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Dysphagia is a common complication in patients with oral cancer who have undergone free flap transplantation. The aim of this cluster randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effect of personalized oral exercises on swallowing function in this group of patients. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 34) or control (n = 34) group. Intervention group patients received personalized oral exercises starting on day 6 after surgery. Swallowing function was evaluated on days 6 and 15, and at 1 month postoperative using the Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability–Oral Cancer tool (MASA-OC). On day 15 and at 1 month after surgery, the total MASA-OC score (P = 0.003, P < 0.001) and the mouth opening (P = 0.001, P < 0.001) and lip seal (both P < 0.001) item scores showed a significantly greater improvement in the intervention group than in the control group. Moreover, the changes in salivation (P < 0.001) and tongue movement (P = 0.025) scores at 1 month after surgery were significantly greater in the intervention group than in the control group. There was no significant difference between the groups in the change in tongue strength scores on day 15 or at 1 month postoperative (P = 0.476, P = 0.223). Personalized oral exercises can improve swallowing function in patients with oral cancer after free flap transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intraosseous schwannoma of the mandible is rare, with diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The aims of this study were to report new cases of intraosseous schwannoma of the mandible and to propose a clinical classification, providing suggestions for treatment methods. The cases of 13 patients treated at the authors' hospital and 86 cases reported previously in the literature were reviewed. The most common clinical feature was facial swelling (60/93). The rate of cortical thinning or expansion was 44.8% (43/96); widening of the inferior alveolar nerve canal on radiographs was observed in 15 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of occlusion-driven maxillary reconstruction with the deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) flap, using computer-assisted design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology and intraoral anastomosis. The data of 11 patients who underwent occlusion-driven maxillary reconstruction with this method between December 2018 and December 2020 in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology were reviewed retrospectively. Postoperative complications and functional and aesthetic outcomes were recorded. The accuracy of the postoperative restoration was assessed using Geomagic Control 2014. Reconstruction was successful in nine patients; all were satisfied with their aesthetic and functional outcomes. One patient underwent extraoral anastomosis after failure of intraoral anastomosis. In another patient, the DCIA flap had to be removed after the operation because of flap failure. Among the 10 patients with DCIA flap success, colour map analysis showed a mean deviation of 0.40 ± 0.08 mm between the preoperative and postoperative craniomaxillary models. Thus, occlusion-driven maxillary reconstruction with the DCIA flap, using CAD/CAM technology and intraoral anastomosis, appears to be a feasible and accurate method for the repair of maxillary defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the resorption of the iliac bone after maxillary reconstruction with a vascularized free iliac flap. Twenty-seven patients with maxillary defects who underwent maxillary reconstruction with the vascularized free iliac flap between January 2017 and January 2021 were included. Computed tomography (CT) images taken at 1 week, approximately 6 months, and 1 year after the surgery were used for evaluation. The total iliac bone thickness and height, cortical bone thickness, and cancellous bone density were measured in the CT images. Compared with 1 week after the surgery, the total thickness and height of the iliac bone were reduced significantly 1 year after the surgery, and the cortical bone thickness and cancellous bone density were reduced significantly at 6 months and 1 year after the surgery. Compared with 6 months after the surgery, cancellous bone density was reduced significantly 1 year after the surgery. In conclusion, during the first year after maxillary reconstruction with a vascularized free iliac flap, there was significant resorption of iliac bone, including the total iliac bone thickness and height, the cortical bone thickness, and the cancellous bone density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dental students are vulnerable to needlestick injuries (NSIs) due to their inadequate training. However, the global prevalence of NSI among dental students is unknown.Aim: To determine the pooled prevalence among dental students, epidemiological profile, and risk factors for NSI.Methods: A systematic review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The review protocol was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD 42022312778). Eligible studies were identified from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, OVID, and EBSCO databases. A meta-analysis with a random effects model was performed to estimate the pooled prevalence, and meta-regression was conducted to explore heterogeneity among studies.Findings: A total of 25 studies from 15 countries met the inclusion criteria. The estimated pooled prevalence of NSI among dental students was 44% (95% confidence interval: 38-51%). Local anaesthesia, tooth cleaning or scaling, and waste disposal were associated with highest risk for NSI. Most studies observed under-reporting of NSI. Dental students had inadequate knowledge regarding post-exposure management.Conclusion: Dental students had a high prevalence and low reporting rate of NSI exposure. Inadequate knowledge might increase the probability of NSI exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of carbohydrate intake 2 hours before surgery in elderly patients undergoing free flap surgery for oral cancer. Elderly patients undergoing free flap surgery between September 2019 and January 2021 were randomly divided into control (n = 43) and intervention (n = 43) groups. Control group patients fasted for 6 hours and were forbidden from drinking water for 4 hours before surgery. Intervention group patients fasted for 6 hours and were forbidden from drinking after the oral administration of 5 ml/kg carbohydrate (≤400 ml) 2 hours before surgery. The main outcome measures were aspiration, fasting blood glucose level, insulin concentration, insulin resistance index (fasting at admission, prior to anaesthesia induction, immediately after surgery, and at 6 a.m. on postoperative days 1 and 2), and comfort before and after surgery. No aspiration occurred in any of the patients during anaesthesia. There were significant differences in fasting blood glucose, insulin concentration, and insulin resistance index between the control and intervention groups prior to anaesthesia induction, immediately after surgery, and on day 1 after surgery (P < 0.01). Thirst (P = 0.001) and hunger (P = 0.003) differed significantly between the two groups prior to anaesthesia induction. The intake of oral carbohydrate 2 hours before surgery was both safe and effective for elderly patients with oral cancer undergoing free flap surgery and could relieve the physiological stress response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DyF3/Bi2O3 nanowires with orthorhombic DyF3 and triclinic Bi2O3 phases were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal route using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The composite nanowires were characterized by X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The obtained composite nanowires have the length of longer than 10 μm and diameter of about 20–100 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms the composition of Dy, F, Bi and O in the composite nanowires. The formation process of the DyF3/Bi2O3 nanowires was analyzed based on the morphological and structural evolution of the products from different growth conditions. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurement demonstrates good electro-catalytic activity of the composite nanowires towards L-cysteine. Two pairs of CV peaks at +0.08 V, −0.43 V and −0.48 V, −0.78 V, respectively are observed at the DyF3/Bi2O3 nanowires modified glassy carbon electrode. DyF3/Bi2O3 nanowires modified glassy carbon electrode detects L-cysteine linearly over a concentration range from 0.001 to 2 mM with a detection limit of 0.25 μM. Moreover, the results show good selectivity, reproducibility and stability of the DyF3/Bi2O3 nanowires as a promising candidate for L-cysteine determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial arthritic disease of weight-bearing joints concomitant with chronic and intolerable pain, loss of locomotion and impaired quality of life in the elderly population. Although the prevalence of OA increases with age, its specific mechanisms have not been elucidated and effective therapeutic disease-modifying drugs have not been developed. As essential organelles in chondrocytes, mitochondria supply energy and play vital roles in cellular metabolism, proliferation and apoptosis. Mitochondrial quality control (MQC) is the key mechanism to coordinate various mitochondrial biofunctions, primarily through mitochondrial biogenesis, dynamics, autophagy and the newly discovered mitocytosis. An increasing number of studies have revealed that a loss of MQC homeostasis contributes to the cartilage damage during the occurrence and development of OA. Several master MQC-associated signaling pathways and regulators exert chondroprotective roles in OA, while cartilage damage-related molecular mechanisms have been partially identified. In this review, we summarized known mechanisms mediated by dysregulated MQC in the pathogenesis of OA and latent bioactive ingredients and drugs for the prevention and treatment of OA through the maintenance of MQC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facial nerve dysfunction is common in patients with Bell's palsy, trauma, tumour, or iatrogenic injuries. Imaging assessment is the most convenient method for patients and their treating physician. With developments in artificial intelligence (AI), manual work will be replaced. In this study, a database of facial images of patients with oral and maxillofacial diseases was set up to develop a facial nerve functional assessment system based on AI. This database was then used to evaluate the accuracy of a state-of-the-art algorithm for facial landmark detection named 'HRNet'. Utilizing this database and with appropriate human intervention, HRNet was used in facial annotation. The accuracy of annotations was evaluated through the normalized mean error. A total of 912 images were collected from 300 people; 546 of these images had abnormal features including defects, swelling, scars, or facial paralysis. The accuracy for the abnormal group was lower than that for the normal group before and after training, but improvements in accuracy were identified in both groups post-training. In conclusion, this new database demonstrates the ability of HRNet to localize facial landmarks in patients with oral and maxillofacial diseases. More images for training should be added to this database to diversify it in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective role of ulinastatin (UTI) on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats via endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-induced apoptosis pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 rats were randomly divided into normal group (n=20), myocardial I/R model group (model group, n=20), and myocardial I/R model+UTI treatment group (treatment group, n=20). The myocardial function indicators [creatinine (Scr) and creatine kinase (CK)] were detected. Enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Meanwhile, the contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in rat left ventricular tissues were determined by ELISA as well. The cardiac function indexes were determined via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and echocardiography (ECG). Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate- biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining assay was carried out to detect the apoptosis of myocardial tissues. Additionally, the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis genes were measured through quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) assay and Western blotting analysis, respectively. RESULTS: Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), CK, and Scr in model group were significantly higher than those in normal group (p<0.05). Besides, rats in model group had significantly lowered SOD, ejection fraction (EF, %), and fractional shortening (FS, %) than those in normal group (p<0.05). In addition, remarkably increased contents of TNF-a, IL-6, MMP-9, MDA, and ROS, as well as higher left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESd) were observed in model group in comparison with normal group (p<0.05). TUNEL staining results revealed that there were more apoptotic cells in model group than that in the other two groups (p<0.05). Expression levels of cysteine aspartic acid-specific protease 12 (Caspase-12) and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) were evidently higher in model group than those in normal group (p<0.05), while the expression level of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) was clearly lower in model group than that in normal group (p<0.05). UTI treatment partially reversed the above expression changes (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: UTI has a protective effect against myocardial I/R injury in rats by repressing the occurrence of ERS-induced apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was performed to evaluate the cortical bone resorption of fibular bone after maxillary reconstruction with a fibula free flap. A total of 35 patients with maxillary defects that were repaired using a fibula flap (62 fibula segments) between January 2011 and January 2016 were enrolled. Computed tomography (CT) images taken 1 week and 1 year postoperative were used to evaluate cortical bone resorption. The 62 fibula segments were measured on four different surfaces in the CT images. At 1 week, the thickness of the cortical bone was 2.57 ± 0.58 mm, 2.72 ± 0.46 mm, 3.84 ± 0.98 mm, and 4.36 ± 0.90 mm for the exterior, interior, superior, and inferior sides, respectively. At approximately 1 year, the cortical bone thickness was significantly reduced to 2.00 ± 0.65 mm (P < 0.01), 2.25 ± 0.60 mm (P < 0.01), 3.37 ± 0.90 mm (P < 0.01), and 2.96 ± 0.84 mm (P < 0.01) for the exterior, interior, superior, and inferior sides, respectively. The cortical bone thickness of fibular bone is significantly reduced 1 year after the restoration of maxillary defects with a fibula free flap, most significantly on the inferior side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The aim of this study was to explore whether botulinum toxin A (BTXA) injection treats epiphora secondary to submandibular gland (SMG) transplantation for severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Fifteen patients with epiphora after SMG transplantation were separated to three groups, and received 15 U, 20 U and 25 U BTXA injection in the transplanted SMG, respectively. Secretion of transplanted SMG was assessed subjectively by visual analogue scale (VAS) regarding epiphora, and objectively by Schirmer test. There were no significant differences in the 15-U BTXA group regarding the values of the VAS on epihora before and 1 month after BTXA injection. While in 20-U group and 25-U group, the values of VAS on epihora decreased significantly after BTXA injection, and lasted for 6 months. Under resting conditions, the secretion of transplanted SMG decreased 64.4%, 73.0% and 78.0% in 15-U, 20-U and 25-U groups, respectively (P < 0.01), in 1 month after BTXA injection; significant secretion decreasing lasted 3 months only in the 25-U BTXA group. BTXA injection can decrease the secretion of transplanted SMG significantly, relieving the symptoms of epiphora; 25 U BTXA is a suitable dose to treat 'opportunistic epiphora' after SMG transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We assessed long-term outcomes of autologous microvascular submandibular gland (SMG) transplantation for severe dry eye disease and investigated factors influencing long-term results. From August 1999 to January 2015, 185 patients (200 eyes) with severe dry eye received SMG transplantation. Subjective assessments and ophthalmologic evaluations were performed before and after transplantation. Follow-up results showed successful transplantation in 180 of 200 eyes (success rate: 90%), resulting in marked symptomatic relief of xerophthalmia. Surgery failed due to vascular thrombosis (15 glands) and duct obstruction (5 glands). Follow-up data were available for 163 eyes. Epiphora occurred in 98 (60.1%) eyes and was effectively managed by surgical reduction of graft, topical atropine gel and botulinum toxin injection. Wharton's duct obstruction occurred in 16 (10.6%) eyes and was treated by duct reconstruction. Subjective satisfaction was achieved in 143 (87.7%) eyes. Mean score of fluorescent staining reduced from 11.25 ± 1.42 to 7.25 ± 3.37. Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity improved in 85 (56.3%) eyes. Our clinical experience proved that SMG transplantation is effective and grants long-term improvement in severe dry eye. Secretory function of transplanted SMGs remains active and stable. Blood vessel thrombosis, Wharton's duct obstruction, and epiphora are primary factors influencing results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are now recognized as important regulators of gene expression. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of miR-146b-5p in the TLR4 pathway and provide the basis for the treatment of lupus nephritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The glomerular mesangial cells were cultured in vitro and divided into 3 groups: control group, a group of miR- 146b-5p mimic added, and a group of miR-146b- 5p inhibitor added. The levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in the cell culture supernatant of the three groups were detected by ELISA. The cell proliferation was detected by MTT. The expressions of MiR- 146b-5p and TLR4 pathway-associated factor TRAF6 were detected by RT- PCR. The expression of TRAF6 and IRAK1 protein was detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The overexpression of miR-146b- 5p could reduce the level of IL6 and IL8 in cell culture and inhibit glomerular mesangial cell proliferation in some degree. Also, the overexpression of miR-146b-5p could inhibit the expressions of TLR4 pathway-associated factor TRAF6 and IRAK1mRNA, and the expressions of TRAF6 and IRAK1 protein. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-146b-5p attenuated the inflammatory response of glomerular mesangial cells by inhibiting the expressions levels of TRAF6 and IRAK1 in lupus nephritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a detrimental renal disease that affects a large population. It is suggested that Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway plays an important role in NS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunosuppressive effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in the treatment of NS elucidate its interaction with TLR4 pathway in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rat NS model was constructed using the Bertain method by injecting adriamycin (4.5 mg/kg) intravenously at day 1, and injecting 2 mg/kg adriamycin (ADR) at day 7. NS rats were treatment with NAC of 150 mg/kg daily through gavage. Control rats received equivalent amounts of saline daily. Quantitative Real-time PCR was used to evaluate TLR4 expression in kidney tissues after treatments. Western blot analysis was used to evaluate NF-κBp65 expression. ELISA was used to evaluate the expression of immunological factors, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. RESULTS: Rat NS models demonstrated higher protein levels in urine, accompanied by an increased in the TLR4 level. After NAC treatment, TLR4 level was reduced. NAC treatment also attenuated the NF-κBp65 overexpression in NS rats. Concomitantly, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels, which are indicators of immunological and informatory responses, were also decreased after NAC treatment. CONCLUSIONS: NAC treatment ameliorated nephrotic syndrome in NS rat models by suppressing TLR4 signaling, as well as immunological and inflammatory responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of pachymic acid (PA) on sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sepsis-induced AKI model was made by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) surgery in SD rats. Animals were randomly divided into 5 groups: a sham group, a CLP group, and three PA-treated groups, which received intraperitoneal injection of PA at the dosage of 5, 20 and 50 mg/kg.bw, respectively. Kidney index, Cre and BUN contents were determined to evaluate the renal function. Pathological changes of kidney tissue were observed by HE staining. Levels of inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6) were measured to assess the inflammation in renal tissue. Moreover, the expression levels of iNOS, Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were studied by Real-time PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: PA treatment can significantly decrease the kidney index, and notably drop the contents of Cre and BUN. Renal pathological damage was also found to be effectively improved by PA in a dose-dependent manner. PA treatment was observed to inhibit the renal inflammation by reducing the TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Besides, PA treatment significantly decreased the expression levels of iNOS, and enhanced the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in the kidney. CONCLUSIONS: PA had potential therapeutic effects on sepsis-induced AKI in rats, and the activity may be associated with the anti-inflammatory function and antioxidant effect via activating Nrf2/ HO-1 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aim was to differentiate IgG4-related sialadenitis, primary Sjögren syndrome, and chronic obstructive submandibular sialadenitis by analysing clinical, radiographic, and pathological features. Fifty-five patients, 50, and 50 were enrolled, respectively and their baseline characteristics and serological, sialographic, and pathological findings compared. The male:female ratio for IgG4-related sialadenitis was 1:1.2 for primary Sjögren syndrome 1:15.7, and for chronic obstructive submandibular sialadenitis1:0.92. Numbers with enlarged salivary glands were 55, 16, and 50; with xerostomia 26, 48, and 0; with a history of allergy 26, 4, and 6, and with coexisting systemic disease 12, 19, and 0 (p = 0.14). Mean (SD) serum IgG4 concentrations were 109.1 (97.9), 4.9. (1.9) g/L, and 5.3 (1.6) g/L, p < 0.001 in all cases. Sialography showed enlargement of the gland, dilatation of the duct, and slightly decreased secretory function in IgG4-related disease; obvious sialectasia and decreased secretory function in Sjögren syndrome; and dilatation of Wharton’s duct and filling defects in obstructive sialadenitis. Histopathological examination showed lymphoplasmacytic infiltration with storiform fibrosis, lymphoplasmacytic inflammation and lymphoepithelial lesions, and dilatation of the duct with epithelial metaplasia in the three groups, respectively. The number of IgG4-positive plasma cells was 123 (45)/HPF, 8 (3)/HPF, and 5 (4)/HPF, while the IgG4-/IgG-positive cell ratio was 71.7 (13.9)%, 4.6 (2.5)%, 18.9 (19.7)%, respectively (p < 0.001). The three conditions have different clinical, radiographic, and pathological features that provide important clues to the differential diagnosis. Serological and histological tests are important, and comprehensive consideration is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conventional treatment for benign tumours arising in the submandibular gland (SMG) has always involved whole gland excision with the tumour. In light of developments in parotid gland functional surgery, this prospective study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of partial sialoadenectomy (PS) for benign tumours in comparison with conventional total sialoadenectomy (TS). Thirty-one consecutive patients with a preoperative diagnosis of benign tumour in the SMG were included in the study from December 2008 to December 2010. Eleven patients were treated with PS and 20 patients underwent conventional TS. Salivary gland function and surgery-related complications were assessed. No difference in resting saliva flow was found between the two groups before the operation, while this was significantly higher in the PS group than in the TS group at 1 year after surgery ( P = 0.009). With regard to complications, there was less deformity in facial appearance in the PS group. There was no recurrence in any of the 31 patients during the follow-up period (range 41–82 months). It is believed that this modification to SMG surgery is consistent with the idea of functional and minimal invasive salivary gland surgery. This technique represents a good choice for the management of benign tumours of the SMG for appropriately selected cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mandible has an important role in appearance and function. The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate surgical navigation-assisted mandibular reconstruction with the fibula flap. Patients recruited into the study had a custom dental splint fabricated to maintain the mandible in a fixed position. Later, the computed tomography (CT) scan, preoperative design, and operation on the mandible were done in the same position. At 1 week after surgery, a CT scan was done to evaluate the repeatability between the preoperative design and the postoperative result. Twenty patients were enrolled in this study. Good repeatability between the postoperative CT and the preoperative design was found. The repeatability between the preoperative plan and postoperative outcome was 79.1 ± 8.6% at within 1 mm, 87.1 ± 6.7% at within 2 mm, and 91.9 ± 5.4% at within 3 mm. From this study, it can be concluded that surgical navigation techniques can precisely transfer the preoperative design to the operation in mandible reconstruction with a fibula flap. This will assist the surgeon in achieving good cosmetic and functional outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Driven 1 by decreasing prices for photovoltaic (PV) systems and incentive programs of different governments almost 100 GW of PV and over 100 GW of wind turbines (WT) have been integrated in the European power system today (2014). In some areas, the electricity generation already exceeds the demand, pushing the existing transport infrastructure to its limits in certain hours. In order to reach the European Commission's targets for 2050, the system integration will at some point require flexibility sources independent of conventional generation in order to keep today's standard in security of supply. There are several sources of flexibility. Together these flexibility sources will ensure the match of demand and supply at any given time. Energy storage systems can provide this flexibility by shifting of load in time while transmission grids provide the shift of load in space. Up to a certain extent, transmission capacity and storage capacity can replace each other, i.e. storage can reduce the load on transmission infrastructure by mitigating local peaks in load and/or generation. For the transition to a fully renewable energy system in 2050, major changes have to be achieved in the structure of the power supply system. The simulation tool GENESYS is a holistic approach to optimize the allocation and size of different generation technologies, storage systems and transnational grids of a European power system. The source code for the simulation tool is available free of charge under a public license. It can be freely parameterized by the user which allows the study of different electricity systems under the users’ assumptions with regard to load, generation potential and cost structure of the different system components. This publication will give an introduction to the simulation framework, the system model and the optimization strategy. Optimization results obtained with GENESYS for a fully renewable electricity system and a cost structure expected for 2050 will be presented together with sensitivity analyses investigating the main assumptions. The focus is the optimal allocation of PV and WT in a European electricity system, the resulting demand for storage capacities of different technologies and the capacity of the overlay grid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The late-ripening peach [Primus persica (L.) Batsch] cultivar 'Guibao' was chosen in order to study the effect of different bagging treatments on the appearance, skin quality, and internal quality of fruit. Diurnal variations in temperature and relative humidity (RH) in white single-layer paper bags (WPB), white single-layer polypropylene non-woven bags (WPPB), and black single-layer paper bags (BPB) were recorded for 15 d before harvest. Bagging treatments were applied 30 d after full bloom (DAFB).The WPB and WPPB treatments continued until harvest, while the BPB were removed 7 d before harvest. Observations were recorded on skin colour and fruit quality attributes such as fruit fresh weight (FW), flesh firmness, total soluble solids concentration (TSSC), colour, skin pigments, soluble sugar concentrations (SSC) and organic acid concentrations. The average temperature and RFI increased slightly in the bags. Compared with unbagged control fruit, the average temperature in WPB, WPPB, and BPB increased by 1.27%, 0.90%, and 0.04%, respectively. The RH in the same three types of bag also increased by 5.07%, 4.09% and 7.30%, respectively. Bagging led to higher mean fruit FW and skin lightness values. No significant differences were observed in peel anthocyanin or chlorophyll concentrations between the WPB and WPPB treatments, while the red colour saturation scale (a*) and chroma (C) values increased in the three types of bags. Anthocyanin concentrations in the peel of fruit from the BPB treatment increased rapidly to 44.52 nmol g-1 FW after bag removal. Both white bags had similar effects on fruit FWs, skin colour, pigment concentrations, and anti-oxidant capacity, as well as SSC and organic acid concentrations, but not TSSC and C values. The temperature and RH microenvironment in the bags could affect the rates of transpiration and respiration, with significant effects on SSC values. Based on these results, to obtain 'Guibao' peach fruit with an attractive skin appearance and good internal qualities, we recommend that fruit should be covered with bags and, if BPB are used, the bags should be removed 7 d before harvest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dentin contains 1-2 µm diameter tubules extending from the pulp cavity to near the junction with enamel. Peritubular dentin (PTD) borders the tubule lumens and is surrounded by intertubular dentin (ITD). Differences in PTD and ITD composition and microstructure remain poorly understood. Here, a (~200 nm)², 10.1 keV synchrotron X-ray beam maps X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction simultaneously around tubules in 15-30 µm thick bovine and equine specimens. Increased Ca fluorescence surrounding tubule lumens confirms that PTD is present, and the relative intensities in PTD and ITD correspond to carbonated apatite (cAp) volume fraction of ~0.8 in PTD vs. 0.65 assumed for ITD. In the PTD near the lumen edges, Zn intensity is strongly peaked, corresponding to a Zn content of ~0.9 mg g-1 for an assumed concentration of ~0.4 mg g-1 for ITD. In the equine specimen, the Zn K-edge position indicates that Zn2+ is present, similar to bovine dentin (Deymier-Black et al., 2013), and the above edge structure is consistent with spectra from macromolecules related to biomineralization. Transmission X-ray diffraction shows only cAp, and the 00.2 diffraction peak (Miller-Bravais indices) width is constant from ITD to the lumen edge. The cAp 00.2 average preferred orientation is axisymmetric (about the tubule axis) in both bovine and equine dentin, and the axisymmetric preferred orientation continues from ITD through the PTD to the tubule lumen. These data indicate that cAp structure does not vary from PTD to ITD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tg and crystallinity of trilobal cationic dyeable polyester (THCDP) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) through X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry were tested respectively, and the results manifest that lower Tg and percent crystallinity of THCDP contribute to lower dyeing temperature. The dyeing behaviours of cationic black X-FDL on THCDP were studied, demonstrating that dyeing temperature of newly THCDP fabric can be reduced to 90°C, different from the previous cationic dyeable polyester, which needs >100°C to reach dyeing standard. A series of THCDP/cotton blend (20/80, 35/ 65, 65/35, 80/20) dyeing behaviours were tested successively via online monitoring dyeing system, and it has been found that they can be dyed at 90°C with good colour fastness and levelness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]