Measuring local temperature with a spatial resolution on the order of a few nanometers has a wide range of applications in the semiconductor industry and in material and life sciences. For example, ...probing temperature on the nanoscale with high precision can potentially be used to detect small, local temperature changes like those caused by chemical reactions or biochemical processes. However, precise nanoscale temperature measurements have not been realized so far owing to the lack of adequate probes. Here we experimentally demonstrate a novel nanoscale temperature sensing technique based on optically detected electron spin resonance in single atomic defects in diamonds. These diamond sensor sizes range from a micrometer down to a few tens of nanometers. We achieve a temperature noise floor of 5 mK/Hz1/2 for single defects in bulk sensors. Using doped nanodiamonds as sensors the temperature noise floor is 130 mK/Hz1/2 and accuracies down to 1 mK for nanocrystal sizes and therefore length scales of a few tens of nanometers. This combination of precision and position resolution, combined with the outstanding sensor photostability, should allow the measurement of the heat produced by chemical interactions involving a few or single molecules even in heterogeneous environments like cells.
The present paper aims to identify and describe different types of energy consumers in a more comprehensive way than previous segmentation studies using cluster analysis. Energy consumers were ...segmented based on their energy-related behavioral characteristics. In addition to purchase- and curtailment-related energy-saving behavior, consumer classification was also based on acceptance of policy measures and energy-related psychosocial factors, so the used behavioral segmentation base was more comprehensive compared to other studies. Furthermore, differentiation between the energy-saving purchase of daily products, such as food, and of energy efficient appliances allowed a more differentiated characterization of the energy consumer segments. The cluster analysis revealed six energy consumer segments: the idealistic, the selfless inconsequent, the thrifty, the materialistic, the convenience-oriented indifferent, and the problem-aware well-being-oriented energy consumer. Findings emphasize that using a broader and more distinct behavioral base is crucial for an adequate and differentiated description of energy consumer types. The paper concludes by highlighting the most promising energy consumer segments and discussing possible segment-specific marketing and policy strategies.
► By applying a cluster-analytic approach, new energy consumer segments are identified. ► A comprehensive, differentiated description of the different energy consumer types is provided. ► A distinction between purchase of daily products and energy efficient appliances is essential. ► Behavioral variables are a more suitable base for segmentation than general characteristics.
The development of fracture mechanics test methods for the determination of delamination resistance or fracture toughness of fiber-reinforced, polymer–matrix composites is an active area of research. ...The emphasis in this review is on standardisation of test methods. Recent developments leading towards new standardized test procedures will be presented, complementing and updating earlier reviews.
A round robin exercise on opening mode I fatigue delamination propagation has been performed with the aim of developing a standardized test procedure. The material chosen for the test was one type of ...carbon–fiber reinforced polymer–matrix laminate (IM7 fiber, 977-2 epoxy). The Double Cantilever Beam specimen from the quasi-static mode I delamination resistance test (ISO 15024) has been used for the fatigue test. Test set-up, measurements and data acquisition have been defined with an emphasis on applicability in an industrial test environment. Selected test parameters have been varied in order to investigate their effect on the results. Three different approaches for delamination length determination have been compared. Visual determination of delamination length, a compliance-based approach and an effective delamination length calculation based on a separate measurement of the modulus of elasticity yield reasonable agreement. This agreement suggests that further development of the test procedure to incorporate automated data acquisition and analysis may be worthwhile.
The future of pathology is digital Pallua, J.D.; Brunner, A.; Zelger, B. ...
Pathology, research and practice,
September 2020, 2020-09-00, 20200901, Letnik:
216, Številka:
9
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Information, archives, and intelligent artificial systems are part of everyday life in modern medicine. They already support medical staff by mapping their workflows with shared availability of ...cases’ referral information, as needed for example, by the pathologist, and this support will be increased in the future even more.
In radiology, established standards define information models, data transmission mechanisms, and workflows. Other disciplines, such as pathology, cardiology, and radiation therapy, now define further demands in addition to these established standards. Pathology may have the highest technical demands on the systems, with very complex workflows, and the digitization of slides generating enormous amounts of data up to Gigabytes per biopsy. This requires enormous amounts of data to be generated per biopsy, up to the gigabyte range.
Digital pathology allows a change from classical histopathological diagnosis with microscopes and glass slides to virtual microscopy on the computer, with multiple tools using artificial intelligence and machine learning to support pathologists in their future work.
Alopecia X is a hair cycle arrest disorder in Pomeranians. Histologically, kenogen and telogen hair follicles predominate, whereas anagen follicles are sparse. The induction of anagen relies on the ...activation of hair follicle stem cells and their subsequent proliferation and differentiation. Stem cell function depends on finely tuned interactions of signaling molecules and transcription factors, which are not well defined in dogs. We performed transcriptome profiling on skin biopsies to analyze altered molecular pathways in alopecia X. Biopsies from five affected and four non-affected Pomeranians were investigated. Differential gene expression revealed a downregulation of key regulator genes of the Wnt (CTNNB1, LEF1, TCF3, WNT10B) and Shh (SHH, GLI1, SMO, PTCH2) pathways. In mice it has been shown that Wnt and Shh signaling results in stem cell activation and differentiation Thus our findings are in line with the lack of anagen hair follicles in dogs with Alopecia X. We also observed a significant downregulation of the stem cell markers SOX9, LHX2, LGR5, TCF7L1 and GLI1 whereas NFATc1, a quiescence marker, was upregulated in alopecia X. Moreover, genes coding for enzymes directly involved in the sex hormone metabolism (CYP1A1, CYP1B1, HSD17B14) were differentially regulated in alopecia X. These findings are in agreement with the so far proposed but not yet proven deregulation of the sex hormone metabolism in this disease.
Recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a consequence of intestinal dysbiosis and is particularly common following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Fecal microbiota ...transplantation (FMT) is an effective method of treating CDI by correcting intestinal dysbiosis by passive transfer of healthy donor microflora. FMT has not been widely used in immunocompromised patients, including HSCT recipients, owing to concern for donor‐derived infection. Here, we describe initial results of an FMT program for CDI at a US HSCT center. Seven HSCT recipients underwent FMT between February 2015 and February 2016. Mean time post HSCT was 635 days (25–75 interquartile range IQR 38–791). Five of the patients (71.4%) were on immunosuppressive therapy at FMT; 4 had required long‐term suppressive oral vancomycin therapy because of immediate recurrence after antibiotic cessation. Stool donors underwent comprehensive health and behavioral screening and laboratory testing of serum and stool for 32 potential pathogens. FMT was administered via the naso‐jejunal route in 6 of the 7 patients. Mean follow‐up was 265 days (IQR 51–288). Minor post‐FMT adverse effects included self‐limited bloating and urgency. One patient was suspected of having post‐FMT small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. No serious adverse events were noted and all‐cause mortality was 0%. Six of 7 (85.7%) patients had no recurrence; 1 patient recurred at day 156 post FMT after taking an oral antibiotic and required repeat FMT, after which no recurrence has occurred. Diarrhea was improved in all patients and 1 patient with gastrointestinal graft‐versus‐host disease was able to taper off systemic immunosuppression after FMT. With careful donor selection and laboratory screening, FMT appears to be a safe and effective therapy for CDI in HSCT patients and may confer additional benefits. Larger studies are necessary to confirm safety and efficacy and explore other possible effects.
The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence of the different ultrasound phenotypes of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), and to determine their subsequent course.
A consecutive ...series of 28 092 neonates was screened and classified according to the Graf method as part of a nationwide surveillance programme, and then followed prospectively. Abnormal hips were followed until they became normal (Graf type I). Type IIb hips and higher grades were treated by abduction in a Tübinger orthosis until normal. Dislocated hips underwent closed or open reduction.
Overall, 90.2% of hips were normal at birth. Type IIa hips (8.9%) became normal at a median of six weeks (interquartile range (IQR) 6 to 9). Type IIc and IId hips (0.67%) became normal after ten weeks (IQR 7 to 13). There were 19 type lll and eight type lV hips at baseline. There were 24 closed reductions and one open reduction. No late presentations of DDH were detected within the first five years of life.
The incidence of DDH was eight per 1000 live births. The treatment rate was 1% (n = 273). The rate of first operations on the newborn hip was 0.86, and rate of open surgery was 0.04. The cumulative rate of open surgery was 0.07. The authors take the view that early identification and treatment in abduction of all dysplastic hips in early childhood reduces the rate of open reduction and secondary DDH-related surgery later in life. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1399-1404.
The aim of this study was to identify consumer groups regarding meat and meat alternatives, which are homogeneous in themselves but very different from one another. To date, the literature has ...analysed the attitudes towards, and the motives behind, the consumption of meat and meat alternatives. However, segmentation research portraying homogeneous consumer groups that are consuming or willing to consume meat alternatives is lacking. This study closes this research gap and, in doing so, also shows how meat consumption is related to the consumption of alternative products. A questionnaire was sent out to a random sample in the German- and French-speaking parts of Switzerland, resulting in 561 responses. A hierarchical cluster analysis using seven scales revealed six distinct consumer groups, which covered all types of consumers, from the uncompromising meat-eater to the health-conscious meat avoider. The results show that meat alternatives are not always consumed as a substitute for meat but can also be a complementary component in one’s diet. This study contributes to the scientific literature by providing useful information for the food industry involved in producing and marketing meat and meat alternatives to different target groups.
The refeeding syndrome is a potentially lethal complication of refeeding in patients who are severely malnourished from whatever cause. Too rapid refeeding, particularly with carbohydrate may ...precipitate a number of metabolic and pathophysiological complications, which may adversely affect the cardiac, respiratory, haematological, hepatic and neuromuscular systems leading to clinical complications and even death. We aimed to review the development of the refeeding syndrome in a variety of situations and, from this and the literature, devise guidelines to prevent and treat the condition. We report seven cases illustrating different aspects of the refeeding syndrome and the measures used to treat it. The specific complications encountered, their physiological mechanisms, identification of patients at risk, and prevention and treatment are discussed. Each case developed one or more of the features of the refeeding syndrome including deficiencies and low plasma levels of potassium, phosphate, magnesium and thiamine combined with salt and water retention. These responded to specific interventions. In most cases, these abnormalities could have been anticipated and prevented. The main features of the refeeding syndrome are described with a protocol to anticipate, prevent and treat the condition in adults.
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