constrained variant (C-VAIM). VAIM is shown to be consistent with Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods in extracting multiple CFF solutions for given kinematics, while C-VAIM effectively captures correlations among CFFs across different kinematic values, providing more constrained solutions. This study represents a crucial first step towards a comprehensive analysis pipeline towards the extraction of GPDs., Comment: 12 pages, 9 figures

In overview of the recent activity of the newly funded EXCLusives with AI and Machine learning (EXCLAIM) collaboration is presented. The main goal of the collaboration is to develop a framework to implement AI and machine learning techniques in problems emerging from the phenomenology of high energy exclusive scattering processes from nucleons and nuclei, maximizing the information that can be extracted from various sets of experimental data, while implementing theoretical constraints from lattice QCD. A specific perspective embraced by EXCLAIM is to use the methods of theoretical physics to understand the working of ML, beyond its standardized applications to physics analyses which most often rely on industrially provided tools, in an automated way., Comment: 9 pages, 3 figures

Broadband infrastructure owners do not always know how their customers are connected in the local networks, which are structured as rooted trees. A recent study is able to infer the topology of a local network using discrete time series data from the leaves of the tree (customers). In this study we propose a contrastive approach for learning a binary event encoder from continuous time series data. As a preliminary result, we show that our approach has some potential in learning a valuable encoder.

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) have emerged as a critical component in maintaining power system stability through frequency regulation. Their rapid response and flexible characteristics have generated considerable interest among researchers. This study focuses on the provision of a fast frequency response service, known as Dynamic Containment Frequency Response (DCFR), in Great Britain (GB). It conducts a detailed assessment of BESS-based DCFR service for frequency regulation and State-of-charge (SOC) management, including the configuration constraints set out by the energy recovery rules and SOC management impact. A methodology is presented to investigate the performance of DCFR-based BESS in a power system, alongside a stability analysis focusing on the impact of the SOC management mechanism. The stability study investigates the potential influential factors of battery SOC management when providing DCFR via root locus. For simulation case studies, a power imbalance estimation method is utilized for gaining the input. Based on the stability analysis results, key BESS configuration parameters are examined in an integrated power system model: C-rate, SOC management range, ratio and target. Another influential factor, SOC management time delay, is also analyzed. Finally, a comparison between DCFR and the previous frequency regulation service, Enhanced Frequency Response (EFR), is conducted. The study reveals that improper SOC management in DCFR can lead to SOC oscillation, adversely affecting performance. However, with proper configuration, DCFR offers more favorable outcomes than EFR in terms of frequency quality, SOC levels, and battery degradation.

The demand for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) is increasing because of the rapid shift toward electric transport. Introducing EVSE on a large scale into the power grid can increase power demand volatility, negatively affecting frequency stability. A viable solution to this challenge is the development of smart charging technologies capable of performing frequency regulation. This paper presents an experimental proof of concept for a new frequency regulation method for EVSE utilizing a distributed control architecture. The architecture dynamically adjusts the contribution of electric vehicles (EVs) to frequency regulation response based on the charging urgency assigned by the EV users. The method is demonstrated with two Renault ZOEs responding to frequency fluctuation with a combined power range of 6 kW in the frequency range of 50.1 to 49.9 Hz. The results confirm consistent power sharing and effective frequency regulation, with the system controlling the engagement of the EVs in frequency regulation based on priority. The delay and accuracy analyses reveal a fast and accurate response, with the cross-correlation indicating an 8.48 s delay and an average undershoot of 0.17 kW. In the conclusions, the paper discusses prospective improvements and outlines future research directions for integrating EVs as service providers.

•1. As anthropogenic pressures continue to increase, generalist species tend to be more resilient than specialised species. Specialisation can take various forms, among else dependence on other species through biotic interactions. Some Lycaenid butterflies (gossamer-winged butterflies: blues, coppers and hairstreaks; Lycaenidae Leach, 1815)) rely on host ants for larval care and survival (myrmecophily). This dependence may pose an additional threat. •2. To investigate whether myrmecophily is associated with the long-term trends of Lycaenids, we compared 40-year occupancy trends derived from occupancy-detection models of ant-independent, facultative and obligate myrmecophile Lycaenidae in a central European model region. •3. Contrary to our expectations, obligate myrmecophile butterflies did not show more declines compared to ant-independent ones. Five out of seven obligate myrmecophile butterflies increased, while five out of eight ant-independent Lycaenids decreased. Trends among facultative butterflies were highly ambiguous. The differences between the groups were not significant. •4. Although obligate myrmecophile butterflies are protected significantly more often under stricter rules, the degree of protection did not affect Lycaenid long-term trends. •5. European obligate myrmecophile butterflies interact with several ant species within widespread genera (primarily Myrmica Latreille, 1804, also Formica Linnaeus, 1758 and Lasius Fabricius, 1804) potentially protecting the larvae against environmental impacts and thus mitigating the effects of changing conditions on the butterflies. Incomplete understanding of the varying degrees of ant affiliation hinders the identification of specific interactions that may require increased conservation efforts. •6. In our rapidly changing world, monitoring changes in the opportunities and strengths of species interactions is needed to prevent coupled species' extinctions and improve conservation outcomes.

BACKGROUND: This report summarizes the discussions and conclusions from the Correlates of Protection for Next Generation Influenza Vaccines: Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic meeting, which took place in Seattle, USA, from March 1, 2023, to March 3, 2023. CONCLUSIONS: Discussions around influenza virus correlates of protection and their use continued from where the discussion had been left off in 2019. While there was not much progress in the influenza field itself, many lessons learned during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, especially the importance of mucosal immunity, were discussed and can directly be applied to influenza correlates of protection.

Organization of healthcare strongly differs between European countries and results in country-specific requirements in postgraduate medical training. Within the European Union (EU), the European Board of Anaesthesiology has set recommendations of training for the Specialty of Anaesthesiology including standards for Postgraduate Medical Specialist training including a description for providing service in pediatric anesthesia. However, these standards are advisory and not mandatory. Here we aimed to review the current state and associated challenges of pediatric anesthesia training in Europe. We report an important country-specific variability both in training and regulations of practice of pediatric anesthesia in the EU and in the United Kingdom. The requirements for training in pediatric anesthesia varies between nothing specified (Belgium) or providing anesthesia with direct supervision to a minimum of 50 cases below 5 years of age (Germany) to 3–6 month clinical practice in a specialized pediatric hospital (France). Likewise, the regulations for providing anesthesia to children varies from no regulations at all (Belgium) to age specific requirements and centralization of all children below 4 years of age to specified centers (United Kingdom). Officially recognized pediatric anesthesia fellowship programs are not available in most countries of Europe. It remains unclear if and how country-specific differences in pediatric anesthesia training are associated with clinical outcomes in pediatric perioperative care. There is converging interest and support for the establishment of a European pediatric anesthesia curriculum.

Presentation of the MAGSEL validation project for Rare Earth Element Recovery from Fluorescent Powder to representatives of INDAVER NV.

Presentation of the MAGSEL validation project for Rare Earth Element Recovery from Fluorescent Powder to representatives of LAREC.

Background: Comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) can identify targets beyond standard of care, potentially revolutionizing personalized cancer management. However, conducting well designed studies in this rapidly evolving field is complex and demands time and investments. Consequently, the total added value of CGP remains uncertain. Clinical benefit and costs often are driving factors in coverage decisions. Recently, five additional factors were identified in the literature that can influence the choice for targeted profiling vs. CGP, specifically: “feasibility”, “test journey patient/physician”, “wider implications of diagnostic results”, “organization of laboratories”, and “scientific spillover”. The objective of the current study is to examine the role and importance assigned to these five additional factors for a comprehensive technology assessment by different stakeholders. Methods: Purposive sampling was used to identify respondents from 4 stakeholder groups (i.e., medical specialists, molecular specialists, patient representatives, and policymakers) from different regions and hospital types (academic vs. non-academic) in the Netherlands. In semi-structured interviews, respondents scored the importance to decision-making of the five factors on a 0 (not important) to 5 (essential) scale. Reasoning behind the scores were elicited using open-ended follow-up questions. Transcripts were independently double-coded by two researchers using thematic analysis.Results: Nineteen stakeholders (100% response rate; medical specialists (n = 7), molecular specialists (n = 7), patient representatives (n = 2), and policymakers (n = 3)) were interviewed. We observed differences between stakeholders in the relative importance assigned to the factors (range of median importance scores: 2–5). Overall, “wider implications of diagnostic results”, primarily CGP’s potential to identify additional treatment options, was deemed

We formulate and take two large strides towards proving a quantum version of the weak cosmic censorship conjecture. We first prove "Cryptographic Censorship": a theorem showing that when the time evolution operator of a holographic CFT is approximately pseudorandom (or Haar random) on some code subspace, then there must be an event horizon in the corresponding bulk dual. This result provides a general condition that guarantees (in finite time) event horizon formation, with minimal assumptions about the global spacetime structure. Our theorem relies on an extension of a recent quantum learning no-go theorem and is proved using new techniques of pseudorandom measure concentration. To apply this result to cosmic censorship, we separate singularities into classical, semi-Planckian, and Planckian types. We illustrate that classical and semi-Planckian singularities are compatible with approximately pseudorandom CFT time evolution; thus, if such singularities are indeed approximately pseudorandom, by Cryptographic Censorship, they cannot exist in the absence of event horizons. This result provides a sufficient condition guaranteeing that seminal holographic results on quantum chaos and thermalization, whose general applicability relies on typicality of horizons, will not be invalidated by the formation of naked singularities in AdS/CFT., Comment: 50 pages + appendices, 15 figures; v2: minor edits, additional explanations added

Although anthropogenic stressors substantially impact insect biodiversity, few studies compare the drivers of trends among multiple taxa due to a lack of standardized time series data. This dissertation analyses 40 years of highly heterogeneous observation data from the central European region of Bavaria to determine occupancy changes of three insect taxa and evaluate potential drivers of trends. The effects of climate change, habitat preference, dependence on ants, and the EU Habitats Directive, among others, on butterfly, grasshopper, and dragonfly trends are discussed., Obwohl anthropogene Stressfaktoren Insekten erheblich beeinflussen, vergleichen nur wenige Studien die Ursachen für Trends verschiedener Taxa aufgrund eines Mangels an standardisierten Zeitreihendaten. Diese Dissertation analysiert 40 Jahre heterogener Beobachtungsdaten aus der zentraleuropäischen Region Bayern, um Veränderungen der Vorkommen dreier Insektentaxa festzustellen und potenzielle Ursachen für Trends zu bewerten. Unter anderem werden die Auswirkungen von Klimawandel, Ameisen-Abhängigkeit und der EU Flora-Fauna-Habitat Richtlinie diskutiert.

Dieser Review untersucht die antidiabetischen Wirkungen von Astragali radix (Huangqi) und Rehmanniae Radix (Sheng Dihuang bzw. Shu Dìhuang). Die ermittelten 140 Studien zeigen überwiegend positive Ergebnisse und multiple antidiabetische Wirkungen. 81,4% der Studien sind vorklinische Studien. Bei den klinischen Studien ist ein methodologisches Biasrisiko nicht ausschließbar. Für eine abschließende Evidenzbeurteilung der antidiabetischen Wirksamkeit sollten methodologisch exzellente Studien folgen., This review examines the antidiabetic effects of Astragali radix (Huangqi) and Rehmanniae radix (Sheng Dihuang and Shu Dihuang). The 140 studies identified show predominantly positive results and multiple antidiabetic effects. The main focus of these studies (81,4%) is in the preclinical area. A methodological risk of bias cannot be ruled out in the clinical studies. Methodologically excellent studies should follow for a conclusive assessment of the evidence of the antidiabetic effectiveness.

Quark orbital angular momentum in the proton is evaluated via a Lattice QCD calculation of the second Mellin moment of the twist-3 generalized parton distribution $\widetilde{E}_{2T} $ in the forward limit. The connection between this approach to quark orbital angular momentum and approaches previously utilized in Lattice QCD calculations, via generalized transverse momentum-dependent parton distributions and via Ji's sum rule, is reviewed. This connection can be given in terms of Lorentz invariance and equation of motion relations. The calculation of the second Mellin moment of $\widetilde{E}_{2T} $ proceeds via a finite-momentum proton matrix element of a quark bilocal operator with a straight-line gauge connection and separation in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. The dependence on the former component serves to extract the second Mellin moment, whereas the dependence on the latter component provides a transverse momentum cutoff for the matrix element. Furthermore, a derivative of the matrix element with respect to momentum transfer in the forward limit is required, which is obtained using a direct derivative method. The calculation utilizes a clover fermion ensemble at pion mass 317 MeV. The resulting quark orbital angular momentum is consistent with previous evaluations through alternative approaches, albeit with greater statistical uncertainty using a comparable number of samples., Comment: 10 pages, 3 figures, to appear in the proceedings of the 25th International Spin Physics Symposium (SPIN 2023), PoS SPIN2023 (2024) 075

Screentime Airtime Facetime: Practicing Hybridity in the Cultural Field is the final publication of Going Hybrid, an applied research program on the future of hybridity in the cultural field. How could Covid-triggered innovations in digital cultural programming be turned into durable ways of high-level, participatory livecasting? How do you report on hybrid events? And how do you collect the results in a living and accessible archive? This publication gathers the findings of two years of hands-on experiments, introduces the developed prototypes, and gives insight into the research process. Because we believe in critical making, this book is itself a hybrid entity. It was originally a live-streamed online event and later turned into a print and a digital publication – each version a little different than what you would expect of a livestream, website, or print book. We encourage you to playfully explore the various versions of Screentime Airtime Facetime and hope that you will gain joy and insight from the form of this book as much as from its contents., https://www.librarystack.org/screentime-airtime-facetime-practicing-hybridity-in-the-cultural-field/?ref=unknown

Objective: Surgical resection of motor eloquent tumors poses the risk of causing postoperative motor deficits which leads to reduced quality of life in these patients. Currently, rehabilitative procedures are limited with physical therapy being the main treatment option. This study investigated the efficacy of repetitive navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for treatment of motor deficits after supratentorial tumor resection. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial (DRKS00010043) recruited patients with a postoperatively worsened upper extremity motor function immediately postoperatively. They were randomly assigned to receive rTMS (1Hz, 110% RMT, 15 minutes, 7 days) or sham stimulation to the motor cortex contralateral to the injury followed by physical therapy. Motor and neurological function as well as quality of life were assessed directly after the intervention, one month and three months postoperatively. Results: Thirty patients were recruited for this study. There was no significant difference between both groups in the primary outcome, the Fugl Meyer score three months postoperatively [Group difference (95%-CI): 5.05 (-16.0; 26.1); p=0.631]. Patients in the rTMS group presented with better hand motor function one month postoperatively. Additionally, a subgroup of patients with motor eloquent ischemia showed lower NIHSS scores at all timepoints. Conclusions: Low-frequency rTMS facilitated the recovery process in stimulated hand muscles, but with limited generalization to other functional deficits. Long-term motor deficits were not impacted by rTMS. Given the reduced life expectancy in these patients a shortened recovery duration of deficits can still be of high significance. Clinical Trial Registration: https://drks.de/DRKS00010043., Peer Reviewed

Background: The placenta is a transient organ critical for fetal development. Disruptions of normal placental functions can impact health throughout an individual’s entire life. Although being recognized by the NIH Human Placenta Project as an important organ, the placenta remains understudied, partly because of a lack of non-invasive tools for longitudinally evaluation for key aspects of placental functionalities. Objective: Our goal is to create a non-invasive preclinical imaging pipeline that can longitudinally probe murine placental health in vivo. We use advanced imaging processing schemes to establish functional biomarkers for non-invasive longitudinal evaluation of placental development. Methodology: We implement dynamic contrast enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and analysis pipeline to quantify uterine contraction and placental perfusion dynamics. We use optic flow and time-frequency analysis to quantify and characterize contraction-related placental motion. Our novel imaging and analysis pipeline uses subcutaneous administration of gadolinium for steepest slope-based perfusion evaluation, enabling non-invasive longitudinal monitoring. Results: We demonstrate that the placenta exhibits spatially asymmetric contractile motion that develops from E14.5 to E17.5. Additionally, we see that placental perfusion, perfusion delivery rate, and substrate delivery all increase from E14.5 to E17.5, with the High Perfusion Chamber (HPC) leading the placental changes that occur from E14.5 to E17.5 Discussion: We advance the placental perfusion chamber paradigm with a novel, physiologically based threshold model for chamber localization and demonstrate spatially varying placental chambers using multiple functional metrics that assess mouse placental development and remodeling throughout gestation. Conclusion: Our pipeline enables the non-invasive, longitudinal assessment of multiple placenta functions from a single imaging session. Our pipeline serves as a k

How, and how strongly, do default comprehension inferences shape verbal reasoning? When do they lead to fallacies? We address these questions for reasoning with polysemous verbs (verbs with distinct, but related senses) and ask when their use leads to fallacies of equivocation. The ‘linguistic salience bias hypothesis' specifies conditions where subordinate uses of unbalanced polysemes trigger defeasible default inferences that are supported only by the dominant sense but influence further cognition, regardless. But does this happen even where the verb is preceded by disambiguating context that invites subordinate interpretations from the start? We present three experimental-philosophy studies that address this question: We use the psycholinguistic cancellation paradigm and fixation time measurements to examine inferences from polysemous appearance verbs. We find that default inferences can beat even preceding contextual information. Beyond their psycho-linguistic interest, findings have important philosophical consequences.

Theresa Klett,1,* Martin Schwer,1,* Larissa N Ernst,1,* Marc U Engelhardt,1 Simon J Jaag,2 Benedikt Masberg,2 Cornelius Knappe,2 Michael Lämmerhofer,2 Matthias Gehringer,3,4 Frank M Boeckler1,5 1Laboratory for Molecular Design & Pharmaceutical Biophysics, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany; 2Pharmaceutical (Bio-) Analysis, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany; 3Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany; 4Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany; 5Interfaculty Institute for Biomedical Informatics (IBMI), Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Frank M Boeckler, Laboratory for Molecular Design & Pharmaceutical Biophysics, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8 (Haus B), Tübingen, D – 72076, Germany, Tel +49 7071 29 74567, Email frank.boeckler@uni-tuebingen.dePurpose: Over the last few years, covalent fragment-based drug discovery has gained significant importance. Thus, striving for more warhead diversity, we conceived a library consisting of 20 covalently reacting compounds. Our covalent fragment library (CovLib) contains four different warhead classes, including five α-cyanoacacrylamides/acrylates (CA), three epoxides (EO), four vinyl sulfones (VS), and eight electron-deficient heteroarenes with a leaving group (SNAr/SN).Methods: After predicting the theoretical solubility of the fragments by LogP and LogS during the

Danish abstract: Dette speciale undersøger argumenterne for og imod eugenik i Danmark i perioden 1920-1941. Med særligt fokus på køn, seksualitet og klasse analyserer jeg, hvad politikere, læger og andre lagde vægt på som begrundelse for eller imod eugeniske love og praksisser i en periode af dansk historie, hvor eugeniske love om ægteskab, abort og sterilisation var vidtgående, især når det gjaldt mennesker med udviklingshandicap. Gennem Butlers teori om den heteroseksuelle matrix analyserer jeg, hvordan køn, sex og seksualitet konstrueres og former hinanden gennem et heteroseksuelt imperativ, i argumenter og samtidig konstruerer bestemte kønskategorier, som er strafbare, fordi de bryder normerne for seksuel adfærd. Gennem Agambens teori om Homo sacer analyserer jeg, hvordan institutionerne på Sprogø og Livø kan opfattes som lejre. Jeg finder, at da politikeren og ministeren Steincke argumenterede for eugenik, var det primært på grund af hans bekymring for civilisationens forfald. Han gik primært efter kvinder fra den laveste sociale klasse, primært med udviklingshandicap, som ifølge ham levede umoralsk. Derfor skulle de steriliseres, så de ikke kunne give deres dårlige moral og gener videre. Lederen af de Kellerske anstalter, læge Keller, argumenterede også med klasse og køn og seksualitet mod den samme gruppe kvinder, da han argumenterede for at åbne anstalten på Sprogø. Jeg finder, at menneskene på disse institutioner er blevet til Homo sacer, en form for nøgent liv, som er dehumaniseret og derfor er let at udføre biopolitik på. På den måde havde institutionerne en aktiv rolle i udførelsen af eugenik i Danmark i denne periode. I min analyse af modstanden finder jeg, at køn og seksualitet ikke betyder meget for deres argumenter, som primært er baseret på humanisme og respekt for kropslig autonomi. Nogle læger mener, at eugenik er et brud på lægeløftet, et konservativt folketingsmedlem mener, at loven er for radikal og mangler respekt for livsmysteriet. Ma

Danish abstract: Dette speciale undersøger argumenterne for og imod eugenik i Danmark i perioden 1920-1941. Med særligt fokus på køn, seksualitet og klasse analyserer jeg, hvad politikere, læger og andre lagde vægt på som begrundelse for eller imod eugeniske love og praksisser i en periode af dansk historie, hvor eugeniske love om ægteskab, abort og sterilisation var vidtgående, især når det gjaldt mennesker med udviklingshandicap. Gennem Butlers teori om den heteroseksuelle matrix analyserer jeg, hvordan køn, sex og seksualitet konstrueres og former hinanden gennem et heteroseksuelt imperativ, i argumenter og samtidig konstruerer bestemte kønskategorier, som er strafbare, fordi de bryder normerne for seksuel adfærd. Gennem Agambens teori om Homo sacer analyserer jeg, hvordan institutionerne på Sprogø og Livø kan opfattes som lejre. Jeg finder, at da politikeren og ministeren Steincke argumenterede for eugenik, var det primært på grund af hans bekymring for civilisationens forfald. Han gik primært efter kvinder fra den laveste sociale klasse, primært med udviklingshandicap, som ifølge ham levede umoralsk. Derfor skulle de steriliseres, så de ikke kunne give deres dårlige moral og gener videre. Lederen af de Kellerske anstalter, læge Keller, argumenterede også med klasse og køn og seksualitet mod den samme gruppe kvinder, da han argumenterede for at åbne anstalten på Sprogø. Jeg finder, at menneskene på disse institutioner er blevet til Homo sacer, en form for nøgent liv, som er dehumaniseret og derfor er let at udføre biopolitik på. På den måde havde institutionerne en aktiv rolle i udførelsen af eugenik i Danmark i denne periode. I min analyse af modstanden finder jeg, at køn og seksualitet ikke betyder meget for deres argumenter, som primært er baseret på humanisme og respekt for kropslig autonomi. Nogle læger mener, at eugenik er et brud på lægeløftet, et konservativt folketingsmedlem mener, at loven er for radikal og mangler respekt for livsmysteriet. Ma

In this work, we describe the synthesis of polyester-based polyelectrolytes and their corresponding polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs). The polyelectrolytes were prepared via melt polycondensation from partially biobased building blocks. Subsequently, these polyelectrolytes were combined to form polyester PECs (P-PECs) or hybrid complexes (H-PECs) by combining polyester- and vinyl-based polyelectrolytes. The complexation behavior and the thermo-mechanical properties of P-PEC and H-PECs were compared with PECs exclusively made from vinyl-based polyelectrolytes (V-PECs). Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) reveal a glass-transition temperature of approximately 50 °C for P-PEC. Additionally, the stability of PECs in 0.6 M NaCl was assessed, demonstrating the dissolution of P-PEC within 30 min. Neither H-PECs nor V-PECs showed dissolution after 31 days and did not exhibit any indication of a temperature-triggered phase transition. Increasing the relative humidity enhances the strain at the break of all complexes. Overall, P-PECs exhibit, in the dry state, a unique combination of saloplastic and thermoplastic properties.

This review discusses the evolution of preoperative fasting guidelines and examines the incidence of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents and suggested treatments. Nine guidelines developed by professional societies and published in peer-reviewed journals since 1994 were identified. The recommendations on preoperative fasting for various categories have undergone only small adaptations in the following three decades in pediatric anesthesia. We found twelve published studies of the incidence of pulmonary aspiration, which ranges from 0.6 to 12 in 10,000 anesthetics in children. However, this variation reflects differences in the definition of aspiration as well as differences in study design. The main risk factors identified are emergency surgery, ASA physical status, and patient age. Several additional risk factors have been suggested, including non-compliance to fasting guidelines. The duration of clear fluid fasting is not associated with an increased risk of pulmonary aspiration which may be reflected in future guideline updates in pediatric anesthesia.

A defining property of Hawking radiation is that states with very low entanglement masquerade as highly mixed states; this property is captured by a quantum computational phenomenon known as spoofing entanglement. Motivated by the potential implications for black hole information and the emergence of spacetime connectivity, as well as possible applications of spoofing entanglement, we investigate the geometrization of two types of entanglement spoofers in AdS/CFT: so-called EFI pairs and pseudoentangled state ensembles. We show that (a strengthened version of) EFI pairs with a semiclassical bulk dual have a Python's Lunch; the maximally mixed state over the pseudoentangled state ensemble likewise features a Python's Lunch. Since a Python's Lunch must lie behind an event horizon, we find that black holes are the exclusive gravitational source of entanglement spoofing in the semiclassical limit. Finally, we use an extant construction of holographic pseudorandom states to yield a candidate example of a pseudoentangled state ensemble with a semiclassical bulk dual., Comment: 25+1 pages, 1 figure

Alternative protein sources are gaining attraction in food industry and consumers. Proteins obtained by single-cell organisms, such as torula yeast, are of enormous interest, as they are highly scalable, efficient, and sustainable, and the production costs are comparably low. Nevertheless, proteins obtained from yeasts are still mostly known and studied for feed applications, despite their nutritional, functional, and sensory benefits for various food applications. Testing consumer acceptance of products, especially products containing alternative proteins provides insights into, e.g., market success, consumer perception, and optimization potential. In this study, the development of two vegan spread powders, high in protein and containing torula yeast as an alternative protein source, is introduced. The result of food product development using torula yeast were “Leberwurst”-style (14.7% protein) and a “Balkan”-style (9.7% protein) spreads both meeting the criteria “at least 20% kcal from proteins of total product kcal” and thus claimable as “high-protein.” The application of the alternative protein from torula yeast within the final products was studied by a consumer acceptance test (n = 123) within three different countries (Germany, Iceland, and Sweden). Consumers also rated their trust in food production actors, the food industry in particular, and their willingness to try new foods. Overall, both spreads received acceptance values in the range of “like slightly.” It is noticeable that the consumers liked the spread “Balkan style” more than “Leberwurst”-style. The background variables revealed higher neophobic characteristics of Icelandic consumers compared with Swedish or German consumers. However, German consumers felt transparency, and communication was missing, but Icelandic consumers, in general, had more trust in the overall food value chain. This knowledge allows for the development of strategies that address cultural-specific barriers and capitalize on cu, The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This study was carried out in the frame of the NEXTGENPROTEINS project and SYLPLANT project, respectively. NEXTGENPROTEINS has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program under grant agreement no 862704 and SYLPLANT has received funding from the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking and its members, under grant agreement no 101112555. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CBE JU. Neither the European Union nor the CBE JU can be responsible for them.

This review discusses the evolution of preoperative fasting guidelines and examines the incidence of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents and suggested treatments. Nine guidelines developed by professional societies and published in peer-reviewed journals since 1994 were identified. The recommendations on preoperative fasting for various categories have undergone only small adaptations in the following three decades in pediatric anesthesia. We found twelve published studies of the incidence of pulmonary aspiration, which ranges from 0.6 to 12 in 10,000 anesthetics in children. However, this variation reflects differences in the definition of aspiration as well as differences in study design. The main risk factors identified are emergency surgery, ASA physical status, and patient age. Several additional risk factors have been suggested, including non-compliance to fasting guidelines. The duration of clear fluid fasting is not associated with an increased risk of pulmonary aspiration which may be reflected in future guideline updates in pediatric anesthesia.

This review discusses the evolution of preoperative fasting guidelines and examines the incidence of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents and suggested treatments. Nine guidelines developed by professional societies and published in peer-reviewed journals since 1994 were identified. The recommendations on preoperative fasting for various categories have undergone only small adaptations in the following three decades in pediatric anesthesia. We found twelve published studies of the incidence of pulmonary aspiration, which ranges from 0.6 to 12 in 10,000 anesthetics in children. However, this variation reflects differences in the definition of aspiration as well as differences in study design. The main risk factors identified are emergency surgery, ASA physical status, and patient age. Several additional risk factors have been suggested, including non-compliance to fasting guidelines. The duration of clear fluid fasting is not associated with an increased risk of pulmonary aspiration which may be reflected in future guideline updates in pediatric anesthesia.

Identification of stereo- and positional isomers detected with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) is often challenging due to near-identical fragmentation spectra (MS2), similar retention times, and collision cross-section values (CCS). Here we address this challenge on the example of hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls (OH-PCBs) with the aim to (1) distinguish between isomers of OH-PCBs using two-dimensional ion mobility spectrometry (2D-IMS) and (2) investigate the structure of the fragments of OH-PCBs and their fragmentation mechanisms by ion mobility spectrometry coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (IMS-HRMS). The MS2 spectra as well as CCS values of the deprotonated molecule and fragment ions were measured for 18 OH-PCBs using flow injections coupled to a cyclic IMS-HRMS. The MS2 spectra as well as the CCS values of the parent and fragment ions were similar between parent compound isomers; however, ion mobility separation of the fragment ions is hinting at the formation of isomeric fragments. Different parent compound isomers also yielded different numbers of isomeric fragment mobilogram peaks giving new insights into the fragmentation of these compounds and indicating new possibilities for identification. For spectral interpretation, Gibbs free energies and CCS values for the fragment ions of 4 '-OH-CB35, 4 '-OH-CB79, 2-OH-CB77 and 4-OH-CB107 were calculated and enabled assignment of structures to the isomeric mobilogram peaks of [M-H-HCl](-) fragments. Finally, further fragmentation of the isomeric fragments revealed different fragmentation pathways depending on the isomeric fragment ions.

Alternative protein sources are gaining attraction in food industry and consumers. Proteins obtained by single-cell organisms, such as torula yeast, are of enormous interest, as they are highly scalable, efficient, and sustainable, and the production costs are comparably low. Nevertheless, proteins obtained from yeasts are still mostly known and studied for feed applications, despite their nutritional, functional, and sensory benefits for various food applications. Testing consumer acceptance of products, especially products containing alternative proteins provides insights into, e.g., market success, consumer perception, and optimization potential. In this study, the development of two vegan spread powders, high in protein and containing torula yeast as an alternative protein source, is introduced. The result of food product development using torula yeast were “Leberwurst”-style (14.7% protein) and a “Balkan”-style (9.7% protein) spreads both meeting the criteria “at least 20% kcal from proteins of total product kcal” and thus claimable as “high-protein.” The application of the alternative protein from torula yeast within the final products was studied by a consumer acceptance test (n = 123) within three different countries (Germany, Iceland, and Sweden). Consumers also rated their trust in food production actors, the food industry in particular, and their willingness to try new foods. Overall, both spreads received acceptance values in the range of “like slightly.” It is noticeable that the consumers liked the spread “Balkan style” more than “Leberwurst”-style. The background variables revealed higher neophobic characteristics of Icelandic consumers compared with Swedish or German consumers. However, German consumers felt transparency, and communication was missing, but Icelandic consumers, in general, had more trust in the overall food value chain. This knowledge allows for the development of strategies that address cultural-specific barriers and capitalize on cu, The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This study was carried out in the frame of the NEXTGENPROTEINS project and SYLPLANT project, respectively. NEXTGENPROTEINS has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program under grant agreement no 862704 and SYLPLANT has received funding from the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking and its members, under grant agreement no 101112555. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CBE JU. Neither the European Union nor the CBE JU can be responsible for them.

This review discusses the evolution of preoperative fasting guidelines and examines the incidence of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents and suggested treatments. Nine guidelines developed by professional societies and published in peer-reviewed journals since 1994 were identified. The recommendations on preoperative fasting for various categories have undergone only small adaptations in the following three decades in pediatric anesthesia. We found twelve published studies of the incidence of pulmonary aspiration, which ranges from 0.6 to 12 in 10,000 anesthetics in children. However, this variation reflects differences in the definition of aspiration as well as differences in study design. The main risk factors identified are emergency surgery, ASA physical status, and patient age. Several additional risk factors have been suggested, including non-compliance to fasting guidelines. The duration of clear fluid fasting is not associated with an increased risk of pulmonary aspiration which may be reflected in future guideline updates in pediatric anesthesia.

This review discusses the evolution of preoperative fasting guidelines and examines the incidence of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents and suggested treatments. Nine guidelines developed by professional societies and published in peer-reviewed journals since 1994 were identified. The recommendations on preoperative fasting for various categories have undergone only small adaptations in the following three decades in pediatric anesthesia. We found twelve published studies of the incidence of pulmonary aspiration, which ranges from 0.6 to 12 in 10,000 anesthetics in children. However, this variation reflects differences in the definition of aspiration as well as differences in study design. The main risk factors identified are emergency surgery, ASA physical status, and patient age. Several additional risk factors have been suggested, including non-compliance to fasting guidelines. The duration of clear fluid fasting is not associated with an increased risk of pulmonary aspiration which may be reflected in future guideline updates in pediatric anesthesia.

Item does not contain fulltext, OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of premenopausal risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO), compared with postmenopausal RRSO, on urinary incontinence (UI) ≥10 years later. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study, nested in a nationwide cohort. SETTING: Multicentre in the Netherlands. POPULATION: 750 women (68% BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant carriers) who underwent either premenopausal RRSO (≤45 years, n = 496) or postmenopausal RRSO (≥54 years, n = 254). All participants were ≥55 years at the time of the study. METHODS: Urinary incontinence was assessed by the urinary distress inventory-6 (UDI-6); a score ≥33.3 indicated symptomatic UI. The incontinence impact questionnaire short form (IIQ-SF) was used to assess the impact on women's health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). Differences between groups were analysed using regression analyses adjusting for current age and other confounders. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Differences in UDI-6 scores and IIQ-SF scores between women with a premenopausal and a postmenopausal RRSO. RESULTS: Women in the premenopausal RRSO group had slightly higher UDI-6 scores compared with women in the postmenopausal RRSO group (P = 0.053), and their risk of symptomatic UI was non-significantly increased (odds ratio [OR] 2.1, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.93-4.78). A premenopausal RRSO was associated with a higher risk of stress UI (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.2-10.0) but not with urge UI. The proportions of women with a significant impact of UI on HR-QoL were similar in the premenopausal and postmenopausal RRSO groups (10.4% and 13.0%, respectively; P = 0.46). CONCLUSIONS: More than 15 years after premenopausal RRSO, there were no significant differences in overall symptomatic UI between women with a premenopausal and those with a postmenopausal RRSO., 01 januari 2024

The increasing penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) in the power system has raised concerns regarding the management of charging sessions to prevent systems from overloading. This paper proposes a distributed control method of EV clusters that enables controllers to make decisions independently, using only commonly broadcasted signals. Additionally, the method also includes a user-based power scheduling mechanism that prioritizes EVs based on their respective energy needs and time availability. A power-constrained system is considered for the case studies, where the system is only capable of charging one EV with maximum power. Simulation results demonstrate that the system effectively accommodates and schedules multiple EVs to charge simultaneously in a restricted environment without compromising user satisfaction. In instances of communication loss, the system demonstrates the capability to sustain the charging process through resource reallocation. The method is characterized by its distributed and autonomous nature, which ensures both robustness and effective operation.