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W1490346087 | Effects of conventional immunosuppressive therapy on functional and pathological features of CNS lupus in NZB/W mice | <ns4:p>Neurological involvement is one of the most devastating complications of the disease, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). To understand the effect of the drugs, cyclophosphamide (CY) and prednisolone (PD) on CNS manifestations, the New Zealand Black/White (NZB/W) lupus mice, were given a cocktail of both drugs by intraperitoneal injections daily from 22 to 44 weeks of age. The treatment prolonged survival (10% of the treated 20 NZB/W mice died compared to 50% of the 30 NZB/W mice, with no mortality in the control NZW mice). Real-time PCR analysis showed a three- to fifteen-fold increase in the expression of GFAP, vimentin and syndecan4 in the cerebral cortex of 44 week NZB/W mice. These alterations were prevented by CY and PD treatment. Immunostaining revealed increased GFAP expression in NZB/W mice compared to congenic, nondiseased NZW mice, which was prevented by treatment. In addition, concomitant changes were observed in the expression of extracellular matrix proteins, collagen IV and fibronectin. To determine the impact of these alterations on the neurological manifestations of SLE, behavior was studied in these mice. The NZB/W mice were spontaneously less active in the open field and exhibited a decrease in distance traveled (58% of control, p<0.01) and ambulatory measurements (52% of control, p<0.01). They took more time (8.8<ns4:underline>+</ns4:underline>1.2min) to escape from the maze compared to the control NZW mice (2.6<ns4:underline>+</ns4:underline>0.8min). Even more striking was that the behavioral deficits were alleviated in these mice by CY and PD treatment. These results support the hypothesis that increased astrogliosis and altered extracellular matrix proteins may be two of the critical factors that mediate lupus brain disease.</ns4:p> | [
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
]
|
10.1038/cddis.2011.47 | Utilizing mitochondrial events as biomarkers for imaging apoptosis | Cells undergoing apoptosis show a plethora of time-dependent changes. The available tools for imaging apoptosis in live cells rely either on the detection of the activity of caspases, or on the visualization of exposure of phosphatidyl serine in the outer leaflet of the cell membrane. We report here a novel method for the detection of mitochondrial events during apoptosis, namely translocation of Bax to mitochondria and release of cytochrome c (Cyt c) using bimolecular fluorescence complementation. Expression of split yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) fragments fused to Bax and Cyt c, resulted in robust induction of YFP fluorescence at the mitochondria of apoptotic cells with very low background. In vivo expression of split YFP protein fragments in liver hepatocytes and intra-vital imaging of subcutaneous tumor showed elevated YFP fluorescence upon apoptosis induction. Thus, YFP complementation could be applied for high-throughput screening and in vivo molecular imaging of mitochondrial events during apoptosis. | [
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
]
|
W2552260144 | Virtual Hadoop | Hadoop is a widely used software framework for handling massive data. As heterogeneous computing gains its momentum, variants of Hadoop have been developed to offload the computation of the Hadoop applications onto the heterogeneous processors, such as GPUs, DSPs, and FPGA. Unfortunately, these variants do not support on-demand resource scaling for the deadline-aware applications in a sophisticated heterogeneous computing environment. In this work, we developed a framework called Virtual Hadoop, which scales out the required computing resources for the applications automatically to meet the given real-time requirements. We extended the methods of resource inference and allocation for the heterogeneous computing environments. On top of these methods, an auto-scaling mechanism was developed to dynamically allocate resources on-demand based on profile data and performance models for the application execution to meet the given time requirements. In addition, Virtual Hadoop can utilize Docker containers to facilitate the auto-scaling mechanism, where a container encapsulates a Hadoop node with the capability to leverage heterogeneous computing engines. Our experimental results reveal the efficiency of Virtual Hadoop, and hopefully the experiences and discussion presented in this paper will ease the adoption of heterogeneous computing for efficient big data processing. | [
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
]
|
10.1007/978-3-662-46447-2_5 | Anonymous Transferable E Cash | Cryptographic e-cash allows off-line electronic transactions between a bank, users and merchants in a secure and anonymous fashion. A plethora of e-cash constructions has been proposed in the literature; however, these traditional e-cash schemes only allow coins to be transferred once between users and merchants. Ideally, we would like users to be able to transfer coins between each other multiple times before deposit, as happens with physical cash. | [
"Computer Science and Informatics"
]
|
10.5194/acp-10-2063-2010 | Physicochemical properties and origin of organic groups detected in boreal forest using an aerosol mass spectrometer | Abstract. An Aerodyne quadrupole aerosol mass spectrometer (Q-AMS) was deployed in Hyytiälä, a forested rural measurement site in southern Finland, during a 2-week measurement campaign in spring 2005. Q-AMS measures mass concentrations of non-refractory species including sulphate, nitrate, ammonium and organics from submicron particles. A positive matrix factorization method was used in identifying two oxygenated organic aerosol (OOA) groups from the measured total organic mass. The properties of these groups were estimated from their diurnal concentration cycles and correlations with additional data such as air mass history, particle number size distributions, hygroscopic and ethanol growth factors and particle volatility. It was found that the aged and highly oxidized background organic aerosol (OOA1 or LV-OOA) species have a wide range of hygroscopic growth factors and volatilization temperatures, but on the average OOA1 is the less volatile and more hygroscopic organic group. Hygroscopic properties and volatilities of the OOA1 species are correlated so that the less volatile species have higher hygroscopic growth factors. The other, less oxidized organic aerosol group (OOA2 or SV-OOA) is more volatile and non-hygroscopic. Trajectory analysis showed that OOA1 and the inorganic species are mainly long-range transported anthropogenic pollutions. OOA2 species and its precursor gases have short atmospheric life times, so they are from local sources. These results span the range of previous observations of oxygen content, volatility and hygroscopic growth factor, simultaneously coupling all three measurements for the first time. | [
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Earth System Science"
]
|
10.1186/gb-2013-14-12-r132 | Genome-wide analyses implicate 33 loci in heritable dog osteosarcoma, including regulatory variants near CDKN2A/B | Background: Canine osteosarcoma is clinically nearly identical to the human disease, but is common and highly heritable, making genetic dissection feasible. Results: Through genome-wide association analyses in three breeds (greyhounds, Rottweilers, and Irish wolfhounds), we identify 33 inherited risk loci explaining 55% to 85% of phenotype variance in each breed. The greyhound locus exhibiting the strongest association, located 150 kilobases upstream of the genes CDKN2A/B, is also the most rearranged locus in canine osteosarcoma tumors. The top germline candidate variant is found at a >90% frequency in Rottweilers and Irish wolfhounds, and alters an evolutionarily constrained element that we show has strong enhancer activity in human osteosarcoma cells. In all three breeds, osteosarcoma-associated loci and regions of reduced heterozygosity are enriched for genes in pathways connected to bone differentiation and growth. Several pathways, including one of genes regulated by miR124, are also enriched for somatic copy-number changes in tumors. Conclusions: Mapping a complex cancer in multiple dog breeds reveals a polygenic spectrum of germline risk factors pointing to specific pathways as drivers of disease. ; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | [
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing"
]
|
715097 | Evolving interactions in microbial communities | Microbes play an important role in various aspects of our lives, from our own health to the health of our environment. In almost all of their natural habitats, microbes live in dense communities composed of different strains and species that interact with each other. As these microbes evolve, so do the interactions between them, which alters the functioning of the community as a whole.
In this project, I propose to develop theoretical and experimental tools to study and control evolving interactions between cells and species living in microbial ecosystems. This will involve three main research objectives: first, we will couple theory and experiments to disentangle and characterise the social interactions between five bacterial species that make up an ecosystem used to degrade pollutants. Our second objective will be to use this knowledge to control this same ecosystem, by directing it toward increased productivity and stability. Finally, our third objective will be to “breed” novel communities from scratch using experimental evolution to promote cooperative interactions between community members and thereby increase productivity.
This interdisciplinary and ambitious research will allow us to improve existing methods in pollution degradation, and to design new microbial communities for this and other purposes. More generally, our model system will provide an in-depth conceptual understanding of microbial ecosystems and their evolution, and the tools to investigate more complex microbial communities. My ultimate vision is to possess the technology to use microbial communities to degrade waste, generate efficient biofuels, and design customised treatments for intestinal diseases. This project promises to create the foundations needed to develop this technology, and open many exciting avenues for future research. | [
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Biotechnology and Biosystems Engineering"
]
|
10.1038/nature14213 | Drought impact on forest carbon dynamics and fluxes in Amazonia | In 2005 and 2010 the Amazon basin experienced two strong droughts, driven by shifts in the tropical hydrological regime possibly associated with global climate change, as predicted by some global models. Tree mortality increased after the 2005 drought, and regional atmospheric inversion modelling showed basin-wide decreases in CO 2 uptake in 2010 compared with 2011 (ref. 5). But the response of tropical forest carbon cycling to these droughts is not fully understood and there has been no detailed multi-site investigation in situ. Here we use several years of data from a network of thirteen 1-ha forest plots spread throughout South America, where each component of net primary production (NPP), autotrophic respiration and heterotrophic respiration is measured separately, to develop a better mechanistic understanding of the impact of the 2010 drought on the Amazon forest. We find that total NPP remained constant throughout the drought. However, towards the end of the drought, autotrophic respiration, especially in roots and stems, declined significantly compared with measurements in 2009 made in the absence of drought, with extended decreases in autotrophic respiration in the three driest plots. In the year after the drought, total NPP remained constant but the allocation of carbon shifted towards canopy NPP and away from fine-root NPP. Both leaf-level and plot-level measurements indicate that severe drought suppresses photosynthesis. Scaling these measurements to the entire Amazon basin with rainfall data, we estimate that drought suppressed Amazon-wide photosynthesis in 2010 by 0. 38 petagrams of carbon (0. 23-0. 53 petagrams of carbon). Overall, we find that during this drought, instead of reducing total NPP, trees prioritized growth by reducing autotrophic respiration that was unrelated to growth. This suggests that trees decrease investment in tissue maintenance and defence, in line with eco-evolutionary theories that trees are competitively disadvantaged in the absence of growth. We propose that weakened maintenance and defence investment may, in turn, cause the increase in post-drought tree mortality observed at our plots. | [
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution",
"Earth System Science"
]
|
Q80821 | Pro-innovative services supporting the deployment of nanoperfum technology | Reference number of the aid programme: SA.42799(2015/X), intended for public aid: Article 28 of Commission Regulation No 651/2014The subject of the advisory services under the project will be NANOPERFUM technology. Technology in this case takes the form of the results of R & D works carried out by the Applicant – FINEA Sp. z o.o. NANOPERFUM technology includes: — Product technology (product innovation) – innovative formulation of product composition – the formulation will be based on water and fragrance composition (without allergens) and few (up to 10 %) non-ionic emulsifiers (safe, biocompatible with skin). — Manufacturing technology (processing innovation) – Application of low-energy AND high-energy two-stage METOD for the production of nanoemulsion. The project provides for the purchase of a number of services that will allow the efficient implementation of innovation into business practice: 1.Preparation for implementation: Identifying and mapping key business processes related to the implementation, modification and optimisation of innovation; Developing a marketing strategy; Prepare a detailed financial model for innovation being developed or implemented and analyse new technology and implementation in terms of their environmental impact. 2.Advice on intellectual property protection: Intellectual property management consultancy – research on the state of technology and purity of the patent solution and Development of intellectual property management strategy 3.Support for the implementation of innovations (pilot implementation): Assist in the development of the functional or technical documentation necessary for the implementation of innovations and Advice and assistance in developing and carrying out pilot innovation implementation. The services will be purchased in full from an accredited IOB: Netrix Group Sp. z o.o. The result of the project will be the implementation of 2 innovations (product and process) and ultimately the growth of the competitiveness of the micro-enterprise FINEA Sp. z o.o. in Po | [
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Materials Engineering"
]
|
10.1088/2053-1583/2/1/011003 | Optimizing The Optical And Electrical Properties Of Graphene Ink Thin Films By Laser Annealing | We demonstrate a facile fabrication technique for graphene-based transparent conductive films. Highly flat and uniform graphene films are obtained through the incorporation of an efficient laser an . . . | [
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Materials Engineering",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials"
]
|
10.1016/j.tcb.2015.01.002 | Intranuclear bacteria: Inside the cellular control center of eukaryotes | Intracellular bacteria including major pathogens live in the cytoplasm or in cytoplasmic vacuoles within their host cell. However, some can invade more unusual intracellular niches such as the eukaryotic nucleus. Phylogenetically diverse intranuclear bacteria have been discovered in various protist, arthropod, marine invertebrate, and mammalian hosts. Although targeting the same cellular compartment, they have apparently developed fundamentally-different infection strategies. The nucleus provides a rich pool of nutrients and protection against host cytoplasmic defense mechanisms; intranuclear bacteria can directly manipulate the host by interfering with nuclear processes. The impact on their host cells ranges from stable associations with a neutral or beneficial effect on host fitness to rapid host lysis. The analysis of the intranuclear lifestyle will extend our current framework for understanding host-pathogen interactions. | [
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions"
]
|
10.1002/2016WR019146 | A New Classification Scheme Of European Cyclone Tracks With Relevance To Precipitation | This paper proposes a new classification scheme of atmospheric cyclone tracks over Europe. The cyclones are classified into nine types, based on the geographic regions the cyclones traverse before entering Central Europe. The method is applied to ERA-40 data for 1961-2002, considering all significant cyclones above a relative vorticity threshold. About 120 and 80 cyclone tracks per year are identified at sea level pressure and 700hPa geopotential height, respectively. About 25% are Atlantic type cyclones, 25% emerge directly over Central Europe and another 25% originate from the lee of the Alps. The other types are less frequent (Mediterranean 12%, Polar 7%, Continental 2% and Vb 4%). The track types show distinct characteristics in terms of cyclone intensity and cyclone life stage when entering Central Europe. Cyclones of type Vb are, on average, the most intense cyclones over Central Europe and even more intense than Atlantic cyclones in summer, pointing to their potential for generating extreme precipitation. The identified cyclones account for 46% to 76% of long-term precipitation in a focus region in Central Europe. Precipitation differs significantly between cyclones, with Atlantic and Vb cyclones producing the highest and Continental and Polar cyclones producing the lowest long-term precipitation totals. The contributions of cyclone types to total precipitation show distinct spatial patterns within Central Europe. The new cyclone type catalog will be useful for identifying the relevance of specific track types for precipitation extremes in Central Europe and analyze their temporal behavior in the context of climate change. This article is protected by copyright. | [
"Earth System Science"
]
|
EP 2008006284 W | SCREENING GRID ON AN OVERFLOW SPILLWAY OF A RAINWATER RELIEF SYSTEM | In a screening grid (1) on an overflow spillway (21) of a rainwater relief system (20), comprising grid bars (2) extending transversely to the overflow spillway (21) and scrapers (4) engaging in comb-like fashion in the grid bars (2), according to the invention the scrapers (4) are caused, via a crank drive (8) to make a curvilinear circular movement by means of an actuating lever (6) cooperating with a fixed support bearing (7), through which movement the scrapers (4) are guided from above into the gaps (3) between the grid bars (2) and withdrawn again at the bottom of the overflow spillway (21). As a result, the risk of solids being discharged into the waterways due to mechanical action on the solids during the scraping operation is reduced and the operational reliability is increased. | [
"Products and Processes Engineering"
]
|
10.1007/978-3-642-12310-8_7 | Chapter 7 Dataspaces | The vision of dataspaces is to provide various of the benefits of classical data integration, but with reduced up-front costs, combined with opportunities for incremental refinement, enabling a “pay as you go” approach. As such, dataspaces join a long stream of research activities that aim to build tools that simplify integrated access to distributed data. To address dataspace challenges, many different techniques may need to be considered: data integration from multiple sources, machine learning approaches to resolving schema heterogeneity, integration of structured and unstructured data, management of uncertainty, and query processing and optimization. Results that seek to realize the different visions exhibit considerable variety in their contexts, priorities and techniques. This chapter presents a classification of the key concepts in the area, encouraging the use of consistent terminology, and enabling a systematic comparison of proposals. This chapter also seeks to identify common and complementary ideas in the dataspace and search computing literatures, in so doing identifying opportunities for both areas and open issues for further research. | [
"Computer Science and Informatics"
]
|
10.1002/cpp.2421 | Body-related cognitive distortions (thought–shape fusion body) associated with thin-ideal exposure in female students—An ecological momentary assessment study | Etiological models of eating disorders (EDs) describe body dissatisfaction (BD)as one of the major influences fostering dysfunctional body-related behaviour and disordered eating behaviour. BD is influenced by repeated exposure to thin ideals that evoke high self-ideal discrepancy and result in body-related cognitive distortions such as thought–shape fusion body (TSF-B). The aim of this study was to investigate the covariation of daily media exposure and the experience of TSF-B in a naturalistic setting. It was further analysed whether TSF-B is associated with self-ideal discrepancy, dysfunctional body-related behaviour, and disordered eating behaviour. Moreover, person-related predictors of TSF-B were explored. Altogether, 51healthy female students (mean age 21. 06years, SD = 1. 76) participated in an ecological momentary assessment study with four daily surveys during 10consecutive days. Exposure with thin ideals in contrast to exposure to unspecific media contents went along with the experience of TSF-B. TSF-B was associated with higher self-ideal discrepancy and dysfunctional body-related behaviour as well as more pronounced disordered eating behaviour, suggesting that TSF-B is a common phenomenon in young healthy females' everyday life. A main effect of trait measures (e. g. , pre-existing BD) on TSF-B was observable but has no moderating effect. Thus, a specific vulnerability has not been detected. | [
"The Human Mind and Its Complexity",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
]
|
10.1051/0004-6361/201423409 | The Vimos Public Extragalactic Redshift Survey Vipers Never Mind The Gaps Comparing Techniques To Restore Homogeneous Sky Coverage | [Abridged] Non-uniform sampling and gaps in sky coverage are common in galaxy redshift surveys, but these effects can degrade galaxy counts-in-cells and density estimates. We carry out a comparison of methods that aim to fill the gaps to correct for the systematic effects. Our study is motivated by the analysis of the VIMOS Extragalactic Redshift Survey (VIPERS), a flux-limited survey (i<22. 5) based on one-pass observations with VIMOS, with gaps covering 25% of the surveyed area and a mean sampling rate of 35%. Our findings are applicable to other surveys with similar observing strategies. We compare 1) two algorithms based on photometric redshift, that assign redshifts to galaxies based on the spectroscopic redshifts of the nearest neighbours, 2) two Bayesian methods, the Wiener filter and the Poisson-Lognormal filter. Using galaxy mock catalogues we quantify the accuracy of the counts-in-cells measurements on scales of R=5 and 8 Mpc/h after applying each of these methods. We also study how they perform to account for spectroscopic redshift error and inhomogeneous and sparse sampling rate. We find that in VIPERS the errors in counts-in-cells measurements on R<10 Mpc/h scales are dominated by the sparseness of the sample. All methods underpredict by 20-35% the counts at high densities. This systematic bias is of the same order as random errors. No method outperforms the others. Random and systematic errors decrease for larger cells. We show that it is possible to separate the lowest and highest densities on scales of 5 Mpc/h at redshifts 0. 5<z<1. 1, over a large volume such as in VIPERS survey. This is vital for the characterisation of cosmic variance and rare populations (e. g, brightest galaxies) in environmental studies at these redshifts. | [
"Universe Sciences",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
]
|
W292896184 | Including God in Psychotherapy: Strong Vs. Weak Theism | The authors first attempt to conceptualize theistic psychotherapy by discussing the relationship between theism and naturalism. Many psychologists have assumed that naturalism and theism can be combined in various ways, so the authors review the more prominent of these combinations at the outset. They argue not only that these mixtures are “weak” (i.e., they restrain God in some way) but also that they ultimately assume naturalism is incompatible in many ways with theism. The authors compare “weak” theism with a “strong” theism that does not restrain God or rely on naturalistic assumptions. This comparison is elaborated by distinguishing a published example of strongly theistic psychotherapy from three common types of weakly theistic psychotherapy, with corresponding examples from the theistic literature. | [
"Texts and Concepts",
"The Human Mind and Its Complexity"
]
|
10.1098/rsbl.2016.0586 | Differential effects of food availability on minimum and maximum rates of metabolism | Metabolic rates reflect the energetic cost of living but exhibit remarkable variation among conspecifics, partly as a result of the constraints imposed by environmental conditions. Metabolic rates are sensitive to changes in temperature and oxygen availability, but effects of food availability, particularly on maximum metabolic rates, are not well understood. Here, we show in brown trout ( Salmo trutta ) that maximum metabolic rates are immutable but minimum metabolic rates increase as a positive function of food availability. As a result, aerobic scope (i. e. the capacity to elevate metabolism above baseline requirements) declines as food availability increases. These differential changes in metabolic rates likely have important consequences for how organisms partition available metabolic power to different functions under the constraints imposed by food availability. | [
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing",
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution"
]
|
interreg_2779 | Proactive Innovation Support for SMEs in the Corridor from the Baltic to the Mediterranean Sea | After the enlargement of the European Union there is the potential to develop the Baltic-Adriatic corridor to a knowledge-based economic region in accordance with the Lisbon strategy. The project PROINCOR contributes to this development by addressing enterprises with innovation needs in main manufacturing and industrial service sectors of the involved regions and countries.
Its aim is to support the diffusion and application of knowledge in new products, processes and services. The transnational partnerships covering the corridor from the Baltic to the Mediterranean Sea aims to strengthen the competitiveness of SMEs by boosting their innovation performance and thereby contribute to the decrease of economic disparities between Eastern and Western regions and countries along the former iron curtain.
The project is based on a proactive approach starting with diagnostic and advisory visits in SMEs, developing and using of transnational approach to assess the current innovation performance of the SMEs. The important part that the project covers is also the conducting of innovation audits and action plans on how to improve the innovation performance. | [
"Individuals, Markets and Organisations",
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Human Mobility, Environment, and Space"
]
|
10.1145/2629595 | Interval Deletion Is Fixed Parameter Tractable | We study the minimum interval deletion problem, which asks for the removal of a set of at most k vertices to make a graph of n vertices into an interval graph. We present a parameterized algorithm of runtime 10k ⋅ nO(1) for this problem—that is, we show that the problem is fixed-parameter tractable. | [
"Computer Science and Informatics"
]
|
RU 2013000640 W | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A COMBINED DELIVERY PIPE | The invention relates to the field of manufacturing rigid pipes, and specifically, to methods for manufacturing combined delivery pipes from polymers and composite materials, and can be used for manufacturing pipes for transporting liquid and gaseous media. The method for manufacturing a combined delivery pipe comprises subjecting the external surface of an internal sealing layer to plasma processing, applying an external layer of composite material in the form of reinforcing fibres and a binder to said layer and curing the composite-material binder. The internal sealing layer is in the form of a tubular blank made of polymer material. The tubular blank is subjected to plasma processing in cold plasma from an abnormal glow discharge in air in a continuous-flow mode at a pressure of 210 Pa. The invention makes it possible to produce combined delivery pipes having great operational characteristics with the production process being highly efficient. | [
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Materials Engineering"
]
|
10.1101/gr.154187.112 | DNA methylation contributes to natural human variation | DNA methylation patterns are important for establishing cell, tissue, and organism phenotypes, but little is known about their contribution to natural human variation. To determine their contribution to variability, we have generated genomescale DNA methylation profiles of three human populations (Caucasian-American, African-American, and Han Chinese-American) and examined the differentially methylated CpG sites. The distinctly methylated genes identified suggest an influence of DNA methylation on phenotype differences, such as susceptibility to certain diseases and pathogens, and response to drugs and environmental agents. DNA methylation differences can be partially traced back to genetic variation, suggesting that differentially methylated CpG sites serve as evolutionarily established mediators between the genetic code and phenotypic variability. Notably, one-third of the DNA methylation differences were not associated with any genetic variation, suggesting that variation in population-specific sites takes place at the genetic and epigenetic levels, highlighting the contribution of epigenetic modification to natural human variation. | [
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems"
]
|
IB 2012051718 W | A METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A WOVEN INFORMATIVE SUPPORT | The present invention concerns a method for manufacturing a woven informative support. The informative support (1) comprises a piece (2) of fabric, constituted by an interlacing of threads of at least two different colours. The interlacing of the threads of the piece (2) define the image (4) corresponding to an optically read code, on at least one face (3) thereof, through the contrast between at least two different colours. | [
"Materials Engineering",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials",
"Products and Processes Engineering"
]
|
726141 | Building an Evidence-Base for Reducing Gender Bias in Educational Pathways | In 2012, the European Commission launched the campaign Science: It’s a girl thing!, aimed at encouraging women to choose research careers, as they are sorely underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Given that gender disparities in aptitude for specific fields are generally very small, highly gendered skewness in educational choices suggest pathways dictated by stereotypes rather than abilities, leaving valuable STEM talents unused.
Many European countries have invested in boosting girls’ participation in STEM through workshops with girl-oriented science topics, contact with female role models, and information packages. However, the vast majority of these initiatives have not been scientifically evaluated. Further, most programs leave untouched one of the key underlying processes keeping girls from STEM that emerge from the research literature, namely daily socialization reinforcing gender stereotypes in the school and family context.
I aim to fill this gap by developing a video-feedback intervention aimed at reducing teachers’ (largely unconscious) gendered classroom interactions in primary and secondary schools, testing its effectiveness in reducing gender disparities in STEM in a randomized control trial (RCT), and longitudinally investigating salient family processes from infancy to late adolescence to inform parent education programs.
This approach is innovative because it is the first to apply and rigorously test a video-feedback intervention aimed at reducing gendered interactions in schools. Further, the comprehensive scope of the study design is unique because it includes children and adolescents across development in both the school and the family context.
The insights from this study will provide new avenues for both research and practice regarding gender socialization. The project fits seamlessly with my expertise in gender socialization, and experience with longitudinal and RCT projects in schools and families. | [
"The Social World and Its Interactions",
"The Human Mind and Its Complexity"
]
|
10.1016/j.fluid.2015.05.009 | Thermophysical properties of phosphonium-based ionic liquids | Experimental data for density, viscosity, refractive index and surface tension of four phosphonium-based ionic liquids were measured in the temperature range between (288. 15 and 353. 15)K and at atmospheric pressure. The ionic liquids considered include tri(isobutyl) methylphosphonium tosylate, [P<inf>i</inf><inf>(444) 1</inf>][Tos], tri(butyl) methylphosphonium methylsulfate, [P<inf>4441</inf>][CH<inf>3</inf>SO<inf>4</inf>], tri(butyl) ethylphosphonium diethylphosphate, [P<inf>4442</inf>][(C<inf>2</inf>H<inf>5</inf>O)<inf>2</inf>PO<inf>2</inf>], and tetraoctylphosphonium bromide, [P<inf>8888</inf>][Br]. Additionally, derivative properties, such as the isobaric thermal expansion coefficient, the surface thermodynamic properties and the critical temperatures for the investigated ionic liquids were also estimated and are presented and discussed. Group contribution methods were evaluated and fitted to the density, viscosity and refractive index experimental data. | [
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials"
]
|
10.1007/978-3-319-08867-9_38 | Regression Free Synthesis For Concurrency | While fixing concurrency bugs, program repair algorithms may introduce new concurrency bugs. We present an algorithm that avoids such regressions. The solution space is given by a set of program transformations we consider in for repair process. These include reordering of instructions within a thread and inserting atomic sections. The new algorithm learns a constraint on the space of candidate solutions, from both positive examples (error-free traces) and counterexamples (error traces). From each counterexample, the algorithm learns a constraint necessary to remove the errors. From each positive examples, it learns a constraint that is necessary in order to prevent the repair from turning the trace into an error trace. We implemented the algorithm and evaluated it on simplified Linux device drivers with known bugs. | [
"Computer Science and Informatics"
]
|
10.1002/hipo.22264 | Human hippocampal processing of environmental novelty during spatial navigation | The detection and processing of novel information encountered as we explore our environment is crucial for learning and adaptive behavior. The human hippocampus has been strongly implicated in laboratory tests of novelty detection and episodic memory, but has been less well studied during more ethological tasks such as spatial navigation, typically used in animals. We examined fMRI BOLD activity as a function of environmental and object novelty as humans performed an object-location virtual navigation task. We found greater BOLD response to novel relative to familiar environments in the hippocampus and adjacent parahippocampal gyrus. Object novelty was associated with increased activity in the posterior parahippocampal/fusiform gyrus and anterior hippocampus extending into the amygdala and superior temporal sulcus. Importantly, whilst mid-posterior hippocampus was more sensitive to environmental novelty than object novelty, the anterior hippocampus responded similarly to both forms of novelty. Amygdala activity showed an increase for novel objects that decreased linearly over the learning phase. By investigating how participants learn and use different forms of information during spatial navigation, we found that medial temporal lobe (MTL) activity reflects both the novelty of the environment and of the objects located within it. This novelty processing is likely supported by distinct, but partially overlapping, sets of regions within the MTL. | [
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems"
]
|
10.1016/j.celrep.2019.10.035 | Integrated Analyses of Microbiome and Longitudinal Metabolome Data Reveal Microbial-Host Interactions on Sulfur Metabolism in Parkinson's Disease | Parkinson's disease (PD) exhibits systemic effects on the human metabolism, with emerging roles for the gut microbiome. Here, we integrate longitudinal metabolome data from 30 drug-naive, de novo PD patients and 30 matched controls with constraint-based modeling of gut microbial communities derived from an independent, drug-naive PD cohort, and prospective data from the general population. Our key results are (1) longitudinal trajectory of metabolites associated with the interconversion of methionine and cysteine via cystathionine differed between PD patients and controls; (2) dopaminergic medication showed strong lipidomic signatures; (3) taurine-conjugated bile acids correlated with the severity of motor symptoms, while low levels of sulfated taurolithocholate were associated with PD incidence in the general population; and (4) computational modeling predicted changes in sulfur metabolism, driven by A. muciniphila and B. wadsworthia, which is consistent with the changed metabolome. The multi-omics integration reveals PD-specific patterns in microbial-host sulfur co-metabolism that may contribute to PD severity. | [
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems",
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution"
]
|
10.1371/journal.pone.0196119 | Fast CSF MRI for brain segmentation; Cross-validation by comparison with 3D T<inf>1</inf>-based brain segmentation methods | Objective In previous work we have developed a fast sequence that focusses on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) based on the long T2 of CSF. By processing the data obtained with this CSF MRI sequence, brain parenchymal volume (BPV) and intracranial volume (ICV) can be automatically obtained. The aim of this study was to assess the precision of the BPV and ICV measurements of the CSF MRI sequence and to validate the CSF MRI sequence by comparison with 3D T1-based brain segmentation methods. Materials and methods Ten healthy volunteers (2 females; median age 28 years) were scanned (3T MRI) twice with repositioning in between. The scan protocol consisted of a low resolution (LR) CSF sequence (0:57min), a high resolution (HR) CSF sequence (3:21min) and a 3D T1-weighted sequence (6:47min). Data of the HR 3D-T1-weighted images were downsampled to obtain LR T1-weighted images (reconstructed imaging time: 1:59 min). Data of the CSF MRI sequences was automatically segmented using in-house software. The 3D T1-weighted images were segmented using FSL (5. 0), SPM12 and FreeSurfer (5. 3. 0). Results The mean absolute differences for BPV and ICV between the first and second scan for CSF LR (BPV/ICV: 12±9/7±4cc) and CSF HR (5±5/4±2cc) were comparable to FSL HR (9±11/19 ±23cc), FSL LR (7±4, 6±5cc), FreeSurfer HR (5±3/14±8cc), FreeSurfer LR (9±8, 12±10cc), and SPM HR (5±3/4±7cc), and SPM LR (5±4, 5±3cc). The correlation between the measured volumes of the CSF sequences and that measured by FSL, FreeSurfer and SPM HR and LR was very good (all Pearson’s correlation coefficients >0. 83, R2 . 67–. 97). The results from the downsampled data and the high-resolution data were similar. Conclusion Both CSF MRI sequences have a precision comparable to, and a very good correlation with established 3D T1-based automated segmentations methods for the segmentation of BPV and ICV. However, the short imaging time of the fast CSF MRI sequence is superior to the 3D T1 sequence on which segmentation with established methods is performed. | [
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases",
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
]
|
interreg_1282 | Educational-environmental project | The integrated “Spelaion Logos” projects aim at enhancing the Karst cave environment of naturalistically-relevant protected areas - that are part of Natura 2000 - in the Eastern Alpine Arc. They are the result of the cooperation among the various partners, and envisage environmental restoration and improvement activities (creation of thematic routes and infrastructural interventions to improve site fruition) as well as educational/cultural initiatives (educational exhibitions, conferences, promotional and publicity literature). As regards Valcellina, the project aims at the creation of a naturalistic-educational trail with a low impact on the environment, both epygean and hypogean, that comprises - in its open-air portion - the Natural Reserve of Forra del Cellina, and - in its underground portion - the Grotta Vecchia Diga (Old Dam Cave) of Barcis. Also envisaged is the establishment of an multifunctional Educational-naturalistic Centre, that will promote knowledge dissemination and a correct fruition of the fossil caves and the exceptional natural resources present in the Reserve. Project activities also include the setting up of an Image Laboratory/Archives for the study and the dissemination of information on the territory and the creation of a multimedia network for the cultural, technical and scientific exchange between project partners; the organisation of cultural initiatives and events; promotional literature; and symbolic naturalistic/educational itinerary will be set up, targeting school and excursionist tourism, leading from the Pordenone Prealps area to the Julian Prealps and the Slovenian National Park of Triglav. The project is coordinated by a Technical Committee consisting of both Italian and Slovenian partners who, by sharing the competences acquired by individuals, aims at attaching to the actions proposed a high technical and scientific value. | [
"Earth System Science",
"Human Mobility, Environment, and Space"
]
|
IB 0302843 W | METHOD FOR PRESENTING FISHEYE-CAMERA IMAGES | The present invention is a method for presenting the fisheye-camera images. A calibration target with a concentric-and-symmetric pattern (PCT) is utilized to assist in parameterizing a fisheye camera (FIS) in order to ascertain the optical parameters comprising the principal point, the focal length constant and the projection function of the FIS. Hence, the position of an imaged point referring to the principal point on the image plane directly reflects its corresponding zenithal distance a and azimuthal distance ß of the sight ray in space so as to normalize the imaged point onto a small sphere. Further according to the map projections in cartography capable of transforming the global geometry into flap maps, the interesting area in a field of view can be accordingly transformed by a proper projection method. The image transforming method disclosed in the invention is simple, low-cost, suitable to various FISs with different projection mechanisms and capable of transforming the fisheye-camera images for particular functions, such as the approach of normal human visual perception, video data encryption, and image compression/transformation with a high fidelity. | [
"Systems and Communication Engineering",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
]
|
10.1177/1094342015572030 | Machine Learning For Ultrafast X Ray Diffraction Patterns On Large Scale Gpu Clusters | The classical method of determining the atomic structure of complex molecules by analyzing diffraction patterns is currently undergoing drastic developments. Modern techniques for producing extremely bright and coherent X-ray lasers allow a beam of streaming particles to be intercepted and hit by an ultrashort high-energy X-ray beam. Through machine learning methods the data thus collected can be transformed into a three-dimensional volumetric intensity map of the particle itself. The computational complexity associated with this problem is very high such that clusters of data parallel accelerators are required. We have implemented a distributed and highly efficient algorithm for the inversion of large collections of diffraction patterns targeting clusters of hundreds of GPUs. With the expected enormous amount of diffraction data to be produced in the foreseeable future, this is the required scale to approach real-time processing of data at the beam site. Using both real and synthetic data we look at the scaling properties of the application and discuss the overall computational viability of this exciting and novel imaging technique. | [
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
]
|
Q3753116 | Bi-Luotsi — Development of the digital transformation consulting model for SMEs in Easteam Oy | The aim is to develop a new kind of expert service for Easteam Oy’s business, focusing on digitalisation and digitalisation of business processes and an electronic control system that supports its implementation. The measures of the development project are to examine the challenges related to the digitalisation and business operations of SMEs in the region, to develop metrics and analytics methods to measure development results, to create an expert service developing the digitalisation of business and to design a digital system to support the implementation of the service. As a result, Easteam Oy will create a new kind of expert service and a digital control system that supports its wider implementation. | [
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
]
|
10.1051/0004-6361/201833027 | The Gaia Eso Survey Properties Of Newly Discovered Li Rich Giants | Aims. We report 20 new lithium-rich giants discovered within the Gaia-ESO Survey, including the first Li-rich giant with an evolutionary stage confirmed by CoRoT (Convection, Rotation and planetary Transits) data. We present a detailed overview of the properties of these 20 stars. Methods. Atmospheric parameters and abundances were derived in model atmosphere analyses using medium-resolution GIRAFFE or high-resolution UVES (Ultraviolet and Visual Echelle Spectrograph) spectra. These results are part of the fifth internal data release of the Gaia-ESO Survey. The Li abundances were corrected for non-local thermodynamical equilibrium effects. Other stellar properties were investigated for additional peculiarities (the core of strong lines for signs of magnetic activity, infrared magnitudes, rotational velocities, chemical abundances, and Galactic velocities). We used Gaia DR2 parallaxes to estimate distances and luminosities. Results. The giants have A(Li) > 2. 2 dex. The majority of them (14 of 20 stars) are in the CoRoT fields. Four giants are located in the field of three open clusters, but are not members. Two giants were observed in fields towards the Galactic bulge, but likely lie in the inner disc. One of the bulge field giants is super Li-rich with A(Li) = 4. 0 dex. Conclusions. We identified one giant with infrared excess at 22 μm. Two other giants, with large v sin i, might be Li-rich because of planet engulfment. Another giant is found to be barium enhanced and thus could have accreted material from a former asymptotic giant branch companion. Otherwise, in addition to the Li enrichment, the evolutionary stages are the only other connection between these new Li-rich giants. The CoRoT data confirm that one Li-rich giant is at the core-He burning stage. The other giants are concentrated in close proximity to the red giant branch luminosity bump, the core-He burning stages, or the early-asymptotic giant branch. This is very clear from the Gaia-based luminosities of the Li-rich giants. This is also seen when the CoRoT Li-rich giants are compared to a larger sample of 2252 giants observed in the CoRoT fields by the Gaia-ESO Survey, which are distributed throughout the red giant branch in the Teff-log g diagram. These observations show that the evolutionary stage is a major factor for the Li enrichment in giants. Other processes, such as planet accretion, contribute at a smaller scale. (Less) | [
"Universe Sciences"
]
|
EP 0309341 W | USE OF GRANZYME B AS AN HSP70/HSP70 PEPTIDE DEPENDENT INDUCER OF APOPTOSIS IN TUMOR CELLS | The present invention relates to a method of inducing or enhancing the expression of granzyme B in natural killer (NK) cells. The present invention relates also to a use of said NK cells for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of tumors, viral or bacterial infections or inflammatory diseases. Further, the present invention relates to the use of granzyme B for the treatment of tumors, viral or bacterial infections or inflammatory diseases, wherein the tumor cells or the cells affected by said infection or inflammation express Hsp70 in their cell surface. | [
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
]
|
10.1155/2015/812069 | Hybrid Stochastic Finite Element Method For Mechanical Vibration Problems | We present and analyze a new hybrid stochastic finite element method for solving
eigenmodes of structures with random geometry and random elastic modulus. The fundamental assumption is that the smallest eigenpair is well defined
over the whole stochastic parameter space. The geometric uncertainty is resolved using collocation and random material
models using Galerkin method at each collocation point. The response statistics,
expectation and variance of the smallest eigenmode, are computed in numerical
experiments. The hybrid approach is superior to alternatives in practical
cases where the number of random parameters used to describe geometric uncertainty
is much smaller than that of the material models. | [
"Mathematics",
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Materials Engineering"
]
|
10.1111/1365-2656.13094 | Optimizing The Use Of Biologgers For Movement Ecology Research | The paradigm-changing opportunities of biologging sensors for ecological research, especially movement ecology, are vast, but the crucial questions of how best to match the most appropriate sensors and sensor combinations to specific biological questions and how to analyse complex biologging data, are mostly ignored. Here, we fill this gap by reviewing how to optimize the use of biologging techniques to answer questions in movement ecology and synthesize this into an Integrated Biologging Framework (IBF). We highlight that multisensor approaches are a new frontier in biologging, while identifying current limitations and avenues for future development in sensor technology. We focus on the importance of efficient data exploration, and more advanced multidimensional visualization methods, combined with appropriate archiving and sharing approaches, to tackle the big data issues presented by biologging. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities in matching the peculiarities of specific sensor data to the statistical models used, highlighting at the same time the large advances which will be required in the latter to properly analyse biologging data. Taking advantage of the biologging revolution will require a large improvement in the theoretical and mathematical foundations of movement ecology, to include the rich set of high-frequency multivariate data, which greatly expand the fundamentally limited and coarse data that could be collected using location-only technology such as GPS. Equally important will be the establishment of multidisciplinary collaborations to catalyse the opportunities offered by current and future biologging technology. If this is achieved, clear potential exists for developing a vastly improved mechanistic understanding of animal movements and their roles in ecological processes and for building realistic predictive models. | [
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution",
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"Mathematics"
]
|
W4288069512 | Gouvernance multi-niveaux de la crise de la Covid-19 en France, quels échecs et réussites ? | Cet article étudie la façon dont la France, modèle de centralisme, a réagi lors de la première phase de la crise de la Covid-19 entre janvier et octobre 2020. Le cadre théorique des relations intergouvernementales est mobilisé pour réfléchir les réussites et les échecs de notre système administrativo-politique face à la pandémie. L’article s’appuie sur une analyse qualitative et quantitative des rapports et discours publiés par les acteurs institutionnels pendant la crise et montre des relations en tension permanente entre une hyper-centralisation et le développement d’une gouvernance horizontale plus souple et réactive. | [
"Institutions, Governance and Legal Systems",
"The Social World and Its Interactions"
]
|
758617 | Cell-to-cell variability during symmetry breaking in organoid development | Cell-to-cell variability is an inherent property of populations of cells. As a starting point for symmetry breaking events, it is also an essential building block for self-organised pattern forming systems. Nonetheless, the sources and roles of cell-to-cell variability in symmetry-breaking events during collective cell behavior await a quantitative and mechanistic understanding. To obtain these insights, we will use a model system of intestinal organoids, which recapitulates most of the processes of morphogenesis and patterning observed in intestinal tissue. In this system, the symmetry-breaking event is observed when, despite all single cells in a growing organoid are exposed to uniform environments, only a fraction of cells acquires specific cell fates, generating asymmetric structures such as crypts and villi. This project aims to uncover the extent, sources, and consequences of cell heterogeneity. To this end, we will use advanced multiplexed imaging of intestinal stem cells in 3D organoid development to monitor quantitatively the behaviour of each single cell in the system. Initially, we will identify potential sources of cell-to-cell variability, such as the microenvironment or the cell cycle. Next, we will create models to identify predictors of symmetry breaking and patterning. In parallel, we will determine the extent of cellular heterogeneity by single-cell RNA sequencing during organoid formation. Finally, we will test if cellular heterogeneity is necessary and sufficient to induce symmetry-breaking of intestinal organoids by experimentally inducing and perturbing cell-to-cell variability. Thus, this research proposal will address a major question in developmental biology and collective cell behavior, namely how single cells exposed to a uniform growth-promoting environment generate asymmetric structures. Moreover, it will unravel how local interactions between single cells give rise to emergent, self-organized patterns. | [
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems"
]
|
10.1021/acs.jpcb.6b04474 | Mechanism of Fluorescence Switching in One ESIPT-Based Al<sup>3+</sup> Probe | A recently synthesized Schiff base used as a probe for aluminum cations was studied with ab initio models. The primary reason for the lack of fluorescence in aprotic solvents was found to be the presence of an efficient conical intersection (CI) between the ground-states and the first singlet excited-states close to the Franck-Condon geometry. The excited-state pathway leading to this CI is barrierless but implies large amplitude motions, explaining why the fluorescence was observed in frozen acetonitrile matrix. Our calculations suggest that constraining the molecule by impending the rotation around the imino bond enables excited-state intramolecular proton transfer. A similar stiffening mechanism is responsible for the strong fluorescence turn-on after formation of complexes between Al3+ cations and dehydrogenated Schiff base. Finally, the analysis of the possible fluorescence mechanisms in water indicates that the anion of 1 is the likely fluorescence source. Overall, this work allows one to disentangle the various origins of fluorescence switching in a probe. | [
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials"
]
|
W114558098 | Tenofovir-based pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention | Topical tenofovir gel and oral tenofovir and emtricitabine-tenofovir [FTC/tenofovir disoproxyl fumarate (TDF)] have been demonstrated to have efficacy in preventing HIV-1 in some populations. Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) trials and future directions are summarized.Pericoital use of 1% tenofovir gel in the CAPRISA 004 study reduced HIV-1 acquisition by 39% and herpes simplex virus-2 acquisition by 51%. Daily oral FTC/TDF demonstrated 44% reduction in HIV-1 acquisition among MSM in the iPrEx study (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Initiative). Both studies showed higher efficacy among those with higher adherence. Efficacy of daily oral TDF and FTC/TDF was 66 and 73%, respectively, among HIV-1-uninfected partners in an HIV-1 serodiscordant partnership in the Partners PrEP Study. Efficacy of daily oral FTC/TDF was 66% in young heterosexuals in Botswana in the TDF2 trial. The FEM-PrEP and VOICE (Vaginal and Oral Interventions to Control the Epidemic) studies in African women found no efficacy with oral FTC/TDF and TDF, respectively. Safety and tolerability were excellent and limited resistance was observed in seroconverters.Topical tenofovir gel showed efficacy in African women and daily oral TDF and FTC/TDF were efficacious in MSM, and African HIV-1 serodiscordant couples and young heterosexuals. The reasons for lack of efficacy of oral FTC/TDF and TDF in two studies in African women are being investigated. Longer-acting formulations, invtravaginal rings, and new candidate antiretrovirals are being evaluated for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). | [
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
]
|
10.1007/s00339-017-1353-z | Electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of 3D printed polymer composites | We report on preliminary results regarding the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of various 3D printed polymeric composite structures. All studied samples were fabricated using 3D printing technology, following the fused deposition modeling approach, using commercially available filaments as starting materials. The electromagnetic shielding performance of the fabricated 3D samples was investigated in the so called C-band of the electromagnetic spectrum (3. 5–7. 0 GHz), which is typically used for long-distance radio telecommunications. We provide evidence that 3D printing technology can be effectively utilized to prepare operational shields, making them promising candidates for electromagnetic shielding applications for electronic devices. | [
"Systems and Communication Engineering",
"Materials Engineering"
]
|
10.1016/j.compstruct.2011.12.023 | Optimal design of variable fiber spacing composites for morphing aircraft skins | Morphing aircraft concepts aim to enhance the aircraft performance over multiple missions by designing time variant wing configurations. The morphing concepts require wing skins that are flexible enough to allow large in-plane stretching and high bending stiffness to resist the aerodynamic loads. In this study, an optimization problem is formed to enhance the in-plane flexibility and bending stiffness of wing skins made of composite laminate. Initially, the optimal fiber and elastomer materials for highly flexible fiber reinforced elastomer laminates are studied using materials available in the literature. The minor Poisson's ratio of the laminate is almost zero for all the fiber and elastomer combinations. In the next stage, the effects of boundary conditions and aspect ratio on the out-of-plane deflection of the laminate are studied. Finally, an optimization is performed to minimize the in-plane stiffness and maximize the bending stiffness by spatially varying the volume fraction of fibers of a laminate. The optimization results show that the in-plane flexibility and bending stiffness of the laminate with a variable fiber distribution is 30-40% higher than for the uniform fiber distribution. | [
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Materials Engineering"
]
|
10.1088/1742-6596/592/1/012080 | Magnetoresistance Investigation On Single Crystalline Ce3Pd20Si6 Across The Temperature Magnetic Field Phase Diagram | The heavy fermion cage compound Ce3Pd20Si6 crystallizes in a cubic crystal structure with two inequivalent Ce sites. It undergoes two phase transitions at TQ = 0. 5 K and TN = 0. 31 K which are tentatively attributed, respectively, to antiferroquadrupolar and to antiferromagnetic order. Recent specific heat investigations on single crystals detected additional anomalies within the antiferroquadrupolar phase, for a magnetic field applied along the [100] direction, suggesting the presence of a tricritical point at around 2. 3 T and 0. 5 K. We performed isothermal magnetoresistivity investigations (down to 0. 055 K) on single crystalline Ce3Pd20Si6 across the B – T phase diagram to gain further insight on this new feature. | [
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences"
]
|
10.1088/0004-637X/789/1/85 | Precision Asteroseismology Of The Pulsating White Dwarf Gd 1212 Using A Two Wheel Controlled Kepler Spacecraft | We present a preliminary analysis of the cool pulsating white dwarf (WD) GD 1212, enabled by more than 11. 5 days of space-based photometry obtained during an engineering test of the two-reaction-wheel-controlled Kepler spacecraft. We detect at least 19 independent pulsation modes, ranging from 828. 2-1220. 8 s, and at least 17 nonlinear combination frequencies of those independent pulsations. Our longest uninterrupted light curve, 9. 0 days in length, evidences coherent difference frequencies at periods inaccessible from the ground, up to 14. 5 hr, the longest-period signals ever detected in a pulsating WD. These results mark some of the first science to come from a two-wheel-controlled Kepler spacecraft, proving the capability for unprecedented discoveries afforded by extending Kepler observations to the ecliptic. | [
"Universe Sciences",
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
]
|
10.1002/bies.201400163 | Does RNA editing compensate for Alu invasion of the primate genome? | One of the distinctive features of the primate genome is the Alu element, a repetitive short interspersed element, over a million highly similar copies of which account for >10% of the genome. A direct consequence of this feature is that primates' transcriptome is highly enriched in long stable dsRNA structures, the preferred target of adenosine deaminases acting on RNAs (ADARs), which are the enzymes catalyzing A-to-I RNA editing. Indeed, A-to-I editing by ADARs is extremely abundant in primates: over a hundred million editing sites exist in their genomes. However, there are few essential editing sites conserved across mammals that have maintained their editing level despite the radical change in ADAR target landscape. Here, we review and discuss the cost of having an unusual amount of dsRNA and editing in the transcriptome, as well as the opportunities it presents, which might have contributed to the accelerated evolution of the primates. | [
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems"
]
|
W2026268014 | Review: Mortality in schizophrenia: a measurable clinical endpoint | Over the last five years, large data sets on mortality in schizophrenia have been published which have established mortality as a measurable clinical endpoint. Four issues need clarification: whether mortality rates are declining, what the causes of death are, the effects antipsychotic treatments have on mortality and whether these data inform as to how mortality may be reduced in the future. A PubMed search was carried out to identify relevant publications. The search strategy was conducted as a review focusing predominantly on data since 2006. A large number of retrospective epidemiological and prospective studies have been published on mortality rates and causation in schizophrenia, predominantly from 2006—2009. Data suggest that the mortality gap with the general population increased from the 1970s but may have peaked in the mid-1990s. The main causes of mortality are suicide, cancer and cardiovascular disease, with evidence that cancer mortality rates are similar to cardiovascular mortality rates. Mortality causation is dependent upon age of the cohort, length of follow up and type of study. Antipsychotic treatments reduce mortality when compared with no treatment and atypical antipsychotics do not appear to increase cardiovascular mortality and morbidity compared with conventionals; further research is required for any definitive conclusion. | [
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing"
]
|
10.1016/j.actamat.2011.05.049 | Stacking fault energies of Mn, Co and Nb alloyed austenitic stainless steels | The alloying effects of Mn, Co and Nb on the stacking fault energy (SFE) of austenitic stainless steels, Fe-Cr-Ni with various Ni contents, are investigated via quantum-mechanical first-principles calculations. In the composition range (cCr = 20%, 8 ≤ cNi ≤ 20%, 0 ≤ cMn, cCo, cNb ≤ 8%, balance Fe) studied here, it is found that Mn always decreases the SFE at 0 K but increases it at room temperature in high-Ni (cNi ≳ 16%) alloys. The SFE always decreases with increasing Co content. Niobium increases the SFE significantly in low-Ni alloys; however, this effect is strongly diminished in high-Ni alloys. The SFE-enhancing effect of Ni usually observed in Fe-Cr-Ni alloys is inverted to an SFE-decreasing effect by Nb for cNb ≳ 3%. The revealed nonlinear composition dependencies are explained in terms of the peculiar magnetic contributions to the total SFE. | [
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Materials Engineering"
]
|
10.1111/bjdp.12224 | Which limb is it? Responses to vibrotactile stimulation in early infancy | This study focuses on how the body schema develops during the first months of life, by investigating infants’ motor responses to localized vibrotactile stimulation on their limbs. Vibrotactile stimulation was provided by small buzzers that were attached to the infants’ four limbs one at a time. Four age groups were compared cross-sectionally (3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-month-olds). We show that before they actually reach for the buzzer, which, according to previous studies, occurs around 7–8 months of age, infants demonstrate emerging knowledge about their body's configuration by producing specific movement patterns associated with the stimulated body area. At 3 months, infants responded with an increase in general activity when the buzzer was placed on the body, independently of the vibrator's location. Differentiated topographical awareness of the body seemed to appear around 5 months, with specific responses resulting from stimulation of the hands emerging first, followed by the differentiation of movement patterns associated with the stimulation of the feet. Qualitative analyses revealed specific movement types reliably associated with each stimulated location by 6 months of age, possibly preparing infants’ ability to actually reach for the vibrating target. We discuss this result in relation to newborns’ ability to learn specific movement patterns through intersensory contingency. Statement of contribution what is already known on infants’ sensorimotor knowledge about their own bodies 3-month-olds readily learn to produce specific limb movements to obtain a desired effect (movement of a mobile). infants detect temporal and spatial correspondences between events involving their own body and visual events. what the present study adds until 4–5 months of age, infants mostly produce general motor responses to localized touch. this is because in the present study, infants could not rely on immediate contingent feedback. we propose a cephalocaudal developmental trend of topographic differentiation of body areas. | [
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"The Human Mind and Its Complexity"
]
|
W2086966114 | 2-Local Isometries on Spaces of Lipschitz Functions | Abstract Let ( X , d ) be a metric space, and let Lip( X ) denote the Banach space of all scalar-valued bounded Lipschitz functions ƒ on X endowed with one of the natural norms where L ( ƒ ) is the Lipschitz constant of ƒ . It is said that the isometry group of Lip( X ) is canonical if every surjective linear isometry of Lip( X ) is induced by a surjective isometry of X . In this paper we prove that if X is bounded separable and the isometry group of Lip( X ) is canonical, then every 2-local isometry of Lip( X ) is a surjective linear isometry. Furthermore, we give a complete description of all 2-local isometries of Lip( X ) when X is bounded. | [
"Mathematics"
]
|
W1505629062 | Managing Beryllium in Nuclear Facility Applications | Beryllium plays important roles in nuclear facilities. Its neutron multiplication capability and low atomic weight make it very useful as a reflector in fission reactors. Its low atomic number and high chemical affinity for oxygen have led to its consideration as a plasma-facing material in fusion reactors. In both applications, the beryllium and the impurities in it become activated by neutrons, transmuting them to radionuclides, some of which are long-lived and difficult to dispose of. Also, gas production, notably helium and tritium, results in swelling, embrittlement, and cracking, which means that the beryllium must be replaced periodically, especially in fission reactors where dimensional tolerances must be maintained. It has long been known that neutron activation of inherent iron and cobalt in the beryllium results in significant {sup 60}Co activity. In 2001, it was discovered that activation of naturally occurring contaminants in the beryllium creates sufficient {sup 14}C and {sup 94}Nb to render the irradiated beryllium 'Greater-Than-Class-C' for disposal in U.S. radioactive waste facilities. It was further found that there was sufficient uranium impurity in beryllium that had been used in fission reactors up to that time that the irradiated beryllium had become transuranic in character, making it even more difficultmore » to dispose of. In this paper we review the extent of the disposal issue, processes that have been investigated or considered for improving the disposability of irradiated beryllium, and approaches for recycling.« less | [
"Fundamental Constituents of Matter",
"Materials Engineering",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences"
]
|
10.1016/j.molcel.2016.05.028 | Structure of a Cytoplasmic 11-Subunit RNA Exosome Complex | The RNA exosome complex associates with nuclear and cytoplasmic cofactors to mediate the decay, surveillance, or processing of a wide variety of transcripts. In the cytoplasm, the conserved core of the exosome (Exo10) functions together with the conserved Ski complex. The interaction of S. cerevisiae Exo10 and Ski is not direct but requires a bridging cofactor, Ski7. Here, we report the 2. 65 Å resolution structure of S. cerevisiae Exo10 bound to the interacting domain of Ski7. Extensive hydrophobic interactions rationalize the high affinity and stability of this complex, pointing to Ski7 as a constitutive component of the cytosolic exosome. Despite the absence of sequence homology, cytoplasmic Ski7 and nuclear Rrp6 bind Exo10 using similar surfaces and recognition motifs. Knowledge of the interacting residues in the yeast complexes allowed us to identify a splice variant of human HBS1-Like as a Ski7-like exosome-binding protein, revealing the evolutionary conservation of this cytoplasmic cofactor. | [
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration"
]
|
677020 | Microfluidic Crystal Factories (μ-CrysFact): a breakthrough approach for crystal engineering | To study and understand the aggregation, nucleation, and/or self-assembly processes of crystalline matter is of crucial importance for research and applications in many disciplines. For example, understanding the formation of crystalline amyloid fibres could lead to advances in the treatment and prevention of both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, whereas controlling the process of crystal formation can play a significant role in obtaining chemicals and materials that are important for industry as well as society as a whole (e.g., drugs, superconductors, polarizers and/or frequency modulators).
Despite the impressive progress made in molecular engineering during the last few decades, the quest for a general tool-box technology to study, control and monitor crystallisation processes as well as to isolate metastable states (dynamic capture) is still incomplete. That is because crystalline assemblies are frequently investigated in their equilibrium form, driving the system to its minimum energy state. This methodology limits the emergence of new chemicals and crystals with advanced functionalities, and thus hampers advances in the field of materials engineering.
µ-CrysFact will develop tool-box technologies where diffusion-limited and kinetically controlled environments will be achieved during crystallisation and where the isolation of non-equilibrium species will be facilitated by pushing crystallisation processes out of equilibrium. In addition, µ-CrysFact’s technologies will be used to localise, integrate and chemically treat crystals with the aim of honing their functionality. This unprecedented approach has the potential to lead to the discovery of new materials with advanced functions and unique properties, thus opening new horizons in materials engineering research. | [
"Materials Engineering",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences"
]
|
W2010358325 | Luminescent Benzoquinolate-Isocyanide Platinum(II) Complexes: Effect of Pt⋅⋅⋅Pt and π⋅⋅⋅π Interactions on their Photophysical Properties | The neutral compounds [Pt(bzq)(CN)(CNR)] (R = tBu (1), Xyl (2), 2-Np (3); bzq = benzoquinolate, Xyl = 2,6-dimethylphenyl, 2-Np = 2-napthyl) were isolated as the pure isomers with a trans-C(bzq),CNR configuration, as confirmed by (13)C{(1)H} NMR spectroscopy in the isotopically marked [Pt(bzq)((13)CN)(CNR)] (R = tBu (1'), Xyl (2'), 2-Np (3')) derivatives (δ(13)C(CN) ≈ 110 ppm; (1) J(Pt,(13)C) ≈ 1425 Hz]. By contrast, complex [Pt(bzq)(C≡CPh)(CNXyl)] (4) with a trans-N(bzq),CNR configuration, has been selectively isolated from [Pt(bzq)Cl(CNXyl)] (trans-N(bzq),CNR) using Sonogashira conditions. X-ray diffraction studies reveal that while 1 adopts a columnar-stacked chain structure with Pt-Pt distances of 3.371(1) Å and significant π⋅⋅⋅π interactions (3.262 Å), complex 2 forms dimers supported only by short Pt⋅⋅⋅Pt (3.370(1) Å) interactions. In complex 4 the packing is directed by weak bzq⋅⋅⋅Xyl and bzq⋅⋅⋅C≡E (C, N) interactions. In solid state at room temperature, compounds 1 and 2 both show a bright red emission (ϕ = 42.1% 1, 57.6% 2). Luminescence properties in the solid state at 77 K and concentration-dependent emission studies in CH(2)Cl(2) at 298 K and at 77 K are also reported for 1-4. | [
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Condensed Matter Physics"
]
|
W3000576886 | Atomic structures and electronic properties of Ni or N modified Cu/diamond interface | The interfacial stability of copper/diamond directly affects its mechanical properties and thermal conductivity. The atomic structures and electronic properties of Cu/diamond and Cu/X/diamond interfaces have been identified to investigate the effect of interfacial additive X (X = Ni or N) on the low-index interfacial adhesion of copper/diamond composites. For unmodified composites, the interfacial stability decreases in the order of Cu(0 0 1)/diamond(0 0 1) > Cu(1 1 1)/diamond(1 1 1) > Cu(0 1 1)/diamond(0 1 1). The metallic interfacial additive Ni is found to enhance the Cu(0 1 1)/diamond(0 1 1) interfacial stability and exchange the interfacial stability sequence of (0 1 1) and (1 1 1) composites. The nonmetallic element N will promote the stability of Cu(1 1 1)/diamond(1 1 1) but not alter the stability order of the composites at different interfaces. To explain the origin of interfacial stability, a series of analyses on atomic structures and electronic properties have been carried out, including the identification of the type of formed interfacial boundaries, the measurement of interfacial bond lengths, and the calculations of density of states, bond populations, and atomic charge. The stability of the interface is found to be related to the type of formed interfacial boundary and bond, the interfacial bond populations, and the interfacial bond numbers. The layer-projected density of states reveals that all of the considered interfaces exhibit metal characteristics. The interfacial Ni additive is found to be an electron donor contributing the electrons to its bonded Cu and C atoms while the interfacial N atom is an electron acceptor where it mainly accepts the electrons from its bonded Cu and C. | [
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Materials Engineering",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences"
]
|
10.1117/12.2077659 | Dual Parametric Compounding Approach For Speckle Reduction In Oct | OCT as a coherent imaging technique inherently suffers from speckle. We present a new dual parametric compounding approach to reduce speckle. The approach is to acquire several OCT volumes with different numerical apertures (NAs). Then in post processing, a first spatial compounding step is performed by averaging of adjacent B-frames. In a second step data from the different volume is averaged. Retinal imaging data comparing this idea with standard spatial compounding is presented and analyzed and necessary parameters such as the required variation of the NA and number of different NAs are discussed | [
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
]
|
Q2890542 | Proyecto de Internacionalización ElectrumTrofa | Con este proyecto de internacionalización, ¿ElectrumTrofa? Luzria, Lda. pretende entrenarse para fortalecer su competitividad y presencia en el mercado global con el fin de aumentar su facturación internacional. | [
"Individuals, Markets and Organisations"
]
|
865633 | Advancing Solid Interfaces and Lubricants by First Principles Material Design | Friction and wear are common phenomena that impact all applications where moving components are in contact, from micro-electromechanical systems to wind turbines, and result in massive economic and environmental costs. By advancing tribological materials impressive energy savings, and consequent reduction of CO2 emissions, can be obtained. However, in comparison with other technological applications that rely on materials, tribology is remarkably less advanced and the development of lubricants is still based on trial-and-errors methods. Optimizing lubricant materials is challenging because their performances are ruled by molecular-level processes that occur at the buried interface, which are extremely difficult to monitor by experiments. Simulations can play a decisive role here, in particular those based on quantum mechanics, which is essential to accurately describe the interactions between surfaces in contact and simulate reactions in conditions of enhanced reactivity as those imposed by the mechanical stresses applied. The goal of SLIDE is to port the material design paradigm based on First Principles Material Discovery to the field of Tribology by the development and applications of i) a protocol for harnessing tribochemical reactions to reduce interface friction. SLIDE will focus, in particular, in the development of environmental-friendly alternatives to commercial additives used in engine oils; ii) a workflow for high throughput screening of solid interfaces. A public database for the intrinsic adhesion and shear strength of a wide number of materials pairs will be created. Such database will constitute a source of realistic parameters for continuum models, paving the way for serial multiscale approaches to tribology, from the electronic- to the macro scale. Moreover, with the aid of machine learning algorithms, general trends will be identified and rational ways to chemically modify interfaces for advanced applications will be identified. | [
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Materials Engineering"
]
|
10.1093/qje/qjz043 | Choice Simplification: A Theory of Mental Budgeting and Naive Diversification* | We develop a theory of how an agent makes basic multiproduct consumption decisions in the presence of taste, consumption opportunity, and price shocks that are costly to attend to. We establish that the agent often simplifies her choices by restricting attention to a few important considerations, which depend on the decision at hand and affect her consumption patterns in specific ways. If the agent’s problem is to choose the consumption levels of many goods with different degrees of substitutability, then she may create mental budgets for more substitutable products (e. g. , entertainment). In some situations, it is optimal to specify budgets in terms of consumption quantities, but when most products have an abundance of substitutes, specifying budgets in terms of nominal spending tends to be optimal. If the goods are complements, in contrast, then the agent may—consistent with naive diversification—choose a fixed, unconsidered mix of products. And if the agent’s problem is to choose one of multiple products to fulfill a given consumption need (e. g. , for gasoline or a bed), then it is often optimal for her to allocate a fixed sum for the need. | [
"Individuals, Markets and Organisations",
"The Human Mind and Its Complexity"
]
|
650334 | Allostery in drug discovery | Most current drugs are designed to bind directly to the primary active sites (also known as orthosteric sites) of their biological targets. Allosteric modulators offer a powerful yet underexploited therapeutic approach. They can elicit a richer variety of biological responses and, since they target less conserved binding sites, higher selectivity and less adverse effects may be obtained (Changeux, Drug Disc Today 2013). This proposal aims to train a new generation of scientists in exploiting the concept of allostery in drug design, putting together a whole array of technologies to identify and characterize allosteric modulators of protein function that will be applied to therapeutically relevant systems. Our approach is based on a combination of experimental and simulation techniques, including fragment Screening with structural characterization (X-ray, NMR, H/D exchange), proteomics (MS/MS), ITC, DNA encoding libraries, Virtual Screening, Molecular Dynamics simulations-based methods, Synthetic Chemistry, and in vitro and cellular assays for the verification of results. It should also be noted that allosteric targeting need not be achieved solely through the design of synthetic small molecules but also can also be reached via conformationally specific allosteric antibodies, which represents an important field of future research. There are already clear examples of monoclonal antibodies that allosterically target ion channels (Lee et al., 2014b), GPCRs (Mukund et al., 2013), and RTKs (De Smet et al., 2014), as well as cytokine and integrin receptors (Rizk et al., 2015; Schwarz et al., 2006). | [
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences"
]
|
10.5194/gmd-12-3609-2019 | The global aerosol–climate model ECHAM6.3–HAM2.3 – Part 2: Cloud evaluation, aerosol radiative forcing, and climate sensitivity | Abstract. The global aerosol–climate model ECHAM6. 3–HAM2. 3 (E63H23)
as well as the previous model versions ECHAM5. 5–HAM2. 0 (E55H20) and ECHAM6. 1–HAM2. 2
(E61H22) are evaluated using global observational datasets for clouds and
precipitation. In E63H23, the amount of low clouds, the liquid and ice water path, and
cloud radiative effects are more realistic than in previous model versions. E63H23 has a more physically based aerosol activation scheme, improvements
in the cloud cover scheme, changes in the detrainment of convective clouds,
changes in the sticking efficiency for the accretion of ice crystals by snow,
consistent ice crystal shapes throughout the model, and changes in mixed-phase
freezing; an inconsistency in ice crystal number concentration (ICNC) in
cirrus clouds was also removed. Common biases in ECHAM and in E63H23 (and in
previous ECHAM–HAM versions) are a cloud amount in stratocumulus
regions that is too low and deep convective clouds over the Atlantic and Pacific oceans
that form too close to the continents (while tropical land precipitation is
underestimated). There are indications that ICNCs are overestimated in
E63H23. Since clouds are important for effective radiative forcing due to
aerosol–radiation and aerosol–cloud interactions (ERFari+aci) and
equilibrium climate sensitivity (ECS), differences in ERFari+aci
and ECS between the model versions were also analyzed. ERFari+aci is weaker
in E63H23 (−1. 0 W m−2) than in E61H22 (−1. 2 W m−2) (or E55H20;
−1. 1 W m−2). This is caused by the weaker shortwave ERFari+aci
(a new aerosol activation scheme and sea salt emission parameterization in
E63H23, more realistic simulation of cloud water) overcompensating for the
weaker longwave ERFari+aci (removal of an inconsistency in ICNC in
cirrus clouds in E61H22). The decrease in ECS in E63H23 (2. 5 K) compared to E61H22 (2. 8 K) is due to
changes in the entrainment rate for shallow convection (affecting the cloud
amount feedback) and a stronger cloud phase feedback. Experiments with minimum cloud droplet number concentrations (CDNCmin) of
40 cm−3 or 10 cm−3 show that a higher value of CDNCmin reduces
ERFari+aci as well as ECS in E63H23. | [
"Earth System Science",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences"
]
|
10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01779 | How to dax? Preschool children's prosocial behavior, but not their social norm enforcement relates to their peer status | The current study examined correlates of preschool children's (n = 82) peer status. In particular, we assessed children's prosocial behavior, social problem behavior, norm enforcement, language abilities, and temperament. Children's prosocial behavior, pragmatic language abilities, and gender correlated with peer status. A regression analysis revealed that prosocial behavior and gender were independent predictors. There was some evidence for a mediation effect: The link between pragmatic language and peer status was mediated by prosocial behavior. Children's norm enforcement was not related to peer status, neither was it related to any other factor such as temperament or language. Overall, the study supports approaches claiming that prosocial behavior plays a role in children's social functioning and are in line with social-interactionist accounts to social and social-cognitive development. | [
"The Social World and Its Interactions",
"The Human Mind and Its Complexity"
]
|
681260 | Quantum materials under extreme conditions | New states of matter offer an unparalleled testing ground for studying fundamental physics, particularly interacting quantum systems. The EXTREMEQUANTUM project will significantly advance our knowledge of these states by using extreme conditions of magnetic field and pressure to enable a continuous, clean and reversible tuning of quantum interactions, thereby shedding light on the building blocks of exotic magnetism and unconventional superconductivity. By developing the materials and methodology to achieve this, we will push our understanding of quantum systems beyond current limitations and open a route for exploiting the untapped potential of these materials to underpin future technology in fields as diverse as electrical power networks, quantum computation and healthcare.
EXTREMEQUANTUM takes as its starting point recent theoretical and experimental discoveries in the area of quantum materials and will capitalize on a novel measurement technique developed in my research group over the past few years. By utilizing both atomic and molecular substitution, the project will focus on a series of materials that are on the verge of a phase instability. Ultra-high fields and applied pressure will push these systems through the critical region where the state of matter changes and inherently quantum effects dominate. Electronic, magnetic and structural properties will be measured as the tipping point is breached and the resulting data compared with predictions of theoretical models. The results will provide answers to questions of deep concern to modern physics, such how quantum fluctuations, topology and disorder can be used to create states of matter with novel and functional properties. | [
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Fundamental Constituents of Matter",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials"
]
|
185757 | New diaphragm wall joint system allowing greater depths and high quality joints | The increasing demand for complex infrastructure projects in density populated areas represents a major challenge for the construction industry, especially in view of the intimate interaction between construction activities and urban living. Modern society is pressing for innovative technical solutions to eliminate the safety, quality, environmental and management risks related to underground works.
Diaphragm Walls are the retaining structure of choice for many of the most complex deep-foundation projects. Forming quality joints between the individual diaphragm wall panels is identified as the most significant weakness of the current process. Existing jointing techniques were designed for walls to 30m deep; modern diaphragm walls are typically significantly deeper. Beyond 30m, the options available are either technically and environmentally poor, or increasingly problematic, leading to sub-standard, defective joints.
Foundation experts at CCMJ Systems have invented and patented the TTMJ (Tension Track Milled Joint) system which addresses the demand for a better diaphragm wall joint. This innovative new system offers the possibility to construct “perfect” joints to any depth irrespective of actual panel verticality. In addition it also allows for further innovation such as tension connections not currently possible.
TREVI, CCMJ Systems and Arup have teamed up to complete development of the TTMJ system from present status to ‘ready for market’. ARUP is the leading specifier of diaphragm walling projects worldwide, CCMJ Systems is the inventor, TREVI will lead the team and is vastly experienced deep foundations specialist with a global presence.
The expected outcome is a fully-functional and validated joint system providing a step change in diaphragm wall quality; ready for use across the deep foundations market. | [
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Materials Engineering"
]
|
10.1111/gcb.12899 | The severity of wheat diseases increases when plants and pathogens are acclimatized to elevated carbon dioxide | Wheat diseases present a constant and evolving threat to food security. We have little understanding as to how increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels will affect wheat diseases and thus the security of grain supply. Atmospheric CO<inf>2</inf> exceeded the 400 ppmv benchmark in 2013 and is predicted to double or even treble by the end of the century. This study investigated the impact of both pathogen and wheat acclimation to elevated CO<inf>2</inf> on the development of Fusarium head blight (FHB) and Septoria tritici blotch (STB) disease of wheat. Here, plants and pathogens were cultivated under either 390 or 780 ppmv CO<inf>2</inf> for a period (two wheat generations, multiple pathogen subcultures) prior to standard disease trials. Acclimation of pathogens and the wheat cultivar Remus to elevated CO<inf>2</inf> increased the severity of both STB and FHB diseases, relative to ambient conditions. The effect of CO<inf>2</inf> on disease development was greater for FHB than for STB. The highest FHB disease levels and associated yield losses were recorded for elevated CO<inf>2</inf>-acclimated pathogen on elevated CO<inf>2</inf>-acclimated wheat. When similar FHB experiments were conducted using the disease-resistant cultivar CM82036, pathogen acclimation significantly enhanced disease levels and yield loss under elevated CO<inf>2</inf> conditions, thereby indicating a reduction in the effectiveness of the defence pathways innate to this wheat cultivar. We conclude that acclimation to elevated CO<inf>2</inf> over the coming decades will have a significant influence on the outcome of plant-pathogen interactions and the durability of disease resistance. | [
"Earth System Science",
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution"
]
|
10.1021/acs.chemmater.8b01425 | In Silico Design of 2D and 3D Covalent Organic Frameworks for Methane Storage Applications | Here, we present a database of 69 840 largely novel covalent organic frameworks assembled in silico from 666 distinct organic linkers and four established synthetic routes. Due to their light weights and high internal surface areas, the frameworks are promising materials for methane storage applications. To assess their methane storage performance, we used grand-canonical Monte Carlo simulations to calculate their deliverable capacities. We demonstrate that the best structure, composed of carbon-carbon bonded triazine linkers in the tbd topology, has a predicted 65-bar deliverable capacity of 216 v STP/v, better than the best methane storage materials published to date. Using our approach, we also discovered other high-performing materials with 300 structures having calculated deliverable capacities greater than 190 v STP/v and 10% of these outperforming 200 v STP/v. To encourage screening studies of these materials for other applications, all structures and their properties were made available on the Materials Cloud. | [
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials",
"Materials Engineering",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences"
]
|
10.1016/j.exis.2019.12.006 | Governing new mining projects in D. R. Congo. A view from the HR department of a Chinese company | As in many other resource-rich African countries, the liberalization of the copper mining sector in the D. R. Congo in the 2000s has caused an influx of foreign investors who have started new mining projects. Drawing inspiration from Foucault, this article aims to shed new light on the government of such projects. To do so, it takes as a case study the HR management policy of a mining project first developed by a South African junior company and then bought out by a Chinese state-owned enterprise. Based on ethnographic fieldwork, the analysis shows that putting in place HR techniques such as recruitment methods, industrial relations procedures, or personnel administration tools do not follow a single power rationality. Caught in complex power games, these techniques have distinctive historical backgrounds, ends, and effects. Such an approach, it is argued, allows to develop a more complex understanding not only of the process through which mining companies localize their operations, but also of the changes brought by Chinese capital in Africa. | [
"Institutions, Governance and Legal Systems",
"The Social World and Its Interactions"
]
|
217900 | Advanced radio astronomy in europe | RadioNet is a consortium of 27 institutions in Europe, Republic of Korea and South Africa, integrating at European level world-class infrastructures for research in radio astronomy. These include radio telescopes, telescope arrays, data archives and the globally operating European Network for Very Long Baseline Interferometry (EVN). RadioNet is de facto widely regarded to represent the interests of radio astronomy in Europe.
A comprehensive, innovative and ambitious suite of actions is proposed that fosters a sustainable research environment. Building on national investments and commitments to operate these facilities, this specific EC program leverages the capabilities on a European scale.
The proposed actions include:
- Merit-based trans-national access to the RadioNet facilities for European and for the first time also for third country users; and integrated and professional user support that fosters continued widening of the community of users.
- Innovative R&D, substantially enhancing the RadioNet facilities and taking leaps forward towards harmonization, efficiency and quality of exploitation at lower overall cost; development and delivery of prototypes of specialized hardware, ready for production in SME industries.
- Comprehensive networking measures for training, scientific exchange, industry cooperation, dissemination of scientific and technical results; and policy development to ensure long-term sustainability of excellence for European radio astronomy.
RadioNet is relevant now, it enables cutting-edge science, top-level R&D and excellent training for its European facilities; with the Atacama Large Millimetre Array (ALMA) and the ESFRI-listed Square Kilometre Array (SKA) defined as global radio telescopes, RadioNet assures that European radio astronomy maintains its leading role into the era of these next-generation facilities by involving scientists and engineers in the scientific use and innovation of the outstanding European facilities. | [
"Universe Sciences",
"Systems and Communication Engineering",
"Products and Processes Engineering"
]
|
2720175 | Addressing the rising global meat demand while protecting the environment: developing europe’s first competitive “cell-based meat” product | In the next 30 years, global meat demand will increase by 73%. One of the most promising technologies to help face this challenge is cell-based meat. By growing meat from cells instead of from a whole animal, it becomes possible to create high-quality cuts of meat using fewer resources and with less environmental impact.
However, cell-based meat has not yet revolutionized the market, for several reasons. Current techniques mean that it is difficult to successfully scale-up and industrialize production, and make it much more costly to produce than “conventional” meat – meaning that it is not price competitive. Finally, consumers need to be ready to accept this type of meat.
Suprême is the first cell-based meat company in France and one of the few pioneers in Europe. Our mission is to accelerate the world’s transition toward humane, sustainable & healthy meat. Our technical know-how means that we are able to produce cell-based meat in a more cost-effective and scalable way than our competitors.
Our aim is to bring Europe’s first ever successful cell-based meat product to the market, by focusing on a “premium” delicacy - foie gras - and using innovative techniques to reduce production costs. Suprême offers an innovative solution, producing real foie gras without animal mistreatment. By offering an “ethical” alternative, we benefit from both strong consumer motivation and, as foie gras is one of the most expensive varieties of meat, we will be price-competitive right at launch. Producing foie gras is just a first step towards providing a range of cell-based meat alternatives and making European meat consumption habits sustainable.
The aim of our Phase 1 project is to de-risk core aspects of our technology (taste & cost-reduction) and carry out a detailed IP landscape study on an aspect of our technology critical for cost reduction. Suprême addresses a €2B market and has the potential to become a European champion for ethical & environmentally friendly meat. | [
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Biotechnology and Biosystems Engineering"
]
|
10.1007/978-3-319-45886-1_18 | Joint Object Pose Estimation And Shape Reconstruction In Urban Street Scenes Using 3D Shape Priors | Estimating the pose and 3D shape of a large variety of instances within an object class from stereo images is a challenging problem, especially in realistic conditions such as urban street scenes. We propose a novel approach for using compact shape manifolds of the shape within an object class for object segmentation, pose and shape estimation. Our method first detects objects and estimates their pose coarsely in the stereo images using a state-of-the-art 3D object detection method. An energy minimization method then aligns shape and pose concurrently with the stereo reconstruction of the object. In experiments, we evaluate our approach for detection, pose and shape estimation of cars in real stereo images of urban street scenes. We demonstrate that our shape manifold alignment method yields improved results over the initial stereo reconstruction and object detection method in depth and pose accuracy. | [
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
]
|
10.1159/000480710 | Studying Kidney Disease Using Tissue And Genome Engineering In Human Pluripotent Stem Cells | Kidney morphogenesis and patterning have been extensively studied in animal models such as the mouse and zebrafish. These seminal studies have been key to define the molecular mechanisms underlying this complex multistep process. Based on this knowledge, the last 3 years have witnessed the development of a cohort of protocols allowing efficient differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) towards defined kidney progenitor populations using two-dimensional (2D) culture systems or through generating organoids. Kidney organoids are three-dimensional (3D) kidney-like tissues, which are able to partially recapitulate kidney structure and function in vitro. The current possibility to combine state-of-the art tissue engineering with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated systems 9 (Cas9)-mediated genome engineering provides an unprecedented opportunity for studying kidney disease with hPSCs. Recently, hPSCs with genetic mutations introduced through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome engineering have shown to produce kidney organoids able to recapitulate phenotypes of polycystic kidney disease and glomerulopathies. This mini review provides an overview of the most recent advances in differentiation of hPSCs into kidney lineages, and the latest implementation of the CRISPR/Cas9 technology in the organoid setting, as promising platforms to study human kidney development and disease. | [
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions"
]
|
W2948663832 | Investor Behavioural Pattern: An Empirical Study of the Ghana Stock Market | Behavioral finance has diffused steadily into academia and practice throughout the globe mainly as a result of works of scholars. It seeks to identify psychological factors that influence investor decision making, refuting the assumption of investor rationality and market efficiency championed by classical finance scolars. With the use of questionnaires; data was collected from investors who have invested in stocks listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange. The study found the existence of biases of representativeness, availability, risk aversion, mental accounting, anchoring and overconfidence in the Ghanaian Stock Market. Apart from the irrationality of the investor, market inefficiency was also identified. | [
"Individuals, Markets and Organisations"
]
|
10.1016/j.spa.2016.07.005 | Tightness and duality of martingale transport on the Skorokhod space | The martingale optimal transport aims to optimally transfer a probability measure to another along the class of martingales. This problem is mainly motivated by the robust superhedging of exotic derivatives in financial mathematics, which turns out to be the corresponding Kantorovich dual. In this paper we consider the continuous-time martingale transport on the Skorokhod space of càdlàg paths. Similar to the classical setting of optimal transport, we introduce different dual problems and establish the corresponding dualities by a crucial use of the S-topology and the dynamic programming principle. | [
"Mathematics",
"Individuals, Markets and Organisations"
]
|
833240 | Probing stresses at the nanoscale | Summary:
I will exploit novel molecules whose fluorescence properties depend strongly on the environment, notably on their spatial confinement, to study local stresses in complex materials down to the nanometer length scale and with unprecedented temporal resolution. Based on successful preliminary tests, I will develop this innovative methodology to tackle the fundamental scientific challenge of quantifying the long-range and very non-linear elasto-plastic stresses that govern the dynamics of friction, the glass transition and rheology.
Friction is an immense global source of energy loss; the glass transition is perhaps the most important unsolved problem in condensed matter physics; and rheology in complex fluids is at the same time ubiquitous and poorly understood. The common denominator of these three open challenges is that in each, the material’s macroscopic mechanical behavior results from a complex interplay between microscopic stresses that remain ill characterized. This presents a scientific bottleneck as well as a major obstacle in the engineering of many important materials and tools such as ball bearings, plastics and foodstuffs.
The fluorescent environmentally sensitive probes will allow me to achieve breakthrough results in three areas at once: (1) Locally measuring stresses in a frictional contact; (2) Probing the glass transition by local stress and viscosity measurements; (3) Visualizing and quantifying stress transmission in flowing complex fluids to explain non-Newtonian and non-local viscosity effects microscopically.
I have a track record in providing new insights in long-standing problems, spurring renewed scientific interest, and in combining fundamental research with potential for technological innovation. By probing local stresses in much more detail than was possible before, this project will break open some of the toughest research areas in non-linear physics and (statistical) mechanics with far-reaching engineering consequences. | [
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Condensed Matter Physics"
]
|
323977 | Epigenetic, neural and cognitive memories of traumatic stress and violence | MemoTV investigates the mechanisms through which stressful experiences shape memories in humans on epigenetic, neural and behavioural/cognitive levels. We will explore how these memories interact with cultural settings in ways that result in malfunctioning and mental suffering. Frequent exposure to the severe stressors associated with domestic and organised violence leads to the detrimental conditions associated with extreme and traumatic stress. Such exposure reorganises the functioning of the brain and mind in a lasting, self-perpetuating manner so that even very subtle cues, sometimes merely arising from imaginative processes alone, can continuously activate a corresponding stage of the defence cascade.
We will investigate survivors of organised and domestic violence in different cultural settings: the German trauma clinic, Rio de Janeiro’s favelas, the townships of South Africa and a Burundian peace corps. Specifically, with regard to violence and trauma, MemoTV's ultimate goal is to identify the psycho-physiological mechanisms that lastingly alter the functional organisation of brain and mind. As means for suggesting methods to prevent and potentially reverse the consequences of maladaptive plasticity, MemoTV focuses on the exposure to and exertion of violence: (1) These extreme and intense stressors are thought to produce lasting changes. Reversing clinical symptoms and improving psychological functioning through treatment provides the detection of causal mechanisms. (2) The applicant’s group has demonstrated international leadership and expertise in field work in war-torn crisis regions. (3) The detection and influence of the mechanisms that govern the cycle of violence and adversity is a highly relevant societal topic.
With its bold attempt to redefine the mind and its related functional brain organisation as interactive processes in the co-construction of humans from their genetic and socio-cultural systems, MemoTV
enters an uncharted territory. | [
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems",
"The Human Mind and Its Complexity"
]
|
10.1093/mnras/staa295 | An analysis of galaxy cluster mis-centring using cosmological hydrodynamic simulations | ABSTRACT
The location of a galaxy cluster’s centroid is typically derived from observations of the galactic and/or gas component of the cluster, but these typically deviate from the true centre. This can produce bias when observations are combined to study average cluster properties. Using data from the BAryons and HAloes of MAssive Systems (BAHAMAS) cosmological hydrodynamic simulations, we study this bias in both two and three dimensions for 2000 clusters over the 1013–1015 M⊙ mass range. We quantify and model the offset distributions between observationally motivated centres and the ‘true’ centre of the cluster, which is taken to be the most gravitationally bound particle measured in the simulation. We fit the cumulative distribution function of offsets with an exponential distribution and a Gamma distribution fit well with most of the centroid definitions. The galaxy-based centres can be seen to be divided into a mis-centred group and a well-centred group, with the well-centred group making up about $60{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of all the clusters. Gas-based centres are overall less scattered than galaxy-based centres. We also find a cluster-mass dependence of the offset distribution of gas-based centres, with generally larger offsets for smaller mass clusters. We then measure cluster density profiles centred at each choice of the centres and fit them with empirical models. Stacked, mis-centred density profiles fit to the Navarro–Frenk–White dark matter profile and Komatsu–Seljak gas profile show that recovered shape and size parameters can significantly deviate from the true values. For the galaxy-based centres, this can lead to cluster masses being underestimated by up to $10{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. | [
"Universe Sciences",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
]
|
10.1002/eji.201746964 | Cytomegalovirus vector expressing RAE-1γ induces enhanced anti-tumor capacity of murine CD8<sup>+</sup> T cells | Designing CD8+ T-cell vaccines, which would provide protection against tumors is still considered a great challenge in immunotherapy. Here we show the robust potential of cytomegalovirus (CMV) vector expressing the NKG2D ligand RAE-1γ as CD8+ T cell-based vaccine against malignant tumors. Immunization with the CMV vector expressing RAE-1γ, delayed tumor growth or even provided complete protection against tumor challenge in both prophylactic and therapeutic settings. Moreover, a potent tumor control in mice vaccinated with this vector can be further enhanced by blocking the immune checkpoints TIGIT and PD-1. CMV vector expressing RAE-1γ potentiated expansion of KLRG1+ CD8+ T cells with enhanced effector properties. This vaccination was even more efficient in neonatal mice, resulting in the expansion and long-term maintenance of epitope-specific CD8+ T cells conferring robust resistance against tumor challenge. Our data show that immunomodulation of CD8+ T-cell responses promoted by herpesvirus expressing a ligand for NKG2D receptor can provide a powerful platform for the prevention and treatment of CD8+ T-cell sensitive tumors. | [
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration"
]
|
851318 | Structure in the Primes, with applications | Questions about prime numbers make up several of the oldest and most important open problems in mathematics. Unfortunately our techniques for solving these problems are very limited; even some of the most basic and simple to state questions about primes are well beyond current techniques.
This project studies several different questions related to the distribution of the primes, with the aim of developing new flexible techniques for studying the primes in general. Such new techniques would then give insight to the fundamental problems at the heart of the subject.
The only general approach we have to counting primes is via variants of ‘Type I’ and ‘Type II’ arithmetic information. There have been several remarkable developments in sieve methods in recent years, which have greatly enhanced the utility of Type I information. Without establishing some sort of Type II information, however, it seems unlikely that one can fully solve the most important problems in the subject. This proposal seeks to develop both our Type I techniques and our Type II techniques, as well as the interactions between them.
A common theme throughout the proposal is to identify and classify potential obstructions to traditional methods, and then overcome these obstructions using a combinations of new ideas. Often these new ideas will come from other areas of mathematics, such as combinatorics, geometry, probability, automorphic forms or harmonic analysis. This approach has already led to significant advances in our understanding of primes in recent years, most notably in the gaps between primes. The proposal is based around several intermediate problems for developing these connections further, giving opportunities for proof-of-concept results of such new ideas overcoming old barriers. | [
"Mathematics"
]
|
10.1038/s41467-017-02771-y | 21st Century drought-related fires counteract the decline of Amazon deforestation carbon emissions | Tropical carbon emissions are largely derived from direct forest clearing processes. Yet, emissions from drought-induced forest fires are, usually, not included in national-level carbon emission inventories. Here we examine Brazilian Amazon drought impacts on fire incidence and associated forest fire carbon emissions over the period 2003-2015. We show that despite a 76% decline in deforestation rates over the past 13 years, fire incidence increased by 36% during the 2015 drought compared to the preceding 12 years. The 2015 drought had the largest ever ratio of active fire counts to deforestation, with active fires occurring over an area of 799,293 km2. Gross emissions from forest fires (989 ± 504 Tg CO2 year-1) alone are more than half as great as those from old-growth forest deforestation during drought years. We conclude that carbon emission inventories intended for accounting and developing policies need to take account of substantial forest fire emissions not associated to the deforestation process. | [
"Earth System Science",
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution"
]
|
10.4049/jimmunol.1801687 | Cutting edge: Synapse propensity of human memory CD8 T cells confers competitive advantage over naive counterparts | Memory T cells are endowed with multiple functional features that enable them to be more protective than naive T cells against infectious threats. It is not known if memory cells have a higher synapse propensity (SP; i. e. , increased probability to form immature immunological synapses that then provide an entry into different modes of durable interaction with APCs). In this study, we show that only human memory CD8 T cells have remarkably high SP compared with naive counterparts. Such a dichotomy between naive and memory cells is not observed within the human CD4 or murine CD8 T cell population. Higher SP in human memory CD8 T cells allows them to outcompete and prevent naive CD8 T cells from getting recruited to the response. This observation has implications for original antigenic sin and aging of the immune system in humans. | [
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing"
]
|
638186 | Sleep microstructure in parkinson's disease and rem-sleep behavior disorder | Idiopathic REM sleep Behavior Disorder (iRBD), a condition characterized by abnormal behaviors during sleep associated with dream enactment, is considered a prodromal state of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Both disorders share a common pathophysiology consisting of abnormal protein deposition from the gastrointestinal tract to the brain via ascending pathways. Whereas motor aspects have been extensively studied in iRBD/PD, a comprehensive view of the effects of the pathology on sleep-wake microarchitecture is still lacking. This Sleep_PD-RBD project focuses on the sleep disturbances associated with iRBD/PD and what they may reveal about the neurodegenerative process. Besides characterizing alterations in vigilance state regulation and sleep oscillations, I will correlate these EEG observations to gastrointestinal symptoms and daytime sleepiness, which both greatly impair patients’ quality of life. The original aspect of this project consist of studying sleep alterations with the recent concept of sleep and wake as non-mutually exclusive states, emphasizing sleep-wake dynamics as opposed to sleep scoring with conventional polysomnography variables, and with innovative EEG analyses investigating the properties of specific sleep oscillations and their cross-coupling. The project also links the brain to the guts, a current hot research topic. This multi-disciplinary project will rely on retrospective databases of patients obtained in Lyon and collaborative centers across France, as well as ongoing recruitment of patients and controls. For this project, I will benefit from the strong expertise of the Lyon Neuroscience Research Center in neuroscience research and of the Center for Sleep Medicine and Respiratory Diseases of Lyon University Hospital for clinical research aspects. With this fellowship, I aim to reintegrate the French academic network in an ideal research setting to learn technical and team-leadership skills and grow into a qualified independent researcher. | [
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing"
]
|
216409 | Making books talk: the material evidence of manuscripts of the kitab al-shifa by qadi iyad (d.1149) for the reception of an andalusian biography of the prophet between 1100 and 1900 | This project will examine the manuscripts of a biography of the Prophet Muhammad (d. ca. 632), written by the Maliki jurist Qadi ‘Iyad (d. 1149), in order to elucidate the historical context of the work’s enduring popularity with Muslim readers. The Kitab al-shifa’ fi ta‘rif huquq al-Mustafa (The book of healing concerning the recognition of the true facts about the chosen one) circulated widely both inside and outside the Islamic West. A large number of manuscripts, written between the 13th and the early 20th century, are known to be extant, but no autograph has been preserved. The project will approach the work’s manuscripts as material evidence for how readers engaged with the text and for how their interpretation evolved over time. Drawing on the methodologies of codicology and critical bibliography, as developed by literary critics and cultural historians for research on Medieval and Renaissance Europe, the manuscript analysis will document changing modes of production, transmission and reading. In order to advance the integration of Digital Humanities into Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, Open Source tools will be employed to map the circulation of al-Shifa’ copies. Since Qadi ‘Iyad is one of the authorities of Maliki Islam in North Africa, the research will be conducted at the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC) in Madrid under the supervision of Prof. Maribel Fierro, an international authority of the history of the Islamic West. The results will be published as an interpretative study, accompanied by a database of al-Shifa’ copies and a visualization of their circulation; the three parts will be available Open Access on the CSIC website. Analyzing the material evidence preserved by al-Shifa’ copies will provide major new insights into Muslim approaches to the veneration of the Prophet Muhammad since the Middle Ages, thereby refocusing the discussion of whether in Islam religious education stands in the way of progress and modernization. | [
"Texts and Concepts",
"The Study of the Human Past",
"Studies of Cultures and Arts"
]
|
10.1039/c7cc00885f | Confined polydiacetylene polymerization reactions for programmed length control | In situ nanocorrals on graphite yield oriented precursor self-assembly for controlled polymerization reactions. | [
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials",
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Materials Engineering"
]
|
10.1101/gad.286351.116 | Mutations in genes encoding condensin complex proteins cause microcephaly through decatenation failure at mitosis | Compaction of chromosomes is essential for accurate segregation of the genome during mitosis. In vertebrates, two condensin complexes ensure timely chromosome condensation, sister chromatid disentanglement, and maintenance of mitotic chromosome structure. Here, we report that biallelic mutations in NCAPD2, NCAPH,orNCAPD3, encoding subunits of these complexes, cause microcephaly. In addition, hypomorphic Ncaph2 mice have significantly reduced brain size, with frequent anaphase chromatin bridge formation observed in apical neural progenitors during neurogenesis. Such DNA bridges also arise in condensin-deficient patient cells, where they are the consequence of failed sister chromatid disentanglement during chromosome compaction. This results in chromosome segregation errors, leading to micronucleus formation and increased aneuploidy in daughter cells. These findings establish “condensinopathies” as microcephalic disorders, with decatenation failure as an additional disease mechanism for microcephaly, implicating mitotic chromosome condensation as a key process ensuring mammalian cerebral cortex size. | [
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems"
]
|
10.1515/crelle.2012.015 | The Taylor-Wiles method for coherent cohomology | The Taylor-Wiles method was introduced in [TW] in order to complete Wiles' proof of Fermat's Last Theorem [W]; it shows that a map from a ring of deformations of a mod p Galois representation ρ to a Hecke algebra, acting on the integral p-adic topological cohomology of modular curves, is an isomorphism when the necessary hypotheses apply, specifically that ρ admits at least one lifting that arises from modular forms. The isomorphism of rings, called an ''R = T theorem'', then implies that any deformation of r that satisfies the appropriate hypotheses-in the simplest situation it has to be crystalline at p and minimally ramified at other primes-also arises from modular forms. | [
"Mathematics"
]
|
W2019377298 | Genetic evidence for male-biased dispersal in the Qinghai toad-headed agamid<i>Phrynocephalus vlangalii</i>and its potential link to individual social interactions | Sex-biased dispersal has profound impacts on a species' biology and several factors have been attributed to its evolution, including mating system, inbreeding avoidance, and social complexity. Sex-biased dispersal and its potential link to individual social interactions were examined in the Qinghai toad-headed agamid (Phrynocephalus vlangalii). We first determined the pattern of sex-biased dispersal using population genetic methods. A total of 345 specimens from 32 sites in the Qaidam Basin were collected and genotyped for nine microsatellite DNA loci. Both individual-based assignment tests and allele frequency-based analyses were conducted. Females revealed much more genetic structure than males and all results were consistent with male-biased dispersal. First-generation migrants were also identified by genetic data. We then examined eight social interaction-related morphological traits and explored their potential link to sex-biased dispersal. Female residents had larger heads and longer tails than female migrants. The well-developed signal system among females, coupled with viviparity, might make remaining on natal sites beneficial, and hence promote female philopatry. Dominant females with larger heads were more likely to stay. Contrary to females, male migrants had larger heads and belly patches than residents, suggesting that dispersal might confer selective advantages for males. Such advantages may include opportunities for multiple mating and escaping from crowded sites. Large belly patches and several other morphological traits may assist their success in obtaining mates during dispersal. Furthermore, a relatively high relatedness (R = 0.06) among females suggested that this species might have rudimentary social structure. Case studies in "less" social species may provide important evidence for a better understanding of sex-biased dispersal. | [
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems"
]
|
EP 9702954 W | PROCESS FOR RECIRCULATING ASHES GENERATED BY STEAM PRODUCING BOILERS | A process for treating ashes generated by steam producing boilers. The process according to the present invention fundamentally provides for the reintroduction of ashes into the combustion chamber, preferably using a conveyor belt type dry ash extractor system. Through the use of the process according to the invention the unburnt matter percentage in ashes is highly reduced thus increasing the boiler efficiency and having as a final result ashes which are more easily treatable, usable and disposable and having a very small size. | [
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Materials Engineering"
]
|
10.1016/j.procbio.2016.03.002 | Single-step purification of ovalbumin from egg white using aqueous biphasic systems | The ability of aqueous biphasic systems (ABS) composed of polyethylene glycols of different molecular weights (PEG 400, 600 and 1000) and buffered aqueous solutions of potassium citrate/citric acid (pH 5. 0-8. 0) to selectively extract ovalbumin from egg white was here investigated. Phase diagrams, tie-lines and tie-line lengths were determined at 25 °C and the partitioning of ovalbumin in these systems was then evaluated. Aiming at optimizing the selective extraction of ovalbumin in the studied ABS, factors such as pH, PEG molecular weight and amount of the phase-forming components were initially investigated with pure commercial ovalbumin. In all ABS, it was observed a preferential partitioning of ovalbumin to the polymer-rich phase, with extraction efficiencies higher than 90%. The best ABS were then applied in the purification of ovalbumin from the real egg white matrix. In order to ascertain on the ovalbumin purity and yield, sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and size exclusion high performance liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC) analyses were conducted, confirming that the isolation/purification of ovalbumin from egg white was completely achieved in a single-step with a recovery yield of 65%. The results obtained show that polymer-salt-based ABS allow the selective extraction of ovalbumin from egg white with a simpler approach and better performance than previously reported. Finally, it is shown that ovalbumin can be completely recovered from the PEG-rich phase by an induced precipitation using an inexpensive and sustainable separation platform which can be easily applied on an industrial scale. | [
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Products and Processes Engineering"
]
|
10.1088/1367-2630/13/5/053020 | Kinetics Of A Single Trapped Ion In An Ultracold Buffer Gas | The immersion of a single ion confined by a radiofrequency (RF) trap in an ultracold atomic gas extends the concept of buffer gas cooling to a new temperature regime. The steady-state energy distribution of the ion is determined by its kinetics in the RF field rather than the temperature of the buffer gas. Moreover, the finite size of the ultracold gas facilitates the observation of back-action of the ion onto the buffer gas. We numerically investigate the system's properties depending on atom–ion mass ratio, trap geometry, differential cross-section and non-uniform neutral atom density distribution. Experimental results are well reproduced by our model considering only elastic collisions. We identify excess micromotion to set the typical scale for the ion energy statistics and explore the applicability of the mobility collision cross-section to the ultracold regime. | [
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Fundamental Constituents of Matter"
]
|
625249 | Chiral metamaterials for thz polarisation control | Based on chiral metamaterials and metasurfaces enhanced by graphene and carbon nanotubes, this project aims at providing theoretical basis, performing proof of concept experiments, and building a prototype device for unprecedented dynamic control of THz-wave polarization. The project relies on solid theoretical background that will enable analytical and numerical modelling interaction of the THz radiation with chiral metamaterials and metasurfaces and will also reveal the most promising techniques to control helicity in the THz range by external stimuli. The chiral metamaterials and metasurfaces will be fabricated by advance fabrication techniques including femtosecond micromachining of multilayer substrates, laser sculpturing of the carbon nanotube films and e-beam lithography. The enhancing of the fabricated chiral structures with graphene will provide additional channels for manipulating the helicity-sensitive transmittance and reflectivity, which can be employed for the THz polarization control. The proposed research program implemented via intersectoral and international mobility and connected training, dissemination and outreach activities will enable the knowledge and technology transfer, wider professional networking, acquiring new skills and exploitation of project results by European THz industry. In parallel, the world-wide professional CHARTIST network will considerably enhance the future career prospects of early stage researchers and widen the professional opportunities for experienced researchers involved. | [
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials",
"Systems and Communication Engineering",
"Materials Engineering"
]
|
10.3847/0004-637X/825/2/124 | Polarization Measurements Of Hot Dust Stars And The Local Interstellar Medium | UNSW Vice-Chancellor's postdoctoral fellowship; Mexican CONACyT research grant [CB-2012-183007]; European Union through ERC [279973] | [
"Universe Sciences",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences"
]
|
866026 | Scattering-Based X-ray Imaging and Tomography | This research project will create new ways of doing X-ray imaging based on scattering and data redundancy. Many X-ray imaging techniques are based on simple models that fail to capture important phenomena, such as small-angle or incoherent scattering. Far from being a nuisance, scattering signals often hold valuable information on the finest structure of the investigated sample. For instance X-ray scattering can reveal fibre orientations in a carbon-fibre composite or the early formation of cancerous tissues in mammography. To exploit scattering, adapting data acquisition is often necessary. Collecting diverse but partly redundant datasets is a powerful way to encode information so that it can be subsequently decoded with appropriate software. For this purpose one can, for instance, displace the sample in a non-uniform illumination profile. Another often overlooked source of redundancy is tomography itself, where projection images from different view angles are strongly correlated. The central achievements of this research project will be the introduction of a new formalism that offers a complete picture of scattering in the context of imaging, and the development of techniques that exploit explicitly measurement diversity - in particular tomographic redundancy - to extract complementary information. These new paradigms will be implemented and demonstrated with a range of X-ray imaging techniques: ptychography for high-resolution imaging, speckle-based imaging for lab-based phase-contrast and dark-field, and conventional transmission microCT, for scattering signal extraction. The expected results of this research project will leave a lasting impact on the research community. The full exploitation of data redundancy and scattering-aware models will create imaging modalities that can reveal features that could not be seen before for a broad range of applications, from advanced materials to fragile biological samples, to valuable heritage and archaeological artefacts. | [
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Materials Engineering",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
]
|
10.1111/jeea.12079 | Social comparison and effort provision: Evidence from a field experiment | Social comparison has potentially far reaching consequences in many economic domains. We conducted a field experiment to examine how social comparison affects workers' effort provision if their own wage or that of a co-worker is cut. Workers were assigned to groups of two, performed identical individual tasks, and received the same performance-independent hourly wage. Cutting both group members' wages caused a decrease in performance. But when only one group member's wage was cut, the affected workers decreased their performance more than twice as much as when both workers' wages were cut. This finding indicates that social comparison among workers affects effort provision because the only difference between the two wage-cut treatments is the other group member's wage level. In contrast, workers whose wage was not cut but who witnessed their group member's pay being cut displayed no change in performance relative to the baseline treatment in which both workers' wages remained unchanged. This indicates that social comparison exerts asymmetric effects on effort. | [
"Individuals, Markets and Organisations",
"The Social World and Its Interactions"
]
|
10.1080/00207179.2018.1514129 | Robust Decentralised Navigation Of Multi Agent Systems With Collision Avoidance And Connectivity Maintenance Using Model Predictive Controllers | This paper addresses the problem of navigation control of a general class of 2nd order uncertain nonlinear multi-agent systems in a bounded workspace, which is a subset of R3, with static obstacles. . . | [
"Systems and Communication Engineering",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
]
|
10.1038/srep27926 | Two distinct superconducting phases in LiFeAs | A non-trivial temperature evolution of superconductivity including a temperature-induced phase transition between two superconducting phases or even a time-reversal symmetry breaking order parameter is in principle expected in multiband superconductors such as iron-pnictides. Here we present scanning tunnelling spectroscopy data of LiFeAs which reveal two distinct superconducting phases: at = 18 K a partial superconducting gap opens, evidenced by subtle, yet clear features in the tunnelling spectra, i. e. particle-hole symmetric coherence peak and dip-hump structures. At Tc = 16 K, these features substantiate dramatically and become characteristic of full superconductivity. Remarkably, the distance between the dip-hump structures and the coherence peaks remains practically constant in the whole temperature regime T ≤ TC. This rules out the connection of the dip-hump structures to an antiferromagnetic spin resonance. | [
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences"
]
|
W4297859309 | Luoghi del commercio, edilizia pubblica e organizzazione dello spazio urbano. Su Bologna e la Bolognina negli anni Trenta | La Bolognina è storicamente ritenuto il più grande quartiere operaio bolognese. Negli anni Trenta la sua crescita è tale da rendere evidente la necessità, per le autorità fasciste, di una sua funzionale integrazione nella città organizzata. Le modalità privilegiate sono quelle di una nazionalizzazione piccolo-borghese fondata sull’intrusione senza precedenti del pubblico negli spazi anche privati della città, in termini di pratiche abitative, uso dello spazio urbano e logiche dei consumi. Tra questi specifici percorsi è in particolare l’ultimo quello su cui più mi concentro, quello che, finora, meno ha goduto dell’attenzione degli storici. Quello dove un ruolo significativo viene assunto dalle vie dei negozi e dagli spazi connessi al dettaglio commerciale, dai commercianti e dalle loro vetrine elevate ora a “nuovi e molto trasparenti confini tra pubblico e privato”. Bolognina is considered the largest historic working-class district in Bologna. Given its rapid growth during the 1930s, fascist authorities decided it was time to integrate it with the city at the functional level. Their preferred strategy was a petit-bourgeois nationalization based on an unprecedented intrusion of the public even into the city’s private spaces, by way of housing practices, use of urban space and consumption patterns. Among these issues, the latter is the one I will focus on the most since it is the one that has so far received the least attention from historians. Shopping streets, retail spaces, shopkeepers and their shop windows – which have now become “new and rather transparent borders between public and private” – play a crucial role dealing with this theme. | [
"Human Mobility, Environment, and Space",
"The Study of the Human Past"
]
|
10.1007/978-3-642-20465-4_23 | Efficient Non Interactive Secure Computation | Suppose that a receiver R wishes to publish an encryption of her secret input x so that every sender S, holding an input y, can reveal f(x, y) to R by sending her a single message. This should be done while simultaneously protecting the secrecy of y against a corrupted R and preventing a corrupted S from having an unfair influence on the output of R beyond what is allowed by f.
When the parties are semi-honest, practical solutions can be based on Yao's garbled circuit technique. However, for the general problem when the parties, or even S alone, may be malicious, all known polynomial-time solutions are highly inefficient. This is due in part to the fact that known solutions make a non-black-box use of cryptographic primitives, e. g. , for providing non-interactive zero-knowledge proofs of statements involving cryptographic computations on secrets. Motivated by the above question, we consider the problem of secure two-party computation in a model that allows only parallel calls to an ideal oblivious transfer (OT) oracle with no additional interaction. We obtain the following results. - Feasibility. We present the first general protocols in this model which only make a black-box use of a pseudorandom generator (PRG). All previous OT-based protocols either make a non-black-box use of cryptographic primitives or require multiple rounds of interaction. - Efficiency. We also consider the question of minimizing the asymptotic number of PRG calls made by such protocols. We show that polylog(κ) calls are sufficient for each gate in a (large) boolean circuit computing f, where κ is a statistical security parameter guaranteeing at most 2-κ simulation error of a malicious sender. Furthermore, the number of PRG calls per gate can be made constant by settling for a relaxed notion of security which allows a malicious S to arbitrarily correlate the event that R detects cheating with the input of R. This improves over the state of the art also for interactive constant-round black-box protocols, which required Ω(κ) PRG calls per gate, even with similar relaxations of the notion of security. Combining the above results with 2-message (parallel) OT protocols in the CRS model, we get the first solutions to the initial motivating question which only make a black-box use of standard cryptographic primitives. | [
"Computer Science and Informatics"
]
|
10.1088/0022-3727/46/10/105005 | Magnetic Phase Transitions In Gd 64 Sc 36 Studied Using Non Contact Ultrasonics | The speed and attenuation of ultrasound propagation can be used to determine material properties and identify phase transitions. Standard ultrasonic contact techniques are not always convenient due to the necessity of using couplant; however, recently reliable non-contact ultrasonic techniques involving electromagnetic generation and detection of ultrasound with electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMATs) have been developed for use on electrically conducting and/or magnetic materials. We present a detailed study of magnetic phase transitions in a single crystal sample of Gd64Sc36 magnetic alloy using contact and non-contact ultrasonic techniques for two orientations of external magnetic field. Phase diagrams are constructed based on measurements of elastic constant C33, the attenuation and the efficiency of generation when using an EMAT. The EMATs are shown to provide additional information related to the magnetic phase transitions in the studied sample, and results identify a conical helix phase in Gd64Sc36 in the magnetic field orientation . | [
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Materials Engineering"
]
|
10.1016/j.cois.2017.09.001 | Unraveling the neural basis of insect navigation | One of the defining features of animals is their ability to navigate their environment. Using behavioral experiments this topic has been under intense investigation for nearly a century. In insects, this work has largely focused on the remarkable homing abilities of ants and bees. More recently, the neural basis of navigation shifted into the focus of attention. Starting with revealing the neurons that process the sensory signals used for navigation, in particular polarized skylight, migratory locusts became the key species for delineating navigation-relevant regions of the insect brain. Over the last years, this work was used as a basis for research in the fruit fly Drosophila and extraordinary progress has been made in illuminating the neural underpinnings of navigational processes. With increasingly detailed understanding of navigation circuits, we can begin to ask whether there is a fundamentally shared concept underlying all navigation behavior across insects. This review highlights recent advances and puts them into the context of the behavioral work on ants and bees, as well as the circuits involved in polarized-light processing. A region of the insect brain called the central complex emerges as the common substrate for guiding navigation and its highly organized neuroarchitecture provides a framework for future investigations potentially suited to explain all insect navigation behavior at the level of identified neurons. | [
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution"
]
|
10.1145/3293883.3295721 | Corrected Trees For Reliable Group Communication | Driven by ever increasing performance demands of compute-intensive applications, supercomputing systems comprise more and more nodes. This growth is a significant burden for fast group communication primitives and also makes those systems more susceptible to failures of individual nodes. In this paper we present a two-phase fault-tolerant scheme for group communication. Using broadcast as an example, we provide a full-spectrum discussion of our approach --- from a formal analysis to LogP-based simulations to a message-passing-based implementation running on a large cluster. Ultimately, we are able to reduce the complex problem of reliable and fault-tolerant collective group communication to a graph theoretical renumbering problem. Both, simulations and measurements, show our solution to achieve a latency reduction of 50% with up to six times fewer messages sent in comparison to existing schemes. | [
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
]
|
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