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For automatic monitoring of construction processes, methods for geometric validation with a BIM and for change detection on construction sites based on images and point clouds by consideration of model and measurement uncertainties are proposed. Experiments with five indoor scenes on three construction sites taken by photogrammetry and laser scanning with different measurement systems have shown that a BIM can be verified up to Level of Accuracy 30/40., Für die automatische Überwachung von Bauprozessen werden Methoden zur geometrischen Validierung mit einem BIM und zur Detektion von Änderungen für den Baufortschritt auf Basis von Bildern und Punktwolken mit Berücksichtigung von Modell und Messunsicherheiten vorgeschlagen. Experimente mit fünf Innenbereichsszenen auf drei Baustellen durch Photogrammetrie und Laserscanning mit verschiedenen Messsystemen haben gezeigt, dass ein BIM bis zu Level of Accuracy 30/40 verifiziert werden kann.

As the global food system fails to cope with its social and environmental depletion, Alternative Food Systems (AFSs) have emerged. While previous studies have focused on localization efforts through consumer and producer food initiatives, emerging start-ups which act as mediators between the farmers and consumers have been neglected.Therefore, semi-structured interviews with seven different start-ups in Germany were conducted to understand their potential to contribute to a stronger AFSs commitment within the German food system. The material was analysed through a coding framework guided by a Multi-Level Perspective on transition pathways. The results show that the start-ups’ strategies are highly diverse due to different degrees of regime interaction. Start-ups which oppose regime practices are less successful in scaling-up their businesses than those adopting common regime practices, but they are a stronger engine for sociotechnical innovation. The diverse empowerment strategies can benefit to transition the German food system along AFS characteristics as it may bring along a symbiosis of learning and legitimization discussions.

The small arginine-rich protein protamine condenses complete genomic DNA into the sperm head. Here, we applied its high RNA binding capacity for spontaneous electrostatic assembly of therapeutic nanoparticles decorated with tumour-cell-specific antibodies for efficiently targeting siRNA. Fluorescence microscopy and DLS measurements of these nanocarriers revealed the formation of a vesicular architecture that requires presence of antibody-protamine, defined excess of free SMCC-protamine, and anionic siRNA to form. Only these complex nanoparticles were efficient in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) xenograft models, when the oncogene KRAS was targeted via EGFR-mediated delivery. To show general applicability, we used the modular platform for IGF1R-positive Ewing sarcomas. Anti-IGR1R-antibodies were integrated into an antibody-protamine nanoparticle with an siRNA specifically against the oncogenic translocation product EWS/FLI1. Using these nanoparticles, EWS/FLI1 knockdown blocked in vitro and in vivo growth of Ewing sarcoma cells. We conclude that these antibody-protamine-siRNA nanocarriers provide a novel platform technology to specifically target different cell types and yet undruggable targets in cancer therapy by RNAi.

As the global food system fails to cope with its social and environmental depletion, Alternative Food Systems (AFSs) have emerged. While previous studies have focused on localization efforts through consumer and producer food initiatives, emerging start-ups which act as mediators between the farmers and consumers have been neglected.Therefore, semi-structured interviews with seven different start-ups in Germany were conducted to understand their potential to contribute to a stronger AFSs commitment within the German food system. The material was analysed through a coding framework guided by a Multi-Level Perspective on transition pathways. The results show that the start-ups’ strategies are highly diverse due to different degrees of regime interaction. Start-ups which oppose regime practices are less successful in scaling-up their businesses than those adopting common regime practices, but they are a stronger engine for sociotechnical innovation. The diverse empowerment strategies can benefit to transition the German food system along AFS characteristics as it may bring along a symbiosis of learning and legitimization discussions.

Disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) are congenital conditions in which there is atypical chromosomal, gonadal and/or phenotypic sex. While there remains controversy around the traditionally binary concept of sex, most patients with DSD are reared either male or female depending on their genetic sex, gonadal sex, genital phenotype and status of their internal genital tract. This study uses prospective data from 12 institutions across the United States that specialize in DSD care. We focused on patients raised female. Eligible patients had moderate to severe genital atypia (defined as Prader score >2), were ≤2 years of age at entry, and had no prior genitoplasty. The aim of this study is to describe early post operative complications for young patients undergoing modern approaches to feminizing genitoplasty. Of the 91 participants in the cohort, 57 (62%) were reared female. The majority had congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (n = 52), 1 had ovo-testicular syndrome, 2 had mixed gonadal dysgenesis and 2 had partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (PAIS). Of the 50 participants who received early genitoplasty, 43 (86%) had follow-up at 6-12 months post-surgery. Thirty-two participants (64%) received a clitoroplasty, 31 (62%) partial urogenital mobilization and 4 (8%) total urogenital sinus mobilization. Eighteen percent (9/50) experienced post-surgical complications with 7 (14%) being rated as Clavien-Dindo grade III. Both parents and surgeons reported improved satisfaction with genital appearance of participants following surgery compared to baseline. This information on post-operative complications associated with contemporary approaches to feminizing genitoplasty performed in young children will help guide families when making decisions about whether or not to proceed with surgery for female patients with moderate to severe genital atypia.

PurposeWe examined the psychosocial characteristics of parents of children with disorders of sex development at early presentation to a disorders of sex development clinic. Parental anxiety, depression, quality of life, illness uncertainty and posttraumatic stress symptoms were assessed. Additionally we evaluated the relationship of assigned child gender to parental outcomes.Materials and methodsA total of 51 parents of children with ambiguous or atypical genitalia were recruited from 7 centers specializing in treatment of disorders of sex development. At initial assessment no child had undergone genitoplasty. Parents completed the Cosmetic Appearance Rating Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, SF-36, Parent Perception of Uncertainty Scale and Impact of Event Scale-Revised.ResultsA large percentage of parents (54.5%) were dissatisfied with the genital appearance of their child, and a small but significant percentage reported symptoms of anxiety, depression, diminished quality of life, uncertainty and posttraumatic stress. Few gender differences emerged.ConclusionsAlthough many parents function well, a subset experience significant psychological distress around the time of diagnosis of a disorder of sex development in their child. Early screening to assess the need for psychosocial interventions is warranted.