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In recent years, operating rooms (ORs) have transformed into integrated operating rooms, where devices are able to communicate, exchange data, or even steer and control each other. However, image data processing is commonly done by dedicated workstations for specific clinical use-cases. In this paper, we propose a concept for a dynamic service component for image data processing on the example of automatic image quality assessment (AQUA) of intraoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. The service is build using the Open Surgical Communication Protocol (OSCP) and the standard for Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM). We have validated the proposed concept in an integrated demonstrator OR.

Efficient segmentation editing tools are important components in the segmentation process, as no automatic methods exist that always generate sufficient results. Evaluating segmentation editing algorithms is challenging, because their quality depends on the user’s subjective impression. So far, no established methods for an objective, comprehensive evaluation of such tools exist and, particularly, intermediate segmentation results are not taken into account. We discuss the evaluation of editing algorithms in the context of tumor segmentation in computed tomography. We propose a rating scheme to qualitatively measure the accuracy and efficiency of editing tools in user studies. In order to objectively summarize the overall quality, we propose two scores based on the subjective rating and the quantified segmentation quality over time. Finally, a simulation-based evaluation approach is discussed, which allows a more reproducible evaluation without the need for human input. This automated evaluation complements user studies, allowing a more convincing evaluation, particularly during development, where frequent user studies are not possible. The proposed methods have been used to evaluate two dedicated editing algorithms on 131 representative tumor segmentations. We show how the comparison of editing algorithms benefits from the proposed methods. Our results also show the correlation of the suggested quality score with the qualitative ratings.

Soil samples were screened to select microorganisms with the capability to oxidize organic sulfides into the corresponding sulfoxides with differential enantioselectivities. Several bacterial strains that preferentially produced the S- configured sulfoxide enantiomer were isolated. Surprisingly, one bacterial strain, genotypically and phenotypically characterized as Pseudomonas frederiksbergensis , selectively gave the R enantiomer. The finding that two apparently identical organisms displayed opposite enantioselectivities is novel for non-genetically modified organisms.

The chemical composition and functional significance of pheromones of solitary Hymenoptera is much less well known compared to social species. Males of the genus Philanthus (Sphecidae) are territorial and scent mark their territories to attract females. Because of inconsistent results of earlier studies, we reanalyzed the content of the cephalic glands of male European beewolves, Philanthus triangulum F. Besides a variety of alkanes and alkenes, four major compounds were found. Two of these, (Z)-11-eicosen-1-ol and (Z)-10-nonadecen-2-one, had been previously described as constituents of the cephalic glands. We identified 1-octadecanol as a new component of the cephalic gland, and a fourth compound, enantiopure (S)-2,3-dihydrofamesoic acid, was identified for the first time in nature. Structural elucidation and enantiomeric analysis were performed by HRGC-MS and HRGC-FTIR as well as enantioselective gas chromatography and by means of authentic reference compounds. Occurrence and function of the four compounds in insect chemistry are discussed.