Hexagonal microlasers based on organic dyes in nanoporous crystals

Molecular sieves, such as nanoporous AlPO_4-5, can host a wide variety of laser active dyes. We embedded pyridine 2 molecules as a representative of a commercially available dye which fits into the channel pores of the host matrix. Many efficient dye molecules, such as rhodamines, do not fit into the pores. But the amount of encapsulated dyes can be increased by modifying the structure of the dyes such that they match the host templates. The resulting microlasers have properties that depend on size and shape of the microresonators, and we discuss a model for microscopic hexagonal ring resonators. In terms of pump needed to reach lasing threshold molecular sieve microlasers are comparable to VCSELs. For dyes which fit into the pores we observed a partial regeneration of photo-induced damage.Comment: 10 pages, 16 figure

Integrating the Agricultural Sector into the New EU Climate Policy Framework for 2030: A Scenario Analysis to Highlight Potential Impacts and Challenges

According to the European Council's recent agreement on domestic climate and energy goals, greenhouse gas emissions from sectors outside the EU's Emission Trading Scheme have to be cut by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030. So far no decision has been taken on agriculture's specific involvement in mitigation obligations or on how mitigation targets would be distributed between Member States. Based on hypothetical assumptions, we employ the CAPRI model to illustrate and highlight some potential impacts and challenges related to an integration of the agricultural sector into the new EU climate policy framework. Results of the hypothetical mitigation policy scenario show important impacts on EU agriculture, in particular the livestock sector, if the distribution key of the current Effort Sharing Decision would be rigidly applied as in our assumptions. The results highlight the importance of a targeted but flexible implementation of mitigation policy instruments in the EU and its Member States, as well as the need for a wider consideration and adoption of technological mitigation options

An economic assessment of GHG mitigation policy options for EU agriculture

The report presents an overview of the historical and projected development of agricultural GHG emissions in the EU. The major objective of the report is to present the improvements made in the CAPRI modelling system with respect to GHG emission accounting and especially regarding the implementation of endogenous technological mitigation options. Furthermore, the CAPRI model was applied to provide a quantitative assessment of illustrative GHG mitigation policy options in the agricultural sector, and their production and economic implications.JRC.J.4-Agriculture and Life Sciences in the Econom

Longitudinal evaluation of laboratory results and method precision in worldwide erythropoietin external quality assessments

Introduction: This study presents a longitudinal analysis of external quality assessment (EQA) results for erythropoietin (EPO) determinations conducted between 2017 and 2022 with a continuously increasing number of participating laboratories. The aim of this work was to evaluate participant performance and methodological aspects.Methods: In each of the eleven EQA surveys, a blinded sample set of lyophilized human serum containing one sample with lower EPO concentrations (L) and one with higher EPO concentrations (H) was sent to the participating laboratories.Results: A total of 1,256 measurements were included. The median (interquartile range) fraction of participants not meeting the criteria of acceptance set at 20% around the robust mean of the respective survey was 9.5% (6.1%–10.7%) (sample L) and 9.1% (5.8%–11.8%) (sample H) but lacked a clear trend in the observed period. Some surveys exhibited unusually high interlaboratory variation, suggesting interfering components in the EQA samples. Different immunological methods and reagent manufacturers also showed variability in measurement outcomes to some extent.Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for continuous quality assessment in EPO measurements to ensure patient safety and identify areas for further research and investigation

Longitudinal evaluation of external quality assessment results for CA 15-3, CA 19-9, and CA 125

BackgroundTumor markers are established laboratory tools that help to diagnose, estimate prognosis, and monitor the course of cancer. For meaningful decision-making in patient care, it is essential that methods and analytical platforms demonstrate high sensitivity, specificity, precision, and comparability. Regular participation at external quality assessment (EQA) schemes is mandatory for laboratories. Here, a longitudinal evaluation of EQA data was performed to assess the performance of tumor marker assays over time.MethodsLongitudinal data of the cancer antigens (CA) 15-3 (n = 5,492), CA 19-9 (n = 6,802), and CA 125 (n = 5,362) from 14 INSTAND EQAs conducted between 2019 and 2023 were evaluated. A median of 197, 244 and 191 laboratories participated at the EQAs for CA 15-3, CA 19-9 and CA 125, respectively. Data evaluation encompasses intra- and inter-manufacturer specific variations over time, assay precision, and adherence to the EQA limits of ±24% for CA 15-3, ±27% for CA 19–9 and ±36% for CA 125.ResultsThe study showed median manufacturer-dependent differences of up to 107% for CA 15-3, 99% for CA 125, and even 549% for CA 19-9 between the highest and the lowest methods over the studied period. Regarding the normalized median of all methods, the values of the most deviant methods were 0.42 for CA 15-3, 7.61 for CA 19-9, and 1.82 for CA 125. Intra-manufacturer variability was generally low, with median coefficients of variation (CV) below 10%. As the methods were evaluated according to method-specific consensus values, most participants passed the EQAs within the acceptance criteria. When the criteria were consistently set at 24%, the central 90% of participants passed the EQAs in 78.6%–100% for CA 15-3 (with exception of AX), 89.3%–100% for CA 125, and 64.3%–100% for CA 19-9.ConclusionWhile intra-method precision of most analytical platforms is acceptable for all three tumor markers, considerable inter-method variability was observed over the whole studied period demonstrating the necessity for better standardization and harmonization of the methods, development of international reference materials, and comprehensive commutability studies with patient samples

Longitudinal analysis of 20 Years of external quality assurance schemes for PCR/NAAT-based bacterial genome detection in diagnostic testing

Background:Quality control (QC), quality assurance, and standardization are crucial for modern diagnostic testing in the field of medical microbiology. The need for efficient QC to ensure accurate laboratory results, treatment, and infection prevention has led to significant efforts in standardizing assay reagents and workflows. External quality assessment (EQA) schemes, like those offered by INSTAND, play a vital role in evaluating in-house and commercial routine diagnostic assays, regarded as mandatory by national and global guidelines. The recent impact of polymerase chain reaction/nucleic acid amplification technology (PCR/NAAT) assays in medical microbiology requires that high-performing assays be distinguished from inadequately performing ones, especially those made by inexperienced suppliers.Objectives:The study assesses the evolving diagnostic performance trends over 2 decades for the detection of EHEC/STEC, Borrelia (B.) burgdorferi, and MRSA/cMRSA. It explores the historical context of assay utilization, participant engagement, and rates of correct results in EQA schemes. The research seeks to identify patterns in assay preferences, participant proficiency, and the challenges encountered in detecting emerging variants or clinical strains.Results:The study highlights the decline in in-house PCR assay usage, the emergence of new diagnostic challenges, and educational aspects within EQA schemes. Specific examples, such as the inclusion, in certain EQA surveys, of EHEC strains carrying stx-2f or B. miyamotoi, highlight the role of EQAs in increasing awareness and diagnostic capabilities. Advancements in MRSA detection, especially through the adoption of commercial assays, demonstrate the impact that technology evolution has had on diagnostic performance.Conclusion:Achieving excellence in diagnostic molecular microbiology involves a multifaceted approach, including well-evaluated assays, careful instrumentation selection, and structured training programs. EQA schemes contribute significantly to this pursuit by providing insights into the evolving diagnostic landscape and identifying areas for improvement in the diagnostic workflow as well as in PCR/NAAT assay design

The MASCOT Magnetometer

The Mobile Asteroid Scout (MASCOT) is a small lander on board the Hayabusa2 mission of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency to the asteroid 162173 Ryugu. Among the instruments on MASCOT is a fluxgate magnetometer, the MASCOT Magnetometer (MasMag). The magnetometer is a lightweight ( ∼280 g∼280 g ) and low power ( ∼0.5 W∼0.5 W ) triaxial fluxgate magnetometer. Magnetic field measurements during the landing period and during the surface operational phase shall provide information about any intrinsic magnetic field of the asteroid and its remanent magnetization. This could provide important constraints on planet formation and the thermal and aqueous evolution of primitive asteroids.Thomas F. PetersonUnited States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Emerging Worlds Progra

Direct cooling of the catheter tip increases safety for CMR-guided electrophysiological procedures

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>One of the safety concerns when performing electrophysiological (EP) procedures under magnetic resonance (MR) guidance is the risk of passive tissue heating due to the EP catheter being exposed to the radiofrequency (RF) field of the RF transmitting body coil. Ablation procedures that use catheters with irrigated tips are well established therapeutic options for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and when used in a modified mode might offer an additional system for suppressing passive catheter heating.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A two-step approach was chosen. Firstly, tests on passive catheter heating were performed in a 1.5 T Avanto system (Siemens Healthcare Sector, Erlangen, Germany) using a ASTM Phantom in order to determine a possible maximum temperature rise. Secondly, a phantom was designed for simulation of the interface between blood and the vascular wall. The MR-RF induced temperature rise was simulated by catheter tip heating via a standard ablation generator. Power levels from 1 to 6 W were selected. Ablation duration was 120 s with no tip irrigation during the first 60 s and irrigation at rates from 2 ml/min to 35 ml/min for the remaining 60 s (Biotronik Qiona Pump, Berlin, Germany). The temperature was measured with fluoroscopic sensors (Luxtron, Santa Barbara, CA, USA) at a distance of 0 mm, 2 mm, 4 mm, and 6 mm from the catheter tip.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A maximum temperature rise of 22.4°C at the catheter tip was documented in the MR scanner. This temperature rise is equivalent to the heating effect of an ablator's power output of 6 W at a contact force of the weight of 90 g (0.883 N). The catheter tip irrigation was able to limit the temperature rise to less than 2°C for the majority of examined power levels, and for all examined power levels the residual temperature rise was less than 8°C.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Up to a maximum of 22.4°C, the temperature rise at the tissue surface can be entirely suppressed by using the catheter's own irrigation system. The irrigated tip system can be used to increase MR safety of EP catheters by suppressing the effects of unwanted passive catheter heating due to RF exposure from the MR scanner.</p

Meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies of asthma in ethnically diverse North American populations.

Asthma is a common disease with a complex risk architecture including both genetic and environmental factors. We performed a meta-analysis of North American genome-wide association studies of asthma in 5,416 individuals with asthma (cases) including individuals of European American, African American or African Caribbean, and Latino ancestry, with replication in an additional 12,649 individuals from the same ethnic groups. We identified five susceptibility loci. Four were at previously reported loci on 17q21, near IL1RL1, TSLP and IL33, but we report for the first time, to our knowledge, that these loci are associated with asthma risk in three ethnic groups. In addition, we identified a new asthma susceptibility locus at PYHIN1, with the association being specific to individuals of African descent (P = 3.9 × 10(-9)). These results suggest that some asthma susceptibility loci are robust to differences in ancestry when sufficiently large samples sizes are investigated, and that ancestry-specific associations also contribute to the complex genetic architecture of asthma