Grassmannians of Lagrangian Polarizations

This paper is an introduction to polarizations in the symplectic and orthogonal settings. They arise in association to a triple of compatible structures on a real vector space, consisting of an inner product, a symplectic form, and a complex structure. A polarization is a decomposition of the complexified vector space into the eigenspaces of the complex structure; this information is equivalent to the specification of a compatible triple. When either a symplectic form or inner product is fixed, one obtains a Grassmannian of polarizations. We give an exposition of this circle of ideas, emphasizing the symmetry of the symplectic and orthogonal settings, and allowing the possibility that the underlying vector spaces are infinite-dimensional. This introduction would be useful for those interested in applications of polarizations to representation theory, loop groups, complex geometry, moduli spaces, quantization, and conformal field theory

A Fermionic Grunsky operator

To a conformal map $f$ from the disk $\mathbb{D}$ into the complex plane onto a domain with rectifiable Ahlfors-regular boundary, we associate a new kind of Grunsky operator on the Hardy space of the unit disk. This is analogous to the classical Grunsky operator, which itself can be viewed as an operator on Bergman or Dirichlet space. We show that the pull-back of the Smirnov space of the complement of $f(\mathbb{D})$ by $f$ is the graph of the Grunsky operator. We also characterize those domains with rectifiable Ahlfors-regular boundaries such that the Grunsky operator is Hilbert-Schmidt. In particular, we show that if the Grunsky operator is Hilbert-Schmidt, then $f(\mathbb{D})$ is a Weil-Petersson quasidisk. The formulations of the results and proofs make essential use of a geometric treatment of Smirnov space as a space of half-order differentials

Performances of conformal and planar arrays

Static and dynamic deformations can have a severe impact on the performance of conformal antennas on aircrafts and other vehicles. Therefore it is essential to study the different deformation and vibration mechanisms and their influence on the antenna's radiation pattern. This presentation gives an overview of different approaches concerning electromagnetic modelling of array antennas and investigations on antenna deformations presented in the scope of TG20

Werkhervatting na een lange afwezigheid

Retour au travail après une absence de longue duré

Exploitation of Business Models for Deep Renovation

In this workshop, we discussed the exploitation experiences gathered in some relevant H2020 projects on deep renovation: TripleA-reno, ProGETonE, P2Endure, 4rinEU, STUNNING, and TURNkey Retrofit. Directives and practical insights that support the experimentation with exploitation strategies in EU-funded projects will be elaborated as outcome of the workshop. The ability to envision user needs and integrate them into a project value proposition is a vehicle towards more effective and sustainable business models for deep renovation practices. However, many projects still struggle to involve the user in their business model design method. In spite of the clarified potential for business models underpinning energy efficiency measures to generate profit in the clean energy market, the uptake of deep renovation practices is not flourishing to its full potential. Several barriers have been highlighted that still distress the market uptake of energy efficiency measures, among which the need for long-term capital for often comparatively small investments, the strain of measuring and distributing the energy savings due to deep renovation practices, as well as general lack of familiarity among consumers with renovation concepts. The dispute here, with even the economically sound business models, is that, for the user, there is an apparent lack of attractiveness for deep renovations, that goes beyond the mere financial savings or economical profitability offered by the investment. A conceivable resolution to upsurge the market uptake of renovation practices, is therefore the design of business models, which focus on the multiple environmental, social and financial benefits deep renovation practices might deliver for the different stakeholders involved in the process. Benefits, that are sometimes hard to monetise and generalize among the involved user groups, as they do not always resonate to the provider/receiver of these values equally, but on the contrary can develop contrasting interests. Therefore, in this report, we are summarizing the contributions of several H2020 projects on deep renovation, including: TripleA-reno [1], ProGETonE [2], P2Endure [3], 4rinEU [4], STUNNING [5], and TURNkey Retrofit [6]. This, in a way to explore what type of deep renovation business models exist in practice, and how they actually are impacting the EU market uptake of deep renovation practices

Pharmacokinetic properties of remimazolam in subjects with hepatic or renal impairment

BACKGROUND: Remimazolam is a new benzodiazepine for procedural sedation and general anaesthesia. The aim of this study was to characterise its pharmacokinetic properties and safety in renally and hepatically impaired subjects. METHODS: Two separate trials were conducted in patients with hepatic (n=11) or renal impairment (n=11) compared with matched healthy subjects (n=9 and n=12, respectively). The hepatic impairment trial was an open-label adaptive 'Reduced Design' trial, using a single bolus of remimazolam 0.1 mg kg-1 i.v., whereas the renal impairment trial was an open-label trial of a single bolus dose of remimazolam 1.5 mg i.v. Remimazolam plasma concentrations over time were analysed by population pharmacokinetic modelling. RESULTS: Remimazolam pharmacokinetic properties were adequately described by a three-compartment, recirculatory model. Exposure in subjects with severe hepatic impairment was 38.1% higher (i.e. clearance was 38.1% lower) compared with healthy volunteers. This increase caused a slightly delayed recovery (8.0 min for healthy, 12.1 min for moderate, and 16.7 min for severe hepatic impairment). With renal impairment, plasma clearance was comparable with that measured in healthy subjects. Simulations of Cmax after a bolus dose of 10 mg showed no relevant impact of hepatic or renal impairment. The overall incidence of adverse events was low, and all adverse events were mild. CONCLUSIONS: As Cmax after a remimazolam bolus i.v. was not affected by hepatic or renal impairment, no dose adjustments are required. No unexpected adverse events related to remimazolam were seen in subjects with renal or hepatic impairment. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Hepatic impairment trial: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01790607 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01790607). Renal impairment trial: EudraCT Number: 2014-004575-23

Combined FCS and PCH analysis to quantify protein dimerization in living cells

Protein dimerization plays a crucial role in the regulation of numerous biological processes. However, detecting protein dimers in a cellular environment is still a challenge. Here we present a methodology to measure the extent of dimerization of GFP-tagged proteins in living cells, using a combination of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and photon counting histogram (PCH) analysis of single-color fluorescence fluctuation data. We named this analysis method brightness and diffusion global analysis (BDGA) and adapted it for biological purposes. Using cell lysates containing different ratios of GFP and tandem-dimer GFP (diGFP), we show that the average brightness per particle is proportional to the fraction of dimer present. We further adapted this methodology for its application in living cells, and we were able to distinguish GFP, diGFP, as well as ligand-induced dimerization of FKBP12 (FK506 binding protein 12)-GFP. While other analysis methods have only sporadically been used to study dimerization in living cells and may be prone to errors, this paper provides a robust approach for the investigation of any cytosolic protein using single-color fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy

Fostering Flexibility in the New World of Work: A Model of Time-Spatial Job Crafting

In today’s “new world of work,” knowledge workers are often given considerable flexibility regarding where and when to work (i.e., time-spatial flexibility) and this has become a popular approach to redesigning work. Whilst the adoption of such practices is mainly considered a top-down approach to work design, we argue that successful utilization of time-spatial flexibility requires proactivity on the part of the employee in the form of time-spatial job crafting. Previous research has demonstrated that time-spatial flexibility can have both positive and negative effects on well-being, performance, and work-life balance; yet remains mute about the underlying reasons for this and how employees can handle the given flexibility. Drawing on research from work design, we posit that in order for employees to stay well and productive in this context, they need to engage in time-spatial job crafting (i.e., a context-specific form of job crafting that entails reflection on time and place), which can be considered a future work skill. We propose a theoretical model of time-spatial job crafting in which we discuss its components, shed light on its antecedents, and explain how time-spatial job crafting is related to positive work outcomes through a time/spatial-demands fit

Longevity of a brain-computer interface for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

The durability of communication with the use of brain-computer interfaces in persons with progressive neurodegenerative disease has not been extensively examined. We report on 7 years of independent at-home use of an implanted brain-computer interface for communication by a person with advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the inception of which was reported in 2016. The frequency of at-home use increased over time to compensate for gradual loss of control of an eye-gaze-tracking device, followed by a progressive decrease in use starting 6 years after implantation. At-home use ended when control of the brain-computer interface became unreliable. No signs of technical malfunction were found. Instead, the amplitude of neural signals declined, and computed tomographic imaging revealed progressive atrophy, which suggested that ALS-related neurodegeneration ultimately rendered the brain-computer interface ineffective after years of successful use, although alternative explanations are plausible. (Funded by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02224469.)