Analytical models for the series resistance of selective emitters in silicon solar cells including the effect of busbars

A theoretical analysis of the power loss and series resistance of the front side emitter in silicon solar cells is presented. Existing 1D models (infinitely long finger) and 2D models (including the effect of busbars) of emitter series resistance contribution are extended to the case of selective emitters. The general case of different current densities for both emitters in the selective emitter scheme is considered in these extensions. The resulting models depend on the individual sheet resistances and current densities in both emitters and the device's overall grid geometry. The models are corroborated by finite element simulation of the potential in the emitter. An excellent agreement is found between the analytical models, and the simulations for a wide range of sheet resistances typically encountered in silicon solar cells. Grid simulations using the 2D model are applied to solar cells with selective emitters, where the width of the low‐resistive emitter was varied. The simulations demonstrate that the 2D model can explain the absolute change in fill factor observed in these cells. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Investigation of a Photochromic Diarylethene with Electron-acceptor Attached

In this contribution, an electron acceptor attached diarylethene derivative was synthesized and fully characterized. The photochromic behavior was investigated in THF. Under exposure of UV and visible light cycles, the solution color can be switched between colorless and yellow smoothly. Fatigue resistance measurements could be repeated 50 times with an acceptable degradation. Due to the electron acceptor attached to the framework of diarylethene, the photo- and thermal-stability were enhanced both. A full-photo mode switch can be established based on the well-defined states by external excitation. The molecular structures of ring-open and ring-closed form were optimized by Dmol³. The distance between photocyclizing atoms in aptiparallel conformation meets the requirement for photochromic reaction. And the calculated absorption wavelengths were also in agreement with the experimental values.     

Maximum power point tracker based on maximum power point resistance modeling

This paper presents a new, simple, accurate, and inexpensive practical methodology and experimental solution for the modeling of conventional (domestic and commercial facilities) photovoltaic generators (PVG), so that they can work at their maximum power point (MPP). The PVG may be a panel, an array of panels, or a photovoltaic field. As a starting restriction (actual) it has to be assumed that it is not possible to isolate the PVG variables dependence (mainly current, voltage, and hence power) with solar radiation and temperature, because they are highly correlated. This methodology proposes the modeling facility on its MPP by its MPP resistance (R_MPP = V_MPP/I_MPP), being V_MPP and I_MPP the voltage and current of the PVG, respectively, at its MPP. The analysis shows, by simulation first and then experimentally, that R_MPP does not present significant temperature dependencies, at least in the usual range. This important result allows us to model the PVG only in terms of solar radiation. From a set of experimental data, different models to estimate R_MPP are proposed. The obtained results are very accurate. These models allow an immediate practical application that it is also developed in the paper: MPP tracker (MPPT) design by the calculation of the DC/DC converter duty cycle which places the PVG at its MPP directly and continuously. This new methodology and experimental system has been registered in the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office with the number P201530352. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Caseinolytic Proteins (Clp) in the Genus Klebsiella: Special Focus on ClpK

Caseinolytic proteins (Clp), which are present in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, play a major role in cell protein quality control and survival of bacteria in harsh environmental conditions. Recently, a member of this protein family, ClpK was identified in a pathogenic strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae which was responsible for nosocomial infections. ClpK is linked to the thermal stress survival of this pathogen. The genome wide analysis of Clp proteins in Klebsiella spp. indicates that ClpK is present in only 34% of the investigated strains. This suggests that the uptake of the clpk gene is selective and may only be taken up by a pathogen that needs to survive harsh environmental conditions. In silico analyses and molecular dynamic simulations show that ClpK is mainly α-helical and is highly dynamic. ClpK was successfully expressed and purified to homogeneity using affinity and anion exchange chromatography. Biophysical characterization of ClpK showed that it is predominantly alpha-helical, and this is in agreement with in silico analysis of the protein structure. Furthermore, the purified protein is biologically active and hydrolyses ATP in a concentration- dependent manner.     

2-Hydroxyestradiol Overcomes Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Mediated Platinum Chemoresistance in Ovarian Cancer Cells in an ERK-Independent Fashion

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the second most common type of gynecological malignancy. Platinum (Pt)-based chemotherapy is the standard of care for OC, but toxicity and acquired chemoresistance has proven challenging. Recently, we reported that sensitivity to platinum was significantly reduced in a co-culture of OC cells with MSC. To discover compounds capable of restoring platinum sensitivity, we screened a number of candidates and monitored ability to induce PARP cleavage. Moreover, we monitored platinum uptake and expression of ABC transporters in OC cells. Our results showed that 2-hydroxyestradiol (2HE2), a metabolite of estradiol, and dasatinib, an Abl/Src kinase inhibitor, were significantly effective in overcoming MSC-mediated platinum drug resistance. Dasatinib activity was dependent on ERK1/2 activation, whereas 2HE2 was independent of the activation of ERK1/2. MSC-mediated platinum drug resistance was accompanied by reduced intracellular platinum concentrations in OC cells. Moreover, MSC co-cultured with OC cells resulted in downregulation of the expression of cellular transporters required for platinum uptake and efflux. Exposure to 2HE2 and other modulators resulted in an increase in intracellular platinum concentrations. Thus, 2HE2 and dasatinib might act as sensitizers to restore platinum drug sensitivity to OC cells and thus to limit TME-mediated chemoresistance in OC.     

Tire and soil effects on power loss: Measurement and comparison with finite element model results

In the present study, the effect of vertical load, tire inflation pressure and soil moisture content on power loss in tire under controlled soil bin conditions were investigated. Also a finite element model of tire-soil interaction in order to achieve a suitable model for predicting power loss in tire was created. Increasing the vertical load on the tire had a noteworthy impact on increasing the tire contact volume with the soil, reducing the percentage of slip, and increasing the rolling resistance; although, reducing the load on the tire had the opposite effect. At a constant inflation pressure, by increasing the vertical load on the tire, the amount of power loss due to the rolling resistance and the total power loss in the tire increased. Increase in soil moisture content increased the power loss caused by slip. Increasing the inflation pressure at a constant vertical load, also increasing the soil moisture content, led to an increase in the power loss caused by rolling resistance, and increase total power loss. The obtained error for estimating power loss of rolling resistance and total power loss was satisfactory and confirmed the acceptability of the model for power loss estimation.     

Revisiting Proteasome Inhibitors: Molecular Underpinnings of Their Development,Mechanisms of Resistance and Strategies to Overcome Anti-Cancer Drug Resistance

Proteasome inhibitors have shown relevant clinical activity in several hematological malignancies, namely in multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma, improving patient outcomes such as survival and quality of life, when compared with other therapies. However, initial response to the therapy is a challenge as most patients show an innate resistance to proteasome inhibitors, and those that respond to the therapy usually develop late relapses suggesting the development of acquired resistance. The mechanisms of resistance to proteasome inhibition are still controversial and scarce in the literature. In this review, we discuss the development of proteasome inhibitors and the mechanisms of innate and acquired resistance to their activity—a major challenge in preclinical and clinical therapeutics. An improved understanding of these mechanisms is crucial to guiding the design of new and more effective drugs to tackle these devastating diseases. In addition, we provide a comprehensive overview of proteasome inhibitors used in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents, as this is a key strategy to combat resistance.     

Anti-Staphylococcal Activity of the Auranofin Analogue Bearing Acetylcysteine in Place of the Thiosugar: An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation

Auranofin (AF, hereafter) is an orally administered chrysotherapeutic agent approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis that is being repurposed for various indications including bacterial infections. Its likely mode of action involves the impairment of the TrxR system through the binding of the pharmacophoric cation [AuPEt₃]⁺. Accordingly, a reliable strategy to expand the medicinal profile of AF is the replacement of the thiosugar moiety with different ligands. Herein, we aimed to prepare the AF analogue bearing the acetylcysteine ligand (AF-AcCys, hereafter) and characterize its anti-staphylococcal activity. Biological studies revealed that AF-AcCys retains an antibacterial effect superimposable with that of AF against Staphylococcus aureus, whereas it is about 20 times less effective against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Bioinorganic studies confirmed that upon incubation with human serum albumin, AF-AcCys, similarly to AF, induced protein metalation through the [AuPEt₃]⁺ fragment. Additionally, AF-AcCys appeared capable of binding the dodecapeptide Ac-SGGDILQSGCUG-NH₂, corresponding to the tryptic C-terminal fragment (488–499) of hTrxR. To shed light on the pharmacological differences between AF and AF-AcCys, we carried out a comparative experimental stability study and a theoretical estimation of bond dissociation energies, unveiling the higher strength of the Au–S bond in AF-AcCys. From the results, it emerged that the lower lipophilicity of AF-AcCys with respect to AF could be a key feature for its different antibacterial activity. The differences and similarities between AF and AF-AcCys are discussed, alongside the opportunities and consequences that chemical structure modifications imply.     

聚酰亚胺研究新进展

聚酰亚胺（PI）是一类重要的高性能聚合物,广泛应用在航空航天、微电子、汽车、石油等高科技领域。由于其结构上的可设计性,世界上越来越多的研究者投入到这类高技术材料的研究开发中。本文分别从可溶性PI的分子设计与合成、功能性PI的合成与用途、PI绿色合成方法、PI纳米复合材料的制备4个方面综述了近年来PI的研究热点和新进展,为了解聚酰亚胺的研究提供了有价值的信息。