This study demonstrates the utilization of deep learning techniques for binary semantic segmentation of pores in carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) using X-ray computed tomography (XCT) ...datasets. The proposed workflow is designed to generate efficient segmentation models with reasonable execution time, applicable even for users using consumer-grade GPU systems. First, U-Net, a convolutional neural network, is modified to handle the segmentation of XCT datasets. In the second step, suitable hyperparameters are determined through a parameter analysis (hyperparameter tuning), and the parameter set with the best result was used for the final training. In the final step, we report on our efforts of implementing the testing stage in open_iA, which allows users to segment datasets with the fully trained model within reasonable time. The model performs well on datasets with both high and low resolution, and even works reasonably for barely visible pores with different shapes and size. In our experiments, we could show that U-Net is suitable for pore segmentation. Despite being trained on a limited number of datasets, it exhibits a satisfactory level of prediction accuracy.
Accurate flow measurement is a ubiquitous task in fields such as industry, medical technology, or chemistry; it remains however challenging due to small measurement ranges or erosive flows. ...Inspiration for possible measurement methods can come from nature, for example from the lateral line organ of fish, which is comprised of hair cells embedded in a gelatinous cupula. When the cupula is deflected by water movement, the hair cells generate neural signals from which the fish gains an accurate representation of its environment. We built a flow sensor mimicking a hair cell, but coupled it with an optical detection method. Light is coupled into a PDMS waveguide that consists of a core and a cladding with a low refractive index contrast to ensure high bending sensitivity. Fluid flow bends the waveguide; this leads to a measurable light loss. The design of our sensory system allows flow measurement in opaque and corrosive fluids while keeping production costs low. To prove the measurement concept, we evaluated the light loss while (a) reproducibly bending the fiber with masses, and (b) exposing the fiber to air flow. The results demonstrate the applicability of an optical fiber as a flow sensor.
Low soil temperature in spring is a major constraint for the cultivation of tropical and subtropical crops in temperate climates, associated with inhibition of root growth and activity, affecting ...early growth and frequently plant performance and final yield. This study was initiated to investigate the physiological base of cold-protective effects induced by supplementation with silicon (Si), widely recommended as a stress-protective mineral nutrient. Maize was used as a cold-sensitive model plant, exposed to chilling stress and low root-zone temperature (RZT) during early growth in a lab to field approach. In a pot experiment, 2-weeks exposure of maize seedlings to low RZT of 12-14°C, induced leaf chlorosis and necrosis, inhibition of shoot and root growth and micronutrient limitation (particularly Zn and Mn). These phenotypes were mitigated by seed treatments with the respective micronutrients, but surprisingly, also by Si application. Both, silicon and micronutrient treatments were associated with increased activity of superoxide dismutase in shoot and roots (as a key enzyme for detoxification of reactive oxygen species, depending on Zn and Mn as cofactors), increased tissue concentrations of phenolics, proline, and antioxidants, but reduced levels of H
O
. These findings suggest that mitigation of oxidative stress is a major effect of Zn, Mn, and Si applied as cold stress protectants. In a soil-free culture system without external nutrient supply, Si significantly reduced large leaching losses of Zn and Mn from germinating seeds exposed to low-temperature stress. Silicon also increased the translocation of micronutrient seed reserves to the growing seedling, especially the Zn shoot translocation. In later stages of seedling development (10 days after sowing), cold stress reduced the root and shoot contents of important hormonal growth regulators (indole acetic acid, gibberellic acid, zeatin). Silicon restored the hormonal balances to a level comparable with non-stressed plants and stimulated the production of hormones involved in stress adaptation (abscisic, salicylic, and jasmonic acids). Beneficial effects of Si seed treatments on seedling establishment and the nutritional status of Zn and Mn were also measured for a field-grown silage maize, exposed to chilling stress by early sowing. This translated into increased final biomass yield.
It has been argued that innovation increasingly depends on external knowledge sources. It is still unclear if relations to particular knowledge sources or to a broad variety of sources matter for ...innovation. Also, there is a debate on the issue which spatial levels are most relevant. In this context, we investigate the importance for ICT firms in Austria of variety in knowledge sourcing for their innovativeness and the relevance of geography in this respect. The results show that more innovative firms tend to exploit a larger variety of regional and international sources. We also find that R&D co‐operations and in‐house knowledge capabilities are highly important, while firm location only shows a weak association with their innovativeness.
Resumen
Se ha venido sosteniendo que la innovación depende cada vez más de las fuentes externas de conocimiento. Todavía no está claro si para la innovación tiene importancia mantener relaciones con fuentes de conocimiento en particular o con una amplia variedad de fuentes. Además, hay un debate sobre el tema de qué niveles espaciales son los más relevantes. En este contexto, se investiga la importancia para las empresas de TIC en Austria de la variedad en relación a la obtención de conocimientos para su capacidad de innovación y la importancia de la geografía en este sentido. Los resultados muestran que las empresas más innovadoras tienden a explotar una mayor variedad de fuentes regionales e internacionales. También encontramos que las cooperaciones de I+D y las capacidades internas de conocimiento son muy importantes, mientras que la ubicación de la empresa tan sólo muestra una asociación débil con su capacidad de innovación.
Scope
Known pharmacological activities of guava (Psidium guajava) include modulation of blood glucose levels. However, mechanistic details remain unclear in many cases.
Methods and results
This study ...investigated the effects of different guava leaf and fruit extracts on intestinal glucose transport in vitro and on postprandial glucose levels in vivo. Substantial dose‐ and time‐dependent glucose transport inhibition (up to 80%) was observed for both guava fruit and leaf extracts, at conceivable physiological concentrations in Caco‐2 cells. Using sodium‐containing (both glucose transporters, sodium‐dependent glucose transporter 1 SGLT1 and glucose transporter 2 GLUT2, are active) and sodium‐free (only GLUT2 is active) conditions, we show that inhibition of GLUT2 was greater than that of SGLT1. Inhibitory properties of guava extracts also remained stable after digestive juice treatment, indicating a good chemical stability of the active substances. Furthermore, we could unequivocally show that guava extracts significantly reduced blood glucose levels (≈fourfold reduction) in a time‐dependent manner in vivo (C57BL/6N mice). Extracts were characterized with respect to their main putative bioactive compounds (polyphenols) using HPLC and LC‐MS.
Conclusion
The data demonstrated that guava leaf and fruit extracts can potentially contribute to the regulation of blood glucose levels.
Blocking intestinal glucose uptake could be a possible strategy for moderate control of type 2 diabetes. Especially guava leaf extracts have been reported to lower blood glucose levels, whereas the underlying mechanisms often remain unclear. Results of the study show a great inhibition of intestinal glucose transport by guava leaf and also fruit extracts by affecting the main glucose transporter actions in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, functionalized food products and food supplements including guava extracts might help to avoid elevated blood glucose levels.
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•Large-scale study including 4 harvest years and up to 72 apple varieties.•Correlations between weather parameters and apple juice nutrients, minerals and bioactives.•Results suggest ...weak to moderate correlations between apple juice composition and weather conditions.•Strongest correlations were found between ripeness and weather parameters.
This study was conducted to examine putative correlations between weather parameters during April-September and the amounts of nutrients, minerals and bioactive compounds in the juices of 16 apple varieties from four harvest years in Lower Austria. For most sugar-parameters, negative correlations were found with the total precipitation (r between −0.42 and −0.64). Conversely, positive correlations were observed with the mean air temperature (r between 0.32 and 0.66), the global radiation (r between 0.32 and 0.61) and the number of tropical days (r between 0.39 and 0.51). The sum of 14 polyphenols (HPLC quantitation) was positively correlated with the mean air temperature and global radiation (rs 0.44 and 0.42). Negative correlations were observed between the global radiation and potassium, magnesium and calcium contents (correlation coefficients −0.49, −0.68 and −0.69). We conclude that increased temperatures and global radiation can be correlated with enhanced sugar synthesis and polyphenol formation.
In 2017, the German Academy for Rare Neurological Diseases (Deutsche Akademie für Seltene Neurologische Erkrankungen; DASNE) was founded to pave the way for an optimized personalized management of ...patients with rare neurological diseases (RND) in all age groups. Since then a dynamic national network for rare neurological disorders has been established comprising renowned experts in neurology, pediatric neurology, (neuro-) genetics and neuroradiology. DASNE has successfully implemented case presentations and multidisciplinary discussions both at yearly symposia and monthly virtual case conferences, as well as further educational activities covering a broad spectrum of interdisciplinary expertise associated with RND. Here, we present recommendation statements for optimized personalized management of patients with RND, which have been developed and reviewed in a structured Delphi process by a group of experts.
An interdisciplinary group of 37 RND experts comprising DASNE experts, patient representatives, as well as healthcare professionals and managers was involved in the Delphi process. First, an online collection was performed of topics considered relevant for optimal patient care by the expert group. Second, a two-step Delphi process was carried out to rank the importance of the selected topics. Small interdisciplinary working groups then drafted recommendations. In two consensus meetings and one online review round these recommendations were finally consented.
38 statements were consented and grouped into 11 topics: health care structure, core neurological expertise and core mission, interdisciplinary team composition, diagnostics, continuous care and therapy development, case conferences, exchange / cooperation between Centers for Rare Diseases and other healthcare partners, patient advocacy group, databases, translation and health policy.
This German interdisciplinary Delphi expert panel developed consented recommendations for optimal care of patients with RND in a structured Delphi process. These represent a basis for further developments and adjustments in the health care system to improve care for patients with RND and their families.
Background
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is usually diagnosed in elderly. Currently, little is known about comorbidities and the co-medication in these patients.
Objectives
To explore the ...pattern of comorbidities and co-medication in PSP patients according to the known different phenotypes and in comparison with patients without neurodegenerative disease.
Methods
Cross-sectional data of PSP and patients without neurodegenerative diseases (non-ND) were collected from three German multicenter observational studies (DescribePSP, ProPSP and DANCER). The prevalence of comorbidities according to WHO ICD-10 classification and the prevalence of drugs administered according to WHO ATC system were analyzed. Potential drug–drug interactions were evaluated using AiD
Klinik
®.
Results
In total, 335 PSP and 275 non-ND patients were included in this analysis. The prevalence of diseases of the circulatory and the nervous system was higher in PSP at first level of ICD-10. Dorsopathies, diabetes mellitus, other nutritional deficiencies and polyneuropathies were more frequent in PSP at second level of ICD-10. In particular, the summed prevalence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases was higher in PSP patients. More drugs were administered in the PSP group leading to a greater percentage of patients with polypharmacy. Accordingly, the prevalence of potential drug–drug interactions was higher in PSP patients, especially severe and moderate interactions.
Conclusions
PSP patients possess a characteristic profile of comorbidities, particularly diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The eminent burden of comorbidities and resulting polypharmacy should be carefully considered when treating PSP patients.
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