bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal control policies for an inventory system with commitment lead time
Authors: Ahmadi Taher , Atan Zümbül , de Kok Ton , Adan Ivo
Published: March 2019

We consider a firm which faces a Poisson customer demand and uses a base‐stock policy to replenish its inventories from an outside supplier with a fixed lead time. The firm can use a preorder strategy which allows the customers to place their orders before their actual need. The time from a customer's order until the date a product is actually needed is called commitment lead time. The firm pays a commitment cost which is strictly increasing and convex in the length of the commitment lead time. For such a system, we prove the optimality of bang‐bang and all‐or‐nothing policies for the commitment lead time and the base‐stock policy, respectively. We study the case where the commitment cost is linear in the length of the commitment lead time in detail. We show that there exists a unit commitment cost threshold which dictates the optimality of either a buy‐to‐order (BTO) or a buy‐to‐stock strategy. The unit commitment cost threshold is increasing in the unit holding and backordering costs and decreasing in the mean lead time demand. We determine the conditions on the unit commitment cost for profitability of the BTO strategy and study the case with a compound Poisson customer demand.
Solving the general joint block diagonalization problem via linearly independent eigenvectors of a matrix polynomial
Authors: Cai Yunfeng , Cheng Guanghui , Shi Decai
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we consider the exact/approximate general joint block diagonalization (GJBD) problem of a matrix set
( p ≥ 1), where a nonsingular matrix W (often referred to as a diagonalizer) needs to be found such that the matrices W HAiW 's are all exactly/approximately block‐diagonal matrices with as many diagonal blocks as possible. We show that the diagonalizer of the exact GJBD problem can be given by W = [x1,x2,…,xn]Π, where Π is a permutation matrix and xi's are eigenvectors of the matrix polynomial
, satisfying that [x1,x2,…,xn] is nonsingular and where the geometric multiplicity of each λi corresponding with xi is equal to 1. In addition, the equivalence of all solutions to the exact GJBD problem is established. Moreover, a theoretical proof is given to show why the approximate GJBD problem can be solved similarly to the exact GJBD problem. Based on the theoretical results, a three‐stage method is proposed, and numerical results show the merits of the method.
Factors associated with patients’ and companions’ satisfaction with a hospital emergency department: A descriptive, cross‐sectional study
Authors: Fontova-Almató Aurora , Suñer‐Soler Rosa , Juvinyà‐Canal Dolors
Published: March 2019

Aim

The aim was to study the level of satisfaction with an emergency department and to identify the factors associated with satisfaction.

Design

This research consisted of a descriptive, cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The study population was composed of patients and companions who visited the emergency department during a three‐month period. The patients were selected randomly from the register of visits to the emergency department during the period of study. Sociodemographic variables and variables related to the attention received were studied through questionnaires (response rate 33%).

Results

Older age was associated with greater satisfaction (p = 0.002), as was female sex (p = 0.013) and greater optimism (p < 0.001). Greater control of pain was a factor associated with satisfaction (p = 0.033), as was the perception of a shorter waiting time before the medical visit (p < 0.001).
A novel variable‐order fractional nonlinear Klein Gordon model: A numerical approach
Authors: Sweilam Nasser H. , Al‐Mekhlafi Seham M. , Albalawi Anan O.
Published: March 2019

In this article, a novel variable order fractional nonlinear Klein Gordon model is presented where the variable‐order fractional derivative is defined in the Caputo sense. The merit of nonstandard numerical techniques is extended here and we present the weighted average nonstandard finite difference method to study numerically the proposed model. Special attention is paid to study the convergence and to the stability analysis of the numerical technique. Moreover, the truncation error is analyzed. Three test examples are provided. Comparative studies are done between the used numerical technique and the weighted average finite difference method. It is found that the stability regions are larger by using the weighted average nonstandard finite difference method.
Dendrimer‐Encapsulated Pd Nanoparticles, Immobilized in Silica Pores, as Catalysts for Selective Hydrogenation of Unsaturated Compounds
Authors: Karakanov Edward A. , Zolotukhina Anna V. , Ivanov Andrey O. , Maximov Anton L.
Published: March 2019

Heterogeneous Pd‐containing nanocatalysts, based on poly (propylene imine) dendrimers immobilized in silica pores and networks, obtained by co‐hydrolysis in situ, have been synthesized and examined in the hydrogenation of various unsaturated compounds. The catalyst activity and selectivity were found to strongly depend on the carrier structure as well as on the substrate electron and geometric features. Thus, mesoporous catalyst, synthesized in presence of both polymeric template and tetraethoxysilane, revealed the maximum activity in the hydrogenation of various styrenes, including bulky and rigid stilbene and its isomers, reaching TOF values of about 230000 h−1. Other mesoporous catalyst, synthesized in the presence of polymeric template, but without addition of Si(OEt)4, provided the trans‐cyclooctene formation with the selectivity of 90–95 %, appearing as similar to homogeneous dendrimer‐based catalysts. Microporous catalyst, obtained only on the presence of Si(OEt)4, while dendrimer molecules acting as both anchored ligands and template, demonstrated the maximum activity in the hydrogenation of terminal linear alkynes and conjugated dienes, reaching TOF values up to 400000 h−1. Herein the total selectivity on alkene in the case of terminal alkynes and conjugated dienes reached 95–99 % even at hydrogen pressure of 30 atm. The catalysts synthesized can be easily isolated from reaction products and recycled without significant loss of activity.
Tips and Tricks for the Surface Engineering of Well‐Ordered Morphologically Driven Silver‐Based Nanomaterials
Authors: Nisticò Roberto , Rivolo Paola , Giorgis Fabrizio
Published: March 2019

Particularly‐shaped silver nanostructures are successfully applied in many scientific fields, such as nanotechnology, catalysis, (nano)engineering, optoelectronics, and sensing. In recent years, the production of shape‐controlled silver‐based nanostructures and the knowledge around this topic has grown significantly. Hence, on the basis of the most recent results reported in the literature, a critical analysis around the driving forces behind the synthesis of such nanostructures are proposed herein, pointing out the important role of surface‐regulating agents in driving crystalline growth by favoring (or opposing) development along specific directions. Additionally, growth mechanisms of the different morphologies considered here are discussed in depth, and critical points highlighted.
Pressure‐Induced Formation of Quaternary Compound and In−N Distribution in InGaAsN Zincblende from Ab Initio Calculation
Authors: Pluengphon Prayoonsak , Wanarattikan Pornsiri , Bovornratanaraks Thiti , Inceesungvorn Burapat
Published: March 2019

We present the effects of In−N distribution and high pressure on the zincblende phase (0–5 GPa) of InxGa1−xAs0.963N0.037 (x=0.074, 0.111 and 0.148). Structural, electronic, and optical properties are analyzed, and it is found that non‐isotropic distribution of In−N (type C) possesses the minimum free energy for the InGaAsN conventional cell system. An increasing indium content reduces the formation enthalpy of InGaAsN. The formation enthalpy, conduction band minimum, strength of covalent bonds, and electron density differences in free space of InGaAsN are decreased under high‐pressure conditions. The dielectric performance and static permittivity of InGaAsN are lower than that of GaAs, for which the dielectric performance transforms to conductor performance at high frequency. The optimum photoabsorption coefficient is found at the composition of In0.111Ga0.889As0.963N0.037 (3In−N), which very well relates to the literature.
Surface functionalization of cyclic olefin copolymer by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition using atmospheric pressure plasma jet for microfluidic applications
Authors: Bourg Samantha , Griveau Sophie , d'Orlyé Fanny , Tatoulian Michael , Bedioui Fethi , Guyon Cédric , Varenne Anne
Published: March 2019

Lab‐On‐A‐Chips promise solutions for high throughput and specific analysis for environmental and health applications, with the challenge to develop materials allowing fast, easy, and cheap microfabrication and efficient surface treatment. Cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) is a promising thermoplastic, easily microfabricated for both rapid prototyping and low‐cost mass production of microfluidic devices but still needing efficient surface modification strategies. This study reports for the first time the optimization of an easy COC silica coating process by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition at atmospheric pressure with plasma jet and tetraethylorthosilicate as precursor, leading to a 158 ± 7 nm thickness and a 14‐day‐stability of hydrophilic properties for a COC‐embedded microchannel (100 µm), paving the way for a simplified and controlled COC surface modification.
Postnatal gene expression of airway epithelial sodium transporters associated with birth stress in humans
Authors: Süvari Liina , Janér Cecilia , Helve Otto , Kaskinen Anu , Turpeinen Ursula , Pitkänen‐Argillander Olli , Andersson Sture
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Lung fluid clearance is essential for successful postnatal pulmonary adaptation. The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) and Na‐K‐ATPase, induced by serum‐ and glucocorticoid‐inducible kinase 1 (SGK1) as well as aquaporins (AQP), represent key players in the switch from fetal lung fluid secretion to absorption and in early postnatal lung fluid balance. Birth stress, including a surge in catecholamines, promotes pulmonary adaptation, likely through the augmentation of epithelial sodium reabsorption.

Objectives

We sought to determine the changes in the airway gene expression of molecules vital to epithelial sodium transport during early pulmonary adaptation, and the association with birth stress reflected in the norepinephrine concentration in the cord blood in humans.

Methods

We included 70 term newborns: 28 born via vaginal delivery and 42 via elective cesarean section. We determined the norepinephrine concentrations in the cord blood using tandem mass spectrometry and collected nasal epithelial cell samples at 2 min, 1 h, and 24 h postnatally to quantify ENaC, Na‐K‐ATPase, AQP5, and SGK1 mRNAs using RT‐PCR.

Results

The molecular gene expression involved in airway epithelium sodium transport changed markedly within the first hour postnatally. Newborns born via elective cesarean section exhibited a lower expression of ENaC, Na‐K‐ATPase, and SGK1. Significant correlations existed between the expressions of ENaC, Na‐K‐ATPase, and SGK1, and the concentration of norepinephrine in the cord blood.

Conclusions

The association of ENaC, Na‐K‐ATPase, and SGK1 expression with the cord blood norepinephrine concentration points to the importance of birth stress in promoting lung fluid clearance during early postnatal pulmonary adaptation.
Glutathione transferase plays a major role in flufenacet resistance of ryegrass (Lolium spp.) field populations
Authors: Dücker Rebecka , Zöllner Peter , Lümmen Peter , Ries Susanne , Collavo Alberto , Beffa Roland
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

Herbicides inhibiting the synthesis of very long‐chain fatty acids (HRAC group K3, WSSA group 15), such as flufenacet, play an important role in weed management strategies, particularly when herbicide resistance to inhibitors with other modes of action, such as acetolactate synthase or acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase), has already evolved. So far, only a few cases of resistance towards inhibitors of the synthesis of very long‐chain fatty acids have been described. In this study, we characterized the level of flufenacet resistance in several Lolium spp. field populations and investigated the resistance mechanism.

RESULTS

The screening for flufenacet resistance revealed the ability of Lolium spp. populations from several continents to survive flufenacet treatments at and above the field rate. This study demonstrates the way in which flufenacet is detoxified in resistant weed populations. Glutathione was found to be conjugated to flufenacet in Lolium spp. seedlings, and there was evidence that glutathione transferase activity was enhanced in protein extracts from flufenacet‐resistant seedlings. A significant correlation was found between the resistance factor obtained by biotests and the degradation half‐time of flufenacet in ryegrass plants obtained by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

CONCLUSION

At present, flufenacet resistance is not widespread; however, in certain Lolium spp. populations resistance levels could reach agronomic relevance due to detoxification by glutathione transferases. In Europe especially, only a few herbicide modes of action are registered for the control of Lolium spp. and therefore it is becoming increasingly important to apply best management practices to prevent the spread of flufenacet resistance. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Anisotropy of Selected Mechanical Properties of PbTe
Authors: Adamiak Stanisław , Łusakowska Elżbieta , Dynowska Elżbieta , Minikayev Roman , Dziawa Piotr , Szczerbakow Andrzej , Szuszkiewicz Wojciech
Published: March 2019

Selected mechanical properties are investigated for single PbTe crystals using the nanoindentation method. A few values of maximum load from 5 to 50 mN were selected for the measurements using the Berkovich form of the indenter. The nanohardness and Young's modulus for (100), (110), and (111)‐oriented planes are determined for the bulk crystal grown by self‐selecting vapor growth (SSVG) and characterized by X‐ray diffraction. The values of nanohardness and Young's modulus for a thick, MBE‐grown, (111)‐oriented PbTe layer deposited onto BaF2 substrate obtained for the comparison, using maximum load from 1 to 20 mN, indicate a difference between the mechanical properties of bulk crystal and thick MBE‐grown layer of the same material. The results suggest a much higher nanohardness value of the MBE‐grown layer than that of the bulk crystal. The values resulting from all measurements are compared with those given by theoretical predictions and a few existing experimental data.
On the properties of ensemble forecast sensitivity to observations
Authors: Kotsuki Shunji , Kurosawa Kenta , Miyoshi Takemasa
Published: March 2019

Evaluating impacts of observations on the skill of numerical weather prediction (NWP) is important. The Ensemble Forecast Sensitivity to Observation (EFSO) provides an efficient approach to diagnosing observation impacts, quantifying how much each observation improves or degrades a subsequent forecast with a given verification reference. This study investigates the sensitivity of EFSO impact estimates to the choice of the verification reference, using a global NWP system consisting of the Non‐hydrostatic Icosahedral Atmospheric Model (NICAM) and the Local Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter (LETKF). The EFSO evaluates observation impacts with the moist total energy norm and with recently proposed observation‐based verification metrics. The results show that each type of observation mainly contributes to the improvement of forecast departures of the observed variable maybe due to the limitation of localization in the EFSO. The EFSO overestimates the fraction of beneficial observations when verified with subsequent analyses, especially for shorter lead times such as 6 h. We may avoid this overestimation to some extent by verifying with observations, analyses from other data assimilation (DA) systems, or analyses of an independent run with the same DA system. In addition, this study demonstrates two important issues possibly leading to overestimating observation impacts. First, observation impacts would be overestimated if we apply relaxation‐to‐prior methods to the initial conditions of the ensemble forecasts in the EFSO; therefore, the ensemble forecasts in the EFSO should be independent of the ensemble forecasts in the DA cycle. Second, deterministic baseline forecasts of the EFSO, which represent the forecast without DA, should be initialized by the ensemble mean of the first guess at the analysis time, not by the previous analysis.
Relativistic corrections to the electric field gradient given by linear response elimination of the small component formalism
Authors: Melo Juan I. , Maldonado Alejandro F.
Published: March 2019

This article is concerned with the analysis of relativistic corrections to the electric field gradients (EFGs) via the linear response elimination of the small component scheme (LRESC). Originally developed for magnetic shielding constant, LRESC has been applied in many molecular properties and presented in this work describing EFG for the first time. Within LRESC we obtain relativistic corrections to EFG in terms of 1/c (the speed of light) formally showing that, up to first order (1/c2), there are no virtual pair contributions; recovering the so‐called “no‐pair” approximation. Virtual pair contributions and triplet corrections arise at second order (1/c4). To assess the LRESC description of EFGs at Hartree‐Fock and DFT levels, we applied it to a simple heavy atom containing set of benchmark molecular systems, HX (X = F, Cl, Br, I, and At), and to linear HgX2 (X = Cl, Br, and I) molecules. Fully relativistic four‐component calculations were also done and taken as reference. The most important relativistic correction given by LRESC is a Mass‐velocity related contribution (ΔMv) which represents close to 80% of the nonrelativistic result for At in HAt molecule. For Hg in HgX2 molecular systems, ΔMv is also the most important correction representing close to 60% of the nonrelativistic part. We also describe the overall behavior of LRESC corrections in HgX2 molecules showing low varying results when the weight of the halogen, X, increases. In this kind of molecular system, correlation effects appear in combination to relativity, making them a challenging group to be studied. LRESC results are in very good agreement with previous results for halogen halides, but it shows a need of inclusion of higher order contributions, beyond 1/c2, when applied to Hg in HgX2 set, although LRESC describes accurately At atom, heavier than Hg.
Interest rate level and stock return predictability
Authors: Yi Yongsheng , Ma Feng , Huang Dengshi , Zhang Yaojie
Published: March 2019

We employ a novel interest rate‐determined model‐switching strategy to forecast stock returns and find persistent predictive ability among a number of economic fundamentals. This strategy switches predictive models based on whether a real‐time interest rate is higher than the mean level interest rate of a look‐back period. The robustly better predictive ability of the new strategy relative to the original OLS regressions suggests that stock returns react more rationally to the variation in economic fundamentals if the contemporaneous interest rates are high. This pattern is consistent with prior literature demonstrating that a high interest rate attenuates speculative demand (Keynes, The general theory of employment, interest, and money, Harcourt Brace, London, 1936), while speculative trading drives stock prices away from their valuation founded on economic fundamentals (Scheinkman & Xiong, Journal of Political Economy, 111, 1183, 2003).
Full Gamut Wall Tunability from Persistent Micelle Templates via Ex Situ Hydrolysis
Authors: Lantz Kayla A. , Clamp Nicholas Blake , van den Bergh Wessel , Sarkar Amrita , Stefik Morgan
Published: March 2019

The predictive self‐assembly of tunable nanostructures is of great utility for broad nanomaterial investigations and applications. The use of equilibrium‐based approaches however prevents independent feature size control. Kinetic‐controlled methods such as persistent micelle templates (PMTs) overcome this limitation and maintain constant pore size by imposing a large thermodynamic barrier to chain exchange. Thus, the wall thickness is independently adjusted via addition of material precursors to PMTs. Prior PMT demonstrations added water‐reactive material precursors directly to aqueous micelle solutions. That approach depletes the thermodynamic barrier to chain exchange and thus limits the amount of material added under PMT‐control. Here, an ex situ hydrolysis method is developed for TiO2that mitigates this depletion of water and nearly decouples materials chemistry from micelle control. This enables the widest reported PMT range (M:T = 1.6–4.0), spanning the gamut from sparse walls to nearly isolated pores with ≈2 Å precision adjustment. This high‐resolution nanomaterial series exhibits monotonic trends where PMT confinement within increasing wall‐thickness leads to larger crystallites and an increasing extent of lithiation, reaching Li0.66TiO2. The increasing extent of lithiation with increasing anatase crystallite dimensions is attributed to the size‐dependent strain mismatch of anatase and bronze polymorph mixtures.
Monitoring the software bug‐fixing process through the process mining approach
Authors: Özdağoğlu Güzin , Kavuncubaşı Ece
Published: March 2019

In the era of information technology, businesses have changed the way they work. Operations, which have become digitalized and managed via software systems, have increased in competitiveness. Software developers have been forced to design and implement their quality standards products by focusing on process‐oriented management. Software quality aims to gain a high‐performance level in the both development and managerial processes to maintain continuous improvements. Continuous improvements require more efficient process monitoring methods. Process mining, which provides recent techniques related to process monitoring, can be utilized with event log files to track the process performance. This research will extract the process mapping and performance statistics of the bug‐fixing process from event logs to develop an efficient process monitoring system. This process will uncover bottlenecks causing inefficiencies and risks. The benefits of process mining techniques will also be discussed to highlight the implications. In this context, this article will present a case study on monitoring the bug‐fixing process of a software product via process mining. It will reveal significant knowledge about subsequent steps and roles.
Efficient Inverted Planar Perovskite Solar Cells Using Ultraviolet/Ozone‐Treated NiOx as the Hole Transport Layer
Authors: Wang Tun , Ding Dong , Zheng Hao , Wang Xin , Wang Jiayuan , Liu Hong , Shen Wenzhong
Published: March 2019

Nickel oxide (NiOx) has exhibited great potential as a hole transport layer (HTL) for fabricating efficient and stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, it has been greatly limited by its fabrication and manipulation process. In this work, a simple processing method on an ultrathin electrochemical mesoporous NiOx film manipulated by controllable ultraviolet/ozone (UVO) treatmentis employed; the duration of UVO treatment on the NiOx film significantly affects the photovoltaic properties of the PSCs. When the exposure duration increases, the wettability, electrical conductivity, nonstoichiometry, and valence band energy of the NiOx film are improved with varying degrees. Besides, the perovskite grain size, recombination resistance at the perovskite/NiOx interface, and build‐in potential of the device also increase, resulting in higher short‐circuit current density (JSC) and open‐circuit voltage (VOC). Combining these factors together, an optimal exposure time of UVO treatment on the NiOx film has been achieved at 5 min, which results in a significantly high performance with an efficiency of 19.67%, large VOC (>1.1 V), and JSC (>23 mA cm−2). Furthermore, the experimental results are coincide well with simulation results on the different corresponding subjects. Hopefully, this work could facilitate material manipulation toward scalable, high efficiency, and stable solar cells.
Influence of the Crystallographic Orientation on the Yield Strength and Deformation Mechanisms of Austenitic Grains in Metastable Stainless Steels Investigated by Spherical Nanoindentation
Authors: Roa Joan Josep , Suarez Sebastian , Yang Huaidong , Fargas Gemma , Guitar Agustina , Rayón Emilio , Green Itzhak , Mateo Antonio
Published: March 2019

The mechanical behavior of a metastable stainless steel is studied by spherical nanoindentation, as a function of crystallographic orientation of its austenitic grains. The residual imprints are analyzed by electron backscattered diffraction (inverse pole figure, phase and geometrically necessary dislocation maps) and atomic force microscopy. Results showed that austenite grains with the most common crystallographic orientations display similar elasto‐to‐plastic transition, being the dislocation activity by the Frank‐Read source the main deformation mechanism. However, the amount of dislocations generated during indentation testing strongly depends on the crystallographic orientation. No evidence of stress‐induced phase transformation is observed.
Accommodating Learners With Dyslexia in English Language Teaching in Sri Lanka: Teachers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Challenges
Authors: Indrarathne Bimali
Published: March 2019

It is estimated that 10% of the world's population has dyslexia or related learning difficulties, and it is therefore vital for language teachers to have a thorough understanding of such difficulties and of inclusive teaching techniques. It is believed that teacher training can increase teachers’ knowledge of dyslexia and inclusion, inculcate positive attitudes among them on inclusion, and increase their self‐efficacy beliefs. The study discussed in this article analysed a teacher training programme aimed at a group of English language teaching professionals in Sri Lanka to determine if it could attain these achievements. The study also examined the challenges that teachers would face in introducing inclusive practices into their context. A questionnaire and interview data revealed that the teacher training programme was able to change teachers’ negative attitudes towards dyslexia, increase their knowledge of dyslexia and inclusive practices, and increase their readiness to implement inclusive classroom techniques. The findings also revealed that institutional barriers such as a rigid examination system and lack of flexibility in the curriculum may hinder how inclusive practices are implemented. In addition, negative sociocultural ideology and some practical classroom problems may affect implementation.
Persistent elevation of blood pressure by ambient coarse particulate matter after recovery from pulmonary inflammation in mice
Authors: Ho Chia‐Chi , Tsai Ming‐Hsien , Chen Yu‐Cheng , Kuo Cheng‐Chin , Lin Pinpin
Published: March 2019

Exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) is associated with hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Recently, we reported that exposure to fine and coarse PM caused pulmonary inflammation and pulmonary small arterial remodeling in mice, and osteopontin (OPN) level was elevated following PM exposure. However, in the present study, cotreatment with 5‐methoxytryptophan for 4 weeks partially reduced coarse PM‐induced pulmonary inflammation without reducing pulmonary OPN secretion or recovery from pulmonary arterial remodeling in mice. Persistent vascular dysfunction may lead to vascular remodeling. Therefore, we further compared the relationship between coarse PM‐induced inflammation and vascular dysfunction by exposing mice to PM before and after cessation of PM exposure. Oropharyngeal aspiration of PM for 8 weeks induced pulmonary inflammation and pulmonary small artery remodeling in mice, as well as increased serum C‐reactive protein and OPN concentrations and systolic blood pressure (SBP). After the cessation of PM exposure for another 8 weeks, lung inflammation had recovered and vascular remodeling had partially recovered. Elevation of OPN, metalloproteinases (MMPs), and cytokines in bronchioalveolar lavage were significantly reduced. However, PM‐induced systemic responses did not recover after the cessation of PM exposure. Notably, not only serum OPN and SBP remained significantly elevated; also, serum endothelin‐1, MMP‐9, and keratinocyte‐derived chemokine concentrations were significantly increased after cessation of PM exposure for another 8 weeks. These data suggested that systemic inflammation and systemic vascular dysfunction might be important in PM‐induced elevation of SBP. Furthermore, SBP elevation was persistent after cessation of PM exposure for 8 weeks.
Fate of strong cosmic censorship conjecture in presence of higher spacetime dimensions
Authors: Rahman Mostafizur , Chakraborty Sumanta , SenGupta Soumitra , Sen Anjan A.
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Strong cosmic censorship conjecture has been one of the most important leap of faith in the context of general relativity, providing assurance in the deterministic nature of the associated field equations. Though it holds well for asymptotically flat spacetimes, a potential failure of the strong cosmic censorship conjecture might arise for spacetimes inheriting Cauchy horizon along with a positive cosmological constant. We have explicitly demonstrated that violation of the censorship conjecture holds true in the presence of a Maxwell field even when higher spacetime dimensions are invoked. In particular, for a higher dimensional Reissner-Nordström-de Sitter black hole the violation of cosmic censorship conjecture is at a larger scale compared to the four dimensional one, for certain choices of the cosmological constant. On the other hand, for a brane world black hole, the effect of extra dimension is to make the violation of cosmic censorship conjecture weaker. For rotating black holes, intriguingly, the cosmic censorship conjecture is always respected even in presence of higher dimensions. A similar scenario is also observed for a rotating black hole on the brane.
Towards a holographic quark-hadron continuity
Authors: Fadafan Kazem Bitaghsir , Kazemian Farideh , Schmitt Andreas
Published: March 2019

Abstract

We study dense nuclear and quark matter within a single microscopic approach, namely the holographic Sakai-Sugimoto model. Nuclear matter is described via instantons in the bulk, and we show that instanton interactions are crucial for a continuous connection of chirally broken and chirally symmetric phases. The continuous path from nuclear to quark matter includes metastable and unstable stationary points of the potential, while the actual chiral phase transition remains of first order, as in earlier approximations. We show that the model parameters can be chosen to reproduce low-density properties of nuclear matter and observe a non-monotonic behavior of the speed of sound as a function of the baryon chemical potential, as suggested by constraints from QCD and astrophysics.
Non-abelian T-folds
Authors: Bugden Mark
Published: March 2019

Abstract

We discuss the conditions under which non-abelian T-duality can be considered as a chain of abelian T-dualities. Motivated by these results, we propose that the topology of a non-abelian T-dual should be phrased in the language of T-folds, and give the explicit O(d, d) transformations which can be used to glue the dual space.
Decomposition of wake dynamics in fluid–structure interaction via low-dimensional models
Authors: Miyanawala T. P. , Jaiman R. K.
Published: March 2019

We present a dynamic decomposition analysis of the wake flow in fluid–structure interaction (FSI) systems under both laminar and turbulent flow conditions. Of particular interest is to provide the significance of low-dimensional wake flow features and their interaction dynamics to sustain the free vibration of a square cylinder at a relatively low mass ratio. To obtain the high-dimensional data, we employ a body-conforming variational FSI solver based on the recently developed partitioned iterative scheme and the dynamic subgrid-scale turbulence model for a moderate Reynolds number ($Re$). The snapshot data from high-dimensional FSI simulations are projected to a low-dimensional subspace using the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD). We utilize each corresponding POD mode to detect features of the organized motions, namely, the vortex street, the shear layer and the near-wake bubble. We find that the vortex shedding modes contribute solely to the lift force, while the near-wake and shear layer modes play a dominant role in the drag force. We further examine the fundamental mechanism of this dynamical behaviour and propose a force decomposition technique via low-dimensional approximation. To elucidate the frequency lock-in, we systematically analyse the decomposed modes and their dynamical contributions to the force fluctuations for a range of reduced velocity at low Reynolds number laminar flow. These quantitative mode energy contributions demonstrate that the shear layer feeds the vorticity flux to the wake vortices and the near-wake bubble during the wake–body synchronization. Based on the decomposition of wake dynamics, we suggest an interaction cycle for the frequency lock-in during the wake–body interaction, which provides the interrelationship between the high-amplitude motion and the dominating wake features. Through our investigation of wake–body synchronization below critical $Re$ range, we discover that the bluff body can undergo a synchronized high-amplitude vibration due to flexibility-induced unsteadiness. Owing to the wake turbulence at a moderate Reynolds number of $Re=22\,000$, a distorted set of POD modes and the broadband energy distribution are observed, while the interaction cycle for the wake synchronization is found to be valid for the turbulent wake flow.
Changes in glacier volume on Mt. Gongga, southeastern Tibetan Plateau, based on the analysis of multi-temporal DEMs from 1966 to 2015
Authors: CAO BO , PAN BAOTIAN , GUAN WEIJIN , WEN ZHENLING , WANG JIE
Published: March 2019

The accelerated retreat of glaciers and the reduction of glacier ice reserves caused by climate change can significantly affect regional water resources and hydrological cycles. Changes in glacier thickness are among the key indicators that reflect this process. We analyzed changes observed in the elevation of glacier surfaces in the Gongga Mountains (GGM) using multi-temporal Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) derived from topographic maps, SRTM, ICESat and ZY-3 data. The results showed that the mean rate of change in glacier surface altitude in the GGM was ~−26.7 ± 2.03 m (0.54 ± 0.04 m a−1) between 1966 and 2015. The mean melt rates differed over different time periods, latterly showing an accelerating trend. As a general rule, glaciers appear to be losing more volume at lower than at higher elevations. Further analysis of these results suggests that supraglacial debris coverage in the GGM promotes higher rates of mass loss.
Concentrate levels associated with a new genotype of cactus (Opuntia stricta [Haw]. Haw.) cladodes in the diet of lactating dairy cows in a semi-arid region
Authors: Paula T. A. , Véras A. S. C. , Guido S. I. , Chagas J. C. C. , Conceição M. G. , Gomes R. N. , Nascimento H. F. A. , Ferreira M. A.
Published: March 2019

The use of cactus cladodes in animal feed is well-established in semi-arid areas. The cactus Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm-Dyck cladodes (Nopalea) have high acceptability amongst dairy cows and are resistant to carmine cochineal insects (Dactylopius opuntiae Cockerell), a problem in semi-arid regions, but in regions of prolonged drought, it has lower productivity compared with the cactus Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw cladodes (Opuntia), which is also resistant to the insect. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the intake and content of digestible material of dry matter (DM) and its components, feeding behaviour, microbial protein synthesis, nitrogen balance, blood parameters, performance and milk composition of Holstein cows fed a control diet, containing either Nopalea or Opuntia associated with different concentrate levels (225, 275, 325 and 375 g/kg). Ten cows with an initial average milk production of 20 ± 2.1 kg/day were distributed into a double 5 × 5 Latin square design. Diets containing 775 g roughage/kg and 225 g concentrate/kg promoted similar responses to the analysed variables regardless of the cactus cladode used, except for digestibility of neutral detergent fibre. Diets containing higher proportions of concentrate (325 and 375 g/kg) promoted greater DM intake and 3.5% fat-corrected milk yield. The diet containing Opuntia at 775:225 g/kg roughage:concentrate proportion is as effective as the control diet for Holstein cows producing 20 kg of milk/day. To promote greater milk production, higher proportions of concentrate should be added to diets using Opuntia.
Trophic niche separation in sympatric rocky shore crabs
Authors: Al-Wazzan Zainab , Giménez Luis , Behbehani Manaf , Le Vay Lewis
Published: March 2019

Where two species occupy the same habitat and similar niches, competition is likely to drive small-scale spatial niche separation or resource partitioning that may not be immediately apparent. A stable isotope approach was used to investigate potential trophic niche separation between co-existing rocky shore crabs in the North-West (NW) Arabian Gulf. Leptodius exaratus and Pilumnopeus convexus which occupy similar shore height on the same rocky intertidal habitats. We also investigated conspecific differences between males vs females and adults vs juveniles. δ15N results indicated that adults of both species occupy a high trophic level in the rocky shore community, suggesting similar functional roles and potential for competition for food resources, while significant differences in δ13C values indicated differences in dietary sources between the two species, and also changes in diet between juveniles and adults in both species. MixSIAR analysis of δ15N and δ13C data confirmed field observations that both species are generalist omnivores, with potential for direct competition including adult predation on juveniles, including conspecifics. Differentiation in isotopic niches (SIBER analysis) was mainly driven by the significant differences in δ13C values, suggesting that co-existence of the two crab species is at least in part mediated by trophic niche separation or dietary resource partitioning, with some (unquantified) potential for spatial resource partitioning at the microhabitat level.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of the molluscan community associated with seagrass on the western equatorial Atlantic
Authors: Cavalcante Lorraine Lopes , Barroso Cristiane Xerez , Carneiro Pedro Bastos de Macêdo , Matthews-Cascon Helena
Published: March 2019

This study aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively analyse the molluscan assemblages associated with a Halodule wrightii seagrass bed in a rarely studied area within a conservation unit in north-eastern Brazil. Seasonal and spatial changes in several seagrass meadow characteristics, including sediment, were evaluated to explain temporal and spatial variations in the molluscs found there. The molluscan community differed in its structure among periods and meadows, as well as in the composition of its infaunal and epifaunal assemblages. The results of this study indicated that molluscs are affected by the particular characteristics of a seagrass meadow, especially by its location in the intertidal zone, more than by the area of the meadow. Molluscs were also affected by other characteristics of the seagrass meadow, such as above-ground biomass and shoot density. Changes in all molluscan assemblages were also mediated by differences among months and seasons in this region of the western equatorial Atlantic, but not by seasonal changes of the meadow. The studied meadow was found to be one of the densest in Brazil, which has considerable importance to its associated fauna.
Volatile Conviviality: Joking relations in Moscow's marginal marketplace
Authors: NIKOLOTOV ANTON
Published: March 2019

This article explores the joking relations that constitute conviviality in one of the largest marginal bazaars in Moscow. The marketplace is known as a hub for migrant workers and traders, and is often stigmatized in the media. It remains one of the largest commercial nodes in the bazaar network that stretches across and beyond much of ex-Soviet Eurasia. Scholars of conviviality have often claimed that convivial living represents more than hilarity and laughter; exactly how laughter actually happens and what sets of relations and interactions make it possible have been largely left out of the discussion. I will explore how a certain joking repertoire both connects Russian customers with migrant sellers and traders from Central Asia, Vietnam, Ukraine, and elsewhere, and animates relations between sellers themselves. I argue that these relations are characterized byvolatility, which incorporates play and improvisation within different registers of uncertainty, conflict, enjoyment, proximity, and—ultimately—virtuality.
Kinetics of serum antibodies in response to infection with Yersinia enterocolitica
Authors: Vaitkeviciute I. , Teunis P.F.M. , van Pelt W. , Krogfelt K.A.
Published: March 2019

Information on the kinetics of the serum antibody response to infection with Yersinia enterocolitica is essential to allow the estimation and comparison of seroconversion rates in a diversity of pools of cross-sectional serum antibody measurements. Data from 94 patients with acute enteritis caused by Yersinia infection were used. The follow-up period for the longitudinal study was 36 months, addressed by questionnaire. An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was adapted to determine the concentration of antibodies against Y. enterocolitica in human sera. A mathematical within-host model was used to describe the interaction between pathogen and immune system and the waning of immunity after clearing of the pathogen. All observed antibodies (IgG, IgM, IgA) reached peak levels shortly after infection and then decayed slowly indicating that the median levels decreased only little during the observation period. Estimated maximum peak antibody levels were highest in IgG. Seroresponse curves of all antibodies showed large individual variation between patients. There was no apparent pattern of variation with age, nor any notable difference between genders. Estimated half-times were very long for all antibodies, and their posterior distributions were highly skewed. IgA appeared to have the most persistent antibody response, compared with IgG and IgM. Median peak levels of all three antibodies were similar. There was no significance found between peak antibody levels and severity of symptoms of gastrointestinal infection and severity of joint pain. Our findings allow the use of cross-sectional serum antibody measurements as biomarkers, to estimate seroconversion rates. Such seroincidence estimates include asymptomatic seroconversions, thereby avoiding under-reporting, and allows the comparison of infection pressures among countries, independent of their healthcare and surveillance systems.
Longitudinal investigation of carriage rates and genotypes of toxigenicClostridium difficilein hepatic cirrhosis patients
Authors: Chen Yunbo , Gu Hongqin , lv Tao , Yan Dong , Xu Qiaomai , Gu Silan , Shen Ping , Quan Jiazheng , Fang Yunhui , Chen Lifeng , Ye Guangyong , Li Lanjuan
Published: March 2019

ToxigenicClostridium difficile(C. difficile) carriers represent an important source in the transmission ofC. difficileinfection (CDI) during hospitalisation, but its prevalence and mode in patients with hepatic cirrhosis are not well established. We investigated longitudinal changes in carriage rates and strain types of toxigenicC. difficilefrom admission to discharge among hepatic cirrhosis patients. ToxigenicC. difficilewas detected in 104 (19.8%) of 526 hepatic cirrhosis patients on admission, and the carriage status changed in a portion of patients during hospitalisation. Approximately 56% (58/104) of patients lost the colonisation during their hospital stay. Among the remaining 48 patients who remained positive for toxigenicC. difficile, the numbers of patients who were positive at one, two, three and four isolations were 10 (55.6%), three (16.7%), two (11.1%) and three (16.7%), respectively. Twenty-eight patients retained a particular monophyletic strain at multiple isolations. The genotype most frequently identified was the same as that frequently identified in symptomatic CDI patients. A total of 25% (26/104) of patients were diagnosed with CDI during their hospital stay.Conclusions:Colonisation with toxigenicC. difficilestrains occurs frequently in cirrhosis patients and is a risk factor for CDI.
In Situ AFM Imaging of Adsorption Kinetics of DPPG Liposomes: A Quantitative Analysis of Surface Roughness
Authors: Duarte Andreia A. , Marquês Joaquim T. , Brasil Francisco , Viana Ana S. , Tavares Pedro , Raposo Maria
Published: March 2019

The adsorption of intact liposomes on surfaces is of great importance for the development of sensors and drug delivery systems and, also, strongly dependent on the surface roughness where the liposomes are adsorbed. In this paper, we analyzed, by using atomic force microscopy in liquid, the evolution of the morphology of gold surfaces and of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) surfaces with different roughness during the adsorption of liposomes prepared with the synthetic phospholipid 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-[phospho-rac-(1-glycerol)]. Our results reveal the following. On smooth surfaces of Au only and Au with PAH, the liposomes open and deploy on the substrate, creating a supported-lipid bilayer, with the opening process being faster on the Au/PAH surface. On rough substrates of Au coated with polyelectrolyte multilayers, the liposomes were adsorbed intact on the surface. This was corroborated by power spectral density analysis that demonstrates the presence of superstructures with an average lateral size of 43 and 87 nm, in accordance with two and four times the mean liposome hydrodynamic diameter of about 21 nm. In addition, this work presents an adequate and effective methodology for analysis of adsorption phenomena of liposomes on rough surfaces.
Mapping the New Frontier of International IP Law: Introducing a TRIPs-plus Dataset
Authors: Morin Jean-Frédéric , Surbeck Jenny
Published: March 2019

This article introduces a new dataset on the intellectual property (IP) provisions included in preferential trade agreements (PTAs) and makes it available for research and policy communities alike. Several PTAs include IP commitments that go well beyond the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs). A sound knowledge of these TRIPs-plus commitments is essential in order to improve our understanding of what drives them and of their legal, social, and economic consequences. Yet, until now, these provisions have not been mapped in a comprehensive and systematic way. The T + PTA dataset fills this gap by documenting the existence of 90 types of IP provisions in 126 agreements signed between 1991 and 2016. We show that, even for like-minded countries, significant variations exist in their reliance on TRIPs-plus provisions, their degree of consistency across PTAs, and their preferences for some IP rights. We also find that strong TRIPs-Plus provisions are correlated with the depth of PTAs, the asymmetry between trade partners, and the strength of their domestic IP law. By making the T + PTA dataset available, we hope to create the opportunity for a new generation of research on TRIPs-plus agreements.