FSM model of a simple photovoltaic system

The paper describes a simulation model of a simple photovoltaic system intended as a tool for testing the use of finite state machines for simulations representing a long-term operation of renewable energy sources. The mathematical model of the photovoltaic system is described first. Then it is used to build a finite state machine model that calculates a power output of the photovoltaic system for changing values of a solar irradiance and a temperature. Data measured on a real photovoltaic installation are used to verify model’s accuracy through its comparison with a previously created and verified Matlab model. The finite state machine model presented in this paper was created using Ptolemy II software

Unort Gewerbegebiet? – Qualitätsvolle Freiräume als Grundlage für Arbeitsorte

Freiraume - Straßen, Wege, Plätze – kurz alles das, was zwischen den Gebäuden ist - sind die Grundlage für städtisches Leben (vgl. Gehl, J., 2010) – in erster Linie denkt man dabei an fußläufige Stadtquartiere, Nutzungsvielfalt, öffentliche Räume als attraktive lebendige Orte der Begegnung. In Wien tauchen Bilder der Freiräume des ersten Bezirks auf, oder die Lebendigkeit in Freiräumen der Gründerzeitvierteln. Allerdings: Der moderne funktionalisierte Städtebau mit der Trennung von Wohnen und Arbeiten prägt auch Wien (Charta von Athen, 1933). Neben Wohnsiedlungen sind Gewerbegebiete Ausdruck des monofunktionalen Städtebaus mit ihren typischen Charakteristika wie der Erzeugung von (meist motorisiertem) Verkehr zwischen den einzelnen Stadtteilen zur Bewältigung des Alltags (Arbeiten, Einkaufen, Behördenwege, Kinderbetreuung, soziale Kontakte) und wenig einladenden Freiräumen. Der vorliegende Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit der Frage, wie, am Beispiel des Gewerbegebietes Liesing, in monofunktionalen Stadtteilen eine „smarte“ Stadtentwicklung aus der Perspektive der integrativen Freiraumplanung aussehen kann. Diesem Beitrag liegt die freiraumplanerische These zu Grunde, dass die Freiräume die Grundlage der Stadt sind, auch der Gewerbegebiete. Freiräume im Gewerbegebiet sind gekennzeichnet vom Wirtschaften – auf den Betriebsparzellen wie in den öffentlichen Freiräumen. Es finden sich Freiräume für Produktion und Lagerung, für KundInnen für MitarbeiterInnen – Freiräume werden genutzt beim Hin- und Rückweg zur Arbeit, während des Arbeitstages für Pausen, Besprechungen im Freien. (vgl. Ruland, G., 2012) Mit der Funktionalisierung des Stadtteils geht eine vermeintliche Funktionalisierung der NutzerInnen und ihrer Alltage einher. Aber der Blick auf den Alltag im Gewerbegebiet zeigt, dass und wie vielfältig Lebens- und Wirtschaftsalltage stattfinden: Das Wirtschaften der Betriebe unterliegt zeitlichen und räumlichen Rhythmen und wird entlang sozialer, ökologischer und ökonomischer Kreisläufe entwickelt. Die MitarbeiterInnen kombinieren an ihrem Arbeitsort die Erwerbsarbeit mit Einkäufen, mit Freizeitaktivitäten oder sozialen Aktivitäten. Nicht zuletzt ist das Gewerbegebiet ein (Querungs-)Raum auf den alltäglichen Wegen der BewohnerInnen und NutzerInnen des gesamten südlichen Wiener Stadtteils. Es wäre verschwendetes Potential, ein Gewerbegebiet nur als auf die Nutzung „Gewerbe“ beschränkt wahrzunehmen. In der bereits gelebten Nutzungsvielfalt steckt Potential, dass es, im Sinne einer Smart City-Entwicklung ausgehend von den Gegebenheiten des jeweiligen Ortes, zu entwickeln gilt. Der Beitrag diskutiert Projektideen wie auf Ebene der öffentlichen Freiräume und auf Ebene der betrieblichen Freiräume durch integrative Freiraumplanung die Standortqualität gesichert und verbessert, aber auch den Herausforderungen des Klimawandels begegnet werden kann (vgl. Saarbrücken, 2012)

N-Octanoyl Dopamine, a Non-Hemodyanic Dopamine Derivative, for Cell Protection during Hypothermic Organ Preservation

BACKGROUND: Although donor dopamine treatment reduces the requirement for post transplantation dialysis in renal transplant recipients, implementation of dopamine in donor management is hampered by its hemodynamic side-effects. Therefore novel dopamine derivatives lacking any hemodynamic actions and yet are more efficacious in protecting tissue from cold preservation injury are warranted. We hypothesized that variation of the molecular structure would yield more efficacious compounds avoid of any hemodynamic effects. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: To this end, we assessed protection against cold preservation injury in HUVEC by the attenuation of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Modification of dopamine by an alkanoyl group increased cellular uptake and significantly improved efficacy of protection. Further variation revealed that only compounds bearing two hydroxy groups in ortho or para position at the benzene nucleus, i.e. strong reductants, were protective. However, other reducing agents like N-acetyl cysteine and ascorbate, or NADPH oxidase inhibition did not prevent cellular injury following cold storage. Unlike dopamine, a prototypic novel compound caused no hemodynamic side-effects. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: In conclusion, we demonstrate that protection against cold preservation injury by catecholamines is exclusively governed by strong reducing capacity and sufficient lipophilicity. The novel dopamine derivatives might be of clinical relevance in donor pre-conditioning as they are completely devoid of hemodynamic action, their increased cellular uptake would reduce time of treatment and therefore also may have a potential use for non-heart beating donors

S1 Guideline onychomycosis

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the fingernails and toenails. In Europe, tinea unguium is mainly caused by dermatophytes. The diagnostic workup comprises microscopic examination, culture and/or molecular testing (nail scrapings). Local treatment with antifungal nail polish is recommended for mild or moderate nail infections. In case of moderate to severe onychomycosis, oral treatment is recommended (in the absence of contraindications). Treatment should consist of topical and systemic agents. The aim of this update of the German S1 guideline is to simplify the selection and implementation of appropriate diagnostics and treatment. The guideline was based on current international guidelines and the results of a literature review conducted by the experts of the guideline committee. This multidisciplinary committee consisted of representatives from the German Society of Dermatology (DDG), the German‐Speaking Mycological Society (DMykG), the Association of German Dermatologists (BVDD), the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM), the German Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine (DGKJ), the Working Group for Pediatric Dermatology (APD) and the German Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases (DGPI). The Division of Evidence‐based Medicine (dEBM) provided methodological assistance. The guideline was approved by the participating medical societies following a comprehensive internal and external review

DNA Damage, Somatic Aneuploidy, and Malignant Sarcoma Susceptibility in Muscular Dystrophies

Albeit genetically highly heterogeneous, muscular dystrophies (MDs) share a convergent pathology leading to muscle wasting accompanied by proliferation of fibrous and fatty tissue, suggesting a common MD–pathomechanism. Here we show that mutations in muscular dystrophy genes (Dmd, Dysf, Capn3, Large) lead to the spontaneous formation of skeletal muscle-derived malignant tumors in mice, presenting as mixed rhabdomyo-, fibro-, and liposarcomas. Primary MD–gene defects and strain background strongly influence sarcoma incidence, latency, localization, and gender prevalence. Combined loss of dystrophin and dysferlin, as well as dystrophin and calpain-3, leads to accelerated tumor formation. Irrespective of the primary gene defects, all MD sarcomas share non-random genomic alterations including frequent losses of tumor suppressors (Cdkn2a, Nf1), amplification of oncogenes (Met, Jun), recurrent duplications of whole chromosomes 8 and 15, and DNA damage. Remarkably, these sarcoma-specific genetic lesions are already regularly present in skeletal muscles in aged MD mice even prior to sarcoma development. Accordingly, we show also that skeletal muscle from human muscular dystrophy patients is affected by gross genomic instability, represented by DNA double-strand breaks and age-related accumulation of aneusomies. These novel aspects of molecular pathologies common to muscular dystrophies and tumor biology will potentially influence the strategies to combat these diseases

Skin Tumors in Childhood

Background: Dermatologists, paediatricians, and general practitioners are often consulted by worried parents for the evaluation of a cutaneous tumor. Methods: Selective literature review. Results: Only 1-2% of skin tumors excised in children turn out to be malignant when examined histologically. Warning signs of malignancy include rapid growth, firm consistency, diameter exceeding 3 cm, ulceration, a non-movable mass, and presence in the neonatal period. The more common malignant skin tumors in adults-basal cell carcinoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma-are very rare in childhood. Congenital melanocytic nevi and sebaceous nevi bear a lower malignant potential than previously believed; nevertheless, their excision is often indicated. A Spitz nevus can mimic a melanoma both clinically and histologically. Some benign skin tumors of childhood tend to regress spontaneously within a few years but may cause complications at particular locations and when multiple. For infantile hemangiomas requiring systemic treatment because of imminent obstruction or ulceration, propranolol seems to have a far more favorable risk-benefit ratio than corticosteroids. Conclusion: Physicians need specialized knowledge in order to decide whether a skin tumor in a child should be excised, non-surgically treated, or further evaluated, or whether it can be safely left untreated because of the likelihood of spontaneous remission