bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Detection of Coronary Artery Disease by Micro-RNA Analysis in Asymptomatic Patients Stratified by Coronary CT Angiography
Authors: Patterson Andrew J. , Song Minwoo A. , Choe David , Xiao Daliao , Foster Gary , Zhang Lubo
Published: October 2020

Early detection of asymptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD) is essential but underdeveloped. The aim of this study was to assess micro-RNA (miRNA) expression profiles in patients with or without CAD as selected by coronary CT angiography (CTA) and stratified by risk of CAD as determined by Framingham Risk Score (FRS). In this pilot study, patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of CAD. Disease status was determined by Coronary CTA by identification of atherosclerosis and/or calcified plaque in coronary arteries. There were 16 control subjects and 16 subjects with documented CAD. Groups were then subdivided based on FRS. Pathway-specific microarray profiling of 86 genes using miRNAs isolated from whole peripheral blood was analyzed. MiRNA were differentially expressed in patients with and without CAD and who were stratified on the basis of FRS with miRNA associated with endothelial function, cardiomyocyte protection and inflammatory response (hsa-miR-17-5p, hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-210-3p, hsa-miR-29b-3p, hsa-miR-7-5p and hsa-miR-99a-5p) consistently upregulated by greater than twofold in groups with CAD. The present study reveals that miRNA expression patterns in whole blood as selected on the basis of coronary CTA and risk scores vary significantly depending on the subject phenotype. Thus, profiling miRNA may improve early detection of CAD.
Quantum Work Statistics with Initial Coherence
Authors: Díaz María , Guarnieri Giacomo , Paternostro Mauro
Published: October 2020

The two-point measurement scheme for computing the thermodynamic work performed on a system requires it to be initially in equilibrium. The Margenau–Hill scheme, among others, extends the previous approach to allow for a non-equilibrium initial state. We establish a quantitative comparison between both schemes in terms of the amount of coherence present in the initial state of the system, as quantified by the l1-coherence measure. We show that the difference between the two first moments of work, the variances of work, and the average entropy production obtained in both schemes can be cast in terms of such initial coherence. Moreover, we prove that the average entropy production can take negative values in the Margenau–Hill framework.
Radio over Fiber: An Alternative Broadband Network Technology for IoT
Authors: Paredes-Páliz Diego F. , Royo Guillermo , Aznar Francisco , Aldea Concepción , Celma Santiago
Published: October 2020

Wireless broadband access networks have been positioning themselves as a good solution for manufacturers and users of IoT (internet of things) devices, due mainly to the high data transfer rate required over terminal devices without restriction of information format. In this work, a review of two Radio over Fiber strategies is presented. Both have excellent performance and even offer the possibility to extend wireless area coverage where mobile networks do not reach or the 802.11 network presents issues. Radio Frequency over Fiber (RFoF) and intermediate Frequency over Fiber (IFoF) are two transmission strategies compatible with the required new broadband services and both play a key role in the design of the next generation integrated optical–wireless networks, such as 5G and Satcom networks, including on RAU (Remote Antenna Unit) new functionalities to improve their physical dimensions, employing a microelectronic layout over nanometric technologies.
Searching for Premature Ventricular Contraction from Electrocardiogram by Using One-Dimensional Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Yu Junsheng , Wang Xiangqing , Chen Xiaodong , Guo Jinglin
Published: October 2020

Premature ventricular contraction (PVC) is a common cardiac arrhythmia that can occur in ordinary healthy people and various heart disease patients. Clinically, cardiologists usually use a long-term electrocardiogram (ECG) as a medium to detect PVC. However, it is time-consuming and labor-intensive for cardiologists to analyze the long-term ECG accurately. To this end, this paper suggests a simple but effective approach to search for PVC from the long-term ECG. The recommended method first extracts each heartbeat from the long-term ECG by applying a fixed time window. Subsequently, the model based on the one-dimensional convolutional neural network (CNN) tags these heartbeats without any preprocessing, such as denoise. Unlike previous PVC detection methods that use hand-crafted features, the proposed plan rationally and automatically extracts features and identify PVC with supervised learning. The proposed PVC detection algorithm acquires 99.64% accuracy, 96.97% sensitivity, and 99.84% specificity for the MIT-BIH arrhythmia database. Besides, when the number of samples in the training set is 3.3 times that of the test set, the proposed method does not misjudge any heartbeat from the test set. The simulation results show that it is reliable to use one-dimensional CNN for PVC recognition. More importantly, the overall system does not rely on complex and cumbersome preprocessing.
Phylogenetic Position of Geosmithia spp. (Hypocreales) Living in Juniperus spp. Forests (Cupressaceae) with Bark Beetles of Phloeosinus spp. (Scolytinae) from the Northeast of Mexico
Authors: Juan Alfredo Hernández-García , Gerardo Cuellar-Rodríguez , Nallely Guadalupe Aguirre-Ojeda , Lourdes Villa-Tanaca , César Hernández-Rodríguez , Francisco Armendáriz-Toledano
Published: October 2020

Geosmithia members are mitosporic filamentous fungi commonly recorded and isolated from bark beetles of the Scolytinae subfamily and their respective host’s species. This genus includes 18 species formally described and 38 phylogenetic species recorded in several localities from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America, where they exhibit frequent associations with phloeophagous and wood-boring bark beetles. Among phloephagous bark beetle species, specifically, in members of the genus Phloeosinus Chapuis, almost 10% of Geosmithia strains have been isolated. By its physiographic elements and high bark beetle and conifer species richness, Mexico is a potential region to host a high diversity of Geosmithia species and potential new species. In the present study, we systematically sampled and isolated, cultured, and molecularly identified members of the Geosmithia species associated with Phloeosinus spp. and their Juniperus spp. host trees at the north of Sierra Madre Oriental, at Nuevo Leon State, Mexico. Phylogenetic analyses based on 378 internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) sequences supported the presence of strains from Geosmithia langdonii-Geosmithia sp. 32 clade associated with Phloeosinus serratus vector and with Juniperus coahuilensis (JC) host, and the presence of strains from Geosmithia sp. 21-Geosmithia xerotolerans clade with Phloeosinusdeleoni and Juniperus flaccida (JF) in this geographical region. The genetic and morphological differences found in our strains with respect to those previously described in the species from both clades (Geosmithia langdonii-Geosmithia sp. 32 and Geosmithia sp. 21-G. xerotolerans) suggest that both Geosmithia lineages from Nuevo Leon correspond to two potential new species in the genus.
Structural Root-Plate Characteristics of Wind-Thrown Norway Spruce in Hemiboreal Forests of Latvia
Authors: Krišāns Oskars , Samariks Valters , Donis Jānis , Jansons Āris
Published: October 2020

An increase in extreme weather events is predicted with increasing climate changes. Changes indicate major problems in the future, as Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.) is one of the most important forestry species in Northern Europe and one of the most susceptible to damage from extreme weather events, like windstorms. Root architecture is essential for tree anchorage. However, information of structural root-plate volume and characteristics in relation to tree wind resistance in drained deep peat soils is lacking. Individual tree susceptibility to wind damage is dependent on tree species, soil properties, tree health and root-plate volume. We assessed the structural root-plate dimensions of wind-thrown Norway spruce on freely drained mineral and drained deep peat soils at four trial sites in Latvia, and root-plate measurements were made on 65 recently tipped-up trees and 36 trees from tree-pulling tests on similar soils. Tree height, diameter at breast height, root-plate width and depth were measured. Measurements of structural root-plate width were done in five directions covering 180° of the root-plate; rooting depth was measured on the horizontal and vertical axes of root-plate. Root-plate volume was higher in drained peat soils in comparison to mineral soils, and root-plate width was the main driver of root-plate volume. A decreasing trend was observed in structural root depth distribution with increasing distance from the stem (i.e., from the center to the edge of the root plate) with a greater decrease in mineral soils.
Torchbearers Forging Indigenous Pathways: Transcending the Forces of Wétiko
Authors: Borunda Rose , Murray Amy , Acosta Isabel , Gutierrez David
Published: October 2020

Wétiko is a Cree term whose literal translation is cannibalism, an act of violent aggression. This term encapsulates the divisive forces that have infected the Americas for over 500 years, resulting in generational cultural trauma, and dehumanization of all who are subjected to its modern manifestations. It is analogous to an oppressive pandemic whose symptoms include racism, xenophobia, self-hatred, and despair. Despite the persistent forces of Wétiko that marginalize descendants of American Indigenous people, Xicanx are emerging in educational leadership roles and in professional positions that require the highest educational degree, the doctorate. The perseverance of these forerunners, which is fueled by a desire to promote equity, testifies to their will to overcome historically grounded subjugating forces. These forces include identity labels in which the Indigenous culture has been erased and extinguished, but is now reclaimed within the identity of the term Xicanx. Xicanx Torchbearer voices provide insight to the challenges they face as they enter, occupy, and engage within spaces in which they were previously excluded. Evident in the narratives of these Xicanx professionals who now hold highly regarded credentials is the resurgence of Indigenous orientations that counter the violence and aggression of Wétiko.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness is Inversely Associated with Risk of Low Bone Mineral Density in Older Korean Men
Authors: Lee Inhwan , Kim Jeonghyeon , Kang Hyunsik
Published: October 2020

Little is known regarding the association between physical fitness and bone health in older Korean men. This study investigated the relationship between estimated cardiorespiratory fitness (eCRF) and bone mineral density (BMD). This cross-sectional study included 2715 Korean men aged 50 years and older selected from those who participated in the 2008–2011 Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination and Survey. eCRF was obtained using a sex-specific algorithm developed on the basis of age, body mass index, resting heart rate, and physical activity and classified into low, middle, and high categories. Femoral neck BMD was assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for osteopenia, osteoporosis, and low BMD were calculated for eCRF categories in models fully adjusted for age, waist circumference, education, income, smoking, heavy alcohol intake, serum vitamin D, serum parathyroid hormone, and dietary intake of energy, protein, calcium, and vitamins A and C. Overall, eCRF levels were positively associated with BMD and negatively with prevalence of osteopenia, osteoporosis, and low BMD. Logistic regression showed inverse trends in the risks of osteopenia (high vs. low: OR = 0.692; 95% CI, 0.328–0.517; p = 0.049) and low BMD (high vs. low: OR = 0.669; 95% CI, 0.497–0.966; p = 0.029) by eCRF category in models fully adjusted for all the measured covariates. The current findings suggest that maintaining high eCRF via regular physical activity may contribute to attenuation of age-related loss of BMD and decreased risk for low BMD in older Korean men.
Sequential Estimation of Relative Transfer Function in Application of Acoustic Beamforming
Authors: Beh Jounghoon
Published: October 2020

In this paper, a sequential approach is proposed to estimate the relative transfer functions (RTF) used in developing a generalized sidelobe canceller (GSC). The latency in calibrating microphone arrays for GSC, often suffered by conventional approaches involving batch operations, is significantly reduced in the proposed sequential method. This is accomplished by an immediate generation of the RTF from initial input segments and subsequent updates of the RTF as the input stream continues. From the experimental results via the mean square error (MSE) criterion, it has been shown that the proposed method exhibits improved performance over the conventional batch approach as well as over recently introduced least mean squares approaches.
Statistical Correlations of Ship High-Run with Broaching-to and Capsize
Authors: Themelis Nikos , Angelou Manolis , Spyrou Kostas J.
Published: October 2020

In the current paper we are extending our earlier work on the assessment of a ship’s tendency to capsize due to broaching-to in a stochastic seaway. Capturing, in a probabilistic context, interferences between different phenomena occurring during ship operation in extreme seas is a challenging task. Estimates of statistical correlations are deduced between high-run events, broaching-to and capsize. A phenomenological approach is adopted in this study for the classification of the targeted motions. Large scale simulations and a direct counting scheme are applied on the basis of a 4 degrees of freedom (4DOF) mathematical model for the coupled surge–sway–yaw–roll (and rudder) motions. Comparison with the results obtained from a previously used 3DOF model for the same scenarios is carried out in order to investigate the effect of roll on high-run’s correlation with broaching-to. Additionally, sensitivity studies are carried out in order to examine the effect of the commanded heading angle, the rudder control gains and the threshold values defining excessive (unsafe) motions. The concurrence level of the three processes considered here is found to be significantly affected by the examined parameters. The paper includes a short review of effective methods for identifying ship high-runs in following/quartering seas.
Assessing the Accuracy of Underwater Photogrammetry for Archaeology: A Comparison of Structure from Motion Photogrammetry and Real Time Kinematic Survey at the East Key Construction Wreck
Authors: Wright Anne E. , Conlin David L. , Shope Steven M.
Published: October 2020

The National Park Service (NPS) Submerged Resources Center (SRC) documented the East Key Construction Wreck in Dry Tortugas National Park using Structure from Motion photogrammetry, traditional archaeological hand mapping, and real time kinematic GPS (Global Positioning System) survey to test the accuracy of and establish a baseline “worst case scenario” for 3D models created with NPS SRC’s tri-camera photogrammetry system, SeaArray. The data sets were compared using statistical analysis to determine accuracy and precision. Additionally, the team evaluated the amount of time and resources necessary to produce an acceptably accurate photogrammetry model that can be used for a variety of archaeological functions, including site monitoring and interpretation. Through statistical analysis, the team determined that, in the worst case scenario, in its current iteration, photogrammetry models created with SeaArray have a margin of error of 5.29 cm at a site over 84 m in length and 65 m in width. This paper discusses the design of the survey, acquisition and processing of data, analysis, issues encountered, and plans to improve the accuracy of the SeaArray photogrammetry system.
Spectral Control of Wave Energy Converters with Non-Ideal Power Take-off Systems
Authors: Mérigaud Alexis , Tona Paolino
Published: October 2020

Spectral control is an accurate and computationally efficient approach to power-maximising control of wave energy converters (WECs). This work investigates spectral control calculations with explicit derivative computation, applied to WECs with non-ideal power take-off (PTO) systems characterised by an efficiency factor smaller than unity. To ensure the computational efficiency of the spectral control approach, it is proposed in this work to approximate the discontinuous efficiency function by means of a smooth function. A non-ideal efficiency function implies that the cost function is non-quadratic, which requires a slight generalisation of the derivative-based spectral control approach, initially introduced for quadratic cost functions. This generalisation is derived here in some detail given its practical interest. Two application case studies are considered: the Wavestar scale model, employed for the WEC control competition (WECCCOMP), and the 3rd reference model (RM3) two-body heaving point absorber. In both cases, with the approximate efficiency function, the spectral approach calculates WEC trajectory and control force solutions, for which the mean electrical power is shown to lie within a few percent of the true optimal electrical power. Regarding the effect of a non-ideal PTO efficiency upon achievable power production, and concerning heaving point-absorbers, the results obtained are significantly less pessimistic than those of previous studies: the power achieved lies within 80–95% of that obtained by simply applying the efficiency factor to the optimal power with ideal PTO.
Novel Modular Rhodopsins from Green Algae Hold Great Potential for Cellular Optogenetic Modulation Across the Biological Model Systems
Authors: Awasthi Mayanka , Sushmita Kumari , Kaushik Manish Singh , Ranjan Peeyush , Kateriya Suneel
Published: October 2020

Light-gated ion channel and ion pump rhodopsins are widely used as optogenetic tools and these can control the electrically excitable cells as (1) they are a single-component system i.e., their light sensing and ion-conducting functions are encoded by the 7-transmembrane domains and, (2) they show fast kinetics with small dark-thermal recovery time. In cellular signaling, a signal receptor, modulator, and the effector components are involved in attaining synchronous regulation of signaling. Optical modulation of the multicomponent network requires either receptor to effector encoded in a single ORF or direct modulation of the effector domain through bypassing all upstream players. Recently discovered modular rhodopsins like rhodopsin guanylate cyclase (RhoGC) and rhodopsin phosphodiesterase (RhoPDE) paves the way to establish a proof of concept for utilization of complex rhodopsin (modular rhodopsin) for optogenetic applications. Light sensor coupled modular system could be expressed in any cell type and hence holds great potential in the advancement of optogenetics 2.0 which would enable manipulating the entire relevant cell signaling system. Here, we had identified 50 novel modular rhodopsins with variant domains and their diverse cognate signaling cascades encoded in a single ORF, which are associated with specialized functions in the cells. These novel modular algal rhodopsins have been characterized based on their sequence and structural homology with previously reported rhodopsins. The presented novel modular rhodopsins with various effector domains leverage the potential to expand the optogenetic tool kit to regulate various cellular signaling pathways across the diverse biological model systems.
The Separative Performance of Modules with Polymeric Membranes for a Hybrid Adsorptive/Membrane Process of CO2 Capture from Flue Gas
Authors: Janusz-Cygan Aleksandra , Jaschik Jolanta , Wojdyła Artur , Tańczyk Marek
Published: October 2020

Commercially available polymeric membrane materials may also show their potential for CO2 capture by the association of the membrane process with other separation techniques in a hybrid system. In the current study, PRISM PA1020/Air Products and UBE UMS-A5 modules with membrane formed of modified polysulfone and polyimide, respectively, were assessed as a second stage in the hybrid vacuum swing adsorption (VSA)–membrane process developed in our laboratory. For this purpose, the module permeances of CO2, N2, and O2 at different temperatures were determined, and the separation of CO2/N2 and CO2/N2/O2 mixtures was investigated in an experimental setup. An appropriate mathematical model was also developed and validated based on experimental data. It was found that both modules can provide CO2-rich gas of the purity of > 95% with virtually the same recovery (40.7−63.6% for maximum carbon dioxide content in permeate) when fed with pre-enriched effluent from the VSA unit. It was also found that this level of purity and recovery was reached at a low feed to permeate the pressure ratio (2−2.5) in both modules. In addition, both modules reveal stable separation performance, and thus, their applicability in a hybrid system depends on investment outlays and will be the subject of optimization investigations, which will be supported by the model presented and validated in this study.
Enhancing the Robustness and Efficiency in the Production of Medium Mn Steels by Al Addition
Authors: Bai Maokun , Yang Dapeng , Wang Guodong , Ryu Joohyun , Lee Kyooyoung , Yi Hongliang
Published: October 2020

The narrow process window during intercritical annealing and discontinuous yielding have limited the commercialization of medium Mn steels. In this study, a double-annealing process based on the commercial continuous annealing line is proposed. The cold-rolled medium Mn steels were first fully austenitized and quenched during the first annealing, followed by intercritical annealing for reverted austenite transformation. The microstructure of duplex lath-shaped austenite and ferrite is produced and steel exhibits a desirable continuous yielding during tensile deformation. Al is added into the medium Mn steel to enlarge the process window and to improve the partitioning efficiency of Mn. The produced steel is more robust with temperature fluctuation during the industrial process due to the enlarged intercritical region. Mn partitioning is more efficient owing to the elevated annealing temperature, which results in the improvement of ductility in the Al-added steel with increased austenite stability.
Assessment of Aspergillus niger Strain’s Suitability for Arsenate-Contaminated Water Treatment and Adsorbent Recycling via Bioextraction in a Laboratory-Scale Experiment
Authors: Duborská Eva , Szabó Kinga , Bujdoš Marek , Vojtková Hana , Littera Pavol , Dobročka Edmund , Kim Hyunjung , Urík Martin
Published: October 2020

In this work, the viability of bioaccumulation and bioextraction processes for arsenic removal from contaminated waters, as well as the recycling of arsenate-treated amorphous ferric oxyhydroxide adsorbent (FeOOH) were evaluated using the common soil microscopic filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger. After treating the contaminated arsenate solution (100 mg As L−1) with FeOOH, the remaining solution was exposed to the growing fungus during a static 19-day cultivation period to further decrease the arsenic concentration. Our data indicated that although the FeOOH adsorbent is suitable for arsenate removal with up to 84% removal efficiency, the fungus was capable of accumulating only up to 13.2% of the remaining arsenic from the culture media. This shows that the fungus A. niger, although highly praised for its application in environmental biotechnology research, was insufficient for decreasing the arsenic contamination to an environmentally acceptable level. However, the bioextraction of arsenic from arsenate-treated FeOOH proved relatively effective for reuse of the adsorbent. Due to its production of acidic metabolites, which decreased pH below 2.7, the fungal strain was capable of removing of up to 98.2% of arsenic from the arsenate-treated FeOOH adsorbent.
Up-Cycling of Iron-Rich Inorganic Waste in Functional Glass-Ceramics
Authors: Rincón Romero Acacio , Desideri Daniele , Boccaccini Aldo , Bernardo Enrico
Published: October 2020

The intensive mechanical stirring of suspensions of recycled glass and inorganic waste powders in ‘weakly alkaline’ aqueous solutions (e.g., 2.5–3 NaOH), followed by viscous flow sintering at 800–1000 °C, easily yields highly porous glass-ceramic foams. The firing determines just the consolidation of powders with concurrent incorporation of pollutants from iron-rich waste, such as fly ash from coal combustion (FA). Engineered mixtures allow for the obtainment of chemically stable foams from treatments in air. Treatments in nitrogen are even more significant since they extend the conditions for stabilization and promote novel functionalities. In addition, the change in the atmosphere favors the formation of magnetite (Fe3O4), in turn enabling ultra-high dielectric permittivity and semiconductivity. Such a condition was further evidenced by preliminary tests on recycled glass combined with residues from the Bayer processing of aluminum ores or red mud (RM).
Mineralogical Record for Stepwise Hydroclimatic Changes in Lake Qinghai Sediments Since the Last Glacial Period
Authors: Song Yougui , Zong Xiulan , Qian Linbo , Liu Huifang , Dong Jibao , Chang Hong , Zhang Mingyu
Published: October 2020

Lake Qinghai is sensitive to climatic changes because of its pivotal location between mid-latitude Westerlies and the low-latitude East Asian monsoon. An 18.6 m long drilling core (1Fs) from Lake Qinghai provides new information on the hydroclimatic dynamics since the last glacial period. Here, we present the results of bulk mineral assemblages of this core. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that the bulk minerals of the core sediments consist of major clastic minerals (e.g., quartz, feldspar, muscovite), carbonates (e.g., calcite, aragonite, dolomite), and minor clay minerals (e.g., chlorite). Quartz as an exogenous detrital mineral in lake sediments, its abundance is related to lake level changes resulting from regional climate changes via fluvial/aeolian transportation. Aragonite was precipitated from water solutions or chemical alteration of pre-existing minerals or biogenic mediation, closely related to lake hydroclimate change. Mineral assemblages revealed remarkable stepwise hydroclimatic changes. High quartz content and low calcite without aragonite suggested a cold-wet climate condition under predominant westerlies during the last glacial period from 35 to 25.3 ka. Afterward, quartz decreased and aragonite occasionally appeared, indicating an unstable hydroclimatic condition during the last deglaciation. Since the Early Holocene (11.9–8.2 ka), predominant minerals shifted from terrigenous quartz to authigenic carbonates, suggesting an increasing lake level, possibly due to intensified Asian summer monsoon with increased effective moisture. Aragonite became the primary carbonate mineral, implying a warming and humid hydroclimate environment with a relatively higher lake-level. During the Middle Holocene (8.2–4.2 ka), aragonite showed a decreasing trend indicating a higher lake level with weak evaporation. During the Late Holocene since 4.2 ka, there were lower quartz and aragonite, suggesting a deep lake with a weak summer monsoon. Our quartz and carbonate minerals record provided essential clues to reconstruct hydroclimate change in Lake Qinghai since the last glacial period.
Carbonatite-Related REE Deposits: An Overview
Authors: Wang Zhen-Yu , Fan Hong-Rui , Zhou Lingli , Yang Kui-Feng , She Hai-Dong
Published: October 2020

The rare earth elements (REEs) have unique and diverse properties that make them function as an “industrial vitamin” and thus, many countries consider them as strategically important resources. China, responsible for more than 60% of the world’s REE production, is one of the REE-rich countries in the world. Most REE (especially light rare earth elements (LREE)) deposits are closely related to carbonatite in China. Such a type of deposit may also contain appreciable amounts of industrially critical metals, such as Nb, Th and Sc. According to the genesis, the carbonatite-related REE deposits can be divided into three types: primary magmatic type, hydrothermal type and carbonatite weathering-crust type. This paper provides an overview of the carbonatite-related endogenetic REE deposits, i.e., primary magmatic type and hydrothermal type. The carbonatite-related endogenetic REE deposits are mainly distributed in continental margin depression or rift belts, e.g., Bayan Obo REE-Nb-Fe deposit, and orogenic belts on the margin of craton such as the Miaoya Nb-REE deposit. The genesis of carbonatite-related endogenetic REE deposits is still debated. It is generally believed that the carbonatite magma is originated from the low-degree partial melting of the mantle. During the evolution process, the carbonatite rocks or dykes rich in REE were formed through the immiscibility of carbonate-silicate magma and fractional crystallization of carbonate minerals from carbonatite magma. The ore-forming elements are mainly sourced from primitive mantle, with possible contribution of crustal materials that carry a large amount of REE. In the magmatic-hydrothermal system, REEs migrate in the form of complexes, and precipitate corresponding to changes of temperature, pressure, pH and composition of the fluids. A simple magmatic evolution process cannot ensure massive enrichment of REE to economic values. Fractional crystallization of carbonate minerals and immiscibility of melts and hydrothermal fluids in the hydrothermal evolution stage play an important role in upgrading the REE mineralization. Future work of experimental petrology will be fundamental to understand the partitioning behaviors of REE in magmatic-hydrothermal system through simulation of the metallogenic geological environment. Applying “comparative metallogeny” methods to investigate both REE fertile and barren carbonatites will enhance the understanding of factors controlling the fertility.
High-Performance Top-Gate Thin-Film Transistor with an Ultra-Thin Channel Layer
Authors: Yen Te Jui , Chin Albert , Gritsenko Vladimir
Published: October 2020

Metal-oxide thin-film transistors (TFTs) have been implanted for a display panel, but further mobility improvement is required for future applications. In this study, excellent performance was observed for top-gate coplanar binary SnO2 TFTs, with a high field-effect mobility (μFE) of 136 cm2/Vs, a large on-current/off-current (ION/IOFF) of 1.5 × 108, and steep subthreshold slopes of 108 mV/dec. Here, μFE represents the maximum among the top-gate TFTs made on an amorphous SiO2 substrate, with a maximum process temperature of ≤ 400 °C. In contrast to a bottom-gate device, a top-gate device is the standard structure for monolithic integrated circuits (ICs). Such a superb device integrity was achieved by using an ultra-thin SnO2 channel layer of 4.5 nm and an HfO2 gate dielectric with a 3 nm SiO2 interfacial layer between the SnO2 and HfO2. The inserted SiO2 layer is crucial for decreasing the charged defect scattering in the HfO2 and HfO2/SnO2 interfaces to increase the mobility. Such high μFE, large ION, and low IOFF top-gate SnO2 devices with a coplanar structure are important for display, dynamic random-access memory, and monolithic three-dimensional ICs.
The Metabolic Effects of Cynara Supplementation in Overweight and Obese Class I Subjects with Newly Detected Impaired Fasting Glycemia: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Rondanelli Mariangela , Riva Antonella , Petrangolini Giovanna , Allegrini Pietro , Bernardinelli Luisa , Fazia Teresa , Peroni Gabriella , Gasparri Clara , Nichetti Mara , Faliva Milena Anna , Naso Maurizio , Perna Simone
Published: October 2020

Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) is a condition that precedes diabetes and increases the risk of developing it. Studies support the hypoglycemic effect of Cynarascolymus (Cs) extracts due to the content of chlorogenic acid, which is a potent inhibitor of glucose 6-phosphate translocase and of dicaffeoylquinic acid derivatives that modulate the activity of alpha-glucosidase. Given this background, we investigated whether a new highly standardized Cs extract could improve glycemic control, insulin sensitivity and other metabolic parameters (total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) Triglycerides, Apolipo protein B (ApoB), Apolipo protein A (ApoA), waist circumference, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in overweight subjects with newly diagnosed IFG. Fifty-four subjects (females/males 26/28, mean ± SD age 51.5 ± 6.2) were randomly assigned to the supplemented group (n = 27) and placebo (n = 27). After multiple testing correction, statistically significant interactions between time and group were observed for the primary endpoint glycemia (β = 0.36, p < 0.0001) and for the secondary endpoints HDL (β = −0.10, p < 0.0001), total cholesterol/HDL (β = 0.27, p < 0.0001), LDL (β = 0.15, p = 0.005), LDL/HDL (β = 0.23, p = 0.001), insulin (β = 1.28, p = 0.04), glycated hemoglobin (β = 0.21, p = 0.0002), A1c-derived average glucose (β = 0.34, p = 0.0002), ApoB (β = 6.00, p = 0.01), ApoA (β = −4.50, p = 0.04), ApoB/ApoA (β = 0.08, p = 0.003), waist circumference (β = 1.89, p = 0.05), VATβ = 222.37, p = 0.005). In conclusion, these results confirm that Cs supplementation has a significant effect on metabolic parameters in IFG patients.
Impact of Physical Activity and Weight Loss on Fat Mass, Glucose Metabolism, and Inflammation in Older African Americans with Osteoarthritis
Authors: McLeod Andrew , Schiffer Linda , Castellanos Karla , DeMott Andrew , Olender Sarah , Fitzgibbon Marian , Hughes Susan , Fantuzzi Giamila , Tussing-Humphreys Lisa
Published: October 2020

(1) Background: There are currently very few interventions performed within a community setting that compare the effects of physical activity (PA) versus PA plus weight loss on cancer and chronic disease risk in older African Americans. Therefore, we investigated the impact of an 8 week (24 session) PA intervention compared to a PA plus weight loss intervention on fat mass, glucose metabolism, and markers of inflammation in older, overweight and obese African Americans. (2) Methods: Subjects were randomized to a PA (n = 83) or PA plus weight loss (n = 72) intervention that met three times weekly for 8 weeks. At baseline and post-intervention, anthropometrics, body composition, systemic inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin 6), fasting glucose, insulin and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were determined. (3) Results: Subjects had a mean age of 67 years (SD = 5.3) and were mostly women (88%). The PA plus weight loss group lost more total and visceral fat than the PA group (−4.0% vs. +0.6% and −4.1% vs. +3.7%, respectively, p < 0.01 for both). Changes in inflammation and glucose metabolism were similar between groups post-intervention. Within the PA plus weight loss group only, serum insulin and HOMA-IR decreased significantly. (4) Conclusions: PA combined with weight loss can decrease total and visceral fat mass and improve insulin sensitivity, confirming that these cancer- and chronic disease-related risk factors are influenced by relatively modest lifestyle changes in the short term.
Role of Kinins in Hypertension and Heart Failure
Authors: Hamid Suhail , Rhaleb Imane A. , Kassem Kamal M. , Rhaleb Nour-Eddine
Published: October 2020

The kallikrein–kinin system (KKS) is proposed to act as a counter regulatory system against the vasopressor hormonal systems such as the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), aldosterone, and catecholamines. Evidence exists that supports the idea that the KKS is not only critical to blood pressure but may also oppose target organ damage. Kinins are generated from kininogens by tissue and plasma kallikreins. The putative role of kinins in the pathogenesis of hypertension is discussed based on human mutation cases on the KKS or rats with spontaneous mutation in the kininogen gene sequence and mouse models in which the gene expressing only one of the components of the KKS has been deleted or over-expressed. Some of the effects of kinins are mediated via activation of the B2 and/or B1 receptor and downstream signaling such as eicosanoids, nitric oxide (NO), endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) and/or tissue plasminogen activator (T-PA). The role of kinins in blood pressure regulation at normal or under hypertension conditions remains debatable due to contradictory reports from various laboratories. Nevertheless, published reports are consistent on the protective and mediating roles of kinins against ischemia and cardiac preconditioning; reports also demonstrate the roles of kinins in the cardiovascular protective effects of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs).
Pirfenidone and Vitamin D Ameliorate Cardiac Fibrosis Induced by Doxorubicin in Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma Bearing Mice: Modulation of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 and Jun N-terminal Kinase-1 Pathways
Authors: Saleh Mohamed A. , Antar Samar A. , Hazem Reem M. , El-Azab Mona F.
Published: October 2020

Treatment of breast cancer with doxorubicin causes numerous side effects, of which cardiac fibrosis is considered the main one. This study was designed to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms for the potential anti-fibrotic effect of pirfenidone and vitamin D against doxorubicin-induced cardiac fibrosis. Seventy mice carrying solid Ehrlich’s ascites carcinoma (EAC) discs on the ventral side were treated with orally administered pirfenidone (500 mg/kg) and intraperitoneal injection of vitamin D (0.5 µg/kg) either individually or in combination with a doxorubicin (15 mg/kg; i.p.) single dose. All treatments commenced one week post-tumor inoculation and continued for 14 days. Compared to control EAC mice, the doxorubicin group showed a significant increase in heart and left ventricle weights, troponin T, and creatinine kinase serum levels. Furthermore, the doxorubicin group depicts a high expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), smad3, Jun N-terminal Kinase-1 (JNK1), and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Treatment with pirfenidone or vitamin D significantly decreased all of these parameters. Furthermore, the expression of smad7 was downregulated by doxorubicin and improved by pirfenidone or vitamin D. Furthermore, all treated groups showed a marked decrease in tumor weight and volume. Current data demonstrate that pirfenidone and vitamin D represent an attractive approach to ameliorate the cardiac fibrosis produced by doxorubicin through inhibiting both JNK1 signaling and MCP-1 inflammatory pathways, thus preserving heart function. Further, this combination demonstrated an anti-tumor effect to combat breast cancer.
Framing the Mother Tac: The Racialised, Sexualised and Gendered Politics of Modern Slavery in Australia
Authors: Macioti P. G. , Aroney Eurydice , Bennachie Calum , Fehrenbacher Anne E. , Giametta Calogero , Hoefinger Heidi , Mai Nicola , Musto Jennifer
Published: October 2020

Centred on the slavery trial “Crown vs. Rungnapha Kanbut” heard in Sydney, New South Wales, between 10 April and 15 May 2019, this article seeks to frame the figure of the “Mother Tac” or the “mother of contract”, also called “mama tac” or “mae tac”—a term used amongst Thai migrants to describe a woman who hosts, collects debts from, and organises work for Thai migrant sex workers in their destination country. It proposes that this largely unexplored figure has come to assume a disproportionate role in the “modern slavery” approach to human trafficking, with its emphasis on absolute victims and individual offenders. The harms suffered by Kanbut’s victims are put into context by referring to existing literature on women accused of trafficking; interviews with Thai migrant sex workers, including Kanbut’s primary victim, and with members from the Australian Federal Police Human Trafficking Unit; and ethnographic field notes. The article unveils how constructions of both victim and offender, as well as definitions of slavery, are racialised, gendered, and sexualised and rely on the victims’ subjective accounts of bounded exploitation. By documenting these and other limitations involved in a criminal justice approach, the authors reveal its shortfalls. For instance, while harsh sentences are meant as a deterrence to others, the complex and structural roots of migrant labour exploitation remain unaffected. This research finds that improved legal migration pathways, the decriminalisation of the sex industry, and improved access to information and support for migrant sex workers are key to reducing heavier forms of labour exploitation, including human trafficking, in the Australian sex industry.
Asymptotic Justification of Models of Plates Containing Inside Hard Thin Inclusions
Authors: Rudoy Evgeny
Published: October 2020

An equilibrium problem of the Kirchhoff–Love plate containing a nonhomogeneous inclusion is considered. It is assumed that elastic properties of the inclusion depend on a small parameter characterizing the width of the inclusion ε as εN with N<1. The passage to the limit as the parameter ε tends to zero is justified, and an asymptotic model of a plate containing a thin inhomogeneous hard inclusion is constructed. It is shown that there exists two types of thin inclusions: rigid inclusion (N<−1) and elastic inclusion (N=−1). The inhomogeneity disappears in the case of N∈(−1,1).
Validation of a Novel ELISA for the Diagnosis of Hemorrhagic Septicemia in Dairy Cattle from Thailand Using a Bayesian Approach
Authors: Singhla Tawatchai , Tankaew Pallop , Sthitmatee Nattawooti
Published: October 2020

The objective of this study was to estimate sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of a novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test (using a coating antigen from Pasteurella multocida M-1404 via heat extraction) and an indirect hemagglutination (IHA) test for detection of Hemorrhagic septicemia (HS) in dairy cows, under Thai conditions, using a Bayesian approach. Dairy cow sera with a total of 1236 samples from 44 farms were tested with the two tests to detect immune responses against the HS. Percentages of positive samples for the ELISA and IHA tests were 73% (901/1236) and 70% (860/1236), respectively. Estimated sensitivity and estimated specificity of the ELISA test were 90.5% (95% posterior probability interval (PPI) = 83.2–95.4%) and 70.8% (95% PPI = 60.8–79.8%), respectively. Additionally, estimates for the Se and Sp values of the IHA test were 77.0% (95% PPI = 70.8–84.1%) and 51.1% (PPI = 36.8–66.3%), respectively. The estimated prevalence of the disease was 71.7% (95% PPI = 62.7–82.6%). These results demonstrate that the ELISA test can be a useful tool for the detection of the presence of an antibody against the HS in dairy cows. Notably, the cows in this area indicated a high percentage of exposure to Pasteurella multocida.
The influence of the nutrient medium composition on the induction of calluso- and morphogenesis of Melissa officinalis L.
Authors:   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Yakimova O.V. , Yegorova N.A. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea
Published: October 2020

The features of the calluso- and morphogenesis induction during the cultivation of tissues and organs of Melissa officinalis depending on endogenous and exogenous factors were revealed. The maximum frequency of callus induction (59.5–92.9 %) was noted on the MS medium with 1.0 mg/l 2.4-D and 0.5 mg/l BAP. The induction of morphogenesis from callus was influenced by the composition of the culture medium, the explant type and cultivar. The maximum frequency of morphogenesis induction (20.0–28.0 % depending on the cultivar) from callus was noted on MS culture medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L NAA and 0.5 mg/L BAP or 1.0 mg/L NAA and 0.5 mg L TDZ.
Justification of the parameters of the stable course in depth at vibration exposure of the working body to the soil
Authors:   Academy of Bioresources and Environmental Management (Academic Unit) of V. I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Babitsky L.F. , Kuklin V.A. ,   Academy of Bioresources and Environmental Management (Academic Unit) of V. I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University
Published: October 2020

The aim of the research is to substantiate the parameters of the stable stroke along the depth of the vibrating tillage working bodies on spring struts. The article proposes an elastic-viscous rheological model of the soil and provides a theoretical justification for the parameters of the stable course along the depth of the vibrating working bodies on spring struts. The resulting expression includes agrotechnological and structural parameters, as well as physical and mechanical properties of the soil.
Assessment of the state of agroecosystems using digital technologies
Authors:   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Barbotkina E.S. , Dunaieva Ie.A. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea
Published: October 2020

The aim of the work is to form a database of economic, social and environmental characteristics of rural settlements for further use in calculating integral indicators using new approaches that will characterize the state of rural areas in modern conditions.
Real-time agricultural technology management
Authors:   Agrophysical Research Institute, Mikhailenko I.M. , Malygin V.D. ,   Agrophysical Research Institute
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we consider the task of real-time control of agricultural technologies, using which the optimal control programs are refined by the fact that the real values of the meteorological parameters deviate from the calculated values; disturbances in the parameters of all the mathematical models used are compensated. The most important real-time control function is the spatial correction of control programs according to the actual state of crops and soil environment estimated according to the data of remote sensing of the Earth.
The use of automated weather stations in agriculture
Authors:   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Filina Ya.A.
Published: October 2020

The article is devoted to the use of local weather stations in agriculture. The set of automated meteorological stations and sensors for monitoring the state of agricultural crops is considered. The advantages and disadvantages of their use are highlighted. Some examples of data processing and storage are given.
Use of gene recombination to develop hybrids with a mid-oleic type of oil
Authors:   Federal scientific center ", Chebanova Yu.V. ,   V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil crops", Borisenko O.M. ,   Federal scientific center "V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil crops", Demurin Ya.N. ,   Federal scientific center "V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil crops"
Published: October 2020

An analysis of the fatty acid profile of oilseed of 28 sunflower hybrids obtained by crossing lines from different phenotypic classes according to the content of oleic acid was made. The possibility of producing mid-oleic oil in commodity sunflower seeds by the segregation method by recombining genes based on the selection of pairs of parental lines has been experimentally proved.