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A quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) sensor was developed for highly sensitive and specific detection of mercury(ii) ions (Hg2) with a tunable dynamic range, using oligonucleotide-functionalized gold nanoparticles (GNPs) for both frequency and dissipation amplification. The fabrication of the sensor employed a ‘sandwich-type’ strategy, and formation of T–Hg2–T structures in linker DNA reduced the hybridization of the GNPs-tagged DNA on the gold electrode, which could be used as the molecular switch for Hg2뇩. This QCM-D mercury sensor showed a linear response of 10–200 nM, with detection limits of 4 nM and 7 nM for frequency and dissipation measurements, respectively. Moreover, the dynamic range of the sensor could be tuned by simply altering the concentration of linker DNA without designing new sensors in the cases where detection of Hg2 different levels is required. This sensor afforded excellent selectivity toward Hg2犉ꥪ랝 with other potential coexisting metal ions. The feasibility of the sensor was demonstrated by analyzing Hg2+spiked tap- and lake-water samples with satisfactory recoveries. The proposed approach extended the application of the QCM-D system in metal ions sensing, and could be adopted for the detection of other analytes when complemented with the use of functional DNA structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We unexpectedly discover that there are much lower GC3 and GC-content and higher Gibbs free energy on editing exons than other exons in the Drosophila synaptotagmin I transcripts, which was further, confirmed statistically by others 47 experimentally-validated samples. Sequence alignment, Ks and Ka/Ks assays suggest that rapidly ascending purifying selection occur in editing exons which constrains nucleotide divergency. The presence of specific molecular characteristics such as lower GC-content in editing exons imply an unexpected requirement and are likely to direct RNA editing occurrence. Thus, relations between molecular characteristics of DNA, RNA editing and purifying selection might be present. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The control plant model of multiple grid-connected converters is a multivariable coupling model. There is complex coupling interaction between the control loops of the multiple converters, resulting in poor current control quality or interaction oscillation issues when the grid impedance is high or the number of converters is large. This article proposes a novel multivariable decoupling control method based on a summation difference coordinate for eliminating the current control interaction between multiple converters. With a summation difference coordinate transformation matrix, the multivariable model of multiple converters can be transformed to be multiple single-variable models. By designing specific current regulators for the summation current and the difference current loops in the summation difference coordinate, the summation current and each difference current can be regulated independently. Compared with the conventional methods, the proposed method can improve the current control bandwidth and stability without introducing any high-frequency oscillation especially when the grid impedance is high or the number of converters is large. Moreover, based on the proposed approach, the classical single variable control theory is enough to designthe regulator parameters for any number of converters under the new coordinate system. Experimental results of four three-phase 2 kW two-level converters have been presented, which validates the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Model predictive control (MPC) is recognized as an efficient control method for the modular multilevel converter (MMC), owing to its advantages, such as good robustness, rapid dynamic response, and multi-objective control. However, due to the coupling relationship between the ac-side current and the circulating current, the existing MPC has an impact on the ac-side current while suppressing the circulating current. In this paper, the relationship between the ac-side current performance and circulating current suppression is discussed in detail, and a three-stage MPC (TS-MPC) strategy is proposed to optimize the comprehensive performance. With the ac-side current control, circulating current control, and comprehensive optimization control, the optimum performance of both the ac-side current and circulating current suppression is realized while maintaining a low computational burden. Moreover, a grouping sorting algorithm is designed to reduce the calculation burden and to balance the capacitor voltages. The steady-state and transient performances of the proposed TS-MPC strategy have been verified by experimental results, which validates its correctness and effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, rapid and sensitive analytical method was developed for the determination of toosendanin in rat plasma using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Andrographolide was selected as the internal standard, and the plasma samples were extracted by liquid–liquid extraction with diethyl ether. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Dikma Spursil C18, 3.5 μm (150 × 2.1 mm i.d) analytical column with 85% methanol:water (v/v) containing 0.025% formic acid (pH = 3.9) as mobile phase. The flow rate was 0.25 mL/min, and the total run time was 3 min. Detection was performed with a triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer using negative ion mode electrospray ionization (ESI) in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The MS/MS ion transitions monitored were m/z 573.1 → 531.1 and 349.0 → 287.0 for toosendanin and andrographolide, respectively. Good linearity was observed over the concentration range of 3.125–500 ng/mL in 100 μL of rat plasma with a correlation coefficient ˃0.9997. Intra- and inter-assay variabilities were ˂8.5% in plasma. The recovery and the matrix effect were in the range 71.8–73.5% and 96.4–103.8%, respectively. The analyte was stable under various conditions (at room temperature, during freeze–thaw settings, in the autosampler, and under deep-freeze conditions). The method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of toosendanin after its oral administration in rats at a dose of 10 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/MgO/Fe spin valve with inverse tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) was fabricated on a (100) SrTiO3 substrate by radio frequency magnetron sputtering. Giant TMR ratios up to 540% were obtained. The breakdown of the spin valve was observed at high magnetic field, which was attributed to the joint action of the invalidation of MgO barrier and the shift of Fermi energy in La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 at high magnetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations, continuum mechanics quantities can be computed from the position and momentum of the particles based on the classical Irving-Kirkwood formalism. For practical purposes, the implementations of Irving-Kirkwood formulas often involve a spatial averaging using a smooth kernel function. The resulting formula for the stress has been known as Hardy stress. Usually results obtained this way still need to be further processed to reduce the fluctuation, e.g., by ensemble or time averaging. In this paper we extend Hardy's formulas by systematically incorporating both spatial and temporal averaging into the expression of continuum quantities. The derivation follows the Irving-Kirkwood formalism, and the average quantities still satisfy conservation laws in continuum mechanics. We will discuss the selection of kernel functions and present several numerical tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organoids are in vitro 3D models that are generated using stem cells to study organ development and regeneration. Despite the extensive research on lung organoids, there is limited information on pig lung cell generation or development. Here, we identified five epithelial cell types along with their characteristic markers using scRNA‐seq. Additionally, we found that NKX2.1 and FOXA2 acted as the crucial core transcription factors in porcine lung development. The presence of SOX9/SOX2 double‐positive cells was identified as a key marker for lung progenitor cells. The Monocle algorithm was used to create a pseudo‐temporal differentiation trajectory of epithelial cells, leading to the identification of signaling pathways related to porcine lung development. Moreover, we established the differentiation method from porcine pluripotent stem cells (pPSCs) to SOX17+FOXA2+ definitive endoderm (DE) and NKX2.1+FOXA2+CDX2− anterior foregut endoderm (AFE). The AFE is further differentiated into lung organoids while closely monitoring the differentiation process. We showed that NKX2.1 overexpression facilitated the induction of lung organoids and supported subsequent lung differentiation and maturation. This model offers valuable insights into studying the interaction patterns between cells and the signaling pathways during the development of the porcine lung. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The smooth operation of the power system is of significant importance for ensuring societal stability. Therefore, regular inspections of the power system are necessary. The most efficient method for power inspection is to utilize Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to assist inspection. However, the UAV inspection still needs human resources to operate and manage the UAVs effectively. This paper proposes a UAV-airport power inspection system, where the airport can operate and manage UAVs instead of humans. The key contribution of the system is the computation offloading technology and the Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) capability. In other words, the airport can help UAVs execute electrical image fault detection and the UAVs can be charged by the airport. We propose a joint optimization strategy for UAV flight speed, local execution frequency for fault detection, and WPT time to maximize the number of images in the electrical dataset captured by the UAV that have undergone power fault detection within the inspection time. Comprehensive experiments are conducted to verify the performance of the UAV-airport power inspection system and our optimization strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the technical limitations of automatic coal and gangue detection technology in fully mechanized top coal caving mining operations, the low radiation level radioactivity measurement method is utilized to assess the degree of coal-gangue mixture in top coal caving process. This approach is based on the distinguishing radiation characteristics of natural γ-rays between coal and gangue. This study analyzed the distribution characteristics of natural γ-rays in coal and rock layers of thick coal seams and the applicability of this method, introduced the basic principle of coal-gangue detection technology based on natural γ-ray, developed the test system about automatic coal-gangue detection, studied the radiation characteristics of coal and gangue, proposed determination model of the coal-gangue mixed degree, combined with the time sequence characteristics of the top coal's releasing flow and the energy spectrum characteristics of different layers of rock, realized the precise coal-gangue detection technology in complex structure thick coal seam with multiple gangue. Field tests were conducted in Lilou, Xiaoyu and Tashan Coal Mine. The test results were well corroborated with the research results and achieved the expected results, which laid the foundation for the field application of intelligent coal mining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eif2s3y (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2, subunit 3, structural gene Y-linked, Eif2s3y) is an essential gene for spermatogenesis. Early studies have shown that Eif2s3y can promote the proliferation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and can replace the Y chromosome together with sex-determining region Y (Sry) to transform SSCs into round spermatozoa. We injected lentiviral particles into the seminiferous tubules of mouse testes by sterile surgery surgically to establish overexpressing Eif2s3y testes. And then the mice were intraperitoneally injected with LPS to established the model of testis inflammation. Through RNA sequencing, qRT–PCR analysis, Western blot, co-culture etc., we found that Eif2s3y alleviated LPS-induced damage in mouse testes and maintained spermatogenesis. In testes with Eif2s3y overexpression, the seminiferous tubules were more regularly organized after exposure to LPS compared with the control. Eif2s3y performs its function by negatively regulating Adamts5 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase containing a thrombospondin-1 motif), an extracellular matrix-degrading enzyme. ADAMTS5 shows a disruptive effect when the testis is exposed to LPS. Overexpression of Eif2s3y inhibited the TLR4/NFκB signaling pathway in the testis in response to LPS. Generally, our research shows that Eif2s3y protects the testis from LPS and maintains spermatogenesis by negatively regulating A damts5. • Overexpression of Eif2s3y alleviates testicular injury induced by LPS. • Eif2s3y is a negative regulator of Adamts5. • Eif2s3y alleviates LPS-induced germ cell damage by negatively regulating Adamts5. • Eif2s3y maintains testicular immune homeostasis through negative regulation of Adamts5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To quantitatively estimate the association of age at menarche with the risk of childhood- and adult-onset asthma separately. A retrospective cohort study of 24,282 US girls and women was conducted using continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2001 to 2018, and Cox proportional hazards regression models with censoring ages of 19 and 79 years were employed to separately estimate hazard ratios of childhood- and adult-onset asthma associated with age at menarche. Each one-year increase in age at menarche was significantly associated with a 16% (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.77-0.91) decrease in the risk of childhood-onset asthma. Compared with age at menarche of 12-14 years, we observed a 56% (HR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.19-2.04) increased risk of childhood-onset asthma for early menarche (age at menarche < 12 years) and a 40% (HR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.32-1.10) decreased risk for late menarche (age at menarche ≥ 15 years). No significant association was noted between age at menarche and adult-onset asthma. Early menarche may represent a risk factor for childhood-onset asthma, which indicates the need for timely and effective management of individuals with early menarche to prevent asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This study was designed to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetic profiles of MRX-I tablet, an oxazolidinone antibacterial agent, in healthy Chinese subjects. Methods The study was composed of 3 sequential periods. Period 1 was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, sequential ascending dose (50 to 1800 mg) study. Period 2 included one arm as a randomized, open-label, 3-period, 3 × 3 Latin square single-dose study of 300, 600, and 900 mg MRX-I administration and another arm as a crossover study to evaluate high-fat diet effect. Period 3 was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multiple-dose study with 600 or 800 mg, q12h regimens over 15 days. Findings MRX-I was rapidly absorbed and reached peak plasma concentration at about 2 hours post dose. The C max was 8.07, 12.24, and 15.25 mg/L and the corresponding AUC 0−∞ 29.21, 48.27, and 59.60 mg/h/L, in 300-, 600-, and 900-mg dosing groups, respectively. High-fat diet increased the exposure of MRX-I. No discernable drug accumulation was observed after 15 days of continuous drug administration. About 2% of MRX-I was excreted via kidneys in unchanged form. No obvious hematologic toxicity by MRX-I was observed during the entire study. Based on Monte Carlo simulation, 600 or 800 mg BID can produce satisfactory efficacy against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus . Implications MRX-I was well tolerated in healthy Chinese subjects (50–1800 mg). No serious or severe adverse effects were observed. MRX-I 600 or 800 mg BID up to 15 days can be recommended in future clinical trials. Chinese Clinical Trial Registration ( http://www.chinadrugtrials.org.cn ) identifier: CTR20131214. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamical evolution of geostationary transfer orbits (GTOs) is a fundamental issue for the space debris mitigation in this orbit region. In this paper, the long-term dynamical evolution and orbital lifetime of low-inclination GTOs are investigated based on the Semi-analytic Tool for End of Life Analysis software (STELA) with the solar radiation pressure (SRP) and Earth's shadow taken into account. We carry out numerical investigations of long-term orbital evolution of objects with area-to-mass ratio (A/m) between 0.02 m2/kg and 1 m2/kg in the GTO region. Their dynamical orbital lifetime is recorded and presented in the Ω– ω (right ascension of ascending node–argument of perigee) plane to investigate its dependence on the initial conditions and physical parameters, particularly the initial azimuth of the Sun with respect to the apsidal line and the value of A/m. Based on these results, we further analyze the effect of SRP on the long-term dynamical evolution, as well as the solar apsidal resonances. The results are helpful to enrich the knowledge about long-term evolution and orbital lifetimes of GTO objects with relatively high A/m as well as to promote uncatalogued objects observation and identification. • The long-term evolution of low-inclination GTOs with medium area-to-mass ratio is investigated. • The coupling effect of SRP and other perturbations on the orbital lifetime is analyzed. • The dependency of orbital lifetime on the initial conditions is revealed. • The effect of SRP on the solar apsidal resonance is revealed in details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The algorithm complexity of model predictive control (MPC) for cascaded H-bridge (CHB) static synchronous compensators (STATCOMs) was optimized to a polynomial level in previous studies. However, implementing MPC with conventional approaches still suffers from long execution time, where a low cost digital signal processor (DSP) is used to execute optimization algorithms and a small-sized field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is used to extend gate signals and sampling functions. This paper presents a parallel implementation approach to reduce the execution time of MPC, where the FPGA is configured to be used for accelerating the high-complexity sorting tasks. By running the DSP and FPGA in parallel, the algorithm execution time is only determined by the DSP, and the resource consumption is only determined by the FPGA. To minimize the resource consumption and requirement in FPGA, a parallel comparison-based sorter with multiple comparison and accumulators is proposed. The proposed implementation method can reduce the time and space complexity of the MPC from the polynomial level to a linear level without additional hardware cost, which means the MPC for medium-voltage CHB STATCOMs (e.g., 20 stages) can be implemented online with existing control platforms. Experimental results for various CHB STATCOMs are presented to validate the proposed configuration and algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One promising solution for future large wind turbine power conversion is to use medium-voltage power conversion systems for high efficiency and high power-density, e.g., by using a cascaded structure presented in this paper. However, a medium-frequency (MF) oscillation issue was observed while testing the experimental prototype of the above system. Given the complex multivariable coupling models of the multiwinding transformer and multiple inverters, conventional single-variable theories are not suitable. Therefore, this paper presents a new decoupling analysis method. Using a proposed linear transformation matrix, the output currents of multiple inverters can be transformed to a summation (grid) current and difference currents, where the former is the summation of inverter currents and the latter are the differences between currents of any two inverters. This transformation has enabled the use of single-variable theories, e.g., Bode diagram to analyze the summation current and difference current separately. It was found that the MF oscillation issue is caused by the equivalent impedance of the summation current being much larger than that of the difference current. Specifically, using small controller parameters cannot ensure the grid current quality and using large parameters may cause oscillation in the difference current. The proposed method can provide guidelines to design the parameters of current regulators and filters in multiple-inverter systems. Experimental results of a downscaled wind energy conversion system are presented to verify the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The higher voltage blocking capability and faster switching speed of silicon-carbide (SiC) mosfets have the potential to replace Si insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) in medium-/low-voltage and high-power applications. In this paper, a state-of-the-art commercially available 325 A, 1700 V SiC mosfet module has been fully characterized under various load currents, bus voltages, and gate resistors to reveal their switching capability. Meanwhile, Si IGBT modules with similar power ratings are also tested under the same conditions. From the test results, several interesting points have been obtained: different to the Si IGBT module, the over-shoot current of the SiC mosfet module increases linearly with the increase of the load current and it has been explained by a model of the over-shoot current proposed in this paper; the induced negative gate voltage due to the complementary device turn-off (crosstalk effect) is more harmful to the SiC mosfet module than the induced positive gate voltage during turn-on when the gate off-voltage is –6 V; the maximum dv/dt and di/dt (electromagnetic interference) during switching transients of the SiC mosfet module are close to those of the Si IGBT module when the gate resistance is larger than 8 Ω but the switching loss of the SiC mosfet module is much smaller; the switching losses of the Si IGBT module are greater than those of the SiC mosfet module even when the gate resistance of the former is reduced to zero. An accurate power loss model, which is suitable for a three-phase two-level converter based on SiC mosfet modules considering the power loss of the parasitic capacitance, has been presented and verified in this paper. From the model, a 96.2% efficiency can be achieved at the switching frequency of 80 kHz and the power of 100 kW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphite-like carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) has been regarded as a promising photocatalyst for solar-to-chemical conversion. Nevertheless, the narrow absorption of light extremely limited its photocatalytic performance under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation. Herein, the Cu 7. 2 S 4 with outstanding NIR absorption was successfully introduced to g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets through a simple in-situ growth procedure. As expected, the constructed Cu 7.2 S 4 /g-C 3 N 4 (CSCN) photocatalysts exhibit superior H 2 production activity of 82 μmol g−1 h−1 under NIR light irradiation (λ > 800 nm), which outperforms currently reported g–C 3 N 4 –based NIR-driven H 2 production systems. Especially, the optimal sample CSCN-5 displays a robust activity of 66 μmol g−1 h−1 at λ = 850 nm monochromatic light irradiation. The excellent photocatalytic performance is linked to the extended optical absorption as well as the efficient separation efficiency of photoinduced carriers, which are evidenced by the UV-visible absorption spectroscopy and photoelectrochemical test. This work provides an effective approach for constructing a Cu 7.2 S 4 /g-C 3 N 4 photocatalytic system for the transformation of NIR solar energy into hydrogen. The novel NIR-driven Cu 7. 2 S 4 /g-C 3 N 4 composite photocatalyst was constructed through a convenient in situ growth process. As expected, the outstanding photocatalytic H 2 yield was 82 μmol g−1 h−1 under the irradiation of NIR light (λ > 800 nm), which outperforms currently reported g–C 3 N 4 –based NIR-driven H 2 production systems. More significantly, the sample CSCN-5 shows an optimum activity (66 μmol g−1 h−1) under λ = 850 nm monochromatic light irradiation. This work provides a feasible approach for achieving g–C 3 N 4 –based photocatalyst NIR-induced superior solar-to-chemical conversion. [Display omitted] • Cu 7·2 S 4 modified g-C 3 N 4 is prepared by a facile hydrothermal treatment method. • The Cu 7·2 S 4 /g-C 3 N 4 composites show a superior optical adsorption from visible to NIR. • The Cu 7·2 S 4 /g–C 3 N 4 –5 composite exhibits excellent HER of 82 μmol g−1 h−1 (λ > 800 nm). • The HER of Cu 7·2 S 4 /g–C 3 N 4 –5 shows no obvious change after 4 runs within 20 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Phospholipid-valproic acid (DP-VPA) is a prodrug for treating epilepsy. The present study explored the pharmacokinetics (PK) and exposure safety of DP-VPA to provide a basis for future studies exploring the safe dosage and therapeutic strategies for epilepsy. The study included a randomized placebo-controlled dose-escalation tolerance evaluation trial and a randomized triple crossover food-effect trial in healthy Chinese volunteers. A population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) model was established to analyze the PK of DP-VPA and active metabolite VPA. The exposure safety was assessed with the adverse drug reaction (ADR) in CNS. The PopPK of DP-VPA and metabolite VPA fitted a two-compartment model coupling one-compartment with Michaelis-Menten metabolite kinetics and first-order elimination. The absorption processes after single oral administration of DP-VPA tablet demonstrated nonlinear characteristics, including 0-order kinetic phase and time-dependent phase fitting Weibull distribution. The final model indicated that the DP-VPA PK was significantly affected by dosage and food. The exposure-safety relationship demonstrated a generalized linear regression; mild/moderate ADRs occurred in some subjects with 600 mg and all subjects with 1500 mg of DP-VPA, and no severe ADRs were reported up to 2400 mg. In conclusion, the study established a PopPK model describing the processing of DP-VPA and VPA in healthy Chinese subjects. DP-VPA showed good tolerance after a single dose of 600–2400 mg with nonlinear PK and was affected by dosage and food. Based on the association between neurological ADRs and higher exposure to DP-VPA by exposure-safety analysis, 900–1200 mg was recommended for subsequent study of safety and clinical effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is highly desirable but challenging to realize efficient photoreforming of plastic waste over metal-free semiconductors. Here, we synthesized metal-free carbon nitride porous microtube (CNxPM) photocatalysts by carrying out a pyrolysis of the supramolecular assembly formed by the self-assembly of L -arginine (L -Arg) and melamine, the modification of L -Arg rationally engineering the microstructure and electronic structure of the CNxPM system for efficient visible-light-driven photoreforming of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) to hydrogen (H2) and high-value chemicals. In particular, the amount of formate converted from PET substrate under visible light was highest in metal-free semiconductors without any co-catalyst reported so far, presenting the first example of visible-light-driven photoreforming of PET over a completely metal-free single-component semiconductor without any co-catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: SHR0302 is a highly selective JAK1 inhibitor. This study aimed to investigate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of single and multiple-dose topical skin application of SHR0302 base ointment in healthy adult subjects. Methods: This phase I clinical trial (registration number: CTR20192188) consisted of two parts. Part 1 was a single-dose ascending study with four dose levels in 32 healthy Australian adults (8 subjects in each dose group). All Australian subjects were randomized 3:1 to a single-dose topical skin application of SHR0302 base ointment or placebo. The dose escalated from 1% SHR0302 base ointment on 3% of body surface area (BSA) to 2% SHR0302 base ointment on 20% of BSA. Part 2 combined single and multiple-dose ascension studies with two dose levels in 20 healthy Chinese adults (10 subjects in each dose group). All Chinese subjects were randomized 4:1 to a combination of single and multiple doses for consecutive 10 days of topical application of 1% SHR0302 base ointment on 20% BSA or 2% SHR0302 base ointment on 20% BSA. The safety and pharmacokinetics of the SHR0302 base ointment were evaluated. Results: The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) in both parts was comparable between the SHR0302 base ointment group and the vehicle group (part 1: 33.3% vs. 37.5%; part 2: 56.3% vs. 75.0%). All TEAEs were transient, recovered, and equally well-tolerated in the two racial groups. The overall absorption of the SHR0302 base ointment was slow after topical application, with Tmax>10 h. After a single dose of the SHR0302 base ointment, drug exposure in healthy Australian and Chinese subjects increased nonlinearly with the increase in the administration area and drug content. Drug exposure increased in a less-than-dose-proportional manner within the dose range tested. Due to differences in the clinical practice of topical application, the Tmax of the drug in Australian subjects was earlier than in Chinese subjects, but the overall extent of absorption seemed comparable in Australian and Chinese subjects (with comparable AUC0-t). Conclusion: The SHR0302 base ointment (either single or multiple doses) was well tolerated and safe, with no racial disparity. Key Message: The SHR0302 base ointment (either single or multiples doses) was well tolerated and safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells have made great breakthroughs in the past few years, and spurred researchers to develop and experiment a variety of new architectures. One-dimensional nanostructures are naturally introduced in solar cells, because of their excellent charge transport properties and open-pore structure. However, the performances of these solar cells are inferior to their mesoporous counterparts, suggesting that some unique mechanisms maybe held behind devices operation. Here, a three-dimensional optical model combined with a two-dimensional axisymmetric semiconductor model is applied to investigate the influence of the architectural design of scaffolds on the properties of perovskite solar cells based on Al 2 O 3 nanorod arrays. Simulation results show a great dependence of device performance on the density, length and porosity of Al 2 O 3 nanorods, which decided the electron field distribution and carrier recombination loss inside the cells. Strikingly, an optimal length of 450 nm for Al 2 O 3 nanorods is obtained for the perovskite solar cells with efficiency over 20% at porosity of 0.7. The results obtained have some guidance function on the fabrication of high efficiency PSCs based on nanorods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study the accuracy of Hardy-type formulas for the approximation of continuum quantities from atomistic simulations. Such formulas are derived by expressing the displacement, deformation gradient and stress in terms of certain kernel functions. We propose three criteria for choosing appropriate kernel functions to significantly improve the sampling accuracy. We present a simple procedure to construct kernel functions that meet these criteria. Furthermore, numerical tests on homogeneous and non-homogeneous systems provide validations for our analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Levornidazole, the levo-isomer of ornidazole, is a third-generation nitroimidazole derivative newly developed after metronidazole, tinidazole, and ornidazole. An open-label, parallel-controlled, single-dose study was conducted for the investigation of the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of levornidazole and its metabolites in healthy elderly Chinese subjects, and for the evaluation of 2 dosing regimens in the elderly. Methods Levornidazole was intravenously administered at 500 mg to healthy elderly (aged 60–80 years) or young subjects (aged 19–45 years). The PK profiles of levornidazole and its metabolites in elderly subjects were evaluated and compared with those in the young group. WinNonlin software was used for simulating the PK profile of levornidazole in the elderly population following the dosing regimens of 500 mg BID and 750 mg once daily for 7 days. Monte Carlo simulation was used for estimating the cumulative fraction of response and probability of target attainment of both dosing regimens against Bacteroides spp. Results The C max , AUC 0–24, and AUC 0–∞ values of levornidazole in the elderly group were 11.98 μg/mL, 131.36 μg·h/mL, and 173.61 μg·h/mL, respectively. The t 1/2 , CL t , and mean residence time from time 0 to infinity were 12.21 hours, 2.91 L/h, and 16.46 hours. The metabolic ratios of metabolites (M) 1, 2, 4, and 6 were <3.0%, and that of M16 was 17.70%. The urinary excretion values of levornidazole, M1, M2, M4, M6, and M16 over 96 hours were 10.21%, 0.92%, ~0%, 2.69%, 0.54%, and 41.98%. The PK properties of levornidazole and the urinary excretion of all metabolites were not statistically different between the 2 groups. The cumulative fraction of response was >90% against B fragilis and other Bacteroides spp, and the probability of target attainment was >90% when the minimum inhibitory concentration was ≤1 μg/mL, in both groups. Implications No dosing regimen adjustment is suggested when levornidazole is used in elderly patients with normal hepatic functioning and mild renal dysfunction. The findings from the PK/PD analysis imply that both regimens may achieve satisfactory clinical and microbiological efficacy against anaerobic infections in elderly patients. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( http://www.chictr.org.cn ) identifier: ChiCTR-OPC-16007938. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human activity recognition is an important area of ubiquitous computing. Most current researches in activity recognition mainly focus on simple activities, e.g., sitting, running, walking, and standing. Compared with simple activities, complex activities are more complicated with high-level semantics, e.g., working, commuting, and having a meal. This paper presents a hierarchical model to recognize complex activities as mixtures of simple activities and multiple actions. We generate the components of complex activities using a clustering algorithm, represent and recognize complex activities by applying a topic model on these components. It is a data-driven method that can retain effective information for representing and recognizing complex activities. In addition, acceleration and physiological signals are fused in classifier level to ensure the overall performance of complex activity recognition. The results of experiments show that our method has ability to represent and recognize complex activities effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Club cell 10-kDa protein (CC10) is a documented biomarker for airway obstructive diseases. Primarily produced by nonciliated club cells in the distal airway and in nasal epithelial cells, CC10 suppresses Th2 cell differentiation and Th2 cytokine production. In this study, we aimed to determine whether CC10 can also be used as an alternative biomarker for identifying Type 2 (T2) asthma. 74 patients with asthma, and 24 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. T2-high asthma was defined as elevation in two or more biomarkers, such as sputum eosinophilia ≥ 3%, high blood eosinophils ≥ 300/µL, or high FeNO ≥ 30 ppb. T2-low asthma was defined as no elevation in biomarkers. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assess the CC10 levels in plasma. The plasma CC10 level in patients with T2-high asthma was lower than that of patients with T2-low asthma and healthy controls (P < 0.05). To distinguish between T2-high and T2-low phenotype in patients with asthma, a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed. It showed a sensitivity of 58.1% and specificity of 78.0% when using 22.74 ng/ml of plasma CC10. Correlation analysis indicated that the plasma CC10 level was inversely correlated with sputum eosinophil, blood eosinophil, and FeNO, and positively correlated with log PD20. However, no correlation with sputum neutrophil percentages, macrophage percentages, IgE, or lung function was found. Plasma CC10 is potentially useful in predicting T2-high and T2-low asthma. Lower plasma CC10 was associated with enhanced airway hyperresponsiveness, and Type 2 inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine embryonic fibroblasts (PEFs) can be directly reprogrammed into porcine induced pluripotent stem cells (piPSCs). However, the reprogramming process is generally lengthy and inefficient. Here, we established a fast and efficient induction system of piPSCs from porcine Sertoli cells (SCs) via forced expression of pig Yamanaka factors. The alkaline phosphatase (AP)‐positive colonies from SCs developed on Day 3 after lentivirus infection, and were expanded and then picked up on Day 7, whereas reprogramming process from PEFs did not show any colonies in the same period. The picked piPSCs strongly expressed pluripotent genes, had the differentiation capacity to three germ layers, and could be also induced into primordial germ cell‐like cells. Screening for transcription factor combinations showed that POU class 5 homeobox 1 (OCT4) is the core factor for AP‐positive colony formation, and two factors (OCT4 and c‐MYC) could successfully reprogram SCs into piPSCs. We then compared the RNA‐sequencing data of piPSCs derived from SCs and PEFs, and found that the most significant difference was the activation of Transforming Growth Factor β signaling pathway. We also compared the RNA levels of SCs and PEFs, and found that SCs exhibited higher Wnt signaling activity and Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 expression than PEFs, which might be correlated with higher cell proliferation rate and reprogramming efficiency. In summary, the data demonstrated that starting cell sources of piPSCs significantly affect reprogramming dynamics and SCs could serve as cell sources for efficient reprogramming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A virtual vector based modulated model predictive control (VV-M2PC) strategy is proposed for the indirect matrix converters (IMCs) in this article. Compared with the conventional M2PC, the VV-M2PC constructs and utilizes new virtual vectors to reduce the current control errors. Besides, the implementation and feasibility for the proposed strategy is discussed in detail. The comparative simulation and experimental results based on an experimental IMC prototype verify that the steady-state control performance can be improved under the VV-M2PC without affecting the dynamic-state control performance and increasing the computational burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Near‐infrared (NIR) light‐driven overall water splitting beyond 800 nm remains a high‐priority target yet great challenge. Here we report that efficient utilization of photogenerated electrons in a photosensitized system prepared by site‐selective photodeposition of platinum single atoms/clusters (Pt‐SACs) on Ni‐phytate (PA‐Ni)‐sensitized polymeric carbon nitride (PCN). The optimal catalyst presents simultaneous hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) evolution with an H2 evolution amount of 1.4 μmol at λ>800 nm for 24 hours, which its activity was approximately 140 times higher than that of a system without Pt‐SAC modification (PA‐Ni1.1@PCN). This work represents the first NIR‐light responsive photosensitized system for overall water splitting, and may open an avenue for precisely manipulating cocatalyst positions at the atomic level to improve NIR‐light‐driven overall water splitting via photosensitization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Near‐infrared (NIR) light‐driven overall water splitting beyond 800 nm remains a high‐priority target yet great challenge. Here we report that efficient utilization of photogenerated electrons in a photosensitized system prepared by site‐selective photodeposition of platinum single atoms/clusters (Pt‐SACs) on Ni‐phytate (PA‐Ni)‐sensitized polymeric carbon nitride (PCN). The optimal catalyst presents simultaneous hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) evolution with an H2 evolution amount of 1.4 μmol at λ>800 nm for 24 hours, which its activity was approximately 140 times higher than that of a system without Pt‐SAC modification (PA‐Ni1.1@PCN). This work represents the first NIR‐light responsive photosensitized system for overall water splitting, and may open an avenue for precisely manipulating cocatalyst positions at the atomic level to improve NIR‐light‐driven overall water splitting via photosensitization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Design of virtual impedance-based fault current limiting control (VIFCL). • Integrated solution for the global fault current limiting at both DC and AC sides of the MMC. • Proposing a global fault current limiting control that can reduce the interrupted currents of the DCCB and DC current limiting reactor (CLR). The large current limiting reactor (CLR) and DC circuit breaker (DCCB) are required in the half-bridge modular multilevel converter (HB-MMC) project to isolate the DC fault. To limit the fault current and reduce the CLR, a global virtual impedance-based fault current limiting (VIFCL) control strategy is proposed in this paper. This strategy includes two parts: the first part is a simplified adaptive fault current limiting control for limiting the DC fault current by reducing the arm modulating voltage of the MMC adaptively. The second part is a virtual impedance control for limiting the AC currents and the arm currents of the MMCs by mapping the virtual impedance to the reactive power control. The effectiveness of the proposed VIFCL control strategy is verified in the PSCAD/EMTDC using a four-terminal HVDC grid. The proposed global VIFCL control can limit the interrupted currents of the DCCBs and reduce the CLR. The proposed strategy is beneficial for the MMCs to ride through the DC faults safely without a significant influence on the power recovery of the HVDC system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Series compensations have been widely used in modern power systems to extend the power transfer capacity. Since more and more renewable power generation systems are installed in power systems, the grid-connected inverters (GCIs) used by the renewable power generations may interfere with series-compensated power lines, which introduce subsynchronous resonance (SSR) causing power system failure that has been observed in real cases. The phase-locked loop (PLL) of the GCI's control system is the main factor that can cause the SSR in the series-compensated power grid. To mitigate the impact of the PLL and obtain the stable operation of the power system, a q-axis voltage feedback method has been proposed in literature to damp the harmonic oscillations in the weak power grid where, however, the series compensation is not considered. Because the real q-axis voltage cannot be obtained, the q-axis voltage output from the PLL is used as the feedback variable in literature. However, due to the dynamic response of the PLL, the q-axis voltage output from the PLL is different from the real q-axis voltage, and the direct use of it for the damping of the SSR in the power grid with series compensations is invalid, which is investigated in this article. Besides, an observed q-axis voltage feedback method is proposed in this article to damp the SSR in the series-compensated power grid with GCIs being connected. By putting an observer in the q-axis voltage feedback path, the real q-axis voltage can be estimated and applied to damp the SSR. Simulation and experimental results have been provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed observed q-axis voltage feedback method in the damping of the SSR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While video games are one of the most common online entertainment activities, Internet gaming disorder (IGD) in adolescents is a critical issue that has become a widely raised public concern. This one-year longitudinal study examined the reciprocal associations between shyness, depression, and IGD symptoms in a sample of Chinese adolescents. A fully cross-lagged panel design was used, in which shyness, depression, and IGD symptoms were assessed at two time points with an interval of one year (T1 and T2). A total of 1,047 junior high school students (504 boys; 543 girls; mean age = 12.45 years) participated in the study. Cross-lagged analysis results indicated a significant positive correlation between shyness, depression, and IGD symptoms, as well as a dynamic and bidirectional relationship between them. Specifically, T1 shyness positively predicted T2 depression symptoms (β = 0.167, p < 0.001), T1 depression symptoms positively predicted T2 shyness (β = 0.141, p < 0.01), and T1 IGD symptoms positively predicted T2 depression symptoms (β = 0.073, p < 0.05). In addition to these findings, gender differences were identified in shyness (T1 and T2), IGD symptoms (T1 and T2), and depression symptoms (T2). The results also indicated that shyness and symptoms of depression could significantly positively predict each other over time, and IGD symptoms could significantly predict depression symptoms. However, depression symptoms could not significantly predict IGD symptoms over the one-year study period, and there was no significant two-way prediction between shyness and IGD symptoms. Thus, this study reveals possible reciprocal associations between shyness, depression, and IGD symptoms in Chinese adolescents and provides insights and suggestions for reducing online gaming addiction among adolescents from the perspective of shyness and depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on ESRRB-regulating porcine-induced pluripotent stem cells (piPSCs) converted to trophoblast-like stem cells (TLSCs) contribute to the understanding of early embryo development. However, the epigenetic modification regulation network during the conversion is poorly understood. Here, the global change in histone H3 Lysine 4, 9, 27, 36 methylation and Lysine 27 acetylation was investigated in piPSCs and TLSCs. We found a high modification profile of H3K36me2 in TLSCs compared to that of piPSCs, whereas the profiles of other modifications remained constant. KDM4C, a H3K36me3/2 demethylase, whose gene body region was combined with ESRRB, was upregulated in TLSCs. Moreover, KDM4 inhibitor supplementation rescued the AP-negative phenotype observed in TLSCs, confirming that KDM4C could regulate the pluripotency of TLSCs. Subsequently, KDM4C replenishment results show the significantly repressed proliferation and AP-positive staining of TLSCs. The expressions of CDX2 and KRT8 were also upregulated after KDM4C overexpression. In summary, these results show that KDM4C replaced the function of ESRRB. These findings reveal the unique and crucial role of KDM4C-mediated epigenetic chromatin modifications in determination of piPSCs' fate and expand the understanding of the connection between piPSCs and TSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The permanent magnet linear motor (PMLM) has a variety of outstanding topological structures, such as flux switch structure and transverse flux structure. However, the inherited cogging force of PMLM is difficult to reduce without thrust damage. To solve the above-mentioned problem, this article investigates the thrust force, based on a novel flux-switching transverse-flux PMLM (FSTFPMLM) with a simple structure systematically, and provides the guidance to design the FSTFPMLM to achieve a larger thrust, with smaller cogging force. First, the basic structure and working principle of the FSTFPMLM are introduced. Second, an equivalent permeance model of the FSTFPMLM is proposed to calculate the thrust force, including cogging force, permanent magnet thrust, and winding reluctance force. Then, the leading parameters’ influence on the thrust force is investigated; it is concluded that the method effectively minimizes the cogging force and increases the thrust force. Finally, the prototype is manufactured, experiments are performed, and the experimental results agree well with the finite-element method results. This article verifies the effectiveness and practicability of the motor and the proposed analysis method, pointing out the motor's outstanding advantages in reducing cogging force while maintaining high thrust force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease characterized by chronic inflammation and airway remodeling. Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) plays a critical role in various inflammatory or fibrotic diseases. However, the role of HE4 in COPD remains unidentified.Methods: HE4 expression was determined in the lung tissues from COPD patients and cigarette smoke (CS)-exposed mice using immunohistochemical staining, qPCR, or western blot. The plasma level of HE4 was detected by ELISA. The regulations of HE4 in the expressions of CS extract (CSE)-induced inflammatory cytokines in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBE) were investigated through knockdown or overexpression of HE4. The role of secretory HE4 (sHE4) in the differentiation and proliferation in human pulmonary fibroblast cells (HPF) was explored via qPCR, western blot, CCK8 assay or 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining. The probe of related mechanism in CSE-induced HE4 increase in HBE was conducted by administrating N-acetylcysteine (NAC).Results: HE4 was up-regulated in both the lung tissue and plasma of COPD patients relative to controls, and the plasma HE4 was negatively associated with lung function in COPD patients. The same enhanced HE4 expression was verified in CS-exposed mice and CSE-induced HBE, but CSE failed to increase HE4 expression in HPF. In vitro experiments showed that reducing HE4 expression in HBE alleviated CSE-induced IL-6 release while overexpressing HE4 facilitated IL-6 expression, mechanistically through affecting phosphorylation of NFκB-p65, whereas intervening HE4 expression had no distinctive influence on IL-8 secretion. Furthermore, we confirmed that sHE4 promoted fibroblast-myofibroblast transition, as indicated by promoting the expression of fibronectin, collagen I and α-SMA via phosphorylation of Smad2. EdU staining and CCK-8 assay demonstrated the pro-proliferative role of sHE4 in HPF, which was further confirmed by enhanced expression of survivin and PCNA. Pretreatment of NAC in CSE or H2O2-induced HBE mitigated HE4 expression.Conclusions: Our study indicates that HE4 may participate in airway inflammation and remodeling of COPD. Cigarette smoke enhances HE4 expression and secretion in bronchial epithelium mediated by oxidative stress. Increased HE4 promotes IL-6 release in HBE via phosphorylation of NFκB-p65, and sHE4 promotes fibroblastic differentiation and proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin (IL)-33, belonging to the IL-1 family, is a novel cytokine that plays an important role in several chronic inflammatory diseases. Its role in chronic airway inflammation that develops into COPD is widely unknown. To determine this, we identified the expression of IL-33 in human bronchial epithelial layer and detected the inflammatory effects of IL-33 stimulation and the relative signaling pathways in human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), respectively. In this study, the expression of IL-33 in human bronchial epithelial layer was upregulated in COPD patients compared with normal controls. The expressions of IL-6 and IL-8 were also increased in both HBE cells and PBMCs, stimulated by IL-33 alone or combining the cigarette smoke extract (CSE). And the increased expressions could be partially blocked by ST2-Fc and IL-1RacP-Fc in both HBE cells and PBMCs. The p42/p44 ERK inhibitor in HBE cells and the p38 MAPK inhibitor in PBMCs exerted similar effects. Our data showed that IL-33 could induce and enhance the expression of IL-6 and IL-8 in HBE cells and PBMCs of COPD patients via ST2/IL-1RacP pathway and MAPKs pathway. Thus, the IL-33 is a promoter of chronic airway inflammation that contributes to COPD development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a virtual damping flux-based low-voltage ride through (LVRT) control strategy for a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind turbine. During the transient states of grid voltage drop and recovery, the proposed virtual damping flux-based strategy can suppress rotor current with a smooth electromagnetic torque. During steady-state faults, a negative sequence current compensation strategy is adopted to smooth the electromagnetic torque and reactive power for asymmetrical grid faults, while the conventional vector control is used to inject reactive power into the grid to support grid voltage for symmetrical grid faults. The effectiveness of the proposed strategies is examined by the simulation with a 2-MW DFIG in MATLAB/Simulink and verified by the experimental results from a scaled-down 7.5-kW DFIG controlled by a DSPACE1006. In addition, the impacts of the magnetic nonlinearity characteristics of a practical DFIG are investigated under asymmetrical grid faults. Although the magnetic nonlinearity characteristics degrade the control effects, the proposed strategies can still improve the DFIG performances during asymmetrical grid faults. The results clearly demonstrate that the proposed strategies can effectively improve the DFIG transient behavior and achieve LVRT performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We developed an UPLC–MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of levornidazole and its three metabolites M1, M2 and M4 in human plasma and urine. [•] The method is fully validated in terms of linearity, specificity, precision and accuracy, recovery and stability under various conditions. [•] The method is successfully applied in a clinical pharmacokinetic study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 9MW1411 is a humanised IgG1 mAb specifically neutralising S. aureus alpha-toxin. • This first-in-human trial characterised the safety, PK and immunogenicity of 9MW1411. • 9MW1411 had good safety and low immunogenicity after a single dose from 200 to 5000 mg. • Cmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ of 9MW1411 demonstrated dose proportionality. • A single dose of 3000 mg 9MW1411 is appropriate for use in subsequent studies. 9MW1411 is a humanised monoclonal antibody against Staphylococcus aureus alpha-toxin. The safety, pharmacokinetics (PK) and immunogenicity of 9MW1411 should be characterised in humans before further clinical development. A single-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase I clinical study was conducted in humans for the first time. A total of 42 healthy Chinese subjects were randomised to receive a single ascending dose of 9MW1411 (200, 600, 1500, 3000 or 5000 mg) or placebo. Safety, PK parameters and anti-drug antibody (ADA) were analysed. Monte Carlo simulations (MCS) were performed to predict the probability of target attainment (PTA) after single dose IV administration of 1500, 3000 and 5000 mg of 9MW1411. Thirty-four subjects received 9MW1411, completed the study and were included in data analysis. Five cases of drug-related AEs occurred in four subjects. All the adverse events (AEs) were mild or moderate. The C max , AUC 0-t and AUC 0-∞ of 9MW1411 increased with dose after IV administration of 200 to 5000 mg 9MW1411. The mean C max increased from 85.40 ± 5.43 to 2082.11 ± 343.10 µg/mL and AUC 0-∞ from 29,511.68 ± 5550.91 to 729,985.49 ± 124,932.18 h·µg/mL. The elimination half-life (T 1/2) was 19–23 days. 9MW1411 ADA was positive in three subjects. MCS indicated that a single dose of 3000 or 5000 mg 9MW1411 could achieve PTA > 90% for S. aureus. 9MW1411 has shown a good safety profile in healthy Chinese subjects after a single dose up to 5000 mg. A single dose of 3000 mg 9MW1411 is appropriate for use in subsequent studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effect of small addition of different sintering aids (MoO3 and WO3) on the electrical properties of Ce0.9Nd0.1O2−δ has been investigated. The (Ce0.9Nd0.1)1−x M x O2−δ (x = 0.0; M = Mo, W, x = 0.01; Ce0.9Nd0.1O2−δ : NDC, (Ce0.9Nd0.1)0.99Mo0.01O2−δ : NDCMo; (Ce0.9Nd0.1)0.99W0.01O2−δ : NDCW) solid solutions were prepared and characterized. The X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that all the samples are single phases with a cubic fluorite structure. Moreover, from the field-emission scanning electron microscopy results, it is found (Ce0.9Nd0.1)0.99M0.01O2−δ (M = Mo, W) sintered at 1300 °C for 15 h have better sinterability than Ce0.9Nd0.1O2−δ . The total conductivity by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy are ranked as: NDCW  > NDCMo  > NDC measured at 700 °C, which is attributed to microstructures. It can be concluded that MoO3 and WO3 are both effective and WO3 seems to be more potential as sintering aids on the optimization of electrical properties for ceria-based electrolytes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In order to identify competitive ion-conducting materials in ceria-carbonates composite electrolytes, M-NLCO (M = Ce0.8Sm0.2O2-δ (SDC), Ce0.8Gd0.2O2-δ (GDC), Ce0.8Y0.2O2-δ (YDC); NLCO = 0.53Li2CO3–0.47Na2CO3) sintered at different temperatures (600° C, 625° C, 650° C, 675° C and 700° C) have been prepared and characterized. It is found that independent of systems, the 675° C-sintered composites in M-NLCO always present the highest conductivities because of the best NLCO distribution and interfacial microstructures. Moreover, among three composites (sintered at 675° C), the total () and grain boundary () conductivities measured at 600° C are ranked as: SDC-NLCO (, ) ﹥ GDC-NLCO (, ) ﹥ YDC-NLCO (, ), which is attributed to ionic-radius compatibility between the dopant and the host as well as the NLCO distribution and interfacial microstructures. It can be concluded that ionic-radius compatibility between the dopant and the host, NLCO distribution and interfacial microstructures have important effects on improving ionic conductivities for ceria-carbonates composite electrolytes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an extensive class of small non-coding RNAs with important roles in the regulation of gene expression. Little study has been performed on identifying miRNAs in Bombyx mori (silkworm). Here, 41 conserved miRNAs were identified by a computational homology search approach and some of them were selected and confirmed experimentally. Some characteristics such as position-specific nucleotide distribution, evolutionary conservation and clustered organization have been described. Through general method of miRNA target identification, we also find that at least 4 miRNAs (miR-33/-190/-276/-7) target fibroin L chain transcripts, suggesting that miRNAs might play an important role in the regulation of silk protein production. In order to validate this, 3′-UTR of fibroin L chain mRNA was cloned and several expression vectors were constructed. Assays of semi-RT-PCR, histochemical and biochemical assays after agroinfiltration indicated that miRNAs can repress reporter gene (GUS) expression with sequence complement. Clearly, agroinfiltration proved a highly efficient method to identify the function of miRNAs inhibiting their targets mRNA in heterologous system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: and thin films were grown by low-pressure metal organic chemical vapor deposition (LP-MOCVD) on substrates. The films fabricated at under an hydrogen pressure of 76Torr had hexagonal structure with only one (0002) diffraction peak. The samples with low doping content have sharp absorption edges. It is found that the absorption edge and the emission peak positions of the film shift to high energy due to the Zn-doping. The band gap energy could be tuned in a wide range with the change of Zn content. The broadening of the emission peak could be attributed to the alloy fluctuations and the shallow defect in the samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A novel flux-switching transverse-flux permanent magnet tube linear motor (FSTFPMTLM) with oblique air-gap is proposed in this article, which combined the merits of the tube linear motor, the transverse-flux linear motor, and the switched-flux linear motor. The structure and operating principle of the FSTFPMTLM is presented first. Considering this motor has a 3-D magnetic circuit and designing the motor with high performance, this article proposes an optimization method for the FSTFPMTLM by decomposing the design of the motor into two steps to separate optimization using experimental design method. The first step is to optimize the cross-section part of the motor. After that the optimized motor is compared with the initial one by finite element method (FEM). The prototype is then manufactured and tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Levornidazole is a novel nitroimidazole antimicrobial agent active against anaerobes. We aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of levornidazole after single and multiple oral doses of levornidazole tablets in healthy Chinese subjects and propose the dosing regimen based on pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) analysis. Methods: A single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted with a single ascending dose (250, 500, 1000, and 1500 mg) and multiple doses of 500 mg levornidazole q12h for 7 days. Food effect on PK and absolute bioavailability were investigated at the 500 mg dose level. Blood and urine samples were collected to determine the PK parameters of levornidazole. The probability of target attainment (PTA) and cumulative fraction of response (CFR) were calculated by Monte Carlo simulation to predict the clinical efficacy of levornidazole tablets. Results: Plasma concentration reached peak about 0.5 h after single dose (250–1500 mg) of levornidazole tablets. The maximal concentration (Cmax) and exposure (AUC0–∞) of levornidazole increased linearly with dose. High-fat diet did not affect the absorption extent of levornidazole tablets. The absolute oral bioavailability of levornidazole tablets was 98.3% ± 7.6%, associated with large apparent volume of distribution (48.68 ± 4.92 l) and long half-life (11.93 ± 1.28 h). The urinary excretion of levornidazole was 7.99%. Levornidazole, administered at either 500 mg q12h or 750 mg q24h, achieved a CFR > 95.4% and PTA > 99% for B. fragilis (minimum inhibitory concentration ≤ 1.0 mg/l) infections. Conclusion: Levornidazole tablets are absorbed rapidly and completely and distributed extensively with a long half-life and low urinary excretion after a single dose or multiple doses in healthy Chinese subjects. Levornidazole tablets can be taken with or without food. Levornidazole tablets 500 mg q12h and 750 mg q24h are expected to achieve the desired efficacy in B. fragilis infections. Clinical Trail Registration: Trial registration number CTR20160786 at http://www.chinadrugtrials.org.cn/. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amorphous soft magnetic composites have been attracting attention because of its low core loss under high frequency application. It is demanded that the powder for fabricating amorphous soft magnetic composites has amorphous structure and nearly spherical shape, which facilitates the uniform coating of insulator on the surface of powder particles. In this paper, amorphous Fe 73.5 Si 13 B 11 Cr 1 C 1.5 (at%) powder was produced by gas-water combined atomization process which takes advantages of both gas atomization and water atomization, and its properties was compared with powder produced by gas atomization and water atomization. Gas-water combined atomization powder with particle size of −60 μm were found to be amorphous with low coercivity, and the shape of particles was nearly spherical. The permeability of magnetic powder cores prepared with three kinds of powder first increased and then decreased with annealing temperature, and the core loss first decreased and then increased. The cores prepared with gas-water combined atomization powder showed the best overall properties, with an effective permeability of 26.9, a relative permeability of 83.3% under a superimposed DC magnetic field of 7.96 kA/m, a core loss of 258 mW/cm3 under a frequency of 100 kHz, and a magnetization intensity B m of 0.05 T after annealing at 793 K in nitrogen gas. • Fe 73.5 Si 13 B 11 Cr 1 C 1.5 soft magnetic powder with amorphous microstructure is produced by gas-water combined atomization. • The cooling rate of gas-water combined atomization is close to water atomization, but higher than gas atomization. • The magnetic powder cores made of gas-water combined atomized powder have the high DC BIAS characteristics and low loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frequency splitting phenomenon (FSP) is a critical issue in wireless power transfer (WPT) systems. When the FSP exists, the load power will sharply increase and can be dozens of times of the power obtained at the resonant frequency if the driving frequency varies from the resonant frequency, which seriously affects the system safety. This article studies the impacts caused by the FSP in detail and then proposes a system control method by utilizing the advantages of the FSP to realize constant power output and zero voltage switching (ZVS) of the dc–ac inverter simultaneously. The splitting frequencies are tracked and the driving frequency is precisely adjusted together with the dc-link voltage. The specific implementation method is given in this article to minimize the impacts on the power transfer performance. An 85 kHz, 3.3 kW WPT system is built up to validate the proposed method. The experimental results show that when the FSP occurs at 150 mm coil-to-coil distance and 5 Ω load resistance, the load power can be hold at 3.3 kW with the dc-link voltage reduced from 327 to 160 V. Meanwhile, ZVS of the inverter is realized and the inverter efficiency is improved from 95% to 97%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with the single-phase wireless power transfer systems, the three-phase wireless power transfer systems have the advantages of large transfer power, high position offset tolerance, and small output ripple, etc., which have been widely used for high-power application. For a three-phase rail-type dynamic wireless power transfer system, the interphase cross-coupling mutual inductance, will lead to three-phase unbalance, difficult modeling and analysis. So, a new type of three-phase rail-type magnetic coupling structure is proposed and optimized. Firstly, a magnetic coupling structure for a three-phase rail-type dynamic wireless power transfer system is proposed. Secondly, the physical principle and mathematical tools are used to calculate the primary and secondary equivalent parameters of the system, and a fully decoupled equivalent mathematical model of the system is established. Thirdly, based on the model, the output characteristics of the system such as power and efficiency are analyzed. Finally, an experimental platform for a 1 kW three-phase rail-type dynamic wireless power transfer system is built to verify the theoretical analysis. The experimental results show that the magnetic coupling structure proposed in this paper can well solve the problem of system imbalance caused by interphase cross-coupling mutual inductance, and improve the power and efficiency of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Tegoprazan is one of the potassium-competitive acid blockers (P-CABs). It exhibits its anti-secretory effects by competitively and reversibly blocking the availability of K+ of the H+, K+-ATPase. This study was designed to investigate the safety and pharmacokinetics of tegoprazan in healthy Chinese subjects. Methods: Thirty-eight healthy Chinese subjects were recruited in this randomized, single-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, with a single ascending dose of 50, 100, 200 mg and a multiple dose of 100 mg for 10 days. The plasma concentration of tegoprazan was determined by a validated liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method. Pharmacokinetics were evaluated via non-compartmental and compartmental model analysis. Safety was assessed by physical examinations, vital signs, clinical laboratory tests, and electrocardiograms. Results: No serious adverse event was observed in this study. After single-dose administration (50, 100 and 200 mg), tegoprazan was rapidly absorbed with a median maximum measure plasma concentration (Tmax) at 0.5 h and declined with a terminal (elimination) half-life (t1/2) of 3.87–4.57 h. The maximum measured plasma concentration (Cmax) for tegoprazan was 813.80, 1494.60 and 2829.00 ng/mL. Meanwhile, the corresponding area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) from time zero to infinity (AUC0−inf) was 2761.00, 5980.05 and 11,044.72 ng∙h/mL in 50, 100, 200 mg group, respectively. Dose-dependent increase was observed in the value of Cmax and AUC after administration of tegoprazan 50 to 200 mg. The two-compartment model well described the pharmacokinetic profile of tegoprazan. In the steady state, no accumulation was found after repeated administration at the 100-mg dose level. No experimental differences were found based on gender. Conclusions: Tegoprazan was well tolerated in the dose range of 50–200 mg in single- and 100 mg in multiple-dose studies. Tegoprazan shows dose linearity with oral administration after a single dose of 50 to 200 mg and less drug accumulation after 10 days of continuous administration in 100 mg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]