Due to the ironless structure of the toroidal winding in the tubular linear voice coil motor (TLVCM), the winding thickness is one of the critical parameters that have an impact on air-gap flux density, and hence affects the copper loss at rated thrust. This paper investigates and determines the thickness of the ironless toroidal winding of the TLVCM for the purpose of a minimum copper loss. Magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC) method is used to analyze the air-gap flux density with respect to winding thickness, and the corresponding copper loss at the rated thrust is assessed by considering the slot fill factor. The optimal solution is obtained according to the U-shaped curve of the copper loss. Moreover, the finite-element analysis is combined to validate the results of MEC method, and a good agreement is reached. Two prototypes of TLVCMs having similar slot fill factor are made, one of which is with the optimal winding thickness. The expected current at the rated thrust is obtained by a test platform of static thrust, so as to obtain the corresponding copper loss for each prototype. The experimental results show that the TLVCM with optimal winding thickness features a lower copper loss. Hence, the attempt to minimize the copper loss by designing the thickness of the ironless winding is highly effective.

A Halbach permanent magnet (PM) tubular linear voice coil motor (LVCM) with a semi-closed structure is developed to enhance the thrust density in this study. Generally, the end of conventional LVCM is open and suffers from the considerable end reluctance. The usage of Halbach array in LVCM makes this problem more prominent although it improves the air-gap flux density greatly. The flux at the end of LVCM can be guided to improve the air-gap flux density. Therefore, this study aims to constrain and direct the magnetic field at the end of a Halbach PM LVCM by using a ferromagnetic auxiliary yoke to construct a semi-closed structure. Magnetic equivalent circuit method is utilised to analyse the effect of the auxiliary yoke on air-gap flux density. Besides, finite element analysis is used to analyse the magnetic circuit and design the parameters of LVCM. The semi-closed tubular LVCM topology is manufactured and the effectiveness of this topology is validated by experimental measurements. Results show that the thrust density of LVCM is improved effectively by using an auxiliary yoke at the end.

In this paper,the mechanical air gap of a natural air-cooled slotless tubular permanent magnet (PM) linear actuator (TPMLA) was investigated,trying to constrain and direct the heat flow in well-defined paths and minimize the PM temperature.Generally,the heat generated by slotless windings must pass through the surrounding air first.For this reason,the heat dissipation condition is much worse than slotted machines.Although a small mechanical air-gap length tends to increase the air-gap flux density,it makes a large portion of heat generated by windings being transferred to the PM side,heating the PM and lowering the remnant flux density of PM.Therefore,a proper mechanical air gap is of great importance for PM temperature of slotless TPMLA.Electromagnetic and thermal models were established,and were compared with finite element models.Three prototypes of slotless TPMLAs having different mechanical air-gap lengths were built and tested.The effect of mechanical air gap on constraining and directing the heat flow is greatly prominent,which shows that the attempt to minimize PM temperature of TPMLA by increasing its mechanical air-gap length properly is highly effective.

Generally, for small- and medium-sized tubular permanent-magnet (PM) linear actuators, PM structures can be divided into two categories. One is interior PM (IPM) structure and the other is surface-mounted PM (SPM), involving a compromise between flux per pole and magnet leakage flux. This study proposes a novel semi-IPM (s-IPM) structure for a tubular linear actuator having the advantages of high flux per pole of IPM and small magnet leakage flux of SPM. The air-gap flux density and the average thrust are analysed and compared with IPM and SPM by the magnetic equivalent circuit and finite element analysis. Moreover, the s-IPM structure is also compared with Halbach PM array in terms of the average thrust and the magnet utilisation. Four prototype actuators with different PM structures are built and tested. Both the theoretical and experimental results show that the magnet utilisation of the s-IPM structure is the largest while its cost and volume are approximately unchanged. The proposed s-IPM actuators are of great prominence in high-magnet-utilisation and low-cost applications.

Reducing torque ripples in a permanent magnet (PM) synchronous machine (PMSM) system has been an essential requirement in some high-performance applications. To suppress the torque ripples caused by time harmonics and spatial harmonics, an approach based on injecting minimum harmonic currents is proposed here. The proposed method extracts torque ripples from speed fluctuations, and the gradient descent optimisation (GDO) is utilised to determine the injected harmonic currents which are the commands of the harmonic current regulators. Using the torque ripple minimisation and the injected harmonic current minimisation as the two objectives, the GDO not only minimises the torque ripples of the PMSM system but also guarantees that the magnitude of the injected harmonic currents is minimal. The proposed method is simple to implement in the hardware and does not require complex computation. Its effectiveness is verified by experimental results.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) internalization into bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMECs) is considered an important pathogenic mechanism for the establishment of mastitis. Given the interesting link between selenium (Se) status and mastitis, our objective was to prove that Se was essential to suppress pro-inflammatory mediators, in part, by modulation of Toll-like receptor2 (TLR2), nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction pathway in bMECs.

In this paper, an improved tubular Halbach surface-mounted permanent magnet (HSPM) linear oscillating actuators (LOAs) with end ferromagnetic pole pieces is proposed. Generally, the end magnet rings are exposed to air due to the inherent opening structure of LOA, resulting in a rather larger reluctance of end air gap and a lower air-gap flux density. Therefore, the analysis of the end air gap is of great significance for LOA performance. Considering this fact, the ferromagnetic pole pieces are added at both the ends of the support tube ofLOA, trying to direct themagnetic fields in desired paths and enhance the electromagnetic performance of LOA. Two HSPM LOAs with ferromagnetic and without ferromagnetic pole pieces are simulated, built, and tested. The results show that the electromagnetic performance of the proposed design is superior to the original. Moreover, its cost and volume are approximately unchanged. The proposed design plays a significant role in enhancing LOA performance and efficiency.

A winding-forward linear voice coil motor(VCM)is presented to overcome its lower thrust density.In order to obtain a higher average thrust density and a lower thrust ripple,the thrust character-istic curve of linear VCM was taken into account by moving it to the optimal position.Magnetic circuit a-nalysis was utilized to deduce the thrust formula of this winding-forward structure within the working stroke,and the thrust characteristic curve was analyzed.Moreover, the variation of average thrust with respect to the forward offset was analyzed by finite element method(FEA),and the optimal value of for-ward offset was obtained.Finally,the experimental prototype was made on the basis of theory and simula-tion analysis.The experimental results show that the thrust characteristic curve of the prototype is basical-ly consistent with the results of simulation, and play a great role in increasing the average thrust and thrust density of linear VCM.

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A linear voice coil motor (VCM) with forward winding for linear vibro-impact systems is proposed in this paper. Generally, only increasing the air-gap flux density of VCM, which ignores its bad thrust characteristic condition, is limited to obtain a higher thrust density, due to its intermittent duty and reciprocating linear motion. Thus, the analysis on the thrust characteristic is of momentous significance for VCM design. Considering this fact, we try to adjust the thrust characteristic to obtain the maximum thrust density. Magnetic-circuit analysis method is utilized to analyze the thrust characteristic along with a given total working stroke. Besides, finite-element analysis is also used in the selection of parameters. A series of prototype VCMs for experiments is made. The results from both theoretical simulations and practical experiments show increase of thrust density and decrease of thrust ripple compared with the original design, and prove the superiority of the proposed structure.

The risk of transfusion-transmitted malaria is a major concern in many countries. This study investigated the prevalence of malaria antibodies and parasitemia in eligible blood donors in Jiangsu, in Eastern China. Malaria antibodies were detected in 2.13% of the 704 plasma samples studied. We found that the prevalence of malaria antibodies was not significantly correlated with gender, occupation and frequency of donation, but it increased with age. No Plasmodium was observed in red blood cells and no Plasmodium DNA was detected in any of the antibody-positive samples. The prevalence of malaria antibodies was not higher than expected in Eastern China.

Inflammation is the hallmark of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)-induced mastitis. Given the interesting relationship between selenium levels and inflammation, this study aimed to demonstrate that selenium modulated the inflammation reaction by suppressing the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways. RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with three different concentrations (1μmol/l, 1.5μmol/l, and 2μmol/l) of Na2SeO3 for 12h before infection with S. aureus for 6h, 8h, and 10h. The results showed that selenium significantly reduced the mRNA expression levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Furthermore, the release of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 was decreased significantly with selenium supplementation. In addition, selenium influenced the NF-κB signalling pathway by suppressing the activation of NF-κB p65 and degradation of inhibitory kappa-B (IκB). Selenium also suppressed extracellular regulated protein kinase (Erk), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (Jnk), and p38 phosphorylation through the MAPK signalling pathway. In conclusion, selenium played an anti-inflammation role in RAW264.7 macrophages infected with S. aureus by suppressing the activation of the NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathways.

BACKGROUND:Human neutrophil antigen-3 (HNA-3) alloantibodies can cause fatal transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). Most frequencies of SLC44A2 alleles encoding the HNA-3a/b antigens have been established in Han individuals by polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific priming (PCR-SSP). We sequenced SLC44A2 gene fragments and determined allele frequencies in three ethnicities of China. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:Genomic DNA was extracted from 448 samples of 100 blood donors of Yi ethnicity in Xichang, Liangshan; 248 Han in Nanjing, Jiangsu; and 100 Tibetan in Lhasa, Tibet. A PCR-SSP was applied to determine the phase of two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs); SLC44A2 haplotypes were constructed. RESULTS:In the 567 nucleotides of the SLC44A2 gene covered by our sequencing approach in Han individuals, we detected the known 331-44G>A (rs12972963) and 461G>A (rs2288904) polymorphisms. In the 243 nucleotides sequenced in Yi and Tibetan populations, we detected the known 461G>A and 503-15T>C (rs1560711) polymorphisms. A PCR-SSP for the common HNA-3a/b SNP was 100% concordant. The frequencies of the HNA-3a allele were 0.58, 0.66, and 0.69 in Yi, Han (Nanjing), and Tibetan, respectively (0.42, 0.34, and 0.31 for HNA-3b). CONCLUSIONS:The Yi population of China had the highest frequency of blood donors at risk of harboring anti-HNA-3a compared to any population studied so far. We confirmed that the underlying SLC44A2*2 allele is more common in China than in any European or African populations.

Background Although periodic blood shortages are widespread in major Chinese cities, approximately 1x105 U of whole blood are discarded yearly because of under-collection. To reduce the wastage of acid citrate dextrose solution B (ACD-B) anticoagulated under-collected whole blood (UC-WB), this study was performed to elucidate the effect of extracellular pH and holding time on erythrocyte quality. Mannitol-adenine-phosphate (MAP) erythrocyte concentrates (UC-RBCs) were prepared with UC-WB to assess the safety and efficacy of this component. Methods The effect of the different extracellular pH levels and storage times on erythrocytes was assessed by fluorescent probes, SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, electron microscopy and spectroscopy. In vitro properties of 34 UC-RBCs that were prepared with UC-WB at different times after collection were analyzed and compared to normal RBCs during 35 days of storage. The results of transfusion with UC-RBCs and the incidence of adverse reactions in 49 patients were determined. Results 1) Low extracellular pH levels and long storage time induced increases in RBC fluorescence polarization and mean microviscosity, changes in membrane fluidity, band 1, 2 and 3 protein expression, and erythrocyte morphology. 2) During storage for 35 days, difference in between-subjects effects of K+, hemolysis and supernatant erythrocyte membrane protein (EMP) were statistically significant (P = 0.041, 0.007 and 0.002, respectively), while the differences between these parameters in the 4 h group and comparable controls were less significant. 3) Clinical data from 49 patients confirmed that transfusions with UC-RBCs were satisfactory with no adverse reactions. Conclusion These results suggest that it is feasible to prepare RBCs with ACD-B anticoagulated UC-WB at a minimum of 66% volume of the labeled collection. It was effective and safe to transfuse the UC-RBCs prepared within 4 h after collection and stored within 7 days. The use of UC-WB would be a welcome addition to limited blood resources in China. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-TRC-13003967

This study was purposed to analyze HIV infections status among the unpaid blood donation population in Chinese Nanjing area from 2003 to 2013, to understand the HIV antibody positive and/or HIV-RNA positive population characteristics in order to provide evidence for recruiting strategy of blood donation without compensation. The whole blood samples of unpaid donors and the platelet donors were tested by ELISA, from June 2010 the NAT test was added for the samples that were ELISA test with unilateral negative. Every HIV reactive sample (HIV-antibody and/or HIV-RNA) was sent to confirm in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Nanjing, including 1 case of enzyme bilateral positive and HIV-RNA reactivity has been sentenced as indeterminacy; another 1 case of enzyme bilateral negative and HIV-RNA reactive was sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Jiangsu Province to test nucleic acid quantification to be positive; The unpaid donor HIV screening results from 2003 to 2013 in Chinese Nanjing area were analysed statistically. The results showed that from 2003 to 2013 years 641401 unpaid blood donors were tested,out of them 57 cases were contirmed to be HIV antibody positive (HIV-1),the total positive rate was 8.89/100 000. Since 2010 years, the HIV antibody positive rate increased significantly (P < 0.01), then it was stable until to 2012 years, the HIV antibody positive rate was 15.43/100 000. In the 2013 year, the HIV antibody positive rate was 10.03/100 000. The HIV antiboby positive rates in male and female were 13.25: 1. The years of male cases were 18-30 that accounted for 56.14%, and the years of male cases were 31-40 that accounted for 31.58%. The men who first time donated blood were 46 cases and accounted for 80.70%. The men who donated blood again were 11 cases and accounted for 19.30%. The men who donated blood on streets of blood donation accounted for 80.70% and their HIV antibody positive rate was 11.88/100 000. The men who donated blood in the plan organization of donators were 8.78%, and their HIV antibody possitive rate was 2.33/100 000. The HIV antibody positive rate were different in the different times and different donation types, and were statistical significance (P < 0.01). It is concluded that based on the present status of HIV antibldy positive rate in Chinese Nanjing area, the HIV antibody possitive donors are more observed in the first blood donation population, especially in the higher educated young men. This situation or tendency indicates that the voluntary blood donors should be organized or selected from low risk population, and should popularize the knowlege of unpaid blood donation, especiatly the knowlege of AIDS, strengthen cosulting work on the mobile donation points in streets before donating blood, and should establish the cyber-database to ensure blood safety.

OBJECTIVE:To explore the molecule basis of a p blood group in a patient with gastric carcinoma.METHODS:The p phenotype was determined with serological method. Inheritance of the p phenotype was investigated by pedigree analysis. Sequence of α-1,4- galactosyltransferase (A4GALT) gene was determined by Sanger method.RESULTS:The proband and his younger brother were both determined to have a p phenotype. Two homozygous variations, c.343A>T (AAA>TAA) and c.903C>G (CCC>CCG), have been detected in exon 3 of the A4GALT gene. Among these, c.343 A>T (AAA>TAA) was a novel mutation, which has resulted in a termination codon, with which no normal product of the gene can be produced. c.903C>G was determined to be a polymorphism.CONCLUSION:A novel c.343A>T mutation in the A4GALT gene probably underlies the p phenotype, to which a Genbank access number KC202808 has been assigned.

BACKGROUND Rh blood group system is the most complex and immunogenetic blood group system. Prevalent RHD alleles varied in different populations. The purpose of this study is to determine the molecular basis of weak D and DEL phenotype in Anhui Chinese Han population. METHODS The D antigen was determined with IgM monoclonal anti-D conformed to the guidelines for donor testing in China. Weak D samples were identified by an indirect antiglobulin test. DEL phenotype was determined by adsorption and elution test. All the RHD 10 exons were screened by PCR with sequence-specific priming or sequenced for the first-time donors who typed weak D, DEL or D negative by serologic test. RESULTS Of all the 30 799 blood donors, 155 blood samples were found D negative with IgM anti-D; 34 blood samples were found D positive by indirect antiglobulin test or absorption elution test. RHD alleles were identified by nucleotide sequencing. Total 4 RHD alleles were found including two new. One hundred and twenty of 155 (77.4%) of the serologically D negative samples lacked the RHD gene. One D negative was RHD(615del2). Thirty-two of 155 (20.6%) carried RHD(K409K) among them one carrying 1227G > A and 845G > A. Two of 155 (1.3%) was weak D type 15. CONCLUSIONS In this study at the molecular level, all DEL phenotype is RHD(K409K); weak D type 15 is the prevalent weak D allele in Anhui Chinese Han population. Additionally, an improved more efficient method was adopted to amplify all the RHD exons in one PCR program. Our study added to the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying D antigen expression in Anhui Han population and provided useful information for adopting suitable genotyping strategies in routine use.

Sporotrichosis is the most common cutaneous and subcutaneous mycosis caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii of which conidia and/or hyphae could convert into yeast form at the site of infection after traumatic inoculation [ [1] Kauffmann C.A. Sporotrichosis. Clin Infect Dis. 1999; 29: 231-236 Crossref PubMed Scopus (187) Google Scholar ]. Histopathological findings of early cutaneous sporotrichosis showed an infiltration of neutrophils and other inflammatory cells within the epidermis and dermis [ [2] Hinshaw M. Longley J.B. Fungal diseases. in: Elder E.D. Elenitsas R. Johnson B.L. Murphy G.F. Lever's histopathology of the skin. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia2005: 625 Google Scholar ]. Recently Sassá et al. reported that activation of macrophage TLR4 played an important role in host defense against S. schenckii [ [3] Sassá M.F. Saturi A.E. Souza L.F. Ribeiro L.C. Sgarbi D.B. Carlos I.Z. Response of macrophage Toll-like receptor 4 to a Sporothrix schenckii lipid extract during experimental sporotrichosis. Immunology. 2009; 128: 301-309 Crossref PubMed Scopus (44) Google Scholar ]. We sought to clarify whether human keratinocytes play immunological roles in the inflammatory response during the early phase of S. schenckii infection through TLR2 and TLR4.

In order to improve the horizontal moving acceleration of stackers, the paper proposes a horizontal moving mechanism called "side-wheel operating simultaneously" and presents the calculating method of its main parameters. The FEM model of improved stacker’s rail system is established by using software ANSYS and the analyzing results show that the design meets the requirement of high-speed & high-acceleration for stackers.

The purpose is to study the level-moving storage/retrieval machine and design the structure project of high-acceleration in order to satisfy the storage/retrieval machine which can completed the tasks such as storage,selection,library,distribution,etc within a short period of time,and then make a fast response to customers' requirements.This paper analyzes the existing stacker structures,and the design method of achieving high-acceleration stacker and the key factors of acceleration,by using three-dimensional software to model and make finite element analysis of the main parts.A high-level acceleration stacker agencies operating model is constructed,and the preliminary design of the side-round operating simultaneously Stacker is completed.The Research shows that side-round operating simultaneously Stacker′s level running can effectively improve stacker′s level-walk acceleration of the double mast storage/retrieval machine and it is helpful,to a certain extent,for the research and development of double mast storage/retrieval machine with high-acceleration.