bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hemi-laryngopharyngeal spasm as a novel cause of inducible laryngeal obstruction with a surgical cure: report of 3 cases
Authors: Honey Christopher R. , Morrison Murray D. , Heran Manraj K. S. , Dhaliwal Baljinder S.
Published: July 2018

Inducible laryngeal obstruction has been described under at least 40 different monikers, including vocal cord dysfunction, paroxysmal vocal fold motion, and irritable larynx. The etiology of this condition is believed to be laryngeal hyperactivity in response to psychological issues or acid reflux. Most patients are treated with some combination of proton pump inhibitors, speech therapy, and psychotherapy. However, a small cohort of patients remains refractory to all medical interventions. The authors describe a novel condition, hemi-laryngopharyngeal spasm (HELPS), which can cause severe episodic stridor leading to unconsciousness in association with cough. The first recognized and surgically cured patient with HELPS was reported in an earlier issue of this journal. Three additional patients have been followed up for at least a year postoperatively, and their cases are reported here.

Each patient presented with a similar pattern of episodic coughing and choking that increased in frequency, severity, and duration over years. The episodes eventually occurred while sleeping and could cause severe stridor with loss of consciousness. All three patients were initially misdiagnosed with a psychiatric illness and subjected to multiple intubations and one tracheostomy. Unilateral botulinum toxin injections in the vocal fold eased the severity of the throat contractions but not the cough. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a looping posterior inferior cerebellar artery juxtaposed to a vagus nerve in each case. Microvascular decompression (MVD) of that vessel relieved all symptoms.

The introduction of this new medical condition may help a small cohort of patients with inducible laryngeal obstructions that have not responded to the current standard treatments. Patients are asymptomatic between episodes of progressively severe coughing and choking with stridor that may lead to intubation. Severe anxiety about the unpredictable symptoms is expected and may contribute to a psychiatric misdiagnosis. Microvascular decompression for HELPS is more difficult than that for trigeminal neuralgia because the involved nerve is more susceptible to manipulation. Ultimately, the final proof that HELPS is a real and distinct syndrome will require its recognition and successful treatment by colleagues around the world.
In vivo assessment of spinal cord elasticity using shear wave ultrasound in dogs
Authors: Al-Habib Amro , Albakr Abdulrahman , Al Towim Abdullah , Alkubeyyer Metab , Abu Jamea Abdullah , Albadr Fahad , Eldawlatly Abdelazeem A. , Kashour Tarek , Alkhalidi Hisham , Alzahrani Tariq
Published: July 2018

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of living tissue elasticity has wide applications in disease characterization and prognosis prediction. Few previous ex vivo attempts have been made to characterize spinal cord elasticity (SCE). Recently, tissue elasticity assessment has been clinically feasible using ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE). The current study aims to characterize SCE in healthy dogs, in vivo, utilizing SWE, and to address SCE changes during compression.

METHODS

Ten Greyhound dogs (mean age 14 months; mean weight 14.3 kg) were anesthetized and tracheally intubated, with hemodynamic and neurological monitoring. A 3-level, midcervical laminectomy was performed. SCE was assessed at baseline. Next, 8- and 13-mm balloon compressions were sequentially applied ventral to the spinal cord.

RESULTS

The mean SCE was 18.5 ± 7 kPa. Elasticity of the central canal, pia mater, and dura mater were 21.7 ± 9.6 kPa, 26.1 ± 14.8 kPa, and 63.2 ± 11.5 kPa, respectively. As expected, the spinal cord demonstrated less elasticity than the dura mater (p < 0.0001) and pia mater (trend toward significance p = 0.08). Notably, the 13-mm balloon compression resulted in a stiffer spinal cord than at baseline (233 ± 73 kPa versus 18.5 ± 7 kPa, p < 0.0001) and 8-mm balloon compression (233 ± 73 kPa versus 185 ± 68 kPa, p < 0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

In vivo SCE evaluation using SWE is feasible and comparable to earlier reports, as demonstrated by physical sectioning of the spinal cord. The compressed spinal cord is stiffer than a free spinal cord, with a linear increase in SCE with increasing mechanical compression. Knowledge of the biomechanical properties of the spinal cord including SCE has potential implications for disease management and prognosis.
PRODUCTION AND ANALYSIS OF FUNCTIONAL SEBS NANOFIBERS BY ELECTROSPINNING
Authors: AVCİ Huseyin , AKKULAK Esra , GERGEROGLU Hazal , GHORBANPOOR Hamed , BAKSAN Bedri , DOĞAN GÜZEL Fatma
Published: July 2018

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) offers wide design opportunities because of its rapid prototyping that provides researchers with the acquisition of many different material properties from softness and jelly-like properties to hardness and rigidity. In this regard, poly(styrene-b-(ethylene-cobutylene)-b-styrene) (SEBS) triblock copolymer has many positive aspects and is very promising when the design and requirements of devices for different applications are considered. The combination of thermoplastic and elastomeric properties of SEBS triblock copolymer makes it one of the potential materials in the production of large-scale materials. In this study, highly elastic and functional nanofibers from SEBS triblock copolymer with the diameters of 286±93 nm were produced successfully by electrospinning for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. We believe that SEBS-based functional electrospun nanofibers will find widespread applications in medicine and water purification in the near future
EVALUATION OF THE CLASSROOM FURNITURE FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Authors: KAHYA Emin
Published: July 2018

Kişilerin sosyal, kültürel,
ekonomik ve psikolojik isteklerini karşılarken kullandıkları araç, gereç ve
donanımların, insan vücudunun statik beden ölçülerine uygun olarak tasarlanması
en uygun ve maksimum düzeyde fayda sağlamaktadır. Bu durum zamanının birçoğunu
masa ve sıralarda geçiren okul öğrencileri için büyük önem arz etmektedir. Bu
çalışmada, Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi Mühendislik-Mimarlık Fakültesi’nde
öğrenim gören 68’i kız, 157’si erkek olmak üzere toplam 225 öğrencinin,
tasarlanan ölçüm aletiyle, 11 antropometrik ölçüsü alınmıştır. Alınan
ölçümlerin analizi sonucunda fakültede mevcut ikili masa ve sıraların
öğrenciler için önemli ölçüde uygun olduğu tesbit edilmiştir.
TÜRBİDİT AKINTILARININ DENEYSEL MODELLEMESİ
Authors: EREN Muhsin , İNANÇ Fırat , BABA Azad
Published: July 2018

Türbidit
akıntısı bir çeşit yoğunluk akıntısıdır ve yaygın olarak kıta yamacı boyunca
oluşur. Çalışmanın amacını kıta yamacı boyunca doğal olarak gerçekleşen
sediment yüklü yoğunluk akıntılarının deneysel olarak gerçekleştirilmesi
oluşturmaktadır. Deney düzeneği kıta yamacına benzer şekilde tasarlanmış ve 10
mm kalınlığında cam malzemeden yapılmıştır. Deney düzeneğinin üst kısmında
ayrılan kısma tuzla yoğunluğu artırılmış ve içine boya maddesi konulan su
konulmuştur. Diğer bölüme ise normal çeşme suyu doldurulmuştur. Yoğunluğu fazla
sıvıyı diğer bölümden ayıran ara bölme kaldırılınca, yoğunluğu fazla olan
boyalı su diğer normal suyun  içinde
aşağıya doğru akıntı türbülansı ile hareket etmektedir. Yoğunluğu fazla olan
sıvı boya maddesi içerdiği için, yoğunluk farkından dolayı oluşan hareket
rahatlıkla gözlenebilmektedir. Sıvılar arasındaki yoğunluk farkı arttıkça,
türbidit akıntısının hızı artmaktadır. Türbidit
akıntısı baş, gövde ve kuyruk kısımlarından oluşur.
Лінгвостилістичні особливості офіційно-ділових текстів
Authors: Пасічна Олена Вікторівна
Published: July 2018

У статті йдеться про комунікативно-прагматичні особливості офіційно-ділового стилю та мовні засоби передавання офіційної інформації на лексичному, морфологічному й синтаксичному рівнях. Окреслено позамовні та мовні чинники, які визначають мовленнєву системність означеного стилю. Наголошено на таких екстралінгвістичних ознаках цього функціонального різновиду мови: офіційний характер, адресність, повторюваність дій і ситуацій, тематична обмеженість, документальність. Охарактеризовано спосіб викладу матеріалу в документах з високим і низьким рівнем стандартизації. Проаналізовано функціонування груп лексики в текстах документів. Розглянуто вживання форм частин мови в ділових паперах. Доведено, що специфічною рисою офіційно-ділових текстів є прямий порядок слів. Поширеним синтаксичним явищем у документах є розщеплені присудки.
Мовні засоби репрезентації рослинного світу в поезії В. Свідзінського
Authors: Сметана Ірина Ігорівна
Published: July 2018

У статті проаналізовано мовні засоби вираження рослинного світу на лексико-синтаксичному рівні. З’ясовано, що для змалювання цих словесних образів митець використовує прості речення, для розширення та узагальнення думки – складні конструкції, для відтворення живого усного мовлення – діалог та пряму мову. Досліджено, що в поетичному доробку автора рослини, представлені різноманітними видами та назвами, виразно відтворюють простір, у якому перебуває ліричний герой, виступають як дійовими особами, так і виконують статичну функцію.
Лексичні домінанти в повісті Миколи Хвильового «Санаторійна зона»
Authors: Цюп’як Ірина Костянтинівна
Published: July 2018

У статті проаналізовано лексику Миколи Хвильового з огляду на її постійне домінування та повторення окремих лексем в тканині художнього тексту. З’ясовано семантичну специфіку й функціонально роль лексичних домінант у повісті «Санаторійна зона»; досліджено їх структурні та стилістичні особливості, зокрема й стосовно передачі авторської концепції дійсності; простежено їх мовознавчий аспект як вербалізаторів стилістичних фігур «мовчання» та «крику».
Компоненти навчання англійської лексики в авіаційному ВНЗ
Authors: Файнман Інна Борисівна , Токарь Євгенія Борисівна
Published: July 2018

У статті розглянуто питання навчання англійської лексики студентів авіаційних вищих навчальних закладів. Виокремлено низку теоретичних та концептуальних ідей, що лягли в основу розробки компонентної структури навчання лексики. Увагу зосереджено на визначенні компонентів навчання лексики майбутніх авіаційних фахівців з урахуванням наявності процесів опосередкованого та цілеспрямованого вивчення студентами нових слів. Проаналізовано чотири компоненти, а саме: систематизоване свідоме навчання спеціально відібраних лексичних одиниць; розширення мовного досвіду студентів; навчання студентів стратегій вивчення лексичних одиниць; розвиток лексичної свідомості.
Репрезентація концепту КОРУПЦІЯ в українському афористичному корпусі
Authors: Григорович Юлія Миколаївна
Published: July 2018

Статтю присвячено дослідженню концепту КОРУПЦІЯ в українському афористичному просторі. З’ясовано семантичні особливості концепту КОРУПЦІЯ. Досліджено ознаки концепту за словниковими дефініціями, проаналізовані афоризми, що містять ім’я концепту в тексті. Семантичне наповнення досліджуваного концепту, вербалізованого в афористичних висловленнях, представлено крізь призму ядерних та периферійних елементів. Акцентовано на метафоризації для досягнення стилістичного ефекту.
Голосова поведінка українців і білорусів: особливості комунікативного мовчання (на матеріалі фразеології)
Authors: Демиденко Ганна Глебівна
Published: July 2018

У статті розглянуто явище комунікативного мовчання як специфічного компонента невербальної поведінки загалом. Визначено, що семантичне навантаження мовчання ідентифікується в конкретних ситуаціях, у яких прослідковується комунікативна компетенція особи в соціумі. Загальні моделі голосової поведінки пов’язані з національно-культурними традиціями й стереотипами в певному мовному колективі. Фраземи на позначення мовчання фіксують надбання соціально-культурного досвіду українців і білорусів, процес зміни комунікативних ролей мовців. Звернено увагу на фразеологізацію процесу припинення мовної взаємодії, зважаючи на анатомо-фізіологічні можливості мовного апарату людини. Простежено асоціативні зв’язки проаналізованих стійких виразів з явищами припинення життя – могилою, труною, як ознакою абсолютного мовчання і тиші. Зіставний аналіз українських і білоруських фразеологізмів-виразників мовчання засвідчує паралелізм їхньої семантики та форми; їх простір репрезентовано соматизмами: язик, рот, губи / вуста, горло, зуби.
Ойконіми на *-ьn Західного і Середнього Полісся: ареальний і хронологічний аспекти
Authors: Купчинська Зоряна Олегівна
Published: July 2018

У статті йдеться про ареальний і хронологічний виміри ойконімів на *-ьn Західного і Середнього Полісся. Просторово-часова характеристика географічних назв є частиною їхньої стратиграфії. Акцентовано, що ойконіми на *-ьn генетично пов’язані з відносними прикметниками, після процесу субстантивації в українській ойконімії зафіксовано великий пласт географічних назв із цим суфіксом. Західне і Середнє Полісся – це регіон України, який представляє великий інтерес для ономастів, бо ця територія репрезентує значний масив архаїчних ойконімів, зокрема географічних назв на *-ьn, і є частиною загальноукраїнського і загальнослов’янського ареалів.
Специфіка вживання англійської мови у фразеології радіообміну
Authors: Підлубна Ольга Миколаївна
Published: July 2018

У статті розглянуто особливості професійної спілкування в авіаційній галузі та роль організації англомовної комунікації під час радіообміну. Визначено, що англійська мова стала невід’ємним чинником для забезпечення ефективності міжнародної взаємодії й безпеки під час авіаційних перевезень. Представлено основні причини непорозуміння між пілотом і диспетчером, розглянуто характеристики радіообміну цивільної авіації, які визначають мовні особливості кодування інформації в його межах, а саме: лаконічність, ясність, однозначність. Розглянуто лінгвістичні фактори, які впливають на ведення радіообміну: прогнозованість, переключення мовних кодів, паралінгвістичні фактори порушення радіообміну та лексична неоднозначність.
Когнітивно-прагматичний потенціал аудіальних перцептивів у поетичному мовленні Василя Стуса
Authors: Колоїз Жанна Василівна
Published: July 2018

У статті обґрунтовано доцільність і перспективність наукових студій у царині сенсорної, або перцептивної, лінгвістики. Акцентовано на так званій перцептивній лексиці, яка ілюструє ті чи ті відчуття, що локалізуються у свідомості через органи чуття – зір, слух, нюх, смак, дотик – відповідні «канали зв’язку» кожної людини зі світом. Досліджено когнітивно-прагматичний потенціал аудіальних перцептивів як структурних елементів поетичного тексту Василя Стуса. Установлено смислове навантаження аудіальних чуттєвих образів у поетичному мовленні. Виявлено ядерні лексеми (передусім дієслова та віддієслівні іменники), що репрезентують та увиразнюють когнітивні образи ситуації слухового сприймання. З’ясовано структурні елементи когнітивного образу ситуації слухового сприймання. Репрезентовано суб’єкти / об’єкти слухового сприймання з позицій колективного досвіду й авторського світобачення.
Short-Term Effects of Microglia-Specific Mitochondrial Dysfunction on Amyloidosis in Transgenic Models of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Steffen Johannes , Stenzel Jan , Ibrahim Saleh , Pahnke Jens
Published: July 2018

Reduction of mitochondrial activity is a subtle and early event in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Mitochondrial damage and consequentially enhanced production of reactive oxygen species is particularly occurring in the vicinity of amyloid plaques. Since all cells are affected by mitochondrial damage, analyses of cell type-specific effects are challenging. To study the impact of mitochondrial alterations on microglial activity in a homogeneous genetic background, we generated bone marrow chimeras of irradiated 46-days-old APP-transgenic mice. For reconstitution, bone marrow from CX3CR1-eGFP mice with mitochondria of either non-obese diabetic or C57BL/6J animals was utilized. Successful reconstitution was evident in 100-day-old animals, by the presence of eGFP-positive cells in liver and spleen. In the brain, one-third of IBA1-positive microglia cells were newly recruited eGFP-expressing cells. Although donor-derived microglia were equally located in the proximity of amyloid plaques, no difference was observed in either the amyloid level, total number, or microglial coverage of plaques. These results indicate that during this brief and early phase of amyloid deposition, beneficial mitochondrial alterations in the newly recruited third of microglial cells were not sufficient to affect the amyloidosis in APP-transgenic mice.
A Review of Psychopathology Features, Personality, and Coping in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1
Authors: Minier Lisa , Lignier Baptiste , Bouvet Cyrille , Gallais Benjamin , Camart Nathalie
Published: July 2018

Background:

The last literature review on psychopathological features in Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 had been conducted by Ambrosini and Nurnberg in 1979. Since that date, many researches had been carried out.

Objective:

The aim of this study is (i) to systematically obtain and evaluate the relevant literature on psychopathological features, personality, and coping in individuals with adult phenotypes of Myotonic Dystrophy type 1. (ii) To summarize current research findings and draw conclusions for future research.

Methods:

A systematic search was conducted on Pubmed, PubPsych, PsycInfo, Science Direct, and Scopus covering the period of January 1979 to July 2017.

Results:

In view of our literature review, patients show mild psychopathological problems, such as interpersonal difficulties, lack of interest, dysphoria, concern about bodily functioning, and hypersensibility. However, they do not experience more psychiatric disorder in comparison to the general population, except for personality disorders and depression. We discussed problems concerning depression’s assessment tool. Patients also present symptoms of several personality disorders: avoidant personality disorder was the most common. Finally, coping strategies relative to limitations resulting from their disease have a negative impact on their quality of life.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 patients did not present homogeneous psychopathological and psychological features. However, based on tendencies observed among Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 patients, elements to conceptualize their social difficulties are provided.
Long-term outcomes of saline boluses in very preterm infants
Authors: Aslam A. , Vincer M. , Allen A. , Imanullah S. , O’Connell C.M.
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND:

Normal saline bolus is commonly used in clinical practice for treating hypotension in very preterm infants during resuscitation at an early age despite the paucity of high quality evidence supporting this practice.

OBJECTIVES:

To determine the effects of early (<7 days after birth) saline boluses given to very preterm infant (VPI) from 23 to 31 weeks GA.

METHOD:

This is a population-based cohort analysis of the use of normal saline boluses given to VPI. The outcomes were extracted from the Perinatal Follow-Up Program Database which included all VPI from Halifax County admitted to the NICU at the IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada between January 2006 to December 2010. We excluded infants with major congenital anomalies and those not offered resuscitation in the delivery room. Our primary outcome was the composite of death or disability by 18–36 months while secondary outcomes were neonatal death, BPD, CP, IVH, PVL, ROP, BSITD III (Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development®, Third Edition) Cognitive, Motor and Language score.

RESULTS:

Death or disability in those who received saline bolus occurred in 15 (53.6%) compared with 9 (32.1%) in non saline group. Significantly higher rates of CP ( p = 0.04), lower scores on the BSITDIII for motor ( p = 0.04) and language scales ( p = 0.03) were noted for infants who received saline boluses. Cognitive scores approached significance ( p = 0.05) with lower scores in the saline bolus group.

CONCLUSION:

Significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of long term neurodevelopmental outcome and one of the short-term outcome (i.e. BPD). Given the limitations of this retrospective study and the small sample size, a larger cohort from Canadian Neonatal Network database is warranted to evaluate the effects of using normal saline boluses during early life on neurodevelopmental.
Opportunities for Industry 4.0 to Support Remanufacturing
Authors: Yang Shanshan , M. R. Aravind Raghavendra , Kaminski Jacek , Pepin Helene
Published: July 2018

Remanufacturing is the process of bringing end-of-life products back to good-as-new. It plays a critical role in decoupling economic growth from growth in resource use, and in accelerating the circular economy. However, the uptake of remanufacturing activities faces obstacles. This paper reviews the challenges encountered by the remanufacturing sector and discusses how the Industry 4.0 revolution could help to effectively address these issues and unlock the potential of remanufacturing. Two case studies are included in this paper to exemplify how technology enablers from Industry 4.0 can increase efficiency, reliability, and digitization of the remanufacturing process.
Infection of Epstein–Barr Virus in Type III Latency Modulates Biogenesis of Exosomes and the Expression Profile of Exosomal miRNAs in the Burkitt Lymphoma Mutu Cell Lines
Authors: Nanbo Asuka , Katano Harutaka , Kataoka Michiyo , Hoshina Shiho , Sekizuka Tsuyoshi , Kuroda Makoto , Ohba Yusuke
Published: July 2018

Infection of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), a ubiquitous human gamma herpesvirus, is associated with various malignancies in B lymphocytes and epithelial cells. EBV encodes 49 microRNAs in two separated regions, termed the BART and BHRF1 loci. Although accumulating evidence demonstrates that EBV infection regulates the profile of microRNAs in the cells, little is known about the microRNAs in exosomes released from infected cells. Here, we characterized the expression profile of intracellular and exosomal microRNAs in EBV-negative, and two related EBV-infected Burkitt lymphoma cell lines having type I and type III latency by next-generation sequencing. We found that the biogenesis of exosomes is upregulated in type III latently infected cells compared with EBV-negative and type I latently infected cells. We also observed that viral and several specific host microRNAs were predominantly incorporated in the exosomes released from the cells in type III latency. We confirmed that multiple viral microRNAs were transferred to the epithelial cells cocultured with EBV-infected B cells. Our findings indicate that EBV infection, in particular in type III latency, modulates the biogenesis of exosomes and the profile of exosomal microRNAs, potentially contributing to phenotypic changes in cells receiving these exosomes.
Cross-Life Stage Effects of Aquatic Larval Density and Terrestrial Moisture on Growth and Corticosterone in the Spotted Salamander
Authors: Charbonnier Julie F. , Pearlmutter Jacquelyn , Vonesh James R. , Gabor Caitlin R. , Forsburg Zachery R. , Grayson Kristine L.
Published: July 2018

For organisms with complex life cycles, conditions experienced during early life stages may constrain later growth and survival. Conversely, compensatory mechanisms may attenuate negative effects from early life stages. We used the spotted salamander, Ambystoma maculatum, to test how aquatic larval density and terrestrial moisture influence juvenile growth, food intake, evaporative water loss and water reuptake rates, and corticosterone levels. We conducted an outdoor mesocosm experiment to manipulate larval density and transferred metamorphosed salamanders into low and high terrestrial moisture treatments in laboratory terrariums. After the larval stage, high-density salamanders were significantly smaller and had higher corticosterone release rates than those from low-density treatments. Salamanders in the low terrestrial moisture treatment consumed fewer roaches, had lower mass-specific growth rates, higher water reuptake, and higher corticosterone release rates than salamanders in high terrestrial moisture treatments. Across moisture treatments, smaller salamanders had higher mass-specific growth rates than larger salamanders. Our results suggest that salamanders can partially compensate for competition in the larval aquatic habitat with increased growth as juveniles, but this response is dependent on terrestrial habitat quality. Thus, the persistence of early life stage effects can be an important, yet context-dependent, component of amphibian life cycles.
When Photons Are Lying about Where They Have Been
Authors: Vaidman Lev , Tsutsui Izumi
Published: July 2018

The history of photons in a nested Mach–Zehnder interferometer with an inserted Dove prism is analyzed. It is argued that the Dove prism does not change the past of the photon. Alonso and Jordan correctly point out that an experiment by Danan et al. demonstrating the past of the photon in a nested interferometer will show different results when the Dove prism is inserted. The reason, however, is not that the past is changed, but that the experimental demonstration becomes incorrect. The explanation of a signal from the place in which the photon was (almost) not present is given. Bohmian trajectory of the photon is specified.
Optimal Power Dispatch of Small-Scale Standalone Microgrid Located in Colombian Territory
Authors: Henao-Muñoz Andrés , Saavedra-Montes Andrés , Ramos-Paja Carlos
Published: July 2018

An optimal power dispatch of a small-scale standalone microgrid for remote area power supply in Colombian territory is proposed in this paper. The power dispatch is generated by an energy management system based on a mixed-integer linear programming, which minimizes the cost of operating the microgrid while fulfilling the technical constraints of its elements. The energy management system solves an optimization problem using the algebraic representation of the generators and its constraints. Basic steady-state models of the generators are selected to solve the optimization problem. The small-scale microgrid is considered for a remote area power supply in Taroa, a small settlement in La Guajira, Colombia. The microgrid is composed of photovoltaic modules, a wind generator, a diesel generator, a battery bank, and residential loads. To validate the solution, the elements of the microgrids are parameterized with information from commercial equipment. Moreover, the power dispatch obtained with the proposed solution is compared with a power dispatch generated by a heuristic algorithm, which has been previously used to dispatch power in a small-scale standalone microgrid. Results show that the cost of operating the microgrid is minimized using the proposed optimization approach: a reduction of the operating cost equal to 25.5% of the cost imposed by the heuristic algorithm is obtained.
Effect of Reflector Geometry in the Annual Received Radiation of Low Concentration Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Torres João Paulo N. , Fernandes Carlos A. F. , Gomes João , Luc Bonfiglio , Carine Giovinazzo , Olsson Olle , Branco P. J. Costa
Published: July 2018

Solar concentrator photovoltaic collectors are able to deliver energy at higher temperatures for the same irradiances, since they are related to smaller areas for which heat losses occur. However, to ensure the system reliability, adequate collector geometry and appropriate choice of the materials used in these systems will be crucial. The present work focuses on the re-design of the Concentrating Photovoltaic system (C-PV) collector reflector presently manufactured by the company Solarus, together with an analysis based on the annual assessment of the solar irradiance in the collector. An open-source ray tracing code (Soltrace) is used to accomplish the modelling of optical systems in concentrating solar power applications. Symmetric parabolic reflector configurations are seen to improve the PV system performance when compared to the conventional structures currently used by Solarus. The parabolic geometries, using either symmetrically or asymmetrically placed receivers inside the collector, accomplished both the performance and cost-effectiveness goals: for almost the same area or costs, the new proposals for the PV system may be in some cases 70% more effective as far as energy output is concerned.
Thermal Performance of Dwellings with Rooftop PV Panels and PV/Thermal Collectors
Authors: Odeh Saad
Published: July 2018

To improve the energy efficiency of dwellings, rooftop photovoltaic (PV) technology is proposed in contemporary designs; however, adopting this technology will add a new component to the roof that may affect its thermal balance. This paper studies the effect of roof shading developed by solar PV panels on dwellings’ thermal performance. The analysis in this work is performed by using two types of software packages: “AccuRate Sustainability” for rating the energy efficiency of a residential building design, and “PVSYST” for the solar PV power system design. AccuRate Sustainability is used to calculate the annual heating and cooling load, and PVSYST is used to evaluate the power production from the rooftop PV system. The analysis correlates the electrical energy generated from the PV panels to the change in the heating and cooling load due to roof shading. Different roof orientations, roof inclinations, and roof insulation, as well as PV dwelling floor areas, are considered in this study. The analysis shows that the drop in energy efficiency due to the shaded area of the roof by PV panels is very small compared to the energy generated by these panels. The analysis also shows that, with an increasing number of floors in the dwelling, the effect of shading by PV panels on thermal performance becomes negligible. The results show that insensitivity of the annual heating and cooling load to the thermal resistance of rooftop solar systems is only because the total thermal resistance is dominated by roof insulation.
Carbon Pools in a Hemiboreal Over-Mature Norway Spruce Stands
Authors: Ķēniņa Laura , Elferts Didzis , Bāders Endijs , Jansons Āris
Published: July 2018

Old unmanaged forests are commonly assumed to be carbon neutral; however, there is still a lack of reference studies available to increase the recognition of carbon stock changes in these forests. Studies of old forest carbon storage from hemiboreal regions are very rare compared to temperate and boreal forests in Europe; therefore, the aim of this study was to quantify the carbon stock in hemiboreal over-mature (167–213 years) Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) stands. To explore the total ecosystem carbon pool, the carbon stock of tree biomass, deadwood, and soil in unmanaged (for at least the last 40 years) spruce stands was calculated and compared between different forest site types on dry, wet, and drained mineral soils. Total carbon stock of hemiboreal over-mature spruce stands ranged from 164.8 Mg C ha−1 to 386.7 Mg C ha−1, and 238.5 Mg C ha−1 on average, with no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the forest site types. The carbon stock of tree biomass was significantly affected by the basal area of the upper tree layer (p < 0.0001) and the interaction between the forest site type and proportion of spruce in the stand composition (p = 0.002). Tree biomass was the dominant carbon pool, followed by soil and deadwood in over-mature spruce stands.
Application of Whole Exome and Targeted Panel Sequencing in the Clinical Molecular Diagnosis of 319 Chinese Families with Inherited Retinal Dystrophy and Comparison Study
Authors: Wang Likun , Zhang Jinlu , Chen Ningning , Wang Lei , Zhang Fengsheng , Ma Zhizhong , Li Genlin , Yang Liping
Published: July 2018

Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous diseases involving more than 280 genes and no less than 20 different clinical phenotypes. In this study, our aims were to identify the disease-causing gene variants of 319 Chinese patients with IRD, and compare the pros and cons of targeted panel sequencing and whole exome sequencing (WES). Patients were assigned for analysis with a hereditary eye disease enrichment panel (HEDEP) or WES examination based on time of recruitment. This HEDEP was able to capture 441 hereditary eye disease genes, which included 291 genes related to IRD. As RPGR ORF15 was difficult to capture, all samples were subjected to Sanger sequencing for this region. Among the 163 disease-causing variants identified in this study, 73 had been previously reported, and the other 90 were novel. Genes most commonly implicated in different inheritances of IRDs in this cohort were presented. HEDEP and WES achieved diagnostic yield with 41.2% and 33.0%, respectively. In addition, nine patients were found to carry pathogenic mutations in the RPGR ORF15 region with Sanger sequencing. Our study demonstrates that HEDEP can be used as a first-tier test for patients with IRDs.
Degradation Characteristics of Color Index Direct Blue 15 Dye Using Iron-Carbon Micro-Electrolysis Coupled with H2O2
Authors: Yang Bo , Gao Yingying , Yan Dengming , Xu Hui , Wang Junfeng
Published: July 2018

Currently, many industrial dyes are discharged into the environment in China, leading to serious water pollution. However, synthetic organic dyes in industrial effluents cannot be degraded by conventional wastewater treatment methods. Consequently, it is necessary to develop new environmentally friendly technologies to completely mineralize these non-biodegradable compounds. In this study, 300 mg/L typical Color Index (CI) Direct Blue 15 (benzidine disazo) in simulated dye wastewater was degraded by iron-carbon micro-electrolysis coupled with H2O2 to explore its decolorization, total organic carbon (TOC) removal rate, and degradation characteristics. Under the optimal degradation conditions (Fe/C = 2:1, pH = 3, 60-min reaction, 2 mL/L H2O2 (added in three aliquots), 300 mg/L dye), the TOC removal rate and the level of dye decolorization attained 40% and 98%, respectively. In addition, the degradation kinetics indicated that the iron-carbon micro-electrolysis process coupled with H2O2 followed first-order reaction kinetics. A degradation pathway for CI Direct Blue 15 was proposed based on the analysis results of treated wastewater obtained using UV-Vis spectrophotometry and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). This study provides an efficient and economical system for the degradation of non-biodegradable pollutants.
Dimensions, Dialectic, Discourse. Three Political Perspectives on the Sustainability of the German Healthcare System
Authors: Fischer Matthias , Heinrichs Harald
Published: July 2018

This review article deals with the topic of sustainability in the German healthcare system and presents an overview of how the six articles of our research relate to one another. After introducing to the context of the research, its internal principles, and the methods applied, three perspectives are presented, each also discussed in terms of the respective literature in sustainability science and political science. The review concludes by presenting a circular model and by discussing the general limitations as well as the practical implications of our research.
One-Carbon Metabolism: Biological Players in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Rizzo Andrea , Napoli Alessandra , Roggiani Francesca , Tomassetti Antonella , Bagnoli Marina , Mezzanzanica Delia
Published: July 2018

Metabolism is deeply involved in cell behavior and homeostasis maintenance, with metabolites acting as molecular intermediates to modulate cellular functions. In particular, one-carbon metabolism is a key biochemical pathway necessary to provide carbon units required for critical processes, including nucleotide biosynthesis, epigenetic methylation, and cell redox-status regulation. It is, therefore, not surprising that alterations in this pathway may acquire fundamental importance in cancer onset and progression. Two of the major actors in one-carbon metabolism, folate and choline, play a key role in the pathobiology of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), the deadliest gynecological malignancy. EOC is characterized by a cholinic phenotype sustained via increased activity of choline kinase alpha, and via membrane overexpression of the alpha isoform of the folate receptor (FRα), both of which are known to contribute to generating regulatory signals that support EOC cell aggressiveness and proliferation. Here, we describe in detail the main biological processes associated with one-carbon metabolism, and the current knowledge about its role in EOC. Moreover, since the cholinic phenotype and FRα overexpression are unique properties of tumor cells, but not of normal cells, they can be considered attractive targets for the development of therapeutic approaches.
Targeted Suppression and Knockout of ASCT2 or LAT1 in Epithelial and Mesenchymal Human Liver Cancer Cells Fail to Inhibit Growth
Authors: Bothwell Paige J. , Kron Clare D. , Wittke Evan F. , Czerniak Bradley N. , Bode Barrie P.
Published: July 2018

Amino acid transporters alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2 (ASCT2) and L-Type Amino Acid Transporter 1 (LAT1) are coordinately enhanced in human cancers where among other roles, they are thought to drive mechanistic target-of-rapamycin (mTOR) growth signaling. To assess ASCT2 and LAT1 as therapeutic targets, nine unique short hairpin RNA (shRNA) vectors were used to stably suppress transporter expression in human epithelial (Hep3B) and mesenchymal (SK-Hep1) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines. In addition, six unique CRISPR-Cas9 vectors were used to edit the ASCT2 (SLC1A5) and LAT1 (SLC7A5) genes in epithelial (HUH7) and mesenchymal (SK-Hep1) HCC cells. Both approaches successfully diminished glutamine (ASCT2) and leucine (LAT1) initial-rate transport proportional to transporter protein suppression. In spite of profoundly reduced glutamine or leucine transport (up to 90%), transporter suppression or knockout failed to substantially affect cellular proliferation or basal and amino acid-stimulated mTORC1 growth signaling in either HCC cell type. Only LAT1 knockout in HUH7 slightly reduced growth rate. However, intracellular accumulation of radiolabeled glutamine and leucine over longer time periods largely recovered to control levels in ASCT2 and LAT1 knockout cells, respectively, which partially explains the lack of an impaired growth phenotype. These data collectively establish that in an in vitro context, human epithelial and mesenchymal HCC cell lines adapt to ASCT2 or LAT1 knockout. These results comport with an emerging model of amino acid exchangers like ASCT2 and LAT1 as “harmonizers”, not drivers, of amino acid accumulation and signaling, despite their long-established dominant role in initial-rate amino acid transport.
B Regulatory Cells: Players in Pregnancy and Early Life
Authors: Esteve-Solé Ana , Luo Yiyi , Vlagea Alexandru , Deyà-Martínez Ángela , Yagüe Jordi , Plaza-Martín Ana María , Juan Manel , Alsina Laia
Published: July 2018

Pregnancy and early infancy represent two very particular immunological states. During pregnancy, the haploidentical fetus and the pregnant women develop tolerance mechanisms to avoid rejection; then, just after birth, the neonatal immune system must modulate the transition from the virtually sterile but haploidentical uterus to a world full of antigens and the rapid microbial colonization of the mucosa. B regulatory (Breg) cells are a recently discovered B cell subset thought to play a pivotal role in different conditions such as chronic infections, autoimmunity, cancer, and transplantation among others in addition to pregnancy. This review focuses on the role of Breg cells in pregnancy and early infancy, two special stages of life in which recent studies have positioned Breg cells as important players.
New Sample Preparation Method for Honey Volatiles Fingerprinting Based on Dehydration Homogeneous Liquid–Liquid Extraction (DHLLE)
Authors: Kuś Piotr M. , Jerković Igor
Published: July 2018

Qualitative chemical fingerprinting of the honey volatiles by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) has been an efficient authentication tool that allowed for the classification of the honey botanical origin (strongly related to its medicinal and market value). However, the usage of current sample preparation methods is limited by selectivity of the volatiles extraction from the honey matrix and requires significant solvent volume. Therefore, a new sample preparation method based on dehydrating homogeneous liquid–liquid extraction (DHLLE) involving reduced solvent usage was developed for screening volatiles and semi-volatiles from the honey. The effective extraction was achieved by implementing a miscible liquid extraction system (aqueous honey solution/isopropanol) followed by separation through dehydration with MgSO4 and purification by a solvent polarity change and washing. The method was evaluated by estimating accuracy and precision. The DHLLE method showed satisfactory recoveries (75.2 to 93.5%) for typical honey volatiles: linalool, borneol, terpinen-4-ol, α-terpineol, p-anisaldehyde, eugenol, and vanillin. It also showed superior repeatability with percent relative standard deviation (RSD%) 0.8–8.9%. For benzyl alcohol, methyl syringate, and caffeine, the recoveries were 54.3 to 63.9% and 67.3 to 77.7% at lower and higher spiking levels, respectively. Applied to unifloral apple honey, the DHLLE method allowed for the identification of 40 compounds including terpenes, hydrocarbons, phenylpropanoids, and other benzene derivatives, which makes it suitable for fingerprinting and chemical marker screening. The obtained results were comparable or better than those obtained with ultrasonic extraction with dichloromethane.
Integrated Chemical and Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Distribution of Protopanaxadiol- and Protopanaxatriol-Type Saponins in Panax notoginseng
Authors: Wei Guangfei , Wei Fugang , Yuan Can , Chen Zhongjian , Wang Yong , Xu Jiang , Zhang Yongqing , Dong Linlin , Chen Shilin
Published: July 2018

Panax notoginseng is famous for its important therapeutic effects and commonly used worldwide. The active ingredients saponins have distinct contents in different tissues of P. notoginseng, and they may be related to the expression of key genes in the synthesis pathway. In our study, high-performance liquid chromatography results indicated that the contents of protopanaxadiol-(Rb1, Rc, Rb2, and Rd) and protopanaxatriol-type (R1, Rg1, and Re) saponins in below ground tissues were higher than those in above ground tissues. Clustering dendrogram and PCA analysis suggested that the below and above ground tissues were clustered into two separate groups. A total of 482 and 882 unigenes were shared in the below and above ground tissues, respectively. A total of 75 distinct expressions of CYPs transcripts (RPKM ≥ 10) were detected. Of these transcripts, 38 and 37 were highly expressed in the below ground and above ground tissues, respectively. RT-qPCR analysis showed that CYP716A47 gene was abundantly expressed in the above ground tissues, especially in the flower, whose expression was 31.5-fold higher than that in the root. CYP716A53v2 gene was predominantly expressed in the below ground tissues, especially in the rhizome, whose expression was 20.1-fold higher than that in the flower. Pearson’s analysis revealed that the CYP716A47 expression was significantly correlated with the contents of ginsenoside Rc and Rb2. The CYP716A53v2 expression was associated with the saponin contents of protopanaxadiol-type (Rb1 and Rd) and protopanaxatriol-type (R1, Rg1, and Re). Results indicated that the expression patterns of CYP716A47 and CYP716A53v2 were correlated with the distribution of protopanaxadiol-type and protopanaxatriol-type saponins in P. notoginseng. This study identified the pivotal genes regulating saponin distribution and provided valuable information for further research on the mechanisms of saponin synthesis, transportation, and accumulation.
Cyclic Octamer Peptoids: Simplified Isosters of Bioactive Fungal Cyclodepsipeptides
Authors: D’Amato Assunta , Della Sala Giorgio , Izzo Irene , Costabile Chiara , Masuda Yuichi , De Riccardis Francesco
Published: July 2018

Cyclic peptoids have recently emerged as an important class of bioactive scaffolds with unique conformational properties and excellent metabolic stabilities. In this paper, we describe the design and synthesis of novel cyclic octamer peptoids as simplified isosters of mycotoxin depsipeptides bassianolide, verticilide A1, PF1022A and PF1022B. We also examine their complexing abilities in the presence of sodium tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate (TFPB) salt and explore their general insecticidal activity. Finally, we discuss the possible relationship between structural features of free and Na+-complexed cyclic octamer peptoids and bioactivities in light of conformational isomerism, a crucial factor affecting cyclic peptoids’ biomimetic potentials.
Zinc (II)-Mediated Selective O-Benzylation of 2-Oxo-1,2-Dihydropyridines Systems
Authors: Zhou Qifan , Du Fangyu , Liang Xinjie , Liu Wenqiang , Fang Ting , Chen Guoliang
Published: July 2018

The selective O-benzylation of 2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridines plays a critical role in organic synthesis of natural products and biological active molecules. Herein we report a novel ternary system of ZnO, ZnCl2 and N,N-diisopropylethylamine (DIEA), that is highly effective for selective O-benzylation of 2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridines using abundant substituted benzyl halides and related substituted 2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridines compounds. This process allows access to a variety of O-benzyl products under mild reaction conditions, which are important synthetic intermediates in the protection of functional groups, and represents a new method toward the development for the O-benzylation of 2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridines.
“Benifuuki” Extract Reduces Serum Levels of Lectin-Like Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-1 Ligands Containing Apolipoprotein B: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trial
Authors: Miyawaki Masahiro , Sano Hiroyuki , Imbe Hisashi , Fujisawa Reiko , Tanimoto Keiji , Terasaki Jungo , Maeda-Yamamoto Mari , Tachibana Hirofumi , Hanafusa Toshiaki , Imagawa Akihisa
Published: July 2018

(1) Background: Arteriosclerosis is associated with high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. O-methylated catechins in “Benifuuki” green tea are expected to reduce cholesterol levels, although there is limited research regarding this topic; (2) Methods: This trial evaluated 159 healthy volunteers who were randomized to receive ice cream containing a high-dose of “Benifuuki” extract including 676 mg of catechins (group H), a low-dose of “Benifuuki” extract including 322 mg of catechins (group L), or no “Benifuuki” extract (group C). Each group consumed ice cream (with or without extract) daily for 12 weeks, and their lipid-related parameters were compared; (3) Results: A significant reduction in the level of lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 ligand containing ApoB (LAB) was detected in group H, compared to groups L and C. No significant differences between the three groups were detected in their levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol; (4) Conclusions: “Benifuuki” extract containing O-methylated catechins may help prevent arteriosclerosis.