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PurposeMethodology/approachFindingsResearch implicationsPractical implicationsOriginality/value/contributionInternet firms’ business model innovation (BMI) is drawing increasing research attention; however, the research in this field remains fragmented. This study aims to ascertain the current state of this research field, identify research gaps, and propose future research directions.In this study, 452 studies related to internet firms’ BMI were compiled from the Web of Science collection for the period from 1999 to 2022. Bibliometric analysis was used to uncover the field’s intellectual roots, and content analysis was used to explore and identify disciplinary knowledge bases.We identified the following clusters of research: antecedents of BMI; design, implementation, and consequences of BMI; the antecedents of BMI; and platform BMI. These were integrated into a comprehensive knowledge framework based on the Antecedent-Process-Consequence (APC) framework, which also explains how existing theoretical perspectives and mechanisms explain internet firms’ BMI. Finally, this study identified the research gaps and proposed future research directions.This study identifies a unified knowledge framework to summarize and refine core research topics to reflect the characteristics of the internet era, which helps researchers understand research in this field. Moreover, this study identifies gaps and proposes further research directions for management.This study is helpful for internet practitioners to understand and attach importance to the factors that affect BMI, as well as to the results of BMI, and accordingly adjust their strategic decisions on BMI.The innovation of this study lies in its comprehensive use of bibliometrics and a systematic literature review to explore the status of research on internet firms’ BMI and to identify knowledge modules and frameworks that are scientific, objective, and replicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prisoners' employment has received widespread attention from society. In this study, based on career construction theory and social cognitive career theory, 300 male prisoners were selected as the research sample, and questionnaires were used for data collection. The results show that in the relationships between extroversion, openness, neuroticism, and perception of career barriers, and prisoners' career adaptability plays a mediating role. When extroversion, openness, and neuroticism are predictor variables, the socioeconomic status of prisoners plays a moderating role in the predictive effect of career adaptability on the perception of career barriers. Specifically, compared with individuals with low and medium socioeconomic statuses, the negative effect of career adaptability on the perception of career barriers was stronger at high socioeconomic status levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of highly efficient and metal‐free photocatalysts for bacterial inactivation under natural light is a major challenge in photocatalytic antibiosis. Herein, we developed an acidizing solvent‐thermal approach for inserting a non‐conjugated ethylenediamine segment into the conjugated planes of 3,4,9,10‐perylene tetracarboxylic anhydride to generate a photocatalyst containing segregated π‐conjugation units (EDA‐PTCDA). Under natural light, EDA‐PTCDA achieved 99.9 % inactivation of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (60 and 45 min), which is the highest efficiency among all the natural light antibacterial reports. The difference in the surface potential and excited charge density corroborated the possibility of a built‐in electron‐trap effect of the non‐conjugated segments of EDA‐PTCDA, thus forming a highly active EDA‐PTDA/bacteria interface. In addition, EDA‐PTCDA exhibited negligible toxicity and damage to normal tissue cells. This catalyst provides a new opportunity for photocatalytic antibiosis under natural light conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of highly efficient and metal‐free photocatalysts for bacterial inactivation under natural light is a major challenge in photocatalytic antibiosis. Herein, we developed an acidizing solvent‐thermal approach for inserting a non‐conjugated ethylenediamine segment into the conjugated planes of 3,4,9,10‐perylene tetracarboxylic anhydride to generate a photocatalyst containing segregated π‐conjugation units (EDA‐PTCDA). Under natural light, EDA‐PTCDA achieved 99.9 % inactivation of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (60 and 45 min), which is the highest efficiency among all the natural light antibacterial reports. The difference in the surface potential and excited charge density corroborated the possibility of a built‐in electron‐trap effect of the non‐conjugated segments of EDA‐PTCDA, thus forming a highly active EDA‐PTDA/bacteria interface. In addition, EDA‐PTCDA exhibited negligible toxicity and damage to normal tissue cells. This catalyst provides a new opportunity for photocatalytic antibiosis under natural light conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Noncoding RNAs such as circular RNAs (circRNAs) are abundant in the human body and influence the occurrence and development of various diseases. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common malignant cancers. Information on the functions and mechanism of circRNAs in lung cancer is limited; thus, the topic needs more exploration. The purpose of this study was to identify aberrantly expressed circRNAs in lung cancer, unravel their roles in NSCLC progression, and provide new targets for lung cancer diagnosis and therapy. Methods: High-throughput sequencing was used to analyze differential circRNA expression in patients with lung cancer. qRT‒PCR was used to determine the level of circHERC1 in lung cancer tissues and plasma samples. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were implemented to observe the impacts of circHERC1 on the growth, invasion, and metastasis of lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, dual luciferase reporter assays, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pull-down experiments were performed to confirm the underlying mechanisms of circHERC1. Nucleocytoplasmic localization of FOXO1 was determined by nucleocytoplasmic isolation and immunofluorescence. The interaction of circHERC1 with FOXO1 was verified by RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and western blot assays. The proliferation and migration of circHERC1 in vivo were verified by subcutaneous and tail vein injection in nude mice. Results: CircHERC1 was significantly upregulated in lung cancer tissues and cells, ectopic expression of circHERC1 strikingly facilitated the proliferation, invasion and metastasis, and inhibited the apoptosis of lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. However, knockdown of circHERC1 exerted the opposite effects. CircHERC1 was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm. Further mechanistic research indicated that circHERC1 acted as a competing endogenous RNA of miR-142-3p to relieve the repressive effect of miR-142-3p on its target HMGB1, activating the MAPK/ERK and NF-κB pathways and promoting cell migration and invasion. More importantly, we found that circHERC1 could bind FOXO1 and sequester it in the cytoplasm, adjusting the feedback AKT pathway. The accumulation of FOXO1 in the cytosol and nuclear exclusion promoted cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis. CircHERC1 is a new circRNA that promotes tumor function in NSCLC and may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for NSCLC. Conclusions: CircHERC1 is a new circRNA that promotes tumor function in NSCLC and may serve as a potential diagnosis biomarker and therapeutic target for NSCLC. Our findings indicate that circHERC1 facilitates the invasion and metastasis of NSCLC cells by regulating the miR-142-3p/HMGB1 axis and activating the MAPK/ERK and NF-κB pathways. In addition, circHERC1 can promote cell proliferation and inhibit apoptosis by sequestering FOXO1 in the cytoplasm to regulate AKT activity and BIM transcription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Density matrix embedding theory (DMET) is a quantum embedding theory for strongly correlated systems. From a computational perspective, one bottleneck in DMET is the optimization of the correlation potential to achieve self-consistency, especially for heterogeneous systems of large size. We propose a new method, called projected DMET (p-DMET), which achieves self-consistency without needing to optimize the correlation potential. We demonstrate the performance of p-DMET on the two-dimensional Hubbard model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vupanorsen is a GalNAc3-conjugated antisense oligonucleotide targeting angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) mRNA shown to reduce atherogenic lipoproteins in individuals with dyslipidemia.The aim of this study was to satisfy Chinese regulatory requirements and support ethnic sensitivity assessment by evaluating pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and safety of vupanorsen in healthy Chinese adults with elevated triglycerides (TG).In this phase I, parallel-cohort, open-label study, 18 Chinese adults with elevated fasting TG (≥ 90 mg/dL) were randomized 1:1 to receive a single subcutaneous dose of vupanorsen 80 mg or 160 mg. PK parameters, PD markers (including ANGPTL3, TG, non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [non–HDL-C]), and safety were assessed.Absorption of vupanorsen was rapid (median time to maximum concentration [Tmax]: 2.0 h for both doses), followed by a multiphasic decline (mean terminal half-life 475.9 [80 mg] and 465.2 h [160 mg]). Exposure (area under curve [AUC] and maximum plasma concentration [Cmax]) generally increased in a greater than dose-proportional manner from 80 mg to 160 mg. Time-dependent reductions in ANGPTL3 and lipid parameters were observed. Mean percentage change from baseline for the 80-mg and 160-mg doses, respectively, were – 59.7% and – 69.5% for ANGPTL3, – 41.9% and – 52.5% for TG, and – 23.2% and – 25.4% for non–HDL-C. No serious or severe adverse events (AEs), deaths, or discontinuations due to AEs were reported. Three participants experienced treatment-related AEs; all were mild and resolved by end of study.This study provided the first clinical vupanorsen data in China. In Chinese participants with elevated TG, PK and PD parameters were consistent with those reported previously in non-Chinese participants, including in Japanese individuals. No safety concerns were noted.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04916795.Objectives: Vupanorsen is a GalNAc3-conjugated antisense oligonucleotide targeting angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) mRNA shown to reduce atherogenic lipoproteins in individuals with dyslipidemia.The aim of this study was to satisfy Chinese regulatory requirements and support ethnic sensitivity assessment by evaluating pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and safety of vupanorsen in healthy Chinese adults with elevated triglycerides (TG).In this phase I, parallel-cohort, open-label study, 18 Chinese adults with elevated fasting TG (≥ 90 mg/dL) were randomized 1:1 to receive a single subcutaneous dose of vupanorsen 80 mg or 160 mg. PK parameters, PD markers (including ANGPTL3, TG, non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [non–HDL-C]), and safety were assessed.Absorption of vupanorsen was rapid (median time to maximum concentration [Tmax]: 2.0 h for both doses), followed by a multiphasic decline (mean terminal half-life 475.9 [80 mg] and 465.2 h [160 mg]). Exposure (area under curve [AUC] and maximum plasma concentration [Cmax]) generally increased in a greater than dose-proportional manner from 80 mg to 160 mg. Time-dependent reductions in ANGPTL3 and lipid parameters were observed. Mean percentage change from baseline for the 80-mg and 160-mg doses, respectively, were – 59.7% and – 69.5% for ANGPTL3, – 41.9% and – 52.5% for TG, and – 23.2% and – 25.4% for non–HDL-C. No serious or severe adverse events (AEs), deaths, or discontinuations due to AEs were reported. Three participants experienced treatment-related AEs; all were mild and resolved by end of study.This study provided the first clinical vupanorsen data in China. In Chinese participants with elevated TG, PK and PD parameters were consistent with those reported previously in non-Chinese participants, including in Japanese individuals. No safety concerns were noted.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04916795.Methods: Vupanorsen is a GalNAc3-conjugated antisense oligonucleotide targeting angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) mRNA shown to reduce atherogenic lipoproteins in individuals with dyslipidemia.The aim of this study was to satisfy Chinese regulatory requirements and support ethnic sensitivity assessment by evaluating pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and safety of vupanorsen in healthy Chinese adults with elevated triglycerides (TG).In this phase I, parallel-cohort, open-label study, 18 Chinese adults with elevated fasting TG (≥ 90 mg/dL) were randomized 1:1 to receive a single subcutaneous dose of vupanorsen 80 mg or 160 mg. PK parameters, PD markers (including ANGPTL3, TG, non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [non–HDL-C]), and safety were assessed.Absorption of vupanorsen was rapid (median time to maximum concentration [Tmax]: 2.0 h for both doses), followed by a multiphasic decline (mean terminal half-life 475.9 [80 mg] and 465.2 h [160 mg]). Exposure (area under curve [AUC] and maximum plasma concentration [Cmax]) generally increased in a greater than dose-proportional manner from 80 mg to 160 mg. Time-dependent reductions in ANGPTL3 and lipid parameters were observed. Mean percentage change from baseline for the 80-mg and 160-mg doses, respectively, were – 59.7% and – 69.5% for ANGPTL3, – 41.9% and – 52.5% for TG, and – 23.2% and – 25.4% for non–HDL-C. No serious or severe adverse events (AEs), deaths, or discontinuations due to AEs were reported. Three participants experienced treatment-related AEs; all were mild and resolved by end of study.This study provided the first clinical vupanorsen data in China. In Chinese participants with elevated TG, PK and PD parameters were consistent with those reported previously in non-Chinese participants, including in Japanese individuals. No safety concerns were noted.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04916795.Results: Vupanorsen is a GalNAc3-conjugated antisense oligonucleotide targeting angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) mRNA shown to reduce atherogenic lipoproteins in individuals with dyslipidemia.The aim of this study was to satisfy Chinese regulatory requirements and support ethnic sensitivity assessment by evaluating pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and safety of vupanorsen in healthy Chinese adults with elevated triglycerides (TG).In this phase I, parallel-cohort, open-label study, 18 Chinese adults with elevated fasting TG (≥ 90 mg/dL) were randomized 1:1 to receive a single subcutaneous dose of vupanorsen 80 mg or 160 mg. PK parameters, PD markers (including ANGPTL3, TG, non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [non–HDL-C]), and safety were assessed.Absorption of vupanorsen was rapid (median time to maximum concentration [Tmax]: 2.0 h for both doses), followed by a multiphasic decline (mean terminal half-life 475.9 [80 mg] and 465.2 h [160 mg]). Exposure (area under curve [AUC] and maximum plasma concentration [Cmax]) generally increased in a greater than dose-proportional manner from 80 mg to 160 mg. Time-dependent reductions in ANGPTL3 and lipid parameters were observed. Mean percentage change from baseline for the 80-mg and 160-mg doses, respectively, were – 59.7% and – 69.5% for ANGPTL3, – 41.9% and – 52.5% for TG, and – 23.2% and – 25.4% for non–HDL-C. No serious or severe adverse events (AEs), deaths, or discontinuations due to AEs were reported. Three participants experienced treatment-related AEs; all were mild and resolved by end of study.This study provided the first clinical vupanorsen data in China. In Chinese participants with elevated TG, PK and PD parameters were consistent with those reported previously in non-Chinese participants, including in Japanese individuals. No safety concerns were noted.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04916795.Conclusions: Vupanorsen is a GalNAc3-conjugated antisense oligonucleotide targeting angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) mRNA shown to reduce atherogenic lipoproteins in individuals with dyslipidemia.The aim of this study was to satisfy Chinese regulatory requirements and support ethnic sensitivity assessment by evaluating pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and safety of vupanorsen in healthy Chinese adults with elevated triglycerides (TG).In this phase I, parallel-cohort, open-label study, 18 Chinese adults with elevated fasting TG (≥ 90 mg/dL) were randomized 1:1 to receive a single subcutaneous dose of vupanorsen 80 mg or 160 mg. PK parameters, PD markers (including ANGPTL3, TG, non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [non–HDL-C]), and safety were assessed.Absorption of vupanorsen was rapid (median time to maximum concentration [Tmax]: 2.0 h for both doses), followed by a multiphasic decline (mean terminal half-life 475.9 [80 mg] and 465.2 h [160 mg]). Exposure (area under curve [AUC] and maximum plasma concentration [Cmax]) generally increased in a greater than dose-proportional manner from 80 mg to 160 mg. Time-dependent reductions in ANGPTL3 and lipid parameters were observed. Mean percentage change from baseline for the 80-mg and 160-mg doses, respectively, were – 59.7% and – 69.5% for ANGPTL3, – 41.9% and – 52.5% for TG, and – 23.2% and – 25.4% for non–HDL-C. No serious or severe adverse events (AEs), deaths, or discontinuations due to AEs were reported. Three participants experienced treatment-related AEs; all were mild and resolved by end of study.This study provided the first clinical vupanorsen data in China. In Chinese participants with elevated TG, PK and PD parameters were consistent with those reported previously in non-Chinese participants, including in Japanese individuals. No safety concerns were noted.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04916795.Trial Registration: Vupanorsen is a GalNAc3-conjugated antisense oligonucleotide targeting angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) mRNA shown to reduce atherogenic lipoproteins in individuals with dyslipidemia.The aim of this study was to satisfy Chinese regulatory requirements and support ethnic sensitivity assessment by evaluating pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and safety of vupanorsen in healthy Chinese adults with elevated triglycerides (TG).In this phase I, parallel-cohort, open-label study, 18 Chinese adults with elevated fasting TG (≥ 90 mg/dL) were randomized 1:1 to receive a single subcutaneous dose of vupanorsen 80 mg or 160 mg. PK parameters, PD markers (including ANGPTL3, TG, non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [non–HDL-C]), and safety were assessed.Absorption of vupanorsen was rapid (median time to maximum concentration [Tmax]: 2.0 h for both doses), followed by a multiphasic decline (mean terminal half-life 475.9 [80 mg] and 465.2 h [160 mg]). Exposure (area under curve [AUC] and maximum plasma concentration [Cmax]) generally increased in a greater than dose-proportional manner from 80 mg to 160 mg. Time-dependent reductions in ANGPTL3 and lipid parameters were observed. Mean percentage change from baseline for the 80-mg and 160-mg doses, respectively, were – 59.7% and – 69.5% for ANGPTL3, – 41.9% and – 52.5% for TG, and – 23.2% and – 25.4% for non–HDL-C. No serious or severe adverse events (AEs), deaths, or discontinuations due to AEs were reported. Three participants experienced treatment-related AEs; all were mild and resolved by end of study.This study provided the first clinical vupanorsen data in China. In Chinese participants with elevated TG, PK and PD parameters were consistent with those reported previously in non-Chinese participants, including in Japanese individuals. No safety concerns were noted.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04916795. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe-Si-Cr soft magnetic powder cores (SMCs), with high electrical resistivity, magnetic permeability, saturation magnetic induction, and good corrosion resistance, are widely applied to inductors, filters, choke coils, etc. However, with the development of electronic technology with high frequency and high power density, the relative decline in the magnetic properties limits the high-frequency application of SMCs. In this paper, the phosphating process and polyimide (PI) insulation coating is applied to Fe-Si-Cr SMCs to reduce the core loss, including hysteresis loss and eddy current loss. The microstructure and composition of Fe-Si-Cr powders were analyzed by SEM, XRD, and Fourier-transform infrared spectra, respectively. The structural characteristics of the Fe-Si-Cr @ phosphate layer @ PI layer core–shell double coating were studied, and the best process parameters were determined through experiments. For SMCs with 0.4 wt% content of PI, the relative permeability is greater than 68%, and the core loss is the lowest, 7086 mW/cm3; annealed at 500 °C, the relative permeability is greater than 57%, and the core loss is the lowest, 6222 mW/cm3. A 0.4 wt% content of PI, annealed at 500 °C, exhibits the ideal magnetic properties: μe = 47 H/m, P = 6222 mW/cm3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A –OH and −C N grafted g-C 3 N 4 is first used as a photocatalytic disinfectant. • The −C N can act as oxygen adsorptioncenters to accelerate the surface reaction. • The hydrophilic interface favors electron transfer and surface catalytic reaction. • The HAC-CN shows an excellent performance in inactivating E. coli and S. aureus. Exploration of cost-effective and high-performing photocatalysts for bacteria disinfection remains a difficult task. Herein, the hydroxyl (–OH) and cyano groups (–C N) co-modulated graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) was first employed as a photocatalytic disinfectant. Systematic characterizations have proved that the abundant –OH and –C N can not only obtain favorable hydrophilicity but also promote the transfer of photogenerated charge carriers. Meanwhile, the –C N can serve as the oxygen adsorption center and the photogenerated electrons accumulation center to accelerate the surface reaction, thus realizing the rapid generation of reactive oxygen species. As expected, the optimal sample can inactivate 6.76-log of Escherichia coli (E. coli) within 60 min and 7.14-log of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) within 90 min under visible light, which shows the most superior disinfection rate of S. aureus and the relatively excellent inactivation ability of E. coli , as compared to other recently reported monolithic g-C 3 N 4 -based photocatalysts. This work provides new insights into maximizing the dynamic behavior of photogenerated charge carriers and constructing novel photocatalytic disinfectants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this phase I study are to assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PKs) of RO7049389 in healthy Chinese volunteers (HVs) and evaluate potential ethnic differences in the safety and PKs using data from this study and the first‐in‐human study (in which most of the HVs were non‐Asian). HVs randomly received a single dose of 200–600 mg of RO7049389 or a placebo in a single ascending dose (n = 28) or multiple doses of 200–400 mg of RO7049389 or a placebo in multiple ascending doses (n = 24). Safety and tolerability were monitored throughout the study. Serial blood samples were collected for PK analysis. RO7049389 was safe and well‐tolerated in the HVs. The time to maximum concentration ranged from 1.5 to 3.0 h, and terminal half‐life ranged from 3.66 to 14.6 h. A single dose of 200–600 mg and multiple doses of 200–400 mg exhibited nonlinear PKs. In general, the safety profiles were comparable between non‐Asian and Asian HVs, but the plasma exposure of RO7049389 in Chinese HVs was higher than that in non‐Asian HVs. The data generated from this study will provide guidance for future clinical studies on RO7049389 in Chinese/Asian patients with hepatitis B virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual space vector pulsewidth modulation (VSVPWM) provides a new approach to neutral point voltage (NPV) control and common mode voltage (CMV) suppression. Few values of coefficients configured in the virtual vectors cannot adjust the NPV continuously. An improved VSVPWM (IVSVPWM) with active neutral point voltage control (ANPVC) and CMV suppression is proposed in this article. Continuously variable coefficients configured in the virtual vectors adjust the NPV actively and continuously for any load power factor over the full modulation indexes. Failure of CMV suppression is analyzed, and the undesired vectors with high CMV are avoided by limiting the range of the variable coefficients. The limited variable coefficients and the selected basic vectors with low CMV suppress the CMV effectively. Simulation and experimental results are given to validate the proposed novel IVSVPWM, which can achieve quicker ANPVC and reduce CMV to half of the conventional VSVPWM simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fuel-optimal ascending trajectories from the surface of Phobos are investigated. • An ERTBP model with the irregular gravity and physical libration is established. • A trajectory maintenance strategy based on the target point method is proposed. • Some trajectories that consume less fuel and are easy to maintain are chosen. The ascending trajectory from the surface of Phobos to a resonant quasi-satellite orbit around Phobos is investigated with a newly proposed dynamical model based on the Elliptic Restricted Three-Body Problem. The proposed model incorporates the non-spherical gravity field and physical libration of Phobos as well. The trajectories from the surface of Phobos are classified into three types according to their z -componentsas short-, middle-, and long-term ascending trajectories. The total Δ V of the two-impulse ascending trajectories is optimized with the particle swarm optimization method. The total Δ V and time of flight of the optimized ascending trajectories are analyzed, and the Pareto Front is refined from the optimized solutions. A multi-impulse maintenance strategy based on the target point method is constructed to ensure that the ascender can insert into the target orbit accurately along the nominal trajectory in the real environment. The robustness of the maintenance strategy is validated by Monte-Carlo simulations in a high-fidelity model, i.e., the N-body problem with the ephemeris, Phobos' physical libration, non-spherical gravity field of Phobos, and a Gaussian uncertain perturbation. The number of the correction impulses needed is highly positively correlated with the time of flight of the trajectory. Based on the results, middle-term ascending trajectories with less time of flight on the Pareto Front are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distinguished from the former researchers, this article aims at researching the effect of the stator fundamental negative sequence current in turbo‐generators on the electromagnetic torque both from theoretical analysis and finite element simulation. Firstly, based on three sequence component analysis, coordinate system transform and interaction analysis of magneto‐motive force vectors, the concrete expression of direct component of the electromagnetic torque is given, and the concrete expression of second harmonic electromagnetic torque is presented by a new vectorial approach proposed in this article. Further, the impact of the stator fundamental negative sequence current on the electromagnetic torque has been discussed in details by the new approach proposed in this article. In order to prove the correctness of the analytical analysis by the new approach proposed in this article, two turbo‐generators have been taken as examples, and their finite element simulation models have been built up and tested through experimental data. Moreover, the simulation result verifies the effectiveness of the analytical expression and analytic analysis proposed in this article. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the effect of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) image registration algorithm in the evaluation of ventricular remodeling in patients with myocardial infarction and the therapeutic effect of cross-theoretical model rehabilitation exercise care. The dynamic balance coefficient k was introduced to construct the DTI image registration algorithm k-AD based on the variable parameter AD algorithm. Then, it was compared with demons algorithm and AD algorithm and was applied in 110 patients with acute myocardial infarction. All patients were divided into the 55 cases of experimental group (cross-theoretical model rehabilitation exercise nursing) and 55 cases of control group (routine nursing). The myocardial tissue was labelled as infarction zone (IZ), infarction border zone (IBZ), and noninfarcted zone (NIZ). Finally, the fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) were calculated. The results showed that the mean square error (MSE) of k-AD algorithm reduced to 0 after 35 iterations. The descent speed was obviously faster than AD and demons algorithms. The overlap of eigenvalue-eigenvector pairs (OVL-EEP) value of k-AD algorithm (0.25) was smaller than demons (0.81) and AD algorithms (0.56) (P < 0.05). The FA value in IZ was notably smaller than IBZ and NIZ, while the MD value was greater than those (P < 0.05). After nursing intervention, the FA value of myocardial infarction area in the experimental group was notably higher in contrast to control group, but the MD value was notably lower in contrast to it (P < 0.05). In short, the DTI image registration algorithm k-AD based on the variable parameter AD algorithm was remarkably better than the demons and AD algorithms in convergence and DTI image registration. FA and MD values obtained by DTI registration image based on k-AD algorithm could clearly indicate the ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction and the rehabilitation effect of cross-theoretical model rehabilitation exercise nursing intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the absence of theoretical method for harmonic electromagnetic torque calculation, based on the relationship between the electromagnetic torque and the electromagnetic power, a new lumped magnetic parameter method (NLMPM) for harmonic electromagnetic torque calculation is introduced in this paper. Then based on the NLMPM, the effect of damper winding on harmonic component of the electromagnetic torque is investigated, including the existence of damper winding and the material alteration of damper winding. After that, to test the effectiveness of the theoretical analysis, the finite element models of a 1400MVA and a 30kVA turbo-generator are built up. Also, the experimental data proves the correctness of finite element models. The results achieved by the NLMPM and the finite element method (FEM) have a very good agreement. The concrete error between the NLMPM and the FEM at small current asymmetrical degree and big current asymmetrical degree is given respectively. The effect of damper winding on harmonic component of the electromagnetic torque is studied from a totally new perspective, as well. The theoretical method introduced in this paper can accurately help detect the harmonic electromagnetic torque vibration according to the lumped magnetic parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 epidemic has had an unexpected impact on global carbon emissions. In this context, carbon emission prediction is very important for policy formulation and implementation. It is worth pondering how the grey model deals with the prediction of unexpected events. Considering the spatial dependence of carbon emissions, this paper improves the multivariate grey model, gives new information a higher reference weight, and constructs a metabolic multivariate grey model -MMGM(1,m | λ) which takes new information as the priority. An optimization algorithm is constructed with the minimum error as the goal to determine the value of the weight adjustment parameter λ. Then we simulate and predict the carbon emissions of three regions: China's Yangtze River Delta (Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui), the North American Free Trade Area (Canada, Mexico, and the US), and West Europe (the UK and France). These three cases have different regions, different numbers of behavioural variables, different degrees of influence by COVID-19, and different trends, which are comparative. The results show that the new model has a good fitting effect, and it is still applicable in dealing with unexpected events. The new model can reflect regional carbon emission changes more systematically and accurately. Finally, according to cases and discussions, we get some management enlightenment to promote regional environmental collaborative governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dynamical model is developed in the body-fixed frame of Phobos, in which the high-precision gravity field and exact physical libration of Phobos, the gravity of Mars with J 2, and the gravity perturbations of the Sun, Jupiter, and Earth are considered. The JPL development ephemeris are applied to calculate the positions of celestial bodies. Phobos is considered as a homogeneous polyhedron with 16 037 vertices to characterize its irregular shape and the corresponding gravity field. The physical libration of Phobos is incorporated into its rotational motion by using the results in 'Report of the IAU WGCCRE'. With the proposed model, equivalent gravity and slope on Phobos surface are calculated and analysed. The liftoff velocity is also computed and presented. Besides, the orbital environment is also investigated. Instantaneous equilibrium points in the Mars–Phobos system are computed and demonstrated, and the acceleration of a particle in the vicinity of Phobos is analysed to find out the main influencing factor in different regions. Quasi-satellite orbits and libration point orbits, which were determined in the circular restricted three-body problem model, are simulated in different dynamical models. The results applying the newly developed high-fidelity dynamical model have shown significant differences with respect to existing models, suggesting that dynamical models with higher accuracy are needed for close-range orbital activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because the valence state of metal with variable valences is sensitive to oxidation atmosphere, it is difficult to fabricate single-phased metal oxide with intermediate valence by vapor or vacuum deposition. In this work, the copper valence state in oxides was controlled by introducing a nitrogen flow into the sputtering chamber. The surface chemical potential of oxygen can be efficiently tuned through adsorption competition on the growth surface. The transition process from CuO–Cu2O mixture to single Cu2O was observed with increasing the nitrogen flow rate. For the single-phased Cu2O, the hole concentration was tuned in a range of 2.6 × 1017 to 1.1 × 1018 cm−3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe-3.3Si-6.5Cr powders were first treated by phosphoric acid solution and then mixed with epoxy-modified silicone resin uniformly, forming insulation coating. The Fe-3.3Si-6.5Cr soft magnetic composites were prepared by compaction and annealing treatment of the coated Fe-3.3Si-6.5Cr powders. The microstructure and composition of Fe-3.3Si-6.5Cr powders were analyzed by scanning electron microscope coupled with energy-dispersive spectrometer, Fourier-transform infrared spectra, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. The magnetic properties were determined by the LCR bridge tester and an auto testing system for magnetic materials (MATS-2010SA). Results show that both proper phosphating treatment and annealing at higher temperature can improve the permeability and reduce the core loss of the Fe-3.3Si-6.5Cr SMCs. When the concentration of phosphoric acid was 0.5 wt% and the heat treatment temperature reached 500 °C, the Fe-3.3Si-6.5Cr SMCs showed the optimized magnetic properties, including the permeability (μe) of 44.7 H/cm, the core loss (P) of 521.8 mW/cm3 at the saturated magnetic flux density of 50 mT, and the frequency of 100 kHz. The Fe-3.3Si-6.5Cr SMCs with distinguished magnetic properties provide great application prospect in various fields such as filter inductors, transformers, and sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modular multilevel converters (MMCs) have been widely used in recent years due to their superior advantages in medium/high-voltage applications. The finite control set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) has shown high dynamic responses for the control of the MMC. However, with the existing FCS-MPC algorithms, the steady-state performances are degraded due to the irregular pulse patterns, especially under unbalanced grid conditions. In this paper, based on the discrete state-space model of the MMC, a modulated MPC (M2PC) algorithm is proposed to overcome the aforementioned drawback of the FCS-MPC. Compared to FCS-MPC algorithms, the M2PC accurately calculates and tracks the reference circulating current and adopts an effective modulation method, and, in turn, the proposed M2PC can obtain enhanced steady-state ac-side/circulating currents control performances under unbalanced grid conditions, with the high dynamic-state performances of the conventional FCS-MPC algorithms reserved. Experimental results regarding one typical FCS-MPC algorithm and the proposed M2PC algorithm are comparatively evaluated in detail for the steady/dynamic-state performances and pulse patterns by a downscaled prototype. The effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed M2PC are clearly validated by the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Low-frequency stimulation of the prefrontal cortex induces a long-term depression at synapses of the nucleus accumbens in naïve rats. • The long-term depression requires the activation of N -methyl-d-aspartate receptor and type 2/3 but not type 5 metabotropic glutamate receptor. • Withdrawal from chronic morphine abolishes the long-term depression via downregulating the expression of metabotropic glutamate type 2/3. Abstract Drugs of abuse modify synaptic long-term potentiation and long-term depression (LTD) in the nucleus accumbens, and the impairment of synaptic plasticity in this brain region may be a universal feature of drug addiction. It is unknown whether metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) play a role in synaptic plasticity induced by drugs such as morphine. The neurochemical, electrophysiological, and Western blotting experiments reported here reveal a novel form of LTD in synapses of the shell region of the nucleus accumbens induced in vivo by low-frequency stimulation of the medial prefrontal cortex. This plasticity required the activation of N -methyl- d -aspartate receptors and mGluR2/3 but not mGluR5. The expression of mGluR2/3 was downregulated during withdrawal from repeated morphine exposure (10 days after the last injection), resulting in impaired low-frequency stimulation-induced LTD. These results indicate that withdrawal-induced mGluR2/3 downregulation alters neural plasticity after morphine exposure, which may be a mechanism contributing to drug addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic strategy of absorbing boundary conditions for molecular dynamics simulations are presented. The exact boundary conditions for crystalline solids with harmonic approximation are expressed as a dynamic Dirichlet-to-Neumann (DtN) map. It connects the displacement of the atoms at the boundary to the traction on these atoms. The DtN map is valid for a domain with general geometry. To avoid evaluating the time convolution of the dynamic DtN map, we approximate the associated kernel function by rational functions in the Laplace domain. The parameters in the approximations are determined by interpolations. The explicit forms of the zeroth, first, and second order approximations will be presented. The stability of the molecular dynamics model, supplemented with these absorbing boundary conditions is established. Two numerical simulations are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current studies have focused more on the relationships among estrogen, androgen, and metabolic syndrome (MetS). The main aim of the study was to investigate whether the variation of FSH is associated with metabolic factors in postmenopausal women. A total of 561 postmenopausal women aged 39-69 years were selected. FSH, estradiol, fasting blood glucose, and lipid profiles were analyzed. Compared with women in the highest FSH quartile, women in the lowest quartile had higher body mass index (BMI), fast blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride (TG), blood pressure, and serum estradiol (E2) but lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (all p < .05). Compared with women in the groups of normal levels of MetS biomarkers, women in the abnormal groups had lower FSH (all p < .01). Increased quartiles of FSH were associated with significantly decreased rates of abnormal levels of metabolic factors (all p < .05). High FSH levels had protective effects regarding SBP, DBP, and FBG, with odds ratios (ORs) of 0.84 (95% CI 0.76-0.92, p < .001), 0.85 (95% CI 0.78-0.94, p < .01), 0.90 (95% CI 0.83-0.98, p < .01), respectively. Low FSH appears to be a risk factor of all domains of MetS in postmenopausal women, which merits further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unraveling how mid-gap state energy level of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) promote near-infrared (NIR) driven photochemical energy conversion at the molecular level remains a grand challenge. Here, we report a series of S double-site-doped ultrathin g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets (SUCN) with adjustable intermediate band gap benefits from light response over NIR region. The SUCN produced after optimizing S double-site doping can effectively generate hydrogen (H 2) under NIR-light irradiation. The highest H 2 generation rate achieved was respectively 9.35 and 17.46 μmol g−1 h−1 under λ = 765 and λ > 800 nm, which is firstly expended photocatalytic activity of S-doped g-C 3 N 4 to NIR region beyond λ > 765 nm. We proposed a molecular-level method, i.e., the localized oxidation state of proton acceptor triethanolamine (TEOA) in the mid-gap state to ensure the NIR-driven H 2 generating behavior. [Display omitted] • g-C 3 N 4 was doped with S atoms at a specific site of the triazine skeleton. • S doping provides an adjustable intermediate band gap of g-C 3 N 4. • The 0.36-SUCN obtained 43 times higher PHE than g-C 3 N 4. • The S-doped g-C 3 N 4 firstly realized PHE in the near-infrared region. • The NIR-driven H 2 generation was firstly demonstrated by a molecular-level method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to investigate the attitudes and knowledge of medical personnel on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in treating perimenopausal syndrome. A total of 2580 self-administered questionnaire forms were sent to medical care professionals and the responses collected were anonymous. The questionnaire included information on levels of awareness, benefits, and potential risks of HRT. A total of 2158 questionnaire forms were filled and used for statistical analysis; 61.4% of gynecologists believed that it was necessary to conduct HRT in suitable patients, 89.1% would like to recommend the therapy to patients with perimenopausal syndrome, and 83.2% of the participants were willing to take training on HRT. The mean score of awareness of HRT among the respondents was 3.14 out of 10. The main reason for them to avoid HRT was fear of cancer (43.8%), weight gain (30.4%), addiction (21.9%), and thrombus (3.9%). These results indicated that a large proportion of gynecologists are willing to recommend HRT to a woman complaining of climacteric disorders. However, awareness of HRT among the health workers (including gynecologists) is relatively low. They are also worried about the risks. A more concerted effort should be made to better disseminate information on HRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applying model predictive control (MPC) to cascaded H-bridge multilevel converters, while improving the dynamic performance, suffers from high computation burden due to substantial voltage vectors and switching combinations. In this paper, a simplified branch and bound approach is proposed to reduce the computation of the MPC for a cascaded H-bridge Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM). The underlying optimization problem of the current predictive control is a two-variable integer quadratic programming problem. With the proposed approach, the global optimal voltage vector can be selected within linear time instead of polynomial time. This is achieved by selecting the possible values of one variable as the branch, and enumerating the optimal integer results of each branch. The execution time of the proposed approach and conventional methods are compared to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Simulation and experimental results for a seven-level cascaded H-bridge STATCOM system are presented to verify the usability and reliability of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background Endothelial migration is a critical physiological process during vascular angiogenesis, growth and development, as well as in various disease conditions, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Neutrophil migration, known as the important characteristic of immune responses, is also recognized as a contributor to the diseases involving endothelial migration. Herein, the mutually dependent relationship between neutrophil recruitment and endothelial migration was studied on a microfluidic platform for the first time. Methods An in vivo -like microenvironment is created inside microfluidic devices by embedding a gel scaffold into the micro-chambers. This approach, with controllable stable chemical gradients and the ability to quantitate interaction characteristics, overcomes the limitations of the current in vivo and in vitro assays for cell migration studies. Results The number of neutrophils migrating through the endothelial cell layer is heavily influenced by the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that induces endothelial cell migration in the gel scaffold, and is not as correlated to the concentration of chemokine solution used for initiating neutrophil migration. More importantly, neutrophil migration diminishes the effects of the drug that inhibits endothelial migration and this process is regulated by the concentration of chemokine molecules instead of VEGF concentration. Conclusions The results presented herein demonstrate the complicated cellular interactions between endothelial cells and neutrophils: endothelial migration delicately regulates neutrophil migration while the presence of neutrophils stabilizes the structures of endothelial migration. General significance This study provides deeper understanding of the dynamic cellular interactions between neutrophils and endothelial cells as well as the pathogenesis of relevant diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To eliminate the effect of humidity on nanopapers from nanocellulose, esters of CNCs (ECNCs) were synthesized via acylation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with fatty acids and Trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA). The structure information of ECNCs was confirmed via FTIR, degree of substitution (DS) determination, and XRD, respectively. With the increase of DS, the ECNCs could be dissolved in dichloromethane, which provided a ready way for fabrication of ECNCs films via casting/evaporation method. The tensile property, transmittance, hydrophobicity, thermal property and oxygen permeability of films were tested with universal tensile tester, UV–vis spectrophotometer, Contact angle tester, Simultaneous thermal analyzer and Oxygen permeability tester, respectively. With the increase of DS, the contact angles of ECNCs increased, and the water uptake decreased. The enhancement of hydrophobicity promised the preservation of tensile parameters for films after water absorbing. The hydrophobicity, high transmittance, and high oxygen barrier property make films have potential application in packaging filed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a traditional five-level cascaded H-bridge inverter is studied and regulated by a proportional-resonant (PR) controller. In order to extend the range of the gain of PR controller, for the purpose of achieving a fast response, a time-delayed feedback controller (TDFC) is used. Similar to the pulse width modulation (PWM) current-mode single phase H-bridge inverter that exhibits bifurcation and chaos when parameters vary, we demonstrate for the first time that the cascaded H-bridge inverter also shows similar features. From the perspective of a discontinuous map, the cascaded H-bridge inverter generally displays extraordinary complexity. Moreover, a new virtual ergodic method (VEM) is proposed to establish the mathematical model of the whole system, which helps to understand the observed bifurcation phenomena. Simulation results are given to verify the analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To solve the issue of exponentially increasing computational burden of finite control set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) for multilevel converters, a fast MPC scheme for multilevel cascaded H-bridge STATCOM is presented. The proposed approach consists of three steps. First, with the partially stratified optimization approach, the multiobjective programming of MPC is divided into two suboptimization problems, i.e., current-control MPC and voltage-balancing MPC. Second, a dynamic programming algorithm is proposed for the optimization of current-control MPC. Third, a mixed algorithm, which combines dynamic programming and greedy algorithm (0-1 programing), is proposed to select the optimal switching combination from all the redundant switching combinations for the voltage balancing MPC achieving a global optimization. Through the analysis of the time complexity, with the proposed scheme, the total computation of FCS-MPC can be reduced to polynomial time from exponential time. The proposed approaches will not deteriorate the control performance. The control performance is validated by simulation results and the effectiveness is further demonstrated by implementing the algorithm on a low-cost DSP (TMS320F28335) in real time. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Two three-level inverters driving an open-end winding induction motor can generate equivalent voltage waveforms as a single five-level inverter-based drive. In addition, it can bring in benefits such as reduced dc-link voltage, less number of devices, and fault-tolerant capability, which is favored in high-power motor drive applications. The main challenge with this type of configuration is the appearance of large zero-sequence current circulating between the two inverters, which generates extra losses in the switching devices and the motor as well as affects the normal operation of the machine. Another challenge is to balance the dc-link neutral point voltage of the two three-level inverters. This paper has proposed a simplified decoupled space-vector pulsewidth-modulation (PWM) strategy to eliminate the averaged zero-sequence voltage in each switching cycle by the placement of redundant vectors of each individual inverter using a time shift. Neutral point voltage balance is further achieved by adjusting the time duration of the redundant vectors. In this paper, it is shown that it is possible to operate this kind of drive configuration with a single dc power supply and achieve averaged zero-sequence voltage elimination and neutral-point voltage balancing at the same time. Experimental results of a 5.5-kW dual three-level inverter drive using the proposed PWM strategy are presented, which validates the control method and drive configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Organo-metal halide perovskite solar cells have shown unique charms in the upgrade rate of maximum power conversion efficiency, the diversity of device architecture and facilitated fabrication process. And the clear understanding of the role of each component and the basic working mechanisms in solar cells is important for further improvement in efficiency, especially for mesoscopic perovskite solar cells. Here, a two-dimensional modeling of the TiO 2 nanowire-based organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells was performed combining the optical and electrical responses to reveal the impact of the properties of TiO 2 nanowire array and absorber layer. Simulation results show a great dependence of device performance on the electron concentration of TiO 2 nanowires, which decided the electron field distribution inside cells, and an optimum thickness of 600 nm is obtained for the TiO 2 nanowires with low electron concentration. The collection of carriers is primarily within perovskite itself, and the ratio through TiO 2 nanowire is less than 5%. These findings can facilitate device optimization and enhance the performance of the perovskite solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although C-type lectin domain family 9A (Clec9A) on conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1s) plays a critical role in cytotoxic CD8+ T cell response in cancers and viral infections, its role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is unknown. We measured the expression of Clec9A in sera, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from controls and COPD patients. The percentages of Clec9A+ DC and cytotoxic CD8+ T cell in the BALF were determined by flow cytometry between patients with COPD and non-obstructive chronic bronchitis (NOCB). Compared with healthy individuals, the serum levels of Clec9A were increased at different stages of COPD patients, and the mRNA and protein levels of Clec9A were both increased in COPD patients at GOLD stages III-IV. The percentage of Clec9A+ DCs was also increased in the BALF of COPD patients compared with NOCB patients. Moreover, enhanced Clec9A+ DCs recruitment was positively correlated with cytotoxic CD8+ T cell response in the BALF of COPD patients. This study suggests that Clec9A+ DCs participate in the CD8+ T cell-mediated chronic airway inflammation in COPD. • Both the serum, protein, and mRNA levels of Clec9A were significantly increased in COPD patients. • Enhanced Clec9A+ DCs recruitment was positively correlated with cytotoxic CD8+ T cell response in BALF of COPD patients. • Targeting Clec9A could be a novel therapy to ameliorate cell death-induced chronic CD8+ T cell inflammation of COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When faced with distorted grid voltage, more harmonics will appear in the output currents of the grid-connected inverters. The grid-voltage feedforward strategy, as the most direct solution to compensate the harmonics, however, is seriously affected by the errors in the grid-voltage feedforward loop, such as delays. This issue is more significant for high-power inverters, where the switching frequency is relatively low (< 5 kHz), and the grid-interface inductance is small (< 0.5 mH). The errors mainly include the signal distortion caused by the conditioning circuits, the control delay of the digital controller, and the zero-order hold (ZOH) characteristic of pulse width modulation (PWM). In this paper, several improvements have been made to reduce the signal distortion and compensate the delays. A second-order Butterworth low-pass filter in the conditioning circuit is carefully designed with the maximum flat magnitude response and the almost linear phase response to avoid distorting the measured grid voltage. Furthermore, based on the conventional repetitive predictor, an open-loop simplified repetitive predictor is proposed to compensate the delays in the grid-voltage feedforward loop. Three predictive steps are achieved by the open-loop simplified repetitive predictor to compensate the delays: one step for the delay caused by the conditioning circuit, the second step for the control delay of the digital controller, and the third step for the ZOH characteristic of PWM. The effectiveness of the improved grid-voltage feedforward strategy are experimentally validated on a 250-kVA solar power generation system, where the current harmonics are effectively attenuated. In addition, the inverter starting current is suppressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, granular Y 2 O 3 /Y 3 Al 5 O 12 (YAG) heterostructure thin films with 100–200 nm holes on surface were fabricated by depositing metal yttrium on c-plane sapphire and subsequent thermal anneal. Such Y 2 O 3 /YAG thin films are excellent matrix for luminescent materials based on rare earth. Based on this matrix, a Cr 3 + /(Pr 3 + /Yb 3 + ) broadband down-converter was fabricated for improving the photovoltaic conversion efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cell (c-Si SC). Cr 3 + was used to harvest the incident light and sensitize Pr 3 + /Yb 3 + quantum cutting (QC) couple. QC down-conversion to Yb 3 + infrared emission was realized in the region of 230 nm to 500 nm, which approaches the maximum bandwidth of QC down-conversion for c-Si SC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Levornidazole is the levo-isomer of ornidazole with similar anti-anaerobic activity and lower central neurotoxicity compared with ornidazole. This open-label, parallel, randomised, multidose trial was conducted to compare the pharmacokinetics and safety of levornidazole following intravenous (i.v.) infusion 750 mg every 24 h (q24h) (test group, 12 subjects) versus 500 mg every 12 h (q12h) (reference group, 12 subjects) for 7 days in healthy Chinese volunteers. Following i.v. infusion for 7 days, the test group showed a 33.8% lower accumulation ratio (AR) and a 45.0% higher volume of distribution of levornidazole than the reference group. The cumulative urinary excretion rate of levornidazole during the 0–72 h period (Ae 0–72 ) was 16.6 ± 20.9% in the test group and 24.2 ± 5.7% in the reference group. The metabolite M1/parent and M4/parent ratios were, respectively, 2.18 ± 0.77% and 2.94 ± 0.37% in test group and 3.15 ± 1.09% and 3.18 ± 0.34% in the reference group. The Ae 0–72 of M1, M2 and M4 were all <10% in both groups. Both regimens were well tolerated. Drug-related adverse events were generally transient and were mild or moderate in severity. These findings support the recommendation of i.v. infusion of levornidazole 750 mg q24h in clinical practice, which shows a lower AR and similar safety compared with the conventional 500 mg q12h regimen. [Chinese Clinical Trial Registry identifier: ChiCTR-IPR-14005574.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper has presented a stability analysis of a LCL-type grid-connected inverter in the discrete-time domain. It has been found that even though the system is stable when the resonance frequency fr is higher than one-sixth of the sampling frequency ( fs/6), an effective damping scheme is still required due to the potential influence of the grid impedance. With a conventional proportional capacitor-current-feedback active damping (AD), the valid damping region is only up to fs/6. This however is not sufficient in the design process for obtaining a high quality output current and the system can easily become unstable due to the resonance frequency shifting. Considering the resonance frequency design rules of the LCL filter, this paper proposes an improved capacitor-current-feedback AD method. With a detailed analysis and proper parameter design, the upper limit of the damping region is extended to fs/4, which can cover all the possible resonance frequencies. Then, the damping performance of the proposed AD method is studied. It shows that the optimal damping is obtained when the actual resonance frequency is (fr + fs/4)/2. Moreover, an approximate calculation for the optimal damping coefficient R is given. Finally, the experimental results have validated the effectiveness of the proposed AD method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutrophil transendothelial migration (TEM) is an essential physiological process that regulates the recruitment of neutrophils in response to inflammatory signals. Herein, a versatile hydrogel scaffold is embedded in a microfluidic platform that supports an endothelial cell layer cultured in the vertical direction and highly stable chemical gradients; this construct is employed to mimic the in vivo neutrophil TEM process. We found that the number of neutrophils migrating across the endothelial cell layer is dependent on the presented chemoattractant concentration and the spatial profile of the chemical gradient. Endothelial cells play a critical role in neutrophil TEM by promoting neutrophil morphological changes as well as expressing surface receptor molecules that are indispensable for inducing neutrophil attachment and migration. Furthermore, the microfluidic device also supports competing chemoattractant gradients to facilitate neutrophil TEM studies in complex microenvironments that more accurately model the in vivo system than simplified microenvironments without the complexity of chemical gradients. This work demonstrates that combinations of any two different chemoattractants induce more significant neutrophil migration than a single chemoattractant in the same total amount, indicating synergistic effects between distinct chemoattractants. The in vitro reconstitution of neutrophil TEM successfully translates planar neutrophil movement into in vivo-like neutrophil recruitment and accelerates understanding of cellular interactions between neutrophils and endothelial cells within the complicated physiological milieu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutrophils are critical inflammatory cells; thus, it is important to characterize the effects of drugs on neutrophil function in the context of inflammatory diseases. Herein, chemically guided neutrophil migration, known as chemotaxis, is studied in the context of drug treatment at the single cell level using a microfluidic platform, complemented by cell viability assays and calcium imaging. Three representative drugs known to inhibit surface receptor expression, signaling enzyme activity, and the elevation of intracellular Ca2+ levels, each playing a significant role in neutrophil chemotactic pathways, are used to examine the in vitro drug effects on cellular behaviors. The microfluidic device establishes a stable concentration gradient of chemokines across a cell culture chamber so that neutrophil migration can be monitored under various drug-exposure conditions. Different time- and concentration-dependent regulatory effects were observed by comparing the motility, polarization, and effectiveness of neutrophil chemotaxis in response to the three drugs. Viability assays revealed distinct drug capabilities in reducing neutrophil viability while calcium imaging clarified the role of Ca2+ in the neutrophil chemotaxis. This study provides mechanistic insight into the drug effects on neutrophil function, facilitating comparison of current and potential pharmaceutical approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CMG2-Fc is a fusion protein composed of the extracellular domain of capillary morphogenesis protein 2 (CMG2) and the Fc region of human immunoglobulin G; CMG2-Fc neutralizes anthrax toxin and offers protection against Bacillus anthracis challenge. To enhance the efficacy of CMG2-Fc against anthrax toxin, we attempted to engineer a CMG2-Fc with an improved affinity for PA. Using the automatic design algorithm FoldX and visual inspection, we devised two CMG2-Fc variants that introduce mutations in the CMG2 binding interface and improve the computationally assessed binding affinity for PA. An experimental affinity assay revealed that the two variants showed increased binding affinity, and in vitro and in vivo toxin neutralization testing indicated that one of these mutants (CMG2-Fc(E117Q)) has superior activity against anthrax toxin and was suitable for further development as a therapeutic agent for anthrax infections. This study shows that the computational design of the PA binding interface of CMG2 to obtain CMG2-Fc variants with improving anti-toxin abilities is viable. Our results demonstrate that computational design can be further applied to generate other CMG2-Fc mutants with greatly improved therapeutic efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To screen the stable expression genes related to the stress (strong light, dehydration and temperature shock) we applied Absolute real-time PCR technology to determine the transcription numbers of the selected test genes in P orphyra yezoensis, which has been regarded as a potential model species responding the stress conditions in the intertidal. Absolute real-time PCR technology was applied to determine the transcription numbers of the selected test genes in P orphyra yezoensis, which has been regarded as a potential model species in stress responding. According to the results of photosynthesis parameters, we observed that Y(II) and F/ F were significantly affected when stress was imposed on the thalli of P orphyra yezoensis, but underwent almost completely recovered under normal conditions, which were collected for the following experiments. Then three samples, which were treated with different grade stresses combined with salinity, irradiation and temperature, were collected. The transcription numbers of seven constitutive expression genes in above samples were determined after RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis. Finally, a general insight into the selection of internal control genes during stress response was obtained. We found that there were no obvious effects in terms of salinity stress (at salinity 90) on transcription of most genes used in the study. The 18S ribosomal RNA gene had the highest expression level, varying remarkably among different tested groups. RPS8 expression showed a high irregular variance between samples. GAPDH presented comparatively stable expression and could thus be selected as the internal control. EF-1α showed stable expression during the series of multiple-stress tests. Our research provided available references for the selection of internal control genes for transcripts determination of P. yezoensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human body is a complex network of molecules,organelles, cells,tissues, and organs: an uncountable number of interactions and transformationsinterconnect all the system’s components. In addition to thesebiochemical components, biophysical components, such as pressure,flow, and morphology, and the location of all of these interactionsplay an important role in the human body. Technical difficulties havefrequently limited researchers from observing cellular biology asit occurs within the human body, but some state-of-the-art analyticaltechniques have revealed distinct cellular behaviors that occur onlyin the context of the interactions. These types of findings have inspiredbioanalytical chemists to provide new tools to better understand thesecellular behaviors and interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A LSMO thin film was fabricated on SrTiO3 substrate by radio frequency magnetron sputtering method. The influences of the background signal from SrTiO3 substrate on magnetic measurements were studied. Wide differences between the cases before and after subtracting the substrate background were observed. The magnetic properties of some commercial substrates, such as Si, c-plane Al2O3, (100) SrTiO3, (100) MgO, fused SiO2 glass and (100) GaAs, were also characterized. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Modern explosion protection equipment, protected by traditional explosion protection technology (as defined by the international electrotechnical commission (IEC) publication IEC60079-ff series standards) and electrical/electronic/programmable electronic (E/E/PE) safety-related systems, is becoming ever more complex in coal mine development and petrochemical industry; thus, the possibility of failures in their operation is also growing. It is well-known that E/E/PE safety-related systems can be used to actively control dangerous sources, with real and expected levels of reliability, if they have been qualified according to the IEC61508-ff series standards. To uniformly evaluate the safety integrity level (SIL) of the explosion protection function of traditional explosion protection technology and E/E/PE safety-related system technology, this study analyzed the ability of these types of protection to remove the ignition risk residual, evaluating the failure rates of safety devices. The key objective of this paper is the presentation of a new equipment protection level (EPL) assessment method for explosion protection equipment based on a functional safety assessment. The method is applied to a variable frequency drive (VFD) system, and the results show that the EPL of the explosion protection equipment evaluated by this method is consistent with the EPL corresponding to the traditional explosion protection type of the IEC60079-ff series standard. Meanwhile, the flexible configuration of explosion protection safety devices and E/E/PE safety-related systems enables explosion protection equipment of different EPL levels to be designed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By skillfully introducing a conjugate electron donating ring into the g-C 3 N 4 framework, the as-prepared 3 wt% PPD/CN sample not only narrows the bandgap of g-C 3 N 4 , but also absorbs more solar light up to 600 nm. As a result, the optimal sample exhibited hydrogen escape under orange light (600 nm) and bare g-C 3 N 4 had almost no such performance. [Display omitted] • Benzene ring doping in the specific site of the network of g-C 3 N 4 was obtained. • It still has photoactivity that g-C 3 N 4 barely has under the orange light. • The 3 wt% PPD/CN can effectively cover more sufficient photo flux (λ = 600 nm). • The benzene ring incorporation of g-C 3 N 4 enhanced photogenerated carrier separating. Grafting π-conjugated donor units into graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) represents a promising alterative to improve its light absorption range and charge transfer kinetics. To this end, we here report an efficient intramolecular g-C 3 N 4 -based conjugated copolymers via the one-spot thermal copolymerization for not only reduces the bandgap to 2.56 eV and thus expand the visible-light harvesting capability, but also accelerates the separation ability of photogenerated excitons. Consequently, the copolymer of 3 wt% p-phenylenediamine with melamine exhibits extraordinary hydrogen (H 2) evolution rate of 1040 μmol g−1 h−1 under visible light. Interestingly, it still shows hydrogen production (5.29 μmol g−1 h−1) at λ = 600 nm (orange light). Systematic characterizations have proved that the optimal sample has high photocatalytic activity, due to rapid charge transfer kinetics and exciton separation. Our work sheds light on a molecular design to regulate charge-transfer dynamics among of polymeric semiconductors towards efficient solar-to-H 2 production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to identify the optimal internal control for relative real-time PCR when studying target gene expression in the red alga Porphyra yezoensis, we quantified the expression of seven housekeeping genes (18S ribosomal RNA, 30S ribosomal protein S8, Polyubiquitin-2, Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, Elongation factor 1-alpha, Beta-tubulin and Actin 3) at different life-history stages. Absolute quantification was done by normalization to total RNA quantity and by normalization to genomic DNA quantity. We used these two normalization approaches, comparing the differences of expression levels of all candidate housekeeping genes between any two generations and across three life-history stages (filamentous sporophytes, leafy gametophytes and conchospores). We found GAPDH had the best stability in all cases and we recommend that GAPDH be considered as a potential internal control for gene expression studies at different life-history stages in P. yezoensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate gene quantification depends on the use of an appropriate internal control gene, which should be verified before its use for normalizing data. Housekeeping genes, which are expressed at relatively constant levels, are generally regarded as candidate internal control genes. To determine the ideal internal control for gene expression profiles for Porphyra haitanensis T. J. Chang et B. F. Zheng (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) at different life-history stages, we used absolute quantification to assess the expression levels of six housekeeping genes (18S ribosomal RNA, 30S ribosomal protein, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, elongation factor 3, alpha-tubulin, and beta-tubulin) at the sporophyte and gametophyte stages. Housekeeping genes were selected by comparing the differences of observed copy numbers in sporophytes and in gametophytes. TubB (beta-tubulin) was found to be the optimal internal control gene, because it showed the smallest difference of gene expression. Compared with TubB, other housekeeping genes had greater variation of expression to different degrees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-phase voltage source inverters (VSIs) with output $ LC$ filter are preferred topologies to provide voltage and frequency support for islanded ac microgrids. This article proposes a finite-set quasi-sliding model predictive control (FS-QSMPC) scheme for $LC$ -filtered VSIs to improve the output-voltage quality. By explicitly including a predictive sliding-mode function into the cost function, reduced steady-state ripple and enhanced robustness are achieved compared to typical FS-MPC. Besides, theoretical analysis of stability and robustness for FS-QSMPC is given. Analytical tuning of the weighting factor is also derived to decrease the tuning effort. Comparative simulations and experiments verify the presented approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genome sequences of , , and have provided significant evidence for the secondary endosymbiosis of diatoms in regard to the genome. Yet little about their relationships in regard to gene regulation pattern, such as microRNA (miRNA), has been reported. Using a homology search based on genomic sequences, 13, 3, and 7 predicted miRNA genes were found in genomes from P. tricornutum, T. pseudonana, and C. merolae, respectively. Of the 23 miRNA genes, 18 had homology with animal miRNAs, implying that they are ancestral miRNAs. A phylogenetic tree based on common miRNA families shared by these three unicellular algae, higher plants, and animals showed that P. tricornutum shared most miRNAs with animals. The phylogenetic tree also showed that C. merolae shared more miRNAs with plants than did the two diatoms, and the majority of its miRNAs were shared with the two diatoms. Our results were consistent with diatoms originating from a secondary endosymbiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]