id
stringlengths 6
42
| title
stringlengths 3
499
| abstract
stringlengths 0
6.24k
| label
listlengths 1
6
|
|---|---|---|---|
10.1016/j.drup.2016.11.001 | Sensitizing pathogens to antibiotics using the CRISPR-Cas system | The extensive use of antibiotics over the last century has resulted in a significant artificial selection pressure for antibiotic-resistant pathogens to evolve. Various strategies to fight these pathogens have been introduced including new antibiotics, naturally-derived enzymes/peptides that specifically target pathogens and bacteriophages that lyse these pathogens. A new tool has recently been introduced in the fight against drug-resistant pathogens–the prokaryotic defense mechanism–clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR associated (CRISPR-Cas) system. The CRISPR-Cas system acts as a nuclease that can be guided to cleave any target DNA, allowing sophisticated, yet feasible, manipulations of pathogens. Here, we review pioneering studies that use the CRISPR-Cas system to specifically edit bacterial populations, eliminate their resistance genes and combine these two strategies in order to produce an artificial selection pressure for antibiotic-sensitive pathogens. We suggest that intelligent design of this system, along with efficient delivery tools into pathogens, may significantly reduce the threat of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. | [
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems",
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy"
]
|
W1981248986 | High Temperature Brillouin Scattering of Potassium Borate Glasses | High temperature elastic properties of potassium borate glasses, xK2O(100-x)B2O3 (x=4, 10, 14, 20, 28, and 34 mol %), have been investigated between 20 and 1100 °C by Brillouin scattering. Longitudinal sound velocity of the glasses changes only slightly up to the glass transition temperature (Tg), and, with further heating above Tg, it decreases markedly. This sudden decrease in sound velocity is caused by structural rearrangements that make glass networks soft above Tg. With an increase in K2O composition, the slope of sound velocity just above Tg increases. The composition dependence of the fragility of potassium borate glass is suggested on the basis of the slope. The activation energy of the relaxation process of 28K2O72B2O3 measured by Brillouin scattering is estimated to be 6.84 kcal/mol, which is comparable to the energy of formation of a boroxol ring structure in a liquid phase. | [
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Materials Engineering",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences"
]
|
10.1017/S0140525X15002587 | Memory Colours Affect Colour Appearance | Memory colour effects show that colour perception is affected by memory and prior knowledge and hence by cognition. None of Firestone & Scholl's (F&S's) potential pitfalls apply to our work on memory colours. We present a Bayesian model of colour appearance to illustrate that an interaction between perception and memory is plausible from the perspective of vision science. | [
"The Human Mind and Its Complexity"
]
|
W4221011227 | El tratado De vita contemplativa de Filón de Alejandría en el marco de la pentalogía que le atribuye Eusebio de Cesarea | El texto de De vita contemplativa fue elaborado por Filón de Alejandría como un escrito encomiástico del pueblo judío, que a su vez estaba inserto en un conjunto de tratados destinados al mismo fin, la denominada Pentalogía mencionada por Eusebio de Cesarea, donde en cinco libros, como su nombre indica, se acreditaban las virtudes inherentes al pueblo hebreo. Esta serie de obras, de la que sólo han quedado tres, la escribió Filón probablemente, al menos en su mayor parte, durante su estancia en Roma con motivo de la embajada que el politeuma hebreo alejandrino realizó ante el princeps Cayo Julio César Augusto Germánico, más conocido como Calígula. En este artículo tratamos de descubrir cuáles fueron esos tratados y en qué orden se compusieron o dieron a conocer. | [
"The Study of the Human Past",
"Texts and Concepts"
]
|
W2123475473 | Hauberk: Lightweight Silent Data Corruption Error Detector for GPGPU | High performance and relatively low cost of GPU-based platforms provide an attractive alternative for general purpose high performance computing (HPC). However, the emerging HPC applications have usually stricter output correctness requirements than typical GPU applications (i.e., 3D graphics). This paper first analyzes the error resiliency of GPGPU platforms using a fault injection tool we have developed for commodity GPU devices. On average, 16-33% of injected faults cause silent data corruption (SDC) errors in the HPC programs executing on GPU. This SDC ratio is significantly higher than that measured in CPU programs (<;2.3%). In order to tolerate SDC errors, customized error detectors are strategically placed in the source code of target GPU programs so as to minimize performance impact and error propagation and maximize recoverability. The presented Hauberk technique is deployed in seven HPC benchmark programs and evaluated using a fault injection. The results show a high average error detection coverage (~87%) with a small performance overhead (~15%). | [
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
]
|
W1508062492 | Acculturation Model for L2 Acquisition: Review and Evaluation | In the last decade, research on second language acquisition (SLA) expanded enormously. The research literature abounds in approaches, theories, models, laws, and principles. It should be mentioned that theorizing in SLA should follow extensive and rigorous empirical research. Irrespective of these methodological issues, SLA research has gone ahead and spawned a plethora of theories. Ritchie & Bhatia (1996) assert that as empirical results on SLA became increasingly available in the 1970s, several general models of SLA were proposed with the purpose of integrating these results. Ellis (1985) identified seven key areas of SLA research: the acculturation model, accommodation theory, discourse theory, the monitor model, the variable competence model, the universal hypothesis, and neurofunctional theory (p.248). Though the assumptions underlying each model may be well motivated, none of the proponents, as yet, has suggested systematic methodologies to investigate the validity of the statements evolved from these models. This paper is an attempt to review, evaluate, and critique the validity of acculturation model. The procedures will be to: (a) briefly summarize the model (b) examine the validity of the statements evolving from this theory, (c) review empirical evidence reported on in favor or against this theory, and (d) discuss the practical implication of this model in SLA. | [
"The Human Mind and Its Complexity"
]
|
10.1109/FOCS.2016.62 | Subexponential Parameterized Algorithms For Planar And Apex Minor Free Graphs Via Low Treewidth Pattern Covering | We prove the following theorem. Given a planar graph G and an integer k, it is possible in polynomial time to randomly sample a subset A of vertices of G with the following properties: ● A induces a subgraph of G of treewidth O(√k log k), and ● for every connected subgraph H of G on at most k vertices, the probability that A covers the whole vertex set of H is at least (2O(√k log2 k)· nO(1))-1, where n is the number of vertices of G. Together with standard dynamic programming techniques for graphs of bounded treewidth, this result gives a versatile technique for obtaining (randomized) subexponential parameterized algorithms for problems on planar graphs, usually with running time bound 2O(√ k log2 k) nO(1). The technique can be applied to problems expressible as searching for a small, connected pattern with a prescribed property in a large host graph, examples of such problems include DIRECTED k-Path, WEIGHTED k-Path, VERTEX COVER LOCAL SEARCH, and SUBGRAPH ISOMORPHISM, among others. Up to this point, it was open whether these problems can be solved in subexponential parameterized time on planar graphs, because they are not amenable to the classic technique of bidimensionality. Furthermore, all our results hold in fact on any class of graphs that exclude a fixed apex graph as a minor, in particular on graphs embeddable in any fixed surface. | [
"Mathematics",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
]
|
interreg_3608 | Technological Transfer for Logistics Innovation in Mediterranean area | Most Mediterranean sectors suffer from poor connections between research, development and education, from one side, and, the real economy, from the other side. Unfortunately, many tools used and developed by research and academic actors do not match with actual market needs. Ports are no exception to this situation. TECHLOG wants to strengthen ties between academia and the (trans)port industry (namely the transport inside port areas) in the Mediterranean region. Concretely, TECHLOG will encourage joint Technology Transfer Initiatives (TTI) to achieve common quality standards for transport and port specialized staff. A Mediterranean Open Lab will be created to promote and share those initiatives within the (trans)port communities. These TTI will be tested through pilot actions, in real port operators, and will involve trained staff. For the sake of efficiency and consistency, the project will focus on advanced simulation technologies which are, beyond the shadow of a doubt, among the key success factors for both port workers and port operators. | [
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Systems and Communication Engineering",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
]
|
10.1152/ajpgi.00447.2014 | Novel insights into the function and dynamics of extracellular matrix in liver fibrosis | Emerging evidence suggests that altered components and posttranslational modifications of proteins in the extracellular matrix (ECM) may both initiate and drive disease progression. The ECM is a complex grid consisting of multiple proteins, most of which play a vital role in containing the essential information needed for maintenance of a sophisticated structure anchoring the cells and sustaining normal function of tissues. Therefore, the matrix itself may be considered as a paracrine/endocrine entity, with more complex functions than previously appreciated. The aims of this review are to 1) explore key structural and functional components of the ECM as exemplified by monogenetic disorders leading to severe pathologies, 2) discuss selected pathological posttranslational modifications of ECM proteins resulting in altered functional (signaling) properties from the original structural proteins, and 3) discuss how these findings support the novel concept that an increasing number of components of the ECM harbor signaling functions that can modulate fibrotic liver disease. The ECM entails functions in addition to anchoring cells and modulating their migratory behavior. Key ECM components and their posttranslational modifications often harbor multiple domains with different signaling potential, in particular when modified during inflammation or wound healing. This signaling by the ECM should be considered a paracrine/endocrine function, as it affects cell phenotype, function, fate, and finally tissue homeostasis. These properties should be exploited to establish novel biochemical markers and antifibrotic treatment strategies for liver fibrosis as well as other fibrotic diseases. | [
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
]
|
W2186882318 | Cause and effect: the linkage between the health information seeking behavior and the online environment--a review. | Today, health care consumers are taking more control over their health care problems, investing more time in finding and getting information as well as looking for proper methods in order to investigate more closely the health care information received from their physicians. Unfortunately, in health care consumers' views, the trustworthiness of health authorities and institutions has declined in the last years. So, consumers have found a new solution to their health problems, that is, the Internet. Recently, studies revealed that consumers seeking for health information have more options to look for data in comparison to the methods used a few years ago. Therefore, due to the available technology, consumers have more outlets to search for information. For instance, the Internet is a source that has revolutionized the way consumers seek data due its customized methods of assessing both quantitative and qualitative information which may be achieved with minimal effort and low costs, offering at the same time, several advantages such as making the decision process more efficient. | [
"The Social World and Its Interactions",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
]
|
724835 | Establishment and maintenance of gene expression by heterochromatin factors | Metastable epialleles are alleles that are variably expressed in genetically identical individuals. These epialleles are established during early development by epigenetic modifications in a process influenced by stress and the environment. The epiallele’s state can subsequently be maintained throughout development and adult life. Studying the mechanisms underlying establishment and maintenance of chromatin states is critical to understanding how the environment can shape the epigenome and how it can impact on diseases and aging. Most mouse metastable epialleles result from a nearby insertion of an endogenous retrovirus, which induces position effect variegation. In mouse embryonic stem cells, these elements are silenced by the histone methyl-transferase SETDB1 which imparts heterochromatin features by tri-methylating histone H3 on lysine 9. In the same cells, telomeric H3K9me3 is also installed by SETDB1 but surprisingly, we found that H3K9me3 correlates with enhanced transcriptional activity at telomeres. I hypothesize here that metastable chromatin states are controlled by H3K9me3 and associated factors, which are targeted to defined positions that can either instruct silencing, or support active expression. To understand how metastable chromatin states are regulated, we will first use a locus-specific chromatin proteomics approach to identify H3K9me3-dependent factors in the contexts of transcription or repression. Next, both pathways will be reconstituted by tethering those factors at specific positions on model genes, and maintenance of these states will be analyzed. Finally, to obtain a comprehensive picture of the metastable states establishment and maintenance, we will map heterochromatin factors genome-wide, in response to distinct stimuli in mESCs. This proposal will deepen our understanding of the mechanisms by which mammals use gene regulation to adapt to environmental conditions. | [
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration"
]
|
10.1088/0004-637X/797/2/124 | Non Local Thermodynamical Equilibrium Effects On The Iron Abundance Of Asymptotic Giant Branch Stars In 47 Tucanae | We present the iron abundance of 24 asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars, members of the globular cluster 47 Tucanae, obtained with high-resolution spectra collected with the FEROS spectrograph at the MPG/ESO 2. 2 m Telescope. We find that the iron abundances derived from neutral lines (with a mean value [Fe I/H] =–0. 94 ± 0. 01, σ = 0. 08 dex) are systematically lower than those derived from single ionized lines ([Fe II/H] =–0. 83 ± 0. 01, σ = 0. 05 dex). Only the latter are in agreement with those obtained for a sample of red giant branch (RGB) cluster stars, for which the Fe I and Fe II lines provide the same iron abundance. This finding suggests that non-local thermodynamical equilibrium (NLTE) effects driven by overionization mechanisms are present in the atmosphere of AGB stars and significantly affect the Fe I lines while leaving Fe II features unaltered. On the other hand, the very good ionization equilibrium found for RGB stars indicates that these NLTE effects may depend on the evolutionary stage. We discuss the impact of this finding on both the chemical analysis of AGB stars and on the search for evolved blue stragglers. | [
"Universe Sciences",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences"
]
|
10.1038/ismej.2014.136 | Early perturbation in mitochondria redox homeostasis in response to environmental stress predicts cell fate in diatoms | Diatoms are ubiquitous marine photosynthetic eukaryotes that are responsible for about 20% of global photosynthesis. Nevertheless, little is known about the redox-based mechanisms that mediate diatom sensing and acclimation to environmental stress. Here we used a redox-sensitive green fluorescent protein sensor targeted to various subcellular organelles in the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, to map the spatial and temporal oxidation patterns in response to environmental stresses. Specific organelle oxidation patterns were found in response to various stress conditions such as oxidative stress, nutrient limitation and exposure to diatom-derived infochemicals. We found a strong correlation between the mitochondrial glutathione (GSH) redox potential (E GSH) and subsequent induction of cell death in response to the diatom-derived unsaturated aldehyde 2E,4E/Z-decadienal (DD), and a volatile halocarbon (BrCN) that mediate trophic-level interactions in marine diatoms. Induction of cell death in response to DD was mediated by oxidation of mitochondrial E GSH and was reversible by application of GSH only within a narrow time frame. We found that cell fate can be accurately predicted by a distinct life-death threshold of mitochondrial E GSH (-335 mV). We propose that compartmentalized redox-based signaling can integrate the input of diverse environmental cues and will determine cell fate decisions as part of algal acclimation to stress conditions. | [
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration"
]
|
W2073719791 | Determination of Sr in soil by tungsten coil atomic emission spectrometry | Abstract Strontium was determined in soil by tungsten coil atomic emission spectrometry (WCAES). Since aluminum enhances strontium emission and is a common component of soil, it was first necessary to develop a method to remove aluminum from digested soil solutions. This was accomplished by buffering solutions to a pH of 5.5 with ammonium bicarbonate. Each buffered solution was filtered through a 0.45 μm syringe filter. Twenty-five μL of the filtrate were injected into a WCAES instrument and analyzed. The method effectively removed aluminum from digested samples. The next goal was to develop a fast soil digestion method that could be used in field analyses. A potential application for a fast method is the detection of radioisotopes after the detonation of a radioactive dispersion device (dirty bomb). Such devices could potentially contain strontium-90, and a field method would be necessary to quickly determine the concentration of strontium. Two different soil digestion methods were tested. The first (method A) was a typical method using aqua regia, hydrogen peroxide, and heat. The second (method B) was a faster method that involved shaking soil with concentrated acid for 30 s. Strontium spike recoveries showed that method B was not as effective at recovering strontium from soil. The % strontium recoveries (method B) were 87% compared to 93% for method A. A NIST SRM San Joaquin Soil was analyzed using both soil digestion methods. Strontium recoveries were 76% and 59% for methods A and B respectively, suggesting that digestion conditions needed to be more thorough. | [
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Earth System Science"
]
|
10.1068/a4512 | Multidimensional diversity in two European cities: Thinking beyond ethnicity | This paper shifts discussion on social diversity from ethnic diversity to broader social diversity. We explore spatial social diversity and assess opportunities to encounter diversity in an urban context. In doing so, we prepared a description of diversity in the residential communities of two cities, Leeds and Warsaw, using census data for small areas (UK 2001, Poland 2002). Selected variables were used to represent the key social dimensions of difference: demographic, socioeconomic, ethnic, and disability. A cluster analysis using a k-means algorithm was implemented for each city separately and for the two cities combined using harmonized indicators. We selected eight cluster solutions for each city which had different profiles and spatial distributions. A combined cluster analysis showed that there was little overlap in community types across the two cities. The paper illustrates that Leeds and Warsaw residents experience very different opportunities to encounter difference which need to be taken into account when local diversity policies are implemented. | [
"Human Mobility, Environment, and Space",
"The Social World and Its Interactions"
]
|
10.1109/TPEL.2019.2931780 | Advanced Discontinuous Modulation For Thermally Compensated Modular Smart Transformers | Smart transformers (STs) are challenged by high-reliability requirements. Particularly, modular STs consist of a large number of power semiconductors, and unevenly distributed thermal stress results in different remaining useful lifetimes of the devices in the different building blocks. This problem can be addressed with discontinuous modulation for the medium-voltage-side converter, but results in a coupled thermal stress with the isolated dc–dc cells. For overcoming this drawback, this article proposes an advanced discontinuous modulation, which enables to manipulate thermal stress in different cells independently. The algorithm is analyzed with respect to its capability in thermal stress manipulation and validated experimentally with junction temperature measurements. In addition, this article investigates the impact of the algorithm on the overall system's efficiency as well as potential lifetime of the power semiconductors in the different building blocks. | [
"Systems and Communication Engineering",
"Materials Engineering"
]
|
10.1074/mcp.M112.024950 | Spatio-temporal analysis of molecular determinants of neuronal degeneration in the aging mouse cerebellum | The accumulation of cellular damage, including DNA damage, is hypothesized to contribute to aging-related neurodegenerative changes. DNA excision repair cross-complementing group 1 (Ercc1) knock-out mice represent an accepted model of neuronal aging, showing gradual neurodegenerative changes, including loss of synaptic contacts and cell body shrinkage. Here, we used the Purkinje cell-specific Ercc1 DNA-repair knockout mouse model to study aging in the mouse cerebellum. We performed an in-depth quantitative proteomics analysis, using stable isotope dimethyl labeling, to decipher changes in protein expression between the early (8 weeks), intermediate (16 weeks), and late (26 weeks) stages of the phenotypically aging Ercc1 knock-out and healthy littermate control mice. The expression of over 5,200 proteins from the cerebellum was compared quantitatively, whereby 79 proteins ( i. e. 1. 5%) were found to be substantially regulated during aging. Nearly all of these molecular markers of the early aging onset belonged to a strongly interconnected network involved in excitatory synaptic signaling. Using immunohistological staining, we obtained temporal and spatial profiles of these markers confirming not only the proteomics data but in addition revealed how the change in protein expression correlates to synaptic changes in the cerebellum. In summary, this study provides a highly comprehensive spatial and temporal view of the dynamic changes in the cerebellum and Purkinje cell signaling in particular, indicating that synapse signaling is one of the first processes to be affected in this premature aging model, leading to neuron morphological changes, neuron degeneration, inflammation, and ultimately behavior disorders. | [
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions"
]
|
10.1063/1.4852615 | Doping Mechanisms In Graphene Mos2 Hybrids | We present a joint theoretical and experimental investigation of charge doping and electronic potential landscapes in hybrid structures composed of graphene and semiconducting single layer MoS2. From first-principles simulations we find electron doping of graphene due to the presence of rhenium impurities in MoS2. Furthermore, we show that MoS2 edges give rise to charge reordering and a potential shift in graphene, which can be controlled through external gate voltages. The interplay of edge and impurity effects allows the use of the graphene-MoS2 hybrid as a photodetector. Spatially resolved photocurrent signals can be used to resolve potential gradients and local doping levels in the sample. | [
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Materials Engineering",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials"
]
|
W1985587920 | Do Online Election Campaigns Win Votes? The 2007 Australian “YouTube” Election | Studies of Web use during elections have focused mainly on the content of Web sites and on the major factors driving parties' and candidates' adoption of the technology. Evaluations of the electoral impact of Web campaigns have been more limited. This article examines the nature and extent of Web use by voters and parties in the 2007 Australian federal election, focusing particularly on the consequences of Web 2.0 campaigning for candidate vote share. The findings show differing levels of commitment to older and newer e-campaigning technology across parties and their supporters and significant electoral advantages are associated with minor parties candidates using Web 2.0 campaign tools. The results confirm existing studies' findings about the impact of Web campaigns on contemporary elections, but that these effects are moderated by the type of Web tools used and party using them. | [
"The Social World and Its Interactions",
"Individuals, Markets and Organisations"
]
|
10.1016/j.molcel.2014.03.009 | Autophagy in antimicrobial immunity | Autophagy plays a key role in cellular homeostasis, responding to various environmental stresses. In particular, pathogen invasion leads to rapid induction of autophagy, which is critical for both innate and adaptive immune responses. In this review, we focus on the emerging molecular mechanisms of pathogen elimination by autophagy (a process known as xenophagy) and on the strategies developed by pathogens to subvert autophagy. We also address other functions of autophagy proteins in restricting pathogen invasion, independent of the formation of a canonical double-membrane autophagosome. | [
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy"
]
|
10.1083/jcb.201708195 | Inhibition of Ras activity coordinates cell fusion with cell–cell contact during yeast mating | In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, pheromone signaling engages a signaling pathway composed of a G protein–coupled receptor, Ras, and a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade that triggers sexual differentiation and gamete fusion. Cell–cell fusion requires local cell wall digestion, which relies on an initially dynamic actin fusion focus that becomes stabilized upon local enrichment of the signaling cascade on the structure. We constructed a live-reporter of active Ras1 (Ras1–guanosine triphosphate [GTP]) that shows Ras activity at polarity sites peaking on the fusion structure before fusion. Remarkably, constitutive Ras1 activation promoted fusion focus stabilization and fusion attempts irrespective of cell pairing, leading to cell lysis. Ras1 activity was restricted by the guanosine triphosphatase–activating protein Gap1, which was itself recruited to sites of Ras1-GTP and was essential to block untimely fusion attempts. We propose that negative feedback control of Ras activity restrains the MAPK signal and couples fusion with cell–cell engagement. | [
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions"
]
|
2728327 | Antiadhesive bionic combs for handling of nanofibers | Challenge: Nanofibers are constantly drawing the attention of material scientists and engineers as their surface-to-used-material-ratio is beneficial for, e.g., medical applications. However, technical nanofiber processing, transportation or even simple things as spooling is inhibited by their attraction to any surface by van der Waals forces, the adhesive forces also enabling geckos to stick to the wall. Recent research aims for scale-up of the controllable production of nanofibers though have not enabled an easier handling and thus their application is still limited. A specific kind of nanofibers are nanofibrous protrusions of adherent cells and microorganisms. The interaction of these fibers with nanostructures is a key feature for their controlled adhesion at natural or artificial surfaces.
Inspiration by nature: One major problem for handling of nanofibers is their stickiness to almost any surface due to van der Waals forces. However, there is a biological example to show how to tackle this problem in the future: cribellate spiders bear a specialized comb, the calamistrum, to handle and process nanofibers, which are assembled to their structural complex capture threads. These 10 – 30 nm thick fibers do not stick to the calamistrum due to a special fingerprint-like nanostructure. This structure causes the nanofibers to not smoothly adapt to the surface of the calamistrum, but rather minimizes contact and thus reduce the adhesive forces between the nanofibers and the calamistrum.
Radically new technological approach: The transfer of these bionic comb structures to a technical surface will enable that future tools for nanofiber handling (covered with such a nanostructure) are antiadhesive towards nanofibers. Similar nanostructures can hinder the adhesion of nanofibrous protrusions of cells or microorganisms, which may enable cell-repellent or antiseptic areas on medical devices and implants. | [
"Materials Engineering",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials",
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
]
|
742335 | Seismic Functional Imaging of the Brittle Crust | Despite the dramatic impact of earthquakes, the physics of their onset and the short-term behavior of fault are still poorly understood. Using existing high quality seismic observations, we propose to develop a novel functional imaging of the brittle crust to clarify not only structural properties but also the dynamics of faults. We will analyze spatio-temporal changes of elastic properties around fault zones to highlight the interplay between changes in the host rocks and fault slip. Imaging the damage structure around faults and its evolution requires new seismological methods. With novel methods to image the highly heterogeneous fault regions, we will provide multi-scale descriptions of fault zones, including their laterally variable thicknesses and depth dependence. In parallel we will image temporal changes of seismic velocities and scattering strength. External natural forcing terms (e.g. tides, seasonal hydrologic loadings) will be modeled to isolate the signals of tectonic origin. This will also allow us to monitor the evolving seismic susceptibility, i.e. a measure of the proximity to a critical state of failure. Improved earthquake detection techniques using ‘deep machine learning’ methods will facilitate tracking the evolution of rock damage. The imaging and monitoring will provide time-lapse images of elastic moduli, susceptibility and seismicity. The observed short-time changes of the materials will be included in slip initiation models coupling the weakening of both the friction and the damaged host rocks. Laboratory experiments will shed light on the transition of behavior from granular (shallow fault core) to cohesive (distant host rock) materials. Our initial data cover two well-studied fault regions of high earthquake probability (Southern California and the Marmara region, Turkey) and an area of induced seismicity (Groningen). The derived results and new versatile imaging and monitoring techniques can have fundamental social and economic impacts. | [
"Earth System Science",
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
]
|
10.1111/1365-2656.12827 | Climate Change And Functional Traits Affect Population Dynamics Of A Long Lived Seabird | 1. Recent studies unravelled the effect of climate changes on populations through their impact on functional traits and demographic rates in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, but such understanding in marine ecosystems remains incomplete. 2. Here, we evaluate the impact of the combined effects of climate and functional traits on population dynamics of a long‐lived migratory seabird breeding in the southern ocean: the black‐browed albatross (Thalassarche melanophris, BBA). We address the following prospective question: “Of all the changes in the climate and functional traits, which would produce the biggest impact on the BBA population growth rate?” 3. We develop a structured matrix population model that includes the effect of climate and functional traits on the complete BBA life cycle. A detailed sensitivity analysis is conducted to understand the main pathway by which climate and functional trait changes affect the population growth rate. 4. The population growth rate of BBA is driven by the combined effects of climate over various seasons and multiple functional traits with carry‐over effects across seasons on demographic processes. Changes in sea surface temperature (SST) during late winter cause the biggest changes in the population growth rate, through their effect on juvenile survival. Adults appeared to respond to changes in winter climate conditions by adapting their migratory schedule rather than by modifying their at‐sea foraging activity. However, the sensitivity of the population growth rate to SST affecting BBA migratory schedule is small. BBA foraging activity during the pre‐breeding period has the biggest impact on population growth rate among functional traits. Finally, changes in SST during the breeding season have little effect on the population growth rate. 5. These results highlight the importance of early life histories and carry‐over effects of climate and functional traits on demographic rates across multiple seasons in population response to climate change. Robust conclusions about the roles of various phases of the life cycle and functional traits in population response to climate change rely on an understanding of the relationships of traits to demographic rates across the complete life cycle. | [
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution",
"Earth System Science"
]
|
10.1111/mmi.12465 | The C-terminal regions of YidC from Rhodopirellula baltica and Oceanicaulis alexandrii bind to ribosomes and partially substitute for SRP receptor function in Escherichia coli | The marine Gram-negative bacteria Rhodopirellula baltica and Oceanicaulis alexandrii have, in contrast to Escherichia coli, membrane insertases with extended positively charged C-terminal regions similar to the YidC homologues in mitochondria and Gram-positive bacteria. We have found that chimeric forms of E. coliYidC fused to the C-terminal YidC regions from the marine bacteria mediate binding of YidC to ribosomes and therefore may have a functional role for targeting a nascent protein to the membrane. Here, we show in E. coli that an extended C-terminal region of YidC can compensate for a loss of SRP-receptor function in vivo. Furthermore, the enhanced affinity of the ribosome to the chimeric YidC allows the isolation of a ribosome nascent chain complex together with the C-terminally elongated YidC chimera. This complex was visualized at 8. 6Å by cryo-electron microscopy and shows a close contact of the ribosome and a YidC monomer. | [
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems"
]
|
W2091670013 | Ad-Hoc Self-Organized Microgrid for Rural Electrification and Post-disaster Response | This paper presents the concept for an ad-hoc self-organized microgrid based on moveable and renewable energy sources and fully distributed coordination between intelligent power routing nodes. The primary goal of the proposed architecture is to build an adaptive, scalable, and reliable system to support energy provisioning with limited infrastructural planning. Our vision focuses on two use-case scenarios: promote electrification and energy sharing in isolated rural areas, and support emergency response crews in disaster relief situations. Both scenarios rely on the deployment of an autonomous microgrid based on movable generators and renewable sources which will dynamically reconfigure itself and adapt to changes with minimal user intervention. | [
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
]
|
10.1007/978-3-319-68394-2_2 | Cosmic Large Scale Structure In The Illustristng Simulations | We have finished two new, extremely large hydrodynamical simulations of galaxy formation that significantly advance the state of the art in cosmology. Together with accompanying dark matter only runs, we call them ‘IllustrisTNG’, the next generation Illustris simulations. Our largest and most ambitious calculation follows a cosmological volume 300 megaparsecs on a side and self-consistently solves the equations of magnetohydrodynamics and self-gravity coupled to the fundamental physical processes driving galaxy formation. We have employed AREPO, a sophisticated moving-mesh code developed by our team over the past 7 years and equipped with an improved, multi-purpose galaxy formation physics model. The simulated universe contains tens of thousands of galaxies encompassing a variety of environments, mass scales and evolutionary stages. The groundbreaking volume of TNG enables us to sample statistically significant sets of rare astrophysical objects like rich galaxy clusters, and to study galaxy formation and the spatial clustering of matter over a very large range of spatial scales. Here we report some early results on the matter and galaxy clustering found in the simulations. The two-point galaxy correlation function of our largest simulation agrees extremely well with the best available observational constraints from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, both as a function of galaxy stellar mass and color. The predicted impact of baryonic physics on the matter power spectrum is sizeable and needs to be taken into account in precision studies of cosmology. Interestingly, this impact appears to be fairly robust to the details of the modelling of supermassive black holes, provided this reproduces the scaling properties of the intracluster medium of galaxy clusters. | [
"Universe Sciences",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
]
|
10.1353/ajm.2015.0008 | Degenerate whittaker functionals for real reductive groups | In this paper we establish a connection between the associated variety of a representation and the existence of certain degenerate Whittaker functionals, for both smooth and K-finite vectors, for all quasi-split real reductive groups, thereby generalizing results of Kostant, Matumoto and others. | [
"Mathematics"
]
|
W2936117827 | El agresor del delito de violencia intrafamiliar y su tratamiento psicológico como medida alternativa de solución de conflictos | In the present research project prior to obtain the Lawyer degree, named “The aggressor of the crime of intrafamily violence and its psychological treatment as an alternative measure of conflicts resolutions” carried out in the south of Guayaquil, Guayas province, articularly in the Valdivia Sur area, where it was possible to clearly demonstrate the intrafamily violence problems that arise daily and how it is yet not possible to reduce this serious social problem. It is necessary to emphasize that there is joint work among the authorities to reduce the rate of intrafamily violence cases; however, the results are not favorable, since there is an increase and recidivism of these cases. We can find in this investigation that the types of violence that are the most demanded are psychological violence and physical violence, which is one of the most quiet and dangerous aggression that affects our society.
In Ecuador, since 2014, was established for the first time the aggressor who commits psychological violence within the Organic Penal Code (COIP), the penalty is administered depending on three levels of affectation, which can be mild, moderate and severe, where the aggressor can be sentenced from 30 days to 36 months in prison. Domestic violence is a permanent problem that affects families, regardless of economic capacity, age and place of residence………… | [
"The Social World and Its Interactions",
"The Human Mind and Its Complexity",
"Institutions, Governance and Legal Systems"
]
|
W1548148540 | Constructive Nonlinear Control | 1 Introduction -- 1.1 Passivity, Optimality, and Stability -- 1.2 Feedback Passivation -- 1.3 Cascade Designs -- 1.4 Lyapunov Constructions -- 1.5 Recursive Designs -- 1.6 Book Style and Notation -- 2 Passivity Concepts as Design Tools -- 2.1 Dissipativity and Passivity -- 2.2 Interconnections of Passive Systems -- 2.3 Lyapunov Stability and Passivity -- 2.4 Feedback Passivity -- 2.5 Summary -- 2.6 Notes and References -- 3 Stability Margins and Optimality -- 3.1 Stability Margins for Linear Systems -- 3.2 Input Uncertainties -- 3.3 Optimality, Stability, and Passivity -- 3.4 Stability Margins of Optimal Systems -- 3.5 Inverse Optimal Design -- 3.6 Summary -- 3.7 Notes and References -- 4 Cascade Designs -- 4.1 Cascade Systems -- 4.2 Partial-State Feedback Designs -- 4.3 Feedback Passivation of Cascades -- 4.4 Designs for the TORA System -- 4.5 Output Peaking: an Obstacle to Global Stabilization -- 4.6 Summary -- 4.7 Notes and References -- 5 Construction of Lyapunov functions -- 5.1 Composite Lyapunov functions for cascade systems -- 5.2 Lyapunov Construction with a Cross-Term -- 5.3 Relaxed Constructions -- 5.4 Stabilization of Augmented Cascades -- 5.5 Lyapunov functions for adaptive control -- 5.6 Summary -- 5.7 Notes and references -- 6 Recursive designs -- 6.1 Backstepping -- 6.2 Forwarding -- 6.3 Interlaced Systems -- 6.4 Summary and Perspectives -- 6.5 Notes and References -- A Basic geometric concepts -- A.1 Relative Degree -- A.2 Normal Form -- A.3 The Zero Dynamics -- A.4 Right-Invertibility -- A.5 Geometric properties -- B Proofs of Theorems 3.18 and 4.35 -- B.1 Proof of Theorem 3.18 -- B.2 Proof of Theorem 4.35. | [
"Systems and Communication Engineering",
"Mathematics"
]
|
10.1371/journal.pbio.1001731 | Escherichia coli Ribosomal Protein S1 Unfolds Structured mRNAs Onto the Ribosome for Active Translation Initiation | Regulation of translation initiation is well appropriate to adapt cell growth in response to stress and environmental changes. Many bacterial mRNAs adopt structures in their 5′ untranslated regions that modulate the accessibility of the 30S ribosomal subunit. Structured mRNAs interact with the 30S in a two-step process where the docking of a folded mRNA precedes an accommodation step. Here, we used a combination of experimental approaches in vitro (kinetic of mRNA unfolding and binding experiments to analyze mRNA-protein or mRNA-ribosome complexes, toeprinting assays to follow the formation of ribosomal initiation complexes) and in vivo (genetic) to monitor the action of ribosomal protein S1 on the initiation of structured and regulated mRNAs. We demonstrate that r-protein S1 endows the 30S with an RNA chaperone activity that is essential for the docking and the unfolding of structured mRNAs, and for the correct positioning of the initiation codon inside the decoding channel. The first three OB-fold domains of S1 retain all its activities (mRNA and 30S binding, RNA melting activity) on the 30S subunit. S1 is not required for all mRNAs and acts differently on mRNAs according to the signals present at their 5′ ends. This work shows that S1 confers to the ribosome dynamic properties to initiate translation of a large set of mRNAs with diverse structural features. | [
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems"
]
|
759139 | Targeting the Oncogenic Function of Myc in vivo | The transcription factor Myc plays a central role in tumourigenesis but was deemed undruggable due to it being an essential protein. However, recent proof-of-principle studies in mice using a dominant negative allele of Myc demonstrated the dependency of established tumours on Myc function and showed that mice tolerated Myc inhibition to a degree that allowed tumour regression. In line with these observations my group found Myc to regulate distinct sets of genes at low, physiological and high, oncogenic levels, because promoters differ in their affinity for Myc. This notion implies the compelling possibility to specifically target the oncogenic functions of Myc.
TarMyc aims to address four key questions required to bring this new concept from bench to bedside. Firstly, TarMyc will estimate the therapeutic window of Myc inhibition in vivo by expressing shRNAs against Myc in mice with established solid tumours. Secondly, TarMyc aims to identify in vivo Myc target genes crucial for tumourigenesis. Thirdly, this proposal aims to elucidate the role of Myc’s differential promoter affinity in untransformed cells. Analysis of published gene expression datasets revealed Myc binding to low-affinity promoters during the process of tissue regeneration. Thus, by characterizing the regeneration programme induced by Myc we hope to gain further insight on the therapeutic window of Myc inhibition and assess potential side-effects in a Myc-targeting anticancer therapy. Fourthly, we aim to develop strategies to interfere with the oncogenic functions of Myc by (i) developing a novel class of drugs that reduce Myc’s cellular concentrations, and (ii) by testing the therapeutic potential of Myc target genes by inhibiting their function in tumour models.
Taken together, TarMyc takes on the challenge of inhibiting the oncogenic functions of Myc in a highly multidisciplinary approach using state-of-the-art molecular biology, advanced tumour models and new concepts in drug development. | [
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
]
|
10.1371/journal.pone.0136920 | Impact-free measurement of microtubule rotations on kinesin and cytoplasmic-dynein coated surfaces | Knowledge about the three-dimensional stepping of motor proteins on the surface of microtubules (MTs) as well as the torsional components in their power strokes can be inferred from longitudinal MT rotations in gliding motility assays. In previous studies, optical detection of these rotations relied on the tracking of rather large optical probes present on the outer MT surface. However, these probes may act as obstacles for motor stepping and may prevent the unhindered rotation of the gliding MTs. To overcome these limitations, we devised a novel, impact-free method to detect MT rotations based on fluorescent speckles within the MT structure in combination with fluorescence-interference contrast microscopy. We (i) confirmed the rotational pitches of MTs gliding on surfaces coated by kinesin-1 and kinesin-8 motors, (ii) demonstrated the superiority of our method over previous approaches on kinesin-8 coated surfaces at low ATP concentration, and (iii) identified MT rotations driven by mammalian cytoplasmic dynein, indicating that during collective motion cytoplasmic dynein side-steps with a bias in one direction. Our novel method is easy to implement on any state-of-the-art fluorescence microscope and allows for high-throughput experiments. | [
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions"
]
|
10.7554/elife.51439 | Catecholaminergic modulation of meta-learning | The remarkable expedience of human learning is thought to be underpinned by meta-learning, whereby slow accumulative learning processes are rapidly adjusted to the current learning environment. To date, the neurobiological implementation of meta-learning remains unclear. A burgeoning literature argues for an important role for the catecholamines dopamine and noradrenaline in meta-learning. Here, we tested the hypothesis that enhancing catecholamine function modulates the ability to optimise a meta-learning parameter (learning rate) as a function of environmental volatility. 102 participants completed a task which required learning in stable phases, where the probability of reinforcement was constant, and volatile phases, where probabilities changed every 10–30 trials. The catecholamine transporter blocker methylphenidate enhanced participants’ ability to adapt learning rate: Under methylphenidate, compared with placebo, participants exhibited higher learning rates in volatile relative to stable phases. Furthermore, this effect was significant only with respect to direct learning based on the participants’ own experience, there was no significant effect on inferred-value learning where stimulus values had to be inferred. These data demonstrate a causal link between catecholaminergic modulation and the adjustment of the meta-learning parameter learning rate. | [
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"The Human Mind and Its Complexity"
]
|
10.1021/acs.iecr.0c02943 | Separation of Scandium from Hydrochloric Acid-Ethanol Leachate of Bauxite Residue by a Supported Ionic Liquid Phase | Solvometallurgy is a new branch of extractive metallurgy in which green organic solvents are used instead of aqueous solutions to improve selectivity in separation processes. In the present study, nonaqueous leaching of a Greek bauxite residue (BR) was performed and scandium was separated from other elements in the leachate by column chromatography. At first, the selectivity of sorbents for scandium(III) over iron(III) was tested in batch mode using various organic solvents. The following three sorbents were tested: (1) a carboxylic acid-functionalized supported ionic liquid phase (SILP), (2) silica (SiO2), and (3) silica functionalized with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (SiO2-TMS-EDTA). The best separation of scandium and iron was achieved from ethanolic solution by the SILP. The BR was then leached with 0. 7 mol L-1 HCl in ethanol or in water. The leaching efficiency of scandium with both lixiviants was similar. However, much less sodium was leached, and silica remained in solution when leaching was performed with the ethanolic lixiviant. By using ethanol as opposed to water, the serious drawback of silica gel formation that is taking place in the aqueous leachate of BR was circumvented. The sorption preference of the SILP for metal ions in the ethanolic leachate was partly reversed compared to the aqueous leachate. Iron was separated from other metals of the ethanolic BR leachate by a simple elution with ethanol. The formation of the anionic tetrachloroferrate(III) complex, [FeCl4]-, enabled the selective elution. This complex was not observed in the aqueous leachate of BR. Scandium was separated from the vast majority of other components of the BR by elution with 0. 1 mol L-1 H3PO4. | [
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials",
"Products and Processes Engineering"
]
|
10.1145/1810295.1810353 | Testful Automatic Unit Test Generation For Java Classes | This paper presents TestFul, an Eclipse plugin for the generation of tests for Java classes. It is based on the idea of search-based testing, working both at class and method level. The former puts objects in useful states, used by the latter to exercise the uncovered parts of the class. | [
"Computer Science and Informatics"
]
|
US 43835406 A | Electric energy storage device | A long-life electric energy storage device with superior high-input/output load resistance includes a cathode including a region having a faradic reaction mechanism and a region having a non-faradic reaction mechanism, and an anode including a region having a faradic reaction mechanism. When carbon material contained in the anode is represented by a diffraction line according to X-ray diffraction method, mainly the (001) plane is substantially detected. | [
"Materials Engineering",
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials",
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
]
|
716968 | Refugees are Migrants: Refugee Mobility, Recognition and Rights | This project begins with the basic premise that refugees are migrants: by legal definition and political conception, they have left their home countries to seek refuge. This project aims to re-assess refugee protection through a lens of mobility and migration, locating the study of refugee law in the context of the refugee regime. It examines the three key aspects of refugee law – access to protection, refugee status determination, and refugee rights – bringing them into conversation with the refugee regime’s norms and practices on responsibility-sharing and solutions. Crucially, the project takes a long and broad view of refugee protection, in order to open up new possibilities and trajectories. It also integrates a legal assessment of the role of non-state actors in refugee protection. Using the broad notion of ‘intermediary’ in the migration process, it will assess the regulatory environment on access to protection, so-called ‘secondary movement’ and onward migration. It will provide an important legal assessment of the role of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the duties of humanitarian actors in refugee protection. It addresses the EU, not as a singularity, but as an actor in the global regime.
The project is methodologically ground-breaking. It identifies practices that determine access to and the quality of refugee protection, and how these practices have developed across jurisdictions and over time, thereby historicizing and reframing the practices in question. As well as rigorous doctrinal (‘black letter’) legal analysis, it will use go beyond doctrine, and draw on theoretical conceptions of legality to explore the particular modes of regulating mobility and migration that are now central to refugee protection. It will also develop new inter-disciplinary methods, using comparative legal, historical and political-scientific tools. | [
"Human Mobility, Environment, and Space",
"Institutions, Governance and Legal Systems"
]
|
10.24963/ijcai.2019/38 | Schelling Games on Graphs | We consider strategic games that are inspired by Schelling's model of residential segregation. In our model, the agents are partitioned into k types and need to select locations on an undirected graph. Agents can be either stubborn, in which case they will always choose their preferred location, or strategic, in which case they aim to maximize the fraction of agents of their own type in their neighborhood. We investigate the existence of equilibria in these games, study the complexity of finding an equilibrium outcome or an outcome with high social welfare, and also provide upper and lower bounds on the price of anarchy and stability. Some of our results extend to the setting where the preferences of the agents over their neighbors are defined by a social network rather than a partition into types. | [
"Mathematics",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
]
|
US 2007/0065445 W | GAMUT MAXIMIZING BLACK GENERATION FOR PRINTERS | Gamut maximizing black generation for printers. Generating device dependent data from device independent data uses both chromatic curves and achromatic curves, which are independently controllable and which each include a color space curve and a black curve. The achromatic and chromatic curves are generated using a set of input parameters. Once the curves are generated, the final color space values are generated using an interpolation between the achromatic curves and the chromatic curves. | [
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
]
|
170649 | The neural basis of visual interaction between scenes and objects | We easily categorize places and objects in a single glance, a computationally complex task presenting a central challenge for vision neuroscience. Considerable evidence points to a division of scene and object processing into two distinct neural pathways, relying on different types of visual cues. However, scenes and objects are also known to strongly interact in visual perception, as seen in contextual effects of background on object perception. At present, the neural mechanisms by which scenes and objects interact remain unknown, leaving a critical gap in our understanding of these two major visual paths. The main goal of this multi-method proposal is to uncover the neural mechanisms of scene-object interactions. I therefore propose three competing theoretical models. A parallel model predicts only stimulus-driven representations of scenes and objects in the visual cortex. In contrast, interactive models predict that representations of scenes and objects in the visual cortex are influenced by one-another. However, whereas a visual-interactive model suggests direct interaction, a feedback model suggests that the interaction is mediated by frontal regions. To test this, I propose a novel psychophysical paradigm of seeing objects from scene context and scenes from object context. Thereby, I will examine how scene and object processing are affected by one-another and identify the potential neural sources of these modulations using fMRI (objective 1). Thereafter, I will use MEG to decode the timeline of these neural processes (objective 2). Establishing a clear neurocognitive model for scene-object interaction would not only advance our understanding of the two central paths of the ventral visual stream, but also significantly contribute to the definition of vision as an interactive system rather than a set of specialized parallel modules. Shifting from localized visual modules to interactive visual processes will broaden my expertise as a cognitive neuroscientist. | [
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"The Human Mind and Its Complexity"
]
|
10.1002/2016WR020117 | Using Sas Functions And High Resolution Isotope Data To Unravel Travel Time Distributions In Headwater Catchments | We use high-resolution tracer data from an experimental site to test theoretical approaches that integrate catchment-scale flow and transport processes in a unified framework centered on selective age sampling by streamflow and evapotranspiration fluxes. Transport processes operating at the catchment scale are reflected in the evolving residence time distribution of the catchment water storage and in the age selection operated by out-fluxes. Such processes are described here through StorAge Selection (SAS) functions parameterized as power laws of the normalized rank storage. Such functions are computed through appropriate solution of the master equation defining formally the evolution of residence and travel times. By representing the way in which catchment storage generates outflows composed by water of different ages, the main mechanism regulating the tracer composition of runoff is clearly identified and detailed comparison with empirical data sets are possible. Properly calibrated numerical tools provide simulations that convincingly reproduce complex measured signals of daily deuterium content in stream waters during wet and dry periods. Results for the catchment under consideration are consistent with other recent studies indicating a tendency for natural catchments to preferentially release younger available water. The study shows that power law SAS functions prove a powerful tool to explain catchment-scale transport processes that also has potential in less intensively monitored sites. | [
"Earth System Science",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Mathematics"
]
|
US 9812568 W | APPLICATION OF <13>C-<13>C, <13>C-<15>N, AND <13>C-<13>C-<15>N ISOTOPICALLY ENRICHED PROTEINS AS TISSUE-DIRECTED IMAGE-ENHANCEMENT REAGENTS FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING | The present invention relates to a method employing a tissue-directed <13>C, <13>C-<13>C, <13>C-<15>N or <13>C-<13>C-<15>N isotopically enriched protein reagent as a diagnostic contrasting agent in magnetic resonance imaging to enhance the contrast of a targeted site in a mammalian tissue. | [
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Materials Engineering"
]
|
10.1016/j.jfa.2016.10.028 | Norm-attaining functionals need not contain 2-dimensional subspaces | G. Godefroy asked whether, on any Banach space, the set of norm-attaining functionals contains a 2-dimensional linear subspace. We prove that a construction due to C. J. Read provides an example of a space which does not have this property. Read found an equivalent norm ⦀⋅⦀ on c0 such that (c0,⦀⋅⦀) contains no proximinal subspaces of codimension 2. Our result is obtained through a study of the relation between the following two sentences, in which X is a Banach space and Y⊂X is a closed subspace: (A) Y is proximinal in X, and (B) Y⊥ consists of norm-attaining functionals. We prove that these are equivalent if X is the space (c0,⦀⋅⦀), and our main theorem then follows as a corollary to Read's result. | [
"Mathematics"
]
|
US 2007/0024682 W | HEAT EXCHANGER CONNECTION PLATE APPARATUS | A heat exchanger is provided that includes a first frame member; a second frame member; and one or more heat transfer plates between the first frame member and the second frame member. The one or more heat transfer plates are adapted to receive and distribute one or more fluids. A connection sheet is provided between the first frame member and the one or more heat transfer plates. The connection sheet is adapted to couple to a pipe. | [
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Materials Engineering"
]
|
10.1039/C5CE00138B | Hopping Intermittent Contact Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy Hic Secm As A New Local Dissolution Kinetic Probe Application To Salicylic Acid Dissolution In Aqueous Solution | Dissolution kinetics of the (110) face of salicylic acid in aqueous solution is determined by hopping intermittent contact-scanning electrochemical microscopy (HIC-SECM) using a 2. 5 μm diameter platinum ultramicroelectrode (UME). The method operates by translating the probe UME towards the surface at a series of positions across the crystal and inducing dissolution via the reduction of protons to hydrogen, which titrates the weak acid and promotes the dissolution reaction, but only when the UME is close to the crystal. Most importantly, as dissolution is only briefly and transiently induced at each location, the initial dissolution kinetics of an as-grown single crystal surface can be measured, rather than a surface which has undergone significant dissolution (pitting), as in other techniques. Mass transport and kinetics in the system are modelled using finite element method simulations which allows dissolution rate constants to be evaluated. It is found that the kinetics of an ‘as-grown’ crystal are much slower than for a surface that has undergone partial bulk dissolution (mimicking conventional techniques), which can be attributed to a dramatic change in surface morphology as identified by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The ‘as-grown’ (110) surface presents extended terrace structures to the solution which evidently dissolve slowly, whereas a partially dissolved surface has extensive etch features and step sites which greatly enhance dissolution kinetics. This means that crystals such as salicylic acid will show time-dependent dissolution kinetics (fluxes) that are strongly dependent on crystal history, and this needs to be taken into account to fully understand dissolution. | [
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Condensed Matter Physics"
]
|
10.1051/0004-6361/201016237 | Venus Transit 2004 Illustrating The Capability Of Exoplanet Transmission Spectroscopy | The transit of Venus in 2004 offered the rare possibility to remotely sense a well-known planetary atmosphere using ground-based observations for absorption spectroscopy. Transmission spectra of Venus' atmosphere were obtained in the near infrared using the Vacuum Tower Telescope (VTT) in Tenerife. Since the instrument was designed to measure the very bright photosphere of the Sun, extracting Venus' atmosphere was challenging. CO_2 absorption lines could be identified in the upper Venus atmosphere. Moreover, the relative abundance of the three most abundant CO_2 isotopologues could be determined. The observations resolved Venus' limb, showing Doppler-shifted absorption lines that are probably caused by high-altitude winds. This paper illustrates the ability of ground-based measurements to examine atmospheric constituents of a terrestrial planet atmosphere which might be applied in future to terrestrial extrasolar planets. | [
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Universe Sciences"
]
|
10.1111/add.13298 | Associations between smoking and caffeine consumption in two European cohorts | Aims: To estimate associations between smoking initiation, smoking persistence and smoking heaviness and caffeine consumption in two population-based samples from the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Design: Observational study employing data on self-reported smoking behaviour and caffeine consumption. Setting: Adults from the general population in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Participants: Participants from the Netherlands Twin Register [NTR: n = 21 939, mean age 40. 8, standard deviation (SD) = 16. 9, 62. 6% female] and the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC: n = 9086, mean age 33. 2, SD = 4. 7, 100% female). Measurements: Smoking initiation (ever versus never smoking), smoking persistence (current versus former smoking), smoking heaviness (number of cigarettes smoked) and caffeine consumption in mg per day through coffee, tea, cola and energy drinks. Findings: After correction for age, gender (NTR), education and social class (ALSPAC), smoking initiation was associated with consuming on average 52. 8 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 45. 6-60. 0; NTR] and 59. 5 (95% CI = 51. 8-67. 2; ALSPAC) mg more caffeine per day. Smoking persistence was also associated with consuming more caffeine [+57. 9 (95% CI = 45. 2-70. 5) and +83. 2 (95% CI = 70. 2-96. 3) mg, respectively]. Each additional cigarette smoked per day was associated with 3. 7 (95% CI = 1. 9-5. 5; NTR) and 8. 4 (95% CI = 6. 9-10. 0; ALSPAC) mg higher daily caffeine consumption in current smokers. Smoking was associated positively with coffee consumption and less strongly with cola and energy drinks. For tea, associations were positive in ALSPAC and negative in NTR. Conclusions: There appears to be a positive association between smoking and caffeine consumption in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. | [
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems"
]
|
10.1051/0004-6361/201321624 | The Mice At Play In The Califa Survey A Case Study Of A Gas Rich Major Merger Between First Passage And Coalescence | We present optical integral field spectroscopy (IFS) observations of the Mice, a major merger between two massive (>10^11Msol) gas-rich spirals NGC4676A and B, observed between first passage and final coalescence. The spectra provide stellar and gas kinematics, ionised gas properties and stellar population diagnostics, over the full optical extent of both galaxies. The Mice provide a perfect case study highlighting the importance of IFS data for improving our understanding of local galaxies. The impact of first passage on the kinematics of the stars and gas has been significant, with strong bars likely induced in both galaxies. The barred spiral NGC4676B exhibits a strong twist in both its stellar and ionised gas disk. On the other hand, the impact of the merger on the stellar populations has been minimal thus far: star formation induced by the recent close passage has not contributed significantly to the global star formation rate or stellar mass of the galaxies. Both galaxies show bicones of high ionisation gas extending along their minor axes. In NGC4676A the high gas velocity dispersion and Seyfert-like line ratios at large scaleheight indicate a powerful outflow. Fast shocks extend to ~6. 6kpc above the disk plane. The measured ram pressure and mass outflow rate (~8-20Msol/yr) are similar to superwinds from local ULIRGs, although NGC4676A has only a moderate infrared luminosity of 3x10^10Lsol. Energy beyond that provided by the mechanical energy of the starburst appears to be required to drive the outflow. We compare the observations to mock kinematic and stellar population maps from a merger simulation. The models show little enhancement in star formation during and following first passage, in agreement with the observations. We highlight areas where IFS data could help further constrain the models. | [
"Universe Sciences",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences"
]
|
10.1109/IECON.2018.8591772 | Modular Ev Fast Charging Station Architectures Based On Multiphase Medium Frequency Transformer | The aim of reducing charging duration and the expected growth of the number of electric cars leads to a variable and high power demand on the current and near future fast charging stations (FCS). Currently, the voltage adaption from the MV level to the FCS is provided by a bulky 50/60 Hz transformer, leading to limited possibilities in the scalability in terms of charging power of the FCS. Therefore, in this paper three different modular possibilities to realize these systems by directly connecting a power electronic based solution to the medium voltage (MV) grid are investigated. The necessary isolation is realized in the DC-DC stage by the medium frequency transformer of the quadruple active bridge, which, as it will be shown, can be connected in different configurations. The prospective best solution, the cascaded H-bridge + interphase quadruple active bridge, is analyzed in more detail. The benefit of this architecture is the direct MV connection possibility and simultaneously natural power balancing among the three phases. Furthermore, the architecture provides modularity and scalability with respect to the desired power level of the charging station. | [
"Systems and Communication Engineering",
"Products and Processes Engineering"
]
|
638701 | Intersections | This edition of European Researcher's Night, run independently of all other NIGHTs, will provide a platform from which researchers and publics across Europe can participate to create a truly pan-national series of events showcasing the international and intersectional nature of research as well as the relevance of, and contribution to research that the public can make. INTERSECTIONS is developed from past success in international delivery of a group of seven NIGHTs across Europe. This experience has shown international delivery can be meaningful and rewarding, and demonstrated the barriers and drivers to a successful international and intersectional delivery. We propose now to expand on this and provide dedicated support for a pan-European delivery. In 2021 INTERSECTIONS will run a modest group of activities that we are confident are able to run on an international basis with significant impact and meaningful outcomes for all stakeholders from researchers to audiences. This truly pan-European research showcase event, connecting researchers, audiences, and NIGHTs, will showcase research and its relevance to all European citizens. | [
"The Social World and Its Interactions"
]
|
EP 2004053263 W | METHOD FOR CHARGING A FIBRE SUSPENSION AND ARRANGEMENT FOR CARRYING OUT SAID METHOD | The invention relates to a method for charging a fibre suspension, containing cellulose fibres, with calcium carbonate. Said method comprises the following steps: Calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide is introduced into the fibre suspension in a liquid or dried form; gaseous carbon dioxide is introduced into the fibre suspension and calcium carbonate in ball-shaped agglomerations (49) of crystals is precipitated by the carbon dioxide. The invention also relates to an arrangement for charging the fibre suspension containing cellulose fibres. | [
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials",
"Products and Processes Engineering"
]
|
10.11646/zootaxa.4750.4.11 | <p><strong>A new species of treehopper in the genus <em>Cladonota</em> Stål (Hemiptera: Membracidae: Membracinae: Hypsoprorini) from Costa Rica, with preliminary observations of its behaviour and natural history</strong></p> | Cladonota Stål is a genus of Neotropical treehopper found throughout much of South America, Central America, and as far north as Mexico (Godoy et al. 2006). Whilst many membracids are known to exhibit extravagant pronotal expansions (Buckton 1903), the morphologies found within Cladonota are arguably some of the most extreme, making them a particularly charismatic taxon. The function most frequently proposed for the shape of the Cladonota pronotum is camouflage; in particular, masquerade mimicry of dry leaf or bark fragments (Godoy et al. 2006; Swing 2012). However, this mimetic function remains to be empirically tested. | [
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution",
"Materials Engineering"
]
|
10.1073/pnas.1609222113 | Lessons from Star Carr on the vulnerability of organic archaeological remains to environmental change | Examples of wetland deposits can be found across the globe and are known for preserving organic archaeological and environmental remains that are vitally important to our understanding of past human–environment interactions. The Mesolithic site of Star Carr (Yorkshire, United Kingdom) represents one of the most influential archives of human response to the changing climate at the end of the last glacial in Northern Europe. A hallmark of the site since its discovery in 1948 has been the exceptional preservation of its organic remains. Disturbingly, recent excavations have suggested that the geochemistry of the site is no longer conducive to such remarkable survival of organic archaeological and environmental materials. Microcosm (laboratory-based) burial experiments have been undertaken, alongside analysis of artifacts excavated from the site, to assess the effect of these geochemical changes on the remaining archaeological material. By applying a suite of macroscopic and molecular analyses, we demonstrate that the geochemical changes at Star Carr are contributing to the inexorable and rapid loss of valuable archaeological and paleoenvironmental information. Our findings have global implications for other wetland sites, particularly archaeological sites preserved in situ. | [
"The Study of the Human Past",
"Earth System Science"
]
|
647152 | New Approaches to the Identification of Macroeconomic Models | Macroeconomic data are largely non-experimental. Thus, causal inference in macroeconomics is largely based on assumptions about what aspects of the variation in the data are exogenous. This presents two major challenges, which this research addresses directly. First, few such assumptions are generally accepted. Second, conditional on any set of assumptions, identification of causal effects is often weak because there is little relevant variation in the data. To tackle these challenges, I propose three lines of enquiry to explore new sources of identification and develop the requisite econometric methods.
The first line will study the implications of the so-called ‘zero lower bound’ (ZLB) on nominal interest rates for identification. The key novel insight is that the ZLB causes monetary policy to be set at least in part exogenously. This can be thought of as a natural experiment that generates a new instrument to identify the underlying policy model. This insight applies more generally to policy functions subject to exogenous constraints. The informativeness of these constraints depends on the probability that they bind, so recent experience makes the ZLB a promising application of the idea.
The second line will analyse new ways of using time-variation in some of the parameters of macroeconomic models, such as trend inflation or the volatility of shocks, to study important open questions in macro, such as the degree of forward versus backward-looking behaviour and the ‘good luck versus good policy’ debate.
The third line will contribute to the on-going research on developing methods of inference that are robust to weak identification. This is a pervasive problem in macro that threatens the validity of structural inference under any identification scheme.
The synergies among these three lines' methodological analyses will accelerate progress on each line well beyond what would be possible in a piecemeal approach. | [
"Individuals, Markets and Organisations"
]
|
10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b00864 | Slow magnetic relaxation in dinuclear Co<sup>II</sup>Y<sup>III</sup> Complexes | Four new dinuclear complexes, [Co(μ-L)(μ-CCl3COO)Y(NO3)2]·2CHCl3·CH3CN·2H2O (1), [Co(μ-L)(μ-CH3COO)Y(NO3)2]·CH3CN (2), [Co(μ-L)(μ-PhCOO)Y(NO3)2]·3CH3CN·2H2O (3), and [Co(μ-L)(μ-tBuCOO)Y(NO3)2]·CHCl3·2H2O (4), having a CoIIYIII core, have been synthesized by employing a ferrocene based compartmental ligand which was synthesized by the reaction of diacetyl ferrocene with hydrazine hydrate followed by a condensation reaction with o-vanillin. A general synthetic protocol was employed to synthesize complexes 1-4, where the metallic core was kept the same with changing the bridging carboxylate groups. In all the complexes, the main structural motif is kept similar by only slightly varying the substitution on the bridging acetate groups. This variation has resulted in a small but subtle influence on the magnetic relaxation of all these four compounds. Ab initio CASSCF/NEVPT2 calculations were carried out to assess the effect of the different substitutions of the bridging ligands on the magnetic anisotropy parameters and on orbital arrangements. Ab initio calculations yield a very large positive D value, which is consistent with the geometry around the CoII ion and easy plane anisotropy (gxx, gyy > gzz), with the order of the calculated D in the range of 72. 4 to 91. 7 cm-1 being estimated in this set of complexes. To ascertain the sign of zero-field splitting in these complexes, EPR spectra were recorded, which support the sign of D values estimated from ab initio calculations. | [
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Condensed Matter Physics"
]
|
10.1016/j.molcel.2019.11.011 | Polycomb Group Proteins Regulate Chromatin Architecture in Mouse Oocytes and Early Embryos | In mammals, germ cells undergo a series of events to give rise to haploid gametes. The dynamics of meiotic chromatin architecture still remain poorly understood. By applying Hi-C to mouse oocytes, Du et al. reveal a unique Polycomb-regulated chromatin architecture, which adds a new perspective to the non-canonical oocyte epigenomes. | [
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems"
]
|
10.1111/j.1467-6427.2008.00441.x | Non-violent resistance and violence against siblings | A parent-training approach to the treatment of violence against siblings according to the principles of non-violent resistance was developed aiming at resisting the violence, providing protection to the victims and reducing escalation between the parents and the violent child. | [
"The Social World and Its Interactions",
"The Human Mind and Its Complexity"
]
|
307836 | RETURN – Rethinking Tunnelling in Urban Neighbourhoods | This project addresses important challenges at the forefront of geotechnical engineering and building conservation by introducing an entirely new workflow and largely unexploited data source for the predic-tion of building damage from tunnel-induced subsidence. The project will also make fundamental and ground-breaking advances in the collection and processing of city-scale, aerial laser scanning by avoiding any reliance on existing data for building location identification, respective data affiliation, or building fea-ture recognition. This will create a set of techniques that are robust, scalable, and widely applicable to a broad range of communities with unreinforced masonry buildings. This will also lay the groundwork to rapidly generate and deploy city-scale, computational models for emergency management and disaster re-sponse, as well as for the growing field of environmental modelling. | [
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Earth System Science"
]
|
W2905549042 | The Cyclic and Sequence Stratigraphic Characteristics of the Visean–Serpukhovian Deposits in the Southern Part of the Moscow Syneclise | The composition and origin of the Visean–Serpukhovian deposits in the southern part of the Moscow Syneclise have been characterized based upon generalizations of our own results and analysis of published and unpublished data. The levels of karst-influenced rocks correspond to the shallowest biogenic carbonate organogenic-clastic sediments of the initial and final phases of the eustatic cycle, i.e., the early transgression (transgressive system tract) and the late regression (the second half of the high-standing tract). Alluvial sands of the Oka River have been found in the karst cavities. A generalized model of the sequence has been proposed and a sequence stratigraphic interpretation of the studied section has been carried out. | [
"Earth System Science"
]
|
640481 | Deciphering tumor-promoting mechanisms mediated by neutrophils in vivo | Immunotherapies are revolutionizing cancer care, but are only effective in a minority of patients. Because current treatments typically target T lymphocytes, manipulating other cell types will create additional therapeutic opportunities. This research project aims to study neutrophils, because they can be abundant in the tumor environment, can modulate tumor outgrowth and response to treatments, and are candidate new therapeutic targets. However, tumor-associated neutrophils can be phenotypically and functionally heterogeneous, with only some of them promoting tumor growth. At present, we have a limited understanding of the complexity of neutrophils in tumors, and the mechanisms that control the functions of these cells. This is largely due to the inherent experimental limitations of neutrophil studies. Here, we will use a new approach to test the hypotheses that so-called Conditionally-Immortalized Neutrophil Progenitors (CINP) can be: 1) used to produce unrestricted numbers of tumor-associated neutrophils in vivo, and 2) gene-edited to study neutrophils mechanistically during cancer progression. Addressing these questions bears scientific and therapeutic importance, as it will not only deepen our fundamental understanding of the mechanisms regulating neutrophil activities in cancer, but also indicate new molecular targets for therapy. With this study, I will also create and share a publicly available database of all newly identified targets that will be investigated by us, other academic research groups, and industry. Besides, the project’s outputs will be communicated to the broader general public. Altogether, the training and input I will receive during the Marie Curie Individual Fellowship will prepare my transition from post-doc to independent researcher in an excellent scientific environment in Europe. | [
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration"
]
|
10.1093/jac/dkv499 | Correlation of different phenotypic drug susceptibility testing methods for four fluoroquinolones in Mycobacterium tuberculosis | Background: Molecular resistance testing fails to explain all fluoroquinolone resistance, with a continued need for a suitable rapid phenotypic drug susceptibility testing method. Objective: To evaluate the optimal method for phenotypic fluoroquinolone susceptibility testing. Methods: Using Löwenstein-Jensen medium, Middlebrook 7H11 agar, BACTEC-MGIT 960 and the resazurin microtitre plate assay, we determined susceptibility to fluoroquinolones in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and investigated cross-resistance between ofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin. We compared MICs of all four fluoroquinolones for 91 strains on Löwenstein-Jensen (as the gold standard) with their MICs in resazurin plates, and with ofloxacin susceptibility at a single concentration in MGIT and on 7H11 agar, in addition to sequencing of the gyrAB genes. Results and conclusions: Applying a cut-off of 2 mg/L ofloxacin, 1 mg/L levofloxacin and 0. 5 mg/L moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin all methods, some discordance between solid medium and MGIT methods was observed, yet this tended to be explained by MICs around the cut-off. The high discordance between Löwenstein-Jensen (LJ) and resazurin plates suggests that the currently applied cut-offs for all fluoroquinolones in the resazurin method should decrease and minor changes in colour (from blue to purple) be considered as meaningful. High-level esistance in all assays to all drugs correlated well with the presence of gyrA mutations, in support of recent findings that fluoroquinolone resistance should be tested at different concentrations, as patients with lower levels of resistance may continue to benefit from high-dose fluoroquinolone-based therapy. | [
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
]
|
185816 | Signaturit - the smartest e-signature solution to send and sign documents on the go | Signaturit - The smartest e-Signature solution to send and sign documents on the go.
Electronic signatures have been regulated in most of the developed countries, including the European Union and the United States of America, to permite their legal use.
Signature is a service that allows to the user handwriting signature of documents through any mobil device in a digitized format. It allows the receiver to sign an attached document received by email.
After the session logout, the service automatically converts the attachments to a PDF document that is signad with an electronic signature, sealed and with time stamping.
It is a multiplatform application, meaning that it does not requiere any specific device for its use (it only requires a device with a touchscreen). Just a valid email adress and Internet connection on the mobile device are needed for working. It is completely independent from email management software, Wen browsers, etc. We identify the signer in a unique way and certify the electronic evidences generated during the signing process.
The purpose of Signaturit is to leader the online world in term of the digital signature of documents, providing the highest possible legal validity to the process and providing to the service the consideration of advanced electronic signatgure according to the definition established by the Act 59/2003 on electronic signature and providing legally valid probative evidence in the process. | [
"Computer Science and Informatics"
]
|
W1979281452 | A Study of Immigrant Wives' Perceived Conflicts with their Mother-in-laws and Coping Experiences | Abstract This study is performed to verify immigrant wives’ perceived conflicts with mother-in-laws and coping experiences. In order to understand in-depth conflicts between female immigrants and their mother-in-laws, we selected 8 foreign daughter-in-laws who have stayed over 5 years in Korea. We applied van Manen’s phenomenological methods. After the data analysis, 7 fundamental themes were derived and these are as follows: First, mother-in-laws as a prison guard, second, living a conscious life of other’s eyes, third, annoying words from mother-in-laws, fourth, treat married female immigrants as invisible woman not as family members, fifth, saying we are one finger which can overcome pains from biting, sixth, mother-in-laws can’t let her son go, seventh, not distributing love. In addition, coping behaviors were as follows: they just deal with living a conscious life of other’s eyes, making a feeble complaints, accepting it with understanding, resisting the situation, evading and enduring the circumstances. Husband was most reliable supporter and secured hiding place. Her friends were her spirit supporters. Keywords: conflicts, coping experiences, married female immigrants, multicultural family | [
"The Social World and Its Interactions",
"Human Mobility, Environment, and Space"
]
|
10.1109/TRO.2014.2305493 | Optimal Path Following For Differentially Flat Robotic Systems Through A Geometric Problem Formulation | Path following deals with the problem of following a geometric path with no predefined timing information and constitutes an important step in solving the motion-planning problem. For differentially flat systems, it has been shown that the projection of the dynamics along the geometric path onto a linear single-input system leads to a small dimensional optimal control problem. Although the projection simplifies the problem to great extent, the resulting problem remains difficult to solve, in particular in the case of nonlinear system dynamics and time-optimal problems. This paper proposes a nonlinear change of variables, using a time transformation, to arrive at a fixed end-time optimal control problem. Numerical simulations on a robotic manipulator and a quadrotor reveal that the proposed problem formulation is solved efficiently without requiring an accurate initial guess. | [
"Systems and Communication Engineering",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
]
|
W2390406992 | [Professor Wei Pin-kang's experience in treating chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting: an analysis of herbal medication]. | To summarize the herbal medication by Professor WEI Pin-kang's prescriptions in treating chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).On the basis of outpatient and inpatients' medical records concerning CINV from case-database (keywords: chemotherapy and vomiting), data of 143 patients and 143 effective prescriptions were collected. The herbs and those category, nature, flavor and meridian distribution were summarized by frequency method using SPSS 13.0 Software. The couple herbs were analyzed by hierarchical cluster analysis.A total of 144 herbs were used (2 353 frequencies). Six groups of herbs [ frequency >5%, cumulative relative frequency (CRF) 58.89%] were used frequently as follow: the herbs for regulating qi (17.81%), resolving phlegm (13.51%), invigorating qi (8.07%), relieving food retention (7.44%), calming Gan to stop endogenous wind (7.05%), and warming the interior (5.01%). The most frequently used herbs ( >20 frequencies, CRF 77.31%) had 31 species as follow: the herbs for regulating qi (6 species), calming Gan to stop endogenous wind (4 species), resolving phlegm (3 species), external application (2 species), invigorating qi (2 species), warming the interior (2 species), activating blood and removing blood stasis (2 species), promoting diuresis and resolving dampness (1 species), purgation (1 species), invigorating blood (1 species), relieving exterior syndrome with pungent-warm property (1 species), relieving exterior syndrome with pungent-cool property (1 species), astringent (1 species), resolving dampness with aromatic property (1 species), calming the mind (1 species), eliminating heat and dampness (1 species), relieving food retention (1 species). Frequency of Rhizoma Pinelliae was 127 including Rhizoma Pinelliae (processed with ginger) 83 (65.35%). Frequency of prepared Radix et Rhizoma Rhei was 85 (95.51% of Prea- praed Rhizoma Rhei). These herbs were mostly of warm nature (43.99%). The total frequency of herb-nature was 3 677 and the pungent (34.76%), bitter (32.06%) and sweet herbs (18.22%) were most frequently used (CRF 85.04%). The total frequency of meridian distribution was 6 627 and these herbs were mostly attributed to Pi, Wei, Gan, and Fei meridians (CRF 71.34%). The most frequently used couple-herbs included Rhizoma Pinelliae and Rhizoma Atisaematis, Fructus Aurantii Immaturus and Submature Bitter Orange, Flos Caryophylli and Calyx Kaki, Rhizoma Coptidis and Os Sepiae, Rumulus Ginnamomi and Radix Paeoniae, Fructus Citri Sarcodactylis and Fructus Citri, aloeswood and toad skin, scorpion and centipede, earth worm and Gekko Swinhoana, bupleurum root and curcumae, fossilia ossis mastodi and oyster, large head atractylodes and poria, and so on.Professor WEI Pin-kang regarded the therapy of dissolving phlegm and regulating Wei as the fundamental treatment of CINV. He emphasized gastrointestinal metabolic disorders induced by phlegm and stagnation related to chemotherapeutics. He laid equal emphasis on regulating qi, dissolving phlegm, and removing stagnation. | [
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
]
|
772255 | Magma-Assisted Tectonics: two-phase dynamics of oceanic and continental rifts | There is widespread recognition of the central role of magma at divergent plate boundaries. However in almost all models, magmatism is treated as a by-product and is excluded from the dynamics. A thorough understanding of continental rifts and mid-ocean ridges, which are fundamental to plate tectonics, requires consistent models of magma intrusion into the lithosphere and crust. This is a proposal to develop models in which magmatism is an integral thermal, chemical, and mechanical component, and hence to better understand the basic functioning of plate tectonics.
Diverse insight and constraints on divergent boundaries come from decades of careful observation. But lacking adequate models of magmatism, old and new issues remain unresolved. For continents, a comparison of available tectonic force to inherent lithospheric strength indicates that magmatic intrusion is required to weaken plates sufficiently for rifting. For mid-ocean ridges, bathymetric analysis suggests that modest variation in the magma supply may be recorded by crustal emplacement and faulting. These phenomena cannot be understood and modelled in the context of single-phase flow. The proposed work breaks new ground in applying a theory that is innately two-phase; one where interpenetrating liquid and solid continua are governed by conservation of mass, momentum, and energy.
This theory will incorporate a viscoelastic-plastic/frictional rheology, modelling rock failure under tensile effective stress. Hence it will allow for dikes that interact consistently with faults. The open-source code will be validated by comparison with measurements of surface deformation/relief, products of seismic tomography, and geochemistry of lavas. In collaboration with distinguished project partners, models will be tailored to investigate the East African Rift System and Juan de Fuca ridge. Outreach will support mathematics in Africa. The proposed research will transform our understanding of magma-assisted tectonics. | [
"Earth System Science",
"Mathematics"
]
|
336940 | Next-generation on-chip supercontinuum light sources based on graphene-enabled extreme nonlinear optics | With this ERC project I want to induce a paradigm shift in the development of integrated nonlinear optical devices. Nonlinear optics, the scientific discipline in which nonlinear light-matter interactions are studied, has been a very active area of research ever since the invention of the laser in 1960. Although this scientific branch has great application potential when implemented in on-chip optical waveguides, its promise for the development of widely usable integrated optical devices has not yet been fulfilled. The state-of-the-art of integrated nonlinear optical devices indeed does not comply with the requirements for widespread deployment as these devices rely on non-standard waveguide designs, large on-chip foot prints and/or impractical pump lasers.
Therefore, I propose in this project to eliminate the issues of the state-of-the-art devices by introducing novel material and device physics. More specifically, my goal is to exploit extreme, but practically unexplored, nonlinear optical properties of graphene-covered silicon waveguides to develop next-generation near-infrared-pumped nonlinear supercontinuum light sources. These will truly be “next-generation” sources as they will rely on standard waveguide design, ultra-compact foot prints and practical near-infrared pump lasers, while exhibiting unprecedented performances. The concrete objectives of my project are to theoretically study, model, fabricate and experimentally demonstrate three novel graphene-on-silicon-based nonlinear optical devices that rely on three different nonlinear optical effects, and the on-chip cascading of these novel devices to create the targeted “next-generation” near-infrared-pumped supercontinuum sources with up to four emission bands. Based on my theoretical and experimental research experience with nonlinearities in waveguides and my preliminary modeling results supporting the feasibility of these objectives, I believe that, with this ERC starting grant, I will be able to carry out this original “high-gain/high-risk” project. By doing so, I will introduce a paradigm shift in the development of integrated nonlinear optical devices enabling them to fulfill their long-awaited promise, and at the same time initiate a new era in the research on graphene and its nonlinear optical applications. | [
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
]
|
10.1051/0004-6361/201834485 | Secondary CMB anisotropies from magnetized haloes | Magnetized plasmas within haloes of galaxies leave their footprint on the polarized anisotropies of the cosmic microwave background. The two dominant effects of astrophysical haloes are Faraday rotation, which generates rotation of the plane of linear polarization, and Faraday conversion, which induces a leakage from linear polarization to circular polarization. We revisit these sources of secondary anisotropies by computing the angular power spectra of the Faraday rotation angle and the Faraday conversion rate by the large-scale structures. To this end, we use the halo model and we pay special attention to the impact of magnetic field projections. Assuming magnetic fields of haloes to be uncorrelated, we found a vanishing two-halo term, and angular power spectra peaking at multipoles ℓ ∼ 104. The Faraday rotation angle is dominated by the contribution of thermal electrons. For the Faraday conversion rate, we found that both thermal electrons and relativistic, non-thermal electrons contribute equally in the most optimistic case for the density and Lorentz factor of relativistic electrons, while in more pessimistic cases the thermal electrons give the dominant contribution. Assuming the magnetic field to be independent of the halo mass, the angular power spectra for both effects roughly scale with the amplitude of matter perturbations as ∼σ38, and with a very mild dependence with the density of cold dark matter. Introducing a dependence of the magnetic field strength with the halo mass leads to an increase of the scaling at large angular scales (above a degree) with the amplitude of matter fluctuations up to ∼σ9. 58 for Faraday rotation and ∼σ158 for Faraday conversion for a magnetic field strength scaling linearly with the halo mass. Introducing higher values of the magnetic field for galaxies, as compared to clusters, instead leads to a decrease of such a scaling at arcminute scales down to ∼σ0. 98 for Faraday rotation. | [
"Universe Sciences",
"Fundamental Constituents of Matter"
]
|
980863 | Novel technology for industrial pressing, washing and drying in manufacturing of specialty compounds | The PWD project aims at the development of an innovative and highly-advanced filter/dryer (PWD filter/dryer or the PWD solution/technology) applicable for the industrial process of filtration, separation and drying in the manufacturing of specialty compounds (such as pharmaceutical ingredients/drugs, chemical ingredients/material etc.). The PWD technology is destined to swiftly replace the obsolete and inferior state-of-the-art (the Nutsche filter/dryer technology) and in the process to create significant value for its users by substantially increasing their operational productivity, flexibility and elasticity. The initial application targets pharmaceutical and chemical industries where we have already started receiving recognition and created commercial interest from two large multinational corporations (BAYER – the 5th largest pharmaceutical manufacturer in the world; Lanxess – the leading specialty chemicals company). The PWD project that is expected to last 24 months will allow us to replicate, on the industrial/commercial level, the highly encouraging results we have achieved with the PWD filter/dryer prototype. Moreover, the project will also allow us to create awareness of the PWD technology among key stakeholders and potential clients/users allowing for a swift commercial exploitation of the PWD project results within 3-6 months from the completion of the project. | [
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Materials Engineering"
]
|
W1969272432 | Nitrification Inhibition Potential of Brachiaria humidicola | An incubation experiment was conducted to determine the nitrification inhibition potential of Brachiaria humidicola (B. humidicola) and their effect on nitrification process. The pots soil was mixed 2 mg of nitrogen through ammonium sulphate. Seven treatments were evaluated viz. control, four root extracts of B. humidicola called as biological nitrification inhibitors (BNIs) (i.e., 70 % ethyl alcohol, 40 % ethyl alcohol, phosphate buffer solution and 2 M KCl salt solution extracts) and two standard chemical inhibitors i.e. dicyandiamide and neem oil coating. The amount of NH4
+-N was reduced 20.66–11.91 μg g−1 soil and NO3
−-N increased 28.89–31.18 μg g−1 soil from 14th to 22nd day time interval. Percent nitrification inhibition was more in BNIs (70 and 40 % alcohol extract) treated soils compared to plant based and synthetic nitrification inhibitors. The nitrification inhibition by B. humidicola also varied it was maximum (64.71 %) observed at 14th day over 22nd day (49.63 %). | [
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution",
"Earth System Science"
]
|
10.1017/S174392131300149X | Resolved Schmidt Kennicutt Relation For Star Forming Regions In The Galaxy And Magellanic Clouds | The relationship between star formation rate (SFR) and the gas surface density (Σgas) is one of the most critical links between star formation and galaxy evolution. The observed SFR- Σgas relation, the “Schmidt-Kennicutt (S-K) law”, is tight when properties are averaged over kpc, but breaks down at the scale of giant molecular clouds (GMCs). To understand the physics governing the variations at GMC scales and the tight correlation at kpc scales, spatially and temporally resolved data covering a wide range of linear scale are needed. We have used the Spitzer surveys of the Large Magellanic Cloud and Magellanic Bridge to identify massive young stellar objects (YSOs), estimate “instantaneous” SFRs, and compare them to the S-K relation. These instantaneous SFRs are further compared to that estimated from integrated Hα and 24 μm luminosities to examine how SFRs vary on 10 Myr timescales. We have also used SINFONI near-IR integral field spectra of two Galactic mini-starbursts W31 and W43 to determine their underlying massive stellar content, estimate the SFRs, and compare to the S-K relation. To investigate evironmental effects on star formation, we have used complete YSO samples in the LMC and the Bridge to estimate global star formation efficiencies (SFE) in these two systems. | [
"Universe Sciences",
"Earth System Science"
]
|
10.1051/0004-6361/201629345 | The Gaia Eso Survey The Inner Disk Intermediate Age Open Cluster Trumpler 23 | Context. Trumpler 23 is a moderately populated, intermediate-age open cluster within the solar circle at a R GC ~ 6 kpc. It is in a crowded field very close to the Galactic plane and the color–magnitude diagram shows significant field contamination and possible differential reddening; it is a relatively understudied cluster for these reasons, but its location makes it a key object for determining Galactic abundance distributions. Aims. New data from the Gaia -ESO Survey enable the first ever radial velocity and spectroscopic metallicity measurements for this cluster. We aim to use velocities to isolate cluster members, providing more leverage for determining cluster parameters. Methods. Gaia -ESO Survey data for 167 potential members have yielded radial velocity measurements, which were used to determine the systemic velocity of the cluster and membership of individual stars. Atmospheric parameters were also used as a check on membership when available. Literature photometry was used to re-determine cluster parameters based on radial velocity member stars only; theoretical isochrones are fit in the V , V − I diagram. Cluster abundance measurements of ten radial-velocity member stars with high-resolution spectroscopy are presented for 24 elements. These abundances have been compared to local disk stars, and where possible placed within the context of literature gradient studies. Results. We find Trumpler 23 to have an age of 0. 80 ± 0. 10 Gyr, significant differential reddening with an estimated mean cluster E ( V − I ) of 1. 02 +0. 14 -0. 09 , and an apparent distance modulus of 14. 15 ± 0. 20. We find an average cluster metallicity of [Fe/H] = 0. 14 ± 0. 03 dex, a solar [ α /Fe] abundance, and notably subsolar [ s -process/Fe] abundances. | [
"Universe Sciences"
]
|
W2389629052 | The Empirical Research of Degree of Acceptance Bills Rate Marketization | The steady progress of interest rate liberalization is an important part of deepening the economic and finance reform of our country.The rate of acceptance bills,which adopted the market principle quite early and have a high degree of liberalization among money market interest rates,is the ideal medium to achieve interest rate liberalization reforms.Through the empirical comparison of acceptance bills rate with SHIBOR,interbank offered rate,bond repo rate and other market rate,it is found that acceptance bills rate has a higher degree of liberalization and possesses fundamental characters as the benchmark interest rate for current money market.However,due to limitations such as regulations and laws,the market maturity degree and technical measures,there are still obstacles for the acceptance bills rate to be fully liberalized and to develop the function of the benchmark interest rate.This article offers suggestions from various aspects to deepen the interest rate liberalization. | [
"Individuals, Markets and Organisations",
"Institutions, Governance and Legal Systems"
]
|
10.1109/TCPMT.2013.2284559 | Direct Coupled Cavity Filter In Ridge Gap Waveguide | This paper describes a novel design for a direct-coupled cavity filter realization using a ridge gap waveguide technology. A ridge gap waveguide transmission line with two coaxial feed connectors is designed and operated within the frequency band of 10-13 GHz. A cavity is coupled to the transmission line to achieve bandstop filter characteristic. Then, the structure of the filter is modified in a way to generate a bandpass feature. The final manufactured prototype is a fourth-order bandpass filter, operating at the center frequency of 11. 59 GHz with a bandwidth of 72 MHz. The proposed design has potential applications in channeling filters for telecommunication satellites. | [
"Systems and Communication Engineering",
"Materials Engineering"
]
|
10.1007/JHEP11(2012)040 | Status Of Supersymmetric Seesaw In So 10 Models | We report on the status of supersymmetric seesaw models in the light of recent experimental results on ! e + , 13 and the light Higgs mass at the LHC. SO(10)-like relations are assumed for neutrino Dirac Yukawa couplings and two cases of mixing, one large, PMNS-like, and another small, CKM-like, are considered. It is shown that for the large mixing case, only a small range of parameter space with moderate tan is still allowed. This remaining region can be ruled out by an order of magnitude improvement in the current limit on BR( ! e + ). We also explore a model with non-universal Higgs mass boundary conditions at the high scale. It is shown that the renormalization group induced avor violating slepton mass terms are highly sensitive to the Higgs boundary conditions. Depending on the choice of the parameters, they can either lead to strong enhancements or cancellations within the avor violating terms. Such cancellations might relax the severe constraints imposed by lepton avor violation compared to mSUGRA. Nevertheless for a large region of parameter space the predicted rates lie within the reach of future experiments once the light Higgs mass constraint is imposed. We also update the potential of the ongoing and future experimental searches for lepton avor violation in | [
"Fundamental Constituents of Matter"
]
|
10.1007/JHEP02(2014)112 | 331 Models Facing New B Sμ Μ Data | We investigate how the 331 models, based on the gauge group SU(3)
C
× SU(3)
L
× U(1)X face new data on B
s,d
→ μ
+
μ
− and B
d
→ K
∗(K)μ
+
μ
− taking into account present constraints from ΔF = 2 observables, low energy precision measurements, LEP-II and the LHC data. In these models new sources of flavour and CP violation originate dominantly through flavour violating interactions of ordinary quarks and leptons with a new heavy Z′ gauge boson. The strength of the relevant couplings is governed by four new parameters in the quark sector and the parameter β which in these models determines the charges of new heavy fermions and gauge bosons. We study the implications of these models for $ \beta ={{{\pm n}} \left/ {{\sqrt{3}}} \right. } $
with n = 1, 2, 3. The case $ \beta =-\sqrt{3} $
leading to Landau singularities for M
Z′ ≈ 4 TeV can be ruled out when the present constraints on Z′ couplings, in particular from LEP-II, are taken into account. For n = 1, 2 interesting results are found for M
Z′
< 4TeV with largest NP effects for β < 0 in B
d
→ K
∗
μ
+
μ
− and the one sin B
s,d
→ μ
+
μ
− for β > 0. As $ \mathrm{Re}\left( {\mathrm{C}_9^{\mathrm{NP}}} \right) $
can reach the values −0. 8and −0. 4for n = 2and n = 1, respectively the B
d
→ K
∗
μ
+
μ
− anomalies can be softened with the size depending on ΔM
s
/(ΔM
s
)SM and the CP-asymmetry S
ψϕ
. A correlation between $ \mathrm{Re}\left( {\mathrm{C}_9^{\mathrm{NP}}} \right) $
and $ \overline{\mathcal{B}}\left( {{B_s}\to {\mu^{+}}{\mu^{-}}} \right) $
, identified for β < 0,implies for negative
$ \mathrm{Re}\left( {\mathrm{C}_9^{\mathrm{NP}}} \right) $
uniquely suppression of $ \overline{\mathcal{B}}\left( {{B_s}\to {\mu^{+}}{\mu^{-}}} \right) $
relative to its SM value which is favoured by the data. In turn also S
ψϕ
< $ S_{{\psi \phi}}^{\mathrm{SM}} $
is favoured with S
ψϕ
having dominantly opposite sign to $ S_{{\psi \phi}}^{\mathrm{SM}} $
and closer to its central experimental value. Another triple correlation is the one between $ \mathrm{Re}\left( {\mathrm{C}_9^{\mathrm{NP}}} \right) $
, $ \overline{\mathcal{B}}\left( {{B_s}\to {\mu^{+}}{\mu^{-}}} \right) $
and $ \mathcal{B}\left( {{B_d}\to K{\mu^{+}}{\mu^{-}}} \right) $
. NP effects in $ b\to s\nu \overline{\nu} $
transitions, $ {K^{+}}\to {\pi^{+}}\nu \overline{\nu} $
and $ {K_L}\to {\pi^0}\nu \overline{\nu} $
turn out to be small. We find that the absence of B
d
→ K
*
μ
+
μ
− anomalies in the future data and confirmation of the suppression of $ \overline{\mathcal{B}}\left( {{B_s}\to {\mu^{+}}{\mu^{-}}} \right) $
relative to its SM value would favour $ \beta ={1 \left/ {{\sqrt{3}}} \right. } $
and M
Z′ ≈ 3 TeV. Assuming lepton universality, we find an upper bound $ \left| {C_9^{\mathrm{NP}}} \right| $
≤ 1. 1(1. 4) from LEP-II data for all Z′ models with only left-handed flavour violating couplings to quarks when NP contributions to ΔM
s
at the level of 10%(15%) are allowed. | [
"Fundamental Constituents of Matter"
]
|
10.1093/brain/awu078 | Chasing central nervous system plasticity: The brainstem's contribution to locomotor recovery in rats with spinal cord injury | Anatomical plasticity such as fibre growth and the formation of new connections in the cortex and spinal cord is one known mechanism mediating functional recovery after damage to the central nervous system. Little is known about anatomical plasticity in the brainstem, which contains key locomotor regions. We compared changes of the spinal projection pattern of the major descending systems following a cervical unilateral spinal cord hemisection in adult rats. As in humans (Brown-Séquard syndrome), this type of injury resulted in a permanent loss of fine motor control of the ipsilesional fore-and hindlimb, but for basic locomotor functions substantial recovery was observed. Antero-and retrograde tracings revealed spontaneous changes in spinal projections originating from the reticular formation, in particular from the contralesional gigantocellular reticular nucleus: more reticulospinal fibres from the intact hemicord crossed the spinal midline at cervical and lumbar levels. The intact-side rubrospinal tract showed a statistically not significant tendency towards an increased number of midline crossings after injury. In contrast, the corticospinal and the vestibulospinal tract, as well as serotonergic projections, showed little or no side-switching in this lesion paradigm. Spinal adaptations were accompanied by modifications at higher levels of control including side-switching of the input to the gigantocellular reticular nuclei from the mesencephalic locomotor region. Electrolytic microlesioning of one or both gigantocellular reticular nuclei in behaviourally recovered rats led to the reappearance of the impairments observed acutely after the initial injury showing that anatomical plasticity in defined brainstem motor networks contributes significantly to functional recovery after injury of the central nervous system. | [
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration"
]
|
W1979765269 | Leximin Allocations in the Real World | As part of a collaboration with a major California school district, we study the problem of fairly allocating unused classrooms in public schools to charter schools. Our approach revolves around the randomized leximin mechanism. We extend previous work to show that the leximin mechanism is proportional, envy-free, Pareto optimal, and group strategyproof, not only in our classroom allocation setting, but in a general framework that subsumes a number of settings previously studied in the literature. We also prove that the leximin mechanism provides a (worst-case) 4-approximation to the maximum number of classrooms that can possibly be allocated. Our experiments, which are based on real data, show that a non-trivial implementation of the leximin mechanism scales gracefully in terms of running time (even though the problem is intractable in theory), and performs extremely well with respect to a number of efficiency objectives. We establish the practicability of our approach, and discuss issues related to its deployment. | [
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"Individuals, Markets and Organisations"
]
|
10.1021/ct100538c | Atomic velocity projection method: A new analysis method for vibrational spectra in terms of internal coordinates for a better understanding of zeolite nanogrowth | An efficient protocol is presented to identify signals in vibrational spectra of silica oligomers based on theoretical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The method is based on the projection of the atomic velocity vectors on the tangential directions of the trajectories belonging to a predefined set of internal coordinates. In this way only contributions of atomic motions along these internal coordinates are taken into consideration. The new methodology is applied to the spectra of oligomers and rings, which play an important role in zeolite synthesis. A suitable selection of the relevant internal coordinates makes the protocol very efficient but relies on intuition and theoretical insight. The simulation data necessary to compute vibrational spectra of relevant silica species are obtained through MD using proper force fields. The new methodology-the so-called velocity projection method-makes a detailed analysis of vibrational spectra possible by establishing a one-to-one correspondence between a spectral signal and a proper internal coordinate. It offers valuable perspectives in understanding the elementary steps in silica organization during zeolite nanogrowth. The so-called velocity projection method is generally applicable on data obtained from all types of MD and is a highly valuable alternative to normal-mode analysis which has its limitations due to the presence of many local minima on the potential energy surface. In this work the method is exclusively applied to inelastic neutron scattering, but extension to the infrared power spectrum is apparent. | [
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials"
]
|
10.1016/j.advwatres.2016.08.013 | To trade or not to trade: Link prediction in the virtual water network | In the international trade network, links express the (temporary) presence of a commercial exchange of goods between any two countries. Given the dynamical behaviour of the trade network, where links are created and dismissed every year, predicting the link activation/deactivation is an open research question. Through the international trade network of agricultural goods, water resources are ‘virtually’ transferred from the country of production to the country of consumption. We propose a novel methodology for link prediction applied to the network of virtual water trade. Starting from the assumption of having links between any two countries, we estimate the associated virtual water flows by means of a gravity-law model using country and link characteristics as drivers. We consider the links with estimated flows higher than 1000 m3/year as active links, while the others as non-active links. Flows traded along estimated active links are then re-estimated using a similar but differently-calibrated gravity-law model. We were able to correctly model 84% of the existing links and 93% of the non-existing links in year 2011. It is worth to note that the predicted active links carry 99% of the global virtual water flow; hence, missed links are mainly those where a minimum volume of virtual water is exchanged. Results indicate that, over the period from 1986 to 2011, population, geographical distances between countries, and agricultural efficiency (through fertilizers use) are the major factors driving the link activation and deactivation. As opposed to other (network-based) models for link prediction, the proposed method is able to reconstruct the network architecture without any prior knowledge of the network topology, using only the nodes and links attributes; it thus represents a general method that can be applied to other networks such as food or value trade networks. | [
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"Earth System Science"
]
|
311278 | Specificity Drift in The Kinome During Cancer Development and Evolution | Cellular signaling networks have evolved to enable swift and accurate responses, even in the face of genetic or environmental perturbation. While we can readily assess dynamics in phosphorylation sites, our ability to model and predict the associated networks of kinases are hampered by the fact that we lack information on catalytic specificity for around 60% of the 538 human protein kinases (kinome). This translates into an even bigger gap in kinase-substrate relationships, where a phosphorylating kinase is only known for 20% of all known phosphorylation sites. The importance of closing these gaps is underlined by the fact that kinases are the target of about 75% of current world-wide drug development programs, and it is increasingly evident that they must be targeted in combinations, as elucidated by network models.
While genomic studies are revealing large numbers of mutations in kinases in most cancers, algorithms that can assess which of these are important for tumor growth and disease progression are missing. Thus, there is a critical need for algorithms that can predict how such lesions affect the catalytic specificity of kinases. These challenges must be resolved before we can predict how combinations of genetic alterations affect networks and thereby drive complex phenotypes and diseases.
The main objective of this grant is to explore the specificity space of kinases through a combination of experimental and computational approaches. We shall investigate how specificity in cellular signaling systems may be altered during both natural evolution and cancer development. We will develop a new generation of network biology algorithms to enable interpretation of mutations in the kinase domain. In combination with semi-automated specificity and mass-spectrometry interaction screening of hundreds of kinases, we shall deploy these algorithms to specifically identify drift in natural selection of kinase specificity as well as in fast evolving cancer genomes. | [
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems"
]
|
10.3390/ijgi6040125 | Generating up-to-date and detailed land use and land cover maps using OpenStreetMap and GlobeLand30 | With the opening up of the Landsat archive, global high resolution land cover maps have begun to appear. However, they often have only a small number of high level land cover classes and they are static products, corresponding to a particular period of time, e. g. , the GlobeLand30 (GL30) map for 2010. The OpenStreetMap (OSM), in contrast, consists of a very detailed, dynamically updated, spatial database of mapped features from around the world, but it suffers from incomplete coverage, and layers of overlapping features that are tagged in a variety of ways. However, it clearly has potential for land use and land cover (LULC) mapping. Thus the aim of this paper is to demonstrate how the OSM can be converted into a LULC map and how this OSM-derived LULC map can then be used to first update the GL30 with more recent information and secondly, enhance the information content of the classes. The technique is demonstrated on two study areas where there is availability of OSM data but in locations where authoritative data are lacking, i. e. , Kathmandu, Nepal and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The GL30 and its updated and enhanced versions are independently validated using a stratified random sample so that the three maps can be compared. The results show that the updated version of GL30 improves in terms of overall accuracy since certain classes were not captured well in the original GL30 (e. g. , water in Kathmandu and water/wetlands in Dar es Salaam). In contrast, the enhanced GL30, which contains more detailed urban classes, results in a drop in the overall accuracy, possibly due to the increased number of classes, but the advantages include the appearance of more detailed features, such as the road network, that becomes clearly visible. | [
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"Earth System Science"
]
|
10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.10.003 | Protracted treatment with corticosterone reduces breeding success in a long-lived bird | Determining the physiological mechanisms underpinning life-history decisions is essential for understanding the constraints under which life-history strategies can evolve. In long-lived species, where the residual reproductive value of breeders is high, adult survival is a key contributor to lifetime reproductive success. We therefore expect that when adult survival is compromised during reproduction, mechanisms will evolve to redirect resources away from reproduction, with implications for reproductive hormones, adult body mass, nest attendance behaviour and breeding success. We investigated whether manipulating corticosterone, to simulate exposure to an environmental stressor, affected the secretion of prolactin and breeding success in the black-legged kittiwake Rissa tridactyla. We used implanted Alzet® osmotic pumps to administer corticosterone to incubating kittiwakes at a constant rate over a period of approximately 8. days. Manipulated birds were compared with sham implanted birds and control birds, which had no implants. There was no significant difference in the body mass of captured individuals at the time of implantation and implant removal. Corticosterone-implanted males showed lower nest attendance during the chick rearing period compared to sham-implanted males; the opposite pattern was found in females. Corticosterone treated birds showed a marginally significant reduction in breeding success compared to sham-implanted individuals, with all failures occurring at least 1. week after implant removal. However, prolactin concentrations at implant removal were not significantly different from initial values. We were unable to measure the profile of change in corticosterone during the experiment. However, our results suggest a delayed effect of elevated corticosterone on breeding success rather than an immediate suppression of prolactin concentrations causing premature failure. | [
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing",
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution"
]
|
interreg_3758 | The hidden treasures of the Mediterranean | The key idea of this project (Hidden Treasures of the Mediterranean) is to increase the international competitiveness of small and very small tourism businesses operating in 'hidden' internal areas by forming local networks and a cross-border macro system. The plan is also to develop a wide range of accommodation facilities such as holiday homes, B&Bs and farmhouses as an alternative to regular hotels, and combine them with hiking, biking, green traveling and tasting local products. The areas concerned are the following: Genoese Valleys and Val d'Aveto (Liguria), Sorgono area (Sardinia), Municipalities of Evisa and Tolla (Corsica). The businesses have the challenge to attract travellers to little known, scarcely developed locations as compared to the overcrowded coasts. They need to attract slow tourism by offering experiences and a greater connection with the local culture, involving especially foreign visitors. In order to acquire a competitive market position, a portfolio of residences and related activities (and typical products) will be created and adapted to international quality standards, followed by thematic and cross-regional tour packages. The geographical and cultural proximity of the 3 regions will help build paths (from north to south) between Liguria, Corsica and Sardinia. The innovation of the project is organisational: the local networks will set up and manage together the widespread hospitality systems, while the cross-border macro network will manage the marketing of the brand (through the web portal and the network points of sale). An innovative orchestration portal will make tourism products more easily manageable (for network operators) and usable (for tourists). | [
"Human Mobility, Environment, and Space",
"Individuals, Markets and Organisations"
]
|
10.3390/ijerph16030502 | Social Norms Influencing the Local Food Environment as Perceived by Residents and Food Traders: The Heart Healthy Hoods Project | Exploring subjective elements of the food environment remains key to understand why and how residents purchase food. Our aim was to explore and describe the social norms relating to the local food environment and food purchasing behaviors, as perceived by residents and food traders in Madrid, Spain. This qualitative study took place in a middle socioeconomic status neighborhood of Madrid between January 2015 and May 2016. We conducted 35 semi-structured interviews. We used stratified purposive sampling to recruit residents, neighborhood workers (N = 20) and food traders (N = 15) representing different levels of involvement with food purchasing behaviors. We analyzed these data using an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach. Participants highlighted social aspects of the food environment in relation to food purchasing behaviors. First, interpersonal and relational food environment elements were emphasized, including trust and tradition. Participants also identified generational demographic trends in relation to changes in the way residents purchased food: the new pace of life and the lack of time to buy fresh food and to cook at home. All these elements were influenced by the economic crisis. Food environment interventions aiming to improve food purchasing behaviors and residents’ diets should consider intermediate social aspects of the food environment like trust and tradition and the fast pace of life of younger generations. | [
"The Social World and Its Interactions",
"Human Mobility, Environment, and Space"
]
|
US 201414514082 A | Method for connecting modular mobile rooms | A method and a connector unit for connecting two or more structures wherein at least one of the two or more structures being connected is a mobile structure validatable for pharmaceutical manufacturing or patient care. The connector unit comprises of an alignment system, a sealing, and a fixation system. The method for using the connector unit comprises of aligning the two or more structures to dock the two or more structures together, sealing the two or more structures, or one or more structures and an environment air tight with a seal or a sealing system, and affixing the two or more structures together to prevent relative movement of the two or more structures, or breakage of the seal or seal system. | [
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Materials Engineering"
]
|
10.1016/j.aim.2014.11.016 | Cohomology of exact categories and (non-)additive sheaves | We use (non-)additive sheaves to introduce an (absolute) notion of Hochschild cohomology for exact categories as Ext's in a suitable bisheaf category. We compare our approach to various definitions present in the literature. | [
"Mathematics"
]
|
10.1038/nature10913 | A new understanding of the decoding principle on the ribosome | During protein synthesis, the ribosome accurately selects transfer RNAs (tRNAs) in accordance with the messenger RNA (mRNA) triplet in the decoding centre. tRNA selection is initiated by elongation factor Tu, which delivers tRNA to the aminoacyl tRNA-binding site (A site) and hydrolyses GTP upon establishing codon-anticodon interactions in the decoding centre. At the following proofreading step the ribosome re-examines the tRNA and rejects it if it does not match the A codon. It was suggested that universally conserved G530, A1492 and A1493 of 16S ribosomal RNA, critical for tRNA binding in the A site, actively monitor cognate tRNA, and that recognition of the correct codon-anticodon duplex induces an overall ribosome conformational change (domain closure). Here we propose an integrated mechanism for decoding based on six X-ray structures of the 70S ribosome determined at 3. 1-3. 4Å. resolution, modelling cognate or near-cognate states of the decoding centre at the proofreading step. We show that the 30S subunit undergoes an identical domain closure upon binding of either cognate or near-cognate tRNA. This conformational change of the 30S subunit forms a decoding centre that constrains the mRNA in such a way that the first two nucleotides of the A codon are limited to form Watson-Crick base pairs. When U•G and G•U mismatches, generally considered to form wobble base pairs, are at the first or second codon-anticodon position, the decoding centre forces this pair to adopt the geometry close to that of a canonical C•G pair. This by itself, or with distortions in the codon-anticodon mini-helix and the anticodon loop, causes the near-cognate tRNA to dissociate from the ribosome. | [
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions"
]
|
10.1098/rspb.2011.0487 | Poor environmental tracking can make extinction risk insensitive to the colour of environmental noise | The relative importance of environmental colour for extinction risk compared with other aspects of environmental noise (mean and interannual variability) is poorly understood. Such knowledge is currently relevant, as climate change can cause the mean, variability and temporal autocorrelation of environmental variables to change. Here, we predict that the extinction risk of a shorebird population increases with the colour of a key environmental variable: winter temperature. However, the effect is weak compared with the impact of changes in the mean and interannual variability of temperature. Extinction risk was largely insensitive to noise colour, because demographic rates are poor in tracking the colour of the environment. We show that three mechanisms—which probably act in many species—can cause poor environmental tracking: (i) demographic rates that depend nonlinearly on environmental variables filter the noise colour, (ii) demographic rates typically depend on several environmental signals that do not change colour synchronously, and (iii) demographic stochasticity whitens the colour of demographic rates at low population size. We argue that the common practice of assuming perfect environmental tracking may result in overemphasizing the importance of noise colour for extinction risk. Consequently, ignoring environmental autocorrelation in population viability analysis could be less problematic than generally thought. | [
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution",
"Earth System Science"
]
|
339136 | Orthogonalization Models in Semiempirical Quantum Chemistry | The proposal aims at the development of a generally applicable semiempirical approach that goes beyond the current standard model by including explicit orthogonalization and dispersion terms into the semiempirical Hamiltonian. We have recently shown in preliminary work on organic molecules that such orthogonalization models (OMx = OM1, OM2, OM3) are significantly more accurate than standard semiempirical methods (AM1, PM3, PM6) both for ground-state and excited-state properties, at comparable computational costs. We plan to improve the OMx models by incorporating dispersion corrections (OMx-D) and by extending the formalism from an sp to an spd basis (OMx-DE). The resulting approaches will be parameterized for all chemically important main-group elements and transition metals to generate the next generation of generally applicable semiempirical methods. These methods are designed to fill the currently existing gap between density functional theory (DFT) and classical force field approaches. Being about 1,000 times faster than DFT, and being capable of treating electronic events (unlike classical force fields), OMx-based methods are expected to enable realistic electronic structure calculations, with useful accuracy, on large complex systems in all branches of chemistry. Especially when applied in a multi-method strategy, with synergistic use of different computational tools, this will allow the modelling of many chemically relevant systems that are currently beyond reach for computational chemistry. Proof-of-concept applications will address the reaction mechanisms of enzymatic reactions (biocatalysis) and electronically excited states (organic solar cells, photoactive proteins, excited-state dynamics in complex systems). The successful development of generally applicable OMx-based methods will provide a breakthrough in computational chemistry by opening up new areas of application. | [
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials"
]
|
280829 | Stabilizing the exposure of neutralization epitopes on HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein trimer vaccines | The impact of HIV/AIDS on world healthcare is tremendous, particularly in the Third World. To curtail the HIV epidemic a cheap and effective vaccine is urgently needed, but despite massive research efforts no vaccine is available yet. Although most vaccines work by inducing neutralizing antibodies, HIV has evolved many ways to limit the induction and binding of neutralizing antibodies. The challenge is to engineer Env subunit vaccines that do induce neutralizing antibodies efficiently. One aspect that has been highly underappreciated is conformational heterogeneity of Env. Conformational flexibility is exerted at three different levels. First, flexible variable loops and N-glycans protruding from the conserved protein core cause “local flexibility” at the protein surface. Second, movement between the conserved inner and outer domain of gp120 causes “tertiary flexibility”. Third, movement of the three gp120 protomers in the trimeric complex, resembling a flower that opens and closes, causes “quaternary flexibility”. These three levels of flexibility provide very unstable targets for recognition by low affinity B cell receptors on naïve B cells, diminishing the chance of efficient B cell activation and the secretion of neutralizing antibodies. Using a number of novel structure-based vaccine design strategies that include the introduction of stabilizing disulfide bonds, we intend to remove the undesirable flexibility on Env trimers to provide a homogeneous and stable target to B cells. This should result in stabilized Env immunogens that are better in inducing neutralizing antibodies compared to the current state-of-the art Env vaccines. This is a highly interdisciplinary project on the crossroads of immunology and protein chemistry and should result in protein immunogens that elicit improved neutralizing antibody responses against HIV and should provide answers to fundamental questions on how B cells “see” protein immunogens. | [
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
]
|
10.1038/srep39736 | Improved detection of circulating tumor cells in non-metastatic high-risk prostate cancer patients | The relevance of blood-based assays to monitor minimal residual disease (MRD) in non-metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) remains unclear. Proving that clinically relevant circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can be detected with available technologies could address this. This study aimed to improve CTC detection in non-metastatic PCa patients by combining three independent CTC assays: the CellSearch system, an in vivo CellCollector and the EPISPOT. Peripheral blood samples from high-risk PCa patients were screened for CTCs before and three months after radical prostatectomy (RP). Combining the results of both time points, CTCs were detected in 37%, 54. 9% and 58. 7% of patients using CellSearch, CellCollector and EPISPOT, respectively. The cumulative positivity rate of the three CTC assays was 81. 3% (87/107) with 21. 5% (23/107) of patients harboring ≥5 CTCs/7. 5 ml blood. Matched pair analysis of 30 blood samples taken before and after surgery indicated a significant decrease in CTCs captured by the CellCollector from 66% before RP to 34% after therapy (p = 0. 031). CTC detection by EPISPOT before RP significantly correlated with PSA serum values (p < 0. 0001) and clinical tumor stage (p = 0. 04), while the other assays showed no significant correlations. In conclusion, CTC-based liquid biopsies have the potential to monitor MRD in patients with non-metastatic prostate cancer. | [
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases",
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing"
]
|
W2008288055 | Robust decentralized multi-model adaptive template tracking | In this paper, a robust and efficient visual tracking method through the fusion of several distributed adaptive templates is proposed. It is assumed that the target object is initially localized either manually or by an object detector at the first frame. The object region is then partitioned into several non-overlapping subregions. The new location of each subregion is found by an EM-like gradient-based optimization algorithm. The proposed localization algorithm is capable of simultaneously optimizing several possible solutions in a probabilistic framework. Each possible solution is an initializing point for the optimization algorithm which improves the accuracy and reliability of the proposed gradient-based localization method to the local extrema. Moreover, each subregion is defined by two adaptive templates named immediate and delayed templates to solve the ''drift'' problem. The immediate template is updated by short-term appearance changes whereas the delayed template models the long-term appearance variations. Therefore, the combination of short-term and long-term appearance modeling can solve the template tracking drift problem. At each tracking step, the new location of an object is estimated by fusing the tracking result of each subregion. This fusion method is based on the local and global properties of the object motion to increase the robustness of the proposed tracking method against outliers, shape variations, and scale changes. The accuracy and robustness of the proposed tracking method is verified by several experimental results. The results also show the superior efficiency of the proposed method by comparing it to several state-of-the-art trackers as well as the manually labeled ''ground truth'' data. | [
"Computer Science and Informatics"
]
|
10.1088/1475-7516/2019/04/003 | On The Maximal Strength Of A First Order Electroweak Phase Transition And Its Gravitational Wave Signal | What is the maximum possible strength of a first-order electroweak phase transition and the resulting gravitational wave (GW) signal? While naively one might expect that supercooling could increase the strength of the transition to very high values, for strong supercooling the Universe is no longer radiation-dominated and the vacuum energy of the unstable minimum of the potential dominates the expansion, which can jeopardize the successful completion of the phase transition. After providing a general treatment for the nucleation, growth and percolation of broken phase bubbles during a first-order phase transition that encompasses the case of significant supercooling, we study the conditions for successful bubble percolation and completion of the electroweak phase transition in theories beyond the Standard Model featuring polynominal potentials. For such theories, these conditions set a lower bound on the temperature of the transition. Since the plasma cannot be significantly diluted, the resulting GW signal originates mostly from sound waves and turbulence in the plasma, rather than bubble collisions. We find the peak frequency of the GW signal from the phase transition to be generically $f \gtrsim 10^{-4}$ Hz. We also study the condition for GW production by sound waves to be long-lasting (GW source active for approximately a Hubble time), showing it is generally not fulfilled in concrete scenarios. Because of this the sound wave GW signal could be weakened, with turbulence setting in earlier, resulting in a smaller overall GW signal as compared to current literature predictions. | [
"Fundamental Constituents of Matter",
"Universe Sciences"
]
|
10.1179/2047773213Y.0000000100 | The Role Of Environmental Variables On Aedes Albopictus Biology And Chikungunya Epidemiology | AbstractAedes albopictus is a vector of dengue and chikungunya viruses in the field, along with around 24 additional arboviruses under laboratory conditions. As an invasive mosquito species, Ae. albopictus has been expanding in geographical range over the past 20 years, although the poleward extent of mosquito populations is limited by winter temperatures. Nonetheless, population densities depend on environmental conditions and since global climate change projections indicate increasing temperatures and altered patterns of rainfall, geographic distributions of previously tropical mosquito species may change. Although mathematical models can provide explanatory insight into observed patterns of disease prevalence in terms of epidemiological and entomological processes, understanding how environmental variables affect transmission is possible only with reliable model parameterisation, which, in turn, is obtained only through a thorough understanding of the relationship between mosquito biology and environme. . . | [
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases",
"Earth System Science"
]
|
US 2013/0033698 W | APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR APPLYING PROTECTIVE COATINGS TO ELECTRONIC DEVICE ASSEMBLIES | A coating apparatus may be configured to concurrently receive and waterproof a large number of electronic device assemblies. The coating apparatus may include a track for transporting the electronic device assemblies into an application station. The application station may have a cubic shape, and include an entry door and an opposite exit door. The entry and exit doors may enable the introduction of substrates into the application station, as well as their removal from the application station. In addition, the entry and exit doors may enable isolation of the application station from an exterior environment and, thus, provide control over the conditions under which a moisture resistant material is applied to the substrates. Methods for making electronic devices and other substrates resistant to moisture are also disclosed. | [
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Materials Engineering"
]
|
10.1109/CDC.2012.6426428 | High Speed Moving Horizon Estimation Based On Automatic Code Generation | Recent theoretical and algorithmic advances have led to efficient algorithms that allow for real-time optimisation of processes with fast nonlinear dynamics. This paper addresses the efficient implementation of algorithms for moving horizon estimation (MHE) for obtaining real-time estimates of process states or parameters that are not measured directly. To this end, we propose to combine the previously proposed concepts of real-time iteration schemes and automatic code generation to obtain highly efficient source code of MHE algorithms. This has led to major extensions of the ACADO Code Generation tool that automatically generates customised plain C code for both model predictive control (MPC) and MHE applications. As a proof of concept, we present numerical results of controlling a nonlinear ODE model by means of combined exported MHE and MPC algorithms in a closed-loop manner. These exported algorithms turn out to be significantly faster than their generically implemented counterparts. | [
"Systems and Communication Engineering",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
]
|
10.1007/978-3-319-67113-0_5 | Model Based Testing For Asynchronous Systems | Model-based testing is a prominent validation technique, integrating well with other formal approaches to verification, such as model checking. Automated test derivation and execution approaches often struggle with asynchrony in communication between the implementation under test (IUT) and tester, a phenomenon present in most networked systems. Earlier attacks on this problem came with different restrictions on the specification model side. This paper presents a new and effective approach to model-based testing under asynchrony. By waiving the need to guess the possible output state of the IUT, we reduce the computational effort of the test generation algorithm while preserving soundness and conceptual completeness of the testing procedures. In addition, no restrictions on the specification model need to be imposed. We define a suitable conformance relation and we report on empirical results obtained from an industrial case study from the domain of electric mobility. | [
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
]
|
10.1039/c7tc03959j | Novel 4,8-benzobisthiazole copolymers and their field-effect transistor and photovoltaic applications | A series of BBT-containing copolymers featuring the 4,8-conjugation pathway is presented and evaluated. | [
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials",
"Condensed Matter Physics"
]
|
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.