bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-assessed adipose tissues in metabolically unhealthy normal weight Asians
Authors: Lu Yi-Chien , Lin Ying Chin , Yen Amy Ming-Fang , Chan Wing P.
Published: November 2019

Normal body mass index (BMI) is associated with lower risk for cardiometabolic diseases. However, there is a subset of individuals with BMI in this range who present with this metabolic abnormality (called metabolically unhealthy normal weight, MUHNW). Here we aimed to assess the adipose characteristics of people with MUHNW using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). This study included 3259 people with normal BMI who underwent health examinations from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2016. Body fat percentage (%BF), android-gynoid percent fat ratio (AG ratio), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were measured simultaneously using DXA CoreScan software. Those with MUHNW comprised 12.67% of the sample. Among those with MUHNW, 71.6% of the women and 56.5% of the men showed high VAT amounts, but less than 40% of either showed high %BFs. Furthermore, considering the combined effects of fat amount and distribution, a normal BMI accompanied by high AG ratio and/or high VAT mass but low %BF presents a much higher risk for metabolic syndrome than when %BF is high, most predominantly in women. In conclusion, using DXA-measured abdominal fat, particularly VAT accumulation, is clinically more important than using %BF when assessing metabolic syndrome in those with normal BMI.
Drivers of Microbial Carbon Fluxes Variability in Two Oligotrophic Mediterranean Coastal Systems
Authors: González-Benítez Natalia , García-Corral Lara S. , Morán Xosé Anxelu G. , Middelburg Jack J. , Pizay Marie Dominique , Gattuso Jean-Pierre
Published: November 2019

The carbon fluxes between phytoplankton and heterotrophic bacterioplankton were studied in two coastal oligotrophic sites in the NW Mediterranean. Phytoplankton and bacterial production rates were measured under natural conditions using different methods. In the Bay of Villefranche, the temporal variability revealed net heterotrophy in July-October and net autotrophy in December-March. The spatial variability was studied in the Bay of Palma, showing net autotrophic areas in the west and heterotrophic areas in the east. On average bacterial respiration, represented 62% of the total community respiration. Bacterial growth efficiency (BGE) values were significantly higher in autotrophic conditions than in heterotrophic ones. During autotrophic periods, dissolved primary production (DPP) was enough to sustained bacterial metabolism, although it showed a positive correlation with organic carbon stock (DOC). Under heterotrophic conditions, DPP did not sustain bacterial metabolism but bacterial respiration correlated with DPP and bacterial production with DOC. Temperature affected positively, DOC, BGE, bacterial respiration and production when the trophic status was autotrophic. To summarize, the response of bacterial metabolism to temperature and carbon sources depends on the trophic status within these oligotrophic coastal systems.
Platelet-derived- Extracellular Vesicles Promote Hemostasis and Prevent the Development of Hemorrhagic Shock
Authors: Lopez Ernesto , Srivastava Amit K. , Burchfield John , Wang Yao-Wei , Cardenas Jessica C. , Togarrati Padma Priya , Miyazawa Byron , Gonzalez Erika , Holcomb John B. , Pati Shibani , Wade Charles E.
Published: November 2019

Every year more than 500,000 deaths are attributed to trauma worldwide and severe hemorrhage is present in most of them. Transfused platelets have been shown to improve survival in trauma patients, although its mechanism is only partially known. Platelet derived-extracellular vesicles (PEVs) are small vesicles released from platelets upon activation and/or mechanical stimulation and many of the benefits attributed to platelets could be mediated through PEVs. Based on the available literature, we hypothesized that transfusion of human PEVs would promote hemostasis, reduce blood loss and attenuate the progression to hemorrhagic shock following severe trauma. In this study, platelet units from four different donors were centrifuged to separate platelets and PEVs. The pellets were washed to obtain plasma-free platelets to use in the rodent model. The supernatant was subjected to tangential flow filtration for isolation and purification of PEVs. PEVs were assessed by total count and particle size distribution by Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) and characterized for cells of origin and expression of EV specific-surface and cytosolic markers by flow cytometry. The coagulation profile from PEVs was assessed by calibrated automated thrombography (CAT) and thromboelastography (TEG). A rat model of uncontrolled hemorrhage was used to compare the therapeutic effects of 8.7 × 108 fresh platelets (FPLT group, n = 8), 7.8 × 109 PEVs (PEV group, n = 8) or Vehicle (Control, n = 16) following severe trauma. The obtained pool of PEVs from 4 donors had a mean size of 101 ± 47 nm and expressed the platelet-specific surface marker CD41 and the EV specific markers CD9, CD61, CD63, CD81 and HSP90. All PEV isolates demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in the rate and amount of thrombin generated and overall clot strength. In vivo experiments demonstrated a 24% reduction in abdominal blood loss following liver trauma in the PEVs group when compared with the control group (9.9 ± 0.4 vs. 7.5 ± 0.5 mL, p < 0.001>). The PEV group also exhibited improved outcomes in blood pressure, lactate level, base excess and plasma protein concentration compared to the Control group. Fresh platelets failed to improve these endpoints when compared to Controls. Altogether, these results indicate that human PEVs provide pro-hemostatic support following uncontrolled bleeding. As an additional therapeutic effect, PEVs improve the outcome following severe trauma by maintaining hemodynamic stability and attenuating the development of ischemia, base deficit, and cardiovascular shock.
A comparative metabolomics analysis of the components of heartwood and sapwood in Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd.
Authors: Shao Fenjuan , Zhang Lisha , Guo Juan , Liu Xiaochun , Ma Wenhui , Wilson Iain W. , Qiu Deyou
Published: November 2019

Taxus chinensis is a well-known gymnosperm with great ornamental and medicinal value. Its purple red brown heartwood (HW) has many attributes such as straight texture, high density, mechanical strength, rich elasticity and corrosion resistance that is highly prized commercially. T. chinensis sapwood (SW), in comparison, lacks these important traits. At present, little is known about the differences of metabolites between the SW and HW in T. chinensis. Widely targeted metabolic profiling was performed to analyze the metabolic profiles of HW and SW in T. chinensis using Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (LC-EI-MS). A total of 607 metabolites were detected in HW and SW. Among them, 146 metabolites were significantly higher, and 167 metabolites significantly lower, in HW as compared to SW. These differential metabolites were mainly involved in metabolic pathways and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, such as flavonoids, flavone and flavonol, phenylpropanoids and antibiotics. Moreover, 71 flavonoids and isoflavones were found to be significantly different between HW and SW. Our results show the difference of components between the HW and SW, which has potential significance to further elucidate the mechanism of HW color formation. The results will provide insight into the metabolites associated with wood color formation and useful information for understanding the metabolites associated with wood quality.
Spin liquid mediated RKKY interaction
Authors: Legg Henry F. , Braunecker Bernd
Published: November 2019

We propose an RKKY-type interaction that is mediated by a spin liquid. If a spin liquid exists such an interaction could leave a fingerprint by ordering underlying localised moments such as nuclear spins. This interaction has a unique phenomenology that is distinct from the RKKY interaction found in fermionic systems; most notably the lack of a Fermi surface and absence of the requirement for itinerant electrons, since most spin liquids are insulators. We demonstrate that the interaction is predominately shaped by the lattice symmetries of the underlying spin liquid. As a working example we investigate the possible ordering of nuclear spins that interact through an underlying lattice of the two-dimensional spin-1/2 kagome antiferromagnet (KHAF), although the treatment remains general and can be extended to other spin liquids and dimensions. We find that several different nuclear spin orderings minimise the RKKY-type energy induced by the KHAF but are unstable due to a zero-energy flat magnon band in linear spin-wave theory. Despite this we show that a small magnetic field is able to gap out this magnon spectrum resulting in an intricate nuclear magnetism.
β-Cyclodextrin counteracts obesity in Western diet-fed mice but elicits a nephrotoxic effect
Authors: Scantlebery Angelique M. L. , Ochodnicky Peter , Kors Lotte , Rampanelli Elena , Butter Loes M. , El Boumashouli Chaima , Claessen Nike , Teske Gwen J. , van den Bergh Weerman Marius A. , Leemans Jaklien C. , Roelofs Joris J. T. H. , Florquin Sandrine
Published: November 2019

Obesity has become a worldwide health crisis and is associated with a plethora of comorbidities. The multi-organ effects of obesity have been linked to ectopic lipid accumulation. Thus, there is an urgent need to tackle the obesity crisis by developing effective lipid-lowering therapies. 2-hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin (2HP-β-CD) has been previously shown to reduce lysosomal cholesterol accumulation in a murine model of Niemann Pick Type C (NPC) disease. Using a murine model of Western diet-induced obesity (DIO), we report the effects of 2HP-β-CD in counteracting weight gain, expansion of adipose tissue mass and ectopic lipid accumulation. Interestingly, DIO caused intracellular storage of neutral lipids in hepatic tissues and of phospholipids in kidneys, both of which were prevented by 2HP-β-CD. Importantly, this report brings attention to the nephrotoxic effects of 2HP-β-CD: renal tubular damage, inflammation and fibrosis. These effects may be overlooked, as they are best appreciated upon assessment of renal histology.
Quantification of phosphoinositides reveals strong enrichment of PIP2 in HIV-1 compared to producer cell membranes
Authors: Mücksch Frauke , Citir Mevlut , Lüchtenborg Christian , Glass Bärbel , Traynor-Kaplan Alexis , Schultz Carsten , Brügger Britta , Kräusslich Hans-Georg
Published: November 2019

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) acquires its lipid envelope during budding from the plasma membrane of the host cell. Various studies indicated that HIV-1 membranes differ from producer cell plasma membranes, suggesting budding from specialized membrane microdomains. The phosphoinositide PI(4,5)P2 has been of particular interest since PI(4,5)P2 is needed to recruit the viral structural polyprotein Gag to the plasma membrane and thus facilitates viral morphogenesis. While there is evidence for an enrichment of PIP2 in HIV-1, fully quantitative analysis of all phosphoinositides remains technically challenging and therefore has not been reported, yet. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of the lipid content of HIV-1 and of plasma membranes from infected and non-infected producer cells, resulting in a total of 478 quantified lipid compounds, including molecular species distribution of 25 different lipid classes. Quantitative analyses of phosphoinositides revealed strong enrichment of PIP2, but also of PIP3, in the viral compared to the producer cell plasma membrane. We calculated an average of ca. 8,000 PIP2 molecules per HIV-1 particle, three times more than Gag. We speculate that the high density of PIP2 at the HIV-1 assembly site is mediated by transient interactions with viral Gag polyproteins, facilitating PIP2 concentration in this microdomain. These results are consistent with our previous observation that PIP2 is not only required for recruiting, but also for stably maintaining Gag at the plasma membrane. We believe that this quantitative analysis of the molecular anatomy of the HIV-1 lipid envelope may serve as standard reference for future investigations.
Validation of a Monte Carlo simulation for Microbeam Radiation Therapy on the Imaging and Medical Beamline at the Australian Synchrotron
Authors: Dipuglia Andrew , Cameron Matthew , Davis Jeremy A. , Cornelius Iwan M. , Stevenson Andrew W. , Rosenfeld Anatoly B. , Petasecca Marco , Corde Stéphanie , Guatelli Susanna , Lerch Michael L. F.
Published: November 2019

Microbeam Radiation Therapy (MRT) is an emerging cancer treatment modality characterised by the use of high-intensity synchrotron-generated x-rays, spatially fractionated by a multi-slit collimator (MSC), to ablate target tumours. The implementation of an accurate treatment planning system, coupled with simulation tools that allow for independent verification of calculated dose distributions are required to ensure optimal treatment outcomes via reliable dose delivery. In this article we present data from the first Geant4 Monte Carlo radiation transport model of the Imaging and Medical Beamline at the Australian Synchrotron. We have developed the model for use as an independent verification tool for experiments in one of three MRT delivery rooms and therefore compare simulation results with equivalent experimental data. The normalised x-ray spectra produced by the Geant4 model and a previously validated analytical model, SPEC, showed very good agreement using wiggler magnetic field strengths of 2 and 3 T. However, the validity of absolute photon flux at the plane of the Phase Space File (PSF) for a fixed number of simulated electrons was unable to be established. This work shows a possible limitation of the G4SynchrotronRadiation process to model synchrotron radiation when using a variable magnetic field. To account for this limitation, experimentally derived normalisation factors for each wiggler field strength determined under reference conditions were implemented. Experimentally measured broadbeam and microbeam dose distributions within a Gammex RMI457 Solid Water® phantom were compared to simulated distributions generated by the Geant4 model. Simulated and measured broadbeam dose distributions agreed within 3% for all investigated configurations and measured depths. Agreement between the simulated and measured microbeam dose distributions agreed within 5% for all investigated configurations and measured depths.
Using the Sonification for Hardly Detectable Details in Medical Images
Authors: Chiroiu Veturia , Munteanu Ligia , Ioan Rodica , Dragne Ciprian , Majercsik Luciana
Published: November 2019

The inverse sonification problem is investigated in this article in order to detect hardly capturing details in a medical image. The direct problem consists in converting the image data into sound signals by a transformation which involves three steps - data, acoustics parameters and sound representations. The inverse problem is reversing back the sound signals into image data. By using the known sonification operator, the inverse approach does not bring any gain in the sonified medical imaging. The replication of the image already known does not help the diagnosis and surgical operation. In order to bring gains in the medical imaging, a new sonification operator is advanced in this paper, by using the Burgers equation of sound propagation. The sonified medical imaging is useful in interpreting the medical imaging that, however powerful they may be, are never good enough to aid tumour surgery. The inverse approach is exercised on several medical images used to surgical operations.
Projected slow down of South Indian Ocean circulation
Authors: Stellema Annette , Sen Gupta Alex , Taschetto Andréa S.
Published: November 2019

Using an ensemble of 28 climate models, we examine hindcasts and ‘business as usual’ future changes to large-scale South Indian Ocean dynamics. We compare model ensemble seasonal-to-annual volume transports to observations and explore drivers of past and future circulation variability and change. Off the west coast of Australia, models consistently project a weakening of the Leeuwin Current and Undercurrent due to reduced onshore flow and downwelling. The reduced onshore flow is related to changes in the alongshore pressure gradient. While the alongshore pressure gradient change is consistent with the Indonesian Throughflow projected weakening, we found no inter-model relationship between these changes. In the south-western Indian Ocean, the models project a robust weakening of the North East and South East Madagascar Currents, Agulhas Current and transport through the Mozambique Channel. This reduced Indian Ocean western boundary flow is partly associated with a weaker Indonesian Throughflow and overturning circulation, where the latter is related to a decrease in the convergence of deep Southern Ocean waters into the Indian Ocean. In contrast to the weakening of other features, the westward flowing Agulhas Current extension south of Africa is projected to strengthen, which is consistent with an intensification of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
Lineage tracing reveals the hierarchical relationship between neural stem cell populations in the mouse forebrain
Authors: Sachewsky Nadia , Xu Wenjun , Fuehrmann Tobias , van der Kooy Derek , Morshead Cindi M.
Published: November 2019

Since the original isolation of neural stem cells (NSCs) in the adult mammalian brain, further work has revealed a heterogeneity in the NSC pool. Our previous work characterized a distinct, Oct4 expressing, NSC population in the periventricular region, through development and into adulthood. We hypothesized that this population is upstream in lineage to the more abundant, well documented, GFAP expressing NSC. Herein, we show that Oct4 expressing NSCs give rise to neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes throughout the developing brain. Further, transgenic inducible mouse models demonstrate that the rare Oct4 expressing NSCs undergo asymmetric divisions to give rise to GFAP expressing NSCs in naïve and injured brains. This lineage relationship between distinct NSC pools contributes significantly to an understanding of neural development, the NSC lineage in vivo and has implications for neural repair.
Craniosynostosis surgery: workflow based on virtual surgical planning, intraoperative navigation and 3D printed patient-specific guides and templates
Authors: García-Mato David , Ochandiano Santiago , García-Sevilla Mónica , Navarro-Cuéllar Carlos , Darriba-Allés Juan V. , García-Leal Roberto , Calvo-Haro José A. , Pérez-Mañanes Rubén , Salmerón José I. , Pascau Javier
Published: November 2019

Craniosynostosis must often be corrected using surgery, by which the affected bone tissue is remodeled. Nowadays, surgical reconstruction relies mostly on the subjective judgement of the surgeon to best restore normal skull shape, since remodeled bone is manually placed and fixed. Slight variations can compromise the cosmetic outcome. The objective of this study was to describe and evaluate a novel workflow for patient-specific correction of craniosynostosis based on intraoperative navigation and 3D printing. The workflow was followed in five patients with craniosynostosis. Virtual surgical planning was performed, and patient-specific cutting guides and templates were designed and manufactured. These guides and templates were used to control osteotomies and bone remodeling. An intraoperative navigation system based on optical tracking made it possible to follow preoperative virtual planning in the operating room through real-time positioning and 3D visualization. Navigation accuracy was estimated using intraoperative surface scanning as the gold-standard. An average error of 0.62 mm and 0.64 mm was obtained in the remodeled frontal region and supraorbital bar, respectively. Intraoperative navigation is an accurate and reproducible technique for correction of craniosynostosis that enables optimal translation of the preoperative plan to the operating room.
Nanomolar-potency ‘co-potentiator’ therapy for cystic fibrosis caused by a defined subset of minimal function CFTR mutants
Authors: Phuan Puay-Wah , Tan Joseph-Anthony , Rivera Amber A. , Zlock Lorna , Nielson Dennis W. , Finkbeiner Walter E. , Haggie Peter M. , Verkman Alan S.
Published: November 2019

Available CFTR modulators provide no therapeutic benefit for cystic fibrosis (CF) caused by many loss-of-function mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel, including N1303K. We previously introduced the concept of ‘co-potentiators’ (combination-potentiators) to rescue CFTR function in some minimal function CFTR mutants. Herein, a screen of ~120,000 drug-like synthetic small molecules identified active co-potentiators of pyrazoloquinoline, piperidine-pyridoindole, tetrahydroquinoline and phenylazepine classes, with EC50 down to ~300 nM following initial structure-activity studies. Increased CFTR chloride conductance by up to 8-fold was observed when a co-potentiator (termed ‘Class II potentiator’) was used with a classical potentiator (‘Class I potentiator’) such as VX-770 or GLPG1837. To investigate the range of CFTR mutations benefitted by co-potentiators, 14 CF-associated CFTR mutations were studied in transfected cell models. Co-potentiator efficacy was found for CFTR missense, deletion and nonsense mutations in nucleotide binding domain-2 (NBD2), including W1282X, N1303K, c.3700A > G and Q1313X (with corrector for some mutations). In contrast, CFTR mutations G85E, R334W, R347P, V520F, R560T, A561E, M1101K and R1162X showed no co-potentiator activity, even with corrector. Co-potentiator efficacy was confirmed in primary human bronchial epithelial cell cultures generated from a N1303K homozygous CF subject. The Class II potentiators identified here may have clinical benefit for CF caused by mutations in the NBD2 domain of CFTR.
Anti-biofilm effects and characterisation of the hydrogen peroxide activity of a range of Western Australian honeys compared to Manuka and multifloral honeys
Authors: Sindi Azhar , Chawn Moses Van Bawi , Hernandez Magda Escorcia , Green Kathryn , Islam Md Khairul , Locher Cornelia , Hammer Katherine
Published: November 2019

The antibacterial activity of honeys derived from the endemic flora of the southwest corner of Western Australia, including the trees Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) and Marri (Corymbia calophylla), remains largely unexplored. Investigation of these honeys showed minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 6.7–28.0% (w/v) against Gram positive and negative bacteria. Honey solutions showed enhanced antibacterial activity after hydrogen peroxide was allowed to accumulate prior to testing, with a mean MIC after accumulation of 14.3% compared to 17.4% before accumulation. Antibacterial activity was reduced after treatment with catalase enzyme, with a mean MIC of 29.4% with catalase compared to 15.2% without catalase. Tests investigating the role of the Gram negative outer membrane in honey susceptibility revealed increases in activity after destabilisation of the outer membrane. Honeys reduced both the formation of biofilm and the production of bacterial pigments, which are both regulated by quorum sensing. However, these reductions were closely correlated with global growth inhibition. Honey applied to existing biofilms resulted in decreased metabolic activity and minor decreases in viability. These results enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of antibacterial action of Jarrah and Marri honeys, and provide further support for the use of honey in the treatment of infected wounds.
Lateral variability of ichnological content in muddy contourites: Weak bottom currents affecting organisms’ behavior
Authors: Dorador Javier , Rodríguez-Tovar Francisco J. , Mena Anxo , Francés Guillermo
Published: November 2019

Although bioturbation is commonly recognized in contourites, only a few studies have analyzed the ichnological content of these deposits in detail. These studies have mainly focused on meso-scale bigradational sequence (a coarsening upward followed by a fining-upward sequence resulting from variations in current velocity). Here we present data from gravitational cores collected along the NW Iberian Margin showing systematic variation in ichnological content across proximal to distal depocenters within a large-scale elongated contourite drift. Data demonstrate that tracemakers’ behavior varies depending on the distance relative to the bottom current core. Trace fossils are already known to be a useful tool for studying of contouritic deposits and are even used as criterion for differentiating associated facies (e.g., turbidites, debrites), though not without controversy. We propose a mechanism by which the distance to the bottom current core exerts tangible influence on specific macro-benthic tracemaker communities in contourite deposits. This parameter itself reflects other bottom current features, such as hydrodynamic energy, grain size, nutrient transport, etc. Ichnological analysis can thus resolve cryptic features of contourite drift depositional settings.
Phenology, seasonal abundance and stage-structure of spittlebug (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae) populations in olive groves in Italy
Authors: Bodino Nicola , Cavalieri Vincenzo , Dongiovanni Crescenza , Plazio Elisa , Saladini Matteo Alessandro , Volani Stefania , Simonetto Anna , Fumarola Giulio , Carolo Michele Di , Porcelli Francesco , Gilioli Gianni , Bosco Domenico
Published: November 2019

Spittlebugs (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae) are the dominant xylem-sap feeders in the Mediterranean area and the only proven vectors of Xylella fastidiosa ST53, the causal agent of the olive dieback epidemic in Apulia, Italy. We have investigated the structured population phenology, abundance and seasonal movement between crops and wild plant species of both the nymphal and adult stages of different spittlebug species in olive groves. Field surveys were conducted during the 2016–2018 period in four olive orchards located in coastal and inland areas in the Apulia and Liguria regions in Italy. The nymphal population in the herbaceous cover was estimated using quadrat samplings. Adults were collected through sweep nets on three different vegetational components: herbaceous cover, olive canopy and wild woody plants. Philaenus spumarius was the most abundant species; its nymphs were collected from early March and reached a peak around mid-April, when the 4th instar was prevalent. Spittlebug adults were collected from late April until late autumn. P. spumarius adults were abundant on the herbaceous cover and olive trees in late spring, and they then dispersed to wild woody hosts during the summer and returned to the olive groves in autumn when searching for oviposition sites in the herbaceous cover. A relatively high abundance of P. spumarius was observed on olive trees during summer in the Liguria Region. The present work provides a large amount of data on the life cycle of spittlebugs within an olive agroecosystem that can be used to design effective control programmes against these vectors in infected areas and to assess the risk of the establishment and spread of X. fastidiosa to Xylella-free areas.
Vitamin D in Obesity and Cancer Prevention
Authors: Boughanem H. , Bandera-Merchan B. , Macias-Gonzalez M.
Published: November 2019

Vitamin D is a versatile molecule. It is involved in many biological processes such as inflammation, immunity and calcium metabolism. It is also implicated in several diseases such as obesity and cancer. The principal function of vitamin D is to promote the activation and repression of potential genes, with different roles in cell proliferation and differentiation. In addition, epigenetic or genetic modifications of the sequence of its specific receptor, leading to altered expression, could determine the efficiency of its function. In this chapter, we offer a wide review of the metabolism of vitamin D and its role in cell proliferation and cancer.
Obesity and Cancer Risk
Authors: Pinheiro-Castro N. , Silva L. B. A. R. , Ong T. P.
Published: November 2019

Obesity is a major global public health problem and a key risk factor for several cancers. Obesity is a complex disease caused by a chronic positive energy balance state. Different mechanisms have been proposed to explain the influence of obesity on cancer risk. These include adipose tissue dysfunction, which is accompanied by metabolic, inflammatory and hormonal alterations that can impact cancer initiation and progression. More recently, obesity-associated dysbiosis has been highlighted as an important factor in cancer development. As the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research recommend, maintaining a healthy body weight is a key strategy for cancer prevention. As obesity prevalence increases in developed and developing countries, multidisciplinary approaches will be needed in order to promote weight loss and, thus, effectively reduce rates of cancer incidence.
Optimization of the facet structure of cobalt oxide catalysts for enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Wu Minghong , Ke Shuqiang , Chen Wenqian , Zhang Shaomei , Zhu Min , Zhang Yu , Foo Maw Lin , Tang Liang
Published: November 2019

The three different exposed crystal planes of Co3O4 catalysts, in which the {112} and {011} planes with abundant Co3+ sites exhibited photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity superior to that of the {001} plane.
Insight into the reaction mechanism and chemoselectivity in the cycloaddition of ynamides and isoxazoles with H2O
Authors: Zhou Lin , Yang Li , Dai Songshan , Gao Yuanyuan , Fang Ran , Kirillov Alexander M. , Yang Lizi
Published: November 2019

The mechanism and chemoselectivity in the cycloaddition of ynamides and isoxazoles have been explored by the density functional theory (DFT) in model systems composed of a Brønsted acid (HNTf2), gold(i) [IPrAuNTf2] or platinum(ii) (PtCl2/CO) catalyst.
Co-precipitation of MnO and Cu in an ionic liquid as a first step toward self-formed barrier layers
Authors: Haumesser Paul-Henri , Santini Catherine C. , Massin Laurence , Rousset Jean-Luc
Published: November 2019

Mixed MnO–Cu nanoparticles are synthesised in an ionic liquid, and the suspensions are spread and annealed directly on technological substrates to form films suitable for the metallisation of through-Si vias.
Light-triggered selective ROS-dependent autophagy by bioactive nanoliposomes for efficient cancer theranostics
Authors: Appidi Tejaswini , Pemmaraju Deepak Bharadwaj , Khan Rafiq Ahmad , Alvi Syed Baseeruddin , Srivastava Rohit , Pal Mahadeb , Khan Nooruddin , Rengan Aravind Kumar
Published: November 2019

Light-responsive nanoliposomes are being reported to induce cancer cell death through heat and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Targeted delivery of Chil3/Chil4 siRNA to alveolar macrophages using ternary complexes composed of HMG and oligoarginine micelles
Authors: Choi Moonhwan , Jeong Haeyoon , Kim Sol , Kim Minkyung , Lee Minhyung , Rhim Taiyoun
Published: November 2019

Cell-type-specific genes involved in disease can be effective therapeutic targets; therefore, the development of a cell-type-specific gene delivery system is essential.
Quantification of magnetic nanoparticles by compensating for multiple environment changes simultaneously
Authors: Shi Yipeng , Jyoti Dhrubo , Gordon-Wylie Scott W. , Weaver John B.
Published: November 2019

A novel two-dimensional scaling method is demonstrated to improve the accuracy of nanoparticle quantification when multiple effects are present.
Removal of phthalic acid dieters with dissolved organic matter by an anaerobic/anoxic/oxic leachate treatment process
Authors: Fang Chengran , Mao Hongzhi , Long Yuyang
Published: November 2019

The removal of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) with dissolved organic matter (DOM) was studied in a laboratory scale anaerobic/anoxic/oxic reactor for landfill leachate treatment.
The effect of the surface coating of a strontium mono-aluminate europium dysprosium-based (SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+) phosphor by polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS) and their dual system on the photoluminescence properties of the pigment
Authors: Tayebi Masumeh , Ostad Movahed Saeed , Ahmadpour Ali
Published: November 2019

SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ as a known strontium mono-aluminate europium dysprosium-based phosphor is widely used in paints and coating formulations as a photoluminescence pigment.
Anticancer and antimicrobial properties of novel η6-p-cymene ruthenium(ii) complexes containing a N,S-type ligand, their structural and theoretical characterization
Authors: Namiecińska Ewelina , Sadowska Beata , Więckowska-Szakiel Marzena , Dołęga Anna , Pasternak Beata , Grazul Magdalena , Budzisz Elzbieta
Published: November 2019

New arene–ruthenium(ii) complexes with pyrazole derivatives as ligands were synthesized and characterized. This compounds exhibited good cytotoxic effects, and strong biostatic and biocidal activity.
Design strategy of barium titanate/polyvinylidene fluoride-based nanocomposite films for high energy storage
Authors: Wang Yan , Yao Minggang , Ma Rong , Yuan Qibin , Yang Desuo , Cui Bin , Ma Chunrui , Liu Ming , Hu Dengwei
Published: November 2019

Barium titanate/polyvinylidene fluoride- (BT/PVDF-) based nanocomposite film exhibits excellent energy storage and mechanical properties and can be used as flexible electronic components.
Sustained release of bioactive IGF-1 from a silk fibroin microsphere-based injectable alginate hydrogel for the treatment of myocardial infarction
Authors: Feng Jianguo , Wu Yong , Chen Weiqian , Li Jingjing , Wang Xiaoyu , Chen Yueqiu , Yu Yunsheng , Shen Zhenya , Zhang Yanxia
Published: November 2019

An injectable alginate hydrogel containing silk fibroin microspheres that can sustain the release of IGF-1 is prepared for the treatment of myocardial infarction.
QOSTBC coded MIMO system with reduced complexity and optimised decoding for rank deficient channels
Authors: Gupta Bhasker , Balyan Vipin , Saini Davinder S.
Published: November 2019

In multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) systems, rank deficient channels are the most common and key areas of research. In these channels, the number of transmit antennas (MTx) is higher than receive antennas (MRx) and subsequently the unknown variables are more than the number of equations. In such situations, the conventional sphere decoder (SD) fails due to the presence of zero diagonal elements in Cholesky decomposition. This study analyses the quasi‐orthogonal space‐time block code (QOSTBC) of symbol rate‐2 for MTx = 4 with modified double‐layer SD detection to overcome rank deficiency problem. The first half of transmitted symbols is detected using two partially dependent SDs with optimised search radii. The remaining half is detected by employing single symbol maximum likelihood detection. Simulation and analytical results indicate that the proposed detection scheme reduces bit error rate and complexity compared to existing techniques.
Corona lightning overvoltage analysis for a 500 kV hybrid line
Authors: Said Abdelrahman , Anane Zahira
Published: November 2019

In this paper, the overvoltage distributions due to the lightning stroke are analyzed for a 500 kV hybrid OHTL‐Cable‐GIL circuit beside substation, in which the section length is variable. Corona effect is incorporating in order to estimate the attenuation and deformation of overvoltage's travelling waves on transmission lines near substations. The influence of connecting substations surge arrester, direct, and indirect lightning strokes are investigated. ATP/Electro Magnetic Transients Program(EMTP) simulation program is applied to analyze the lightning overvoltage of a 500 kV hybrid OHTL‐Cable‐GIL system. It was discovered that OHTL‐Cable, OHTL‐GIL, and hybrid systems produces lightning overvoltages higher than those of a fully cable system and very likely lower than those of a fully OHTL system with the same transmission lengths. This means that the risk of experiencing high lightning overvoltages and stressing system components is higher in a fully‐Overhead Line (OHL)circuit than in a partial or full cable or GIL line. Furthermore, using the Cable with MOSA (Metal Oxide Surge Arrester), the results have more regular voltage waveform at substation entrance; also Hybrid line has the same effect of fully GIL. Finally, the corona has a less attenuation effect of overvoltage reached to substation by about 2.7% in case short length OHTL.
Particularities of complex-functional monolithic integrated circuits post-layout simulation
Authors: Filippov Ivan , Duchenko Nikolay , Gimpilevich Yuri
Published: November 2019

This paper presents a silicon-based complex-functional monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) design methodology. Post-layout simulation stage particularities are discussed. Pre-tapeout functionality verification results of the C-band phase and amplitude control MMIC based on 0.18 μm SiGe BiCMOS technology are also presented.
A SiGe 3-stage LNA for automotive radar application from 76 to 81 GHz
Authors: Budnyaev Vadim , Vertegel Valeriy
Published: November 2019

This paper presents the simulation results of the W-band 3-stage low noise amplifier which is designed in 0.13 μm SiGe BiCMOS technology. The LNA achieves a peak S21 of 24.1 dB and noise figure of 6 dB at 80 GHz with 3 dB bandwidth of 14 GHz from 73 to 87 GHz. S11 is better than 11 dB. The simulated input 1 dB compression point is –23 dBm at 80 GHz with low power consumption of 26 mW from 1.2 V voltage supply. Layout area is 0.36 mm2.
Simulation of high-efficiency gyrotron with the system of multistage energy recovery
Authors: Trofimov Pavel , Louksha Oleg
Published: November 2019

The results of simulations of helical electron beam formation and collecting, as well as high frequency wave-particle interaction processes, in the moderate-power experimental gyrotron with the frequency of 74.2 GHz are presented. Various methods of beam quality and electron efficiency improvement via optimization of electric and magnetic field distributions in the cathode region were realized. In the optimal operating regime with high pitch ratio and low velocity spread, the electron efficiency of about 46 % was calculated for the gyrotron with the magnetron injection gun including a control electrode and a cathode with sectioned emission. In the gyrotron collector region, a system of 4-stage electron energy recovery was used for enhancement of total efficiency of the device. By improving the quality of the electron beam and efficient energy recovery in the collector region, the total efficiency of the gyrotron equal to 71.8% was achieved.
Research and optimization of a new design of output window for high power microwave tubes
Authors: Galdetskiy Anatoly , Savin Alexander
Published: November 2019

A design of an output window integrated with an output resonator of the high-power klystron is proposed. The results of a theoretical study of the frequency response of an integrated window are presented. Calculation of the electric field in critical areas of the optimized design showed that the losses in the vacuum-tight dielectric are much lower, and the tangential components of the field on its surface, which are the source of breakdowns, are lower or comparable with similar parameters of traditional pillbox windows.
Using signals from GLONASS/GPS navigation systems to correct the readings of a digital magnetic compass
Authors: Vu Xuan Hau , Ivanov V.E. , Nguyen Dinh Thach
Published: November 2019

The article describes the results obtained from research, manufacture and quality improvement of an inexpensive digital magnetic compass system. Given that the receivers of the global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) signals are not expensive, in order to increase the accuracy and reliability of the compass, in this paper, the authors propose a method to use the signal of the GNSS global positioning system to compare and adjust the azimuth value of the Digital magnetic compass (DMC).
Correlation analysis of voice communications in Russian language in the airspace of the Russian Federation
Authors: Andriyanov Nikita , Buldakovsky Anatoliy , Risukhin Kirill
Published: November 2019

The spectral characteristics of audio recordings of typical phrases of radio exchange of air traffic controllers and civil aviation pilots are investigated. Based on the obtained spectral characteristics, experimental covariance functions are constructed that show statistical relationships within a single voice message in the time domain. The main attention is paid to the possibility of describing speech messages using mathematical models of random sequences.
Improving the efficiency of antennas of MIMO communication systems
Authors: Obukhovets Victor
Published: November 2019

The last two decades were marked by increasing of interest in problems of application of the MIMO systems in a radar and wireless communication. Use of the principles of creation of MIMO systems in communication complexes allows increasing the capacity of channels and speed of information transfer due to increase in number of the transferring and reception antennas. In the report questions of modernization of antennas of the wearable mobile communication devices allowing to reduce correlation of channels and to increase spectral system effectiveness of communication are considered. Results of a research of mutual correlation reduction between two antennas of MIMO system are given.

Using method of numerical modelling influence of several options of the decoupling structures on interconnection size between radiators and on their directional patterns were investigated. Comparative results of a pilot study of the model of antennas with the outcome device having the best characteristics and without the decoupling device are presented.
Analysis of the influence of radiators basing errors in the monopulse phased array antenna aperture on its characteristics
Authors: Rusov Yury
Published: November 2019

The influence of radiators basing errors in the flat monopulse phased array antenna with spatial excitation on the beam forming accuracy is researched. The results of calculations of the deviation of the position of the difference radiation pattern minimum depending on the displacement of the antenna array radiators for antenna arrays with diameters from 10 to 100 wavelengths are presented.
Correction of radiation pattern due to antenna reflector deformation in passive monopulse direction finding problem
Authors: Fidelman Vladimir , Morozov Oleg , Chumankin Yuriy
Published: November 2019

Parabolic antenna reflector deformation caused by one-sided heating may be described by linear stretching model. The modeling of the influence of the antenna reflector stretching on the error in determining the bearing in the problem of passive monopulse direction finding was done. The method of electric axis displacement accounting was proposed and its feasibility was shown. The comparison of the probabilities of the bearing estimation with an error less than fixed threshold for the initial and refined radiation pattern was made.
Structure of the emission field of ensemble of ultra-wideband chaotic sources
Authors: Andreyev Yuri
Published: November 2019

The structure of the emission field of ensemble of independent ultra-wideband chaotic sources in collective emission mode is investigated analytically and numerically, including power density, directivity, and far zone border. The waves emitted by independent individual sources are incoherent; hence in the reception point the created incoherent fields are summed by power, and this summation gives no additional directivity to the ensemble emission pattern. If all the individual antennas are equal, emission pattern of the entire ensemble is the same as the emission pattern of any of the individual emitters.
Active low-element antenna array for local navigation system
Authors: Shirokov Igor , Shirokova Elena , Serdyuk Igor , Mordvinova Anna
Published: November 2019

The principles of constructing an active low-element antenna array for a local navigation system are presented. The results of calculation and modeling of a low-element lattice are presented. The selection of the parameters of the antenna array is produced. Comparative results of modeling a low-element array with passive and active antenna elements are presented.
Electromagnetic characteristics of filaments for 3D printing with carbon fillers in the microwave range
Authors: Kuleshov Grigoriy E. , Badin Alexander V. , Bilinsky Kirill V. , Dorozhkin Kirill V.
Published: November 2019

The results of a study of the complex permittivity and electromagnetic response from polymer composite materials obtained by additive technology from 3D printing filaments containing various carbon fillers are presented. New radio filaments for 3D printing with MWCNTs have been created. Investigated PLA-Conductive plastics may be used to create a shielding coating or narrowband absorbers for microwave range.
The influence of fractal geometry on anomalous skin-effect in metal systems
Authors: Torkhov Nikolay , Babak Leonid , Kokolov Audrey , Sheyerman Feodor
Published: November 2019

The paper defines basic criteria of surface fractal geometry for 50Ω Au/i-GaAs{100} coplanar microwave transmission lines, which influence on active resistance of their skin-layer and inductivity L. The local approximation limit L for active resistance L(R) is ≈800 um and for inductivity L(L) is ≈400 um.
Efficient method for the solution of Maxwell’s equations for nanostructured materials
Authors: Semenikhin Igor
Published: November 2019

The calculation of the electromagnetic field in nanostructured materials and nano-optoelectronic devices, when the wavelength of the incident radiation is comparable with the size of the structural elements, requires the exact solution of Maxwell's equations. In this case, a very promising numerical approach is the spectral element method, which combines the geometric flexibility of finite elements with high precision of spectral methods. In this paper the implementation of the spectral element method based on the Dirichlet-to-Neumann map for solving Maxwell’s equations is discussed. The application of the method for two-dimensional periodic structures, such as diffraction gratings and a metal nanowire array in a dielectric matrix, is demonstrated.
Short-wavelength gyrotrons with quasi-regular and sectional cavities
Authors: Zuev Andrey , Zheleznov Ilya , Osharin Ivan , Savilov Andrey
Published: November 2019

In gyrotrons, in order to increase the generation efficiency at a high cyclotron harmonic, it was proposed to use the transition to stable operation in the TWT mode by adding irregularity (absorber) on the wall of the cavity. The paper presents the results of the study of such a scheme. The results of a theoretical study of frequency tuning with a change in the operating magnetic field in a terahertz gyrotron with a quasi-regular sectioned cavity with periodic phase correctors are also presented.
Operation stability of radiosonde superregenerative transceivers for upper-air sounding
Authors: Kudinov Sergey , Ivanov Viacheslav , Gusev Andrei
Published: November 2019

The use of super-regenerative transceivers in a radiosonde of radar sounding systems can significantly reduce the cost of measuring atmospheric meteorological parameters. Methods and technological norms are proposed for implementing the required technical parameters of radiosondes to ensure the stability of the transceivers in serial production and operation.
Diffraction of electromagnetic waves on the resonance graphene metasurfaces
Authors: Lerer Alexander M. , Makeeva Galina S.
Published: November 2019

By using three independent numerical approaches to solve the 3D diffraction boundary problems the reflection, transmittance coefficients and losses of metasurfaces of graphene strip elements, depending on the frequency and values of the chemical potential were calculated in the terahertz frequency range. The results of numerical simulation of performances of tuned by the external bias electric field THz absorbers and THz polarizers based on the resonance metasurfaces of single square and two connected rectangular graphene strips in the unit cell placed on the dielectric or multilayer graphene-dielectric substrates were obtained.