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- Murari, A., et al.
(author)
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A control oriented strategy of disruption prediction to avoid the configuration collapse of tokamak reactors
- 2024
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In: Nature Communications. - 2041-1723 .- 2041-1723. ; 15:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The objective of thermonuclear fusion consists of producing electricity from the coalescence of light nuclei in high temperature plasmas. The most promising route to fusion envisages the confinement of such plasmas with magnetic fields, whose most studied configuration is the tokamak. Disruptions are catastrophic collapses affecting all tokamak devices and one of the main potential showstoppers on the route to a commercial reactor. In this work we report how, deploying innovative analysis methods on thousands of JET experiments covering the isotopic compositions from hydrogen to full tritium and including the major D-T campaign, the nature of the various forms of collapse is investigated in all phases of the discharges. An original approach to proximity detection has been developed, which allows determining both the probability of and the time interval remaining before an incoming disruption, with adaptive, from scratch, real time compatible techniques. The results indicate that physics based prediction and control tools can be developed, to deploy realistic strategies of disruption avoidance and prevention, meeting the requirements of the next generation of devices.
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- Reimerdes, H., et al.
(author)
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Overview of the TCV tokamak experimental programme
- 2022
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In: Nuclear Fusion. - : IOP Publishing. - 1741-4326 .- 0029-5515. ; 62:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The tokamak a configuration variable (TCV) continues to leverage its unique shaping capabilities, flexible heating systems and modern control system to address critical issues in preparation for ITER and a fusion power plant. For the 2019-20 campaign its configurational flexibility has been enhanced with the installation of removable divertor gas baffles, its diagnostic capabilities with an extensive set of upgrades and its heating systems with new dual frequency gyrotrons. The gas baffles reduce coupling between the divertor and the main chamber and allow for detailed investigations on the role of fuelling in general and, together with upgraded boundary diagnostics, test divertor and edge models in particular. The increased heating capabilities broaden the operational regime to include T (e)/T (i) similar to 1 and have stimulated refocussing studies from L-mode to H-mode across a range of research topics. ITER baseline parameters were reached in type-I ELMy H-modes and alternative regimes with 'small' (or no) ELMs explored. Most prominently, negative triangularity was investigated in detail and confirmed as an attractive scenario with H-mode level core confinement but an L-mode edge. Emphasis was also placed on control, where an increased number of observers, actuators and control solutions became available and are now integrated into a generic control framework as will be needed in future devices. The quantity and quality of results of the 2019-20 TCV campaign are a testament to its successful integration within the European research effort alongside a vibrant domestic programme and international collaborations.
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- Balbín, M, et al.
(author)
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Demonstration of sequence variations in the promoter region of the human cystatin C gene
- 1992
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In: Biological Chemistry Hoppe-Seyler. - 0177-3593. ; 373:7, s. 471-476
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Four point mutations in the promoter region of the human cystatin C gene have been detected by direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified DNA. The four base changes are all localized within a short segment of 85 base pairs. Three cystatin C gene alleles could be defined with respect to these promoter mutations; one with the sequence previously published, one carrying three of the mutations and one with all four base substitutions. Two of the observed mutations are involved in a novel Sst II polymorphism and another generates a new Dde I restriction site. A PCR-based assay for analysis of these Sst II and Dde I sites was designed and used to demonstrate Mendelian inheritance of the polymorphisms as well as to determine the frequencies of the cystatin C gene alleles in the population.
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- Balbin, M, et al.
(author)
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Determination of allotypes G1m(f) and G1m(z) at the genomic level by subclass specific amplification of DNA and use of allele specific probes
- 1991
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In: Experimental and Clinical Immunogenetics. - 0254-9670. ; 8:2, s. 88-95
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Two oligonucleotide primers were used for selective enzymatic amplification of a DNA segment encoding a major portion of the first constant region domain (CH1) of the human IgG1 heavy chain. The selective amplification was confirmed by use of subclass-specific oligonucleotide probes. Two 15-mer oligonucleotides, hybridizing with the alleles for the allotypes G1m(f) and (z), respectively, could then be used for determination at the genomic level of these two truly allelic allotypes. Serum and DNA samples from 12 individuals, one of them with a considerable amount of anti-Gm(f) antibodies, were used for allotype assignment by classical serological methods and by the new method operating at the genomic level. The resulting classifications agreed completely, demonstrating the reliability of the new method.
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- Magtalas, M. C., et al.
(author)
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A systematic review of ethnomedicinal plants used for pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care in the Philippines
- 2023
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In: Phytomedicine Plus. - : Elsevier BV. - 2667-0313. ; 3:1
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Medicinal plants are still widely used in rural areas of the Philippines. Among the conditions treated with medicinal plants are those related to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. This systematic review identified the medicinal plants used for obstetric care in the country. Methods: The study was conducted based on the PRISMA flow diagram, starting with a data search using three databases. The necessary information was extracted from the eligible research papers, and the studies' quality was assessed through a developed quality assessment tool. Results: This study included 38 ethnobotanical studies with 153 plant species used for pregnancy and postpartum care. Most of the studies were conducted in Northern Mindanao, in the Philippines. The most common pregnancy-related indications for the medicinal plants were postpartum care, and postpartum bleeding topped the list. The most common plant family, genus, and species were Fabaceae, Ficus, and Moringa oleifera Lam, respectively. The leaf was the most common single plant part used for pregnancy and postpartum care. Only 80 medicinal plants had toxicologic and teratogenic data. Conclusion: Women from different ethnic groups widely utilized medicinal plants to treat pregnancy-related conditions. Further research on toxicology and teratogenicity is necessary to ensure the safety of their users.
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- Magtalas, M. C., et al.
(author)
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A systematic review of medicinal plants used in the treatment of gynecologic diseases in the Philippines
- 2023
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In: Phytomedicine Plus. - : Elsevier. - 2667-0313. ; 3:3
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Different indigenous peoples in the Philippines still utilize medicinal plants in treating gynecologic diseases. However, there is a lack of information regarding these medicinal plants used in treating gynecologic conditions in the Philippines. Hence, this systematic review compiled the available literature on medicinal plants used for gynecologic healthcare by various indigenous groups in the Philippines. Methods: Ethnobotanical studies that reported medicinal plants used for gynecologic diseases were obtained from OVID Medline, Scopus, and EBSCO CINAHL. A review of titles, abstracts, and articles was done independently by four reviewers. The quality of the studies was assessed using the quality assessment tool for ethnobotanical studies. Results: A total of 27 studies, including 98 different records, that cited the use of medicinal plants to treat gynecologic diseases were included in the qualitative synthesis. Most ethnobotanical studies were conducted in Northern Mindanao, Central Luzon, and Caraga, Philippines. The most common plant family, genus, and species were Fabaceae, Mimosa, and Mimosa pudica L., respectively. Leaves, roots, and stems were predominantly used, commonly prepared by decoction. Medicinal plants reported in ethnobotanical studies were widely used to treat dysmenorrhea (34 ssp.), irregular menstruation (28 spp.), myoma (four spp.), and infertility (four spp.). A significant proportion of medicinal plants used to treat gynecologic diseases in the Philippines had records of toxicologic (18 spp., 31.03%) or teratogenic (one sp., 1.72%) properties. Other species were reported as both nontoxic and toxic (five spp., 8.62%) and toxic and teratogenic (one sp., 1.72%). However, some were nontoxic or teratogenic (11 sp., 18.97%). In addition, 22 plant species had no data on toxicity or teratogenicity. Conclusion: This systematic review showed that medicinal plants and traditional healing practices are crucial in gynecologic healthcare in the Philippines.
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- Magtalas, M. C., et al.
(author)
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Ethnomedicinal plants used for the prevention and treatment of anemia in the Philippines : a systematic review
- 2023
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In: Tropical Medicine and Health. - 1348-8945 .- 1349-4147. ; 51:1
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Medicinal plants are still used in developing countries, including the Philippines, to treat common diseases in the community. Anemia is a common disease encountered in the community. It is characterized by a lower-than-normal level of red blood cell count. This systematic review identified the medicinal plants used for anemia treatment in the Philippines. Methods: The study was conducted based on the PRISMA flow diagram, starting with a data search on electronic databases. The collected studies were screened based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The necessary information was extracted from the eligible research papers, and the studies’ quality was assessed through a developed quality assessment tool. Results: A total of 20 ethnobotanical studies on medicinal plants used for anemia treatment were obtained from different provinces within the 12 regions of the Philippines. Most ethnobotanical studies were conducted in Region X (Northern Mindanao), CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region), and Region XIII (CARAGA), Philippines. The most common plant family is Convovulaceae, with nine records (21.95%), followed by Cucurbitaceae, with six records (14.63%), and Moringaceae, with five records (12.2%). The most common plant part used was the leaves. Others involved mixing different plant parts, with fruits and leaves being the most common combination. The most common route of administration utilized was drinking the decoction, followed by eating the plant. Most medicinal plants used to treat anemia in the Philippines had records of toxicologic (four species, 15.38%) or teratogenic (one species, 3.85%) properties. Eight plant species were reported as nontoxic (30.77%). In addition, ten plant species (38.46%) had no data on toxicity or teratogenicity. Conclusion: There were only 20 ethnobotanical studies that documented the use of plants in treating anemia in the Philippines. This study listed several medicinal plants used in treating anemia in the Philippines. However, pharmacological and toxicological studies are still needed to determine their safety and efficacy in treating anemia in the community.
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