bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Noble Metal (M: Ir, Pt, Pd) on M/Ce2O3-γ-Al2O3 Catalysts for Hydrogen Production via the Steam Reforming of Glycerol
Authors: Charisiou Nikolaos D. , Siakavelas Georgios I. , Papageridis Kyriakos N. , Motta Davide , Dimitratos Nikolaos , Sebastian Victor , Polychronopoulou Kyriaki , Goula Maria A.
Published: July 2020

A promising route for the energetic valorisation of the main by-product of the biodiesel industry is the steam reforming of glycerol, as it can theoretically produce seven moles of H2 for every mole of C3H8O3. In the work presented herein, CeO2–Al2O3 was used as supporting material for Ir, Pd and Pt catalysts, which were prepared using the incipient wetness impregnation technique and characterized by employing N2 adsorption–desorption, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Temperature Programmed Reduction (TPR), Temperature Programmed Desorption (TPD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The catalytic experiments aimed at identifying the effect of temperature on the total conversion of glycerol, on the conversion of glycerol to gaseous products, the selectivity towards the gaseous products (H2, CO2, CO, CH4) and the determination of the H2/CO and CO/CO2 molar ratios. The main liquid effluents produced during the reaction were quantified. The results revealed that the Pt/CeAl catalyst was more selective towards H2, which can be related to its increased number of Brønsted acid sites, which improved the hydrogenolysis and dehydrogenation–dehydration of condensable intermediates. The time-on-stream experiments, undertaken at low Water Glycerol Feed Ratios (WGFR), showed gradual deactivation for all catalysts. This is likely due to the dehydration reaction, which leads to the formation of unsaturated hydrocarbon species and eventually to carbon deposition. The weak metal–support interaction shown for the Ir/CeAl catalyst also led to pronounced sintering of the metallic particles.
Design Features and Performance Evaluation of Natural-Draft, Continuous Operation Gasifier Cookstove
Authors: Gumino Brian , Pohlman Nicholas A. , Barnes Jonathan , Wever Paul
Published: July 2020

Biomass cookstoves are used as a common source of heating and cooking in developing countries with most improved cookstove design focusing on developing efficiency in thermal conversion of fuels and safer operation than open flame fires. A top-lit-up-draft (TLUD) cookstove utilizes a gasification process similar to pyrolysis where the solid biomass fuels are heated within a oxygen-limited environment and the syngas are burned which reduces carbon content and particulate matter being introduced into the air. The new continuous-operation design is described to have features for: (1) safe addition of solid fuels during combustion of syngas, (2) removal of biochar at the primary air inlet to manage gasification location, and (3) temperature control of the cooksurface through adjustable exhaust paths. The designed cookstove is found to have a diameter to height ratio 0.42-0.47 in order to offer the cleanest burning of the biofuel. The cooking surface is experimentally studied and the thermal gradient is found for compressed wood pellets. Tracking of the coal-bed is studied as a function of time in order to better understand when additional fuel should be added to ensure constant cooking temperature and operation. Numerous exhaust paths explore the cookstove user’s ability to control the temperature contour of the cooksurface.
On the Wind Energy Resource above High-Rise Buildings
Authors: Vita Giulio , Šarkić-Glumac Anina , Hemida Hassan , Salvadori Simone , Baniotopoulos Charalampos
Published: July 2020

One of the main challenges of urban wind energy harvesting is the understanding of the flow characteristics where urban wind turbines are to be installed. Among viable locations within the urban environment, high-rise buildings are particularly promising due to the elevated height and relatively undisturbed wind conditions. Most research studies on high-rise buildings deal with the calculation of the wind loads in terms of surface pressure. In the present paper, flow pattern characteristics are investigated for a typical high-rise building in a variety of configurations and wind directions in wind tunnel tests. The aim is to improve the understanding of the wind energy resource in the built environment and give designers meaningful data on the positioning strategy of wind turbines to improve performance. In addition, the study provides suitable and realistic turbulence characteristics to be reproduced in physical or numerical simulations of urban wind turbines for several locations above the roof region of the building. The study showed that at a height of 10 m from the roof surface, the flow resembles atmospheric turbulence with an enhanced turbulence intensity above 10% combined with large length scales of about 200 m. Results also showed that high-rise buildings in clusters might provide a very suitable configuration for the installation of urban wind turbines, although there is a strong difference between the performance of a wind turbine installed at the centre of the roof and one installed on the leeward and windward corners or edges, depending on the wind direction.
Energy Strategies, the Urban Dimension, and Spatial Planning
Authors: Asarpota Karishma , Nadin Vincent
Published: July 2020

The UN Paris Agreement of November 2016 recognises the need for a ‘cleaner and more efficient energy system’ as a core policy goal to address climate change. The spatial and urban form of cities is a key factor in achieving more efficient energy production and consumption and becomes more important with rapid urbanisation across much of the world. City urban form and planning are therefore potentially powerful levers for the energy transition. This paper examines the extent to which city ‘energy strategies’ address the critical spatial and urban form characteristics of cities as a means to achieve a more efficient energy system. We construct an assessment framework of key aspects of the spatial and urban development of cities related to transport and accessibility and urban form. The framework is used to assess the degree to which energy strategies take into consideration aspects of urban development in four cities that are taking significant action on the energy policy: Hong Kong Oakland, Oslo, and Vancouver. We conclude that in these cities there is only fragmentary consideration of the potential of shaping spatial and urban form in the interests of energy efficiency.
Testing the Positioning Accuracy of GNSS Solutions during the Tramway Track Mobile Satellite Measurements in Diverse Urban Signal Reception Conditions
Authors: Specht Mariusz , Specht Cezary , Wilk Andrzej , Koc Władysław , Smolarek Leszek , Czaplewski Krzysztof , Karwowski Krzysztof , Dąbrowski Paweł S. , Skibicki Jacek , Chrostowski Piotr , Szmagliński Jacek , Grulkowski Sławomir , Judek Sławomir
Published: July 2020

Mobile Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements carried out on the railway consist of using satellite navigation systems to determine the track geometry of a moving railway vehicle on a given route. Their purposes include diagnostics, stocktaking, and design work in railways. The greatest advantage of this method is the ability to perform measurements in a unified and coherent spatial reference system, which effectively enables the combining of design and construction works, as well as their implementation by engineering teams of diverse specialties. In the article, we attempted to assess the impact of using three types of work mode for a GNSS geodetic network [Global Positioning System (GPS), GPS/Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) and GPS/GLONASS/Galileo] on positioning availability at three accuracy levels: 1 cm, 3 cm and 10 cm. This paper presents a mathematical model that enables the calculation of positioning availability at these levels. This model was also applied to the results of the measurement campaign performed by five GNSS geodetic receivers, made by a leading company in the field. Measurements with simultaneous position recording and accuracy assessment were taken separately on the same route for three types of receiver settings: GPS, GPS/GLONASS and GPS/GLONASS/Galileo in an urban area typical of a medium-sized city. The study has shown that applying a two-system solution (GPS/GLONASS) considerably increases the availability of high-precision coordinates compared to a single-system solution (GPS), whereas the measurements with three systems (GPS/GLONASS/Galileo) negligibly increase the availability compared to a two-system solution (GPS/GLONASS).
Acoustic Emission Characteristics and Damage Evolution of Rock under Different Loading Modes
Authors: Zha Ersheng , Zhang Ru , Zhang Zetian , Ai Ting , Ren Li , Zhang Zhaopeng , Liu Yang , Lou Chendi
Published: July 2020

To study the evolution of acoustic emission (AE) parameters and the differences in the fracturing and failure process of rocks under different loading modes, AE signals of marble were detected during uniaxial compression tests (UCTs), direct tensile tests (DTTs) and indirect tensile tests (ITTs) in this paper. Then, the temporal and spatial evolution of the AE parameters and damage development of rock under different loading modes were analyzed. The results showed that the sequence of total AE events and AE counts under different loading modes was UCT > DTT > ITT. In the DTT and ITT, the energy release of AE signals was concentrated at the peak stress and weakened rapidly afterward, whereas in the UCT, there were still a large number of AE signals accompanied by violent AE energy release during the postpeak stage. The generation mechanism of AE sources in rock and the corresponding failure modes were different under different loading modes. In the UCT, the multiple cleavage fractures were mainly caused by compression-induced fracturing. In the DTT, the single fracture surface was generated by tensile stress, whereas in the ITT, compressive-tensile stress was applied to the fracture surface. In addition, the stress levels at which the b-value and the spatial fractal dimension Ds of AE events decreased dramatically were consistent under the different loading modes, and the sequence was UCT < DTT < ITT. According to the changes in AE parameters during the whole process of rock deformation and failure, the first and second precursor points before failure were defined to distinguish the development of microfracture damage and failure processes in rocks under the different loading modes. The above results have certain significance for future studies on the monitoring of surrounding rock instability and failure prediction.
Optimal Design of High-Power Medium-Frequency Transformer Using Hollow Conductors with Consideration of Multi-Objective Parameters
Authors: Guo Yunxiang , Lu Cheng , Hua Liang , Zhang Xinsong
Published: July 2020

A power electronic transformer (PET) is applied to the high-speed train for lightweight demand. A 300 kW/5 kHz high-power medium-frequency transformer (HPMFT) using hollow conductors in a power unit of the PET is optimally designed in this paper. The target of the design is to balance the loss, leakage inductance, and weight of the HPMFT. For this purpose, the design parameters of the HPMFT are firstly confirmed according to the system structure and parameters of the PET. Secondly, the design process of HPMFT is developed. Finally, the results of 48 design schemes of core-type and shell-type structures are compared by the comprehensive evaluation standard, which equilibrates the three above objective parameters of the HPMFT. According to the optimal scheme, a prototype is manufactured, whose test results verify the correctness of the optimal design method.
Exploring Ethos in Contemporary Ghana
Authors: Nyarko Ansah Gladys , Dzregah Augustina Edem
Published: July 2020

In this article, we discuss contemporary Ghanaian ethos reflecting on female sexual behavior as a discursive construction that shifts and changes across time and space. Borrowing from Nedra Reynold’s concept of ethos as a location, we examine the various social and discourse spaces of different rhetors on female sexual behavior in Ghana and how each establishes ethos through identity formations and language use from various positions of authority. With multiethnic, multilingual, and multiple religious perspectives within the Ghanaian population, how does ethos and moral authority speak persuasively on female sexual behavior? We examine contemporary discourses governing normative female sexual behavior and presentation as revealed in both proverbs and social media to drive the discussion toward how these discourses of female sexual behavior and ethos are discursively constructed in contemporary Ghanaian society.
An Evaluation Matrix to Compare Computer Hydrological Models for Flood Predictions
Authors: Filianoti Pasquale , Gurnari Luana , Zema Demetrio Antonio , Bombino Giuseppe , Sinagra Marco , Tucciarelli Tullio
Published: July 2020

In order to predict and control the impacts of floods in torrents, it is important to verify the simulation accuracy of the most used hydrological models. The performance verification is particularly needed for applications in watersheds with peculiar climatic and geomorphological characteristics, such as the Mediterranean torrents. Moreover, in addition to the accuracy, other factors affect the choice of software by stakeholders (users, modellers, researchers, etc.). This study introduces a “performance matrix”, consisting of several evaluation parameters weighted by stakeholders’ opinions. The aim is to evaluate the accuracy of the flood prediction which is achieved by different models, as well as the pros and cons of software user experience. To this aim, the performances and requisites of four physical-based and conceptual models (HEC-HMS, SWMM, MIKE11 NAM and WEC-FLOOD) have been evaluated, by predicting floods in a midsized Mediterranean watershed (Mèsima torrent, Calabria, Southern Italy). In the case study, HEC-HMS and MIKE 11 NAM were the best computer models (with a weighted score of 4.45 and 4.43, respectively), thanks to their low complexity and computation effort, as well as good user interface and prediction accuracy. However, MIKE11 NAM is not free of charge. SWMM showed a lower prediction accuracy, which put the model in third place of the four models. The performance of WEC-FLOOD, although not being as good as for the other tested models, can be considered overall acceptable in comparison to the other well-consolidated models, considering that WEC-FLOOD is in the early stage of development. Overall, the proposal of the performance matrix for hydrological models may represent a first step in building a more complete evaluation framework of the hydrological and hydraulic commercial models, in order to give indications to allow potential users to make an optimal choice.
Role of Alarmins in the Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Giovannetti Antonello , Straface Elisabetta , Rosato Edoardo , Casciaro Marco , Pioggia Giovanni , Gangemi Sebastiano
Published: July 2020

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare chronic autoimmune disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Two main subsets of SSc are recognized: (i) diffuse cutaneous SSc with rapidly progressive fibrosis of the skin, lungs, and other internal organs; and (ii) limited cutaneous SSc, which is dominated by vascular manifestations, with skin and organ fibrosis generally limited and slowly progressing. In spite of intense investigation, both etiology and pathogenesis of SSc are still unknown. Genetic and environmental factors, as well as abnormalities of immune functions, are strongly suggested for etiology, while microvascular abnormalities, immune system activation, and oxidative stress are suggested for the pathogenesis. Recently, it has been found that a multitude of mediators and cytokines are implicated in the fibrotic processes observed in SSc. Among these, a central role could be exerted by “alarmins”, endogenous and constitutively expressed proteins/peptides that function as an intercellular signal defense. This review describes, in a detailed manner, the role of alarmins in the pathogenesis of scleroderma.
Artemisia annua, a Traditional Plant Brought to Light
Authors: Septembre-Malaterre Axelle , Lalarizo Rakoto Mahary , Marodon Claude , Bedoui Yosra , Nakab Jessica , Simon Elisabeth , Hoarau Ludovic , Savriama Stephane , Strasberg Dominique , Guiraud Pascale , Selambarom Jimmy , Gasque Philippe
Published: July 2020

Traditional remedies have been used for thousand years for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, particularly in developing countries. Of growing interest, the plant Artemisia annua, known for its malarial properties, has been studied for its numerous biological activities including metabolic, anti-tumor, anti-microbial and immunomodulatory properties. Artemisia annua is very rich in secondary metabolites such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and phenolic compounds, of which the biological properties have been extensively studied. The purpose of this review is to gather and describe the data concerning the main chemical components produced by Artemisia annua and to describe the state of the art about the biological activities reported for this plant and its compounds beyond malaria.
Biodistribution PET/CT Study of Hemoglobin-DFO-89Zr Complex in Healthy and Lung Tumor-Bearing Mice
Authors: Kiraga Łukasz , Cerutti Gabriele , Braniewska Agata , Strzemecki Damian , Sas Zuzanna , Boffi Alberto , Savino Carmelinda , Montemiglio Linda Celeste , Turnham Daniel , Seaton Gillian , Bonamore Alessandra , Clarkson Richard , Dabkowski Adam M. , Paisey Stephen J. , Taciak Bartłomiej , Kucharzewska Paulina , Rygiel Tomasz P. , Król Magdalena
Published: July 2020

Proteins, as a major component of organisms, are considered the preferred biomaterials for drug delivery vehicles. Hemoglobin (Hb) has been recently rediscovered as a potential drug carrier, but its use for biomedical applications still lacks extensive investigation. To further explore the possibility of utilizing Hb as a potential tumor targeting drug carrier, we examined and compared the biodistribution of Hb in healthy and lung tumor-bearing mice, using for the first time 89Zr labelled Hb in a positron emission tomography (PET) measurement. Hb displays a very high conjugation yield in its fast and selective reaction with the maleimide-deferoxamine (DFO) bifunctional chelator. The high-resolution X-ray structure of the Hb-DFO complex demonstrated that cysteine β93 is the sole attachment moiety to the αβ-protomer of Hb. The Hb-DFO complex shows quantitative uptake of 89Zr in solution as determined by radiochromatography. Injection of 0.03 mg of Hb-DFO-89Zr complex in healthy mice indicates very high radioactivity in liver, followed by spleen and lungs, whereas a threefold increased dosage results in intensification of PET signal in kidneys and decreased signal in liver and spleen. No difference in biodistribution pattern is observed between naïve and tumor-bearing mice. Interestingly, the liver Hb uptake did not decrease upon clodronate-mediated macrophage depletion, indicating that other immune cells contribute to Hb clearance. This finding is of particular interest for rapidly developing clinical immunology and projects aiming to target, label or specifically deliver agents to immune cells.
Modelling and Experimental Investigation of Hexagonal Nacre-Like Structure Stiffness
Authors: Rouhana Rami , Stommel Markus
Published: July 2020

A highly ordered, hexagonal, nacre-like composite stiffness is investigated using experiments, simulations, and analytical models. Polystyrene and polyurethane are selected as materials for the manufactured specimens using laser cutting and hand lamination. A simulation geometry is made by digital microscope measurements of the specimens, and a simulation is conducted using material data based on component material characterization. Available analytical models are compared to the experimental results, and a more accurate model is derived specifically for highly ordered hexagonal tablets with relatively large in-plane gaps. The influence of hexagonal width, cut width, and interface thickness are analyzed using the hexagonal nacre-like composite stiffness model. The proposed analytical model converges within 1% with the simulation and experimental results.
A New Composite Fractal Function and Its Application in Image Encryption
Authors: Agarwal Shafali
Published: July 2020

Fractal’s spatially nonuniform phenomena and chaotic nature highlight the function utilization in fractal cryptographic applications. This paper proposes a new composite fractal function (CFF) that combines two different Mandelbrot set (MS) functions with one control parameter. The CFF simulation results demonstrate that the given map has high initial value sensitivity, complex structure, wider chaotic region, and more complicated dynamical behavior. By considering the chaotic properties of a fractal, an image encryption algorithm using a fractal-based pixel permutation and substitution is proposed. The process starts by scrambling the plain image pixel positions using the Henon map so that an intruder fails to obtain the original image even after deducing the standard confusion-diffusion process. The permutation phase uses a Z-scanned random fractal matrix to shuffle the scrambled image pixel. Further, two different fractal sequences of complex numbers are generated using the same function i.e. CFF. The complex sequences are thus modified to a double datatype matrix and used to diffuse the scrambled pixels in a row-wise and column-wise manner, separately. Security and performance analysis results confirm the reliability, high-security level, and robustness of the proposed algorithm against various attacks, including brute-force attack, known/chosen-plaintext attack, differential attack, and occlusion attack.
Seakeeping Performance of a New Coastal Patrol Ship for the Croatian Navy
Authors: Ljulj Andrija , Slapničar Vedran
Published: July 2020

This paper presents seakeeping test results for a coastal patrol ship (CPS) in the Croatian Navy (CN). The full-scale tests were conducted on a CPS prototype that was accepted by the CN. The seakeeping numerical prediction and model tests were done during preliminary project design. However, these results are not fully comparable with the prototype tests since the ship was lengthened in the last phases of the project. Key numerical calculations are presented. The CPS project aims to renew a part of the Croatian Coast Guard with five ships. After successful prototype acceptance trials, the Croatian Ministry of Defence (MoD) will continue building the first ship in the series in early 2020. Full-scale prototype seakeeping test results could be valuable in the design of similar CPS projects. The main aim of this paper is to publish parts of the sea trial results related to the seakeeping performance of the CPS. Coast guards around the world have numerous challenges related to peacetime tasks such as preventing human and drug trafficking, fighting terrorism, controlling immigration, and protecting the marine environmental. They must have reliable platforms with good seakeeping characteristics that are important for overall ship operations. The scientific purpose of this paper is to contribute to the design process of similar CPS projects in terms of the development of seakeeping requirements and their level of fulfillment on an actual ship.
Investigating the Erosion Resistance of Different Vegetated Surfaces for Ecological Enhancement of Sea Dikes
Authors: Scheres Babette , Schüttrumpf Holger
Published: July 2020

Dense grass covers are generally recommended for surface protection of sea dikes against mild and moderate hydraulic loads. The standard seeding mixtures were composed to meet the technical requirements and ensure dike safety. These mixtures are, however, limited in their species diversity. In the present study, four differently vegetated surfaces were tested regarding their erosion resistance against wave impacts and overflow. The test vegetations ranged from a species-poor grass-dominated reference mixture to species-rich herb-dominated mixtures. Two vegetations were reinforced with a three-dimensional geogrid. For the unreinforced vegetations, the erosion rate due to wave impacts decreased exponentially with increasing root density and root length density. The geogrid reinforcements functioned as additional protection when the upper vegetation layer was eroded and led to slightly decreasing erosion rate with depth. In overflow simulations, the relatively densely-vegetated grass-dominated mixture experienced least erosion. Erosion was mainly initiated at bare spots emphasizing the major role of a closed vegetation cover and dike maintenance. The present results give new insights into erosion patterns of unreinforced and reinforced vegetated dike covers and the relation between vegetation parameters and hydraulic resistance to wave impacts and overflow.
Experimental Investigation of the Mechanical and Surface Properties of Sub-Micron Carbon Spheres
Authors: Alazemi Abdullah A. , Dysart Arthur D. , Pol Vilas G.
Published: July 2020

This study investigates the mechanical and surface properties of spherical carbon particles. Sub-micrometer carbon spheres were previously used as oil additives to improve the tribological performance of oils, and as anode material to enhance the storage of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. In the current work, internal structure and chemical analysis of these carbon sphere particles was conducted via focus ion beam scanning electron microscopy, and the results revealed that the carbon sphere particles are pure carbon particles with a solid internal structure. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and nano-indenter were utilized to explore the mechanical properties (hardness and elastic modulus) of carbon sphere particles. The obtained results showed that the carbon spheres have an elastic modulus in the range of 10 to 42 GPa, while their hardness is in the range of 0.5 to 2.6 GPa. Besides, the AFM scans confirmed that the carbon particles are entirely separated and devoid of agglomeration. These results support the viable use of carbon sphere particles in various engineering applications.
Improved Memetic Algorithm for Solving the Minimum Weight Vertex Independent Dominating Set
Authors: Zhou Yupeng , Li Jinshu , Liu Yang , Lv Shuai , Lai Yong , Wang Jianan
Published: July 2020

The minimum weight vertex independent dominating set (MWVIDS) problem is an important version of the minimum independent dominating set. The MWVIDS problem has a number of applications in many fields. However, the MWVIDS problem is known to be NP-hard and thus computationally challenging. In this work, we present the improved memetic algorithm called MSSAS for solving the MWVIDS problem. The proposed MSSAS algorithm combines probability-based dynamic optimization (PDO) (to generate good and diverse offspring solutions by assembling elements of existing good solutions) as well as a local search phase named C_LS (to seek high-quality local optima by combining the idea of constrained-based two-level configuration checking strategy and tabu mechanism). The extensive results on popular DIMACS and BHOLIB benchmarks demonstrate that MSSAS competes favorably with the state-of-the-art algorithms. In addition, we analyze the benefits of the newly raised components including two above proposed ideas with our memetic framework. It is worth mentioning that the combination of both components has excellent effects for the MWVIDS problem.
Unique Determination of the Shape of a Scattering Screen from a Passive Measurement
Authors: Blåsten Emilia , Päivärinta Lassi , Sadique Sadia
Published: July 2020

We consider the problem of fixed frequency acoustic scattering from a sound-soft flat screen. More precisely, the obstacle is restricted to a two-dimensional plane and interacting with an arbitrary incident wave, it scatters acoustic waves to three-dimensional space. The model is particularly relevant in the study and design of reflecting sonars and antennas, cases where one cannot assume that the incident wave is a plane wave. Our main result is that given the plane where the screen is located, the far-field pattern produced by any single arbitrary incident wave determines the exact shape of the screen, as long as it is not antisymmetric with respect to the plane. This holds even for screens whose shape is an arbitrary simply connected smooth domain. This is in contrast to earlier work where the incident wave had to be a plane wave, or more recent work where only polygonal scatterers are determined.
Discounted Optimal Stopping of a Brownian Bridge, with Application to American Options under Pinning
Authors: D’Auria Bernardo , García-Portugués Eduardo , Guada Abel
Published: July 2020

Mathematically, the execution of an American-style financial derivative is commonly reduced to solving an optimal stopping problem. Breaking the general assumption that the knowledge of the holder is restricted to the price history of the underlying asset, we allow for the disclosure of future information about the terminal price of the asset by modeling it as a Brownian bridge. This model may be used under special market conditions, in particular we focus on what in the literature is known as the “pinning effect”, that is, when the price of the asset approaches the strike price of a highly-traded option close to its expiration date. Our main mathematical contribution is in characterizing the solution to the optimal stopping problem when the gain function includes the discount factor. We show how to numerically compute the solution and we analyze the effect of the volatility estimation on the strategy by computing the confidence curves around the optimal stopping boundary. Finally, we compare our method with the optimal exercise time based on a geometric Brownian motion by using real data exhibiting pinning.
Almost Complex Surfaces in the Nearly Kähler SL(2,ℝ) × SL(2,ℝ)
Authors: Ghandour Elsa , Vrancken Luc
Published: July 2020

The space S L ( 2 , R ) × S L ( 2 , R ) admits a natural homogeneous pseudo-Riemannian nearly Kähler structure. We investigate almost complex surfaces in this space. In particular, we obtain a complete classification of the totally geodesic almost complex surfaces and of the almost complex surfaces with parallel second fundamental form.
Bending Analysis of Functionally Graded Nanoscale Plates by Using Nonlocal Mixed Variational Formula
Authors: Zenkour Ashraf M. , Hafed Zahra S. , Radwan Ahmed F.
Published: July 2020

This work is devoted to the bending analysis of functionally graded (FG) nano-scale plate by using the nonlocal mixed variational formula under simply supported edge conditions. According to Eringen’s nonlocal elasticity theory, the mixed formula is utilized in order to obtain the governing equations. The system of equations is derived by using the principle of virtual work. The governing equations include both the small and the mechanical effects. The impact of the small-scale parameter, aspect and thickness nano-scale plate ratios, and gradient index on the displacement and stresses are explored, numerically presented, and discussed in detail. Different comparisons are made to check the precision and validity of the bending outcomes obtained from the present analysis of FG nano-scale plates. Parametric examinations are then performed to inspect the impacts of the thickness of the plate on the by and large mechanical reaction of the practically evaluated plates. The displayed outcomes are valuable for the configuration procedures of keen structures and examination from materials.
Biological Activities of Cyclic and Acyclic B-Type Laxaphycins in SH-SY5Y Human Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: Alvariño Rebeca , Alonso Eva , Bornancin Louis , Bonnard Isabelle , Inguimbert Nicolas , Banaigs Bernard , Botana Luis M.
Published: July 2020

Laxaphycins are a family of non-ribosomal lipopeptides that have been isolated from several cyanobacteria. Some of these compounds have presented cytotoxic activities, but their mechanism of action is poorly understood. In this work, the already described laxaphycins B and B3, and acyclolaxaphycins B and B3 were isolated from the marine cyanobacteria Anabaena torulosa. Moreover, two new acyclic compounds, [des-(Ala4-Hle5)] acyclolaxaphycins B and B3, were purified from the herviborous gastropod Stylocheilus striatus, with this being the first description of biotransformed laxaphycins. The structure of these new compounds was elucidated, together with the absolute configuration of acyclolaxaphycins B and B3. The bioactivities of the six peptides were determined in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Laxaphycins B and B3 were cytotoxic (IC50: 1.8 and 0.8 µM, respectively) through the induction of apoptosis. In comparison, acyclic laxaphycins did not show cytotoxicity but affected mitochondrial functioning, so their effect on autophagy-related protein expression was analyzed, finding that acyclic peptides affected this process by increasing AMPK phosphorylation and inhibiting mTOR. This work confirms the pro-apoptotic properties of cyclic laxaphycins B and is the first report indicating the effects on autophagy of their acyclic analogs. Moreover, gastropod-derived compounds presented ring opening and amino-acids deletion, a biotransformation that had not been previously described.
Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Indicator Organisms Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. Isolated from U.S. Animal Food, 2005–2011
Authors: Ge Beilei , Domesle Kelly J. , Gaines Stuart A. , Lam Claudia , Bodeis Jones Sonya M. , Yang Qianru , Ayers Sherry L. , McDermott Patrick F.
Published: July 2020

The role animal food plays in the introduction of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria into the human food chain is not well understood. We conducted an analysis of 1025 samples (647 pet food and 378 animal feed) collected across the United States during 2005–2011 for two indicator organisms (Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp.). The overall prevalence ranged from 12.5% for E. coli to 45.2% for Enterococcus spp., and 11.2% of samples harbored both organisms. Regardless of bacterial genus, animal feed had significantly higher prevalence than pet food (p < 0.001). A general downward trend in prevalence was observed from 2005 to 2009 followed by an upward trend thereafter. Among E. coli isolates (n = 241), resistance was highest to tetracycline (11.2%) and below 5% for fourteen other antimicrobials. Among Enterococcus spp. isolates (n = 1074), Enterococcus faecium (95.1%) was the predominant species. Resistance was most common to tetracycline (30.1%) and ciprofloxacin (10.7%), but below 10% for thirteen other antimicrobials. Multidrug-resistant organisms were observed among both E. coli and Enterococcus spp. isolates at 3.3%. Compared to National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) 2011 retail meat and animal data, the overall resistance for both organisms was much lower in animal food. These findings help establish a historic baseline for the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance among U.S. animal food products and future efforts may be needed to monitor changes over time.
Novel Food-Based Product Communication: A Neurophysiological Study
Authors: Russo Vincenzo , Songa Giulia , Milani Marin Laura Emma , Balzaretti Claudia Maria , Tedesco Doriana Eurosia Angela
Published: July 2020

The steady increase in the global food demand requires alternative sources. Food sources from invertebrates could be a viable alternative. Despite a growing interest in terrestrial invertebrates as novel food, Western consumers have to cope with fears and taboos. This research aims to investigate possible communication strategies of novel food through labels. To understand the complexity underlying food choice and novel food attitude, two studies were carried out. In Study 1, the main drivers in the food decision-making process were identified. Based on these results, in Study 2, two different food labels for crackers made with earthworm flour were designed. Applying a neurophysiological approach, we measured participants’ neuropsychophysiological activation and behavioural response while watching food labels. A video on nutritional and ecological issues was shown to consumers to reduce aversion towards earthworms as food. The results in Study 1 indicate health and sensory dimensions as the major drivers in food choice. The data of Study 2 supported the effectiveness of the statement about nutritional qualities of the products on male participants, who tend to have a more positive reaction than female participants toward the novel product made with earthworm flour when the label’s claim focuses on nutritional advantages. Limitations and practical implications are discussed.
Gluten Degrading Enzymes for Treatment of Celiac Disease
Authors: Wei Guoxian , Helmerhorst Eva J. , Darwish Ghassan , Blumenkranz Gabriel , Schuppan Detlef
Published: July 2020

Celiac disease (CeD) affects about 1% of most world populations. It presents a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from minor symptoms to mild or severe malabsorption, and it may be associated with a wide variety of autoimmune diseases. CeD is triggered and maintained by the ingestion of gluten proteins from wheat and related grains. Gluten peptides that resist gastrointestinal digestion are antigenically presented to gluten specific T cells in the intestinal mucosa via HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8, the necessary genetic predisposition for CeD. To date, there is no effective or approved treatment for CeD other than a strict adherence to a gluten-free diet, which is difficult to maintain in professional or social environments. Moreover, many patients with CeD have active disease despite diet adherence due to a high sensitivity to traces of gluten. Therefore, safe pharmacological treatments that complement the gluten-free diet are urgently needed. Oral enzyme therapy, employing gluten-degrading enzymes, is a promising therapeutic approach. A prerequisite is that such enzymes are active under gastro-duodenal conditions, quickly neutralize the T cell activating gluten peptides and are safe for human consumption. Several enzymes including prolyl endopeptidases, cysteine proteases and subtilisins can cleave the human digestion-resistant gluten peptides in vitro and in vivo. Examples are several prolyl endopeptidases from bacterial sources, subtilisins from Rothia bacteria that are natural oral colonizers and synthetic enzymes with optimized gluten-degrading activities. Without exception, these enzymes must cleave the otherwise unusual glutamine and proline-rich domains characteristic of antigenic gluten peptides. Moreover, they should be stable and active in both the acidic environment of the stomach and under near neutral pH in the duodenum. This review focuses on those enzymes that have been characterized and evaluated for the treatment of CeD, discussing their origin and activities, their clinical evaluation and challenges for therapeutic application. Novel developments include strategies like enteric coating and genetic modification to increase enzyme stability in the digestive tract.
Dispersion Management in 10-PW Laser Front End
Authors: Liu Xingyan , Wang Cheng , Wang Xinliang , Lu Xiaoming , Bai Peile , Liu Yanqi , Li Yanyan , Liu Keyang , Yu Lianghong , Leng Yuxin , Li Ruxin
Published: July 2020

To improve pulse contrast in chirped pulse amplification petawatt laser systems, the regenerative amplifier is substituted with a multipass amplifier at the Shanghai Superintense Ultrafast Laser Facility (SULF). To reduce the consequent angular dispersion of the broadband spectrum, a double-grating stretcher is established in the SULF front end. A grating compressor is set up for the 10-PW front end to obtain 20-TW output. An accurate adjustment method of grating attitude (angular position) is presented, which references the direction of gravity, improving dispersion management and focusing ability of the beam. After a pulse passes the front end compressor, its duration and phase in the frequency domain are measured, and the duration can be continuously compressed to <24 fs.
Hyperspectral Image Recovery Using Non-Convex Low-Rank Tensor Approximation
Authors: Liu Hongyi , Li Hanyang , Wu Zebin , Wei Zhihui
Published: July 2020

Low-rank tensors have received more attention in hyperspectral image (HSI) recovery. Minimizing the tensor nuclear norm, as a low-rank approximation method, often leads to modeling bias. To achieve an unbiased approximation and improve the robustness, this paper develops a non-convex relaxation approach for low-rank tensor approximation. Firstly, a non-convex approximation of tensor nuclear norm (NCTNN) is introduced to the low-rank tensor completion. Secondly, a non-convex tensor robust principal component analysis (NCTRPCA) method is proposed, which aims at exactly recovering a low-rank tensor corrupted by mixed-noise. The two proposed models are solved efficiently by the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). Three HSI datasets are employed to exhibit the superiority of the proposed model over the low rank penalization method in terms of accuracy and robustness.
Multivariate Mixed Response Model with Pairwise Composite-Likelihood Method
Authors: Bai Hao , Zhong Yuan , Gao Xin , Xu Wei
Published: July 2020

In clinical research, study outcomes usually consist of various patients’ information corresponding to the treatment. To have a better understanding of the effects of different treatments, one often needs to analyze multiple clinical outcomes simultaneously, while the data are usually mixed with both continuous and discrete variables. We propose the multivariate mixed response model to implement statistical inference based on the conditional grouped continuous model through a pairwise composite-likelihood approach. It can simplify the multivariate model by dealing with three types of bivariate models and incorporating the asymptotical properties of the composite likelihood via the Godambe information. We demonstrate the validity and the statistic power of the multivariate mixed response model through simulation studies and clinical applications. This composite-likelihood method is advantageous for statistical inference on correlated multivariate mixed outcomes.
In Situ Monitoring of Growth of Vertically Stacked h-BN/Graphene Heterostructures on Ni Substrates and Their Interface Interaction
Authors: Wei Wei , Zhang Guanhua , Pan Jiaqi , Cui Yi , Fu Qiang
Published: July 2020

Vertically stacked hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN)/graphene heterostructures present potential applications in electronic, photonic, and mechanical devices, and their interface interaction is one of the critical factors that affect the performances. In this work, the vertical h-BN/graphene heterostructures with high coverage are synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of h-BN on Ni substrates followed by segregation growth of graphene at the h-BN/Ni interfaces, which are monitored by in situ surface microscopy and surface spectroscopy. We find that h-BN overlayers can be decoupled from Ni substrates by the graphene interlayers. Furthermore, the h-BN domain boundaries exhibit a confinement effect on the graphene interlayer growth and the lower graphene domains are limited within the upper h-BN domains. This work provides new insights into the formation mechanism and interface interaction of the vertical heterostructures.
An Assessment of Secondary Clinical Disease, Milk Production and Quality, and the Impact on Reproduction in Holstein Heifers and Cows from a Single Large Commercial Herd Persistently Infected with Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Type 2
Authors: Basqueira Natália Sobreira , Ramos Jean Silva , Torres Fabricio Dias , Okuda Liria Hiromi , Hurley David John , Chase Christopher C. L. , Gomes Anny Raissa Carolini , Gomes Viviani
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate secondary clinical disease, milk production efficiency and reproductive performance of heifers and cows persistently infected (PI) with bovine viral diarrhea virus type 2 (BVDV type 2). PI animals (n = 25) were identified using an antigen capture ELISA of ear notch samples. They were distributed into three age groups: ≤ 12 (n = 8), 13 to 24 (n = 6) and 25 to 34 (n = 11) months old. A control group of BVDV antigen ELISA negative female cattle that were age matched to the PI animals was utilized from the same herd. The PI group had a 1.29 higher odds ratio for diarrhea than controls (p = 0.001, IC95% = 1.032–1.623) and 1.615 greater chance of developing bovine respiratory disease (BRD) (p = 0.012, IC95% = 1.155–2.259). The age at first insemination (p = 0.012) and number of insemination attempts required to establish the first pregnancy (p = 0.016) were both higher for PI than controls. Milk production was higher for control cows than PI cows during most of the sampling periods. Somatic cell counts (SCC) were higher in PI cows than the controls at all sampling points across lactation (p ≤ 0.042). PI cattle had a higher incidence of disease, produced less milk, a higher SCC, and poorer reproductive performance than control cattle in this study.
Rapid Quantification of SARS-CoV-2-Neutralizing Antibodies Using Propagation-Defective Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Pseudotypes
Authors: Zettl Ferdinand , Meister Toni Luise , Vollmer Tanja , Fischer Bastian , Steinmann Jörg , Krawczyk Adalbert , V’kovski Philip , Todt Daniel , Steinmann Eike , Pfaender Stephanie , Zimmer Gert
Published: July 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2, a new member of the genus Betacoronavirus, is a pandemic virus, which has caused numerous fatalities, particularly in the elderly and persons with underlying morbidities. At present, there are no approved vaccines nor antiviral therapies available. The detection and quantification of SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing antibodies plays a crucial role in the assessment of the immune status of convalescent COVID-19 patients, evaluation of recombinant therapeutic antibodies, and the evaluation of novel vaccines. To detect SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing antibodies, classically, a virus-neutralization test has to be performed at biosafety level 3, considerably limiting the general use of this test. In the present work, a biosafety level 1 pseudotype virus assay based on a propagation-incompetent vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) has been used to determine the neutralizing antibody titers in convalescent COVID-19 patients. The neutralization titers in serum of two independently analyzed patient cohorts were available within 18 h and correlated well with those obtained with a classical SARS-CoV-2 neutralization test (Pearson correlation coefficients of r = 0.929 and r = 0.939, respectively). Most convalescent COVID-19 patients had only low titers of neutralizing antibodies (ND50 < 320). The sera of convalescent COVID-19 patients also neutralized pseudotype virus displaying the SARS-CoV-1 spike protein on their surface, which is homologous to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. In summary, we report a robust virus-neutralization assay, which can be used at low biosafety level 1 to rapidly quantify SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing antibodies in convalescent COVID-19 patients and vaccinated individuals.