Discrete vs. Discretized Growth Discretized Fabrication of Geometries Generated with Cellular Growth Simulations

Discrete computational growth simulations, such as Cellular Automata of Diffusion Limited Aggregation, appear often to be difficult to use for architectural design as their geometric outcomes tend to be difficult to control. On the contrary, free-form growth simulations such as Differential Growth or cell-based growth algorithms produce highly complex geometries that are difficult to construct at a larger scale. We, therefore, propose a methodology of discretized free-form Cellular Growth algorithms in order to utilize the emerging qualities of growth simulations for a feasible architectural design. The methodology has been tested within the framework of a workshop and resulted in the efficient construction of a large physical prototype

Engineering design tropisms: Utilization of a bamboo-resin joint for voxelized network geometries

We propose the combination of the traditional construction material bamboo with a novel epoxy-resin joint. The joint forms a bending-resisting connection that eliminates the need for diagonal members. This allows its utilization along rectangular grids as was tested with the design of a prototype structure that occupies a voxelized space. The design process used an agent-based simulation to mediate between design intent, site and structural considerations. The prototype was constructed with a robotic milling of the components and forms a successful application of the joints and design methodology

Tracing drought effects from the tree to the stand growth in temperate and Mediterranean forests: insights and consequences for forest ecology and management

How drought affects tree and stand growth is an old question, but is getting unprecedented relevance in view of climate change. Stress effects related to drought have been mostly studied at the individual tree level, mostly investigating dominant trees and using their responses as indicator for the impact at the stand level. However, findings at tree and stand level may differ, as the stand responses include interactions and feedbacks that may buffer or aggravate what is observed at the individual tree level. Here, we trace drought effects on growth and development from tree to the stand scale. Therefore, we analyse annually measured data from long-term experiments in temperate and Mediterranean forests. With this analysis, we aim to disclose how well results of dominant tree growth reflect stand-level behaviour, hypothesizing that drought resistance of dominant trees’ can strongly deviate from the overall sensitivity of the stand. First, we theoretically derive how drought responses at the stand level emerge from the tree-level behaviour, thereby considering that potential drought resistance of individual trees is modulated by acclimation and tree–tree interactions at the stand level and that the overall stress response at the stand level results from species-specific and size-dependent individual tree growth and mortality. Second, reviewing respective peer-reviewed literature (24 papers) and complementing findings by own measurements (22 experiments) from temperate and Mediterranean monospecific and mixed-species forests, we are able to reveal main causes for deviations of tree-level and stand-level findings regarding drought stress responses. Using a long-term experiment in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) KARST.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), we provide evidence that the species-dependent and size-dependent reactions matter and how the size–frequency distribution affects the scaling. We show by examples that tree-level derived results may overestimate growth losses by 25%. Third, we investigate the development of the growth dominance coefficient based on measurements gathered at the Bavarian forest climate stations. We show that drought changes stand biomass partitioning in favour of small trees, reduce social differentiation, and homogenize the vertical structure of forests. Finally, we discuss the drought-related consequences of the social class-specific growth reaction patterns for inventory and monitoring and highlight the importance of these findings for understanding site-specific stand dynamics, for forest modelling, and for silvicultural management

Administration of single-dose GnRH agonist in the luteal phase in ICSI cycles: a meta-analysis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The effects of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) administered in the luteal phase remains controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of the administration of a single-dose of GnRH-a in the luteal phase on ICSI clinical outcomes.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The research strategy included the online search of databases. Only randomized studies were included. The outcomes analyzed were implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) per transfer and ongoing pregnancy rate. The fixed effects model was used for odds ratio. In all trials, a single dose of GnRH-a was administered at day 5/6 after ICSI procedures.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>All cycles presented statistically significantly higher rates of implantation (P < 0.0001), CPR per transfer (P = 0.006) and ongoing pregnancy (P = 0.02) in the group that received luteal-phase GnRH-a administration than in the control group (without luteal-phase-GnRH-a administration). When meta-analysis was carried out only in trials that had used long GnRH-a ovarian stimulation protocol, CPR per transfer (P = 0.06) and ongoing pregnancy (P = 0.23) rates were not significantly different between the groups, but implantation rate was significant higher (P = 0.02) in the group that received luteal-phase-GnRH-a administration. On the other hand, the results from trials that had used GnRH antagonist multi-dose ovarian stimulation protocol showed statistically significantly higher implantation (P = 0.0002), CPR per transfer (P = 0.04) and ongoing pregnancy rate (P = 0.04) in the luteal-phase-GnRH-a administration group. The majority of the results presented heterogeneity.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>These findings demonstrate that the luteal-phase single-dose GnRH-a administration can increase implantation rate in all cycles and CPR per transfer and ongoing pregnancy rate in cycles with GnRH antagonist ovarian stimulation protocol. Nevertheless, by considering the heterogeneity between the trials, it seems premature to recommend the use of GnRH-a in the luteal phase. Additional randomized controlled trials are necessary before evidence-based recommendations can be provided.</p

Estrogen- and Progesterone (P4)-Mediated Epigenetic Modifications of Endometrial Stromal Cells (EnSCs) and/or Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells (MSCs) in the Etiopathogenesis of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common chronic inflammatory condition in which endometrial tissue appears outside the uterine cavity. Because ectopic endometriosis cells express both estrogen and progesterone (P4) receptors, they grow and undergo cyclic proliferation and breakdown similar to the endometrium. This debilitating gynecological disease affects up to 15% of reproductive aged women. Despite many years of research, the etiopathogenesis of endometrial lesions remains unclear. Retrograde transport of the viable menstrual endometrial cells with retained ability for attachment within the pelvic cavity, proliferation, differentiation and subsequent invasion into the surrounding tissue constitutes the rationale for widely accepted implantation theory. Accordingly, the most abundant cells in the endometrium are endometrial stromal cells (EnSCs). These cells constitute a particular population with clonogenic activity that resembles properties of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). Thus, a significant role of stem cell-based dysfunction in formation of the initial endometrial lesions is suspected. There is increasing evidence that the role of epigenetic mechanisms and processes in endometriosis have been underestimated. The importance of excess estrogen exposure and P4 resistance in epigenetic homeostasis failure in the endometrial/endometriotic tissue are crucial. Epigenetic alterations regarding transcription factors of estrogen and P4 signaling pathways in MSCs are robust in endometriotic tissue. Thus, perspectives for the future may include MSCs and EnSCs as the targets of epigenetic therapies in the prevention and treatment of endometriosis. Here, we reviewed the current known changes in the epigenetic background of EnSCs and MSCs due to estrogen/P4 imbalances in the context of etiopathogenesis of endometriosis

E-Scouts zur Unterstützung der Online-Lehre während der SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie

Introduction: During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, students with an affinity to digital technology supported the online teaching activities of lecturers on an ad-hoc and needs-oriented basis. The aim of the study was to determine the necessity and acceptance of these so-called e-scouts. Methodology: An online survey was sent via the Faculty of Medicine mailing list of department heads and teaching coordinators. Thirty valid responses were identified and evaluated. Results: The e-scouts provided support in particular with preparing audio commentaries of presentation slides, video recording of presentations, and the implementation of case-based e-learning. The main reasons for requesting help from the students were technical support, equipment loan, and support with how to use the learning platform and course management system. Overall, the lecturers rated the service provided by e-scouts as highly satisfactory and praised their prompt and competent assistance. Over 50% of the lecturers stated their wish to continue working with e-scouts in the future and integrate online activities into their teaching even beyond the SARS-CoV2 pandemic. Discussion and conclusion: With the support of the e-scouts, lecturers received assistance with developing and improving their own media competence without bureaucratic hurdles, aiming to create online courses for the local teaching and learning platform. Thereby, the e-scouts' perspective was very helpful in providing both important insights into how students learn as well as impulse toward the further development of digital teaching activities.Einleitung: Technikaffine Studierende unterstützten adhoc und bedarfsorientiert die Online-Lehraktivitäten der Dozierenden während der SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie. Ziel der Studie war es, die Nutzung und Akzeptanz der sogenannten E-Scouts zu eruieren. Methodik: Eine Online-Umfrage wurde über den Verteiler der Leitungspositionen und Lehrverantwortlichen gesendet, es konnten 30 gültige Bögen identifiziert und deskriptiv ausgewertet werden. Ergebnisse: Die E-Scouts unterstützten insbesondere bei der Vertonung von Präsentationsfolien, der Aufzeichnung von Präsentationen und bei E-Learning-Fällen. Gründe für die Inanspruchnahme stellten vor allem die technische Unterstützung, die Ausleihe von Equipment und die Unterstützung mit Lernplattformen und Kursmanagementsystemen dar. Insgesamt beurteilten die Dozierenden die E-Scouts mit einer hohen Zufriedenheit und lobten über eine zeitnahe und kompetente Hilfestellung. Über 50% der Dozierenden möchte auch in Zukunft auf E-Scouts zugreifen und Online-Aktivitäten über den Zeitraum der SARS-CoV2-Pandemie in die Lehre integrieren. Diskussion und Schlussfolgerung: Durch die Unterstützung der E-Scouts konnten Dozierende rasch und ohne bürokratische Hürden zu einer Medienkompetenz verholfen werden, um verschiedene Online-Lehrangebote über die Lehr- und Lernplattform der Universität zur Verfügung zu stellen. Die Perspektive der Studierenden hat dabei sehr geholfen, die Orientierung an den Lernenden herbeizuführen und wichtige Impulse für die weitere Entwicklung von digitalen Lehraktivitäten zu geben