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Modular multilevel converters (MMCs) are characterized by the multi-harmonic coupling interactions among internal dynamics. In this work, multiple d-q references and multi-harmonic frames, which are developed through dynamic phasor and harmonic state-space, are used to derive the generalized impedance models of MMC in the d-q and modified sequence domain, respectively. Although some previous researches have been devoted to revealing the equivalence of different impedance models, this paper attempts to elaborate the relation of different multi-frequency modeling approaches, and to provide a more comprehensive review of MMC impedance models. A rigorous comparison of modeling procedure, impedance response and stability analysis result between different MMC models is conducted. It is demonstrated that the MMC impedance models in the two domains can be related by a generic linear transformation matrix. Furthermore, the stability analysis results given by generalized Nyquist criterion are identical in these two domains. Application recommendations for different impedance models are given as well. The developed impedance models and their effectiveness for stability and resonance analysis are validated by a 501-level aggregated model in MATLAB/SIMULINK.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in working-age populations. FTO is an N6-methyladenosine (m6A) demethylase that participates in various biological events, while its role in DR remains elusive. Herein, we detected elevated FTO expression in retinal proliferative membranes of DR patients. FTO promoted endothelial cell (EC) cell cycle progression and tip cell formation to facilitate angiogenesisin vitro, in mice and in zebrafish. FTO also regulated EC-pericyte crosstalk to trigger diabetic microvascular leakage, and mediated EC-microglia interactions to induce retinal inflammation and neurodegenerationin vivoandin vitro. Mechanistically, FTO affected EC features via modulatingCDK2mRNA stability in an m6A-YTHDF2-dependent manner. FTO up-regulation under diabetic conditions was driven by lactate mediated histone lactylation. FB23-2, an inhibitor to FTO’s m6A demethylase activity, suppressed angiogenic phenotypesin vivoandin vitro. Noteworthy, we developed a nanoplatform encapsulating FB23-2 for systemic administration, and confirmed its targeting and therapeutic efficiencies in mice. Collectively, our study demonstrated that FTO coordinates EC biology and retinal homeostasis in DR, providing a promising nanotherapeutic approach for DR.

AIM: To evaluate the differences of macular vascular network measured by optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)between severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy(S-NPDR)eyes and health eyes, and explore the changes of these OCTA characteristics in patients with S-NPDR before and after panretinal photocoagulation(PRP).METHODS: This was a prospective study including 31 eyes from 18 consecutive patients with S-NPDR and 31 eyes of healthy subjects. We measured macular vascular density and foveal avascular zone(FAZ)area and volume by an OCTA device.RESULTS: Compared to the normal control group, in superficial retinal capillary plexus(SCP), macular vascular density decreased in S-NPDR group, except foveal vascular density unchanged. Consistently, in deep retinal capillary plexus(DCP), macular vascular density was also lower in S-NPDR group. In addition, FAZ area and volume expanded in S-NPDR eyes. At 6mo post-PRP in S-NPDR eyes, foveal SCP and DCP densities increased significantly, while FAZ area and volume decreased. At 3mo post-PRP, only foveal vascular density in DCP increased. The changes of foveal SCP and DCP densities as well as FAZ area and volume were not statically significant at 1mo post-PRP.CONCLUSION: Macular vascular network was impaired in S-NPDR assessed by OCTA. Although OCTA parameters were not significantly affected by PRP in 1 and 3mo period, at 6mo follow-up parameters became significant after PRP.

To explore the efficacy and safety of Zhuang medicine medicated thread moxibustion (ZMTM) on psoriasis vulgaris.A multicenter, randomized, parallel controlled clinical trial was designed. A total of 241 outpatients with psoriasis vulgaris were randomly divided into a control group (120 cases) and a treatment group (121 cases) using a central block randomization from June 2015 to May 2018. The control group was treated with Western medicines alone including pidotimod dispersible tablets, vitamin B compound tablets, and compound cod liver oil-zinc oxide ointment. The treatment group was treated with ZMTM every 2 days combined with Western medicines. The two groups received continuous intervention for 30 days. The primary outcome was Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), and the secondary outcomes included Itch Rating Scale, Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), as well as PASI response rate. Meanwhile, adverse events were evaluated during the whole clinical trial. Follow-up was carried out 30 days after treatment.There were 5 cases of shedding in this trial. In intention-to-treat analysis, 236 cases were included and each group contained 118 cases. On the 30th and 60th days, PASI scores of patients in each group were significantly lower than that at baseline (P0.01) and the PASI score reduction of the treatment group was greater than that of the control group (P0.01). Itch Rating Scale, DLQI, and HAMA scale were decreased in both groups after treatment, and the treatment group showed a better therapeutic effect (P0.01). The response rates of PASI 50 and 75 were significantly higher than those in the control group [81.4% (96/118), 43.2% (51/118) vs. 41.5% (49/118), 11.0% (13/118), respectively, P0.05]. During follow-up, the improvements in scores of PASI, Itch Rating Scale, DLQI, and HAMA of the treatment group were significantly greater than those of the control group (P0.01). The response rates of PASI 50 and 75 in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group, respectively (both P0.05). No obvious adverse reaction was found in either group.ZMTM combined with Western medicines showed a better therapeutic effect in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris without obvious adverse reaction. (Trial Registration No. ChiCTR-IOR-16008159).

Microvascular dysfunction (MVD) has long plagued the medical field despite improvements in its prevention, diagnosis, and intervention. Microvascular lesions from MVD increase with age and further lead to impaired microcirculation, target organ dysfunction, and a mass of microvascular complications, thus contributing to a heavy medical burden and rising disability rates. An up-to-date understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying MVD will facilitate discoveries of more effective therapeutic strategies. Recent advances in epigenetics have revealed that RNA methylation, an epigenetic modification, has a pivotal role in vascular events. The N

Discoxenus shenzhenensis Xu, Cai, Zeng & Song sp. nov. (Chinese name: 深圳DZDKOiffl) Figs. 1, 3–16 Type material. Holotype. China: male on slide, glued on a card with labels as follows: “ China: Guangdong, Shenzhen, Wutong Mt., 22°34′48″N, 114°12′36″E; alt. 500 m, 21.IX.2021, Yujie Cai & Chenglin Zhou leg.” “ Holotype / Discoxenus shenzhenensis / Xu, Cai, Zeng & Song” [red handwritten label] (SHNU). Paratypes. 1 male, same data as holotype (SHNU). 1 male, Guangdong Prov., Guangzhou, Tianhe Dist., Guangdong Forestry Vocational and Technical School, Longdong; 23°11′29″N, 113°22′39″E; alt. 30–100 m, 1.VII.2012, Huang S-B leg. (SHNU). 1?, China: Guangdong, Zhongshan City, Wuguishan (I桂山), 22°25′56.79″N, 113°26′40.46″E, 21.X.–18.XI.2020, by FIT (SHNU). Diagnosis. The genus is currently subdivided into two species groups: the Discoxenus assmuthi group and the D. latiabdominalis group (Kanao & Maruyama 2015). According to the tergite X with posterior half covered with a batch of setae, the small basal capsule and strongly developed distal crest of aedeagal median lobe, Discoxenus shenzhenensis sp. nov. belongs to the D. assmuthi species group, it can be easily distinguished from all congeners by a combination of the following two character states: macrochaetotaxy of tergites III–VIII (6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6); elytra and abodmen sparesly covered with relatively long yellow setae. The new species is closely allied to D. katayamai Kanao & Maruyama, 2010 from Thailand and Cambodia in general habitus, but can be readily separated from it by antennal segment XI approximately 2.1 times longer than wide (in D. katayamai, antennal segment XI thick, length approximately 1.4 times as long as wide); the longer incisor tooth of both mandibles; the molar tooth of right mandible very small; the slenderer apical lobe of aedeagal median lobe and the longer apical lobe of paramere. The key to the Southeast Asian species of Discoxenus (Kanao & Maruyama 2015) should be modified at the couplet #2 as follows to accommodate the new species: 2. Elytra sparsely covered with relatively long setae.......................................................... 2a - Elytra covered with no or few short setae except for anterolateral outer corner..................................... 3 2a. Antennal segment XI approximately 1.4 times longer than wide; the molar tooth of right mandible distinct.... D. katayamai - Antennal segment IX approximately 2.1 times longer than wide; the molar tooth of right mandible very small............................................................................................. D. shenzhenensis sp. n. Description. Body (Figs 1, 18) smooth, glabrous. Coloration: Light reddish-yellow overall. Head (Fig. 4) approximately 1.5 times wider than long. Antenna (Fig. 3) with segment II with 3 macrosetae; segment XI approximately 2.1 times longer than wide, widest around middle. Labrum (Fig. 5) with anterior margin slightly concave at middle; median projection of apodeme short, with apex rounded; 5–6 lateral setae present in ventral view. Mandibles (Figs. 7–8), covered with 38–42 pores. Left mandible (Fig. 7) with adoral margin moderately pointed around middle. Right mandible (Fig. 8) with molar tooth almost reduced. Maxillary palpal segment III approximately 2.1 times longer than wide. Mentum (Fig. 6) approximately 2.4 times wider than long, covered with around 58 pores. Labium with prementum covered with approximately 8 pores. Pronotum (Fig. 12) covered with approximately 68 macrosetae. Elytron (Fig. 13) transverse, sparsely covered with yellow setae, 16 macrosetae present on disc. Metaventrite approximately 1.8 times longer than mesoventrite. Tergites (Fig. 1) and sternites sparsely covered with yellow setae. Macrochaetotaxy of abdominal tergites III– VIII = 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6. Sternite III with posterior half densely covered with setae. Sternites IV–VII with posterior half sparsely covered with setae. Sternites III–VII with 4–8 macrosetae at posterior margin. Male. Tergite VIII (Fig. 9) with posterior margin rounded, 3 pairs of macrosetae present at posterior margin, with 2 pairs of macrosetae around middle. Sternite VIII (Fig. 10) with posterior margin slightly rounded, 3 pairs of macrosetae present at posterior margin, with 2 pairs of macrosetae at middle. Median lobe of aedeagus narrowed apically in ventral view (Fig. 14); basal capsule with distal crest large in lateral view (Fig. 15); apical lobe less than half as wide as basal capsule in lateral view (Fig. 15). Paramere (Fig. 16) with paramerite approximately 3 times wider than condylite; velar sac sclerite with 6–9 setae; apical lobe with 3 minute setae at apex. Female. Unknown. Measurements. BL: 1.67–1.92 mm; FBL: 0.86–0.89 mm; PL: 0.61–0.65 mm; PW: 0.91–0.97 mm; EL: 0.24– 0.25 mm; EW: 0.94–1.01 mm; PL/PW: 0.67; EL/EW: 0.24–0.27. Distribution. China (Guangdong). Symbiotic host. Odontotermes sp. (Fig. 2) Etymology. The species is named after its type locality, Shenzhen., Published as part of Xu, Wang, Cai, Yu-Jie, Zeng, Qing-Huai, Wang, Wei-Min, Yu, Xin-Fan & Song, Xiao-Bin, 2022, Discoxenus Wasmann new to China with description of a new species (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae), pp. 389-393 in Zootaxa 5175 (3) on pages 390-391, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5175.3.6, http://zenodo.org/record/7003704, {"references":["Kanao, T. & Maruyama, M. (2015) Eight new species, a new record, and redescription of the genus Discoxenus Wasmann, 1904: The first record of termitophilous rove beetles in Cambodia (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae). Zootaxa, 4044 (2), 201 - 223. https: // doi. org / 10.11646 / zootaxa. 4044.2.2","Kanao, T., Maruyama, M. & Sakchoowong, W. (2010) Two new species of Aleocharinae (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) found in the fungus gardens of Odontotermes termites (Isoptera, Termitidae, Macrotermitinae) in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. Zookeys, 49, 77 - 86. https: // doi. org / 10.3897 / zookeys. 49.468"]}

Xu, Wang, Cai, Yu-Jie, Zeng, Qing-Huai, Wang, Wei-Min, Yu, Xin-Fan, Song, Xiao-Bin (2022): Discoxenus Wasmann new to China with description of a new species (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae). Zootaxa 5175 (3): 389-393, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5175.3.6

A $\\boldsymbol d$ - $\\boldsymbol q$ frame impedance model of modular multilevel converter (MMC), which is suitable for high-frequency resonance (HFR) analysis under the condition that the number of submodules in MMC reaches hundreds level, is presented in this work. A 10th-order dynamic phasor model for the MMC is linearized and combined with a control subsystem model. A modular modeling approach based on transfer matrix is applied to the overall linearized model to derive the impedance model. The validity and accuracy of the model are verified using a 501-level MMC aggregated model in SIMULINK. Results show that the impedance model has satisfactory accuracy in the frequency ranging from 1 to 3000 Hz. Then, the impedance model is used to analyze an HFR accident in a realistic MMC project. Therefore, a high time delay in controller is proved can provide negative resistance in high frequency and cause instability.

As novel anodic materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), transitional metal selenites can transform into metal oxide/selenide heterostructures in the first cycle, which helps to enhance the Li

In order to overcome the weakness of dc line protection under high impedance fault, a traveling wave similarity based pilot protection method is proposed using improved Hausdorff Distance algorithm. The issue of asynchronous data, noise and anomalies are solved with the improved Hausdorff Distance algorithm. The instantaneous frequency based wave head detection method is used to overcome the problem of delay in protection start-up. Based on this protection scheme, external fault can be distinguished from internal faults regardless of fault impedance, fault location and fault type. Moreover, the faulty pole and fault direction are recognized via ratio of transient energy at line terminals. Taking the Zhangbei high voltage dc transmission project as an example, a four-terminal ring type dc grid model is developed in PSCAD/EMTDC platform for fault simulation and the data processing is performed in MATLAB platform. Based on the theoretical analysis and simulation study, the proposed pilot protection is verified with excellent fault impedance withstanding ability and robustness against noise, abnormal data and asynchronous data.

For the high-frequency resonant accident of modular multilevel converter (MMC) in real engineering, in this paper, the 10th order state-space model of MMC is established based on the dynamic phasor method. The state-space model of MMC controller for power control is established according to the practical engineering. Then the time delay of input and output is considered in the controller, and the Pade fitting in state-space model applicable to the eigenvalue method is introduced to the complete state space model of MMC. Based on the proposed model, the MMC high-frequency resonance phenomenon is analyzed by the eigenvalue method, and the accuracy of the model is verified by simulation results. Besides, it is demonstrated that high time delay causes high-frequency resonance in the MMC system based on the participation factor and the system eigenvalue trajectory. Then, the coupling relationship between the input and output time delay inside the controller and the d-q axis time delay is investigated, and a new time delay compensation method to suppress high-frequency resonance is proposed based on Pade fitting, which can be used jointly with the traditional method with good effect.

This study presents a travelling wave (TW)-based method for locating DC line faults in a modular multilevel converter (MMC)-based high-voltage direct current (HVDC) system by using local information. Pole voltage signals are adopted and denoised via stationary wavelet transform (SWT) with improved threshold functions. Hankel matrix-based singular value decomposition (SVD) is utilised to detect TW arrivals. The arrival times of incidental and reflected wave heads are observed in SVD result. The reflected wave heads from the fault point and the opposite end can be discriminated by comparing surge polarities in SVD result. The proposed method relies on the TW principle but is independent of TW propagation velocity. The feasibility of the proposed algorithm is evaluated considering potential factors, such as fault resistance, close-in fault, remote fault, sampling rate and noise. The superiority of this method is validated by comparing it with other signal-processing techniques and TW-based fault location principles. Electromagnetic transient simulation of the multi-terminal HVDC system on Power Systems Computer Aided Design / Electromagnetic Transients including DC (PSCAD/EMTDC) is conducted to provide fault TW signals, which are analysed in MATLAB. A corresponding equivalent test model developed in a real-time digital simulator is also provided for conducting a supplementary study to verify and further research this fault location method.

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs have revolutionized the treatment of neovascular eye diseases, but responses are incomplete in some patients. Recent evidence shows that integrins are involved in the pathogenesis of neovascular age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. JP1, derived from an optimized seven-amino-acid fragment of JWA protein, is a polypeptide specifically targeting integrin αVβ3. In this study we evaluated the efficacy of JP1 on laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and retinal vascular leakage. CNV mice received a single intravitreal (IVT) injection of JP1 (10, 20, 40 µg) or ranibizumab (RBZ, 10 µg). We showed that JP1 injection dose-dependently inhibited laser-induced CNV; the effect of RBZ was comparable to that of 20 µg JP1; a combined IVT injection of JP1 (20 μg) and RBZ (5 μg) exerted a synergistic effect on CNV. In the 3rd month after streptozotocin injection, diabetic mice receiving IVT injection of JP1 (40 µg) or RBZ (10 µg) once a week for 4 weeks showed significantly suppressed retinal vascular leakage. In both in vivo and in vitro experiments, JP1 counteracted oxidative stress and inflammation via inhibiting ROS/NF-κB signaling in microglial cells, and angiogenesis via modulating MEK1/2-SP1-integrin αVβ3 and TRIM25-SP1-MMP2 axes in vascular endothelial cells. In addition, intraperitoneal injection of JP1 (1, 5 or 10 mg) once every other day for 3 times also dose-dependently inhibited CNV. After intraperitoneal injection of FITC-labeled JP1 (FITC-JP1) or FITC in laser-induced CNV mice, the fluorescence intensity in the CNV lesion was markedly increased in FITC-JP1 group, compared with that in FITC group, confirming that JP1 could penetrate the blood-retinal barrier to target CNV lesion. We conclude that JP1 can be used to design novel CNV-targeting therapeutic agents that may replace current invasive intraocular injections.

AIM: To observe the clinical effect of 25G vitrectomy combined with inner limiting membrane(ILM)peeling in the treatment of severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR)with macular displacement.METHODS: Clinical data of 36 cases(36 eyes), diagnosed as severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy with macular displacement in Jiangsu Province Hospital were collected. Eighteen cases admitted from January to December 2016 were included in the control group(18 eyes, treated by 25G vitrectomy), while 18 cases admitted from January to December 2017 were included in the combined group(18 eyes, treated by 25G vitrectomy with ILM peeling). Best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), intraocular pressure(IOP), complications, and the thickness of macular center area(CMT)were examined during follow-up at 7d, 1mo, 3mo and 6mo postoperative.RESULTS: BCVA showed a significant improvement at postoperative 6mo compared with baseline in both groups (PPP=1.000).CONCLUSION: In the treatment of severe PDR with macular displacement, 25G vitrectomy combined with ILM peeling can effectively and safely improve visual acuity and reduce the thickness of macular center area.

A combined algorithm based on traveling wave (TW) theory and time-frequency characteristics is proposed to estimate the DC line fault location in modular multilevel converter-high voltage direct current (MMC-HVDC) systems. The relationship between instantaneous frequency and TW propagation velocity is analysed, and the local voltage signal is utilized to extract fault features. A TW distortion-based scheme is improved to obtain the approximate fault location and accurately detect TW arrival times. The arrival times of the initial TW from the fault point and opposite terminal are determined using intrinsic mode functions under variational mode decomposition. Given the attenuation property of the TW-based method, the Teager energy operator is used to overcome the weakness in fault feature extraction. The instantaneous frequency of the TW front is obtained via ensemble empirical mode decomposition and Hilbert-Huang transform. The fault location is predicted with the detected TW arrival times and corresponding TW propagation velocity. The effectiveness and superiority of this method are verified through simulations in PSCAD/EMTDC and computation in MATLAB.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the elderly population with unclear pathogenic mechanism. Herein, we detect downregulated circSPECC1 expression in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of AMD patients. In RPE cells, circSPECC1 insufficiency leads to oxidative stress-induced ferroptosis, depolarization, and irregular lipid metabolism. Consistently, in mice, circSPECC1 deficiency induces visual impairments and RPE anomalies and interrupts retinal homeostasis. Mechanically, nuclear export of circSPECC1 transcript depends on its N

A reduced-order dynamic phasor model of modular multilevel converter (MMC) in long time scale, which is applied for power system low-frequency oscillation analysis, is investigated. A tenth-order dynamic phasor model is derived in consideration of the internal circulation current dynamic of MMC. The model is verified via electromagnetic transient simulation. Then, an application of the singular perturbation method to MMC model reduction is presented. Separation of eigenvalues is used as a characterization of time scales and small time constant states is eliminated in the full-order model of MMC. MMC high-voltage direct current (HVdc) models with various orders are embedded into the four-machine two-area system to compare the low-frequency oscillation analysis results. The frequency domain analysis and time domain simulations show that the second-order model has satisfactory performance in describing the low-frequency characteristics of MMC. Moreover, the influence of MMC-HVdc transmission power and outer loop controller parameters on low-frequency oscillation is investigated using the second-order model. The effectiveness of reduced-order model in supplementary controller parameter design is also validated by comparing the difference in the response of various-order models to supplementary frequency-based control.

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) is abnormally expressed in a variety of malignant tumors and functions as a tumor suppressor. However, the association between TXNIP and clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) has not yet been fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of TXNIP in CCRCC using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The RNA sequencing data and corresponding clinical data were collected from TCGA database. The association between TXNIP and patient clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed using analysis of variance and logistic regression. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model were used to assess the association between TXNIP and overall survival. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to explore the associated signaling pathways. TXNIP expression was identified to be decreased in CCRCC tissues compared with normal tissues. The decreased expression of TXNIP in CCRCC was significantly associated with clinical stage [OR=0.509 for III vs. I (P=0.002); OR=0.527 for IV vs. I (P=0.012)], T stage [OR=0.552 for T3 vs. T1 (P=0.002)] and grade [OR=0.261 for G4 vs. G1 (P=0.027)]. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that cases of CCRCC with low TXNIP expression were associated with poorer prognoses compared with those with a high expression level (P=0.002). Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses indicated that TXNIP was an independent prognostic factor in CCRCC. GSEA revealed that 6 pathways exhibited significant differential enrichment in the TXNIP high-expression phenotype, including the WNT signaling pathway, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, the phosphatidylinositol signaling system, the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway, autophagy and the Janus kinase (JAK)-STAT signaling pathway. Taken together, the results of the present study indicate that TXNIP expression may be a potential prognostic marker for patients with CCRCC. In addition, the WNT signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol signaling system, TGF-β signaling pathway, autophagy and the JAK-STAT signaling pathway may be the crucial pathways regulated by TXNIP in CCRCC.

The reliability and effectiveness of fibre-optical current transformer (FOCT) is significantly affected by the noise interference from internal system components and external environment. Therefore, this paper proposes an optimized variational mode decomposition (OVMD) based denoising algorithm to improve FOCT’s performance in the situation with high-level noise. The VMD parameter is adaptively optimized based on target signal and the effective decomposed sub-signals are further denoised with stationary wavelet transform functions. In order to investigate the feasibility of the proposed algorithm, both simulated current signal in PSCAD/EMTDC environment and recorded data of current in converter station of Zhangbei dc gird are considered in this paper. The test result indicates that the proposed denoising algorithm could filter out noise and retain sufficient feature information in FOCT’s output.

Microvascular dysfunction (MVD) has long plagued the medical field despite improvements in its prevention, diagnosis, and intervention. Microvascular lesions from MVD increase with age and further lead to impaired microcirculation, target organ dysfunction, and a mass of microvascular complications, thus contributing to a heavy medical burden and rising disability rates. An up-to-date understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying MVD will facilitate discoveries of more effective therapeutic strategies. Recent advances in epigenetics have revealed that RNA methylation, an epigenetic modification, has a pivotal role in vascular events. The N6-methylation of adenosine (m6A) modification is the most prevalent internal RNA modification in eukaryotic cells, which regulates vascular transcripts through splicing, degradation, translation, as well as translocation, thus maintaining microvascular homeostasis. Conversely, the disruption of the m6A regulatory network will lead to MVD. Herein, we provide a review discussing how m6A methylation interacts with MVD. We also focus on alterations of the m6A regulatory network under pathological conditions. Finally, we highlight the value of m6A regulators as prognostic biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets, which might be a promising addition to clinical medicine.

AIM: To compare the clinical efficacy of two methods for treating refractory glaucoma.METHODS: A total of 30 patients with refractory glaucoma(32 eyes)selected from our hospital from January 2014 to September 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the treatment methods, they were divided into experimental group(16 eyes treated by modified Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation)and control group(16 eyes treated by traditional Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation). The visual acuity, intraocular pressure, number of anti-glaucoma drugs, the success rate, complications and average length of hospitalization were compared between the two groups, during follow-up at post operative 1d, 1wk, 1mo, 3mo and 6mo.RESULTS:There was no significant difference in intraocular pressure between the two groups at post-operative 1d, 1wk, 1mo, 3mo, 6mo(all P>0.05). The total success rate was 87%(14/16)in experimental group while 75%(12/16)in control group(P=0.654). BCVA did not improve significantly at post operative 6 mo compared with baseline in both groups(P>0.05). The average length of hospital stay in the experimental group(4.50±1.37d)was significantly lower than that in the control group(7.63±3.69d)(P=0.003). The incidece of shallow anterior chamber was 31% in control group, while in experimental group, it was 0, which showed significant difference.CONCLUSION: Modified Ahmed drainage valve implantation is an effective method for treating refractory glaucoma, with more simple operations, shorter hospitalizing time and lower incidence of shallow anterior chamber.

Retinal degeneration is the primary cause of visual impairment and blindness. However, in advanced stage of the disease, the majority or all photoreceptors are lost, effective therapeutics has not been established. In recent years, a large number of studies have provided new ways for the replacement of photoreceptors and three-dimensional retinal culture has emerged to produce retinal photoreceptors and tissues of both fetal mouse and human, providing the cell source of photoreceptors replacement therapy for treating retinal degenerative diseases. This review focuses on the development of three-dimensional retinal culture techniques and photoreceptors transplantation experiments, and the existing application strategies and limitations of retinal organoids in the replacement therapy of retinal degeneration, which provide a theoretical reference for the optimization of 3D retina in photoreceptors replacement therapy.

Optical coherence tomography(OCT)is one of the fastest growing techniques in ophthalmic imaging field. With the gradual improvement and update of OCT technology, optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)has emerged. It serves as a valuable diagnostic tool for retinal and choroidal neovascularization-related disease. This article reviews the principles of OCTA, OCTA imaging of microaneurysms(MAs), retinal ischemia, retinal neovascularization(RNV)in patient with different stages of diabetic retinopathy, and the limitations and future prospects of OCTA.

AIM: To compare the visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and visual quality of cataract patients after the implantation of AT LISA tri 839MP multifocal intraocular lenses and CT SPHERIS 209M monofocal intraocular lenses.METHODS: Fifty-two patients(52 eyes)were involved and divided into two groups in the study. The trail group(26 patients, 26 eyes)received AT LISA tri 839MP multifocal intraocular lens implantation and the control group(26 patients, 26 eyes)received CT SPHERIS 209M monofocal intraocular lens implantation after phacoemulsification. Visual acuity, contrast sensivity at different spatial frequencies(3, 6, 12, 18c/d)in bright and dark circumstances and patient satisfaction questionnaire were monitored at 3mo postoperatively. The postoperative visual acuity included the information of uncorrected distance visual acuity(UCDVA), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity(UCIVA), best corrected distance visual acuity(BCDVA), distance corrected intermediate visual acuity(DCIVA)and distance corrected near visual acuity(DCNVA).RESULTS: The UCIVA, UCNVA, DCIVA, DCNVA, independent spectacles ratio and satisfaction of the trail group were better than those of the control group 3mo postoper atire(PP=0.041). The incidence of glare and halo showed no significantly statistical difference between the two groups(P=0.668).CONCLUSION: AT LISA tri 839MP multifocal intraocular lens provided better intermediate and near visual acuity, independent spectacles ratio and satisfaction compared with CT SPHERIS 209M monofocal intraocular lens.

DC fault protection is a major issue in multiterminal high-voltage DC current transmission systems. Most studies have focused on primary protection, which considers a different theory. However, the poor sensitivity of primary protection under high-resistance fault and maloperation still affect the protection feasibility to a certain extent. Thus, backup protection is definitely required to enhance the stability of an entire system considering the limit in primary protection. This paper proposes a backup-protection strategy based on wavelet-packet-energy entropy as mitigation for primary protection. The pole-to-ground (PG) fault with high resistance is highlighted because detecting the fault transient of PG fault with high resistance is difficult in the most primary relay. Fault detection and classification are achieved using the proposed backup-protection method based on theoretical study and simulation verification. The proposed method also presents the expected robustness of fault resistance, fault distance and different operating conditions.

As novel anodic materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), transitional metal selenites can transform into metal oxide/selenide heterostructures in the first cycle, which helps to enhance the Li+ storage performance, especially in terms of high discharge capacity. Herein, well-defined hierarchical CoSeO3‧2H2O nanoflowers assembled using 10 nm-thick nanosheets are successfully synthesized via a facile one-step hydrothermal method. When used as anodic materials for LIBs, the CoSeO3‧2H2O nanoflowers exhibit a considerably high discharge capacity of 1064.1 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1. In addition, the obtained anode possesses good rate capability and cycling stability. Owing to the superior electrochemical properties, the CoSeO3‧2H2O nanoflowers would serve as promising anodic materials for high-performance LIBs.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)of retinal pigment epithelial cells(RPE)plays a key role in proliferative vitreoretinopathy(PVR), and also decreases the therapeutic effect of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(anti-VEGF)to choroidal neovascularization(CNV). In addition, cells transplantation has been becoming a potential therapeutic method to treat age-related macular degeneration(AMD), and some cells sources like human embryonic stem cells(hESC)or induced pluripotent stem cell(iPSC)induced RPE cells, and fetal RPE cells have been attempted. However, EMT, as a common problem, decreases cells proliferation and differentiation efficiency, and it will reduce therapeutic effect and the number of therapeutic populations. So, in this article, we reviewed some possible methods to inhibit EMT.

The effects of halogen element X (X = Br, I) doping on the geometrical structures and electronic properties of neutral aluminium clusters are systematically studied by utilising the density functional theory calculations. The structures of X-doped clusters show the three-dimensional forms with increasing atomic number except for n = 3 and X (X = Br, I) atom prefer to occupy the surface site of the host Al n clusters. BrAl7 and IAl7 clusters are the most stable geometries. The HOMO-LUMO energy gap and chemical hardness show an odd–even alternative phenomenon. The charges always transfer from the Al atoms to the X (X = Br, I) atom. Finally, the dipole and polarisability are discussed.

AIM: To explore the functions of Chordin-like 2, which is encoded by CHRDL2, in the process of retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) differentiation and damage repair. METHODS: The fetal RPE cells (fRPE) was obtained from aborted fetus which obeyed medical ethics. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure expression quantity of CHRDL2 and other functional genes expression. Knocking down and overexpression was used to analyze the functions about Chordin-like 2. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the secretion of bone morphogenetic proteins 4 (BMP4). Flow cytometry was used to analyze cell cycle. Cell morphology was observed by phase contrast microscope (PCM). RESULTS: In normal RPE cells, CHRDL2 was firstly upregulated and followed a downregulation but eventually, it was expressed higher than the cells which undergone epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). After knocking down CHRDL2, the secretion of BMP4 was decreased, RPE-related genes (OTX2, MITF, RPE65) were downregulated while EMT-related genes (SNAI1, VIM) were upregulated. However, the expression of these related genes after overexpression of CHRDL2 had contrary results. Chordin-like 2 also regulated the cell cycle by regulating BMP pathway. When CHRDL2 was knocked down, more fRPE cells stayed in S phase of cell cycle, while adding BMP4 reduced the proportion of the cells in S phase. However, overexpression of CHRDL2 increased more BMP4 secretion, this effect decreased the number of cells in S phase, but exogenous BMP inhibitor also could change this effect. At last, in the process of RPE cells differentiation, adding BMP4 at early stage could intervene normal RPE differentiation. Compared with BMP4, inhibiting BMP pathway had no significant negative effect at early stage, but suppressed differentiation at late stage. CONCLUSION: BMP pathway can be activated in a correct temporal order, otherwise, the cells have incorrect differentiation orientation. And Chordin-like 2 plays a role in dynamic regulation of BMP pathway and it also regulates the differentiation of RPE cells. Therefore, this research enlightens a new direction to inhibit EMT and promote cell redifferentiation after injury.

Abnormal angiogenesis and regression of the diseased retinal vasculature are key processes associated with ischemic retinopathies, but the underlying mechanisms that regulate vascular remodeling remain poorly understood. Here, we confirmed the specific expression of semaphorin 3G (Sema3G) in retinal endothelial cells (ECs), which was required for vascular remodeling and the amelioration of ischemic retinopathy. We found that Sema3G was elevated in the vitreous fluid of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and in the neovascularization regression phase of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). Endothelial-specific Sema3G knockout mice exhibited decreased vessel density and excessive matrix deposition in the retinal vasculature. Moreover, loss of Sema3G aggravated pathological angiogenesis in mice with OIR. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that HIF-2α directly regulated Sema3G transcription in ECs under hypoxia. Sema3G coordinated the functional interaction between β-catenin and VE-cadherin by increasing β-catenin stability in the endothelium through the neuropilin-2 (Nrp2)/PlexinD1 receptor. Furthermore, Sema3G supplementation enhanced healthy vascular network formation and promoted diseased vasculature regression during blood vessel remodeling. Overall, we deciphered the endothelium-derived Sema3G-dependent events involved in modulating physiological vascular remodeling and regression of pathological blood vessels for reparative vascular regeneration. Our findings shed light on the protective effect of Sema3G in ischemic retinopathies.

The small-signal stability (SSS) of the doubly-fed variable-speed pumped storage plant (VSPSP) is analysed based on the impedance modelling and Individual Channel Design (ICD) framework. There exists couplings between the d and q frame in the impedance model of doubly-fed induction machine (DFIM), which have a significant influence on the stability. Considering that the couplings are hard to reduce in different domains, this paper apply a more transparent ICD framework instead of the widely used Generalized Nyquist Criterion (GNC) to analyse the SSS of VSPSP. Firstly, the impedance model of DFIM in d-q domain is derived through transfer matrix. Then two single input single output (SISO) channel transmittances, which represent the dynamics of d-q frame respectively, are reformulated based on ICD. Therefore, the classical Nyquist/Bode analysis is utilized in the individual channels. It is proved that the ICD can preserve the loop interactions in the individual channels although the cross-coupling is strong. The influences of electrical and control parameters as well as operating mode on the SSS of DFIM based VSPSP are analysed, and the structural robustness of the channels are evaluated. The results show that the system is more prone to instability in pump mode.

In the process of human factor design and preliminary verification of the control room console in Nuclear Power Plant, traditional 2D human model design and analysis method is commonly used. However the results turn to be inaccurate and time-consuming. With the help of human simulation tool Jack, quick and precise analysis can be achieved. This paper puts forward the human factor engineering analysis of main control room console in nuclear power plant based on Jack including the visibility, accessibility, and collision detection. By comparing this method with traditional 2D design, conclusion can be drawn that Ergonomic Analysis of main control room console Based on Jack is more comprehensive and accurate, thus largely increasing the design efficiency and quality.

Transformation rate for electric energy meter is the premise of accurate metering. The meter for electric energy measurement in the distribution network provides the basic data for the calculation of the line loss. It is shown in survey that nearly 3% of the energy meters’ transformation rate in the database are different from their actual rate. An inaccuracy transformation rate of electric energy meter will cause errors in calculating power and the line loss rate of low-voltage distribution network. However, it is not easy to find out the inaccuracy transformation rate in a database in daily management. To solve this problem, this paper presents a method based on adaboost and BP neural networks, and proves the feasibility of the method. BP neural networks serve as the weak classifiers. The weights of the sample and the weights of the weak classifiers are calculated based on adaboost algorithm. In the BP neural network for classification, the sample weights are utilized to adjust the error function of BP neural network to optimize the classification. A strong classifier is combined with weighting output of the weak classifiers. Computing results show that this method can precisely pick out electric energy meter with inaccuracy rate based on the power energy data. Accuracy of BP-adaboost classification is higher than that of the BP neural network, and the training time is greatly shortened. This method can improve the efficiency of line loss management in low-voltage distribution networks and greatly reduce consuming the manpower and material resources.

The basic course of Zhuangyi is a part of the undergraduate course which teaching content covers the basic theory of Zhuangyi, diagnosis of Zhuangyi, basic theory of traditional Chinese medicine, diagnostics of traditional Chinese medicine, anatomy of Western medicine and pathology.Whether we can lay a solid foundation for the professional knowledge of Zhuangyi is related to the ability of students to enter clinical posts. This paper explores the teaching method reform of basic courses of Zhuangyi, in order to cultivate high-level talents more suitable for the current social requirements.

AIM: To research the protection of Mcc950, the inhibitor of NLRP3, against the inflammatory injury to human retinal pigment epithelium cell line ARPE-19. METHODS: Cultured cell line ARPE-19 was divided into control group, H2O2 treating group, Mcc950 treating group and Mcc950+H2O2 treating group. Different concentrations of H2O2 and Mcc950 were used to treat the cells. Cell activity was detected by using CKK8 and proper experimental concentration of H2O2 and Mcc950 were determined. After the treatment, the concentration of IL-1β were detected by using ELISA. The change of NLRP3 related proteins were detected by Western blot. And cell apoptosis was examined by TUNEL stain. RESULTS: Cell ability was gradually decreased along with the increasing treating concentrations of H2O2. Cell ability showed statistical difference when the concentration of H2O2 arrived 400μmol/L. With the concentration of 0.1 and 1μmol/L, Mcc950 had no effect on cell ability. So we chose 400μmol/L H2O2 and 1μmol/L Mcc950 as the experimental concentrations. Compared with the normal control group, the cell viability in the H2O2 treating group was significantly reduced, the IL-1β in the supernatant was significantly increased, and the apoptosis rate was significantly increased, with statistically significant differences(P2O2 treating group, cell viability was significantly increased, the IL-1β in the supernatant and the apoptosis rate were significantly decreased(P2O2, the IL-1β, NLRP3, pro-caspase1 and caspase1 were obviously increased compared to control group. After treated with Mcc950, the NLRP3 and pro-caspase1 still were at high level, the expression of caspase1 was suppressed, which indicated that Mcc950 effectively inhibited the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome consequently disturbed the formation of caspase1.CONCLUSION: Mcc950 can inhibits the function of NLRP3, leading to increasing of the cell ability and decreasing of the cell apoptosis.

AIM:To explore the effectiveness of a new non-inverted pedicle internal limiting membrane(ILM)flap transposition technique in the treatment of large macular holes(MH).METHODS: This was a prospective pilot study which included 9 patients with 10 eyes in Jiangsu Province People's Hospital from December 2016 to February 2017. All patients was diagnosed with large MH(size >400μm)by the spectra-domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT)and underwent the non-inverted pedicle ILM flap transposition surgery. Best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), SD-OCT images, and MP-1 microperimetry tests were performed pre-operation, 1d, 1wk, 1, 3, and 6mo post-operation. RESULTS: The macular hole closure rate after 6mo was 100%. The averaged BCVA improved from 1.19±0.54(LogMAR)pre-operation to 0.70±0.50(LogMAR)post-operation(P=0.005). The mean retinal sensitivity within 8° and 2° improved from 3.14±4.52dB to 8.91±5.53dB(P=0.008), and 1.46±2.94dB to 6.33±4.90dB(P=0.008)respectively. Preoperative unstable fixation in seven eyes resolved at the last postoperative follow-up. CONCLUSION: Our non-inverted pedicle internal ILM flap transposition technique shows effectiveness in the treatment of large macular holes with high MH closure rate and improving visual function.

Retinoblastoma (Rb) is the most common intraocular tumor in children. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in gene regulation and cell growth/apoptosis/differentiation. The current study aimed to investigate the role of miR-498 in Rb. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) was used to test mRNA level of miR-498. http://www.targetscan.org and http://www.microrna.org were applied to predict target of miR-498. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was applied to investigate if miR-498 targeted cell cycle progression 1 (CCPG1). Western blot (WB) was carried out to assess CCPG1 protein levels. 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to evaluate cell proliferation. Annexin-V Fluorescein (FITC) was adopted to explore cell apoptosis. In Y79 cells, miR-498 was higher than in normal ARPE-19 cells. MiR-498 could recognize CCPG1-3′ untranslated region (UTR). CCPG1 protein level was remarkably decreased when overexpressed miR-498, nevertheless, significantly increased when inhibiting miR-498. Y79 cells that were transfected with miR-498 mimics manifested notable cell apoptosis down-regulation and cell proliferation promotion; whereas, those transfected with miR-498 inhibitor displayed significant cell apoptosis up-regulation and cell proliferation inhibition compared with control group. Taken together, miR-498 promotes cell proliferation and inhibits cell apoptosis in Rb by directly targeting CCPG1.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) represents a common systemic autoimmune disease which lays chronic and persistent pain on patients. The purpose of our study is to identify novel RA-related genes and biological processes/pathways. All the datasets of this study, including gene expression and DNA methylation datasets of RA and OA samples, were obtained from the free available database, i.e. Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). We firstly identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between RA and OA samples through the limma package of R programming software followed by the functional enrichment analysis in the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) for the exploring of potential involved biological processes/pathways of DEGs. For DNA methylation datasets, we used the IMA package for their normalization and identification of differential methylation genes (DMGs) in RA compared with OA samples. Comprehensive analysis of DEGs and DMGs was also conducted for the identification of valuable RA-related biomarkers. As a result, we obtained 394 DEGs and 363 DMGs in RA samples with the thresholds of |log2fold change|> 1 and p-value < 0.05, and |delta beta|> 0.2 and p-value < 0.05 respectively. Functional analysis of DEGs obtained immune and inflammation associated biological processes/pathways. Besides, several valuable biomarkers of RA, including BCL11B, CCDC88C, FCRLA and APOL6, were identified through the integrated analysis of gene expression and DNA methylation datasets. Our study should be helpful for the development of novel drugs and therapeutic methods for RA.

Protection of dc line faults is a major challenge for the operation of multi-terminal high-voltage dc (MT-HVDC) grids. To avoid blocking converter and system shutdown, ultra-fast protection is required to detect and isolate line fault with the application of hybrid dc circuit breaker. This paper proposes a pilot protection scheme based on improved Hausdorff distance to detect the overhead line fault for MT-HVDC grid. Compared with literature, this protection method owns higher withstanding ability of noise interference, start-up delay and data anomaly. Moreover, the fault segment can be correctly identified as independent of fault location, and protection sensitivity is maintained even under internal ground fault with high impedance of up to 1000 Ω. The issue of dead zone fault recognition is considered and solved in this paper with reasonable sacrifice in the sampling frequency requirement. Based on Zhangbei HVDC grid in China, a four-terminal dc grid model is developed in PSCAD/EMTDC environment for fault simulation, and the data processing is performed in MATLAB platform. The feasibility and effectiveness of this protection scheme are verified by a simulation study that considers different scenarios.

In order to provide a backup plan for double-ended fault location scheme when data communication and synchronization are not effective or available, a single-ended fault location method is proposed using traveling wave (TW) theory. The time-frequency characteristics is utilized to extract fault feature for fault location estimation. Specifically, Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) is adopted and further improved with singular entropy based parameter optimization and TW arrivals can be clearly identified via intrinsic mode function (IMF) result. In order to solve the issue of highly attenuated TW front, Teager Energy Operator (TEO) is used to visualize the singular points in IMF and the peaks in TEO spectrum indicate the fault TW arrivals. Moreover, frequency-dependent TW propagation velocity is determined by center frequency of selected IMF to enhance accuracy. The fault simulation is performed on the platform PSCAD/EMTDC based on example model of 15-bus CIGRE HVDC system and MATLAB is used for signal processing and algorithm development. The effectiveness and superiority of this method is verified with simulation study considering potential influence.

AIM: To observe and analyze the safety and clinical efficacy of full-thickness scleral incision and in situ paracentesis in the treatment of patients with coexisting rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and choroidal detachment using minimally invasive vitrectomy. METHODS: From April 2015 to April 2017, 20 patients(20 eyes)with coexisting rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and choroidal detachment who were treated in Department of Ophthalmology, Jiangsu Province Hospital were enrolled in this retrospective analysis. All patients received modified scleral puncture drainage combined with 23G minimally invasive vitrectomy. This study analyzed and compared intraoperative paracentesis success rate, the incidence of intraoperative, postoperative visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and postoperative retinal reattachment rate. RESULTS: Suprachoroidal fluid from all patients were drainaged successfully. Compared with preoperative conditions, the postoperative visual acuity was significantly improved(PPCONCLUSION: The modified scleral puncture surgery in the treatment of patients with coexisting rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and choroidal detachment in 23G vitrectomy has great clinical effects. It not only simplifies the procedure of operation, but also reduces the difficulty and complication of operation.