University of Zurich

Removing information from working memory is thought to free up capacity and improve the retention of other information. However, whether this benefit arises from reducing interference from the to-be-forgotten information or from freeing up cognitive resources remains unclear. We examined this by comparing removal immediately following encoding an item (immediate removal), or delayed until after other items have been encoded (delayed removal). Interference theories predict that both types of removal should reduce interference and improve memory performance. In contrast, if removal frees up cognitive resources, the beneficial effect on memory should be greater the earlier it occurs, as the resources can then be allocated to subsequently encoded items. Experiment 1 showed that both immediate and delayed removal failed to reduce interference from the to-be-forgotten items but improved memory for item-location bindings of other items still maintained in working memory. In Experiment 2, removal only facilitated item-location bindings for items encoded afterward. These results suggest that removal frees up working memory capacity by increasing available resources rather than by reducing interference.

We explore the solvent-dependence of the vibrational dynamics of Fe(CO)5 (IPC) using a novel 2D-IR setup. A 320 pixel MCT camera allows us to achieve high spectral resolution within a large detection window, which can be matched in excitation by scanning coherence times of up to 250 ps. The dynamics of the IR active modes of IPC in the C≡O stretching range are probed in a series of alkanes of different chain lengths and viscosities. 2D-IR maps at short waiting times reveal the detailed anharmonic structure of the modes at play: we determined the cross-anharmonicity between the A2″ and E′ modes (δ = −0.8 ± 0.1 cm⁻¹), and we are able to differentiate the diagonal anharmonicity of the doubly degenerate mode (ΔE ≃ 18 cm⁻¹) from its non-diagonal anharmonicity (ΔEE ≃ 11 cm⁻¹). Our analysis of the polarization dependence of the 2D-IR signals strongly confirms an exchange mechanism between the IR-active modes due to Berry pseudo-rotation, which shows very little dependence on solvent viscosity, in contrast to the anisotropy loss. The implications of our findings for the exchange mechanism are discussed.

House mice (Mus musculus domesticus) are among the most widely studied laboratory models of mammalian social behaviour, yet we know relatively little about the ecology of their behaviours in natural environments. Here, we address this gap using radiotelemetry to track social interactions in a population of wild mice over 10 years, from 2013 to 2023, and interpret these interactions in the context of passive acoustic monitoring data collected from August 2022 to November 2023. Using automated vocal detection, we identify 1.3 million individual vocalizations and align them in time with continuously collected telemetry data recording social interactions between individually identifiable mice. We find that vocalization is seasonal and correlated with long-term dynamics in features of social groups. In addition, we find that vocalization is closely associated in time with entrances to and exits from those groups, occurs most often in the presence of pups, and is correlated with how much time pairs of mice spend together. This work identifies seasonal patterns in the vocalizations of wild mice and lays a foundation to investigate the social role of acoustic communication in wild populations of an important laboratory model organism.

Background In [¹⁸F]F-PSMA-1007 PET imaging, focal bone uptake without morphological correlate (MC) on CT, is often classified as benign. In [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-PSMA-11, intense focal uptake without MC in a classical location is considered suspicious. The prevalence of focal bone uptake with or without MC on [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT remains unclear. Methods This single-center, retrospective study included patients who underwent a [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT scan for initial staging or biochemical recurrence (BCR) of prostate cancer between 04/16 − 11/21, with written informed consent for use of clinical data and adequate follow-up. For each patient with focal PSMA accumulation in the bones, up to three of these lesions were scored based on PSMA-RADS 2.0 and a clinical interpretation of suspicion for malignancy including clinical information was provided. In addition, MC on CT were assessed. A composite reference standard including imaging and clinical follow-up data was used. Results Out of 824 patients, 323 met eligibility criteria, with 101 showing PSMA-positive bone lesions. 176 lesions were included, 25% of 61 in the staging cohort had no MC, of which 73% were malignant. In the BCR group, 52% of 115 lesions were without MC, of which 48% were malignant. The sensitivity/specificity reached with PSMA-RADS 2.0, and MC on CT was 100%/100%and 78%/36% for staging, and 83%/100% and 60%/72% for BCR, respectively. Conclusion Focal [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 positive lesions without MC on CT are frequent, especially on scans for BCR, with the majority being malignant. Considering PSMA-RADS 4 lesions on [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 on staging exams, significantly improves the accuracy. Incorporating clinical information and considering PSMA-RADS 3B can further improve the sensitivity for BCR scans.

Urbanization is hypothesized to create a myriad of cognitive challenges for animals because it creates novel environmental conditions in evolutionary terms. The consensus is that these novel urban challenges act as drivers for increased cognitive abilities. However, scant empirical data validates the idea that urban environments are cognitively demanding relative to native ones. In this short communication we draw the attention to the fact that for some large-brained urban inhabitants the urban environment may instead provide “easy” exploitable niches, where these species can thrive because they already have the necessary cognitive tools in place. As such, evolutionary seen, such species are “exapted” to occupy a less challenging urban niche. As follows, while a species’ cognition may facilitate its persistence under urbanization, it does not necessarily mean that urban populations face selective or developmental drivers for improved cognition in urban living. We further point out the potential bias anthropogenic habituation can bring about when intraspecific comparisons are made between urban and nonurban populations and suggest that researchers must focus on precisely which species-specific aspects of the environment are novel when making predictions about the consequences of urbanization on cognitive traits.

An improved understanding of root vertical distribution is crucial for assessing plant-soil-atmosphere interactions and their influence on the land carbon sink. Here, we analyze a continental-scale dataset of fine roots reaching 2 meters depth, spanning from Alaskan tundra to Puerto Rican forests. Contrary to the expectation that fine root abundance decays exponentially with depth, we found root bimodality at ~20% of 44 sites, with secondary biomass peaks often below 1 m. Root bimodality was more likely in areas with low total fine root biomass and was more frequent in shrublands than grasslands. Notably, secondary peaks coincided with high soil nitrogen content at depth. Our analyses suggest that deep soil nutrients tend to be underexploited, while root bimodality offers plants a mechanism to tap into deep soil resources. Our findings add to the growing recognition that deep soil dynamics are systematically overlooked, and calls for more research attention to this deep frontier in the face of global environmental change.

Background Vertigo and dizziness belong to the most common leading symptoms in clinical practice. Their differential diagnosis, however, often imposes a challenge. Objective This work aims to provide evidence-based and practice-oriented recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of vertigo and dizziness for primary care providers. Materials and methods The consensus statement of an interdisciplinary working group following a national survey among Swiss primary care physicians and neurotology specialists (neurologists, otorhinolaryngologists) is presented. The associated literature search in PubMed was conducted up to October 2024. Results and conclusion Structured history taking and clinical neurotological examination form the basis for the differential diagnosis of the various acute (AVS), episodic (EVS), and chronic (CVS) vestibular syndromes (AVS: e.g., stroke or acute unilateral vestibulopathy; EVS: e.g., benign paroxysmal positional vertigo [BPPV], Menière’s disease, vestibular migraine, vestibular paroxysmia; CVS: e.g., bilateral vestibulopathy, persistent postural perceptual dizziness). The present paper covers the following topics: i) “red flags” for a potentially dangerous cause in patients with acute vertigo/dizziness/gait and balance disorders; ii) essential clinical neurotological examination steps; iii) diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers for posterior and lateral canal BPPV; iv) the most important therapeutic strategies for the vestibular syndromes named above; and v) the top 10 recommendations regarding history taking, diagnosis, and treatment of vertigo and dizziness in clinical practice. This review aims to serve as a clinical companion for physicians of all specialties dealing with the primary diagnosis and treatment of vertigo and dizziness.

Although innovation in cancer treatment has improved cure rates and survival, the costs have escalated beyond societies' ability to pay. Cancer care costs in the United States are expected to rise to 245 billion by 2030. In this health policy session, we focused on three cost-containment strategies, and their potential impact on cancer care delivery. Site Neutrality: Curbing the Cost of Cancer Care, but at What Risk? , explores legislation that would introduce payment parity across differing sites of care: elimination of facility fees in hospital owned practices and shift of billing for oncology infusions away from hospital owned practices. Unintended consequences could reduce access to care for vulnerable populations, shift costs to patients, and reduce safety. Post-Pandemic Digital Health Reimbursement: Impact on Access to Care , explores how the emergency waivers, licensure flexibilities, and parity reimbursement necessitated by COVID-19 shepherded innovation that outpaced the regulatory framework needed for long-term sustainability. Today, telehealth services, hospital at home, remote patient monitoring, and decentralized clinical trial enrollment face reintroduction of regulatory and payment barriers. Will we live to see efficacy-based pricing for cancer drugs? Learning from international models , explores how lack of drug price negotiation has led to higher prices in the United States compared with Canada and Europe. Comparative clinical effectiveness pricing systems compare the value of each drug to standard treatments. Comparative cost-effectiveness programs look at the incremental cost per additional unit of health gained above the standard of care. The United States could learn from these approaches used in comparable countries.

Background The routine use of sedation and analgesia during post-cardiac arrest care and its association with clinical outcomes remain unclear. This study aimed to describe the use of sedatives and analgesics in post-cardiac arrest care, and evaluate associations with good functional outcome, survival, clinical seizures, and late awakening. Methods This was a post hoc analysis of the TTM2-trial, which randomized 1900 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients to either normothermia or hypothermia. In both groups, deep sedation (Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale ≤ -4) was mandatory during the 40-h intervention. Cumulative doses of sedatives and analgesic drugs were recorded within the first 72 h from randomization. Outcomes were functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale) and survival status at 6 months, occurrence of clinical seizures during the intensive care stay, and late awakening (Full outline of unresponsiveness motor score of four 96 h after randomization). Cumulative propofol doses were divided into quartiles (Q1-Q4). Logistic regression models were used to assess associations between sedative doses and functional outcome and survival, clinical seizures, and late awakening, adjusting for the severity of illness and other clinical factors influencing sedation. Results A total of 1861 patients were analyzed. In a multivariable logistic regression model, higher propofol doses (Q3, 100.7–153.6 mg/kg) were associated with good functional outcome (OR 1.62, 95%CI 1.12—2.34) and (Q2 and Q3, 43.9–153.6 mg/kg) with survival (OR 1.49, 95%CI 1.05—2.12 and OR 1.84, 95%CI 1.27—2.65, respectively). Receiving fentanyl and remifentanil were associated with good functional outcome (OR 1.69, 95%CI 1.27—2.26 and OR 1.50, 95%CI 1.11—2.02) and survival (OR 1.80, 95%CI 1.35—2.40 and OR 1.56, 95%CI 1.16—2.10). Receiving fentanyl (OR 0.64, 95%CI 0.48—0.86) and higher propofol doses (Q2-4 (43.9–669.4 mg/kg) were associated with the occurrence of clinical seizures. The highest quartile of propofol dose (153.7–669.4 mg/kg, OR 3.19, 95%CI 1.91—5.42) was associated with late awakening. Conclusions In this study, higher doses of propofol and the use of remifentanil and fentanyl were associated with good functional outcome and survival, occurrence of clinical seizures, and late awakening.

Background With the increasing complexity of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) techniques, the integration of endoscopic modalities has become indispensable in both pre-, intra-, and postoperative management. This survey aimed to evaluate the current landscape of endoscopic training, practice patterns, and proficiency among early-career surgeons. Methods Cross-sectional study based on online survey voluntary and open to all Young-IFSO members (surgeons aged ≤ 45 years) between September and December 2024. The questionnaire addressed participants’ socio-demographic characteristics, professional background, and details regarding their endoscopic training and practice. Particular emphasis was placed on current engagement in endoscopic management of MBS-related complications and endoscopic bariatric therapies (EBTs). Results A total of 273 respondents from 49 countries completed the survey. Endoscopic training was included in the general surgery curriculum for half of the participants, yet 33.8% do not perform endoscopy in current practice. Nearly half (46.9%) reported lacking confidence in managing MBS complications endoscopically. Although EBTs are available in half of the respondents’ institutions, only 23.9% perform these procedures themselves. Conclusion This Young-IFSO survey highlights the limited endoscopic involvement of early-career metabolic and bariatric surgeons and the need for structured training to meet the demands of modern MBS.

This article contributes empirical and conceptual insights to emerging debates on the regulation of short-term rentals (STRs) by delving into the socio-legal foundations of this housing market segment. Drawing on a qualitative study conducted between September 2022 and June 2023 focused on the governance of for-profit temporary housing (i.e., serviced, furnished, interim housing) in Zurich, it examines how real estate intermediaries in the temporary housing business interact with regulations and carve out niches in tight rental markets. Through an approach that understands temporary housing as a socio-legally constructed asset and a profit-maximising rental strategy within deregulated housing markets, the analysis reveals regulatory blind spots through which intermediaries exploit existing legal tools to circumvent or substitute laws governing rent relations and transactions in the housing market. In doing so, they promote tenure flexibilisation, shaping new pathways to rent extraction. The article foregrounds the concept of gaming to understand intermediaries' interactions and use of legal tools to serve their business interests, suggesting that opportunities for gaming the system of rental regulation are central to creating these assets, making temporary housing itself a strategy for driving housing deregulation and semi-formality. To bring the corruption of rent relations into sharper focus, it is necessary to expand and move beyond debates focused on regulating land use categories towards an understanding of the nexus between market and legal practices and their influence on restructuring rent relations.

Children's fuzziness leads to increased variance in the data, data loss, and high dropout rates in developmental studies. This study investigated the importance of 20 factors on the person (child, caregiver, experimenter) and situation (task, method, time, and date) level for the data quality as indicated via the number of valid trials in 11 studies with N = 727 infants and children (aged 5 months to 8 years). A random forest model suggests that the duration of the study, the children's age, and the age, gender, and experience of the experimenters are the most important predictors in explaining differences in children's data quality in this sample of children. Other researchers may consider shortening studies and ensuring extensive training for experimenters to help increase the probability of data retention.

Autonomous aerial robot swarms promise transformative applications, from planetary exploration to search and rescue in complex environments. However, navigating these swarms efficiently in unknown and cluttered spaces without bulky sensors, heavy computation or constant communication between robots remains a major research problem. This paper introduces an end-to-end approach that combines deep learning with first-principles physics through differentiable simulation to enable autonomous navigation by several aerial robots through complex environments at high speed. Our approach directly optimizes a neural network control policy by backpropagating loss gradients through the robot simulation using a simple point-mass physics model. Despite this simplicity, our method excels in both multi-agent and single-agent applications. In multi-agent scenarios, our system demonstrates self-organized behaviour, which enables autonomous coordination without communication or centralized planning. In single-agent scenarios, our system achieved a 90% success rate in navigating through complex unknown environments and demonstrated enhanced robustness compared to previous state-of-the-art approaches. Our system can operate without state estimation and adapt to dynamic obstacles. In real-world forest environments, it navigates at speeds of up to 20 m s⁻¹, doubling the speed of previous imitation-learning-based solutions. Notably, all these capabilities are deployed on a budget-friendly US$21 computer, which costs less than 5% of the GPU-equipped board used in existing systems.

Fetal intracranial tumors are rare, accounting for approximately 0.5%–1.9% of all pediatric tumors, though the true incidence may be underestimated. These tumors often present with distinct histopathological features, imaging characteristics, and clinical behavior compared to their postnatal counterparts. This review summarizes the current understanding of the prenatal diagnosis and characterization of fetal brain tumors, with a particular focus on the role of fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We discuss the advantages of advanced MR sequences in enhancing lesion detection and anatomical delineation following suspicious findings on obstetric ultrasound. Common tumor types encountered in utero—including teratomas, astrocytomas, medulloblastomas, choroid plexus papillomas, and craniopharyngiomas—are reviewed in terms of imaging features, differential diagnosis, and clinical implications. Furthermore, the review addresses the diagnostic challenges, prognostic considerations, and the potential role of fetal MRI in guiding perinatal management and parental counseling.