A technique to estimate the relative gains, tuning phases, and RE phase shifts of the elements of a phased-array radar

An in-situ technique to estimate the following parameters of a phased-array antenna is described: 1) the relative array-element excitation voltages, 2) the array-element tuning phases, and 3) the RF phase shifts at the array elements. This technique has several significant features. First, it involves the use of two auxiliary antennas. One is a remote continuous wave (CW) source directed at the phased-array antenna. The other is a passive antenna mounted close to the phased-array antenna. Its output is used to produce a reference phase for phase measurements. Second, it contains a technique to reduce the errors in phase estimates. Third, it takes note that beam steering uses phase sums of the form (phi_{k} + beta_{kl}), wherephi_{k}is the tuning phase for thekth array elemenet andbeta_{kl}, is an RF phase shift of the array element, and pays special attention to reduce the errors associated with the estimates of these sums. Fourth, it assumes the use of a reasonably stable and strong CW source of commerically available quality. No other assumptions are made. Experimental results obtained with a 295-elementS-band space-fed phased-array antenna are given.     

Three-dimensional core-shell hybrid solar cells via controlled in situ materials engineering

Three-dimensional core-shell organic-inorganic hybrid solar cells with tunable properties are demonstrated via electropolymerization. Air-stable poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) shells with controlled thicknesses are rapidly coated onto periodic GaAs nanopillar arrays conformally, preserving the vertical 3D structure. The properties of the organic layer can be readily tuned in situ, allowing for (1) the lowering of the highest occupied molecular orbital level (|ΔE| ～ 0.28 eV), leading to the increase of open-circuit voltage (V(OC)), and (2) an improvement in PEDOT conductivity that results in enhanced short-circuit current densities (J(SC)). The incorporation of various anionic dopants in the polymer during the coating process also enables the tailoring of the polymer/semiconductor interface transport properties. Systematic tuning of the device properties results in a J(SC) of 13.6 mA cm(-2), V(OC) of 0.63 V, peak external quantum efficiency of 58.5%, leading to a power conversion efficiencies of 4.11%.     

Effect of steam cooking on distribution of paralytic shellfish toxins in different tissue compartments of scallops Patinopecten yessoensis

This study investigated the effect of steam cooking on distribution of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins (PSP-toxins) in scallops Patinopecten yessoensis. Toxins analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography showed that most of the PSP-toxins (>70%) were accumulated in viscera and adductor muscle of the raw scallops. Steam cooking induced significant loss (p < 0.05) of PSP-toxins from viscera (16%), adductor muscle (24%), gill and mantle (11%) while 32% of the toxins were retained inside viscera and adductor muscle. Overall, 51% of PSP-toxins leaked out from scallop tissues during steam cooking. However, there was no significant loss (p > 0.05) of PSP-toxins from gonad. Consumption of viscera was the most significant risk factor for causing PSP, while gonad and scallop soup were the second most significant. A rapid PSP test further verified detectable levels of PSP-toxins in all samples. However, possible interfering substance(s) in adductor muscles and gonads might potentially affect the results from this test.     

Responses and physiological modifications of intestinal sucrase in rats fed diets containing various carbohydrates

Weaning rats were submitted during 3 months to complet and balanced diets where only glucidic constituent varied. They were sacrified when fed or after 16 h fasting. 1. The value of intestinal sucrose K(M) is higher in rats fed on glucose dietary than in rats fed on sucrose, fructose or glucose + fructose dietary. These modifications are independant of the states of digestion. 2. The V(MAX) is diversely influenced by the states of digestion: hydric diet increases the V(MAX) in animals fed on sucrose diet when intestinal repletion has the same effect in animals receiving glucose diet. Fructose diet decreases it irreversibility in both cases. 3. Growth of animals is sagging respectively in order from sucrose and glucose diets to glucose + fructose and fructose diets, then weight of organes is unaffected. It was noted that perirenal and epididymal fats are more abundant in rats nourished with glucose diet than with fructose diet. 4. The glucoregulation is correctly effectued in either starved or fed animals and shows an available adaptation of organism in energetic utilisation of various studied sugars. Plasmatic, hepatis and intestinal free fatty acids levels are constant and equal in all series of expements in spite of important variations of reverse fat.     

Body weight management effect of burdock (Arctium lappa L.) root is associated with the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase in human HepG2 cells

Burdock (Arcticum lappa L.) root is used in folk medicine and also as a vegetable in Asian countries. In the present study, burdock root treatment significantly reduced body weight in rats. To evaluate the bioactive compounds, we successively extracted the burdock root with ethanol (AL-1), and fractionated it with n-hexane (AL-2), ethyl acetate (AL-3), n-butanol (AL-4), and water (AL-5). Among these fractions, AL-2 contained components with the most effective hypolipidemic potential in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. AL-2 decreased the expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN) and inhibited the activity of acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) by stimulating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) through the LKB1 pathway. Three active compounds were identified from the AL-2, namely α-linolenic acid, methyl α-linolenate, and methyl oleate. These results suggest that burdock root is expected to be useful for body weight management.     

Antrodia camphorata ameliorates high-fat-diet induced hepatic steatosis via improving lipid metabolism and antioxidative status

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) commonly results from excessive dietary fat intake which characterized by obesity and insulin resistance. Wild fruiting body of Antrodia camphorata (AC) was assayed for alleviative effects on NAFLD. An NAFLD animal model was successfully established in male 7-week-old C57BL/6 mice fed with high-fat diet (HFD) for 36 weeks. The HFD mice exhibited obese and impaired glucose metabolism. After an induction of NAFLD syndrome, AC was given for one week via gavage. Mice with AC treatment showed lowered (p < 0.05) serum TG and TC, lowered (p < 0.05) liver TG content, improved (p < 0.05) oxidative status (TBARS values and GSH levels), and ameliorated (p < 0.05) liver damage (AST, ALT, and LDH values). In addition, AC activated (p < 0.05) gene expressions of PPAR-α with its downstream genes in the liver and caused higher (p < 0.05) rectal temperature, which showed AC attenuates hepatic lipid accumulation by promoting lipid oxidation and further suggests the role of AC in energy expenditure. Overall, our findings revealed that AC possesses alleviative effect on NAFLD.     

益生菌调节肠道菌群改善功能性消化不良研究进展

功能性消化不良(FD)作为功能性胃肠道疾病的一种,其发病机制尚未明晰。研究表明,胃肠道区系微生物紊乱可能是FD发病的主要机制之一。目前治疗功能性消化不良的方法有限,并存在安全性问题。益生菌是一类一定剂量条件下可以调控胃肠道稳态、营养物质消化吸收及机体能量平衡的活性微生物。以肠道微生物为靶点,通过益生菌调节肠道菌群缓解FD有其潜在优势。本文总结益生菌通过调节肠道菌群改善功能性消化不良的研究进展,为益生菌改善消化不良提供参考依据。     

Physical,mechanical and thermal properties of cross laminated timber made with coconut wood

European Journal of Wood and Wood Products - The fundamental material properties of coconut wood cross-laminated timber (CLT) were experimentally evaluated with a focus on the effect of the...