MIM-OOD: Generative Masked Image Modelling for Out-of-Distribution Detection in Medical Images

Unsupervised Out-of-Distribution (OOD) detection consists in identifying anomalous regions in images leveraging only models trained on images of healthy anatomy. An established approach is to tokenize images and model the distribution of tokens with Auto-Regressive (AR) models. AR models are used to 1) identify anomalous tokens and 2) in-paint anomalous representations with in-distribution tokens. However, AR models are slow at inference time and prone to error accumulation issues which negatively affect OOD detection performance. Our novel method, MIM-OOD, overcomes both speed and error accumulation issues by replacing the AR model with two task-specific networks: 1) a transformer optimized to identify anomalous tokens and 2) a transformer optimized to in-paint anomalous tokens using masked image modelling (MIM). Our experiments with brain MRI anomalies show that MIM-OOD substantially outperforms AR models (DICE 0.458 vs 0.301) while achieving a nearly 25x speedup (9.5s vs 244s).Comment: 12 pages, 5 figures. Accepted in DGM4MICCAI workshop @ MICCAI 202

Utjecaj NaCl na fermentaciju zrelih zelenih rajčica cv. Ailsa Braig u rasolu

The effect of osmotic strength on gene expression and activity of the major enzymes of fermentative metabolism of mature green tomato fruit (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Ailsa Craig) has been studied by exposing fruit to brine containing 0 (water), 5 and 10 % NaCl. The fruits were surface sterilized prior to treatment to prevent the growth of microbes naturally present on the skin of the fruit. Changes in fruit expression of fermentation genes and the activity of the respective enzymes as well as physicochemical quality characteristics (soluble solid content, titratable acidity, pH and firmness) were studied in both fruit and brine for 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 7 and 14 days. Discrepancies in responses that resulted from the different salt concentrations were obtained at molecular and quality levels. The complex kinetics of solutes between the fruit and the surrounding solution due to osmotic potential has led to different responses of the tissue to fermentation. Tomato fruit showed cracking soon after storage in water; water-stored fruit had higher titratable acidity, lower soluble solid content, and higher induction of anaerobic metabolism as indicated by the expression or the activity of the fermentation enzymes compared to fruit stored in brine with 5 or 10 % NaCl. No cracking was observed in fruit stored in 5 (isotonic) or 10 % NaCl (hypertonic) brine, though in the latter, signs of dehydration were observed. The presence of salt in brine reduced the intensity of fermentative metabolism as indicated by the lower gene expression and enzyme activity. However, fruit stored in brine with 5 % NaCl survived longer than with 0 or 10 % NaCl. The presence of 5 % NaCl in brine caused mild changes of both the fermentative metabolism and the physicochemical characteristics and prevented fruit deterioration during storage.U radu je ispitan utjecaj osmoze na ekspresiju gena i aktivnost glavnih enzima koji sudjeluju u fermentaciji zrelih zelenih rajčica (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Ailsa Craig), i to uranjanjem plodova u vodu i rasol što sadržava 5 ili 10 % NaCl. Površina je plodova prije obrade sterilizirana da bi se spriječio rast mikroorganizama na pokožici ploda. Analizirani su plodovi rajčice i rasol tijekom 0,5; 1; 1,5; 2; 3; 7 i 14 dana skladištenja, te ispitani ovi parametri: promjena ekspresije gena i aktivnost enzima koji sudjeluju u fermentaciji, te fizikalno-kemijska svojstva plodova (udio topljivih tvari, titracijska kiselost, pH-vrijednost i čvrstoća). Utvrđene su razlike u dobivenim rezultatima, i to na molekularnoj razini te u kakvoći plodova. Zaključeno je da utjecaj fermentacije na tkivo ploda rajčice ovisi o složenoj kinetici prelaska otopljenih tvari iz plodova u otopinu zbog razlike osmotskih tlakova. Skladištenje u vodi uzrokovalo je pucanje plodova koji su imali veću titracijsku kiselost i manji udio topljivih tvari. Ekspresija gena i aktivnost enzima pokazali su da je došlo do povećanja anaerobnog metabolizma u tim plodovima, u usporedbi s onima skladištenim u rasolu. Skladištenje plodova u izotoničnoj otopini (5 % soli) nije uzrokovalo njihovo pucanje, a u hipertoničnoj (10 % soli) otopini nije došlo do pucanja već do dehidracije plodova. Dodatkom soli smanjen je intenzitet fermentacije, što je dovelo do manje ekspresije gena i aktivnosti enzima. Trajnost plodova skladištenih u izotoničnoj otopini bila je veća od onih skladištenih u vodi ili hipertoničnoj otopini. Manja koncentracija soli u otopini nije bitno utjecala na metabolizam fermentacije te kakvoću plodova, a spriječila je njihovo propadanje tijekom skladištenja

El populismo de SYRIZA: verificación y extensión de una perspectiva de la escuela de Essex

Recent egalitarian movements and parties in Europe (SYRIZA, PODEMOS, Front de Gauche, etc.), not to mention the Corbyn phenomenon in the UK, have radically put in doubt the reified association between populism and the extreme right in the European context. SYRIZA has been the first of these parties to signal this trend and to take power. In this paper, the Greek case is used to illustrate the basic theoretical premises, methodological orientations, conceptual innovations and analytical insights of a discursive approach to populism research. Thus special emphasis is given (1) to the architectonics of SYRIZA’s discourse; (2) to the role of crisis in its articulation; (3) to the polarised language games influencing its trajectory. Accordingly, we explore (1) whether ‘the people’ functions as the main nodal point in SYRIZA’s discourse within an antagonistic representation of the political space; (2) to what extent crisis – as systemic dislocation – triggers and, simultaneously, – as performative construction – is produced by populist discourse; (3) whether such construction takes place within a polarised political culture marked by the mutually established frontier between populist and anti-populist discourses. Our analysis encompasses both the performance of SYRIZA in opposition as well as it record in power.Los recientes movimientos y partidos igualitarios en Europa (SYRIZA, PODEMOS, Front de Gauche, etc.), por no mencionar el fenómeno Corbyn en el Reino Unido, han puesto radicalmente en duda la asociación materializada entre el populismo y la extrema derecha en el contexto europeo. SYRIZA ha sido el primero de estos partidos en mostrar esta tendencia y asumir el poder. En este trabajo, el caso griego se utiliza para ilustrar las premisas teóricas básicas, las orientaciones metodológicas, las innovaciones conceptuales y las percepciones analíticas de un enfoque discursivo de la investigación sobre el populismo. Así, se hace especial hincapié (1) en la arquitectura del discurso de SYRIZA; (2) en el papel de la crisis en su articulación; (3) en los juegos lingüísticos polarizados que influyen en su trayectoria. En consecuencia, exploramos (1) si “el pueblo” funciona como el principal punto nodal en el discurso de SYRIZA dentro de una representación antagónica del espacio político; (2) hasta qué punto la crisis —como dislocación sistémica— desencadena y, simultáneamente —como construcción performativa— es producida por el discurso populista; (3) si tal construcción tiene lugar dentro de una cultura política polarizada marcada por la frontera mutuamente establecida entre discursos populistas y antipopulistas. Nuestro análisis abarca tanto el desempeño de SYRIZA en la oposición como su trayectoria en el poder

Populism, anti-populism and crisis

This article focuses on two issues involved in the formation and political trajectory of populist representations within political antagonism. First, it explores the role of crisis in the articulation of populist discourse. This problematic is far from new within theories of populism but has recently taken a new turn. We thus purport to reconsider the way populism and crisis are related, mapping the different modalities this relation can take and advancing further their theorization from the point of view of a discursive theory of the political, drawing primarily on the Essex School perspective initially developed by Ernesto Laclau and Chantal Mouffe. Second, this will involve focusing on the antagonistic language games developed around populist representations, something that has not attracted equal attention. Highlighting the need to study anti-populism together with populism, focusing on their mutual constitution, we will test the ensuing theoretical framework in an analysis of SYRIZA, a recent and, as a result, under-researched example of egalitarian, inclusionary populism emerging within the European crisis landscape

Effects of Genetic, Pre- and Post-Harvest Factors on Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Capacity of White Asparagus Spears

The effects of genetic, pre-harvest (season of harvest, spear diameter, spear portion and spear tip color) and post-harvest factors (storage and domestic preparation practices, e.g., peeling and cooking) on total phenolic, flavonoid and ascorbic acid content of white asparagus spears and their correlation with antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP) were studied. Results showed that genetic material was important for the total phenolic content but not season of harvest, spear diameter or storage. Violet spear tips and apical spear portions showed the largest amount of total phenolics. Peeling did not affect total phenolics in fresh asparagus, whereas it reduced their content in stored asparagus, while cooking resulted in an increase in both fresh and stored asparagus. However, the soluble extract of total phenolics and flavonoids were minor and the missing significance of phenolics and flavonoids in antioxidant capacity of white asparagus spears depends on these small amounts

Protein hydrolysates supplement in the nutrient solution of soilless grown fresh peppermint and spearmint as a tool for improving product quality

7openInternationalInternational coauthor/editorThe present study investigated the potential of fresh peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.) and spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) production on a floating raft system combined with a commercial protein hydrolysate supplement (Amino16®) in a nutrient solution aiming to improve plant product quality. Three levels of the protein hydrolysate solution (0, 0.25 and 0.50%) were added in the nutrient solution, and the plants were harvested after twenty-four days. Plant growth characteristics were recorded, and nutritional, essential oil and polyphenolic composition were determined in fresh tissue. The addition of protein hydrolysates did not affect the fresh or dry weight but reduced plant height. Nitrate content significantly decreased, while total chlorophyll and essential oil content increased in both species. Moreover, the protein hydrolysate solution further increased total antioxidant capacity, total soluble phenol and carotenoid contents in spearmint plants, while it did not affect the essential oil and polyphenolic composition in both species. In conclusion, protein hydrolysates solution may be added in the nutrient solution, to improve the quality of peppermint and spearmint grown in a floating system, without adverse effects on crop yield or the essential oil and polyphenolic profile.openAktsoglou, D.; Kasampalis, D.; Sarrou, E.; Tsouvaltzis, P.; Chatzopoulou, P.; Martens, S.; Siomos, A.Aktsoglou, D.; Kasampalis, D.; Sarrou, E.; Tsouvaltzis, P.; Chatzopoulou, P.; Martens, S.; Siomos, A

ACE inhibition or angiotensin receptor blockade: Impact on potassium in renal failure

ACE inhibition or angiotensin receptor blockade: Impact on potassium in renal failure.BackgroundInhibition of the renin-angiotensin system is known to raise serum potassium [K+] levels in patients with renal insufficiency or diabetes. No study has evaluated the comparative effects of an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor versus an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) on the changes in serum [K+] in people with renal insufficiency.MethodsThe study was a multicenter, randomized, double crossover design, with each period lasting one month. A total of 35 people (21 males and 14 females, 19 African Americans and 16 Caucasian) participated, with the mean age being 56 ± 2 years. Mean baseline serum [K+] was 4.4 ± 0.1 mEq/L. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 65 ± 5 mL/min/1.73 m2, and blood pressure was 150 ± 2/88 ± 1 mm Hg. The main outcome measure was the difference from baseline in the level of serum [K+], plasma aldosterone, and GFR following the initial and crossover periods.ResultsFor the total group, serum [K+] changes were not significantly different between the lisinopril or valsartan treatments. The subgroup with GFR values of ≤60 mL/min/1.73 m2 who received lisinopril demonstrated significant increases in serum [K+] of 0.28 mEq/L above the mean baseline of 4.6 mEq/L (P = 0.04). This increase in serum [K+] was also accompanied by a decrease in plasma aldosterone (P = 0.003). Relative to the total group, the change in serum [K+] from baseline to post-treatment in the lisinopril group was higher among those with GFR values of ≤60 mL/min/1.73 m2. The lower GFR group taking valsartan, however, demonstrated a smaller rise in serum [K+], 0.12 mEq/L above baseline (P = 0.1), a 43% lower value when compared with the change in those who received lisinopril. This blunted rise in [K+] in people taking valsartan was not associated with a significant decrease in plasma aldosterone (P = 0.14).ConclusionsIn the presence of renal insufficiency, the ARB valsartan did not raise serum [K+] to the same degree as the ACE inhibitor lisinopril. This differential effect on serum [K+] is related to a relatively smaller reduction in plasma aldosterone by the ARB and is not related to changes in GFR. This study provides evidence that increases in serum [K+] are less likely with ARB therapy compared with ACE inhibitor therapy in people with renal insufficiency

First validation of GOME-2/MetOp Absorbing Aerosol Height using EARLINET lidar observations

he aim of this study is to investigate the potential of the Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment-2 (GOME-2) instruments, aboard the Meteorological Operational (MetOp)-A, MetOp-B and MetOp-C satellite programme platforms, to deliver accurate geometrical features of lofted aerosol layers. For this purpose, we use archived ground-based lidar data from stations available from the European Aerosol Research Lidar Network (EARLINET) database. The data are post-processed using the wavelet covariance transform (WCT) method in order to extract geometrical features such as the planetary boundary layer (PBL) height and the cloud boundaries. To obtain a significant number of collocated and coincident GOME-2 - EARLINET cases for the period between January 2007 and September 2019, 13 lidar stations, distributed over different European latitudes, contributed to this validation. For the 172 carefully screened collocations, the mean bias was found to be -0.18 ± 1.68 km, with a near-Gaussian distribution. On a station basis, and with a couple of exceptions where very few collocations were found, their mean biases fall in the ± 1 km range with an associated standard deviation between 0.5 and 1.5 km. Considering the differences, mainly due to the temporal collocation and the difference, between the satellite pixel size and the point view of the ground-based observations, these results can be quite promising and demonstrate that stable and extended aerosol layers as captured by the satellite sensors are verified by the ground-based data. We further present an in-depth analysis of a strong and long-lasting Saharan dust intrusion over the Iberian Peninsula. We show that, for this well-developed and spatially well-spread aerosol layer, most GOME-2 retrievals fall within 1 km of the exact temporally collocated lidar observation for the entire range of 0 to 150 km radii. This finding further testifies for the capabilities of the MetOp-borne instruments to sense the atmospheric aerosol layer heights.Horizon 2020 Framework Programme 654109, 87111