调控Al2O3晶型控制MgAl2O4:Mn4+荧光粉中Mn价态研究

Mn⁴⁺激活红光荧光粉是白光半导体发光二极管(wLEDs)领域当前研究热点之一。Mn⁴⁺离子²E→⁴A₂跃迁在铝酸盐中的最短发光波长是在MgAl₂O₄中实现的651 nm发光, 由于其结构中含有形成四面体或八面体配位的两种阳离子格位(Mg²⁺/Al³⁺), 易造成所掺杂锰元素存在多种价态(+2/+4/+3等)。本研究通过改变起始原料中Al₂O₃的晶型(γ/α比例)及退火处理来调控锰离子在MgAl₂O₄晶格中的占据格位, 对其主要存在价态实现调控。采用荧光光谱和紫外-可见-近红外漫反射光谱技术来表征所合成荧光粉中Mn离子的价态及其演变。研究发现, 高α/(α+γ)比铝源促进Mn²⁺形成, 而低α/(α+γ)比铝源促进Mn⁴⁺形成。通过使用高活性纳米γ-Al₂O₃为铝源, 有效抑制了锰离子在MgAl₂O₄中Mg²⁺格位的占据及Mn²⁺离子的形成, 经空气中1550 ℃保温5 h的一次高温热处理即可制备出在可见光区只有Mn⁴⁺红光发光的高纯高亮度MgAl₂O₄:Mn⁴⁺荧光粉。氧化铝晶型影响锰离子掺杂格位和掺杂价态的本质规律是: 氧化铝活性决定实际固溶掺杂反应步骤, 进而影响锰离子掺杂格位和价态。本研究提出的反应步骤调控作为反应气氛、电荷补偿剂、反应温度三种调控方法外的一种新方法, 为Mn⁴⁺激活铝酸盐荧光粉中锰离子掺杂价态调控提供了新思路。     

Molecular Characteristics of Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) and Its Effects in Cancer

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a type 1 transmembrane glycoprotein, and its homologs amyloid precursor-like protein 1 (APLP1) and amyloid precursor-like protein 2 (APLP2) are highly conserved in mammals. APP and APLP are known to be intimately involved in the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer’s disease and to play important roles in neuronal homeostasis and development and neural transmission. APP and APLP are also expressed in non-neuronal tissues and are overexpressed in cancer cells. Furthermore, research indicates they are involved in several cancers. In this review, we examine the biological characteristics of APP-related family members and their roles in cancer.     

A robust model-free controller for a three-phase grid-connected photovoltaic system based on ultra-local model

In this paper, a robust model-free controller for a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system is designed. The system consists of a PV generator connected to a three-phase grid by a DC/AC converter. The control objectives of the overall system are to extract maximum power from the PV source, to control reactive power exchange and to improve the quality of the current injected into the grid. The model-free control technique is based on the use of an ultra-local model instead of the dynamic model of the overall system. The local model is continuously updated based on a numerical differentiator using only the input–output behavior of the controlled system. The model-free controller consists of a classical feedback controller and a compensator for the effects of internal parameter changes and external disturbances. Simulation results illustrate the efficiency of the controller for grid-connected PV systems.     

Role of the HSP70 Co-Chaperone SIL1 in Health and Disease

Cell surface and secreted proteins provide essential functions for multicellular life. They enter the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen co-translationally, where they mature and fold into their complex three-dimensional structures. The ER is populated with a host of molecular chaperones, associated co-factors, and enzymes that assist and stabilize folded states. Together, they ensure that nascent proteins mature properly or, if this process fails, target them for degradation. BiP, the ER HSP70 chaperone, interacts with unfolded client proteins in a nucleotide-dependent manner, which is tightly regulated by eight DnaJ-type proteins and two nucleotide exchange factors (NEFs), SIL1 and GRP170. Loss of SIL1′s function is the leading cause of Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome (MSS), an autosomal recessive, multisystem disorder. The development of animal models has provided insights into SIL1′s functions and MSS-associated pathologies. This review provides an in-depth update on the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying SIL1′s NEF activity and its role in maintaining ER homeostasis and normal physiology. A precise understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with the loss of SIL1 may allow for the development of new pharmacological approaches to treat MSS.     

BCLA CLEAR - Effect of contact lens materials and designs on the anatomy and physiology of the eye

This paper outlines changes to the ocular surface caused by contact lenses and their degree of clinical significance. Substantial research and development to improve oxygen permeability of rigid and soft contact lenses has meant that in many countries the issues caused by hypoxia to the ocular surface have largely been negated. The ability of contact lenses to change the axial growth characteristics of the globe is being utilised to help reduce the myopia pandemic and several studies and meta-analyses have shown that wearing orthokeratology lenses or soft multifocal contact lenses can reduce axial length growth (and hence myopia).However, effects on blinking, ptosis, the function of Meibomian glands, fluorescein and lissamine green staining of the conjunctiva and cornea, production of lid-parallel conjunctival folds and lid wiper epitheliopathy have received less research attention. Contact lens wear produces a subclinical inflammatory response manifested by increases in the number of dendritiform cells in the conjunctiva, cornea and limbus. Papillary conjunctivitis is also a complication of all types of contact lenses. Changes to wear schedule (daily disposable from overnight wear) or lens materials (hydrogel from SiHy) can reduce papillary conjunctivitis, but the effect of such changes on dendritic cell migration needs further study. These changes may be associated with decreased comfort but confirmatory studies are needed. Contact lenses can affect the sensitivity of the ocular surface to mechanical stimulation, but whether these changes affect comfort requires further investigation.In conclusion, there have been changes to lens materials, design and wear schedules over the past 20+ years that have improved their safety and seen the development of lenses that can reduce the myopia development. However, several changes to the ocular surface still occur and warrant further research effort in order to optimise the lens wearing experience.